The Nightwalker

The Cure

"So your top secret project is a cure for vampirism?" I stare at the liquid in the syringe "Where did you get this?"
"I created this" Loki beamed, turning the syringe over in his hands "Along with Banner, SHIELD and Stark. Being a creature of the night, I had a lot of free time on my hands. It took decades of research and experimentation to get this vial"
"So like any other drug?"
"This is not a drug but, yes. More or less" Loki chuckled as he smiled "After 200 years of being a vampire. I suspected that our kind is more biological than magical. Another mutation of human"
"And you believe that this liquid can make you human again?" I couldn't imagine him human.
"I hope so. Eventually" Loki looked at the liquid.
"Is that what you want? To be mortal again" Loki hesitates and turns away, Sitting on the edge of his desk, staring at the floor.
"It doesn't matter" He whispered. He looked and sounded defeated.
"What do you mean? Have you not tested it yet"
"Oh, I have. I was the first to test it out" Loki looked down at the vial. Black hair falling around his face "It didn't affect my strength, the healing nor my hunger. They remained" Loki sighed. I sat next to him "The only thing it affected was my ability to walk in the sun. Even if it was only temporary" He turns the syringe over in his hands "Emily, This drug lets vampires walk in the sun"
"Seriously? How long for?"
"About 4 hours. then it wears off and the vampire is right back where he or she started. The side effects are that the vampire is exhausted, depleted and desperately hungry"
"So like any comedown after a drug," I smiled. Loki chuckled and nodded "Did you really consider being human again?" Loki stared off into the distance again. His thoughts were unreadable. I hug his arm.
"Yes," He straightens up and smiles "But then I remember my promise. My commitment to helping others. The dream of making this world better. And my responsibilities to the council and to my own clan" Loki places a hand over mine "So yes, I've considered all possibilities, That doesn't mean I have committed to them" He looks at the device thoughtfully.
"Why are you showing me this?"
"Because I would like to take a walk around the city and I would love for you to join me" Loki smiled at me. I swear this man is trying to kill me with that smile. How can I say no to this man?
"I'd be happy too" I beamed "A contribution to your science experiment" Loki laughed. he is almost giddy. This is the most I have seen him happy. He removes the safety cap and holds the syringe up. The needle is thick and sharp "That looks painful"
"It is" Loki pulls down his collar and presses the needle into his neck. I wince but he looks calm. I watch as the glittery blood disappears into his veins "Hnnfh" He pulls the needle out and puts the cure back in the safe. After a few button presses, the safe is completely hidden once again.
"1, Are you okay? and 2, That looks secure"
"I am fine. I can't be too cautious. This has the potential to change the world" Loki turned to face me. There was something different about him. Something about his eyes, They were glistening "In so many ways, This is the most important creation my company has ever created"
"So why are you showing me?"
"Why not?"
"You haven't even known me for a week! Doesn't it seem a little weird that you're trusting me with a top-secret project that you from the sounds of it, haven't shown Sif"
"You are my personal assistant. you should know" He cocks his head to the side and smiles. It's like something amusing has popped into his head "And I trust you"
"I..." I didn't have the words for that. I knew it was a big deal for Loki to trust me, after what his last assistant did.
"Besides, If anyone other than me opens that safe, The security system will incinerate them"
"You're joking?" I raised both eyebrows. Loki stared at me "OK, Noted. Don't touch the death box" Loki offered me his arm and together we left his office. (Most of his employees just stared at me)

Loki and I walk out of the building's main doors onto the sidewalk. the streets are peaceful. The traffic is barely around.
"What time is it again?" I asked. I didn't think to check my phone.
"An hour after dawn" Loki smiles as he basked in the sun. He closes his eyes and takes a deep breath "I've missed that"
"I bet" Loki opened his eyes and pulled me down the street. He was like a kid in a candy store.

