The Nightwalker

The Tribunal

"What is Sif doing here?" Melody asked as the guard pushed Sif forward to the main area of the den. I shrugged. How was I to know why Sif was here, I ain't a mind reader. The only thing I get in vivid daydreams.
"I suggest you let me go" Sif snapped as an angry crowd surrounds her. Melody, Myself and Thor approach her. 
"Sif!" I chimed. I was honestly glad to see her.
"What's going on?" Thor demanded to know.
"They are coming for us! This is war! WAR!" Griff shouted, Gripping his sword.
"They know where we are! We have to abandon the den!"
"We should stake her!" 
"No!" Melody and I yelled, the crowd drowning out our voices.
"SILENCE!" Thor bellowed. The crowd settles down as the guards holding Sif walk her towards Thor "Sif Borson. What are you doing here?"
"I will explain once these mutts let me go" Sif was remarkably calm. Despite the crowd wanting to kill her.
"Don't bother fighting against those two. Your presence is an aggressive act, jeopardizing our safety" Thor placed a hand on his hammer "The only response is immediate and deadly force"
"Wait! Please!" Melody yelled. Trying to push past the people in front of her but Melody is drowned out as the crowd goes wild again.
"Death to the Council" Griff took a step forward "Death to her!"
"WAIT!" I shove a vampire out of the way and run to Sif's side. Putting myself between her and the crowd "Stop this! Thor. I know her. I'm sure she doesn't mean you harm"
"Whose side are you on?" Thor snarled at me. I frowned at him. Melody finally stood next to me.
"Sif protected me, Thor. She vouched for me. She's on the right side" Melody stood in front of me.
"Thank you, Emily and Melody but I can handle myself" Sif smiled at us both.
"Start with an explanation" Thor demanded. His hand is still on his hammer.
"I will in private. This crowd doesn't look like the reasoning type" Sif glared at Griff.
"Fine. Follow me"
"You're just letting her walk?" Axl yelled, grabbing Thor by his jacket.
"To hell with that!" Griff winds up and hurls a bottle at Sif's head. I hid my head in my hand as Sif, with her lighting reflexes, caught it and crushed it in her hand.
"Imbecile" Sif wiped her hand on her jacket. Griff's face drained. He couldn't quite believe that Sif caught the bottle. Melody and I simply smiled at each other.
"Enough! I'll handle this! All of you, Just stay calm" Thor shouted as he pointed to everyone.

