In the blink of an eye Loksta was once again on Midgard, which is Earth to us. He contacted few as was directed but the main one was, “You have some explaining to do!” That was the first thing he heard when he answered his phone call. “Who in the hell you think you are? All these days without letting me know you were ok, im’ma kick ya ass!” This was said with a Spanish accent that made the phone itself shake. That threat was very believable, generated from great anger, raging emotions, including worries, all at the same time. The many times when she was calling, he didn’t answer the phone because he knew what was in store. She explained that she was at work but she wanted to see him as soon as possible so they met up about one hour later.

        She was mad but more worried but missed him even more. Before she could speak, he hugged her, “I missed you and I’m so sorry for disappearing on you like that! You know I Luvs you! You also know that I wouldn’t leave like that unless it really was necessary!” As he spoke his part, her facial expressions started to ease up. Unwillingly, her brooding face became more peaceful. Witnessing that, to ease her more he gave her a kiss with a long hug while whispering in her ear, “Babe I’m sorry but you know I don’t want nothing to happen to you! You know you’re my baby!”

        Some time went by as they hugged and re-bonded. From there they took a cab to one of their favorite dining locations on west 72nd street in Manhattan where along the trip, she explained why she was so worried. “It started three nights ago, I dreamed of terrible things happening. Some strange beings and I don’t know why but it felt so real. I saw some evil looking big man with a sword made of some kind of bone or something!” The concern was seen in her eyes as well as in her expressions. With that said, Loksta knew she was involved somehow. Inside he was terribly scared but remained focused with his poker face continuing to hide what he knew. As she continued, she spoke about the first beast he encountered in the train station. The more she explained about the different things she dreamt, his mind wondered everywhere else thinking about her safety until, in full detail she finally spoke of the one Drax just saved him from. “He looked strong and evil but he was talking to another! The one sitting on the throne was a little smaller but I sensed he was much stronger. I couldn’t see his face cus it was so dark. They were in some kinda chamber. It was dark, feeling so cold and full of evil and, and they’re two others there!” She added as she remembered more, trying to recall as much information from her dreams as possible, “The two others were hiding in that same room behind something big. It was a throne or wall or something. For some reason, I was drawn to them so I followed. One showed the other some writing in this weird looking book. They looked really scared. I felt like I knew they were not supposed to be there. There I stood. Directly behind them but they couldn’t see nor sense my presence. They seemed annoyed as they turned the pages but couldn’t see anything but charred paper so they closed the book leaving it behind. That’s when I went to check it out myself.”

        She looked at him skeptical, with the feeling that she did something wrong but still continued, “That book’s cover was blackened as if it was burnt in a fire. It was like hard ashes that held the burnt paper. When I touched it, it felt like it wanted to be read by me. Like, some kind of magic drew me to it. I know I was supposed to have read it but it felt so wrong so I hesitated. I stopped myself then decided to move away. As soon as I took a step back, two huge hands grabbed my wrist. I struggled, I tried but just couldn’t get them to let go! They were dark, strong hands made of grey smoke. As they held me I saw red symbols appeared on top of the ash. Quickly they started moving from the book to the arms, and then to me! I saw the symbols run up my arms. That’s when I felt a surge go through my body! I woke up screaming!”

She paused awaiting his reaction, trying to figure out what his thoughts were. If he believed her or not. If he thought she was going crazy. At this moment, she needed the person that she always looked up to. 

        He looked at her squeezing her hand to reassure her, “Baby, well I’m here so you’re safe now! What else happened?” he asked.

         Before she continued she took a deep breath and exhaled, “The next night I had another dream that I was a bigger part of. Somehow the symbols that touched me from the book triggered me to know certain things. Things that I’m sure I didn’t know. I felt like I read about the one who was sitting on top of the throne. The story says that he reigned destruction laying waste throughout his path. In countless battles, he slaughtered many. He murdered all who were on the battlefield including his own. Just appearing out of nowhere, murdering because to conquer is what he loves. With ease seeming like with just a fraction of his powers he causes havoc everywhere he goes and leaves blood dampened grounds of his enemies and companions. He’s killed Gods, trolls, demons, and others. He doesn’t care who just as long as he kills. It even says that he’s responsible for killing his own father!” 

