The Nightwalker

Jailbreak

As the council members leave the cavern, Sif hurried Melody and me back to her office.
"So, That's it? Just like, Loki's been sentenced to death?" I sit in a chair. I thought I would still have some time with Loki. now I have lost him. I wasn't ready to say goodbye to him.
"I'm afraid so" Sif refused to look at any of us.
"I feel like I have been punched in the gut" I hugged myself "I can't catch my breath" Sif makes a whiskey and pour each of us a glass over ice.
"Here. Drink this. it will dull the pain"
"Dull the pain? I want to do something about this! There must be a way" I yelled, putting the drink on the table.
"Believe me. If there was, I'd be doing it" Sif swirled the whiskey in her glass "Loki is like a brother to me. I'd burn the council to the ground for him but we played our hand and lost. If we went to war, It would be four clans vs two. We'd be destroyed. Along with New York City"
"But that trial was bullshit! Loki was set up!" Melody downed her drink. She didn't even cough.
"Council justice is swift and not always just"
"Can we retry the case? You know buy us some time?" I lifted my head.
"There are no appeals." Sif shook her head.
"But -"
"The council has endured for almost a century because of its simplicity. No appeals. No reversals. Not ever" Sif cut me off.
"This is horseshit" Melody groaned. Melody stood behind me and hugged my shoulders. I nearly started to sob.
"I'm sorry Emily, Melody. the reality is harsh and I won't sugarcoat it" Sif sipped her drink "There's nothing we can do"
"How can you say that? There's always something" I clicked my fingers "We could rescue Loki ourselves"
"Yeah, I mean. We're pretty badass, right? you especially? And you have at least two dozen vampires in your clan"
"I wouldn't ask them to risk their lives. Not for another clan leader. Besides, Even if we could do it without getting ourselves killed, None of us knows exactly where Loki is being held" Sif shook her head.
"I do" A voice chimed. We all turn to see Hannah in the doorway. Her heels click against the marble floor as she strides across it "I know where he is"
"Hannah, Sit down. Tell us what you know" Sif pours Hannah a drink and slides it across the desk as she takes a seat.
"I have a contact in Senator Hogun's clan who owes me a favour. She told me where Loki is" Hannah crossed her legs as she put her drink on the coffee table.
"You have a mole?" Melody grinned.
"Well duh. Loki did have me in charge of espionage. I have contacts everywhere" Hannah grinned.
"Perhaps I underestimated you" Sif smiled softly. I still don't trust the bitch but I will give her a little bit more trust. I guess having Tony Stark as my ex-boss made me watch my back and never trust blondes with a pocketbook.
"You most certainly did underestimate me" Hannah smiled.
"So where is Loki?" Melody spoke. Sitting next to me, Hannah pulled out her phone.
"In the dungeons under Volstagg's bar" Hannah read from her phone. She showed Sif the text.
"The Bloody Cellars? I should have known. My worst fears come true" Sif dropped to her chair.
"Apparently, It's the one place they thought he would be safest from the likes of you" Hannah sucked her lips in.
"Sorry, Rewind please, What are the bloody cellars? Because it sounds like a Halloween-themed wine bar" Melody spun her fingers.
"Volstagg's private prison beneath his club where he locks up anyone who has crossed him" Sif sighed "A disgusting cesspool of torture, murder and brutality"
"Sounds like Deadpool's Saturday night" Melody got up to pour herself another drink "Deffo not a Halloween bar then"
"To think that they have Loki in a place like that" I muttered. I covered my face with my hands. Trying my damn hardest not to cry.
"It is beyond cruel. Even for the council" Sif pinched her bottom lip.
"Which is why we have to bust him out of there" Melody slammed her fist into her other hand.
"I couldn't agree more" I grab Hannah and hug her tightly.
"Make some room! I need a hug too" Melody put her drink down and wrapped her arms around the bother of us.
"Yeah, Get off. I ain't the hugging type" Hannah squirmed. I step away, Laughing. I might have taken a little enjoyment from making her squirm. There was something about her that I still didn't like.
"Thank you for doing this and for letting us help" Melody fist-bumped Hannah's shoulder.
"We may not have seen eye to eye but it is clear that you care for Loki" I put my hand on hers. Hannah doesn't say anything but she looks me in the eye and gives me a firm nod.
"So we know where he is, We just have to figure out how we are going to get him out" Sif pressed her fingers together,
"And to that end, I also brought this" Hannah reaches into her bag and pulls out a folder that has a few rolled-up papers in it "After a small bribe to my contact, these are the blueprints to The Bloody Cellars"
"So like the assholes in my video games, Criminals can be brought and bribed" Melody smiled. She was loving this more and more "Can I just say, I kinda love you?"
"Hmmph" Hannah scoffed, though she did smile.

