A New Day

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So thanks to Thor and Melody, We hitched a ride back to Manhattan, The council, or what's left of it, has gathered. Hela, Fandral and Volstagg stand around impatiently. From the tunnel, I could hear them arguing.
"I don't like this. I don't like any of it. I am not interested in another clan war" Fandral stamped his foot like a child. 
"I couldn't give two tugs of a dead rat's tail in what you are interested in. We do what we have to do" Hela sat down on a fallen pillar "If Sif has gone rogue and teamed up with Loki's clan, We have no choice" 
"What do you mean if? IF!? Sif bashed my head in and left me for dead in a burning building no less!" Volstaggs threw his arms up, His eyes blazing red.
"That is a declaration of war if I have ever heard of one" 
"Aren't we all forgetting something?" Fandral looked around "Where the hell is Hogun?"
"Dead," Loki said as he walked down the stairs. Followed by me, Sif and Melody. Everyone's heads turn.

"It's a trap!" the three other council members panic immediately, Scrambling back and drawing their weapons. Hela tripped over a large stone "An ambush"
"You try anything and I will rip the skin off your pretty little pet, one strip at a time" Hela warned, Brandishing her gun.
"You don't want to do this! You really don't want to do this!" Fandral shouted, Panicking. I rolled my eyes as I stepped forward.
"Relax, You're outgunned" I held my hands up.
"Like hell we are!" Volstagged cocked his gun.
"Volstagg, Shut up. I'm 1900 years older than you. If I had wanted you dead, I would have slit your throat before you even knew I was here" Sif replied. Hela nodded and agreed with her.
"And I've gone through some changes lately. There's a power in me that I don't think you would want to awaken," Loki looked at his nails.
"Plus, I've gotten pretty damn good with a crossbow" Melody aimed her crossbow at the council.
"And there's a whole army of allies waiting outside, Armed to the teeth, Just waiting for our signal" I sighed as I walked back to Loki and Sif. The council members look at each other uneasily "As Sif said, If we wanted you dead, you would be dead. But you're alive aren't you?"
"We just want to talk," Sif spoke as she and Loki went into the centre of the room while Melody and I stepped off to the side "Now then, Let's begin"
"As I said before, Hogun is no longer with us" Loki adjusted his tie.
"You killed Hogun in cold blood" Hela lowered her gun but kept her distance.
"I killed him in self-defence. After he unleashed a truck full of ferals on me and my friends" Loki stared at Hela. I'm guessing that Hela and Hogun have a history. An uneasy murmur runs through the room.
"Hold the phone. Now you're saying that Hogun was behind it all? That he is the one who has been making the bastards?" Fandral put his weapon back in his jacket.
"Maybe not the first wave but he saw the feral crisis as an opportunity for a power play. He kidnapped my employees, Turned them into those beasts and unleashed them at Michelle's gala. He then did the same thing at my country estate. I have satellite video of our fight against them, If you have any doubts" Sif held up her phone and showed the others the footage.
"And why the hell would Hogun do any of this?" Volstagg frowned.
"Because he wanted the serum" I sighed.
"Oh yes, That 'make yourself human again' serum" Hela mocked. I glared at her.
"disgusting" Volstagg spat "What exactly are you going to do with it?"
"Nothing. Its development proved unsuccessful. Too many side effects" Loki shook his head.
"So Hogun died for nothing?" Hela sunk into her chair. Loki nodded. Fandral patted her shoulder.
"Very much so. His quest for power was his undoing" Loki nodded. I swear Hela was about to cry "Hogun profoundly violated the pact. Like I said I had to kill him in self-defence"
"If that's how we are going to play it? May I should have applied a little more self-defence when Sif attacked me in my own bar!" Volstagg pointed at Sif, Angrily.
"Oh shut it, Volstagg! unless you want to open a line of investigation about how many pact violations I witnessed while I was down there?" SIf yelled. Volstagg grumbled but backed off.
"So where do we go from here?"
"As I see it, We have two options" Sif held up two fingers "We could have this clan war that you keep talking about. Fight it out on the streets and see who is left standing"
"What's the second option?" Fandral was beginning to relax. 
"We solve this the grown-up way" Sif folded her arms.
"Go on," Volstagg narrowed his eyes, finally putting his gun away.
"With all the evidence presented, I motion that Loki Odinson is to be cleared of all charges pressed against him and all rights of his clan be restored" Sif grinned. As did Loki and me "Shall we vote?"