We set off down the street. Loki was smiling as he provided historical facts about the city. I didn't realise this man was such a dork. no wonder I feel for him.
"And here, used to an actual wall. The northern border of the Dutch colony, New Amsterdam" Loki pointed to the spot he was standing on "It's why they call it Wall Street"
"The fact you remember all that is incredible!"
"And on that corner there, on William Street, is where the Bank Of New York was started by Alexander Hamilton"
"Was you here for that? Did you know him?" I always forget that Loki was old.
"Hamilton? We spoke a few times. He was interesting but obnoxious. But he was the man to speak to if you wanted to get into finance" Loki shrugged.
"Did you know any of the Founding Fathers?"
"I knew Washington. A good leader. Best horse rider and one hell of a dancer" Loki put his hand in his pockets "I worked with him after I turned. Which was when this area really started to transform"
"What kind of work did you do?"
"I provided some assistance that allowed his men to fight on a more level battlefield" Loki put his hands behind his back.
"So Washington won the war with the help of vampires?" I stopped in my tracks.
"Technically, Yes"
"I'm sorry what?"
"Having trouble with the idea?" Loki did a half smile.
"How does no one know about you?" I put my hands on my hips "How are you not in the history books?!"
"History is just a story, Told over and over again. It's easy enough to change the books to hide a few details or two" Loki shrugged "But the world is changing, It's getting harder to control the details"
"That's a good thing, right? Freedom and truth and all that?"
"True freedom can be the most dangerous thing of all" Loki looked up at the sky and then back at me "Let's move on. One of my favourite places is just around the corner"

Grinning, Loki leads me past the tourists to a small fence in a pocket park with a beautiful fountain.
"This is the oldest park in New York City" Loki grinned.
"And what historical thing happened here?" I asked as I sat on the fountain.
"In 1776, After the hearing of the Declaration of Independence, A crowd came here and tore down a large statue of King George. 4000 pounds of metal were melted into bullets to be used by the continental army"
"Did you help?"
"No, But I did fire those bullets" Loki looked away.
"I don't really see you as a veteran but I guess you fought in the Revolutionary War"
"Emily, I've fought in every war" Loki turned to face me.
"Oh, really" The two of us turn and walk back up Broadway.
"Yes. I recently completed two tours of Afgan. I was about to sign up for my third but Hannah got sick of running the company alone"
"That would explain her bitchy comment about her running your company" I crossed my arms. Loki nodded.
"I sometimes wonder why I hired her and then I realise that she is good at her job. That reminds me, I still have to tell her that Melody got approved" Loki scratched his chin.
"Oh, she is going to love that" I rolled my eyes "Maybe you could debrief her and make her forget her dream of being a vampire"
"You know, I am almost tempted" Loki chuckled as we continued to walk.

The city is now in full swing. Morning commuters rush to work. All around us are the sounds of honking cars and rude people. The magical light of the morning sunrise is gone. I was too busy looking at this lady with a bunch of dogs.
"Emily, Would you like to go for some breakfast before the serum wears off?" Loki asks.
"Urm yes! I'm starving!" I look to my left and Loki has disappeared "Loki?" I looked a little further away and is standing very still on the sidewalk, staring at an old run-down park "You look like you're lost in thought"
"Sorry, Got sidetracked" Loki whispered. I titled my head up at the zoned-out vampire "200 years ago, there was a church here" Loki walked down the alley. His hands ran along the wall "It was a beautiful little building. Carved stone and stained glass windows and a bronze steeple."
"It sounds like it was special to you" I walked up hind Loki and put my hand on his shoulder, Loki reached up and held my hand.
"It was," He said softly. He leaned against the stone wall, Keeping hold of my hand.
"Is that because it reminds you of someone?" I leaned my head on Loki's arm.
"Yes," Loki whispered.
"Your wife?"
"Yes, I had my wedding here" Loki closed his eyes, sniffing a little "Strangely enough, I haven't been in a church since I got married. Becoming a vampire tends to ruin one's faith"
"Loki..." Loki pulls himself together and puts his guard back up.
"So, breakfast?" Loki grins. Is it a vampire thing to bounce back just like that?
"Let's go"

We head back to the busy road, Looking for a place to eat.
"You know, I have my own tour of the city"
"oh?" Loki did a half grin.
"Spoiler alert, It's a tour of my favourite places in the city" I smiled as I put my hands behind my back "Not as fancy and filled with history like yours but still fun"
"It's been so long since I saw the world through the eyes of another" Loki put his hands in his pockets "It could be nice to look through your eyes"
"This is gonna be fun!" I bounced around "You ain't gonna look at the Big Apple the same way"
"Where first?" Loki smiled.
"First stop is my favourite breakfast spot. When I first moved here, It was all I could afford" I wrapped my arm around Loki's arm.

