etrayalogs | I Got The Ways And Means To New Orleans [Closed]

Entry tags:

jl gods and monsters: kirk langstrom

I Got The Ways And Means To New Orleans [Closed]

WHO: Loki

godsandbats
WHEN:Backdated to the Chirper event, right after this.
WHERE: Kirk’s lab
WHAT: Doing some blood tests.
NOTES\WARNINGS: Talk of vampirism and blood. Will update if necessary.

As Loki makes his way to Kirk's lab, he can’t help but wonder what it is he’s doing. He wonders if he should’ve consulted with Hob before agreeing. Not that he requires permission, but this is starting to seem like something big and he likes to get his partner’s opinion on things. Even if just for a second opinion he trusts.

But it’s too late for that now, and really this is going to be more of a discussion, he’s sure. And maybe a few tests. Nothing too strange. Based on what he finds, he’s sure to tell Hob about it all once he has more information.

The closer he gets, the more excited he is. Loki has never met a vampire before, wasn’t sure they actually existed, and perhaps they didn’t in the timeline he is most familiar with. He’s always enjoyed learning new things and this is a prime example of that. Once he reaches the address Kirk provided, he knocks and politely waits at the door, even if he is feeling rather jittery.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

While Kirk also has trepidation about this endeavor, it's scientific curiosity that ultimately pushes him to do this. He's never met a frost giant or a Norse god before so the conversation could be very enlightening, even if it ultimately turns out Kirk can't use Loki's blood. To Kirk, if he truly intends to use Etraya as more research into better blood sources or a vampirism cure, then he has to take some risks.

Kirk was patiently waiting in the Tower of Justice's lobby when Loki knocks. He answers while dressed in his full Batman suit.

"Thank you for coming," he says.

He steps aside for Loki to walk in.

The Tower of Justice is massive. Unlike an Asgardian palace though, it's more cold and sterile than lavish. It seems it wasn't built to warmly greet visitors. For most humans, it may even come off as a bit intimidating. Right in the lobby is a massive statue of Lady Justice.

It's not typical for Loki to offer up something like this. Blood is the life source not just to vampires, after all. But curiosity has gotten the better of him and he knows well that he has superior healing. So what does it hurt to check this out? Maybe he can learn something new and help someone directly. He's spent so long being at a distances from everyone and everything, now that he's around people again, he finds it fascinating meeting new people and learning about them.

What better way to learn?

It doesn't take long for Kirk to answer the door and Loki will admit, he's a little surprised to see him in a full superhero-esque outfit. He doesn't really know him, so he should have no expectations about his choice of attire, but somehow he expected regular clothing anyway. Loki is dressed simply in a black suit. He's started to dress more casually at times more recently, but he wants to make a good impression. Plus, he feels more comfortable in a suit.

"It is no bother. I am always interested in learning something new." Loki steps into the hall and looks around. The statue is quite impressive. Sort of reminds him of the ones at the TVA. But the coldness of the building hardly bothers him. Loki knows all too well that it could just be a front, a deterrent to keep people away. Besides, everyone is different with different things.

"This is quite the place you have here. Do you live here alone?"

Kirk notes how unbothered Loki is by the Tower's sterility. That doesn't happen with most of the tower's visitors. But it makes sense if what Loki says is true.

"No. I have a teammate with me in Etraya," Kirk simply replies. "Back home, it's normally three of us."

He understands why the question. The Tower of Justice is overly large for three people. Though when all three can fly, the extra space is welcomed.

"I assume you can fly or teleport?"

It takes a lot to bother Loki on esthetics. Though he prefers his own home to be more warm, he can understand not necessarily wanting it to be inviting. He's much better with people now, is even in a relationship, but still only certain people are truly welcome in his inner sanctum. It's a guess, of course, but he thinks it likely this place is designed so that people may not want to come back.

"Oh, that's nice, having someone from home." Or at least he assumes. Most people would want that, and he admits if Mobius or Sylvie walked through the doors of Etraya one day, he'd be thrilled to see them. But again, to each their own. Loki grew up with a lot of his own space on Asgard and certainly knows it has its perks. He doesn't feel he needs that much space now, but he also likely wouldn't turn it down if it were on offer.

"I can teleport, yes. If I will be doing it here though, I will require precise co-ordinates. Saves the possibility of accidentally teleporting into a wall. That is not a fun experience." Loki is very powerful, but not infallible.

A corner of Kirk's lip twitches in mild amusement at the idea of Loki accidentally teleporting into a wall. It makes sense coordinates are needed to get the right landing. It's not the same kind of navigation as flight.

"Flight will be fine," he says before gesturing a floor entrance high above the statue of Lady Justice. "Just have to reach there and then I'll lead you to my lab."

The smirk does not go unnoticed, but that doesn't bother Loki. He also finds the idea of someone accidentally teleporting into a wall a bit amusing, but not if it's him doing it. It's a pain he can forgo by simply asking a few questions so that is what he does. He doesn't say any of that, of course, just smirks back in return before looking up to where Kirk gestures.