Sif unrolls the plans of Volstagg's bar and smooths them out on the coffee table. They show a complex arrangement of cells, tunnels and ducts.
"So what's the plan?" Melody stared at the plans. I wasn't even aware she could read maps.
"We need to sneak in and bust him out" I rolled my eyes. I thought that was obvious.
"Time for some TEA!" Melody clapped her hands. We all looked at her.
"Tea? What's tea" I looked at Melody over my glasses.
"The liquid that you drink?" Melody joked. I rolled my eyes.
"Now is not the time for jokes"
"I thought it was clever" Melody mumbled before shaking her head "Tactical Espionage Action! My uncle uses the phrase sometimes" Melody shrugged. I never thought she paid attention to her uncle's way of doing things "Although I kind of meant, you know, like a plan plan"
"Are you sure she's related to Fury?" Pocketbook Elsa crossed her arms.
"Even with these floor plans, infiltrating Asgard's Lion is no easy task" Hannah spoke. We all agreed.
"And Volstagg has doubled the number of guards on duty" Sif pinched her nose. We all stare at the plans in silence, Thinking. There had to be something I could do. I got to think of a plan. I can't lose Loki... I just... Hold on. There is a way. I smile as an idea forms in my mind.
"I know that look" Melody poked my forehead. I winced a little "Oops sorry"
"It's fine" I nodded as I rubbed my forehead.
"Last time I saw that look on your face, you planning to annoy my uncle by adding itching powder to his boots" Melody straightened up.
"That was Stark's idea and I think I have an idea. This is going to sound dumb but why don't we just walk in the front door?"
"You're right. That was dumb" Hannah pinched her nose. Melody snarled at her before staring at me.
"Emily, are you telling me that you want to Assassin's Creed Valhalla this?" Melody grinned. I nodded. It was the only Assassin's Creed game where Melody would walk in the front gate and kill everything.
"What if we went in like we were trying to make a deal and then sprung Loki?"
"It's an interesting idea but what could we possibly offer Volstagg?" Sif tilted her head at me.
"Another prisoner. One he can't refuse" Everyone looks at each other, Putting the pieces together "What do you think?"
"It's madness. But our best shot" Sif sighed "Call him"
"Do you think that he will agree?" Melody looked at me as I grabbed my phone.
"Do you think that he will turn down a chance to piss on the council?" I brought up my contacts.

Two and a half hours later, Sif and I stroll into Asgard's Lion, Volstagg's club. Every head turns to stare. I was so nervous. Between us, With his hands bound in iron manacles is Thor.
"This had better work" Thor mumbled.
"just do what we discussed and it will be fine" Sif spoke.

At the other end of the long hallway is the hulking figure, Flanked by two guards.
"Well, Well, Well. what do we have here?" Volstagg grinned as Sif shoved Thor roughly.
"Move, You clanless scum" Sif hisses.
"Fuck you" Thor spat "Let go of me" Briefly, Thor looks at me before I force myself to look away.
"I hope we are doing the right thing" Our group meets Volstagg at the midpoint of the room.
"And what exactly is this?" Volstagg pointed at Thor with his cane.
"This is Thor. Leader of the clanless"
"I'm familiar" Volstagg looked down his nose.
"But did you know he's the one that killed two of your clan?" I added. Volstagg tilted his head at me and then glared at Thor.
"Emily..." Thor whispered. I might have forgotten to tell Thor this part of the plan.
"It was him. He did it when he rescued me" I clasped my hands in front of me.
"Is that so? Fascinating" Volstagg nods and one of his men punches Thor in the stomach.
"Offt" Thor dropped to his knees. Another man kicked him to the floor.
"That's just the beginning, You mangy cur" Volstagg spat as he placed his foot on Thor's head. My stomach quivers uneasily, But I steel my resolve as Volstagg looks at me with narrowed eyes "And what exactly is this? Because I always look a gift horse in the mouth"
"Not a gift. A proposition"
"Don't tell me you think that I will let Loki go?" Volstagg scoffed.
"No. I know he is doomed. I've made peace with that" Sif waved and scrunched her nose "After he is gone, We will vote to determine who will take his place at the head of his clan"
"Undoubtedly"
"I want you to follow my lead in the vote. And in exchange, I will hand Thor over to you, To do what you wish with him"
"Ah, Sif, How quickly one's mind turns to one's own interest in times of flux" He turns to me, Lifting a hand to pet my cheek. I grit my teeth and glare at him, Refusing to look away "And I suppose this one, She is yours now?"
"Indeed"
"Sweet little thing. Is she sad about the imminent demise of her dear Loki?" Volstagg taunted as he removed his foot from Thor's head.
"Keep calm, Emily. You need to do this to save Loki" I mentally thought. One day, I will stake this bastard "Of course I am upset. But what choice do I have now? I'm with Sif now" I held my head up. Thor grumbled something as he climbed to his feet "I hope you will consider her offer" Volstagg smirked as he walked closer to me. He stunk of mouldy sausage.
"Such a loyal pet. A shame to see your spirit already broken. I would have liked to be the one to do it" Volstagg whispered in my ear as he twirled my hair around his finger. I wanted to throw up. Sif pushed Thor roughly towards Volstagg.
"So what do you say, Volstagg? You can have him in exchange for your vote in Loki's clan"
"Hmmm, I don't know" Sif crossed her arms.
"Just think of how much pleasure you will get from completely defanging the clanless movement"
"It would be fun to torture him but I have already promised my vote to Hogun. Turning on him will have quite the cost" Volstagg started to smile.
"Then how about I sweeten the deal" Sif pushed me forward "I'll throw her in too"
"Wait, What?" I tried to back away from Volstagg "No, Sif this wasn't -"
"Sorry, Emily. Loki is my blood brother. You're just a pet" Sif scoffed, pushing me away once again.
"And you thought the council were your friends? Little lesson Emily, Swim with sharks, You'll get eaten" Thor snarled as he fought against the man holding him. Another guard held me in place.
"Well now, that is a more tempting deal. I'm open to negotiation"
"Excellent"
"Sif, Let us talk in my office." Volstagg bowed a little. Once straightened up, he turned to his men "Boys, Take these two to the cells"
"Get your fucking hands off me" I went to kick one of the guards in the shin.
"Hey!" As Sif and Volstagg depart. the goons hustle us away. Thor grabs my arm, Grabbing my attention. I grab his hand. He gives me a tiny nod. The look in his eyes tells me that everything will be alright.
"Hey, no touching!" We are torn apart as the guards push us forward again.

