Chapter 1
1919
Loki
I awaken with a start half-expecting to fight, but my gear is gone. My naked skin is hot against the desert ground. Vultures swirl above and the harsh sun makes my eyes hurt. The dry heat has me wishing for water. It smells like despair.
Where the fuck am I?
Sitting up, I look at my naked body. No wounds. I reach to wipe the sweat off my forehead but stop short when I see something written on my palm.
Las Vegas Desert
I laugh to myself. That witch has style. I get it; fend for myself. Midgard should be easy compared to Asgard. First, I need the proper attire. I shift into an iguana to begin my journey.
Ah, much better.
I’ll get a lay of the land, learn about the people, then dominate as usual. Right now, animals are the way to go. I can gain intel on who’s running this town without them knowing. Once I learn the game, I’ll win it.
After about thirty minutes of walking, I realize she must have placed me deep into the desert. Switching into a bird, I fly out of the desert and take in the forming city. I see people, cars, and a few buildings. Boring but I know I’ll figure it out; it shouldn’t be too hard to act human. I circle until I find the richest looking people.
I find a thick man surrounded by other people who look to fear and respect him. Switching to a fly, I land on his shoulder to listen to the business at hand.After months of spying, I’ve learned enough to take over. I find my opening when the kingpin goes to the bathroom alone. He never returns. Instead, I assume his form.
I then spend the next seventeen years as Jim Ferguson.
∞∞∞
Present
2019
Darkness. It's all around me. It's all I see and feel within. Even now, I'm a big raven -with the blackest feathers I can muster- sitting on the top of the highest building in the city, closer to the sun than anyone else and I still don't feel it. Being immoral has its drawbacks. Constantly watching people you dare to give a damn about die begins to numb you. My last friend has passed, yet I don't have the capacity to mourn like he deserves.
Allen was a great friend and intellectual companion. He’s earned my tears, the chest-clutching numbness of disbelief, and the rage that would spur me to shake my fist at the heavens and question the gods. But I have nothing. I am one of them. It’s no use. I understand more than most of them that death is absolute. With all the powers I possess, I cannot help a mortal cheat death. I was foolish enough to try and have failed every time. I may be able to rid them of grave ailments, but their clock still runs out eventually, and I’m left with a body turned cold. It’s their curse or blessing depending on who you ask. Each of my breaths just bleed into another, forever. Right now, I consider death a blessing. I’ve often fantasized about going back to that moment and taking my last breath before I struck a deal with Celeste.
As an outcast among the gods, I’d chosen to roam earth in search of my love. Unlike some of the rumors about my role, I do not seek to be idolized. Yes, I do find amusement in others’ failure. I am a trickster and fooling people is my game, but If I wanted to rule the mortals, I could have done so for centuries by shifting into new people every term.
I’ve let my secret slip with a few people. It’s fun to see their reaction since mortals are conditioned to believe nothing beyond them is possible. Allen was the last confidant to know who I really am and help me find clues to Sigyn’s location and now he’s gone. One last time, I search for remnants of mourning but nothing.
Disappointed, I stretch my wings and fly off, allowing the wind to rush over me. There is no pleasure left for me on earth. Allen was the last of my life here because I’ve never bothered to seek the love of another woman. As promised, Celeste has hidden my love somewhere on earth like a needle in a gigantic haystack. She could be anyone on any stretch of land. She’d be the only mortal I can save. The bond of our love would restore her immortality, but I’d have to find her first. She’s died many times since I’ve been here and can be any age now. I don’t know when she’s born but I can feel when she dies. It pisses me off every time.
I’ve flown my third circle around the baseball stadium before I realize where I’ve gone. My dear friend’s favorite place. I soar until I’m sick of it then turn upside down to glide away. There aren’t any answers for me here.
After returning to my penthouse, I settle on the windowsill as I morph into one of my human forms. A small crash forces my attention to my left where I find a small woman around five feet and four inches clutching her mouth. Her big chestnut eyes are glued to me. Shock is evident on the half of her face I can see. Her hair is in a messy bun affixed atop her head with brown ringlets escaping. Her hands drop shakily to reveal plush and slightly pink lips which compliments her golden-brown complexion.
She is beautiful.
But what the fuck is she doing in my home?
