This is a “side” story that goes along with the original Halloween Special short I wrote last year. It follows Loki up until He gets locked in the pantry/closet.

“Let’s see, which house would be a good place to…” Loki talked aloud to Himself as He walked down the autumn-colored neighborhood street. It was mid-morning; the skies were blanketed in dark clouds. Tiny pockets would sometimes break and let a sliver of sunlight slip through. His pace was brisk as He made His way. He was searching for a particular house to throw a Halloween party for a good friend of His. A human He had met. Each house He came to was either still occupied or just didn’t click with Him. He stopped at the end of the sidewalk and pulled His phone from His pocket. He was dressed for the season. A black, candy corn print t-shirt with the phrase “Hallo-sweet baby” with a black and orange unzipped sweater and dark colored pants. He scrolled through His phone and finally tapped a name. There were a few rings then the voicemail played. He groaned “for real, Raven?” He put the phone away. A light breeze stirred and kicked up some brown leaves and that danced around His red and white sneakers. He looked to the sky and ran His hand through His ombre-flame locks. “I need to find a house, like right now or I won’t be doing anything for Birdie.” Loki found the human’s Halloween fun, entertaining. It was something that reminded Him of better days, long-lost better days. He especially loved the candy, tricks and of course the parties.  

    While admiring the autumn colors a large raven landed on a nearby stop sign and cawed directly at Loki. He smirked and walked over the bird. “So Grim, spying on Me again?” He asked as He teased the bird by gently tugging on its tail feathers. It made an annoyed croak and flapped its wings. “No, I’m not.” A low, cool voice said behind Loki. He whirled around and saw His brother standing there. “What the fuck…!” Odin stood with a pleased smirk across His lips. Arms folded behind His back and cloaked in clothes that were darker than midnight. His traveler hat shadowed part of His face. To hide His missing eye. “Ugh, why do You always have to skulk like that?” Odin remained silent. “So, when are You going to take My advice and dress to actually fit in? You know, You’re gonna cause problems for Birdie if You show up dressed like that! What happened to the whole disguise thing?” Odin found Loki’s rant amusing. “I only reveal Myself when she is alone.” Loki rolled His eyes “whatever.” and He took off to continue to look for a house to throw the party in. Odin followed Loki in silence. Without turning “so, do You really think Raven will like this party?” Loki asked Odin, hoping for a little insight. Odin spent more time with Raven than Loki could. “She has been talking about this holiday for weeks. I would say she would appreciate the effort You are putting in for her.” Loki stopped and turned to His fellow God “why can’t You just help Me out for once? And what do You mean by “effort”? She loves Halloween! I think she’d like a real party!” Odin chuckled. “Oh, wait…” Loki crossed His arms “is this because You’re in My debt now?” Odin’s grin faded and Loki continued “Are You mad because for once You owe Me and not the other way around? And I’m talking about just You, not the rest of Them… wherever They are…” Odin rushed Loki and loomed over Him, like a specter “I do indeed owe You. I will return the favor when I deem fit. This is but a trivial matter. There are more…” Odin was interrupted by Loki who pointed the lighted screen of His phone at Odin’s face “looks like Birdie is looking for You Grim.” Odin yanked the device from Loki’s hand and read the text.  

Raven: “Hey, Loki. Have You seen Odin today? I wanted to ask Him something, but He doesn’t seem to be around.” 

Odin passed the phone back to Loki. “I will go to her…” He turned to leave but hesitated then turned back to Loki “I think the Little Bird might enjoy the party more, if You were to include her friends. She is close to them, very close.” and at that Odin vanished. Loki scoffed “was it really that hard to just answer My question? Yeesh.” Loki shrugged and continued His search for a house. He turned down a street and walked a bit more then stopped. A few yards away He spotted what looked like the perfect house! He ran over to it and stopped at the edge of the property. It really was perfect! It looked just like a cliché haunted house! Victorian, abandoned, decrepit, and best of all, it gave off a very unsettling feeling. “Holy shit! This is perfect!” He screamed excitedly and pumped His fists in the air. He took out His phone to call Raven again but this time it went straight to voicemail. “Well, she’s probably with Grim.” He said quietly to Himself. He looked up at the house and in one of the second story windows He thought He saw a shadow pass. He rubbed His eyes “eh, might be a squatter. I better go have a look around really quick. Make sure there isn’t anyone in there.” He hopped the old wrought iron gate and made His way up to the old house. As He stepped on the first step it made the most unsettling creak He’d ever heard. He grinned wide “oh, this is gonna be so good.” He had a fun idea stirring in His brain. A little pre-Halloween prank. When He reached the door, just before He gripped the doorknob an odd sensation passed through Him. He looked around but saw nothing around. Just the street and the other houses. He shrugged and went inside the house. 

