fryordie:

Being disconnected from that damn mallet for so long had, to the blond, felt as though a limb was  missing– and not the one that he had already lost due to his own arrogance. It maddened him to think that the slightest shirking of faith, claimed by a revelation that saw him view for the first time the gods for what they really were and how they cared not for the trials and tribulations of mortals. 

“I will kill you, Ky’lar!” Three words were all it took to change the Odinson; and all he needed was five words to lash out at the other with, voice hoarse as the threat ripped from his throat. Shouting was the most he could do, now that everything else had been ripped away; and soon it would be what sees the will to keep fighting take flight from his chest.

Having provoked the other, he is awarded with another reunion with his hammer, which on its second trip collides against the blond’s chest, shattering ribs, before then sending him flying towards a rocky outcrop that collapses ontop of him upon colliding with it. As rocks rained down and piled on top of him, Ky would be met with disappointment, for, whilst not quite dead, the unworthy god had been rendered incapacitated by a combination of fatigue and the number of injuries he sustained.

And so, with nothing else to say on the subject of berating Ky for the fate the Norns had seen fit to weave for him, Odinson remains where he lays, blond hair distinguishable from the rumble by the streaks of divine ichor that sullied its colour. Each his arms, visible up to the elbow, jutted out of the pile at crooked angles, suggesting he’d met the ground face first. A suitable ending for a god who allowed bitterness and envy to fuel his obscene obsession, rather than take the chance to rise above such developments to try and become a better person.

He’d set foot on that road eventually; first, though, he had to reach rock bottom.

“You’re unworthy to even think about  my death, Odinson.” Or maybe that was just Ky’s ego talking; something he still had even after all that had changed. 

“Threaten me all you wish, but until this hammer leaves my hands you are nothing. Maybe once you were something, but now?” The Demon couldn’t help, but grin as he made his way forward. “You’ve fallen and you’re not going to get back to where you were. Not like this.”

Not that it mattered to Ky, Thor could strive to be worthy, and the Demon would deny him it. If he even got close to being worthy again… Ky would send him right back down to unworthiness. Why? Due to the fact that he liked – no, he enjoyed who he was now far too much. He enjoyed not just the power, but also… the control he had to silence those urges that were always just under his flesh.

“Not ever… not if i have a say in it.”

His front teeth plunge into the gums of his lower jaw when presented with that reminder, his rage curdling as a coppery tang filled his mouth. This was not the first time that Blackheart’s seed had stressed what was and now would forever be beyond his grasp; his worthiness, and the misguided belief that all those of divine bearing were deserving of both their powers and their worshippers. 

And speaking of beliefs, his was so shaken that it was rather easy to see why this blood son of Odin had plunged from good graces and straight into the mucky marsh of infamy – down here were a fallen god may forge uneasy alliances with the despicable and untrustworthy. 

“The reminder of my present predicament is not necessary, Ky’lar.” Even if it was, he refused to hear mention of it. But, he’d be caught out as a liar if he did not admit to finding appeal in Ky’lar’s offer, no doubt some crude form of Faustian bargain, but he was no position to be choosy. Or decline the help put forward, for that matter.

“But pray tell what it is that you mean for me to help you with. And should you fail to upload your end of this agreement, do know that I am not above wresting the life from your loathsome form.”

“And a reminder to you that this… predicament could very well be the only reality for you.” Of course, if the one before the Demon managed to gain back their worthiness in full, it could pose problems, but they were not important for the moment. No, all Ky truly worried about was his own situation, and how to move the unworthy one right into place.

“You lost what you were; there is no denying that, but we both know… it could be changed.” Anything could with the right motivation in all reality. All it truly took was time… not to mention a little effort on Ky’s part. 

Still, it was a risky play. More so if he couldn’t hold up what he promised, but he’d get around to that – if not today? When the time actually came to it. That much was for sure as everything came full circle… especially for the both of them.