Tilting his head to the side as he assesses the area, he nods. "Yes, that will be fine." As long as he can see it, he can teleport there.

"See you up there then," Kirk says. He begins to levitate. Scalloped wings pop out from underneath his suit's sleeves and then he flies upwards.

Though he could've easily beaten Kirk to the top, Loki doesn't teleport immediately and instead stands there for a moment, watching how the other man rises up into the air. Loki is always fascinated by how others do these things, what their powers, or their technology has provided them. If he hadn't been in a state during his attack on New York, he definitely would've wanted to ask Stark about his metal suit.

Once Kirk begins to fly, Loki teleports to the top, making sure to meet him where he indicated. "Those wings are rather impressive. Did you build them or are they a part of you?"

Kirk smoothly lands at the top and his suit's scalloped wings withdraw back into his sleeves.

"Built them," Kirk replies. "Levitation is one of my abilities but it's not the same as flight. The wings supplement me and makes flying much more maneuverable for me."

"Levitation. That is handy. Seems like you have discovered a good mix of technology and magic." Loki is legitimately impressed. Despite what he has sometimes claimed, he isn't overly knowledgeable about a lot of technology. Though once he'd spent all those years learning about the Loom with O.B., he admits he's become far more curious about it in general.

"What else have you built?" Because Loki can't imagine the wings are the only thing he's designed. People who have that kind of ability rarely stop at one thing.

Kirk senses Loki's curiosity and he can't say he blames him for it. Not everyone is exposed to the same technology as he is and even by his world's standards, his combination of superpowers and his suit's abilities is rare. He would ask questions too if his and Loki's roles were reversed.

"A few weapons. Though my specialty tends to more chemical," He replies.

He starts leading Loki to his lab. As with the tower's ground floor, the hallway is also massive, cold, and sterile.

This kind of technology is simply not something that Asgard ever needed. And with Loki's natural abilities with magic, it isn't something he ever really needed to learn until everything happened with the loom at the TVA. He is a quick learner though and endlessly curious.

"Fascinating. I know even less about chemistry. My abilities tend to lie more in what most humans would refer to as physics, though it is not precisely the same thing."

Loki follows, taking in his surroundings. Since he's agreed to come to Kirk's lab, he's hardly surprised that the place is cold and sterile. In fact, he's glad it is. Would seem strange to him if it were not. "So tell me, what kind of tests will you be doing? What exactly are you looking for in my blood?"

Kirk is probably as curious about Loki as Loki is curious about him. It's part of why Kirk envelops himself so deeply into the sciences. They could help unlock explanations to countless areas.

"First analysis would be to see what it's made of," Kirk says as they keep walking. "I've never met a frost giant before. Humans are the majority species in my world. I would like to see how different it is from human, especially as that's the blood type I usually feed off of."

What is it with scientists always thinking they can find the answers to magic? Actually, Loki's seen a lot in his time and he thinks the two disciplines probably do have a lot in common with each other. For once, Loki is opening to finding out more, especially after all that time he spent learning about the loom.

And really, if they could combine magic and science, how much more powerful could they be? Enough to perhaps leave this place and find out what is really going on?

"I see, so at least to see if there are enough similarities that you will get nourishment from what is in my blood. Do you know what it is in particular that human blood has that you need?"

"Plasma would cover my basic nutritional needs," Kirk explains. "It's made of several chemicals my body lacks. Human blood's other components I can go longer without but it's not ideal."

For a supposed trickster god, Kirk so far finds Loki polite and curious.

"Have you met human physicists?"

Loki's earlier comment feeds more into Kirk's curiosity about the Asgardian.

"I see. I am guessing, since you mentioned something about being able to feed from animals, that this plasma is something that is common with mammals on your world?" Loki has no idea what the composition of his blood is. He doesn't know nearly enough about the Jotun in general. He should take some time to do more research, but honestly has no idea what Etraya might have on his kind. If he ever gets back home and has time while keeping the multiverse thriving, he'll make sure to find out more.

So much has changed since the last time Loki actually considered himself a trickster god. He hardly thinks the title suits him anymore, though there really is no way for most people to have discovered that yet.

"I do not believe so. I suppose Tony Stark might have had some education in the field, but we weren't exactly on speaking terms. Is he someone in your world?"

"Any animal that bleeds has plasma but blood from mammals are more compatible and so far, human blood would work best for me because I used to be human," Kirk explains.

He appreciates the questions that genuine curiosity. The opportunity to exchange knowledge is probably what Kirk likes best about Etraya.

"I'm not familiar with the name. I've learned some things in that field of study but biology and biochemistry are my specialties. They're focused on the building blocks of life instead of the building blocks of the universe."

