A Strange Sort Of Afterlife

Chapter 8

Thor frowned at the room. This was quite obviously Tony's tower, but he had not been here in more than a decade. Why would he find himself here, now, after his friend was dead. Slowly he turned in a circle. Was that a woolly beast on the balcony? Something heavy stomped behind the bar. Where was Love. She had been beside him mere moments ago, but now there was no sign of her.

He searched the room quickly. He found a curious reptilian animal settled behind the bar that reacted to him like an enthusiastic dog. The beast on the balcony raised a trunk in greeting as he searched out there. He spotted a castle on top of the next tower over, but there was no sign of the little girl.

He took to the air scouring the the area around the tower in larger and larger circles. There were monstrous creatures in flight in great numbers, he also caught glimpses of other people and disturbing specters in the air, but still the child he sought was not visible.

Returning to the tower he landed at the base and began searching floor to floor. On the first floor her found a small unfamiliar creature in the lobby... on the fourth floor he found a youth in bright armor who looked at him in confusion.

"Who are you? What year is it?" the boy asked his eyes nervously darting to the window.

"I don't know the year for certain my young friend as I seem to be somewhat displaced." he frowned "Have you also suddenly found yourself here?"

"Yeah" He put the sword away "I'm Jim. I was trying to... well anyway something seems to have gone wrong."

"That is unfortunate. I am Thor. " He considered briefly "Is there some way I can help?"

"Probably not... I think I really messed things up this time." the boy looked him over "you were looking for something?"

"Indeed I am. Have you by chance seen a small girl with a large axe?"

The boy gave him a strange look but shook his head "I'm afraid not."

"Then I must be going." He hesitated "You are welcome to follow if you wish." Thor stepped hastily to the stairs barely noticing that you young knight did indeed follow.

Twenty more floors offered nothing other than an assortment of small animals.

On the 25th floor a man with chestnut hair and respectable beard sat wrapped in a brown robe in a stance of quiet contemplation. He opened his eyes and studied them as Thor began to search the floor.

"You are searching for someone, "The man said. "perhaps I can help?"

"Have you noticed a small girl." Thor asked "I am responsible for her and when I suddenly found myself here she was not with me."

"I haven't seen anyone... But I can help you search."

"I would indeed be grateful for your aid."

They separated and Thor began once more moving slowly up the building.

The sunrise was just beginning to paint the sky as he sank into the couch with a heavy weight in his chest akin to despair. Love was lost.

"What madness is this, must I defeat you again?" The bearded man shouted suddenly from the stairway door. He ignited a glowing blade and launched himself at a younger man with curls and thin scar over his eye who stood somewhat bewildered in the doorway from the elevators. His blade also flamed to life and rose in defense.

"Obi wan wait!" he cried as he repelled the incoming attack and stepped to the side "you don't understand!"

"I understand what you have become." the attacks came fast and furious from both of them in mere moments.