“All you need to do is help me dig up a few corpses, make some new one’s, and kill a few… hundred people.” there was more that needed to be done, but that was an easy way of putting things. 

“If my family just happens to show up? Well… you’ll take care of them, won’t you?”

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As words gave way to growls and a veil of incomprehensible noise, the blond followed suit, contributing his own variety of sounds to the mix with his grunts and other indications of energy being spent. When he was like this, Ky had the advantage; Odinson was denied the aid of his axe, no doubt confiscated by Mephisto beforehand which left the fallen god completely unarmed. 

Which was fine, he tries to tell himself. A good challenge made for suitable practice; and this was a fight where the odds were severely stacked against his favour. He was ready for the challenge and was fully prepared to fight from his corner, caring little about who he had to go through to win his freedom from this torment.

Pressing his attack, Odinson doesn’t dawdle for long after headbutting Ky, pursuing him with speed when he is sent stumbling backwards to tackle the demon in a lunge, arms wrapping tightly around his chest as they both crash against the floor of the cell. 

When it emerges that he had ended up sitting on top of Ky, the unworthy one moves quickly to press a knee against where the midriff was had he still faced a human opponent, before raining bludgeoning hell down on his foe by striking his face with a series of quick jabs and punches, alternating constantly between flesh hand and fist.

Blood soon coated his knuckles but still he failed to stop, too desperate to strike fast and to strike hard, all whilst Ky was still without his wits and the furore felt by that initial transformation had finally worn off.

Slamming to the ground was harsh; couldn’t be avoided in such a confined space.

His anger may have been under control, but he still wasn’t thinking clearly. Nor did he think he’d be able to anytime soon.

Fire burned through his veins after each hit. Being immobile did that when you were pinned to the ground. More so as it was a wakeup call – one that meant he wasn’t as strong as he thought he was. 

Not that he could do anything about it; a series of hisses and curses escaped his lips as his arms went up to at least block some of the hits. It wasn’t much, but hopefully it would give Ky the advantage he ultimately needed to turn the fight in his favor.

“Is this all you got?” The words were spat out through a series of deep hisses. “Little unworthy, Thor!” Ky’s tone turned darker – almost into a series of laughs as he clawed punch towards the other’s face. “Can’t hold his own against a real demon so he picks on a mere child.” And for once, Ky was being honest about himself; he still was a child. One, who had much to learn… not just about the worlds, but who he was as well. 

The side of Thor’s mouth lifted upwards when he heard Ky part with that remark, amused that his view towards the mystic weapons had become disfavourable. It eliminated the suspicion he felt guilty for entertaining that the man may try to repeat history– and become worthy once more. “Oh? That makes a change.” Humming thoughtfully, he stepped back as Ky boarded, waiting a few seconds until leading him inside the cabin.

The interior was cramped, but still held enough space for a god and a a demon to stand without needing to crouch. In one corner a host of treasures were piled; a mixture of hammers, golden trinkets and other wares belonging to his home. Thor paid the collection little attention as he gestured for ky to take a seat around a table that was far too small for the thunderer to be seated at without risk destroying the furniture.

“Consider my assistence yours to use as required. Though, further elaboration is necessary. What is it that I am needed for to help you with confronting?”

The risks with this little talk increased every second he was here. Ky knew from past experience that Thor – no matter the case – was unpredictable. Worthy, unworthy, or whatever he was now. It all was cause for unease. 

Ky couldn’t directly pin-point what would make the God trust him more, but he also wasn’t interested in attempting to gain that trust either. To do so meant he cared for the God’s opinion and for the moment… he did not.

Once he sat down, Ky’s eyes locked on Thor’s own – mainly so he could get his point across. There were many things he truthfully wanted or, rather, needed assistance for, but this wasn’t a social call. Nor would it ever be.

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“My family.” More specifically, Ky needed a way to make sure he was never dragged back to Mephisto’s realm. So far, the only way he knew of was to fight, and Ky couldn’t do it on his own. Not now and not ever. He just wasn’t strong enough.

