by Alexie Aaron
“Maybe, instead, we could ask Baxter’s help in setting up a perimeter,” Ted suggested. “I seem to remember you being chased by a pair of hellhounds.”
“They’re fast,” Mia agreed.
“I understand that Charles has hired you to decode the symbols so the vault can be opened,” Burt clarified with Ted.
“I’ve not accepted employment. It’s not a treasure chest; it’s a door. The doorway opens access to this realm from the world of Niflheim and Muspell. We are entrusted to keep it closed until Odin, Vili, and Ve arrive with their army.”
“Charles is not going to like this. He’s convinced that this is the find of the century,” Bernard said.
“It is,” Mia said. “It’s going to end our world. Cid, please, could you give everyone a brief history of what is behind that door?”
“I can.”
“Speak, nerd boy,” Ted said.
Cid put his hand through his hair. “Most of this information comes from poems that were found in the 13th century. The poems were called Eddas. According to Norse lore, in the beginning there was nothing, just a foggy world with Niflheim, the dark world, to the north. In it were eleven poisonous rivers that were fed by one spring, Hvergelmir. Niflheim was icy cold unlike its counterpart in the south, the fire world of Muspell. This is where stands Surtr. He is older than the gods. He carries a sword of fire. He will stand there until the end of the world. There are many depictions of the creature, but no one has ever seen him.
“Between Niflheim and Muspell there was a vast nothingness. Over time, the fires from Muspell melted the edges of the great glaciers of Niflheim and life grew in the melted water. Two beings came forth: Ymir, the ancestor of all giants, and Audhumla, a cow whose milk flowed in the rivers and nourished Ymir. Audhumla licked the ice around her. She licked out people. Buri was the first. He is the ancestor of the Norse gods.”
“Interesting Adam and Eve story with no Eve,” Ralph commented.
“According to the Edda, Ymir slept, and from his body came a male and female giant, and a six-headed giant. From these, all giants came.”
“Phew, I thought this was going to be an asexual tale,” Ralph said, trying to ease the tension in the room.
“Ralph, please,” Bernard said. “This is important. Please continue, Cid.”
Cid nodded. “Buri, the first god, took a giant wife and from her came Odin, Vili, and Ve. For the sake of time, Ymir was killed by Odin, Vili, and Ve.”
“Why?” Mia asked.
“The three didn’t like that they were exposed living between Niflheim and Muspell, so they killed the giant and made a whole world from his parts. They made the beautiful land of Midgard and protected it with the dead giant’s eyelashes. Soon after, they formed the first two humans out of an ash and elm logs they found on the shore. The humans thrived in this beautiful land.”
“Now this sounds like Adam and Eve,” Ralph said, satisfied. “Where’s Midgard?”
“We’re in Midgard. The door is made of two of the eyelashes. It opens where Niflheim touches Muspell. When Odin, Vili, and Ve left this world, they closed all the doors to the other worlds for our protection. According to the information Jake has found, Charles has found one of the doors.”
“What happens if he succeeds in opening the door?” Ralph asked.
“First, the frost giants from Niflheim will cross over, and then Surtr will leave his post in Muspell and set the world afire before he kills the gods of the earth,” Cid told them.
“Oh my god!” Ralph exclaimed.
“Charles didn’t get lucky finding the missing verses to the poems,” Cid said. “According to Jake, who retrieved this information from a friend of ours in the dark web, the Cynosura has had them for over a hundred years. This door is their exit plan if they find their kingdom collapsing. They are counting on the light to send them to their star. The last time they had all this power, the door was under ice. They worked towards global warming until the island where the door resided was exposed.”
“The bastards!” Ralph exclaimed. “When did Charles start working for the Cynosura?”
“He isn’t. Amanda, most likely, is being influenced by them, much the same way they got control of Ted. Charles has always worked for Amanda,” Bernard reminded them. “I thought this was a legitimate discovery. I brought it here to the museum. I’m responsible for the end of the world.”