We head north on Broadway and turn right on a tiny side street. I pull Loki through a door into what could only be described as a long broom closet disguised as a diner. There was only a handful of seats and a single cook. Two builders left so we took their seats.
"Emily!" The cook yelled as he got to work cooking.
"Hey, Juan!" I hold up two fingers and Juan winks at me.
"There's no menu here" Loki looked at me.
"There isn't one. Just trust me" Juan slings two plates in front of us. Piled high with a greasy-looking breakfast "It's like two bucks to eat here. A quarter extra for tea or coffee"
"Let's live a little" Loki joked.
"Hey, Juan. two teas!" I yelled. Juan puts a thumbs up and slides two mugs and a pot towards us.
"I don't think I've had a meal that cost less than 3 dollars since the fifties" Loki eyes his plate.
"Just eat it" Loki looks at suspiciously then takes a bite. A smile blooms on his face.
"Okay that is good" He spoke with a mouth full.
"Told you to trust me"
"The sheer amount of grease is a blast from the past" Loki nodded in happiness.
"Put that in your Yelp review" I pointed at him with my fork.

Twenty minutes later, our plates were clear. Happy and satisfied, we sipped our tea.
"I'll admit that this was a good idea" Loki crossed his arms as he leaned on the diner's bar.
"you seem to like eating but I don't really get why" I leant on one hand "I mean do you need to eat?"
"No. Not nutritionally"
"So it's a habit?" I liked my lips.
"No. I eat and drink wine because it tastes good. Blood gets the job done but I wouldn't choose it"
"It seems funny that you guys eat and drink for fun"
"People do lots of things simply because they feel good" Loki smiled softly. I just tilted my head like a puppy "Like when Melody plays video games." Juan walks past, throwing a piece of paper in front of us. Loki examines the bill "4 dollars and fifty cents. That's impressive"
"When you are broke, You figure out how to take advantage of this city on the cheap"
"Well this is on me" Loki paid the bill and looked at me.
"You always gonna be the gentleman?" I slid off the stool.
"I am old fashioned. And... My mother raised me to be a gentleman and after two hundred-odd years, I will continue to be so. In some parts" Loki coughed as he adjusted his suit jacket "Where's next?"

We walk down the High Line, A park that shoots through downtown on old elevated railway tracks.
"I've been here before but never during the day" Loki spun around slowly. Admiring the view.
"I love this place. It's free" I watch as Loki runs his hand through the tall grass that lines the path. Smiling a little to himself. Up ahead, there are two street performers. A guy with a box and a fortune teller.
"You don't see this at night. mostly muggers" Loki looked at me.
"Those guys ain't much different. They still take your money"
"Let's see about that. What should we try?" he cannot be serious but his face tells me differently.
"Fortune teller" I rolled my eyes.

We walk over to the woman and her sign says 'Fortune $5'. It's a rip-off but Loki is wanting to experience daytime.
"I do love reading" He smiled. The lady waves her hand to the seat next to her.
"Please sit sir" Loki sits on the bench next to her. Nothing happens.
"Are you reading his aura?" I sighed. This seems like a hoax. Will Loki believe her bull?
"No, waiting for him to cross my palm"
"Of course" Loki smiles as he hands the lady a 5-dollar bill. After she pockets it, She holds his hand and closes her eyes.
"This is horseshit," I thought. When nothing happens, Loki and I look at each other and shrug.
"Will you be quiet!" The lady glared at me.
"We didn't say anything" Loki spoke. I rolled my eyes.
"Your mind did. Now shush" Loki sits motionless for a whole minute "You have lived a long time. Wise beyond your appearance but something is stuck in you. Something you cannot help repeating over and over" Loki kept quiet.
"There is a darkness in you that you must overcome before you can move forward. There is something" Suddenly she opens her eyes and drops Loki's hands.
"What?" Loki whispers. The woman hands Loki his money back, Hands trembling.
"Please take it back. I don't want it" She shoves the bill in his hands and moves backwards.
"I didn't mean to upset you" Loki spoke. The woman is a little afraid of Loki "Thank you for trying."
"Have... a... good... day" The woman stutters.