Though it was daytime, the cloud cover essentially prevented any light from entering the house. He dug around in His pocket and pulled out a small flashlight and clicked it on. He shined the flashlight around the room, and it revealed an extremely dilapidated interior. Peeling wallpaper, destroyed, damaged furniture and a plethora of cobwebs. He began to explore the first floor. He passed some stairs leading up to the second floor and a shadow skittered up them. He quickly turned around but saw nothing. He chuckled to Himself “wow, come on, what is wrong with Me.” He said nervously. He wandered around a while longer. He went from room to room. Two doors in the hallway seemed to be locked or maybe blocked. He found a large dining room complete with a dining set, though many of the chairs were damaged. He looked across the room and found two more doors. He tried the larger door, but something seemed to block it. He tried the second door and it opened, it appeared to be a closet or pantry. He shut it and went back to the house’s entrance. He shined His flashlight up the stairs, and He thought He saw something dart from the light. He decided to check it out. As He climbed the stairs, He felt a vibration in His pocket. He took His phone out. It was a text message from Raven.  

Raven: Sorry, I missed Your call Loki. Odin popped in. I know You probably sent Him. Thanks <3.”  

Loki rolled His eyes and put the phone away. “No use calling her now since He’s there.” He thought to Himself and put the phone away. He made it to the second floor and explored it. Most of the doors were locked or blocked. Except for two, a bathroom and a bedroom. He finished His exploration and sighed “well there isn’t anyone here, and no signs of a squatter either.” He shrugged and He headed back down. He thought of a fun little prank to pull on Raven. First, He’d draw a map how to get here basically “lure” here. What would be the excuse? Halloween of course! He reached the first floor and His foot kicked something hard and He looked down. It was an odd, shaped rock. He knelt and picked it up. He observed it for a moment, it felt familiar to Him but couldn’t explain it. He finally shrugged and tossed the rock away and left. 

He made HIs way back to the little apartment He shared with a gloomy, bitter roommate. He burst through the door and went right to His room. “Hey! I’m streaming the new Dusklight movie, can’t you be quieter!?” His roommate yelled. Loki popped His head out from His room “Quinn, aren’t you a little old to be watching to be watching tween werewolf movies?” Loki snapped back. Quinn was Loki’s roommate. He was a short lanky middle-aged man. He wore clothing that was too big for him, sandals and his long greasy-looking dirty blond hair in a low ponytail. They didn’t talk much to each other. Any attempt Loki made to socialize; Quinn would brush Him off. He was either busy trolling people on social media, streaming teen and tween movies or playing video games. Loki was grateful though, as Quinn never asked how He came up with His half of the rent and bills, but other than that Loki didn’t really care for His roommate. Quinn flipped Loki the bird and went back to his movie. Loki snickered and ducked into His room. He grabbed a stack of yellowed papers and fished a pen from a His nightstand and plopped down on His bed to draw. He drew out a map that would lead Raven to the house. When He was finished, He admired work. He made a chef’s kiss motion “ah! Truly worthy of the Louve!” He turned the “map” over and wrote “Follow me for a one-of-a-kind Halloween treat! Find the house with the lit jack o lantern.” He grinned “that ought to do it!” He said excitedly. “Wait till Birdie sees the surprise.” There was a knock on the door. “Hey, uh Russ pizza’s here, you want any?” Loki opened the door “are there any jalapenos?” He asked. Quinn raised an eyebrow “uh, why? You hate them or something?” Loki scoffed “no, it’s the only wait to eat pizza, that and pineapple.” Quinn recoiled “ugh, dude, pineapple really?” Loki snickered. Quinn shrugged off Loki’s snicker “No, pineapple, but there are plenty of ‘penos though.” Loki gave a thumbs up and joined His roommate for late lunch pizza.  

