The Nightwalker

The Thunder Den

After an hour of eating crisps (Maybe I should have taken Thor's offer of cooking), I head back to see if I can find Melody and Thor. Which doesn't take long, They are talking on a bench about some horror films. 
"Jennifer's body is not a true horror" Melody clapped her hands. I smiled. 
"She ripped a guy open and he looks like lasagne with teeth!" Thor exclaimed. Melody rolled her eyes.
"Comedy horror at best. Cheesy chic flick horror most deffo" 
"Nice to see you two bonding" I walked up to the pair. Melody shot off the bench and hugged me.
"Em! You're back!!" I sighed. Melody can be such a drama queen, She's acting as if I went to the moon and back.
"Hope you weren't waiting too long" I gave her a squeeze "Did you get to feed?"
"Not yet. There was a line and I didn't wanna butt in" Melody hugged herself "Plus everyone is glaring at me. I got stage fright"
"I wouldn't worry too much. Residents here are a little hostile to outsiders" Thor stood up and came over to us "I'll make sure you get a chance to feed" Thor looks around and I follow his gaze. I can see that a few vampires are eyeing us uneasily.
"Cheers man"
"I should take you both on a tour of this place but your outfits make you stick out like a sore thumb"
"Are you saying these people don't appreciate a good whalebone hoop skirt?"
"We need to change. Corsets are awesome but I like breathing way too much" Melody pulled at her top.
"I know a place. Follow me" Thor wiggled his finger at us. Melody leaned in and whispered.
"You know, I half expected him to say it like Honeydew from The Yogscast"
"You know, I think you need a hobby" I sighed as I followed Thor. However, after ten minutes, I swear I heard Thor humming 'I am a dwarf and he's digging a hole'. I am surrounded by nerds.

Thor leads us down an alley off the main part of the den. We go around the corner and see an older woman sitting on a stool sewing. A pipe was dangling between her lips.
"Ah young Thor" The lady sits up, Placing her sewing on a table. She sounds like she is from Texas.
"Mrs Anderson, I hope I am not interrupting something important?"
"Of course not. I am always happy to see you, Thor" Mrs Anderson sits amidst piles of old clothes, Sorted by colour and fabric type "How can I help?"
"This is Melody and Emily. My friends as you can tell, Are in dire need of some more appropriate clothes"
"I'm a fraction of a second away from running around in my underwear" Melody pulled at her dress.
"Do you have anything for them?" Thor pointed at both Melody and me. Mrs Andersons shrugs and gestures behind her to mountains of clothes.
"Take your pick" Melody squeaks. After a quick rummage, She grabs an outfit and ducks around a corner. She comes back a few minutes later, Wearing a mesh vest with a black bra, and a black leather mini skirt with black tights. Leather boots and a sleeveless denim jacket.

"What do you think?"
"Daaaaammmmmn" Melody chimed. She really does know how to hype everything up "This the second comfiest outfit I own"
"You won't have any problems fitting in. That outfit was made for you" Thor grinned.
"Thor, I gotta say, you guys really seem like my type of people" Melody smiles at Thor. She did seem to fit in here.
"Thanks. Your turn Emily" Thor turns his head to me. I tap my chin. I pick up a black lace skater dress and black tights.
"You gotta add this leather jacket to it" Melody hands it to me "Oh and these flats."
"Really?"
"Girl, They don't have boots in your size and damn in hell, I will not be held responsible when you break your ankle in heels"
"Thanks" I walk around the corner and change quickly.

I walk out and give a twirl.
"How does it look?"
"Leather and lace. Fierce but feminine. I like it" I put my phone back inside my bra. Loki still hasn't called.
"Amazing" Thor clears his throat. Melody elbows him and whispers something. Thor wipes his face "You'll blend right in" Mrs Anderson then clears her throat.
"I'm glad you like the clothes but we have a saying here. It goes 'pay me'." Mrs Anderson holds out her hand.
"Oh shoot. We ain't got any money" Melody hisses under her breath. Mrs Anderson squints at the fancy dresses we took off. She rubs the fabric between her fingers.
"This is some material. I would be open to trade"
"Mel, You okay with that?" I handed my dress over.
"Like I am ever going to wear that thing again. My social diary ain't packed with balls" Melody pushes the mass of tulle, lace and brocade into Mrs Anderson's arms "It's all yours. Thank you, Mrs A"
"Yeah. We truly appreciate it" I bowed.
"It's my pleasure dears" Mrs Anderson smiled at us.
"Okay. You two, Let's go" Thor pushed us out of the room. I waved bye to Mrs Anderson as Thor led us into a side alley.

