The Sorcerer's Apprentice (Loki)

[Ben Ravencroft]

(April 26th. evening.) Ben walked out into the backyard holding a spellbook. He was practicing spells and wanted to not just do better but impress Loki. The man had agreed to be his teacher but it had been a few weeks. And he hadn't wanted to seem rude or ungrateful so he would wait till the god approached him. He started chanting a spell and formed a fireball in his head as he laughed pleased with himself. He then heard a voice hat surprised him as he dropped the fireball but instead of catching fire it just disappeared as Ben had lost his concentration.

"Who dares to interrupt me? Can't see I'm busy training?" asked Ben.

As he turns his anger fades and he blushes nervously. He then bowed to him.

"Lord Loki my apologies. I didn't know it was you. My apologies your highness." said Ben.

Loki

[Loki]

Loki was relatively natural in the form of teacher. Perhaps he had been so used to not being able to tell people what to do, this just came as a chance of a lifetime. People from this group wanted to learn. To be stronger or better than they once were. One such person was Ben. He knew magic but he wasn't arrogant like most learners who had magic experience. He was aware of his place, and knew he had so much to learn. Maybe being sucked into a book taught him a lesson in humility. Maybe being scared crapless by a ancestor taught him manners. Who knew? But Ben was a student that had a personality ready to learn, and potential that showed he could become one of the best in the world.

So Loki was interested to see how Ben would do for today in his first official lesson. He walked outside, noticing his student practicing by himself. Loki had been a bit... distracted these few weeks but best he started Ben's lessons now. He smirked, replying amusedly at Ben's enjoyment of the fireball spell "Having fun with yourself I see" He then smirked wider as Ben obliviously called him out for interrupting him. Only to humbly apologize and sheepishly take it back. Ben knew his place that was for sure. Loki rose his hand and shook his head "No harm, no foul. You were focusing. That's good. Since your lessons are starting today" He cocked his head to the side to walk further to the backyard and he pointed to ben's book "Bring your book. You're going to need it for sure"

[Ben Ravencroft]

Ben nodded.

"My experience with magic is limited. I found the spellbook and cast a few spells in it. But I at most only had it in my hands for a few minutes before those kids and that wican ruined my plans and trapped me in that book with my ancestor." said Ben.

He sighed.

"I hate to admit this but I'm still a novice at this. I want to learn more not just for the army but to improve myself. I searched for the journal so I could take over my world and subjugate it to my will. My ancestor wanted to destroy it and the fighting between us gave the fools time to defeat us." said Ben.

Ben nodded and followed Loki and grinned at the praise.

"Thank you sire." said Ben.

[Loki]

"Well the fact you only had it for a few minutes might have something to do with the lack of experience. Do not focus on your failures, Ravencroft. Only on successes. The ones who helped you fail you will soon destroy" Loki grinned then, somewhat wickedly, giving off an impression of a Loki of a time that crushed those who mocked and made fun of him in the past. He shrugged "Well that is why you came to me is it not? To learn. To get better. To conquer. We both have that goal in mind. Unlike your ancestor. That I must mention. Never awaken the dead unless you absolutely must. The dead are from a time and from experiences your world cannot understand" He sighed softly "Learn your dead too if you need to revive them. Learn where and who they are. Not just if they're related to you. Blood does not always determine loyalty"

Loki knew this all too well. His birth parents abandoned him at birth. He wanted his student to remember these little pieces of advise. So he could grow stronger. At least stronger than the average human. He nodded at the gratitude. He then saw Ben get the book and chuckled "I am a little curious. May I see the book?"

[Ben Ravencroft]

Ben chuckled.

"I guess so. I knew more than the average mortal from my realm. I did research into witches, the occult, and monsters. Even wrote series of horror novels with monsters and witches in them. They were quite successful. But I suppose people still enjoy a good scare." said Ben.

Ben nodded.

"Yes, I suppose so. To better myself I need to learn from the best." said Ben.

He nodded again.

"Don't worry. I won't make that mistake again. Although I guess If were to awaken the dead it'd be like an army I could control that would follow me. Or that I could force to serve me. Reviving others with magic was my mistake as they could turn against me quite easily. Others like Sarah Ravencroft would if our goals weren't aligned. Or they may want to kill me or make me their slave. Not all villains can work together. Probably why there are two villan armies." said Ben.

He handed the book over.

"Here you go." said Ben.