Loki and I walk away. I kept staring at the lady. Something was odd about her.
"What was that about?" I pointed with my thumb at the lady who had now gathered up her stuff and moved away.
"I... I am sure" He frowned.
"Think she was the real deal?" I folded my arms.
"It's possible. Psychics are quite common" Loki shrugged again.
"Just when I didn't think the world would get weirder" I muttered.
"You worked for SHIELD and you didn't think this world couldn't get any weirder?" Loki crossed his arms
"Fury kept me in a room and the weirdest thing I saw was HULK"
"Why did Fury keep you in a room?"
"I was only an assistant. I was expendable" I shrugged. I only got the job because Melody begged him to give me one.
"Fury was an idiot. If he gave you a chance, I am sure you exceed all expectations"

Once again, we got walking. Loki craned his neck so the light spread evenly across his face.
"I spent 32 years in the sun as a mortal and I never knew how much I would miss it" Loki closed his eyes "After nearly 300 years in the shadows, It feels incredible. Divine even"
"You look different" I picked a wild flower, pulling the petals off it.
"I do?"
"Yeah... you look more handsome" I smirked as I looked away. However, when I looked back at Loki, he had this look on his face that sent a shiver down my spine.
"If I may say so. Sun kiss looks good on you too" Loki moves closer and then his phone beeps "That's my alarm. The serum is gonna be wearing off in about half an hour. We should head back" Loki offers me his arm and smiles.
"Did you get to do everything you wanted to do today?" I wrapped my arm around him as we walked back towards the office.
"Ate good food, Saw the sights and basked in the sun. Am I missing anything?" Loki listed.
"You forgot to kiss someone" Why did I say that? I screamed in my head. Loki was now only one step away from me.
"Ah yes. So I have. Is there anyone you had in mind?"
"I don't know" I shuffled awkwardly on my feet.
"I do" Loki pulls me closer, Grinning and he inclines his head towards me. I lean up, kissing him long and deep. He wraps his arms around me, Holding me close "Now it's the perfect day"
"Imagine what we could do with a few more hours" I lean into him again.
"Another time perhaps" Loki whispered.
"So what's the plan? Don't know about you but I could really use a nap" Changing the subject.
"Then go for a nap. I need to rest up too. Big plans for tonight"
"What plans?" The last time he said he had big plans, I nearly got eaten by Hela.
"Be at my office for sundown and I will tell you" He smiles but his eyes hint at something else. I want to ask why but I knew Loki needed to get back to his office.

After a long nap. I rush back to Loki's office to find Sif and Melody waiting. Loki sat behind his desk.
"Evening ladies" I bowed.
"Hey, Emily!" Melody high-fived me.
"Hello. What are you doing here?" Sif stared at me.
"Loki told me to be here and I work here" I crossed my arms, "Thought that would have been obvious"
"Is she coming with us?" Melody bounced as she looked at Loki. Loki shrugged.
"Uh, what? where are you going?" Melody looks at Sif as if she was asking permission.
"Can I tell her?"
"I don't care" Sif rolled her eyes. Melody jumps up and down. She looks like an excited puppy.
"We are going to the awakening ball!" Melody exclaimed. I looked at her funny. As if to say what the fuck are you on about "It is the biggest vampire social event of the year!"
"Loki never told me. I am hardly dressed for a ball" Loki then enters, adjusting his collar.
"Don't worry, It's already arranged" He smiled at me "Our host is very picky about what everyone wears. outfits will be ready when we arrive." He put his hands in his pocket "And I wanted to surprise you"
"I couldn't help myself" Melody pouted as she and Sif looked at each other.
"The ball is always fun" Loki shrugged "It's a massive event where any new vampires make their debut"
"where is it?" I asked.
"In the old castle in upstate New York. The home of Michelle Lafleur. A wealthy vampire socialite and anyone who is anyone will be there" That name rings a bell. And I wish I knew why.
"Like Hela?"
"Including Hela. She never misses a party like this" Loki sighed. Oh, joy. A drinking event and she gonna be there. I am going to die.
"She had better follow the rules this year. I am not scraping another body of the gazebo" Sif pinched her nose.
"I can't wait to see the fancy gowns, the cakes and the spooky ghosts!" Melody fist-bumped the air.
"There will not be spooky ghosts" Sif shook her head.
"We are going to a castle! There could be! Maybe a friendly, funny and maybe even a sexy ghost" Melody started pacing.
"Was she this tiresome as a human?" Sif looked at me. I nodded. Melody shrugged.
"Yes. She was this delightful" Sif rolled her eyes and then looked at her watch.
"We better get going if we are going to make the train" Melody hugs me, she is over-excited.
"This is going to be so much fun" Melody skipped out the door.