He stayed quiet for a time, letting Ky plead his case. There was a considerable amount of ground to cover, but it was cleared with speed and a terrible kind of determination. But, despite his quickness to steer past this subject, Thor couldn’t deny that his facts were sound. humans perished in large numbers on a daily basis, claimed by old age, illness, famine or some such vector that brought with it death. Those he spared from the man’s wrath would expire in other ways, weeks, months or even years from now.

Such was part and parcel of the human kit; to be born, to live and then to die.

“To hear you speak of them as though they were cattle.” The blond shook his head, resigning himself to the increasingly likely possibility that this discussion was pointless. “It inspires only concern, friend.” It had started with good intentions and a purpose, but the more he stood and listened, donated both time and attention to the mortal of mixed breeding that styled himself as more as a demon rather than a man.

And to think that all this had arisen due to confining circumstances. It seemed alarming, until it was used as the reason behind the other’s frenetic tendencies. Were he to liberate the fiend, renew again his attempts to dissuade him from taking lives, he felt they’d arrive at a more pleasing outcome than the one they find themselves forced upon them at present.

“You may be stuck, but I am not. And I think it best, since you neither desire my help nor ask for it, that I take my leave. Fare you well, Ky’lar. And may you emerge as someone better than those that came before you.”

“At least cattle have a use – the one’s i kill don’t.” Maybe Ky could have focused his efforts on training. That way, he could actually get better at fine tuning his abilities.

The only problem was he despised the very notion. He didn’t want to go back Home – the safest place for that – and he didn’t feel it was necessary. Of course, if he looked past his ego… he’d know that maybe then he’d have at least an once more of control than he had currently.

“It’s either here or my Grandfather’s realm,” he said, sucking in a deep breath, and letting it out slowly. “Going back there won’t help matters – they let me win.” At least that was what Ky thought, but truth be told… he didn’t actually look too much into it. Nor did he want to willingly go back there. Not now and not anytime soon if he was being completely honest with himself. 

“I’ve only been to a few,” he paused for a moment, trying to come up with the right phrase of words. “realms as you would call them.” there was so much more that could have been said, but instead, he sighed. “I can’t stay here and i can’t go back there.” He was stuck between a rock and a hard place… one he didn’t think he’d ever get out of.

“I’m far more than simply stuck… i’m trapped.” It was Ky’s own way of not just saying he wanted away from everything, but also some sort of help… even if he wouldn’t ever truly admit it.

fryordie:

@hellfirebound | small starters!

“Catch.” His words provide little warning as he tosses an object in Ky’s direction. Flat on both sides, the runestone sported an intricate design on its front, and its arcane magicks could be charged with power should it be presented with a gift of blood.
   “I have heard word of your plight to travel more easily between the realms. Perhaps this will offer some assistance.”

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His left hand came out to catch the object; not really looking at it until it was firmly gripped there. At first glance, he didn’t notice anything special about it, but after a few moments, he started to notice the design, and a quick grin spread across his lips.

      “You’re sure being helpful these days – tell me do you truly think this is the best option… for someone like myself?” Ky almost was about to say more about his reasoning for that statement, but instead, he held his tongue in check. Well, for the moment at least.

He could turn Ky away, as he had done every other day that he’d received a visit from him both in the guise of his human form and as his demonic self. But this time had felt different. There was an element of desperation to Ky’s tone that he’d not heard of before, which his newly recovered conscious could not avoid enquiring about. And so it was that Thor asked about the nature of Ky’s request.

“In that case, I invite you to step aboard so that we may discuss this matter further.” The boat was a recent acquisition and he’d hate to see it destroyed; that, and it currently housed both his new arsenal of hammers and the treasures of Asgardia that he had managed to recover so far. “But do not touch anything that remotely reassembles a hammer.”