Loki

[Loki]

"Your knowledge of the macabre and supernatural is a benefit to you, that being said a book with this much power requires even more knowledge. Primarily and obviously magic, and a lot of magic takes more than knowing monsters. That being said, the fact you were aware of the horrors of the supernatural world can definitely make of some use to you in the future. Considering someday you might have to face it in battle here" Loki commented, wanting to encourage his student. He was quite the sucker for novels and books, being a avid reader growing up and being practically a bookworm in his adult hood. So hearing his student was a writer was quite a interest to him "Also, your skill and success in writing interests me, I quite enjoy a good book"

Loki's head perked up a little in pride as Ben referred to him as one of the best. It did his heart good to be praised. Considering not many respected his talents often in his life, it was always nice to be praised. It also made him feel a bit more confident than usual. He then nodded at Ben's words, seeing that his student understood his advice "Indeed. That is a strong idea. Reviving those who are more likely to obey is definitely a good idea, dead soldiers and army members definitely come to mind, as their first goal is to serve" He then chuckled about ben's comment on two villian armies "Well I arrived not long after Facilier's betrayal and from what I can tell, he is a naive fool who was consumed by greed. Instead of ruling the world he wishes to cruelly control it in a way that destroys it. Similar to your grandmother" He wasn't exactly lying but he was admittedly bias to Facilier. Considering the fact the bastard nearly killed his nephew more than once. He was bitter and a bit stubborn but Loki wasn't wrong in distrusting Facilier.

"Thank you" Loki replied, gently taking the book and reading it over. It was definitely old english and the fact Ben could read it was quite educated. He went over the reviving spell and read some small instructions and nodded "I can see why you did what you did. This seems pretty simple. It is a very ancient book. Sarah practically made this tailor-fitted to suit warlocks and witches" He then turned a page that read 'Attacks and Defenses' and replied "Hm. This book's spells for defenses are very good so I will help you learn more of them since they can definitely be of some use but I will also teach you some of my own personal defenses"

He then replied, looking at the book more, shocked at the impressive work Sarah made for her human self "I shall read this book to help you learn the defenses from it that you do not know, that is if there is any you do not know. If you know all of them we will skip it and teach you some of my own personal stuff as I do not want to waste time and energy"

[Ben Ravencroft]

Ben nodded.

"It's annoying. I've learned so much even before my imprisonment and yet I still have so much to learn. It's humbling and humiliating at the same time." said Ben.

Ben grinned.

"Well, I could always rewrite some of my books. I don't know if objects from our worlds will end up here one day." said Ben.

Ben nodded.

"Then I suppose my ancestor would get along great with him. I'm just glad they failed in all of their plans. Better to have those traitors form their own army than kill or enslave the rest of us. This gives us a chance to one day make them pay for their treachery." said Ben.

He grinned.

"When that day comes I think will be good for all of us." said Ben.

Ben nodded.

"Your welcome." said Ben.

He smiled again at him.

"Thank you. I wish to improve myself. I know I was too mad with power when I first gained my powers. There is always room for improvement." said Ben.

Ben nodded.

"Thank you. I suppose would it be okay for me to approach Queen La and others as well? So many sorcerers and we'r7e all from different worlds. Some could know the magic that was lost in one world or never existed." said Ben.

[Loki]

Loki sympathized with the annoyance of trying new things. It was kind of a bruise to the ego to be forced to rely on others when you wanted power and respect. So Loki couldn't help but empathize with ben's situation "I completely understand but it is a annoyance we all must deal with, Ben. Humility, as simple as it seems, can benefit us. Especially when we want to achieve power. You will not regret being taught by me, I assure you I will teach you everything you need to know" He then smiled to ben "But just because you need to learn things does not make you any less intelligent. In fact you're one of the most intelligent students I ever gotten to know" He wanted to genuinely befriend ben, this relationship could have it's uses but loki did like ben overall, he seemed like a amazingly talented person and had a lot of common things with Loki.

"I am not sure myself about that. Besides, we are going to be here a while. You clearly made a name for yourself in your world with your books. I am curious to see why" Loki said with a curious grin. He then listened to Ben who expressed that sarah and facilier would probably get along well. And that it was good they weren't successful in their plans yet. That it was good they were off on their own, as it made revenge easier. Loki chuckled "Oh believe me they will pay. I got a particular personal plan set for that shadowman. He'll rue the day he was born" He chuckled some more, showing the danger underneath the intelligence. Loki nodded, very pleased ben was so willing to learn, so willing to change. It didn't seem that ben was open minded but he was. It was extremely refreshing. Loki then turned to the book before nodding to ben "Oh I'm sure Queen La and the magicians here will be more than happy to assist you. It will benefit the army as a whole to make you stronger"

He then picked on two defenses that was mostly in old english and very slightly in latin and replied to ben "Ah. I found a couple that might be very helpful. Let us start with this first one. But first, you'll need to get in a defensive stance, to prevent harming yourself by accident if you wouldn't mind" Loki then moved so he could allow ben elbow room to attack when ready.

[Ben Ravencroft]

Ben sighed.