As the crowd rages and seethes, Thor leads everyone to his room. The two guards drag Sif along, closing the door behind us.
"Release her" Thor ordered the guards. They grumbled as they let Sif go and she rolled her eyes at them. She brushes off her jacket.
"You do know I could have killed you all if I had wanted to, Right?" Sif flicked her hair over her shoulder.
"So why didn't you?" Thor narrowed his eyes.
"I am not here for war. I just want Melody and Emily. I need their help" Sif pointed at me and my best friend.
"Why us?" Melody stepped forward.
"The council in all their wisdom is accusing Loki of being responsible for all the ferals as well as the attack at the ball" I stumbled in my step at Sif's words.
"What?" I covered my mouth.
"Well, they are fucking wrong" Melody clenched her fists. I could see Thor out of the corner of my eye, Looking concerned at me. At least that's what I hoped he was feeling.
"Of course, they are" Sif folded her arms "But either way, They are having a tribunal for him"
"A tribunal?" Melody tilted her head. Thor went and sat on a chair, Feet up on the desk.
"Yes, I need you two to come to testify on his behalf"
"Of course" I nodded.
"I'm there" Melody clapped her hands.
"This is a very serious accusation" Sif held her head up.
"I don't understand why this is happening. Who is accusing him?"
"I can't get into details here" Sif glances at Thor.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Am I bothering you? You know, In the middle of my own room" Thor grumbled, Glaring at Sif.
"Watch your tone pup. I could break you in a heartbeat. This tribunal is clan politics" Sif's eyes glowed. Thor shot up and squared up to Sif.
"Then let's go"
"Hey! Let's all chill out and talk this through" Melody stood between the two angry vampires.
"We will help in any way we can" I put my hand on Sif's shoulder "We can provide testimony relating to Loki's whereabouts the night of the ball"
"Count us in" Melody grinned. I nodded before turning to Thor.
"Thor, We have to leave"
"It's not that easy. Sif is a clan leader. She can't just waltz in and out of here" Thor looked back at the front door.
"But she just explained why she is here. She is here just to get me and Melody, Right?" I looked at Sif.
"Correct. Believe it or not, I couldn't care less about your little clubhouse here" Sif shrugged. Thor looked as if someone had just insulted his mother.
"It's the Thunder Den" Thor muttered.
"Whatever" Sif rolled her eyes. She went to walk toward the door but Thor stood in her way.
"How did you even find us? We've gone to great lengths to keep this location secret" Thor clenched his fist. He held his hammer up and pointed it at Sif "You know we are, Is putting our entire population in danger. I'm afraid I can't just let you go"
"Oh for god's sake. I am too old for this shit. Loki and I have known about this place for years" Sif pushed the hammer down.
"What?" Thor spat.
"Yes, we knew. We allowed it because you lot are far less trouble in a controlled location than you would be scattered about. You are all in one place. You are easy to track and monitor and you're contained"
"You have spies? In our midst" Thor stumbled, He took a quick glance at me and Melody. I rolled my eyes and shook my head.
"I wouldn't look at those two, they are not spy material." I wanted to take offence to that but even I knew Sif was right "And no offence, pup. But I have been playing this game a lot longer than you have been alive" Sif smirked.
"Yeah, well, You're in my den. And I am pretty damn sure you can't take all of us on" Thor regained his composure. Melody went and stood next to Thor.
"Thor, If Sif is telling the truth, It's actually proof that she means you no harm" Melody whispered in Thor's ear.
"Maybe. Or they are waiting for the right moment to strike" Thor glared at Sif.
"Then why would I blow my plan by marching right in here, Genius?" Sif put her hand on her hips, one hand pinching her nose.
"Thor, Please listen to me when I tell you that Loki and Sif are your best potential allies" Melody slowly walked around so she was between Thor and Sif "If you let us go, Emily and I can go with Sif, Testify for Loki. It will strengthen that alliance"
"Without allies on the council, You will never get your people accepted" I spoke. Thor seethes for a moment, Gauging our intentions. Gauging Sif's trustworthiness "Come on, Thor. Please trust me. You know I want the best for your people. I am sympathetic to your cause. We need to go with Sif"
"And I pinky swear that I will come back and help" Melody held up her pinky. Thor ran a hand through his hair, yelling out as he got his fingers caught in a knot.
"Even if I was to go through with this, I'd have a tough time explaining it to my people"
"Please, Thor" I begged. I need to save Loki. I have to. I wasn't ready to say goodbye to him.
"And it would go against my better judgement"
"You know you won't regret it" Thor takes a deep breath and blows it out slowly.
"Fine. You are free to go. But do not take advantage of my trust"
"We won't" I rushed forward and hugged him, Squeezing him tightly "Thor, Thank you for everything"
"It was nothing"
"No, It was definitely something. You were there when we needed you the most. You kept us safe" I squeezed Thor's forearms.
"And not to mention that you got us these amazing outfits" Melody twirled.
"I won't forget our time here" I hugged Thor once more. Thor looks at me, Managing a smile.
"Neither will I" Thor nods at Sif and turns to his guards "Take them to the east exit so that no one can see"
"Thank you" Sif nodded her head.
"Just go," Thor whispered, looking back at the angry crowd of his people.

Melody and I accompany Sif out of the den, Through the city and back to her office at Asgard Financial.
"Well. We got out there faster than I expected. And I didn't have to kill anyone" Sif sat on the edge of her desk.
"I really should know you well enough to know this but I hope you are making a joke" Melody crossed her fingers.
"What do we do now?" I let my hands fall to my side.
"We have an hour before we are due at the cavern for Loki's tribunal"
"That sounds creepy. What's the cavern?" Melody crossed her hands.
"Neutral ground for the clans to work things out" Sif crossed her legs and placed one hand on her lap, The other holding her up "It's an old underground vampire temple"
"I don't know why but I liked every word in that sentence" Melody clapped as she bounced.
"In the meantime, We can rest here, Where it's a bit more comfortable"
"Your office is cool" I looked around. Melody grinned and ran over to a shelf.
"Are those daggers? Is that a spear? Is that mask cursed? Are curses real?" I grin at Melody as she runs around. I look around and that's when I see it, a small orange crystal on the shelf.
"Ooh pretty" I picked it up and it felt like it was charged with some sort of magic. As I looked at it, I felt a little lightheaded. My knees quivered as the world swayed. My head swims with a strange vision. I see flashes of a vision. A tent in a wind-swept desert and Sif dressed as an Egyptian noble.

Thousand of years ago in the deserts of Egypt, inside a military command tent, Sif sits at a desk going over a map by the fire's low light.
"Perhaps an assault along the river?" A guard coughs and pokes his head inside. Sif looks up and frowns "What is it?"
"Your spymaster, Amethu, has returned, My lady"
"Send him in" The guard disappears.