The guards shove us down a long dark corridor to some dark stairs. It led to the cellar. I can hear the screams and moans from here.
"I'm going to die" and that's when I saw it, a small black crystal attached to a wooden frame. Not this again. I don't need to zone out now but I can't help it. It is beyond my control "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 different time. It looks like it's the 1920s. I swear tortured prisoners and a factory.

Sif stands alone in an abandoned warehouse, Gazing around expectantly. Loki walks in, beaming from ear to ear. Sif cocks her head at him and raises an eyebrow at him as he closes the door.
"Where have you been?"
"I've just purchased this new invention at the World's Fair. You must see it" Loki rolls up his sleeve and reveals a large silver watch.
"It's a watch"
"A self-winding watching! Can you imagine? This world is progressing at an ever more impressive rate. Who knows what the future will hold?" Loki grinned like a schoolboy.
"Dearest brother, most of us have the decency to grow more cynical with age" Sif folded her arms. She went over and sat on a crate.
"Not all of us can be as cynical as you, Sif" Loki smiled.
"That shouldn't keep you from trying"
"well in that case" Loki forces his lips into a frown and sighs over-dramatically "Woe is me. The world is a terrible place. How can anyone find joy in it? Life is meaningless"
"On second thought, I prefer your optimism" Sif chuckled lightly.
"I figured as much" The door swings open and another man steps into the warehouse with a young lady, His arm wrapped around her waist.
"Hogun" Sif nods her head.
"Sif, A pleasure to see you, As always" Hogun grinned, That was until he saw Loki "Loki" Loki met his eyes and gave a stiff nod, Scowling.
"Hogun," Loki said with very little emotion. Sif watches the two carefully before she looks over at the young lady and narrows her eyes.
"And who is your companion, Hogun?" Sif nodded towards the young lady.
"This lovely creature is Hela" Hogun ran a finger along Hela's cheek.
"Hiya, doll" she waves. Sif and Loki look at each other.
"And is there a reason you brought her to our meeting?"
"Not to worry. I know my onions" Hela held her hand up.
"Excuse me?" Sif frowned.
"Butt me, Would you?"
"No need to bother Sif, Doll. I have some" Hogun pull out a gold cigarette case and hands one to Hela, Lighting the cigarette for her.
"Does she speak English or does she string random words together?" Sif scrunched her nose up.
"Hela spends her free time engaging in New York's social scene. She knows all the latest slang" Hogun explained.
"Once this is over, Hogun and I need to scram. There's a blow we need to get to"
"Indeed, The party won't wait for us" Hogun smiled at the strange teenager before turning to Loki "Loki, Do you have any idea why Odin asked us here?"
"No, I don't"
"Even the dog doesn't know his master's will. Fascinating" Hogun locked. Loki clenched his fists.
"I'm no dog, Hogun. And I-" Loki is cut off as the door opens again. Fandral strolls in, Wiping the blood off his knuckles.
"You alright there Fandral?"
"Just my workers at my plant giving me trouble. Can you believe they had the gall to strike for higher wages?" Fandral wiped his hands on a handkerchief "Me and the union boss, We had a little chat? Worked it all out"
"Perhaps you should consider giving them a fair wage" Loki folded his arms.
"What are you, A communist?" Fandral snapped.
"I just think our workers should be able to feed their families" Loki rolled his eyes.
"They can if they put in the hard work"
"I'm sure all that hard work is why your plant has so many reported injuries"
"All part of the business"
"It shouldn't -" Loki is cut off again as Odin enters the warehouse, Flanked by a larger man, Who steps forward to speak.
"Announcing, The King of the Vampires, His Majesty, Odin Borson!" the large man bangs his cane on the floor three times.
"Thank you, Volstagg" Odin placed a large hand on his friend's shoulder "Hello, My most loyal subjects" Odin boasts. Loki bows reverently and the others follow suit, All except Hela.
"Who is this fella?" Hela pointed to Odin.
"I apologize, Odin. Hela here is new to the continent and doesn't know the lay of the land" Hogun elbows Hela with his elbow, Hard.
"Oh!" Hela quickly bows and Odin's face relaxes into a smile.
"It is so nice to see all of you" The group straightens up as Odin steps forward to greet them.
"If you don't mind me asking, Odin, Why have you asked us to meet you here?"