“So what I’ve heard is true then? Vampires can turn humans into more vampires? I have often wondered what is myth and what is truth. I do not like to assume.” The Norns knew a lot has been assumed about his own race. Maybe if that had not been true, Loki wouldn’t have had as much difficulty accepting himself. He stops then, thinking some of his questions might be too personal. “Do you mind that I am asking about your vampirism? I’m not quite sure what is appropriate.”

Loki nods. “Yes that would make sense. Were you interested in biology and biochemistry before your change?” Yes, he realizes belatedly that he’s asked another question before getting confirmation that it is okay to ask these questions, he just can’t help himself.

“I have heard a theory that magic is just science that someone has not yet learned. If that is true, I suspect that my abilities are very similar to physics, but I like to think there truly is a difference. After all, not many can do what I can.” Loki might be reformed, but that doesn’t mean he can’t ever be pompous, does it?

Kirk remains patient with Loki's questions as his own curiosity about Loki is strong too. It's the nature of having people from different universes come together.

"I don't mind," he replies. Loki is at least asking him face to face and being honest. "As far as I'm aware of, the only one in my world with my condition. It's not like all those stories. I can't turn anyone into a vampire with my bite."

Not usually at least. Joe Chill was a particularly dark exception but thankfully, the circumstances surrounding his change are rare to repeat.

"I was always interested in biology and biochemistry ever since I was a kid. When I was still human."

He makes a turn and leads Loki to a dimly lit large lab.

"Superstitions and myths tend to be formed when current scientific knowledge doesn't have an explanation yet. The theory about magic and science is sound."

Loki would have to agree with that. He's seen vast numbers of worlds and timelines from his throne and it always keeps him curious, especially with how different things can get with the mere change of one person's decision. The unfortunate part is that until being taken away to Etraya, he's not really been able to talk to anyone about it. Even when he was first with the TVA, he hadn't really had the time to research the differences and why certain timelines were pruned while others were not.

All of this is just leading to Loki not being able to keep his mouth shut, apparently.

"I see. So that is not like the myths I have heard at all. May I ask how you did become a vampire then?" If it's too personal a question, he'll understand and let it drop, but he can't help but think he'll never learn if he doesn't ask.

"I wonder if in some cases science and magic are simply words for the same thing. I come from a place where many have abilities in magic. My mother... well, adoptive mother, taught me a lot about how to control my natural abilities and improve on my magic. It is a common thing there, but it is not something people do not understand. It is studied and learned much like science is in other worlds."

"My condition is a result of an experiment gone wrong," Kirk replies. Now did not feel like a good time to go into detail the entire ugly mess for why he was experimenting. His former collaboration with Will and later betrayal is still a difficult topic to talk about. "Since then I've been trying to find a cure."

Now in Kirk's dim lab, Kirk begins setting up equipment for blood drawing.

"It's possible magic and science are the same. Sometimes, science can seem like magic, even when you know the details behind the occurrence. The parallels they seem to have are why I'm hoping to learn more while I'm here in Etraya."

If he's honest, Loki is rather curious to know more about this experiment, but it doesn't take a genius to see that it is a sensitive topic. Perhaps if they become friends, Loki will enquire about it then, but for now he knows to keep his mouth shut. "I see. Well, I am not well versed in such things, but if ever I can help with trying to find that cure, I would be interested." Even if that is partially only because he wants to know more about Kirk's condition. Besides, the other thing Loki knows about himself is that he heals much faster than mortals. Who knows how else his blood might be able to help?

Loki stands back and watches Kirk set up with a keen eye. "Yes, that does seem at least possible. And Etraya is likely a good place to try these things out. There are so many people from so many worlds with such a variety of powers and abilities. It is bound to give you more options than only what is available in your home world alone."

"Precisely. As frustrating as it has been being trapped here, the diverse population we are can be an asset," Kirk says. It's how he's choosing to handle his stay in Etraya. Better to stay productive than keep waiting on the next mission.

"Are there others like yourself here?"

Kirk has had more than his fill of alternative universe Batmen at this point. He wonders if there were others who had similar multiverse problems.

"If I ever make it out of here, I will attempt to look for a timeline where the cure exists and try to get it to you." He doesn't explain how he will do that, but he sounds confident enough that Kirk might believe him. Loki doesn't know for sure that such a cure exists, but with sheer number of timelines in existence, there must be one.

"One of my variants? No. Though I did meet one during a mission briefly, but I have not seen them since." He pauses for effect and then smirks at Kirk. "Consider yourself lucky. Most versions of me are rather annoying."

Behind his red goggles and dark helmet, Kirk gives Loki a surprised look when the trickster talks about finding a cure for Kirk. It's quite the declaration to make to someone they barely know. Years of failed attempts at curing himself has tempered Kirk's need to be quickly hopeful so he won't be excited just yet. Still, it would be nice if it happens so he won't criticize either.

Kirk softly huffs when Loki smirks talking about variants.

"Unfortunately, I have my own experiences with 'variants,'" he admits before he begins taking off his helmet and goggles. "It hasn't been the most pleasant."

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject

no subject