A comic book indeed.

[kicksomeasgard]

[ Leif Helgarson is nothing if not patient. For a thousand years he has waited for this- the day that he finally gets revenge. The day they sneak into Asgard. The day he kills Thor.

Unfortunately, that day was tomorrow, but what was one more night after a thousand years? He'd just slaughtered a whole mess of young vampires intent on invading his territory (his territory being the entire state of Arizona), and now he had the rest of the evening to kill- figuratively speaking. Just as well since something his Druid friend, Atticus, mentioned to him has his interest piqued: Atticus had said that Thor was a comic book.

Why anyone would want to make a comic book about that arrogant, self-centered--- well, why anyone would want to make a comic book about Thor was beyond him. And so the vampire spent the evening in his office at the law firm of Magnusson and Hauk in front of his laptop doing a few idle searches.

Ah. Now he understood. Complete and utter ignorance was why there was a comic book about Thor. This selfless, heroic character was the polar opposite of the real Thor. ]

You will get your comeuppance, God of Thunder. I can promise you that.

[ Not that Leif was one to talk to himself, but he figures he's allowed a little bit at this point. ]

Comments

[kicksomeasgard]

[ It's then that Leif looks at him. Really looks at him. Something about this particular Loki reminds him of some of the images he found in his recent search.

Atticus had warned him that if he thought about it too hard, that the comic book version of Thor might show up. He hadn't thought about the comic book version of Loki. His eyes flick to his open laptop, abandoned in the middle of his search, and back to the Trickster.

Still, it was just a theory, and not enough to really make him relax. He maintains his guard and his distance. ]

I have long since stopped trying to decipher the whims of fate, but understand that makes me no less wary of your visit. [ a beat ] My name is Leif Helgarson.

[allfatherissues]

[Loki will be bold enough to take a step or two forward, if only because he can sense that this man is slightly uncomfortable.]

Leif Helgarson. [He repeats his name, committing it to memory for however long it pleases him.] A pleasure, but that only answers half of what I had asked you.

[kicksomeasgard]

[ He gives Loki a looooong look. Comic book or no, this man was still an incarnation of a God, and one who may be persuaded to ignore Leif's plans for Thor if it suited him. Why lie?

He straightens a bit, adjusting the jacket of his rather expensive suit. ] I am a vampire.

[allfatherissues]

A vampire? [Loki is not terribly familiar with the lore here on Midgard, but he has been here long enough to do a bit of research now and then. So the term doesn't completely escape him.] A creature that drains the lifeblood of another. I see. I've never met one before.

Still, when I mentioned I was Aesir, you seemed surprised. Have you dealings with them before?

[kicksomeasgard]

Now you can say you have.

[ Leif pauses, choosing his next words carefully. ] I have, though not by my own choice.

[allfatherissues]

[The next question is a quick one, in contrast to Leif's hesitations.] And who did you have the pleasure of meeting?

[kicksomeasgard]

[ May as well use this as an opportunity to test the waters and see how Loki reacts, though he can't quite keep the contempt out of his voice ] Thor.

[allfatherissues]

[There are several reactions, if one is quick enough to catch them all: his brow knit in slight confusion and surprise upon hearing the name, followed by the threat of a scowl pulling at his lips. And then that is even followed by a scoff, a dry and disbelieving sounding thing.]

Thor? The Thunderer himself? Oh, I doubt it. Last he was fumbling about in your world, I kept close watch. I do not remember you being one of his acquaintances.

[kicksomeasgard]

[ That was certainly a mixed bag of reactions, one that has the lawyer in him a bit intrigued ]

It has been over a thousand years, but I remember that day as though it were yesterday. It was Thor.

[allfatherissues]

[Now Loki is just mostly encroaching upon confusion, though he tries not to let it show. It probably just looks more like he's thoroughly intrigued.]

A thousand years? A thousand years ago and Thor could not even lift Mjolnir, much less visit Midgard without an armed escort.

[kicksomeasgard]

[ Leif chuckles. It seems his theory, or at least aspects of it, were proving to be true. ]

Has it not occurred to you that perhaps you and yours are not the only Aesir out there?

[allfatherissues]

[Now there's a thought, and Loki's mind processes it at the speed in which only the Trickster could manage. That doesn't make it any less difficult to wrap his mind around, though, but it would explain the inconsistencies in their conversation.

That, or this Leif fellow was playing at something very odd. For now, Loki decides to leave both options open.]

I've never had reason to think of such a thing. That there should be more than one Thor among us is something I shudder to entertain.

[kicksomeasgard]

Mm. It appears we have something in common.

[allfatherissues]

[A soft chuckle.] One that I imagine is worth talking about?

[kicksomeasgard]

[ He angles his head towards the open laptop on the desk ] First I am curious to know if that Thor is the one you are more acquainted with.

[allfatherissues]

[Loki crosses over to the desk, then curiously looks at the screen. Strangely enough it appears to be an accurate enough depiction.]

And what is this you've found?

[kicksomeasgard]

It is an account of a fictionalization of Thor, made out to be a hero and savior of men, and if you find it accurate, then it is proof enough that you are not of the Aesir that I am familiar with.

I would not doubt that the fiction may be based on the reality of other worlds, however.

[allfatherissues]

Either way, a 'hero' and 'savior of men'? Whether or not it is accurate is a matter of opinion, and my own opinion of my brother is hardly as flattering.

[kicksomeasgard]

The Thor I am acquainted with is a petty bully, taking delight in the suffering of others and doing things for no reason other than he can.

Which is more accurate?

[allfatherissues]

[Loki can apply those things to Thor's character, but it doesn't help that he's a little biased.]

Well, the Thor I know is prideful, brash, and ever so oblivious. I'd say that puts him in a less-than-favourable light all around.

[kicksomeasgard]

I see. [ Another chuckle, though this one is humorless ]

There are a great many people in this world who wish Thor dead for the atrocities he has committed.

[allfatherissues]

And pray tell, what has he committed against you?

[kicksomeasgard]

Is there a reason you wish to know other than idle curiosity?

[allfatherissues]

Not particularly; but you cannot say that you are not curious about my own dealings with my brother. I thought perhaps we may wish to share our respective stories.

[kicksomeasgard]

I will be honest, I am loath to trust you, Trickster, but you are right to say I am curious. [ he motions to an empty chair ] If you would care to regale me, perhaps I would be inclined to do the same.