"Why, For the greatest purpose of all, My Queen" Odin placed a hand on his queen's face "I've brought you all here to unveil the future. The future of vampires, The future of men. The future of the world!"
"Come on... Do we need all this melodrama?" Fandral rolled his eyes. Everyone glared at him.
"Watch your tongue, pig" Volstagg reaches for his weapon but Odin waves his hand dismissively.
"There is no need for that, My loyal protector" Volstagg sheathes his blade but keeps his eyes on Fandral, Who swallows nervously.
"You were saying," Hogun remarked. Odin grinned.
"The time has come for a great change, my brethren. For us to truly ascend from the shadow of man, To rule like the superior beings we are. No more hiding in the day, No more worrying that the men who govern will change their minds. Soon, The world will be ours"
"We already have our kingdom," Sif said as she climbed off the crate.
"A shadow kingdom. Permitted to exist by humans and always at their mercy. I have grown tired of living in the shadows. I have grown tired of our kind forever being second to another. I have grown tired of being a wolf who must negotiate with lambs and yet I have not had the means to claim the world that should be ours" Odin strides to the end of the warehouse and throws open the doors, Revealing a laboratory "Until now"
"Odin," Sif walks forward and sees inside dozens of humans, strapped to a metal chair. Tubes full of blood run from their arms but they stare forward, gazes unseeing and distant "What is this?"
"Ew! Why are they staring at me?" Hela freaked out. All the vampires gape, eyes wide as they take in the scene.

After a moment, Loki speaks. adjusting his tie.
"What is this, Odin?"
"The future of humanity" Odin opened his arms at the humans "We'll keep them alive with intravenous delivery of food and drug them to oblivion on a morphine cocktail"
"To what end?"
"To be the perfect livestock, of course!" Odin grinned. Everyone looked at each other with concern "The farmer doesn't worry every day that his cows would murder him while he slept. It'd be madness and yet, That's how we lived for centuries. No more! with this system, I've turned humans into the harmless cattle they were always meant to be. I have labs ready to stock humans all over the state" Hogun glances around at his companions, who continue staring at the humans, unnerved.
"Is this really necessary? It feels... grotesque" Hogun shudders. Sif tears her gaze away from the captive humans. She swallows and stares at the ground. Loki turns to Odin.
"This will drive the humans to hunt us further! how will this help?"
"My soldier, This is the first phase" Odin held a single finger up "We will capture and stash away several thousands of humans, enough to sustain our population and as for the rest" Odin pulls a vial out of his pocket, Grinning. His eyes were dark "We will remove them from the equation"
"what is in that vial?"
"I have to give credit to the humans for this idea. Biological warfare never occurred to me until I saw them use it in the trenches of France." Sif backs away in fear, Her eyes wide.
"That's a plague?"
"The reaper virus. My lab created it using a modified form of smallpox. it's incredibly contagious and incurably fatal. Once I release it into the humans. It will sweep through the country, Killing millions" Odin's lips pull back in a snarl and he narrows his eyes at the humans strapped to the machines "The world of men will crumble and burn and we will rule over all, unafraid, unbound. only then will we be truly free"
"how long will this plan take?"
"Within a year. the world will be ours" Hela looks up at Hogun, Eyes wide. Fandral coughs, Glancing around nervously. Even Volstagg looked at Odin with concern. Sif meets Loki's eyes and he nods, Stepping forward.
"Odin, While I agree that humanity presents its challenges. They also possess virtues" Loki smiled as he put his hand on his watch "There are humans that are kind and decent. There are those who thrive and invent. Surely we are not ready -"
"This is not a democracy, Loki. This is a monarchy. I am the King. You will do as I command" Odin's eyes redden in colour.
"But -"
"Enough. Am I your King or not?" Odin cut Loki off as he pulled his shoulder back.
"You are" Loki bowed his head.
"The show me" Odin extends a hand. Loki hesitates, Glancing at the trapped humans before looking back at Odin. He then kneels and presses his lips against the ring on Odin's hand "Will you give me any trouble?"
"No, My King. Your will in my command" Loki said, defeated.
"Good" One of the captive humans behind them mons as Odin smiles and brushes his hand through Loki's hair "Good"

