Life's Pursuit {Book 2}

Chapter 10: The Unnamed

When the dust cleared from the landing of the Bifrost, the travelers emerged into the darkness of the planet, Unnamed. Thor, Loki and Jennica observed their surroundings, looking to see if they had landed where expected. Even, the Elvish soldier and their trusted friend, had been instructed to go with them after Kvasir had given final instructions and guidance. He was to help them navigate the temple and offer an extra set of firepower in case there was someone looking for a fight once they got inside.

The sky was a blanket of black and dark gray, the clouds swirling together in an ugly mess, rumbling with thunder. They produced no lightning or rain, as if the sky was groaning in anger. Thor was unbothered by the thunder, leading the group across the dry gravel that surrounded them. The small forest they entered was made up of dead and dying trees. No animals or other signs of life could be seen.

"Where do we go from here, Even?" Thor asked as they continued to walk. "There is no moon for us to follow."

"As long as we keep going straight, the woods should clear." Even answered from the back of the group. "Right on the outskirts should be a village, and below the mansion that housed these villagers' leader should be the temple, according to your book."

"Let's hope they're welcoming." Loki whispered to himself. If any of them are still alive.

The assumed village appeared after a moment's trek, dark and quiet. Within the village sat crumbling homes with clearly no sign of recent life. The wood on the homes were spotted with mold, moss was growing over the cobblestone, and most of the roofs were caved in.

"I wonder what happened here." Jennica said, looking around at the broken homes while they walked into the village center. "You would think the place that holds a literal temple to the Infinity Fractals would not be unnamed, and now abandoned."

Thor nodded. "I agree. The books spoke nothing of the details of this planet, they only offered coordinates."

"I would assume that maybe it was a better hiding place." Loki added. "I don't think these temples were made to bring any attention."

The mansion was just up ahead, resting on a hill. The destruction of its architecture was evidence of a fire that had burned its frame sometime in the past. As they entered through its broken doors, the floorboards squeaked beneath their feet. There were holes in the ceiling above them and the smell of smoke still lingered in the walls.

"Keep a lookout." Thor spoke, his voice low. "There could be someone hiding in here."

Even drew his sword to guard the other end of the group as Thor continued to lead. Loki was at the ready with his daggers and Jennica hoped she would be ready to use her fractals if need be. There wasn't any offered information on what life may have lived on this unnamed planet, but they weren't about to be caught by surprise. Based on the looks of the mansion, however, the previous owners didn't appear to be giants at least.

"Thor, we need to find a way to get below this ground floor." Even spoke up. "The temple is below us."

"I say we just smash through this floor." Thor replied, looking at an area that appeared to be sinking into the ground.

Loki chimed in. "That's always your default, isn't it? To break things, like the Hulk."

"Don't speak ill of my friend." Thor knew Banner's absence was a remaining wound for the team of Avengers back on earth, and he too wondered if the Hulk was still out there, alive.

"What? It's true, all he does is smash things."

"But you said it like it was a negative thing."

"Thor, Loki," Jennica interrupted them, her hands holding an orb of glowing light. "I can create an opening if you both are willing to step aside." She felt good being able to draw power from her fractals without them acting out. It gave her some confidence.