Miles away at the now ruined temple of Delphi something began to stir deep beneath the remains of the temple. Bits of rock began to fall rolling away knocking loose more wreckage until a small rock slide started. The rock slide last momentum and the rubbling stopped. Silence fell on the ruins once more.
Stone exploded outward in a cloud of dust as a tore and bloody human hand tore through the fallen temple into open air. Rick's head and shoulder followed as he pulled his right arm free, lifting several tons of stone as he did.
Using his arms to push off with he swung his legs free and rolled onto his kness and elbows panting with fatigue. Dust, blood, and sweat were caked over his entire body along with the remanants of his clothes. Rising to his feet Rick looked around for the others, stars appeared before his eyes and he fell back to his knees from dizyness.
"Zeke..." he tried to shout, but his voice came out in a horse whisper. Clearing his throat sent Rick into a fit of coughs. Dry heaves began to rack his body until he coughed up a large amount of stone dust and blood. "Strife, Meilin!"
He began shouting the second breath returned to his lungs. "Fay! Rose!"
Anger and frustration began kick in as he stumbled in vain search for his friends. "WHERE IS EVERYONE?!"
"Dear brother, so easily brought to frustration. That does not help your friends," said a smooth mocking voice.
Rick knew without turning to look who had spoken. Summoning Mjonir to his hand and spinning around with surprising speed, considering how he'd stumbled about seconds before, he raised the hammer high preparing to strike.
"Stay your hand, impetuous fool. I am here to treat with you, not to defeat a weakened opponent," Loki said in a neutral tone. He spread his hands palm outward in a gesture of peace.
Rick held his position ready to strike with all the strength he had left. Blood still poured down open wounds in his back, and the sweat running down his body made the burns from Python tingle. He ignored all of it focused only of the bastard god before him. "Where are they, Loki? What did you do to them?"
A cunning smile spread over Loki's handsome face. The trickster steepled his fingers in a thoughtful manner. "It feels better than I thought to have something over you, brother. But that is not important," Loki said in a sly voice. "Your friends are safe for the moment, but that can change quickly."
Rick gripped Mjonir tighter his knuckles going white. Lightning began to crackle along his pupils and anger brewed deep within him. "You're a son of a bitch! What do you want from me?"
Loki shook with barely contained glee. Laughter resounded over the forested hills of Delphi. After a few seconds Loki contained himself and shook his head mockingly at Rick."The most wonderful aspect of that question, is that you would give me anything I wanted at this moment. You can barely stand, every moment you maintain that threatening facade taxes your strength, and all you can think about is preserving their lives. If it means so much to you, journey to London. The Sotech's production labs is where I will be waiting. Until then, brother."
Loki faded away as he burst into laughter once more. Rick gritted his teeth in anger.
"God damn it!"
His voice changed with these words. Each word was laced with the roar of thunder and carried such power that the island shook. Rick swung Mjonir into the earth, delivering a blow so powerful that what remained of the temple collasped. Falling to his knees Rick began to cry silently. Tears ran down his cheeks adding to the grime already covering his face. Cupping his face with both hands Rick let out a low sorrowful moan.
After a few minutes Rick wiped his face with the back of his hands and let out a long sigh. Rising to his feet he began the long journey to London, all the while saying a few short words to himself.
Wait for me, guys, I'm coming