And all at once, I am back at the 7th level of hell. My head flares with pain as I am pulled out of the vision.
"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. Why are these spells happening? "Weird" I look back to the crystal but it has gone.
"Emily. Are you okay?"
"Yeah, thought I saw something"

The guards escort Thor and me down a long, dim stone tunnel, Lined with iron-barred prison cells. From the cells, dozens of prisoners, Both human and vampire, Plead and cry out as I pass by.
"Please... help"
"My daughter... she's out there... she needs me"
"Keep moving!" A guard shoved me. The place stinks like rotting meat and sounds like the depths of hell.
"God, this place is unbearable" I looked in each cell that I passed. Would Loki be in one of these cells? I look to my left and meet eyes with a miserable-looking man. His body was bloody and bruised, clutching the bars of his cell.
"Please, I... I... need to find my sister" Another begged, her arm reaching out. I wanted to help these people. Hell, I wanted to burn this place to the ground.
"I'm sorry" I mumbled. I closed my eyes and tried to calm my anger. The electric torches around me flicker and pulse, Even the prisoners beg and moan.
"I had heard rumours about this place but it is so much worse than I thought. Who are these people?" Thor asked. Most of these guys were clanless. This is why Volstagg wanted Loki to drop the investigation.
"Criminals that didn't pay their dues. People that got nosy. A few members of Volstagg's clan who got out of line" The guard shrugged, smiling "Really it's just anyone who pisses off the boss"
"And he is allowed to do this?"
"What the council don't know can't hurt them? Speaking of which" The guards slow down in front of an open cell, Ready to push Thor and me inside "Your new home" Thor turns to me, Looks me in the eye and nods.
"NOW!" Thor yelled.
"GO!" I whisper into the microphone that was hidden in my blouse.
"Copy that" Melody speaks. She is at Sif's office. Using Hannah's intel and the company's powerful computer system (courtesy of Tony Stark and SHEILD) she's only gone and hacked into the prison system "Lights out, Assholes!"

Inside the dungeons, The torches' gas valves snap shut and at once, They all go dark.
"What the fuck?" A guard yelled. I think he walked into a wall.
"Did we pay the bill this month?" Thor and I both slipped on the night vision goggles that we had hidden under our shirts.
"Ready?" he grinned at me.
"Let's do this" I nodded. Hopefully, the plan we created a few hours ago goes to plan. This is our only chance.

Two hours ago, Sif and I stood opposite Thor in his apartment.
"Let me get this straight, You want me to pretend to be your prisoner so that you can hand me over to Volstagg?" Thor sat in his chair, Feet on his desk.
"Yes but only temporarily. Once we are in, We will kill the lights and save Loki" I rocked back and forth on my heels.
"I'm all for pissing council members off but that's a terrible idea. If it goes wrong, and there are so many ways it can wrong, We'll end up as Volstagg's prisoners"
"I know it's risky but it is our only chance to save Loki" I took a step forward. My feet were killing me. I forgot that I had been in heels for ages.
"And why the hell would I risk it all for him?" Thor snapped.
"If you save him, You'll gain an ally. He's already sympathetic to the cause, And this would put him in your debt" I tried to persuade Thor.
"He'd have to help your people" Sif finally spoke, putting a hand on her hip "Loki will honour this"
"How do I know you're not just making promises you or he won't keep?" Thor glared at Sif.
"You have my word. Loki and I will defend you and your people. Our clans would ally with yours. Openly and without hesitation" Sif's hands dropped to her side.
"What you are talking about... Even if we could pull it off, there would be consequences. Volstagg would know we are behind it. There'd be war"
"Eventually but we would buy ourselves time. It's time to clear Loki's name and expose the truth. We could break up the alliance of the four clans and turn them against the real enemy"
"Thor, This is our chance. Our chance to shake up the order. To change how things are. To make the world a better place" I put my hand on Thor's upper arm "But we need your help" Thor sighs deeply then looks up with a hint of a smile.
"Do not make me regret this, Emily"
"I promise" I hugged the man.