It was quiet till Quinn asked Loki “Hey, there was a girl named Raven that stopped by looking for some guy named Loki, do you know her? She was pretty hot; I should have gotten her number.” Loki nearly choked on His pizza “Raven!? She stopped by, when?” Quinn shrugged this morning I guess “I told her there was no Loki guy here. Loki is kinda a dumb name though. Who name’s their kid Loki?” Loki snorted “well it’s better than Quinn. Loki is a sexy as fuck name. I’d name My kid Loki.” Quinn shrugged “You know that Raven girl though? Dude, she is hot. Her tits were perfect too, and her thighs.” Loki chuckled darkly and shoved a piece of pizza in His mouth “yeah well, she already has someone.” He said with a mouthful. Quinn dropped his pizza “yeah, really? I bet the guy is just some cuck. I bet he treats her like shit anyways. Girls like her like the assholes.” Loki spat His pizza out in a fit of laughter “Oh, man. If only Grim were here to hear that.” He let His thought slip out and Quinn looked at Loki with annoyance “What kind of name is Grim? He sounds like one of those little emo bitch boys.” Loki laughed even harder, until tears formed in His eyes. Quinn stood up “hey just give me her number, you’re friends, right? I’ll let your half of the internet slide this month.” Loki wiped His face “not in million years. I’d rather give her number to Hairy Dave at the corner store than you. I mean you practically hate women, always calling them names and accusing them of ruining your life, even if you don’t know them. Which is fucking stupid, not gonna lie.” Quinn turned a deep red and screamed at Loki “you’re a fucking asshole! Do you know what women do to me!?” Loki leaned back in His chair and rolled His eyes. “Here we go again.” He thought to Himself. “They make fun of my hobbies! My D&D club! They even make fun of the way I look!” Loki tugged at His own red locks trying to distract Himself from getting up and punching him “Ok number one you stream movies and play video games all day. You quit your job to do that, and you barely make any money off your “livestreams”. I said use it as a side job, not your main. You collect little horse toys and half naked statues of girls, and some look really “wrong” and horribly written vampire and wizard books. Two, you literally gatekeep women from your D&D games! You make them jump through hoops and quizzes because you don’t think they know what they’re doing. Ok, yeah making fun of your looks is fucked up but maybe, I don’t know take a shower once in a while? And no, those idiots on that TipTop app are wrong, women don’t want your “musky stank” they like guys who don’t smell like a landfill. Change your shitty attitude and take a shower, then you might actually meet someone.” 

Loki stood up and stared down an angry and shaken Quinn. His biting truth rattled Quinn to his core. Loki finally had enough of Quinn’s shitty attitude and talking about Raven like she was just another “thing” sent Him over the edge. He left the quivering man standing alone and went to His room. He gathered up what little things He had, stuffed them all into His suitcase and left. Quinn ran to the front door “you know what! Fuck you and your slut friend.” Loki stopped and dropped His suitcase. He turned around slowly “you know Quinn, I was just going to walk away. Keep My promise to someone special. But you are just insufferable.” Loki snapped His fingers and from the tips a small streak of light shot out and whizzed past Quinn’s head There was a popping sound. The angry roommate turned around and saw his beloved computer and its set-up engulfed in flames. “Noooo!” he screamed. Loki picked up His suitcase and left. He found a nearby motel and checked in. He threw His suitcase on the bed and flopped down on. He pulled His phone out. No texts, no calls. He snorted and dropped His phone down. He laid there for a while before ordering some food. It was evening and He was bored. He flipped through the tv stations, nothing interesting. He scrolled through His social media, posted some memes and trolled a few jerks, watched videos. His food arrived and enjoyed His dinner of Indian food. The spicy curry hit the spot on the chilly October evening. It even seemed to lift His spirits and He decided to put His Halloween prank into motion a few days early. He changed out of His outfit and dawned a new Halloween print t-shirt and His favorite red zip hoodie. 