A moment later, A man in a dark hood steps into the tent. he bows to Sif. She waves her hand dismissively and he straightens.
"What news of the front?"
"Tragic, I'm afraid. We are in danger of losing the war" The man looked at the map.
"How could this be?" Sif smashed her hand onto the wooden table.
"Octavian has put the city of Alexandria under siege" Amethu gulped. He wasn't scared of Sif but she can be lethal when she wants.
"then why do we not meet him in battle? Where is Mark Antony?" Sif demanded to know.
"He has lost most of his army attempting to flank the forces of Pinarius"
"A fool's errand. He will doom us all" Sif looks back down at the map and scowls, Drumming her fingers on the desk's wooden surface "My cousin should never have entrusted him with our campaign. If only she had listened, If she had just trusted me"
"It seems surrender is imminent"
"no..." Sif's hand settles on the hilt of her dagger which rests on the desk "I will never surrender to the Romans, Matter what the Queen says"
"Be careful what you say, My lady. That sounds like treason" Sif shrugs and fixes her eyes on Amethu.
"Perhaps. but I will not sit idly by while Cleopatra hands her kingdom over to the Romans. I will have my justice or die trying. If you wish to leave, I will not stop you"
"I would never leave you. I am your loyal servant to the end" Sif smiles softly at Amethu, Then returns her gaze to the map.
"What of our raid on the Roman supply train?"
"Now there we were successful. We took them completely by surprise. We destroyed two dozen wagons and killed at least 30 Romans. The loss of supplies will surely hurt their forces"
"Excellent. Then everything went according to my plan" Sif rubbed her hands together.
"Yes, but there was another development" Amethu adjusted his hood. Sif tilted her head "We took a prisoner, A soldier with incredible speed and skill. He somehow survived being stabbed in the chest and shot with half a dozen arrows. It took most of my men to pin him down but once chained, He stopped fighting" Sif's mouth dropped open and she stared at Amethu.
"The undying centurion? He's real?" Sif's eyes grew wide.
"So it would seem" Amethu nodded.
"Bring him! Now!"

Amethu disappears and returns with a trio of guards dragging a man between them. He's dressed in a centurion outfit, his hands bound in thick silver chains. The guards thrust him onto his knees in front of Sif but despite their presence, He looks calm.
"Greetings" He chimes, his eyes never leaving Sif.
"So. you are the soldier who has given my men so much trouble."
"And you are the nomarch who continues to vex me" The man pouted, the sides of his mouth turned into a smile. Sif's face was blank "I must say, I have been impressed with your tactics. Striking at night, Targeting our supplies, and refusing to take prisoners. There are few willing to eschew the conventions of warfare like that. You are a true jackal. I am honoured to meet you" Sif stands up, throwing her chair back and slamming her hands on the table."
I will be honoured to end you!"
"Come now, Do not be so rash. Your army is nearly defeated. The war will soon be over. surely we can find some common ground" Sif narrows her eyes at the man and her lips pull back in a snarl.
"The war will never be over. Not for me"
"Ah... I see. This is personal, isn't it? You are looking for vengeance. The Romans took someone from you"
"I believe that is enough about me. It is you that I am interested in"
"I am an open book before you"
"For months, My people have come to me with tales of the undying centurion who can survive any wound. They say he fights like a god."
"A generous compliment"
"I wonder if it is true. Can you survive any wound or is it merely a myth, Brought about by the boasts of a single man desperate for recognition?" Sif folded her arms.
"one cannot control the spread of such stories. That is how legend works. Inevitably, the stories grow much greater than -" Before he can finish, Sif grabs a short sword from the belt of one of her guards and drives it into the man's chest. He lurches backwards, Blood gushing from the wound. He then lets out a sigh and leans back, Watching Sif carefully. Sif yanks out the sword, but the man doesn't flinch. His wounds knit themselves back together, Leaving behind a patch of smooth skin "Satisfied?"
"Demon" Amethu gasps, eyes wide with horror. he draws his dagger, and the other guards follow suit, Pointing their blades at the cocky man. The man looks at Amethu and smiles even as the guard's weapons inch closer to his face.
"Yes. The legends are true. This is why this is your last chance, Nomarch. We can still come to some arrangement" Sif hands the sword back to one of her guards and walks back over to her desk, Though her gaze never leaves the bound man.
"Who are you?"
"I am Odin"
"There are ancient legends among my people, Legends that tell of demons from the underworld that walk the earth. They feed on blood and cannot be killed by a blade. It is said that these creatures fear only two things. Sunlight and silver chains. So tell me, Centurion, Will you still boast before the rising sun?" Odin shrugs and the chains around his wrists clink loudly.
"impressive. These legends of yours sound quite accurate. But, they seem to have one key detail wrong"
"Oh? And what is that?"
"Silver chains don't do a damn thing" Sif's eyes go wide as Odin jerks his wrists apart, Tearing the chains in half and flinging metal across the room. Before the guards react, Odin snatches a sword from a guard's belt and plunges it into his chest.
"Protect Lady Sif!" the remaining guards rush Odin. He whirls around and cuts his sword deep into the neck of one, Dropping him instantly.
"Really?" Odin sighed as the last guard stepped forward, Odin merely twirls his sword and chops the man's arm off before stabbing him in the stomach.
"Enough!" Amethu steps in front of Sif and brandishes his dagger. He slices the back of Odin's hand, making him drop his sword.
"Finally! A challenge" Odin steps to the side as Amethu cuts at him again. He bats the dagger with ease and grabs Amethu's neck, Squeezing it "Or not"
"Urrrgghh!" Amethu claws at Odin's arm but Odin tightens his grip until, With a loud crack, Amethu's body goes limp. Odin sighs as he drops Amethu's body to the ground, turning to Sif.
"Just the two of us now"
"You snake" Sif grabs her dagger from the table and slices Odin's cheek. He grins and locks eyes with Sif. blood drips down his face and the wound begins to heal.
"Such hostility"
"Your reign of terror ends here" Before Sif can make another move, Odin pounces on her, Catching her wrists and pinning her against the desk "I will kill you!"
"You can try" Sif's eyes burn with fury as she pushes back. Struggling against him. for a moment, Odin grins and holds her there. Then he releases her wrist and slowly lets her drive the dagger into his chest. Blood leaks from the wound, Dripping down his armour "Your strength, Your passion, Your fury... I have not seen the like"
"If you are going to kill me, Demon, Just do it" Sif snarls and drives the blade deeper into Odin's chest. Blood spills down the blade, Splashing onto Sif's dress and staining the fabric.
"I was going to kill you but I have changed my mind now that I have seen your potential"
"Explain"
"I am going to give you a gift instead. I am going to turn you into something incredible"
"And what is that?"
"My Queen" And with that, Odin lunges forward and sinks his fangs into Sif's throat.