  “You can keep your hammer – I don’t even like them.” Not that he would touch anything, but the warning was noted. For the most part, but if circumstances were altered? Maybe he would have. Still, this wasn’t a social call- nor one of his constant urges for a fight. This was something far more important. Survival.

   “Now,” he said, making his way forward and stepping aboard. “You’re going to help me find a way to stop it.” As for what it was, Ky wasn’t going to stay, but only since he only knew part. A reason to why he was here instead of drinking somewhere or burning down buildings.

He fixes Ky with a cautious glare, mouth pressed into a thin line, but makes no effort to reply. He knew that the man’d find a way to throw it back in his face, rejected in the same way as all his other attempts at conversation had been. It’s why, on this occasion, which was his first visit to Ky’s quarters in a while that he showed up not to waste time on senseless debates, but to impart new information.
   “I had been, until Father bid me to return. He gave me instructions to meet him in the main hall of the palace, and meant for you to attend as well.” Stepping off to the side, he moved clear of the door as it spilled rays of sunlight into the darkened room. It crossed his mind to ask why Ky’lar preferred to see by shadows rather than the bright rays of daytime, but he let such thoughts go for now.

“Shall we depart? Or would you rather be escorted by royal guard?”   

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“I’d rather being doing several things,” he mused. To say them wouldn’t gain him any favors, but he knew eventually they would come out. Even so, his moods were turning darker, and it was all he could do to stay away from everyone.
So, he chose seclusion, and trying to leave Asgard than actually bringing anything up. That way, he could deal with this on his own, and he didn’t have to worry about anyone else getting more involved than they already were.It might not have been the best of ideas, but it was the only one that he had. 
“However,” he finally said, sucking in a deep breath, and turning towards Thor, “I don’t need guards.” Part of him wanted to spit out that he needed space, but he managed to hold his tongue in check for the moment. No, if he was being asked for, it had to either be something important or… maybe it was just a way to get Ky out of his seclusion.
No matter what the case was, he ran his right hand through his hair with a grunt. “Let’s get this over with.” Or, rather, the sooner they got it over with, the sooner Ky could come back to his quarters and ignore everyone. “Unless, you have something else to do first.”

fryordie:

Right, wrong, such connotations mattered little to he who’d chosen what side to join, settling for the same lot that Ky had been spending much of his life to escape. How detestable it was to think that he who’d been an Avenger, an idol to men back when the world was young enough to believe unquestionably in powers beyond their tiny sphere of influence could stand to betray such faith placed in him and for what, the chance to become something more than he was right now without his titles or powers? Perhaps Gorr had been right all along; the gods were without fail a truly selfish bunch by their very nature.

“Then don’t,” he intones with all the hostility of a gather thunderstorm. He didn’t need an audience to watch his decline, not as long as Mephisto’s grip still dwelt in his grasp. “Your sympathies are unwarranted. I chose this willingly and of my own accord.” Or so he suspected, at least. The blond hadn’t yet realised that an element of manipulation on the part of Ky’s grandfather had been involved– just enough to sway the unsettled mind of a fallen god seeking validation.

In a way, he’d sold off the last vestiges of what could be viewed as resembling the proud deity he’d once been to accept the devil’s bargain. And, quite keen with the prize he had received as a result, the Odinson holds up his his, showing off what he’d kept in his palm; it was a stone-like relic of some description, drenched in dark power. Those receptive to its malice would shudder in fear, and the very act of holding it had already seen the flesh around it change and become twisted.

And things were only going to get worse from there.

“To think that you can’t stomach what I have become is a fine irony– are you so petty to not acknowledge my efforts to PREVENT the very same from happening to you?” He could see now that doing such was a waste of time. It cleared his conscious, or what little he had left of one to know this, his mind completely unencumbered by the dreadful effects of what he was about to do.

“Too bad. You would’ve been made better had you ACCEPTED  this power.” Baring his teeth, Odinson affords Ky one last look at the stone relic before wrapping his fingers around it and crushing it within his grasp. After doing so, he raises his hand to his mouth and consumes the stone’s fragmented remains, per Mephisto’s instruction back when he detailed his disheartening decline.