“Whoa, that’s a bit melodramatic,” Mia said.
“Bernard, that really should be my line,” Ralph pointed out.
“I can only stall Charles and his team so long. Ted, if you appear to be helping - but it takes awhile - this may be enough to pacify Charles,” Bernard said.
“Maybe we should consider a trade. We stop draining their accounts, and they give us the door back,” Mia said.
“I fear we may be too far along for this to work,” Ted said honestly. “But Victor may be able to convince them. And then maybe you won’t have to do your thing.”
The men in the room turned and looked at Mia.
“How are you involved?” Burt asked her, concerned.
“Oh geeze, I may need a whiteboard to explain this.”
“Try, Minnie Mouse,” Ted said, putting his arm around her for her comfort.
“It’s a bit complicated, but it may have started with our investigation at the Château Nocturne. Murphy and I met the goddess Nyx. She bestowed upon me gifts. One I used to rescue Quentin from the beast. I wasn’t sure what the other one was until things happened in my life that were shown in a prophesy book. It confirmed my role and, more importantly, that the gift she gave me was to make me her daughter. I am a daughter of Nyx. I have infinite power in battle, supposedly,” Mia added, rolling her eyes. “It hasn’t been tested.”
“Mia, may I?” Bernard asked.
“Please.”
“The prophesy tells us that, when things are the darkest for the planet, Nyx will birth a child to bring back the light. The child will be an angel who will arrive on a winged horse leading a hundred legions of warriors. It doesn’t mention the door specifically, but we assume that Odin reclaimed a favor. Nyx can see forwards and backwards. She saw this problem and sought out a daughter. The daughter is Mia.”
“Are you sure?” Ralph asked. “She’s no angel.”
“I’m part angel on my mother’s side. Michael has loaned me to Lucifer. Lucifer will be my general. My job is to contain the giants until Odin, Vili, and Ve reach us. I was rather dubious about this, but the signs have been confirmed. I need to prepare myself to appear, if only to confirm the prophesy,” Mia said. “This may be enough to stop the giants.”
“I remember one thing when I was studying mythologies, and I think we need to keep it in mind,” Cid advised. “The gods and goddesses are tricksters. They like nothing more than to create melodrama, tragedies, and comedies.”
“That explains my last few weeks,” Mia said to herself.
“Can we trust that Odin, Vili, and Ve are actually coming?” Ralph asked.
Ted pulled out his iPad, connected to the museum network, and activated the app Jake made. He handed it to Ralph and asked him to pass it around. “I’ll download the app to your server. This way, we can check anywhere in the museum. This is where the three riders are now. They appear as a contained cold front to human eyes.”
“How does he get this stuff?” Mia asked Ted.
“This came from an old friend of yours, Billy.”
“Huh, I thought they were just screwing around in the dark web,” Mia admitted.
Ted stroked Mia’s back. She leaned against him.
“Burt, do you have a plan to keep the museum in one piece?” Bernard asked.
“I’d like to get Mia’s input and maybe Baxter. I think that we’ll try to contain the ghosts as best as we can. But the door has to be moved outside of the building. If not, the ghosts will draw enough power to leave the building and probably take their things with them.”
“I would also like to remind
you that there are two pirate ships full of blaggards just itching to loot this place,” Mia said. “When they come ashore, they are ghosts, but the door makes them highly functioning ghosts. Also, Bill and Shelley are planning on taking the yellow diamond as soon as they have enough power.”
“I don’t think it’s too early to retire,” Ralph said to Bernard.
~
Mia sat down on a bench. She went over the plans and supply lists she had so far. Burt sat down beside her and sighed.
Mia looked over at him. “Do you think we can collect enough Himalayan salt and activate it, so it calms the ghosts, and keep the museum ghosts in the museum?”
“I’ll see if Cid thinks we can oxidize it and send it through the heating and cooling system. Otherwise, we could place mounds of it on each floor. That’s an inspired idea, Mia.”
“Yup, not my usual claptrap.”