And all at once, I am back at Sif's work. Melody is still rambling on about something to do with a spear. I lean on a wall, Grabbing the shelf.
"What was that?" Only a second had passed. But my head felt like it had a jackhammer going off in it. I tried to remember what I had just seen but it was fading. I shivered. I swear these zoning-out spells are happening more and more. I should really ask my mum about these times "Weird"
"Emily?" Melody puts a hand on my back.
"Are you alright?" Sif tilts her head at me. I blink a few times.
"Yeah... I..." I glance down and the crystal is gone. I can't tell these guys that I am seeing visions of the past. they have enough on their plate without me being weirder than normal "Sorry. I spaced out for a second"
"Right." Sif sighed. I wasn't sure she believed me but I wasn't bothered "Well, back to business. I need to know if either of you saw anything on the night of the ball that I should know about"
"You mean with Loki?" I raised an eyebrow. Do I have to tell them about the moment in the library?
"Yes," Sif nodded.
"No"
"No, nothing at all" Melody shook her head.
"Just wanted to be sure. the council will want to hear that from you" Sif shuffled some papers on her desk.
"Do you know why he is being targeted?" I leaned against the edge of the desk.
"I have my suspicions"
"Which are?" Melody crossed her arms.
"That he has too much empathy for mortals" Sif looked at me and then back at her paperwork.
"And why would that be bad?"
"It puts him at risk as a council leader. Our mandate is to keep the vampire leadership strong, concentrated and unchallenged. And seeing things from the point of view of mortals or even clanless puts that at risk. Some think so anyway"
"Do you?"
"It is a conundrum. I think Loki's weakness is also his best quality but I don't disagree that it makes him vulnerable"
"Sif, Do you see love as a weakness?" Melody tilted her head.
"In a way" Sif shrugged.
"Love is not a weakness. Love is like a dagger. It's a weapon to be wielded far away or up close. You can see yourself in it. It's beautiful until it makes you bleed"
"But ultimately, when you reach for it. It isn't real" Sif added.
"Love is an imaginary dagger? That was a terrible metaphor" Melody elbowed me. I knew what I meant by my words. Doesn't mean everyone else has to understand it.
"Anyway, there's nothing to do until the tribunal, I'm going up to the rooftop for a swim and a drink" Sif took her jacket off and flung it over her shoulder "Melody, Don't break anything"
"No promises" Sif walks away.
"Emily, You're welcome to join me... If you wish" Sif looks over her shoulder at me.
"I'll stay with Melody. Someone needs to keep an eye on her" I declined. Don't get me wrong, Sif's hot but I don't want her. I prefer gothic beanpoles.
"Hey," Melody elbowed me. I rubbed my ribcage. That girl has bony elbows.
"Very well. We'll leave in an hour" Sif vanishes into a private elevator, Leaving Melody and me alone.