Thor steps inside the cell and uses the metal bedpost to break his chains.
"And now" He throws open his jacket, Revealing a pair of sheathed daggers "Show time" He moves in a graceful twirl and with a forceful throw, Buries one dagger up to the hilt into a guard's chest. The moment the pointed weapon punctures the guard's heart, He crumbles into a pile of ash. the remaining guard fumbles in the dark, Seething to himself.
"You sneaky, little-" Thor lunges at him but the guard is faster. He hits Thor with a hard backhand, Knocking Thor to the floor, The dagger clatters out of his hands.
"Crap!" Thor skidded along the stone.
"Thor!" I shouted. the guard swivels, Slamming the cell door shut behind him, Trapping Thor. He then turns to me.
"My eyes have adjusted... Which means you are dead meat, Girl"
"Uh oh" He comes towards me in the dark and I have to think fast. I run at him at top speed (thankfully, I put flat shoes on) and he seems to be surprised as I smash into him "Rarrrgh"
"What the hell?!" He asked as I rammed him into a wall. Taking advantage of the confusion in the darkness, I quickly unhook his keys hanging off his belt and dash to the cell door "Hey!"
"Emily?" Just as I get to the cell unlocked, The guard rushes me from behind, Grabbing me.
"What do you think you are doing?!" The guard is at least a foot taller than me, (adding the 200 pounds in weight too) He picks me up by my collar, My feet dangling helplessly.
"Hey! Put me the fuck down, You prick!" I tried to kick the vampire. If I still had my heels on, I could have stabbed the bastard.
"Let. Her. Go" Thor rolls out of the cell, Driving his dagger into the guard's knee.
"Ugggkkk!" The guard drops me and Thor rips the knife free before driving it into his chest.
"Gotcha" The guard crumbles to ash as Thor stands up. He helps me up.
"Nice moves, Thor"
"You weren't so bad yourself" Thor picked up his other dagger "Fucker dented it"
"I think we are doing okay"
"I don't hear any alarms, So I think we pulled it off. Let's hope Sif is holding her own with Volstagg"
"Mel, Lights please" I speak into my microphone.
"You got it!" I can hear her typing away on the keyboard and the lights come back on. We peel off our goggles and head down the hallway, Looking for Loki.

"Do you see him?" I checked another cell. I've checked 6 cells and they have been empty.
"No. And we need to hurry before they realize what has happened here" Thor peaked into another cell "We've got three, four minutes at tops" I looked around. I see the pleading faces staring out at me from the cells. Some have reached out, Calling us as we pass by. I want to help but right now, I have a single-minded focus.
"Loki!" I called. I look in one cell and my heart lept. I found him, Drugged up, Barely conscious, Lying on the floor in the back of the cell "Thor! Over here! Quick the keys"
"Here," We hurry to find the right key for the keyring.

Quickly we open it, I rush to Loki's side. He was bound and gagged, arms locked behind his back at a weird angle that had to be hurting his shoulder. His face is haggard, His eyes bloodshot.
"Emily? Is that you?" He whispered.
"Who else would it be?" I joked. With broke the chains and I untied the gag.
"You came for me?" I reach out and touch his cheek. His hand flew to mine and he squeezed it "Please don't let this be a dream"
"It's not a dream, I would never leave you. I ain't ready to say goodbye just yet" I leaned into his touch.
"Emily... I..."
"We'll talk later" I nodded. I looked up as I could hear footsteps coming down the stairs towards the cells.
"Not to break up this oh-so-touching reunion, but we are about to have company" Thor gripped his daggers. The shouting was getting clear.
"We need to get out of here. Like now"
"What the hell is going on down here?" A guard yelled.
"Head to the back exit" Thor ordered.