"I guess it's just another lesson I have to learn. But one I am willing to learn." said Ben.

He smiled at Loki's words.

"Thank you. It's an honor to hear such words from you." said Ben.

Ben nodded.

"Then I look forward to rewriting them. It may take time. Unless there's a spell here to recreate my books or bring them here. But if not I'll just do it the long way." said Ben.

Ben nodded.

"It seems many people want to make him and his allies pay. I'd enjoy going after Malachite or that witch. Although you may have competition in taking out Facilier. He did hurt two of Ask That Guy and Dark Nella's sons. And Dark Nella seems quite powerful herself. Either her or Black Lantern Spoony might want their revenge. Maybe you three and Ask That Guy should make some plan and do it together. That way you'd all have your revenge and don 't leave anyone out. It may take longer but he does deserve to suffer." said Ben.

Ben grinned.

"I look forward to training with all of them." said Ben.

Ben paused at his words.

"This should be fun. And alright. Let's begin." said Ben, trying to get in a defensive stance.

He grinned.

"Maybe in one of our future lessons we could learn some shield spells. Even temporary ones could help." Said Ben.

[Loki]

Loki nodded in approval as Ben admitted he found it challenging, but he was willing to learn if it gained him power. Loki then smiled a tad as Ben replied that it was a honor to hear praise from loki. Loki's ego could be quite massive at times but he was always glad to have someone listen to him and take his word above others. Loki shrugged a bit and replied "Well you are welcome. I am being sincere with what I say"

"I look forward to your books either way. I am quite a avid reader myself" Loki replied sincerely. It was true. Loki, especially as a young child, adored to read. It was the only thing that gave him some peace and solitude in his culture of warriors. He then gave a acknowledging hum as Ben explained that Loki was not the only one who was not fond of Facilier. He needed to get in line. Loki listened as ben suggested that if he was truly serious, to plan with others who wanted revenge against Facilier. Loki replied back "I am aware Facilier has made many enemies. I am aware I'm going to have to share. Which is why capture might be best suited. After all facilier's capture can lead him to be imprisoned, then everyone can get a piece of him. But capturing him might be impossible. So having to think of other ways to get around it is also a good plan"

Loki then stepped to the side so Ben could get started. He then nodded at Ben's suggestion of shield spells "Oh that is a definite future lesson. Astute observation ben. Shielding and protective spells is a definite must if you are to improve" He then took the first one that was particularly in old english and replied to ben "Let us start with this book's lesson, let me know if you heard of it. If you have we can check the second lesson I looked at. It says here you must put your right arm out and recite these words" He then replied in a calm voice reciting what the book said "The words are: I call upon the darkness to protect my human vessel and from my hand I release power to unleash upon my enemy" Loki widened his eyes, admittedly impressed that a witch from earth was capable of such harm.

[Ben Ravencroft]

Ben smiled.

"Perhaps you can share me some of your stories and legends from your world sometimes. Movies based on your universe seem more biased to the heroes and I've got no idea what they left or out or changed." said Ben.

Ben nodded.

"I shall rewrite them and perhaps make new ones as well if I get inspired." said Ben.

Ben grinned.

"You know I just had an idea. Perhaps an appetizer to the revenge you and others may put on Facilier later. If we got our hands on Malachite. Just having him would no doubt upset Facilier but being one of the leaders of the army he probably has knowledge useful to us. And it'd be fun to get it out of him." said Ben.

Ben grinned.

"Good. Also perhaps if we could replicate it into something like a potion perhaps. If we were able to give shield potions to our members for battle it could protect them or at least weaken the stronger attacks." said Ben.

Ben shook his head.

"I think I came across it briefly when looking thorugh the book but I don't know much about it." said Ben.

[Loki]

(OCC: Sorry if I seem like I'm repeating but basically the spell from the previous post I mentioned loki wants to study with ben. He finds it to have a TON of potential)

"Perhaps I will sometime" Loki agreed about telling ben stories from his time/past. He saw no reason not to. It would benefit ben and it would be interesting for loki to go back to nostalgic books. He then nodded in interest as ben confirmed he would rewrite his books and perhaps make new ones "Well I certainly look forward to it"

He then listened intently as ben suggested that maybe the best way to get to facilier, was to capture malachite. He pondered and smirked, interested in the devious idea "Hm. It's always known that every leader has a loved one. And that to hurt them is like hurting the enemy" He turned to ben and replied "Perhaps you and I can bring forth a small team to lead malachite out. It's like you said, regardless of his relationship to facilier, he IS a leader and getting him can be just as useful" He then gave a slight hum and pondered over it. It seemed like a recipe waiting to happen. He thought it'd get him more on ask thatguy's good side too.