I soon saw a massive vault in the direction that we were walking. It was guarded by 4 massive guards. Between them, I see some gold shimmering.
"What's that?" I pointed. Thor shrugged.
"That's the repository" Thor scratched his nose.
"Repository my ass. As a gamer and nerd, I know a treasure vault when I see one!" Melody put her hands on her hips "Are there little goblins we should be worried about? Or a droll British dragon?"
"Nothing that exciting. It ain't Gringotts we got here. Prohibition-era bootleggers stashed their loot down here"
"And these are their gold bricks? Somehow I find that hard to believe" Thor nods his head to the guards who step aside, Letting me in. My jaw drops open as I take it all in. There are mountains of gold bars and stacks of cash, paintings, books and a huge, blood-red diamond.
"Okay, This has to be a video game" Melody stepped into the vault, Her eyes on the diamond. She sees me and Thor glaring at her. Holding her hands up, she backs away from the diamond "Don't worry, I know how this works. I touch that gem, Place collapses and we escaped on a flying carpet"
"This isn't Disney" I muttered. Melody said all this week was missing was someone breaking out into song "Seriously, what's up with this place?"
"Let me explain something about the economy of the Thunder Den" Thor leant on the vault's door "When you have been abandoned your whole life. when you can't go to the surface without risking death. It ain't easy to make money" He put his hands in his pockets "There ain't a lot of job opportunities for my people."
"Even harder when the clans run most of the state's industries" Melody picked up a book and flicked through the pages.
"But we still have to live. We need money for supplies and weapons. Money to buy safehouses" Thor sighed, I raised an eyebrow at him "So we run a little business of our own. The repossession kind"
"You steal?" I crossed my arms.
"Stealing is not the word I would use for what I do," Thor looked at anything that wasn't me.
"Do you take things?"
"Yes,"
"Things that don't belong to you"
"...yes"
"And then do you sell them for a profit?" Melody looked over her shoulder as she picked up a gold plate.
"...Yes" Thor gulped.
"Yeah, That's stealing"
"We only take from the council and their clans, Stark, Osbornes and Baxter industries" Thor rolled his eyes "A little from SWORD and SHIELD too"
"Unbelievable" Melody muttered. Thor's face changed. He looked like Melody had just offended his family.
"The clans are the reason we have to live here in the first place. They might as well pay for the cost" Thor frowned.
"That's not what I was thinking. I was more impressed you stole from Stark" Melody put her hands on her hips "Dude has great tech"
"Well, it does help that he is never home and always leaves his computer on" I raised my hand.
"I bet SWORD and SHIELD don't notice when things go missing" Melody tried to pick up a gold bar but even for her, It was too heavy "How do you steal from my uncle?"
"Who is your uncle?" Thor raised an eyebrow.
"Nick Fury. Runs SHIELD. Has an eye patch after picking a fight with cat" Melody explained as he looked Melody up and down.
"Oh, him! Now I look at you, I can see the resemblance. And it does explain a lot about why you two don't freak out a lot. Anyway, I have an insider. They provide us with weapons that don't get used"
"I won't tell him anything if you don't tell him about me. He still doesn't know about me being a vampire yet" Melody smiled, Looking at some paintings.
"What about from Volstagg? Doesn't he run crime in this city?" I stood next to Thor.
"We have an arrangement. I steal from everyone but him. and he ignores us" That would explain why Volstagg wanted Loki to drop the investigation.
"If he found out that you were the one who freed me -"
"He won't" Thor cut me off.
"I get why you are doing this. You do what you have to do"
"I'm glad you see it that way" Thor's shoulder sagged. He looked defeated in a way "Honestly, I'd love a life where I didn't steal. But the vampire that turned me, Took the chance away"
"Asshole" Melody sang.
"The case is the same for everyone here. I'll do what it takes to protect them" Thor led us out of the vault.
"Desperate times"
"Indeed" Thor pointed down another alleyway "Come on. More to see. Some of it is a lot less controversial"