Loki took His homemade map and made His way to Raven’s home. “Let’s see, how should I give Birdie a good, fun scare?” He thought to Himself. “Maybe I’ll hide? Nah, too lame…pretend to be hurt?” He cringed at that one “eh, that might be too extreme, I want her to laugh not cry!” He stopped and snapped His fingers “I know! I’ll rig some cheesy ghost haunting! Birdie likes silly things like that, plus the house does have a major creep factor. She’ll definitely scream and laugh!” He practically exclaimed out loud. He looked around and saw someone walking their dog who gave Loki a concerned look. “Happy Halloween!” He said as He waved. The person picked up their dog and bolted. Loki laughed and continued His walk to Raven’s house. He finally made it and stopped at the edge of driveway and pulled out His phone “nine thirty. Great this should give her plenty of time to find the place and for Me to set up My little prank.”  He put His phone away and looked around to make sure no one was around. Clear. He shifted into a small brown sparrow and took flight. He flew into an open window on the second story and landed on a table inside. He sat there for a moment observing His surroundings then assumed His normal form. “Which one is Birdie’s room?” He thought to Himself. He had never actually been inside her home before. He heard talking come from a nearby door. He walked lightly and pressed His ear to the door; He heard two voices one male and one female. Not who He was looking for. He stepped away and headed to the other door, He lightly tapped the door but there was no response, so He tried the knob. He opened it and it was a bathroom. He closed the door and looked around “is there another room? There has to be.” He walked further down the hallway and turned a small corner and found another door. “This has to be Birdie’s.” He tapped the door lightly but no response. He reached for the doorknob. He then heard a voice and turned quickly. It was Hs brother “What are You doing here Loki?” He asked. Loki grinned “just wanted to give Birdie something.” Odin shook His head “she’s not here, but she should be here soon. She’s with her friend Crow.” Loki nodded “Ok, well I guess I’ll be leaving now.” He dropped the “map” and slid it under the door with His foot. “Well, see ya later Grim.” He said and shifted into the brown sparrow again and left. Odin looked at the door and smiled and shook His head. 

Loki flew to the old house and shifted once more. He walked into the house’s yard and clapped His hands together. “Ok, now I need a pumpkin.” He knelt and buried His hands into the dirt. “Let’s see how did Goldie do this?” He closed His eyes and sent a burst of His own will into the ground. A moment later He pulled His hands out and from the dirt came the most perfectly round, orange pumpkin. He sat the pumpkin down “now why did I choose to live like a human? Oh, right I made a promise to Her… and I’m having a hard time keeping it…” He said quietly. He took out a pocketknife and started to cut, gut and carve the pumpkin. When He was finished, He threw a small flame inside it and sat it on the banister. He took in His work and grinned confidently. “Now time to get to work. I don’t have much time though, gotta work fast.” He grabbed His flashlight and entered the house to get to work. He made His way through the house avoiding the debris and headed to the dining room. “I think I’ll start here.” He went over to the pantry and opened the door. He shined His light inside “I’ll make the ghost come out from here and go across the room.” He giggled deviously. As He approached the doorway something hard shoved Loki into the closet and He tumbled headfirst into a shelf and was knocked unconscious.  

Loki opened His eyes and sat up. “What the fuck?” He groaned. He felt around for His phone but didn’t feel it. He massaged the side of His head “oh man, that felt like someone shoved me.” He felt around for the flashlight and His hand hit something plastic and He heard it roll “shit!” He scrambled for the little torch and managed to grab it before it was lost. He clicked it on. He scanned the room and found His phone. It wasn’t very far from Him. He grabbed it and turned it over “oh, fuck. This is great.” The phone’s screen had spider-like cracks spread across the surface. He put the phone back into His pocket. He stood and turned to the door. When He tried the handle, it wouldn’t budge. “Are you fucking kidding Me!” He shouted. He pulled and yanked the doorknob, but it was stuck tight. “How the fuck..” He tried pounding on the door “hey anyone out there!? Birdie!?” He pounded and kicked at the door. “What the fuck is this made of? Iron?” He tried His hardest to break the door down, but nothing worked. Then He heard a voice “is that Birdie?” He knocked but there was no response. He knocked again and heard the voice speak out. Then He banged on the door; nothing. He shined the light around. It was a large pantry. He backed all the way up to the back of the pantry, put His flashlight away. He braced Himself and then ran at the door shoulder first. Just as He was going to make contact with it, it opened! His face was met with a flat, blunt object and He fell backwards to the ground with a dull thud. He opened His eyes and saw the frantic and worried expression of His friend. “Loki! Oh, my gods, Loki!” Raven exclaimed. Loki sat up “wow Birdie you have one hell of a swing.” He groaned. Raven sighed in relief “I’m glad You’re not hurt too badly, I’m sorry I got scared.” she said with downcast eyes. Loki simply chuckled “it’s alright, I should have waited for you to open the door instead… of running at it. Was trying to break it down.” Raven let out a small laugh “How did you end up in there? It looks like a closet.” Loki laughed “It’s a stupid story, don’t worry about it…”