We arrive on the platform to see lots of vampires and mortals. all buzzing as the train pulls in.
"Everyone looks incredible" I whispered to Melody. She simply nodded.
"Even though our outfits are going to be there when we arrive. I feel very undressed" She bites her nails. I see that Loki is walking alongside Hannah, Deep in conversation "She better not be joining us" I whisper, a slight growl to my voice.
"She never does" Sif stood next to us. Melody did a little fist pump and I felt relieved.
"So I will handle the Singapore contract and make sure the deal with Mansingh International goes through" Hannah typed on her phone. She held an open file in one hand.
"Sounds perfect" Loki nodded, and he then looked around "We have the room, Wanna come with us?"
"You ask me every year and I will always say no. Those types of parties are not my scene" Hannah declined as she closed her file "I need to stay here and keep your company afloat"
"That is why you are a damn good VP, Hannah" Loki walks over to join us. Smiling at all. He gave me a little wink.

The first few cars are fancy while the others are plain-looking.
"Who bedazzled the first cart? Why does the train look funny?" Melody pointed to the different cars.
"That one is VIP and the rest are coach" Sif replied "VIP for vampires and plain for mortals" I shrugged and went towards the boring car.
"Nah ah. Emily rides with us" Melody insisted as she grabbed me, pulling me closer to her.
"I'm sorry but it's tradition" Sif moved towards the VIP car.
"Tradition or an actual rule?" Melody smirked. I knew that look. I looked at Loki.
"It ain't law" Loki smiled "Come on but if anyone asks you got lost"
"That would hardly be a lie. I have no sense of direction" I wiggled my head. Getting lost is my superpower.
"I think that Emily is becoming a bad influence on you, Loki" Loki merely smirks as he ushers us onto the VIP train.

"Whoa," the inside of the car is a restored 18th-century stateroom. Loki and Sif lead us to a booth. We sit down on a red velvet seat and look around.
"This place is incredible" Melody exclaims as Sif pulls out a bottle of fizz.
"This place is traditional and this is tradition number one" She pours us all a drink and we all toast.
"Now that's what I am talking about"