Sadly, the effects of Odinson doing so were almost immediately apparent. His head is tossed back with a pained yell that soon turns into a contented chuckle as the stone’s influence pervades every inch of his being. His veins are turned black and become more pronounced as he gains an inch and so in height, giving himself fully to this dark gift by allowing himself to be wrapped by it.

Once the change has completed, Odinson’s face is dominated by a look of pure, wicked glee. He could feel strength flowing through every fibre of his being, could feel the static prickle once more at the tips of his fingertips. He was once more the thunderer he claimed to be, only when he goes to summon forth lightning, he does so with his hand, and where before it sported a blue hue, his manifested power was now red hued and considerably more erratic.

“No matter. I’ll GLADLY accept it in your place!”

It was all so wrong.

When Ky found himself worthy, the first thing he did was wish to test himself with the hammer, and see just how far he could go. It wasn’t a fast process, but rather, it was a incredibly slow one. 

It took time to realize just what had been going on – not to mention that him wielding the hammer was a greater feet than previously believed. yes, he knew that only a select few could actually hold it, but like this? it almost seemed like a dream.

Almost.

Before long he knew exactly what he had and he wasn’t prone to let it go – no, Thor had lost that chance and right to hold the hammer long ago. It was Ky’s turn to show his worth, but in doing so he had changed.

The anger burnt like a raging fire cooled. 

It was more tame now – controlled to the point where Ky’lar could harness what he needed. Not just when he needed it, but also how he needed it to move him forward as well. 

Thor may have chosen this fate willingly, but Ky knew fully well that there was another part at play here – his Grandfather no doubt has his hands in this. It wasn’t clear at first, but by the other’s words and now actions? It was as clear as the sun.

The game the two of them played was quickly coming to a climax and where Ky had been making a turn for being truly a hero ( if one could use that term ), Thor had gone the complete other direction.

Right into Mephisto’s loving arms.

The very thought of the matter made him close to the point of being physical ill. True, this wouldn’t have happened if Ky was standing on the other side, and knew that it all could have been his.

It was what he wanted after-all; the throne, the validation, and the power. To be more than just the Son of Blackheart, and be far more respected. It was a want that he never would obtain now; lost on him the moment he realized the true extent of what Thor was becoming.

What he could have been. A terrible, but fearsome force – something that was everything Ky ever wanted. 

However, now that he had seen Thor’s true transformation, and acceptance of the offer… things changed. It occurred to him that maybe he could use this to his advantage; if he could defeat Thor, maybe he could not just prove he was worthy, but prove his worthiness to his Grandfather.

It was a risky ploy, but one that he was going to go through with. That way, maybe he’d have a chance to save Thor even though there was a nagging feeling in the back of his mind to throw the hammer down and  join him – no, the both of them.

“We’d still be in the same place, Unworthy one.” His tone remained stern – even if Ky knew that deep down he didn’t want this to happen. That he didn’t want to face off against what he could be – no, should have been. 

“Our sides would have just been changed.” Or, more importantly, Ky would have been like Thor was, bit in his mind… vasty different. If he had chosen this path, he would have been far stronger yes, but he doubted any human resemblance would have been left over. That way, Ky could have fully left his humanity behind, but that fate was long gone ( or so he thought ).

“But the one thing that would be the same,” he said, letting his grip loosened on the Hammer; just enough so he barely held the handle as he took a step closer. “You’ll never beat me.”

     “I thought you were out saving the day as always,” he said, not even bothering to look at Thor. No, he didn’t think that it was needed – not today. Maybe tomorrow or the next day. He just wasn’t in a good mood, but that could have possibly been attributed to the order that Ky wasn’t to leave the realm – not that it mattered to him. He’d broken rules before, but this time he had a feeling if he did this time? Well, it would be more than just a brief scolding.

// @fryordie