Between Thor and I, We helped Loki towards the back stairs. But as we were almost to freedom, My eyes fell on a lever labelled master cell door release.
"That would free everyone in these cells" I pointed to the lever.
"Not to mention it would wreak total chaos on his operation" Loki added. I could tell he had mischief in his eyes.
"Let's pull the lever!" I grasp the heavy metal with my hands and pull. But it doesn't wanna budge. With the amount of rust it has, it looks like it hasn't moved in decades "Oh, Come on!" I can hear the hurried footsteps of a small pack of guards, Coming down the front stairs. It's now or never! I put my foot on the wall and pulled with everything I had.
"Here, Let us help" Thor spoke as he and Loki put their hands over mine "Let's do this!" All three of us pull and the lever slams down with a thud!
"Hell yeah!" I screamed as every cell door creaked open simultaneously. There is a stunned silence then loud hollering as prisoners start streaming out of their cells "Everyone, This way!"
"Follow us!" Thor yelled as he dragged Loki to the stairs. I run as fast as I can up the stairs, With Thor, Loki and prisoners following us.
"We're free! Oh my god! We're free!"
"Thank you so much!"
"They are right behind us!" The guards catch the pack of fleeing prisoners and a brawl breaks out. I see guards hurled back down the stairs, Kicked in the head and one was even impaled on his own weapon.
"That had to hurt" I winced.
"What is going on?" Thor asked as he made sure some people ran ahead.
"Pain and more pain. Just keep going! Get Loki out of here!" I look back to see a small figure emerging from a cell. It's a little boy in old fashion clothes, Looking around quietly "Hey! look out for the little one!" A female prisoner grabs the boy and pulls him along.
"I've got him! What's your name kid?"
"Mena zavut Vladimir"
"Nice to meet you, Vladimir. Let's get you out of here and to a safehouse" Then the greasy-looing vampire from my last visit to Asgard's Lion comes up behind them.
"Look out!" He smashes a club into the back of the woman's head. she stumbles and falls to the ground. The greasy vampire comes up behind the child.
"Ha! Looks like you're too slow!" The boy just stares at the fallen woman and something in his expression changes.
"Eto bila oshibka" He snarls. Even I can tell that the greasy vampire made a mistake. Faster than any vampire I have seen, The boy pounces, Tackling the vampire to the ground "RAAAAAAAAGHHHH!"
"Hey! Get the fuck off me!" Shrieking and hissing. The child tears into the vampire, Driving his thumbs into the vampire's eyes with a wet squish.
"Oh my god," I covered my mouth. The female prisoner slowly stands up and stares as the boy utterly demolishes the vampire's face.
"I'm just going to keep running now" The female pointed to the stairs.
"Yeah, Right behind you" I nodded as I ran after her.

I hurry to catch up with Thor and Loki. Avoiding the remaining fights and bloody confrontations on the stairs. I rejoin them as we all burst out onto the street. Amid the stream of escaping prisoners.

Outside, Sif is pacing anxiously. When she sees Thor and I emerge with Loki, Her face lights up.
"You made it!" She cheered. She ran up to Loki and hugged him.
"What happened with Volstagg?" Thor spoke as he propped Loki up against a streetlight.
"I bashed his head in with a trophy in his office. He should be down for quite some time" Sif beamed.
"Nice" Thor and I both spoke.
"I'm not usually one to question a rescue but do we have a getaway plan?" Loki looked a little better. Air agreed with him.
"You'd better believe it" I pointed to a car coming up the road and saw a big black car screech up alongside us and Hannah was behind the wheel.
"Boss" She nodded.
"Hannah" Loki said as we all climbed inside. Sif was in the front. Thor and Loki had the window seats and I was in the middle. Thankfully I am small and there was loads of room.
"Let's go"

As she zooms away, I look back and I see hoards of exhilarated former prisoners flooding the street and behind them, The Asgard Lion going up in flames.
"Holy crap! They set the place on fire!" I cheered.
"Impressive" Thor clapped.
"Do you think that they will be okay?"
"Normally, Maybe not. but with the chaos that's about to sweep this city, I suspect most of them will be able to escape into the shadows" Sif shrugged. I hope they will be. Maybe one or two could find their way to the Thunder Den.
"Anything's better than being locked in there" Thor nodded. He knew he would have more work cut out for him. He would try and make sure they found safety.

