Mythlands: THE HEIST

Part Two: Missing Friends

*** *** Weekend Write-In for 11th May 2018 *** ***

" missing": In 500 words, tell what happens when it is missing

It is said that the decisions we make impact our lives and our stories. Decide on one path or course of action, and you have committed yourself to consequences unforeseen.

So always think before you act and choose wisely.

Because the wrong choice could lead to disaster. 

But despite the fact that this entire reality was predicated on one set of choices - and indeed inexorable circumstances, and that he and his friends were here to see what 'not to do,' logic can oft times fly out of the window when emotion is involved.

And make no mistake, The Hare was a creature of emotion. He was passionate, he was instinctive and though not unintelligent, he had never made thought before action, a priority.

Therefore, despite the mission. Despite all rational logic and the fate of a world upon his furry shoulders, the Hare had only one over-riding thought. Rescue his oldest friend. If there was even a tiny possibility that The Tortoise was still alive, then he was going to move heaven and earth to find out.

He had sprung from the maintenance shaft and bounded exactly three feet in the direction of The Tortoise's office, here on the Apex - the top floor of the Castle, Corporate HQ of Mythical Creatures Interdimensional - when Ariel's energy bolt hit him in the back of the head.

Goldie Lochs was up and out in a microsecond. 'I flamin' knew it!'

Jessica was right behind. 'Is he alright?'

Ariel floated over, glowing brightly. 'Aye mistress Jessica. Though I would lief see this thrice poxed soft and dull eyed fool lie sticken pon the ground, like ... ah, but soft, for thy sake, I hath not caused injurious wrath pon the mammering dewberry.'

Future Hare emerged, followed by the others. 'Me! What have you done.'

Jessica held up her compact. 'She saved him. Magic took a look in Tortoise's office and warned me - the only thing Hare would have found waiting for him was a trap!'

*

In the aforementioned office, Captain Goldie Lochs (scarred future even more hard boiled version) glared into the screen on the Tortoise's desk. 'There ... an energy spike.'

She was looking over the shoulders of a teen hacker, previously employed by Loki, but now co-opted into working for The Mouse. 

Lightman looked up. 'The signature matches our bio scans for Ariel.'

Captain Lochs slammed her fist on the desk. 'Mouse was right. They WERE heading for the Apex to disrupt the opening. I want everyone to converge on the roof. GO!'

Her minions poured from the large suite of rooms as Goldie pulled out her phone.

*

In his rooms, The Mouse was zipping himself up and glaring with irritation at a naked sobbing Gemini who was lying in his bed.

'Shut the ho ho, fuck up, bitch!' He started towards her, raising his big white gloved hand, when ...

'What?'

'Sir. Ariel's on the roof.'

'What about the hah hah, Hare?'

'Didn't take the bait but we'll have them all soon.'

The Mouse smiled and ignoring Gemini, exited his rooms. 'Excellent work, ho ho, Captain.'

A figure waiting outside fell in behind him. As The Mouse strode towards his private elevator, the figure behind him grew and bulked up.

Guards and loyal minions joined them and The Mouse, his eyes still red and dilated from the cocaine he had been snorting, smiled. Though things had gone differently with Ariel, than anticipated, his major skill was to adapt to new circumstances.

Still, it didn't hurt to have an ace or two in your sleeve ... or in your pocket.

The Mouse removed the small black mirror - it had two chains across it, glowing sightly with mystic energy - in the surface of the mirror, tortured eyes looked up at him.

'Did I do well master?' came the voice of the Magic Mirror. 'You're not displeased? You know I only see some of the big picture.'

The Mouse didn't deign to answer, but he was glad he had discovered the Mirror in the magical vault of his old, dead friend Bad Merlin, last week. Plans already in motion, had the added element of partial knowledge of the future. The portal would open and Ariel was the key to powering it, as he had suspected.

All Hail the Great Old Ones!