The four of us drink for a while as the train rolls slowly through the foliage of the Hudson Valley.
"Are we there yet? I'm bored" Melody spoke after half an hour. She was never a good traveller.
"It's only been half an hour" I rolled my eyes.
"Let's play a game" Melody clapped her hands.
"I got a deck of cards. We could play Gin Rummy" Loki went to reach into his jacket.
"That game was fun in 1903 and it ain't fun now" Sif glared at him. Even I knew that Gin Rummy was an awful game to play. it was my granddad's favourite game at Christmas.
"What about truth or dare?" Melody clicked her fingers.
"I think we were closer with the gin idea" Sif leaned her head back.
"Come on! You'll get to have the 'American teen experience' you have always wanted but never had"
"You're drunk. This is a game you always want to play when drunk" I smiled. I love Melody when she is drunk.
"Sure I am" Melody grins. She is up to something, I just know she is "Name on another game that combines learning people's secrets and making out with them"
"Why not? What better way than to get in the party mood?" Loki smiles as he loosens his tie.
"I'll play but no dares for me"
"Emily, You look nervous"
"Me? Not at all" I was. I knew how her mind worked.
"We will see" Melody wiggles her eyebrows at me "Okay, Sif, truth or dare"
"Truth, I never do dares"
"Am I your favourite protege of all time?" Melody tilted her head.
"Top 5 maybe" Sif held 5 fingers up. Melody looked a little shooked "Most of my proteges tend to burn out and become mass murders or moody poets"
"Top 5 is as good as it gets. Take it and run" Loki got comfy.
"My turn. Loki, Truth or dare?" Sif smiles.
"Truth," Sif thinks for a moment and then rolls her eyes.
"This is not easy. I know everything about you" She tapped her chin and then looked at me "Emily, Why don't think of the question?"
"Uh... Can vampires feel love?"
"Damn! Going heavy already!" Melody clapped her hands, downing her drink.
"Melody, Shush. I want to hear what he has to say" Sif put her finger to her lips. Loki takes that long to answer the question, I almost regret asking my question.
"We do. But it is bittersweet. Because the one we love either dies of old age or is turned and forever changed."
"Unless you fall for a vampire" Melody smiled at me.
"I suppose but I never have done that"
"Because you are a romantic who needs tragedy" Sif sipped her drink.
"there's some truth to that but it's a little more complicated than you think. I've been alive for nearly 300 years. I've killed, Conquered, Died and been reborn. Being in love is the only human thing about me" Loki clears his throat and rubs his hands together "My turn. Melody. Truth or dare?"
"Dare!"
"Oh god," I whispered. What has Loki done? I titled my head at Melody "Seriously?"
"So serious"
"Walk down the aisle and kiss someone who have never met" Loki cocks his head.
"Seriously?"
"So serious" Loki grins. I get the feeling that he thinks that Melody won't do the day. Melody smiles and squanders down the aisle. Surveying the prospects. She stops in front of a beautiful woman. Melody leans in and talks to her.
"New blood" Sif mumbled. Loki nodded.
"How can you tell?" I looked at Sif as I climbed onto my knees.
"New ones are a lot less bold. Melody being the expectation" I look back to Melody and see her and the young lady in a heated kiss.
"Nice" I cheered. Loki clapped and Sif smiled. Melody grins as she and the lady separate. Melody skips as she returns to her seat.
"That was fun" She bites her lips. She leans to the side and makes a phone sign to the lady. She mouthed 'call me' to her.
"Certainly looked like it. Mel who right?"
"I assumed that Mel is an ex. She has no idea what she is missing"
"Thanks, ladies. Anyway Emily, truth or dare?" Melody placed her fingers together, Grinning. She then leans in and whispers "And spoilers. If you pick dare, You are going to be kissing someone"
"If that's the case, Then I pick dare," I said. Melody's jaw dropped. She then grinned, leaned forward, and looked at me over her glasses.
"I dare you to kiss someone that you know"
"Melody" I hiss under my breath. Melody smirks. I look from Melody to Sif and then to Loki "I pick Loki" I shuffle onto Loki's lap.
"Hello there," I cup his face between my hands and I kiss him long and slow. I nearly lose myself in it but damn lungs, I have to come up for air. Sif just shakes her head while Melody cheers.
"Woohoo!" She then fans herself "Is it a little warm in here?"
"Lucky for you. We are here" Sif points out the window. Since I am still on Loki's lap, I look out the window to see that we have emerged from a forest. I can see at a short distance away a secluded castle. The train's brakes screech to a halt. I went to stand up but Loki held onto me.
"I'll repay the dare later" Loki whispers in my ear. I bite my lip as I nod.

We emerge from the train car and Melody and I gawk at the majestic castle.
"Oh my god" Melody walks forward. Her jaw was practically on the floor.
"Fuck me" I whisper. Loki stands to my left, Arm around my waist, He leans in and whispers that he would if given the chance "Down boy" I pat his chest playfully. Thankfully no one is near us. Sif and Melody have already gone ahead.

Once we catch up with Melody and Sif. The crowd push around us and I grab Melody's hand.
"There ain't that many humans around here" Melody gripped my hand "Are you scared to be here?"
"Uh, Not at all. I feel safer with you 3. I just don't do crowds"
"I forgot about that, Little introvert. Don't worry, Anyone messes with you, I'll punch their ass through a wall" Melody hugged me.
"Badass bestie"
"Badass beasties" We hook our arms together and with Loki and Sif by our side we stroll towards the castle.