Thor leads us through some curtains into a sizeable tented hall with a circular stage with a pole at the centre of it. All seats are empty. A woman dressed in a cabaret outfit rehearses a routine with oversized, feathered fans at centre stage.
"You have a strip club?" I hugged myself.
"Burlesque show. This is just a rehearsal" The woman shouts up to someone in the lighting booth.
"Oleg, darling, I need a pin light on my neck for the final reveal. That's the climax of this whole thing"
"What is her name?" I point over to the woman.
"I think I know her" Melody picked at her lip. She does that when she is thinking.
"That is Medusa. She runs this whole thing" Medusa spots Thor and waves to him.
"Oh hey, Thor. Who are the new girls? Do they need a gig?"
"No, They are just visiting" Thor shook his head.
"Oh, must be nice" Her smile turns cold and she goes back to finish her rehearsal "Then the emcee says give it up for Medusa, our necks door yadda yadda"

"I don't think she likes us" I spoke. Thor shrugged and moved us away from the stage.
"Shame, I really wanted to spin on that pole" Melody pouted.
"Medusa's had a tough time and she has complicated feelings about being here"
"How do you mean?" Thor led us to a booth and we all sat down.
"She was a pretty popular performer when she was mortal, A lead Burlesque dancer. Head of this revival a few years ago"
"I was wondering where I knew her from" Melody tapped the table.
"You went to her show?"
"Course I went. Stark invited me" Melody grinned as she watched Medusa. My jaw dropped "Don't look so shocked. Burlesque is classy, Emily. Get with the programme. What happened to her?"
"She had a stalker. A vampire in one of the clans" Thor looked at the table "He ambushed her after a show. He tried to kidnap her. She fought back. She turned her and left her to become untamed"
"oh my god" "That is awful" Melody and I spoke at the same time.
"I found her, Took her in. Helped her get through it" He looks towards the stage and sighs "But she doesn't want to be here. She's not a rebel or a fighter"
"What does she want?"
"The one thing she can't have" Thor looks over at Medsua, His eyes soften "Her life back"
"Who turned her? did you ever find him?" Melody clenched her fists. I put my hand over hers.
"I did but the bastard is one of Hela's clan. And just so happens to be one of her closest confidantes. If I killed him, She would hunt me till the ends of the earth"
"Once again, Justice has to wait another day then" Melody scoffed.
"Rehearsal's almost over" Thor leads us to the stage where we can talk to Medusa.

"Meddie, This is Melody and Emily" Thor pointed to both of us.
"Nice to meet you" I bowed my head.
"A real pleasure" Melody tried not to fangirl.
"Hello," Medusa nodded politely.
"I hope we can see your act one day. It looks great" I said as Melody nodded her head. Swear she is going to turn into a tigger at this rate. Can vampires turn into other things?
"Well thank you. It keeps me going. And I wouldn't be doing it without Thor" She gives Thor a big hug. Grinning from ear to ear "He got me back on my feet. Without him, I'd be dead" She smiles but I can see the pain behind her eyes.
"I hope know how important your work is. This community really needs you" I replied. Medusa's face softens as she gives me a genuine smile.
"Thank you, dear"
"I curious to know if your act has changed since coming here?" Melody looked around.
"Burlesque is all about the tease, what you don't show. It used to be my body. Now, It's a little further north" She runs a finger along her neck, Slow and seductive. Melody started to drool "Fridays and Saturdays. Two and four am"
"We will be back when we can. Thanks, Medusa" Thor said as he practically had to drag Melody out of the room.

