Red Rot

Aerion placed his hand gently against the Earth, feeling the pulse of life beneath his fingertips he unleashed a large surge of magic, the planet eagerly absorbed and assimilated the power. This place responded to his presence like no other, here he wasn't a Prince or younger brother. 

Here he was a deity, a God in his own right. 

He almost didn't want to leave. Every glance the villagers gave him was filled with awe and admiration. Every wide eyed glance was filled with respect and gratitude which filled him with a sense of accomplishment, a validation of his effort and abilities.

Here he was their protector, their saviour. 

Aerion cast one more glance towards the village, simple homes and cobblestone streets, now bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun. With a small smile he turned and stepped into the spaceship, the door closing behind him with a metallic him. 

The screen activated with a mechanical whir, casting a blue glow over his pale face. His calm eyes scanned through the myriad of destinations, wondering where to go next. 

He settled back into a seat, and leaned forward as he applied filters to the search. He sought a challenge, a planet with strong opponents, he needed another thrilling fight.  

He recalled his battle with Lansseax, he wanted to be pushed to the brink.

His eyes narrowed on a particular entry, a small red planet cloaked in a fungal rot, housing a savage Demi-God. A grin tugged at Aerions lips as he suddenly set course to the planet. 

A few clicks later and the spaceship surged from Earth's atmosphere, hurtling through space to its new destination. 

—-

Before embarking on the agonisingly long two month journey Aerion made a necessary stop. A refuelling station on a small moon, at the station be picked up the types of food his father would scoff at and enough fuel to last the journey there and back multiple times. 

As he settled back into the ship, prepared for the long journey he grabbed Loki's handwritten tome on magical theory. 

There was still much to learn after all.

—-

He eyed the planet in a mixture of excitement, a large grin tugging at his lips. It was exactly as described, small, red and enveloped in a toxic haze. 

The ship burst through the thick red clouds revealing a desolate red landscape, even the lakes were a bright vivid red. Castle ruins and large stone bridges dotted the horizon, signs of a civilisation that had seemingly long abandoned the planet.

The ship landed with a thud, Aerion couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation. This desolate planet promised the fierce challenge he craved. 

Aerion quickly opened the door only to stumble backwards as the rancid rotting air invaded his senses.  He covered his nose with his elbow as he resisted the urge to gag

He spent a few moments in the ship trying to breathe the normal air but only succeeding in ruining the 'normal' air , he then had to get used to the revolting smell as he sat in his chair taking quick shallow breaths. 

"This is awful." he muttered as he looked out into the red landscape, he would have to leave eventually. 

Aerion stepped cautiously onto the desolate ground, each step sinking into the red soil that clung stubbornly to his boots, as if the planet itself were reluctant to let him go. 

He paused as he took a moment to survey the eerie landscape. The air was thick with an oppressive stench of rot, the cold silence of the planet only broken by the trees creaking in the strong winds.

The sound of the ship had clearly drawn attention, heavy rhythmic footsteps squelched in the ground to his right. Aerion turned his head, his eyes widening at the sight of the bi-pedal bird-like creature.

Towering over Aerion at 12 feet tall the bird looked down on the Asgardian with its large round eyes. The bird had an oversized head with a giant beak that was lined with razor sharp teeth. 

It had small wings that seemed useless as they hung lifelessly at the birds side, it's clawed feet gripped onto the ground below as it twisted its head at the Asgardian.

Aerion hoped that meant it was friendly. 

The bird lunged with alarming speed clearly aiming to bite off his head with its terrifying beak.  Aerion quickly sidestepped the attack leaving it to bite furiously at the empty air.

He used the opening to try a new attack he had thought of while he was travelling as he positioned himself besides the creature's extended neck.

His divine energy surged into his palm crackling with dark red fiery energy, then red lightning sparks danced across his hands as he unleashed the blast of fire and lightning into the birds retreating head. 

The impact was explosive, a deafening roar accompanied by the splatter of blood and bone. 

Stunned by the effectiveness of the move Aerion staggered back as the smoke cleared, revealing the bird's headless body collapsing to the ground. Blood gushed from the smouldering stump, pouring below into the eager red soil. 

Grimacing as he wiped the dark blood from his face "Didn't realise it would be that effective" he muttered to himself in surprise as he retreated back into the ship.

He needed to get a shower.