        She paused as a tear ran down her face, “Then out of nowhere, I was in the middle of a battle. I saw fighting all around me with arms and other body parts just falling. Then he saw me! I was so scared that I got nervous and started stepping back. I tripped over one of the warriors as I tried to get away but he was too fast. As he was right in front of me I stumbled again, falling right before he stabbed me. about to hit the ground but I didn’t stop. I, I fell straight through the ground... And then… Then, I woke up in my bed!”

        After he heard that he attempted to cover it up by smiling, trying to make light of the situation saying, “Babe, that’s crazy! What kinda dream is that? Try to remember everything, we should be able to write a book about this. Im’ma go to the bathroom and then we’ll spend some more time together cause I want to hear the rest of your dreams and of course... I do miss you. I’ll be right back, don’t go anywhere!” That was said as he entered the hallway leading to the men’s bathroom. As soon as the door closed he rushed straight to the sink. Quickly soaking his face, he thought a thousand thoughts. Ultimately his conflict was that he knew he couldn’t tell her that most of her dream were of actual events. He didn’t want to involve her or put her in any more danger than she already was in.

        “Damn what should I do?” He questioned himself as water was still running on his face. “Should I let her know the whole story so she could be more careful? Good thing is she could be more aware, but more scared at the same time? Or should I continue hiding it from her not letting her know what kind of danger she’s in?” More thoughts came into play but then he spoke out loud to himself once again, “Well let me go back out there to face her and see what I decide then!”

        While his face was still submerged under the sink water he continued to think about his final decision, unaware of his rings glowing. Behind him in one of the stalls something was happening. The toilet started to bubble while its water started to rise. Overflowing to the floor, it oddly began moving in his direction. With his face still soaked he stopped the faucet water from running, pausing at the sink skeptically. As the water dripped down from his face, he was aware that another presence was in the bathroom not too far behind him because he heard the odd dripping. 

        Casually wiping his face off with his hands, he purposely looked at his rings. Though he saw them glowing, he played it off as he didn’t. In his head he thought, “Damn, not again! Not now!” Quickly he took his shirts sleeve, wiping the water from his eyes. Though the mirror in front of him was steamed up, it displayed a blurry vision standing right behind him. “Ok, there's me foe!” he unenthusiastically whispered. That’s when he abruptly turned with a powerful strike to the head to take this new enemy by surprise. The figure stood there unaffected as the punch went straight through it. Judging from its appearance he automatically deemed it a water demon. It looked at Loksta, made a fist then knocked him off his feet. While on the floor Loksta then grabbed the first thing closest to him, which was the garbage can. He quickly launched it hoping for the best. The garbage went almost completely through demon until the water from its backside caught it, just to throw it back. Luckily it was quickly deflected before it could cause any major damage. Loksta grabbed a broom that was near the garbage, swinging it a couple of times. This had no effect as well. Each time just passing through its body of water. The third time he swung, this water beast extended its hand effortlessly catching the broom stick. Unfortunately for Loksta, he never dealt with a water demon nor knew its weaknesses. In fact, it was just the other day that he dealt with anything other than regular humans for the first time.

        Right outside Carla was worrying about what was taking him so long so impatiently she walked towards the bathroom. She looks around before she tapped on the door. “Babe, are you ok?” She quietly asked trying not to cause any commotion inside of the restaurant. “Shit, what’s wrong with him, why is he not answering?” she asked herself. “This dude!” she said not believing that he couldn’t just respond. Then she called him on his cell phone and heard her ringtone. With him not responding, her impatience got the best of her so she put her ear to the door and heard a loud bang at the same time. At this point she did not care about it being rude entering the men’s room so she pushed the door open and witnessed exactly what Loksta didn’t want her to see. He was struggling, pinned to the ceiling by a body of water. It had a couple of arms and hands. Each of them covered Lokstas arms, leg and neck chocking the life out of him. Scared, overwhelmed, angered and full of emotions, she ran in and screamed, “Nooooooooo!” In that exact moment, her eyes began to glow white as she began uttering the words. “Tuluna oddedious-mistouteden!” The lights in the bathroom began to flicker as she continued. A head emerged from the body of water turning while hissing at her because it recognized the words she began to chant. That head submerged, rippling through the body, re-emerging at its bottom just to get closer to her. Out of nowhere it launched three long spiked spears of water towards her as she stood in the trance chanting.