As Thor leads us out of the club and down another side alley, We pass groups of residents huddling together in semi-darkness. Thor shows us a wall plastered with photos of Thunder Den residents.
"What's this?"
"The wall of the fallen. All the residents that we have lost. The ones that turned untamed. The ones that the council got" The three of us look at the face of the men and women of all ages, Races and genders. And children. Too many children.
"So many babies" Melody mumbles. I wrap my arm around her and she nuzzles into my shoulder, Turning her face away.
"Thor, I know it's important to remember them but it must be hard to pass by here all the time"
"It reminds me why I am doing this. It makes me fight harder every damn day to keep new faces from appearing here" Thor placed a hand over a young woman's picture. It was only dated last week.
"Thor, I will try and get the council to help" I put my hand on his.
"I can try and talk to my uncle but his boss is even more pig head than Volstagg" Melody wiped her eyes "There has to be a way to stop all of this"
"Emily. Melody, It's sweet that you are offering but I have been down that road. It will just lead to darkness and death. Too many of them hate our kind. They just want to watch the world burn" The three of us keep walking back to the main square.

Up ahead, I can hear people shouting, the clatter of sticks and the clang of blades.
"Here is combat training"
"Whoa! It sounds like the soundtrack to Braveheart minus the music part" Melody beamed.
"We hold regular training sessions so that all our residents are prepared" I see a group of people wielding wooden swords and practising their strikes on combat dummies "Just in case"
"In case of what?"
"Either the den is discovered or one of us turns" Thor's hands dropped to his side "Or when the council decides it's time to purge us, once and for all"
"Might be sooner than they think if Hogun gets his way" The combat class ends and the participants drift away. One guy beelines towards Thor, A broad grin on his face.
"What's up, Thor!"
"Griff, I'd like you to meet my two friends, Emily and Melody" Thor turned to face us as Griff shook both of our hands "Ladies, this is Griff. He runs the weapons department and is one of our more outspoken members"
"Damn Thor! How is it you just happen to be friends with every hot clanless girl?"
"We are not actually-" I went to speak.
"Not hot? Don't underestimate yourself" Griff eyes me up and down. I hate that we have to dash his hopes.
"No, We're not clanless" Melody crossed her arms "And you ain't my type"
"Oh? then what are you doing here?"
"They are allies in our cause. Melody is newly turned in Odinson's clan and Emily is human, Working for Odinson Corp" Griff's friendly demeanour has vanished and he glares at us both.
"I see," Griff wiped his hands on his trousers. I see how it is.
"It's, uh, Nice to meet you"
"Yeah? that's what you're going to tell your pretty face boss? It was nice to meet me" Griff towered over me. I hate it when men do that. I'm not a little girl that will take it either.
"Excuses me? My pretty face boss, as you call him, can help you"
"Bullshit" Griff spat.
"I'm serious. He cares about you clanless a lot. He can listen and help" I took a step forward. Melody and Thor tried to stop me but I shook their hands off "He could put in a word to the council and convince them to let you in"
"Bullshit" Griff repeated.
"Once he knows how Thor helped us. Once he knows that it is really like for you down here, He'll-"
"Will do fuck all!" Griff screamed in my face. I wanted to slap him. I don't care that he is a combat expert but I would happily slap him "I'd say screw him but by the way, you are talking about him, You already did," Griff smirked. I kept a blank face. I wasn't going to respond to that fact. It could make it worse "Those decrepit jerks aren't going to help us. And I wouldn't take it even if they begged on their knees" Griff rolls his wrist, his wooden sword twirling elegantly "They need to pay for everything they have done!"
"Loki ain't like the rest of them" I hissed.
"And you are stupid for ever believing in him."
"Okay, Ease up. The pair of you" Thor stood between us. Melody pulled me away. Griff glances at Melody, Raising his sword menacingly.
"Maybe we should start killing clan members. Starting with their newly turned one. that'll get their attention"
"What wait" I pushed Melody behind me.
"I would really prefer if you didn't do that" Melody muttered.
"Or maybe human assistants" Griff levelled his sword at my neck, glaring down at me.
"Griff. Back off. I mean it" Thor places a hand on his hammer. Griff glares at him and then lowers his blade.
"Whatever. You ain't the target anyway" Bloody felt like I was.
"No one should be the target. More conflict won't solve the issue" I snapped. Griff rolled his eyes at me "You can't go after the clans"
"Why the hell not?" I can't say to this man he can't go after the council because they will destroy him without even a second glance. He will want that.
"Because there is always a more peaceful resolution"
"No, There isn't. The sooner you learn that, The better"
"I am still going to try" I straightened up "If you had one thing you would like to convey to the council members, What would it be?"
"To enjoy their last days" Griff hurls his sword like a spear, Driving it straight into a dummy's chest several yards away "See you around" He stalks off, Leaving me, Thor and Melody to ponder his words.