Hannah deftly pilots the car through the streets, as comfortable silence spreads through the car.
"I can't believe that we actually pulled that off" Thor pounds his fist triumphantly against the ceiling.
"Hot damn! I'll give you council vamps this, you know how to make a night exciting"
"Good work. all of you"
"There's a suit in the back boss. Figured you might need it" Hannah spoke as she stopped at a traffic light. I looked out the window and saw Ironman flying towards Volstagg's bar.
"That is going to be an awkward conversation with Fury at a later date" I bit my lip. I could see Loki fidgeting in his seat.
"Thank you Hannah for this" Next to me, Loki changes into his suit and stares out of the window. I found his hand and squeezed it.
"Are you okay? Do you need to feed?" I whisper.
"Are you offering?" Loki smiled at me softly.
"If that's what you need. Of course" Loki pats my hand softly.
"Soon. But not right now" Loki removes his hand from mine and adjusts his tie. He turned back to the others "I need to thank you. All of you" He poked Sif in the shoulder "Sif, This couldn't have been easy for you to do. You openly defied the council"
"I've lost one brother, I was not about to lose another" Sif looked over her shoulder. Loki nods and looks at Thor.
"And thanks to you. I don't think we have been properly introduced"
"Oh yeah. Loki, This Thor. He is clanless" I introduced. Loki's eyes narrow and the two regard each other warily.
"Thor, Your reputation precedes you"
"And what have you heard about me?" Thor folded his arms.
"Good things. Mostly" Loki half smiled.
"Yeah, Well, That's what I have heard about you as well" Thor nodded. He then stared at Loki "Your friends made some pretty promises. I expect you to keep them" Loki hesitates. Eyeing me up. I shrugged. I will explain to Loki later what was said. He then reaches out to extend his hand. Thor stares at it, Surprised, Then shakes it.
"To a long and fruitful relationship"
"If you say so" Thor nods. Sif clears her throat.
"First things first. We need to get out of the city as soon as we can. It's not safe for us here right now" Sif spun in her seat so she could address us all "Once word gets out about what we did, Every vampire in this city will be hunting us"
"I know we need to run but I need to get back to my office. To get the serum" Loki looked out the window as he said the word serum.
"One, It fucking exist? and two, Are you out of your fucking mind?" Sif's mouth dropped. Hannah didn't say anything. She was just quiet.
"What serum?" Thor looked between everyone.
"It's a long story" I whispered to Thor. He nodded and I looked back to Loki, placing my hand on his "Loki, I'm not saying it's a good idea but I get why you need to do it"
"I appreciate that, Emily. I wouldn't even dream of it if it wasn't important" Loki clenched his fists "That bastard Hogun set this whole thing up to get his greedy little hands on it. It's too powerful to risk falling into his hands"
"Isn't it in that super-secure safe? and how did he find out?" I asked as Hannah sped around a corner.
"I don't know how he knows and that safe buys us time but sooner or later, He'll find a way to get in" Loki stared at me. I placed a hand on his arm.
"I agree. It's the company's most valuable asset and it needs to be protected" Hannah spoke as she put her foot down. There was something different about her eyes. Something wasn't right. Might just be me.
"Fine, Grab it and we will go" Sif sighed, Running a hand through her hair.
"Is anyone going to tell me what the serum does?" Thor raised his voice.
"It lets vampires walk in the sunlight" I explained.
"What?" He glared at the two council members before slumping in his seat "You know what, From now on, I ain't asking any more questions"
"Probably for the best" Loki nodded slowly.

Hannah pulls up at the curb in front of Loki's company and she and Loki get out.
"I will be right back" Loki whispered to me.
"Make sure you hurry up" Sif ordered. Loki did a two-finger salute.
"Never stops with you does it?" Thor grinned.
"Never" Sif smiled. Loki squeezed my hand. I jump out of the car, Joining them.
"What do you think you are doing? We'll just be a moment" Hannah frowned at me. I ain't leaving Loki with her. Her aura was bugging me.
"Uh, I'm deffo coming with you. I've been through all this with Loki so far. I'm not stopping now"
"I'm just looking out for your safety. Who knows what Hogun has up his sleeve" Hannah tried to open the car door and put me back in it. I'm starting not to trust this bitch again. I slammed the door shut and stood next to Loki. He smiled at me.
"We'll be in and out before anyone knows we are here. But we have to go now" Loki grabbed my hand.
"I'll be ready in case you need a getaway driver" Thor jumps into the driver's seat, Smiling. he runs his hands over the steering wheel "Sweet ride"
"You dent it, The deal's off" Loki joked. Leaving Sif and Jax in the car. Loki, me and Hannah run inside.

Loki heads to the wall, Exposing the hidden panel. His fingertips glide over it, An elegant complex series of patterns. I can hear the gears whirring and latches clicking,. the operation of some powerful mechanism. The wall slides open to reveal his safe and the serum inside.
"There it is" Loki reaches for it and as he touches it, The door to the conference room flies open. Loki pulls me to his side as half a dozen vampires burst in, Leveling crossbows at Loki.
"Oh my god," I whispered.
"What is this?"
"The serum. now" a goon held his hand out, Clicking his fingers at Loki.
"I know you. You're one of Hogun's lackeys"
"I'm the guy that's about to put a bolt through your heart. Hand over that serum"
"Never" I put myself right between Loki and the guards.
"Don't shoot him"
"Emily, What are you doing?"
"That is a good question, What am I doing?" I whispered to myself. But I knew this was the right thing to do.
"Enough!" Hannah yells. I just looked at her, she was far too calm considering that there was a bunch of armed muscle heads in the room with us "It's over"
"Hannah! Run!" Loki said. Hannah chuckled. I rolled my eyes "Hannah go! it's me they want. They'll shoot you"
"Somehow, I don't think they will kill her" I pinched my nose. My heart sank as I started to realize that this whole escape was just one big trap and we just walked right into it. The crossbows remained trained on me and Loki. The two of us look at each other, confused. Hannah smiles as she takes her place alongside Hogun's men.
"Sorry, Boss. But that serum is now mine"