        When the water got close enough she pointed her finger saying, “Raquenda Zedd!” The water slowed down then stopped completely as it turned into ice, instantly freezing in the air. As she put her finger down the ice fell along with it, splattering everywhere as it broke into thousands of ice shards and water. Water splashed ubiquitously soaking the whole bathroom. The demon jumped in her direction but second thought about attacking her so it made a screeching noise and retreated through every possible exit. Parts of it jumped into the toilet, some through the drain on the floor, and others through the sink. As it was exiting it caused the pipes in the walls to shake and bang as it made its escape. Paint chips along with tile fell off the walls as it left a trace of the path that it took. Now the water that kept him bonded to the ceiling loosened as it went into the pipes causing him to fall to the floor. As soon as he fell, he lifted his head up looking to his love who seemed exhausted also about to faint.

        “Wow my girl possesses magic?” he thought to himself. Using magic for the first time took a lot out of her just as well as how it did to him. It pushed her mind and body to exhaust so now she needed rest. Though almost suffocated himself, he gathered just enough energy to catch her as she was falling. It was very close call for the both but they managed together. Now scared and full of emotions as well, he held her close then looked down to make sure his rings were not glowing. He repeatedly said, “Don’t worry baby, everything’s gunna be okay!” Even though in the back of his head he thought, “I don’t know what’s going on, and how in da hell did she do that shit?!”

        Now more nervous than ever, he carried her out of the bathroom totally soaked. A janitor who was walking to the men’s room paused, looking at them as they exited. With his body soaked, and toilet paper on the bottom of his foot, Loksta said, “Dude, I think you’re going to need just a little bit more than that mop. Oh, and watch out, make sure nothing comes back from out of that sink!” While walking through the restaurant, they left a trail of water. As they walked, Carla felt a little better so she tried to look presentable fixing her hair then her soaked clothes. Escorting her outside, they hailed a cab jumping into the first one that stopped.

        “Can you take us to Astor Place and 3rd avenue please?” Loksta said while looking around making sure they weren’t being followed. Carla looked at him, placing her head on his shoulder and quickly fell asleep. It seemed like the longest cab ride ever as he thought about the three confrontations he just had, her with magic, and how nothing would ever be the same again. About fifteen minutes later, they arrived at their destination and the cab driver said, “That’ll be $23.75 sir!” Loksta still wet went in his pocket and pulled out a twenty-dollar bill and four wet singles. “Here, keep the change bro!” Loksta told him which was only a quarter. The cab driver looked at his hand in disgust as he was given wet money. They got out the cab leaving the back seats soaked. Before the driver pulled off he yelled, “Stay off the drugs!”

        A couple hours later while sleep in the bed Carla jumps up gasping for air as she looked for Loksta. He was wide awake sitting next to her guarding her as waiting for her to wake up. He began to stare at her for a couple of seconds admiring her beauty looking at all the things that contribute to her beautiful physical appearance. As he glazed into her eyes she called him by his given name, “Herbie, I’m sorry, I mean, I mean, I don’t know! I, I, I’m scared! I’m soooooo scared! I don’t want anything to happen to you!” She hysterically told him as she cried her heart out. Tears overcame her face so he tried to calm her down. “Carla, babe, relax mamas, nothings gunna happen to me!” She explained to him that she felt like life wasn’t fair to her until she met him and that’s when everything became calm and made sense. No more chaos but in its place, was love. She further explained how she felt like they were meant to be and their connection was made way before they met. They then compared they’re lives. He spoke about how all animals, especially dogs didn’t like him. They would be calm until he came around and how they always tried to attack him, but to her was the total opposite. They used to run to her and be as friendly as possible. The more they compared, the more they saw themselves the same. The same struggles, the same hardships, the same pains. They continued to speak about things, kissed then spent the night together.

        It’s now morning, the start of a bright new day. She woke up with a joyful smile. She hugged him and said, “Babe, you do know that if you ever disappear on me like that again, I’ll kill you myself, right?” 

        Looking at her, he knew she was still upset but happy to be with him so he responded to her, “Yes mom!” then laughed. “But honestly mamas, I wana know how you had magical powers all along and didn’t tell me, I mean didn’t know?” Then he began joking around and said, “I mean like, you went into some kinda witch trance and was spitting out words and it sure wasn’t Spanish! I heard everything! Everything you said right before you went psycho!” He explained as they rested in bed. She looked down after he said that so to cheer her up he said, “Now I know when we say we we’re meant to be… we really are!”