“Honey, you’re too hard on yourself.” Burt reached over, squeezed her hand, and let it go. “Mia, we’ve had a lot of fun, you and me. A lot of arguments too.”
“I think we’re a good balance for each other. Ted has Cid, I have you.”
“I’m complimented.”
“It’s true. I know you’ve been looking out for me.”
“It’s nothing that any ex-lover, living free of charge off his ex, wouldn’t do.”
“If Ted starts acting odd, give him a break. He’s been stuck on a problem. He’s what we call numbers-numb.”
“I’ll be there for Ted.”
“Thanks. Burt, I’m not sure I’m going to survive this if the door opens.”
“Don’t think that way.”
“I have Lucifer as my commander. He’s no Ted when it comes to battle strategy.”
“You have Abigor. He’ll come through.”
“There’s this little voice inside me that’s telling me that Abigor and I will die out there fighting these frost giants.”
“If you do, then we all die. Hey, we’ll all be together again driving Murphy crazy in his realm.”
“We could have a ghost free-for-all and give our competition headaches.”
“Leave it to you to find the silver lining, Bebe.”
“Come on, we have half a museum to plan out.”
“When we’re finished, I’m going over to see Quentin and Baxter until Ted is finished with his assessment with my father. Would you like to come?”
“I’m going to be busy getting these provisions, but thank you for the invitation.”
“No problem.”
~
Quentin met her at the door full of questions. “Mia, what’s going on? We’ve been reading about the attack last night at the north parking garage near the museum. Something large killed something that they couldn’t identify. All that was mentioned was that they found a green slime trail that disappeared into a wall. When the police arrived, they noticed that the museum’s windows were plastered with bugs. When one of them walked over to investigate, he found that all the bugs were on the inside. Some had pins sticking into their bodies. He took a picture.” Quentin handed her an iPad with the picture from the news article enlarged.
Mia identified an Erotylidae and a Gibbifre californicus. Their colorful bodies were a favorite of collectors. “Not from around here. They are from a museum collection. I think the door is waking the dead. Good thing Sue’s - the T. rex - real head isn’t attached to her body. Or they’d have a Night at the Museum scenario on their hands.”
“What can I do to help?” Baxter asked.
“Do you think that you can put a forcefield around the door?”
“I can try. But my forcefields don’t keep things in. For example, nothing can come in here unless we open the door, but we can walk out at any time.”
“I guess it would keep Charles from opening the door if Ted can’t convince him to wait.”
“Why would waiting help?”
“Because, evidently, there are a thousand fierce Norse fighters being led by Odin, Vili, and Ve moving their way down through Canada, but it’s going to take time.”
“Why?”
“Something about not having the power to just appear?”
“Maybe they are gathering power. The longer the trek, the mightier the army,” Quentin said.
“That doesn’t make any sense? The longer the journey, the more tired a foot army would be,” Mia questioned.
“They may be using a gathering spell,” Baxter said thoughtfully. “I take it, this army isn’t from Earth 2018.”
“No. They are the valiant warriors who were promised Valhalla for their bravery. Odin may have brought them with him when he sensed someone was messing with the door.”
“How many is he bringing?”
“A thousand. That hardly seems enough,” Mia commented.
“Don’t discount a Norseman,” Quentin said. “Remember, Victor is from there. Think if you had a thousand Victors…”
“I can’t handle one,” Mia said. “A thousand Victors, now I’m encouraged. Speaking of Victor, he’s going to be training me. I’d rather have Nicholai, but that’s not what the fates have planned.”
“Mia, why is Victor such a pain in your side?” Baxter asked.
“He’s not a fan of mine. I can’t twist him around my finger,” Mia admitted.
“I sense there is more.”
“Soren has petitioned Michael to bind me to Victor when Ted’s natural life ends.”
“Can Michael do that?” Quentin asked.