As the doors closed, Melody stood in front of me, jaw open.
"Just to clarify... a 2000-year-old vampire... A smoking hot 2000-year-old vampire, just invited you to take a dip in her private rooftop pool and you said no?"
"I'm just not in the mood" I shrugged. Melody mumbled something that I didn't quite catch.
"Can you take a moment and look at all this amazing stuff" Melody holds her arms above her head, Gawking at a massive spear "Do you think she has killed someone with this?"
"I am 100% sure she has" I smiled. I move away from the desk and go towards the big sofa.
"Would it be offensive to ask if she has a mummy?"
"Probably" I slump down in a chair and Melody comes over to give me a hug.
"You okay?"
"Not really. No"
"I know you're worried about Loki" Melody tucked a hair behind my ear "You've fallen pretty bad for him"
"I care a lot for him" I look at the marble floor.
"Are you sure that's all it is?" Melody speaks softly. My head shot up and I just blinked at her.
"What are you talking about?" I lower my head again.
"You know what I am on about. You don't just care bout Loki. You have fallen for him." Melody stroked my hair.
"What makes you say that?"
"You just turned down Sif, You turned Thor down earlier and me."
"He's had a pretty big impact on my life"
"What's stopping you from just going for it?" Melody hugged my arm. I leaned my head on her shoulder.
"Just with everything going on, Now is not the right time to even talk to him about things"
"He does want you. I can tell. His body says no despite the fact that you bonked him but his eyes... His eyes glisten when you walk into the room. He cares a lot for you"
"I'm just his employee"
"That he has slept with and made out with" Melody tilted her head, and I just looked at the floor "Let's save his ass and then you can speak to him. At least that way you know where you stand"
"How can I feel this way about him? I haven't even known him a week yet" I whispered.
"That doesn't matter. When you two look at each other, It's like you have spent lifetimes together" Melody grabbed my hand, squeezing it "Now, shall we grab a power nap?"
"Now you're talking my language" We snuggled up and zonked out.

The two of us woke up after half an hour, Sitting in silence for 15 minutes. Which is when Sif returns. Her hair was glistening.
"Ready?" Sif took a deep breath in. Melody and I stood up.
"As ever" I adjusted my jacket as Melody stretched. Sif looks me up and down "What?"
"It's just perhaps a more professional look would help here. Something that shows how serious you are about defending Loki" Sif tapped her chin.
"What do you have in mind?" Sif walks to her left and opens a small closet. She takes out a crisp, professional outfit. A flowery pencil skirt with a light pink blouse and white heels. I duck into the bathroom and change.

I emerged a few minutes later and gave a twirl to the ladies.
"How do I look?"
"Professional yet fashionable" Sif grinned.
"Objection! You look amazing!" Melody clapped like a seal.
"how is that an objection?" I frowned.
"I don't know! I'm doing a skit!"
"Regardless, Melody is correct. You do look remarkable" I feel a slight blush on my cheeks "Now, come. Tribunal awaits"

A short while later, Sif leads Melody and me through Central Park. Melody and I had spent many times together in this park and had never seen a big hole anywhere. I looked up to see Ironman flying around. Spiderman wasn't far from him.
"I see that they are out and about" I rolled my eyes "Have you told your uncle yet?"
"Have I hell. He's still unreachable" Melody shook her head. Sif leads us to a small overgrown section "Okay, Where are going?" Melody looked around.
"I told you. The Cavern" Sif sighed.
"Right, But where is it?"
"It wouldn't be much of a secret meeting place if it was easy to find, Now would it?" Sif approaches a statue of a handsome man in a frock coat. She presses an amulet to a small plaque on his side. The ground under the statue slides open. Revealing a hidden set of stairs leading into darkness.
"I don't think I played this level in Skyrim" Melody gulped as she followed Sif "Thieves guild here I come"