        He explained to her that he did not want to leave her but feared what might happened if he stayed. He continued by showing her events that happened alongside his book with the pictures he drew. She saw the two that were drawn and said, “This is so crazy those are the ones that I saw in different dreams. I saw others as well but they did not feel as dangerous as the ones that you drew or the one from the bathroom!” 

        Finally, she seemed less upset at him so he began to joke about some of the excuses he previously told her of why he was always late. “Here let me show you something mamas!” He took her to the roof of his building then summoned Drax. “Look, look to your north and just watch there! You see that star over there?” He asked her as he pointed to the brightest star in the sky. “Now look and make sure you stay focused Babe! Right there look, you see?” She looked at the sky then looked at him to see if he was going crazy. “Baaaaaaabe, look over thereeeee not at me!” He said in a whining voice. She decided to give it a shot and focused on that bright star. Yet again, she double questioned his sanity. Just as she was about to give up, she saw a little dark blur that passed in front of the star. Within seconds that blur was presently in front of her. Now just feet away, was The Great Drax, transparent and only an arm’s length away. Looking in amazement, she reached out to touch him. His powerful presence was felt but barely seen. Slowly her hand inched closer. Her palms were sweating while her heart was jumping, beating faster than ever before.

        “Am I bugging out or is this truly in front of me?” She questioned herself. Still transparent Drax looked at her studying her as she moved forward. With one touch to one of his horns caused a spark that created a ripple effect in his invisible cloak like a pebble dropped in still water. Instantly his natural color ran throughout its whole body covering it little by little until it was complete. 

        Drax was surprised turning to Loksta with an amazed excited voice asking, “Her level of magic surpasses yours, where did she learn it from? Did you know of this? 10th level magicians are the only ones who dispels my cloak and it’s not a task that’s easy for them!” Then he looked at her, inquiring, “Tell me young Queen, what do you know about all of what’s happening?”

        A little later that night after a long talk with her, Drax and Loksta continued speaking after she went inside. “Loksta, know you this, your female friend is what you Midgardians do call, hum, your soul mate! We do call her kind Volvas. She is a wand bearer, a witch, a seer of the past present and future, fortune-teller, wise woman, or anything similar. Her powers are as to Sigyns, as yours is to Loki. Fate pulls the two of you closer as destiny plays its part. The magical bond is strongest whilst the two of you are close. That’s how that water demon found you. You could cloak that by not showing too many strong emotions! You should hide no more from her! Your magic, it is strongest when a life is in danger, that’s when true emotion aligned with power comes out and is unstoppable. Nothing is withheld because the unity of you love answers all. Remember, that’s the strongest! We’ll before I leave, I must tell you to be very careful! Be aware of things around you. Signs are all round. Take heed because your rings run low on magic. Only Odin can fully power them anew. Because of so, do not depend on them too much for now but do depend on the rest of your magic, your senses with any negative thoughts or feelings that appear within your mind for wolf Fenrir is looking for you!”

        As soon as that was said, Lokstas eyes popped wide open as Drax continued. At the same time, Carla reentered the roof with a glass of water asking, “What kind of wolf is Fenrir, I like animals?”

        Drax turned his head towards her answering, “He’s an enormous wolf, son of Loki that has been making his way to Asgard. He crossed paths with the Dark Elf Durin while mounted on his beast but for whatever reason, they battled. Durin was dismounted as his beast was quickly disposed of. That same beast which once seemed unstoppable was easily bested by Wolf Fenrir as he chewed through its armor and horns. Un-mounted, the Dark Elf fought with his powerful sword, but he was on defense most of the fight. Even with his weapon of destruction, he could not hurt the Wolf. Not only very quick and agile but the Wolfs fur is a magic material as strong as unbreakable steel.”

        Drax looked back at Loksta then continued, “Though never mentioned til recent time grew close, if he’s wounded he regenerates due to Asgards magic just like the rest of us but we only heal in Asgard. He heals anywhere but even faster if in Asgard. The Dark Elf just slightly got away by using the last bit of his magic to create a double of himself. His split image distracted Fenrir for a quick second enabling himself to escape by teleporting away. Even now we expect him to be focusing all his energy, powers and magic in preparation for his next encounter with us or Fenrir. He didn’t take his defeat lightly just as when you knocked him down. Its only right that he along with his brother Dvalin will be seeking newer dark magic but Fenrir moves on. He’s a force that can cause limitless destruction. The only mention of him stopping is Ragnarok but that’s when everyone dies. You can get away from him by using your magic. I don’t want any attempts of you trying to fight him!” Then throwing his head up, he looked towards the stars, “Once again I’m summoned. I must go!” (Then while turning invisible he said) “Take care and remember my sayings! Do not fight him for he is too strong!” Then he flew away at an eyes blink.