"I've decided that he is not my favourite"
"I would like to apologize on behalf of Griff's actions. That was unpleasant, Even for him" Thor put a hand on my shoulder "I assure you it's not personal. there's a lot of resentment regarding the clans" We could hear Griff yelling to the others, Pointing in our direction "The people here see this place as their sanctuary. Having Melody here, Is making them feel threatened"
"That's a total understatement" Melody stuck her finger up at Griff.
"I think that we have explored enough. Melody, You still hungry?" Thor blocked her view.
"urm... yes" Melody put her hand on her stomach. Swear I heard it gurgle.
"Then let's get you fed" Thor leads Melody and me towards the centre of the den, into an elegantly canopied tent.

Inside the feeding lounge, I see the room is full of humans sitting quietly on couches and pillows, Allowing vampires to feed on them.
"Who are all these people?" I looked around. An older vampire bowed as he welcomed us in.
"Some are drifters, Looking for a place to kip. Others are volunteers, good folk that are sympathetic to our cause" I look at Melody. Her eyes light up at all the exposed necks, At the dripping blood.
"oh my god, I'm starving" Melody licks her lips hungrily.
"No worries, Melody. We will get you a donor in just a min-" Thor turned to speak to someone. Before he can finish, Melody is already moving, Her hunger consuming her "Melody?"
"Mel!" She bolts across the room to where an older female vampire is latched onto the neck of a lanky guy with a skateboard propped up next to him.
"Move!" Melody pushes the woman off the couch, causing the woman's teeth to tear the skater's neck as she falls away.
"ow," A thick trickle of blood streaks down.
"MELODY! STOP!" I yelled in my sternest voice. She flinches a little but doesn't slow down. She grabs the skater by the shoulders and sinks her teeth roughly into his skin.
"Hhhhhh" He grabbed Melody's purple dreadlocks "Hey! That hurts!"
"Melody! You need to slow down!" Thor yells. Melody doesn't hear us. Her hunger too consumes her. Her eyes burn red as the young man thrashes, and she drains more and more.
"Thor, What's going on?"
"Bloodlust" Melody's jaw almost seems to unhinge, Allowing her fangs to sink even deeper into the boy's neck "MELODY! ENOUGH!" Thor lunges forward, Grabs Melody and tears her away from the skater "You're going to kill him!"
"Don't touch me!" Melody snarls at me. The young man, woozy, scrambles out from under Melody and runs away. Blood streaming down his neck. Other humans begin to scream and scatter. The vampire that is meant to be in charge rushes around, Trying to regain control.
"Get everyone out of here!" Thor orders the elder "Snap out of it"
"Get out of my way" With a growl, Melody shoves Thor aside and rushes after the fleeing humans. She grabs a young woman running by her hair, pulling her closer but Thor is stronger and faster. He grabs Melody by the wrist and jerks her up, Slamming her against a wall and holding her there. The young woman takes this chance to break free and scamper away.
"Snap out of it!" I pleaded. Melody thrashes and fights against Thor's grip "Get a hold of yourself"
"I need to feed. I need it!" Melody scratches at Thor's grip.
"Thor, Don't let her go"
"I wasn't planning on it. But by the gods, She's strong. Incredibly strong" Melody lunges forward, Snapping at him but Thor dodges, Holding her in place "Listen to my voice. Calm down" Thor pulls her forward, Wrapping his arms around her and guiding her to the ground.
"No! No! Leave me!"
"Come on, Calm down. Shhh" All around you, The room is empty, Silent. As Thor holds Melody, He whispers to her. She begins to relax. slowly, her breath starts to slow and the red fades from her eyes "She'll be alright now"
"I can't believe you did that" Thor sits Melody down on a couch. his arms still around her. She cradles her head in her hands and stares at the floor, Breathing hard "Melody, Are you okay?"
"I don't know" Melody whimpered.
"she will be fine. Bloodlust can be triggered if we get too hungry. It's easier for newbies to succumb to"
"Melody, Look at me" I put a hand on my best friend's shoulder, but she shrugs it off.
"Feels like my body is burning. My head is spinning"
"You're okay. We are here" Melody gets up and paces, Drawing in a few deep breaths. I can see her eyes losing that glassy stare.
"Good. Good"
"I just need..." Melody panted as she sat back on a different couch. I looked around no one was around to help.
"I'll do it?" I speak up. Melody perks up. Thor looks at me, Expression torn and he leans in.
"It's risky. She might lose control again" he whispered quietly.
"I'm okay with that" I nodded. I knew the risks. I wasn't stupid.
"You're brave"
"Make that loyal" Melody watches as I slowly pull down my collar, Exposing the side of my neck. In a flash, Melody sat next to me, her finger tracing my jugular. Thor watches tensely. Ready to stop her if necessary "Just go slow, Mel"
"I will"
"Hey, I want to help okay"