we descend some decrepit stone steps, Lanterns light from down below showing us the way into an old underground cavern with crumbling statues and tangled ivy vines.
"What in the Assassin's Creed?" Melody's jaw dropped.
"It's spooky yet amazing" I mumbled.
"Amooky!" Melody clapped.
"You're such a dork" I heard a cough and at the bottom of the stairs, Hannah was waiting impatiently.
"Oh, goody. I was wondering why it was cold in here" Melody leaned in closer "Hey Hannah"
"Melody" Hannah didn't even look in Melody's direction "Hello Sif"
"Hannah"
"Emily, Looking sharp"
"Thanks"
"I wanted to speak to you all before the tribunal begins" Hannah adjusted her shirt. How did she know about the tribunal? I'm guessing Sif told her "Is there anything I need to know beforehand? Anything about what happened the night of the ball? About Loki"
"No" Sif shakes her head. Hannah stares at me.
"Are you going to support him? Yes or no?"
"How could you even ask me that?" I spat. I hated this bitch "Why would you doubt me?"
"I meant no offence. Must be my legal training. I never presume to know what a witness will say" I walked straight up to Hannah. My nose nearly touched hers.
"Loki has my full, unwavering and truthful support"
"Be assured, Hannah, There is nothing you don't know here. Loki is being set up. Plain and simple" Sif pulled me away from Hannah. Someone had to. Was about to headbutt the bitch.
"My instincts said this was a false accusation. Loki has his flaws but he would never turn people into those things. he's a stickler for the rules If nothing else" Hannah folded her arms "The only question is who is behind this?" 
"We need to deal with this now" 

Hannah and Sif lead us deeper into the cavern where the council sits in a circle. All are lit by lanterns. Loki sits, flanked by guards, in the centre of the circle. He looks disheartened but smiles when he sees Me, Melody and Sif. I reach for him but Melody catches me and holds me back. 
"You okay?" he mouths to me. I nodded and I asked if he was okay. He just rolls his eyes, Smiling softly at me. Sif takes a seat in the circle, Nodding to her fellow members. Hannah, Myself and Melody sit in an outer ring of chairs. Everyone seems to be watching me. 
"As the eldest council member, It is incumbent upon me to preside over this tribunal. Serious charges have been levelled against Loki Odinson. Charges of deliberately sabotaging the council pact against unauthorized turnings. A charge like this, by a council member, against a fellow council member, must be considered and dealt with appropriately" Sif's eyes flare with anger "Let us begin, So as to conclude swiftly and justly" 
"Do we even know who is accusing him?" Melody whispered to me. I shake my head. 
"Sif never said. Who do you think it is?" 
"Volstagg. Dude is the head of the mafia and he's definitely got a grudge against Loki"
"First, A statement from the accuser" Sif spoke up "Will Senator Hogun please stand and present your case against Loki?"
"Hogun? I always hated that guy" Melody hissed as Hogun stood up and took a step forward.
"Loki Odinson has broken the pact that has kept this city safe for nearly a century" Hogun speaks with confidence "He has been turning new vampires which have resulted in a horde of ferals. This created the domino effect of the city's attacks and the attack at the ball, which resulted in the loss of 27 vampire lives. Including Michelle's"
"Lies" Loki spat.
"Do you have proof?" Sif took a deep breath in.
"I never make baseless accusations" Hogun grinned "A member of my clan got me access to the security logs from Michelle's castle. The keycard used to open the gate was Loki's" The rest of the council mutter at this revelation.
"And to think, He accused me" Volstagg scoffed. I'm still convinced he has something to do with this.
"My keycard was stolen from me earlier in the night. This whole thing is a set-up," Loki tried to stand up but the guard held him down.
"Loki, Let Hogun speak, And you will get your turn" Sif held her hand up. Loki backed down.
"Secondly, I've managed to identify the feral that attacked us at the ball and every last one of them was a former Odinson Corp employee" The rest of the council gasps.
"What?" I muttered.
"This is bullshit" Melody raised her voice.
"No, I'd never..." Loki shook his head. Mouth flapping open.
"I can submit proof of all this to the council" Hogun hands Sif a folder full of research documents, Her face drops as she scans the file.
"Even if it is true, Which I doubt it is, It doesn't mean he did it right?" But the other members seem unconvinced.
"Damn, Loki. I never trusted your whole uptight, Goody two-shoes schtick, but this? Really?" Hela pouted. Her voice feels like nails on a chalkboard at this point.
"You're one sick puppy, Kid and that's coming from me" Fandral's nose scrunched up.
"Can I call my witnesses on my behalf? Please?" Loki looked between Hogun and Sif.
"Let's get it over with" Hogun rolled his eyes and clicked his fingers twice.
"I call forward two open minds" Sif looked at Melody and me. We just looked at each other.
"Open minds, What does that mean?"
"Any vampire who is worth anything knows how to guard their thoughts. but humans and baby vamps like you and your friend are an open book" Hela grinned.
"Mind guarding. My grandma used to whine about it. I wish I listened to her when she rambled on" I sigh as another figure emerges from the shadows "Tyr?"
"Emily, I regret that we meet again under such circumstances" Tyr bowed his head at me.
"Circumstances?"
"My abilities aren't just limited to debriefings, You see. I can reach into minds in other ways"
"So a vampire version of Doctor Strange" Melody huffed. my life could not get any weirder "So Beatles man is going to read my mind? Full disclosure, It can be pretty weird up there"
"I can't read your thoughts but I can see if you are lying"
"Think Galand of Seven Deadly Sins. Only we don't turn to stone" Melody whispers to me. It's the only anime I can stand and that's because Ban is a legend. No, that's a lie, I do like Vox Machina and Dr Stone.
"I'm ready. Let's go" I stood up. Trying not to break my ankles in my heels. Why did I wear heels? I hate heels.
"No hesitation. I knew I liked you for a reason" Hela practically drooled at my sight.
"I know Loki's innocent. Why would I hesitate?" I glared at the teenage vampire. Hela grumbled that I backed the wrong horse.
"Yeah! Let's get this clown show over with!" Melody fist-bumped the air.
"Melody Fury. Please stand"