        Currently sitting on the roof, the two talked, “Wow babe I never knew all this time you had magic!”

        She quickly smiled replying, “Not just magic, but magic stronger than yours!” Then she asked, “So what happens when we are together? It makes it easier for us to be found, right?”

        Loksta looked at her replying, “Drax said for us to just enjoy our time and that’s exactly what I plan to do!” After they finished catching up they began to walk to the stairs to exit from off the roof. Loksta had an idea so he proposed it to her, “Babe let’s try something! Let’s test your magic. Since Loki can’t be found… since your magic is stronger… close your eyes and see if you could locate where he is! We can talk to him give him this magic back then all of this could be over and we go back to our normal, I mean, we’ll go back to our regular lives! Only for a few minutes though because I don't want anything else finding us!”

        Eager to play with her new found powers she agreed but asked, “Are you sure? Don’t you think that might be a lil dangerous?” having a gut feeling about this new plan, she paused saying, “Humm if we do locate him I might be able to control my magic that is better than yours, just to spy on him!”

        Sarcastically agreeing he said, “You know what... That is a clever idea!” Still on top of the hotels roof she closed her eyes and began to concentrate. Not knowing where to start she focused on the name Loki and a possible hide out. All she saw was pure darkness until a few faint flashing colors appeared. “Anything yet, you see anything yet?” He eagerly asked causing her to lose focus so she opened her eyes, staring at him right before she rolled them. “Wow, I’m sorry babe, gosh!” right after he apologized for interrupting her, she started again trying her best to use her newfound magic to locate the one who is currently wanted by everyone. Right away she saw the flashing lights again. Many auras ran through her head but only one caught her attention. This one image flashed through her thoughts but was so quick that she could not tell what it was. As she tried locking on to it Durin felt her magic’s presence. 

        Without her even knowing he said, "Found you!" Then quickly jumped into a portal on the enabling him to transport very close to their location.

        Looking around Loksa began feeling nervous thinking of the of warnings Drax expressed to them. Seconds after, he felt the same feeling in Grand Central Station when he first encountered Durin! “Babe, we got to go!” he insisted as he gently shook her. “Babe come on, let’s go!” he said a little more demanding. He noticed upon one of the shakes that he gave, the glow of his rings began to generate, then increased.

        Carla opened her eyes frantically saying as she looked around, “He, he saw me! I tried to but couldn’t let go but I couldn’t!”

        To comfort her, Loksta hugged her, “Don't worry baby its ok!” Saying this, he saw his foe falling from the sky with his sword ready to strike. Watching through the corner of his eye, at the last possible moment, he wrapped his arms around his woman, jumping out of the way of this devastating blow. The power from that blow pushed them further as he used his body as their cushion, rolling on the roofs pebbles. That devastating blow caused half of the roof to collapse taking Durin down with it. Loksta looked at the hole in the roof before shouting, “Babe, we gotta get the hell away from here!” Running towards the roofs door as fast as possible,  Loksta looked back at the hole to see if Durin came up. With no sight of him they continued running down the stairs until they arrived in the lobby.

        “Come on we gotta get to a cab a car or something, that’s the only way we can get away fast enough!” Carla said as they ran towards the door straight ahead where they saw the exit sign. Right before they got to the door Durin saw his prey escaping so he raised his left hand, beginning a chant, “Hospesd-Desatos-Saundi!” Just then, the frame of the door they were running towards flashed once with a glowing red light. In their haste to get away from their pursuer, the fleeing couple didn’t notice that flash. Suddenly, as soon as they ran through the door, everything changed from a bright vibrantly colored hotel to a strange gloomy place. This place had a very awful stench that made them feel ill with every breathe taken. No more bright lights but now of a darkened room dripping slime with floors resembling sewers. Unknowingly they’ve been transported to the belly of the Midgard Serpent!

Chapter 3      Chapter 6