“No. He doesn’t own me. But Soren doesn’t know that. He feels that an alliance between Heaven and the Brotherhood would be solidified with the marriage of an angel and a birdman, but angels don’t like birdmen and vice versa. I think he’s looking to the future, and unfortunately, his gaze fell upon me at the trial that you were so kind to testify at, Quentin.”
“Why not Angelo?” Baxter asked. “He would be a better choice for you.”
“I don’t want to marry anyone! Ted will be my only husband. I’m not a chattel to be bargained with. If I outlive Ted, then I’m just going to find something useful to do until it’s my time.”
“You’re trying to tell me that birthing strong Nordic birdmen isn’t useful?” Quentin teased.
“Sometimes I hate you.”
“I take it that you have no romantic feelings toward Victor?”
“No. And I do believe he’s thirty degrees shy from hating me. Soren has already approached him, and he’s going to take it out on me in training.”
“Good,” Baxter said.
“I still want to know why Angelo is being overlooked. You would have beautiful babies with big brown eyes,” Quentin said.
“Cut that out. I’m not a brood mare,” Mia snapped.
“Quentin, don’t push Mia,” Baxter warned. “She is having enough trouble with the universe right now.”
“You’re right. I’m sorry, Mia. It’s your fault though. You are too nice to these characters. You’re too nice to us, and we’re villains.”
“Villains?”
“Mia, Baxter is an evil wizard who sleeps with nymphs. I’m a reformed Nephilim who has spent my life on Lucifer’s side.”
“I think, in your case, Quentin, if the angels hadn’t rejected you, then you would have been on a different path. It’s their loss. You’re a smart, funny, lovable man, who I’m honored to call family. As far as Baxter sleeping with nymphs, it’s no one’s business what his sexual orientation is as long as he’s not hurting anyone or anything. My godfathers have been denied so much just because they love each other. I have seen the world finally embrace the idea of same-sex marriage and then reject it when the political climate changed. I’ll be damned if I’m going to let Soren and Michael determine my future.”
“I think one of them has already started. Who convinced you to join Team Lucifer?” Baxter asked.
“Michael.”
“How did he do that?”
“Told me… Ah shit. This prophesy…”
“Prophesies ar
e glimpses into the future. But the future is always changing. You fit the bill, but it didn’t have to be you. I think, if you can be honest with yourself, you’re happy it’s you. You know your strengths and the weaknesses of Lucifer’s demons. You enjoy battle; although, you don’t like senseless slaughter.”
“I’m responsible for my own destiny,” Mia said.
“Yes.”
“I cause my own problems.”
“Yes.”
“I’m an adrenaline junkie.”
“Unfortunately, yes.”
“No,” Quentin objected. “Fortunately for us because, frankly, I’ve seen Lucifer’s group. Sure, they can win a few fights with angels, and humans - who are like shooting fish in a bucket. But this force from the Norse realm is powerful. I’m puzzled why the hell Lucifer was put in charge of the earth’s defense. After all, he failed with the Heaven coup. His Achilles heel is his short game. He can play a long game, but this may be an intense, short battle.”
“I agree with you,” Mia said. “Ted and Cid are better.”
“Who’s best?” Baxter asked.
“Ted because he can make the tough calls. He looks at things unemotionally. Cid balances him, but I don’t think Cid can deal with sacrifices. I can’t. I’d rather it be me who gets hurt than one of my soldiers. This is why I’m not a leader. I can’t make the hard emotional decisions, and I’m volatile.”
“Is it because you’re a woman?” Quentin asked.
Mia gave Quentin the stink eye. “No. There are many great leaders who are female. I just know my strengths and weaknesses.”
“If Victor was to lead this battle, how would you feel?” Baxter asked.
“I think he would be a great choice.”
“Would you listen to him?” Baxter asked.
“I didn’t when he wanted me to kill Quentin.”
“I’m glad she didn’t,” Quentin said.
“Mia, you’re not a good soldier. Don’t get me wrong, you’re a great battler, but you don’t have the mindset to follow orders blindly,” Baxter said. “But your short game is the best I’ve seen. You and Murphy together are almost unstoppable.”