Melody does as she is told (For once) and Tyr presses a hand to her forehead.
"Whoa, Headrush" Melody's eyes went cross-eyed. The last time I saw this was when she had a migraine and wanted to drink a gallon of slushies.
"Melody, When Loki turned you, Did he take that act lightly?" Sif asked.
"No. He agonized over it and then fought to petition me into his clan afterwards. He took it very seriously"
"Truth"
"Melody, did he or did he not turn you without your permission?" Hogun spoke.
"Yes, But it was unplanned and I was out cold" Melody scrunched his face up.
"No more questions"
"I never saw him turn anyone else" Melody blinked and rubbed her forehead.
"I said no more questions! Thank you" Hogun raised his voice.
"Why is Hogun so determined to pin this on Loki"
"Emily, Please stand," Sif asked nicely. I do as I am told and step forward. Hela grins at me.
"Mmm, mmm. Looking like a real snack, Emily" I ignored her and faced Tyr.

Tyr places a hand on my forehead. his hand is warm and I feel a tingle at his touch. A slight pressure in my skull.
"Emily, On the night of the ball, Were you Loki's guest?" Sif looked at me.
"Yes, I was" I nodded.
"And do you have any recollection of where his keycard was on that night?"
"yes, In fact, I heard him say at one point that he had lost it. So maybe someone took it"
"No one asked you to speculate" Hogun stated. He looked bored.
"I know he didn't do any turnings or let any of those monsters in that night. He never would have done that" I frowned at Hogun, pushing Tyr's hand away.
"And was he in your entire sight for the entire night?"
"Well, No. Not every single minute" I blushed a little as the memory of the library came into my mind.
"Wishful thinking aside, I'm not sure how you can assure us that he could not have done these things" Hogun pointed to the folder in Sif's lap.
"Because I know him! I know how he feels about the pact and the ferals"
"I am not here for your feelings, Emily" Hogun mocked as he strained the word feelings. I wanna slap him. I never mentioned my feelings. I mentioned Loki's feelings "All I care about is facts and you yourself admit there were periods of the night when Loki was unaccompanied which means your testimony is functionally useless"
"But..."
"I think we are done here"
"Unbelievable. Hogun, You backstabbing worm," Loki spat as Hogun walked to his chair "Tell me this. Why? Why would I possibly turn people into mindless beasts? why would I harm my own kind?"
"Because in your heart, Loki, We are not your kind. You have never embraced being a vampire. You have always longed for humanity" Hogun walked over to Loki, Bending at the waist "That is why you made your serum, isn't it?" A hushed silence falls over the cavern as every head turns to Hogun.
"How do you know about that?" Loki is stunned, He looks at me out of the corner of his eyes, As if to ask me if I had said anything. I shook my head. Loki has told no one but me about it. And I never blabbed.
"What is he talking about? What serum?" Fandral raised his hand.
"Yeah, out with it" Volstagg stamped his foot. Hogun clears his throat and steps forward, Like a cat about to pounce.
"For the past year, a team at both SHIELD and Odinson Corp has been hard at work on a top-secret project. A serum that could effectively turn vampires back into mortals" The entire chamber sucks in their breath "You gonna admit it?"
"Doesn't exist" Loki denied.
"At the moment. But you are working on it, Are you not?"
"I have been" Loki looked at the ground.
"Are you out of your mind?" Hela shot out of her seat, Chair flying out behind her "How could you even imagine a thing like that?"
"That's your goal. It's always been your goal. To wipe out our entire race" Hogun spat as he shoved his finger in Loki's face. If that had been me, I would have bitten it off.
"I believe that is Blade's goal" Fandral added. The council erupts into chaos, Each shouting over the other.
"He's a traitor to our kind" Volstagg cried out.
"I knew we couldn't trust him" Fandral stood up.
"I call dibs on his stuff" Hela smiles at me.
"QUIET!" Sif glances at me. I can see the hint of fear in her eyes and that scares me "Emily, Is there anything you would like to add?"
"Yeah, You can all go to hell" I stand up, unable to keep my mouth shut any longer. The council stares at me. Loki smirks as he looks away "This tribunal is a sham, Based on a completely fictional accusation. It's clearly a malicious attempt to frame Loki and if you go along with it, You will suffer the consequences"
"Who are you to threaten consequences?" Volstagg speaks but doesn't move any closer to me.
"Karma is a bitch and your betrayal will be punished tenfold down the road. I will make sure of it" There was a surprised silence for a moment.
"Oh please, whatever" Hela waves me away.
"Shall we vote?" Hogun puts his hands in his pockets.
"All those in a conviction for Loki, Say aye"
"Aye," Volstagg taps his cane on the floor.
"Aye," Hela licks her lips as she stares at me.
"Aye," Fandral leans back in his chair.
"Nay" Sif speaks. I can see Loki's eyes widen in fear as the final vote is cast.
"Aye. Take him away" Hogun waved his hands.
"NO!" I yell out. I go to rush forward but Melody grabs me. Holding me in place. the guards rush Loki. He struggles but they hold him down, Subduing him.
"Kfff" Loki drops down and guards grab him, Dragging him out of the cavern. His eyes flit up to mine, Just for a moment. Melody was right, They glisten when he looks at me "Emily," and then he's gone. Dragged away into the darkness.