She gently puts her fangs on my neck and presses them into my skin. I wince a little. the pain slowly melts into a dull ache, laced with warmth and connection. Melody's head tilts just slightly, Sending another jolt through my body. I reach down and take Melody's hand, Squeezing it tight.
"Mel, that... I..."
"That was something else" Melody slumps back down, Hands running over her thighs.
"Glad you enjoyed yourself" I glance over at Thor, He is still sitting tensely, Staring at my neck. His eyes were blood red. My hand flew to my neck. Melody pricks her fingers and heals the wounds "Oh... Sorry. The blood. I didn't think you'd..." My voice trails as his eyes travel the length of my body, admiring my curves.
"I certainly wouldn't say no to anything you offer"
"Me neither. To either of you," I look between Melody and Thor. the air feels electrified. I can see the same hunger lingering in both their eyes. Yet, I glance away from Thor. He clears his throat, Coming back to himself.
"I need to make sure everyone is okay" He slips out of the room, adjusting his collar.
"he's got a thing for you" Melody whispered.
"Not my type" I shook my head.
"Not dark and brooding enough for you?" Melody folded her arms. Her eyes were still red.
"Do you need to feed more?" I sighed, changing the subject.
"Yes please," Melody leans forward, Biting me more gently this time. She's warm and close., Almost like she is part of me. I squeeze her hand tightly.

Finally, After a long time, Melody sits up again. Practically gasping for air.
"Is my blood that good?" I joked. Melody nods.
"That was... intimate" Melody wiped her mouth.
"Yeah, I know" I pointed to my neck. Melody pricked her finger and healed my wounds.
"You okay?"
"Just a little tired but I am so glad that you are you again" I shivered.
"I bet I am still nothing compared to Loki. A walking god"
"He's never sucked my blood"
"I can't believe you fucked him" Melody chuckled loudly as she flopped back.
"And I'd do it again" I lay back on the pillows. I miss Loki. I hope he is okay. Melody lies next to me.
"Nap time?"
"Nap time" I sigh "What are you thinking?"
"This whole vampire world is scary and violent and so overwhelming, I could scream" Melody looks deep into my eyes "But I am so happy that I get to have you by my side"
"We can face anything as long as we are together" I grabbed Melody's hand and squeezed it tightly.
"Damn right" We hug up and soon both of us are drifting off to sleep.

Melody and I woke up a little while later, Still snuggled up to each other. Thor is sitting in a nearby chair, Lost in thought. drinking what looks like whiskey.
"Thor?" I sit up and rub my eyes "Is everything-" Suddenly everyone is shouting outside. Melody bolts upright. Thor drops his glass and stands up.
"What's going on?" She yells. Thor runs out of the feeding den and Melody and I follow.

People are running towards the entrance, Which appears to be the source of the commotion. Thor grabs Griff's arm as he sprints past.
"what is it?" Thor hisses.
"A council member has been caught in the tunnels" He beamed as he held up his metal sword "This war! War!" Melody Thor and I rush over, pushing through the angry crowd. A group of guards walk forward, Holding a bound figure between them.
"I said move out of my way"
"Who is it?" I tried to jump over the crowd.
"I said unhand me!" I finally got to the front.
"Sif?"