The Motive
It was a late night, but the Black Market was still bustling with life. Ricky was making his rounds around the Black Market, searching for lost magical relics and antiques that he could collect or sell. Ricky had to make his round by himself just for today because Bast was needed back at Ma’at for something. Bast couldn’t exactly explain to Ricky what it was, but she assured him that it wasn’t really anything special. Thus, Ricky went to the Black Market himself, at least that’s what he intended to do.
Loki dropped by the antique store earlier that day because he wanted to check in with Dracula. Ricky and Bast had always been very skeptical of Loki. They were fully aware that Loki is the god of mischief in Asgard. As a result, the two knew that Loki had ulterior motives in mind. Ricky and Bast have yet to figure out what Loki really wants and tried to keep Loki around to learn more. Ricky and Bast don’t really like Loki. Loki was too arrogant and cocky for them both, but for the sake of figuring out Loki’s plans Ricky decided to ask Loki to come to the Black Market with him.
Ricky and Loki roamed the Black Market, looking for anything interesting or useful that they could use. As they kept looking, Loki started talking to one of the vendors. Loki especially chatted up with a vendor who was wearing a Thor prayer mask. Ricky sighed as he continued along. Loki has always been interested with people wearing prayer masks that represent a Norse god. Ricky turned his head away from Loki and at that moment, Loki shouted his name.
“Hey Ricky, check out what this guy has,” shouted Loki.
Ricky scurried along to Loki and peered down in his hands.
“Within this canister is Zeus’s thunderbolt. How do you think this guy got it? I mean, look at this thing,” Loki beamed.
“We should give this to Dracula. It could be very useful for Dracula’s plot,” Ricky whispered.
“No! I’m going to keep this. I found it and I’m going to buy it,” Loki retorted.
“I’ll sell it to whoever pays more,” the vendor interjected.
“I’ll give you my helmet,” Loki quickly replied.
“I’ll give you one ton of gold,” Ricky calmly said.
“Sold to the one ton of gold,” the vendor gleefully exclaimed.
Ricky snatched the canister out of Loki’s hand and quickly walked away with it.
“It was good doing business with you! Please come again,” shouted the vendor.
Loki stormed up to Ricky, fuming with anger.
“I am going to take that from you! Give it to me,” Loki vented.
“Absolutely not. I am going to give it to Dracula because it could be extremely useful. If he doesn’t want it, then I’ll put it on display in my antique shop. Besides why do you want it so badly?” Ricky shrugged.
“I…I just want it. It looks cool and I can use it,” Loki said flustered.
“Use it for what exactly? To betray us? You probably will anyway,” Ricky provoked.
“Not at all! I just want to help that vampire attain his goal. That’s all,” Loki meekly replied.
“I’m just kidding Loki. Stop getting so defensive. It’s like you’re hiding something,” Ricky laughed.
“I’m not! And that wasn’t funny! Apologize and bow to me now, you filthy human,” Loki bellowed lividly.
Ricky gave Loki the cold shoulder and continued walking. Loki raised his staff in anger and prepared for an attack. Suddenly, a black cat jumps onto Loki and scratched up his face, causing a startled Loki to fall in pain. Ricky turned around and smiled.
“I can recognize that black cat anywhere. I thought you weren’t going to come.” Ricky questioned.
The black cat transformed into her human form and looked at Ricky.
“Hello Ricky. I finished my business earlier than expected,” replied the humanoid.
“I’m glad you made it Bast,” Ricky said.
Bast looked at Ricky’s hand and her eyes grew.
“That’s Zeus’s thunderbolt! Where did you get it?” Bast exclaimed.
“I got it from the vendor with the Thor prayer mask,” Ricky replied.
“What are you going to do with it?” Bast questioned.
“Well I’m going to run it by Dracula first. If he doesn’t want it then I’ll just trophy it in my antique shop.” Ricky said.
Bast sighed and scowled at Ricky.
“Why do you like Dracula so much? He doesn’t deserve this. He doesn’t deserve your help. I don’t understand you. Dracula is a piece of-“ Bast scolded.
“I’m just curious what will happen with the world if Dracula gets what he wants. I think it’ll be interesting don’t you think?” Ricky interrupted.
Bast just sighed and listened to her human friend. Everything about Dracula pissed her off. Dracula has always been disrespecting her and often rude to her. In fact, Bast can’t recount any times where Dracula has even acknowledged her presence.
“I just don’t like Dracula. He never respects me or treats me nicely,” Bast sullenly spoke.
“I will talk to Dracula. Relax, Bast. I have my ways with him. I’ll make sure he treats you nicely,” Ricky comforted.
“Speaking of which, I think I figured out Loki's hiding something,” Ricky mischievously said.
“Oh, do tell,” Bast played.
“I will tell you when we get back to the antique shop,” Ricky taunted.
“What about Loki?” Bast questioned.
“Oh, leave him. He’ll be fine,” Ricky laughed.
They both looked behind them and watched as Loki struggled to stop his face from bleeding.
“You cut pretty deep Bast,” Bast inquired
“Yeah, that was the point,” Bast said gleefully.
Bast smiled, turned into her cat form and wrapped herself around the back of Ricky’s neck. Ricky petted her and continue walking away from the Black Market with a devilish smile on his face while Bast purred.
Comments