I spin to face Sif, Panicked. She looks so numb. Melody still has her arms around me.
"What's going on?" I muttered. Melody said that she didn't know.
"We need to destroy this serum!" Fandral stood up, Stamping his foot. Here I thought that Hela was the child.
"The council must take possession of Loki's corporation immediately" Volstagg bellowed. I walk towards Sif. I feel a hand grab my throat from behind. I jerk back with a gasp as Hela pulls me close.
"I'm claiming this one"
"Like hell you are!" Melody rushed forward. Hela held her hand out and grabbed her hair.
"And this one. I like them with a little fire"
"Sorry to rain on your orgy, Hela but they are both accomplices. which makes their fate subject to the council" Volstagged fold his fat arms. With a sigh, Hela lets us go and I drop to the ground, gasping "We need to make sure that they don't have any more information. I'd be happy to handle that"
"Awww. Are you going to kill them?"
"Right after I torture them both" he clicks his fingers "Grab them" Melody and I make a break for it but Volstagg's men are on us in an instant and drag us back. Volstagg moves closer. Hovering like a buzzard over the dead.
"STOP. NOW!" Sif yells. Volstagg stops to look over at Sif "You've made a great mistake with Loki. Do not compound it by dragging these two into it as well"
"They are accomplices"
"The laws of the council don't cover accomplices. I say they are both under my protection. I'll handle them," Sif's eyes turn red with anger "I will only say it one last time" Sif steps forward, Her body tensing "Call off your men. Unless you want to see what I am capable of"
"I... you don't... fine" Volstagg clicks his fingers and his men let us go.
"Wise choice" Sif puts her arms around Melody and me and escorts us quickly out of the cavern. Hannah followed closely behind.

"What the fuck just happened!?" Melody kicked a trashcan, sending it flying "Is that it?"
"The council has made its decision" Sif sat on a bench, Staring at the floor. Her hair draped over her face. Hannah has buggered off somewhere and frankly, I couldn't care less where she went.
"Given that's a stupid ass decision, I have elected to ignore it" Melody put her hands on her hips. When pissed off, she was just like her uncle.
"It's not that simple. It's 4 against 1. They'd destroy us" Sif shook her head. Melody mumbled that she could call her uncle.
"What do we do now?" I sat down next to her.
"Nothing" Sif looks traumatized, defeated. This scares me more than anything.
"Sif? Are you okay? I mean none of us is but..." I put my hand on her shoulder. She didn't bother to shake it off.
"I'm sorry. This feels like ... never mind" Sif muttered. Finally, she composes herself and straightens up "Apologies"
"What is going to happen to Loki?" Melody says as she looks at me. Sif turns away, her face drawn and serious and then she finally speaks.
"They'll keep him locked up for about 6 hours" Sif sighed, Looking up at me.
"Then what? Sif, please tell me" I begged. I think I knew what was going to happen. I had a bad feeling but I needed to hear the words from Sif.
"he will meet the sun"