"We can make many types of potions that are similar to shield or protective spells. Not to mention we might need to make use of healing potions. In case we are in the heat of battle and someone gets injured and cannot retreat to heal" He then listened to ben confirming he didn't know the first spell he made note of. He pondered a bit and replied "This is a immensely powerful spell, ben. This could be the key to unleashing your potential" He then replied "I definitely think we should make sure to practice this spell first before I show you some of my personal spells" He then read the book some more and replied "Now, like I said, be sure to put your right arm out first" He then awaited ben to do that and he read the spell just to make sure he didn't miss any details "It also says keep your breath nice and steady, then aim at the thing you wish to attack and repeat these words 'I call upon the darkness to protect my human vessel and from my hand I release power to unleash upon my enemy"

[Ben Ravencroft]

Ben grinned.

"If I could learn a spell to copy some of my knowledge into a book then I could do my books much quicker. But that may take time to learn I suppose." said Ben.

Ben nodded.

"Or anyone else close to Facilier. Everyone has a weakness. We just have to find it and exploit it. Malachite might be too obvious but if he cares about anyone like say some kids we can grab." said Ben.

Ben smiled.

"I guess add them to the list. I want to learn what I can to help. But I suppose learning easier spells is a better start. Don't want to overdo it and blow up something or someone by mistake." said Ben.

Ben paused at his words and his grin grew.

"Really? How does it work?" asked Ben.

He followed Loki's instructions holding his right arm out and breathing.

"I call upon the darkness to protect my human vessel and from my hand I release power to unleash upon my enemy"

[Loki]

Loki smiled with amusement as Ben wisely suggested to get a spell to write books faster. He chuckled amusedly "Yes. Things like that take time" He then crossed his arms as he pondered a bit. He replied with interest "Though it does bring up interest into developing your skills by learning impressive tricks like that" He wanted ben to get stronger but he also felt it would be a smart idea to make ben have a little fun with it too.

Loki then snapped his fingers in delight, a interested grin on his face as ben wisely pointed out facilier's weakness. Malachite was obvious but loki had witnessed Facilier quite protective around a certain child. And ironically it was a child that was one of theirs. Loki turned to ben replying "Ben, you just gave me a plan. There was a traitor boy he has taken in. Pete. He might be the very key to revenge in more ways than one" He then pondered before replying cautiously "We won't kill the boy as that will set a bad example to the children on our side. But we can definitely use facilier's compassion to our advantage"

Loki then replied as Ben asked how the first spell worked "Well as long as we make sure to learn it properly it can wipe out possibly all your enemies without harming your own personal stamina" He then smiled greedily at the sound of that. Such power in this book. No wonder ben spent years of his life searching it. He then smiled as it seemed ben properly chanted enough to cause a large energy in his hand. He then was beyond shocked as ben's hand glowed with a yellow energy ball. As loki was about to reply what to do next the ball suddenly got up then threw itself across a acre of trees. The row of trees completely disintergrated, causing a massive acre of land to be empty. Loki was a bit shocked and then read the book many, many times before laughing in delight "This is brilliant. If we can stabilize it enough you can learn to actually use it without it having a mind of it's own"

He then snapped his fingers to clean up some of the damage. At least to prevent a neighbor from calling the police or at least prevent a sense of panic. He then blushed a bit at the damage "Though I must say this is a lot more power than I thought it would be" If it was a child or teen, loki would be a lot more firm, but he figured yelling or panicking at ben would make things worse. And overall there was nobody hurt, only trees. So it was just a shock more than anything.

[Ben Ravencroft]

Ben grinned.

"I want to learn. Confidence with nothing to back you up can get you killed. That's already happened to me once. It takes power and skill and time. Trying to rush things may get me or someone else hurt or killed." replied Ben.

Ben paused with a grin.

"Why start with just one? I heard he's got two children. One would work but might be good to target them both. Or all the meddling kids in that army. Sooner or later they'll grow up to be annoying adults for the army. This war's been going on for months now with no end in sight. Anytime anyone gets captured they eventually get released. I think we've only had one death in this army and it was from our side. I never knew Holli that well but she still didn't deserve that." said Ben.

Ben raised an eyebrow.

"Fascinating. I would like to learn that." mentioned Ben.

Ben blushed at what happened but saw Loki grinned.

"So what do I need to do? Focus more?" asked Ben.

He paused seeing the damage get cleaned up by Loki.

"Well, you are a very good teacher. I am a descendant of a witch in my world. Perhaps I'm more powerful because it's in my blood. Or more powerful than the average sorcerer at least." replied Ben.

While he doubted he'd ever be as close to Loki's power he knew he was definitely not an average sorcerer not with a spell like that. With practice, he could become one of the strongest in this army.

Loki