"Aye," Fandral was far too happy to agree.
"Aye," Hela nodded, With a pout.
"Aye," Volstagg said, Reluctantly.
"Aye," Loki of course said aye. If he said nay then I was going to slap him.
"Aye," Sif beamed.
"What happens to Hogun's idiots?"
"Most of them have already fled the city" Loki shrugged "The remainder should be given a choice, Swear loyalty to one of our clans or join their peers in exile"
"Sooo... Can we divvy up Hogun's stuff because I would really like a new mansion?" Hela pouted. Trying to act like she is all innocent.
"First things first, I would like to discuss the empty council seat. Per the pact, The council must have six members" Loki undid his jacket as he sat down.
"You already know the deal, Loki. We nominate a leader from our clan and we argue about it for days, Blah blah blah. Can we get to the divvying?" Fandral rubbed his ends together.
"Actually, I think the seat should go to someone outside our clans?" Loki sighed.
"Who?" Hela frowned, Giving me and Melody dirty looks.
"The world has changed since the day we formed this council. This means it's time for a new way of thinking" Loki stood up.
"Dare I ask who you have in mind?" Hela frowned. Loki turns to the door and Thor strides in.
"Hello" Thor waved a one-handed wave as he grinned.
"This is Thor, Leader of the clanless" Loki introduced. the other members of the council recoil. They looked absolutely furious.
"Are you out of your fucking mind?" Fandral stood up, Kicking his chair out behind him.
"Unbelievable!" Hela spat. Volstagg whips out a gnarled stake and levels it at Thor.
"Give me one good fucking reason not to kill you here and now!"
"Volstagg, Sit your punk ass down!" I shouted as I walked up to Volstagg, Standing between him and Thor.
"You can't talk to me like that!" he stuttered. I don't think a woman has ever stood up to him.
"Actually, She can" Loki grinned as he stood next to me. Volstagg's fist clenched.
"Okay, Just because of that, I say we hear the sexy clanless guy out" Hela smiled at me. Scowling, Volstagg slinks back.
"I have become convinced that Thor's community of clanless should be welcomed into our fold as a new clan" Loki turned around to face Thor "Thor has proven himself to be an effective and powerful leader. And he showed up to fight Hogun when none of you would"
"We thought you were guilty" Fandral muttered.
"I propose we give Thor Hogun's seat and offer brands to all the city's clanless"
"Under those terms, I'd be happy to join the council. A unified community will make us all stronger" Thor nodded.
"It would also reduce the feral problem" I rubbed my temple. Think I have a migraine coming. Or I just need a good night's sleep.
"And provide a much-needed home for my people" Thor adds.
"Here's my vote. HELL FUCKING NO!" Volstagg shouted, Gripping his stake tightly.
"I do not like this idea," Fandral shook his head.
"As fine as you are, Thor" Hela licked her lips before she frowned "I am not a fan of legitimizing a whole bunch of dirty clanless"
"Can I speak?" I raised my hand. Both Sif and Loki nodded their heads "You should vote yes because it will save you a whole lot of trouble"
"Oh really?" Hela folded her arms.
"The clanless isn't going to go away anytime soon. It is a problem that will only get worse until it is addressed"
"Your pet makes a good point" Fandral clicked his tongue.
"I've spent time with them and I fought next to them. Their anger has reached a boiling point, Rightfully so, And a no vote will only direct their anger straight at the council" I looked at Thor from the corner of my eye, and I could see him grinning "If you don't give them a home... sooner or later they will raise up and come for your heads"
"Look, Even if I were to entertain this idea, Are you overlooking an obvious problem?" Fandral walked over to where I was. Loki and Thor quickly stood by my side "If all new clanless vampires get to be part of his clan, Then won't that clan grow way too powerful?"
"Yes. it would," Loki nodded, placing a hand on my back "Which gives us a major incentive all of us to keep our clans in check and not make any new clanless"
"Oh, that is clever" Hela grinned, Clapping her hands.
"Hela!" Volstagg snapped.
"What? It is!" Hela shrugged.
"And what is stopping Thor here from making his own clanless?" Volstagg jutted his chin at Thor, Snarling.
"I am" Loki shoots Thor a hard look. There is silence in the room. Then Hela shrugs.
"Fuck it. I vote yes"
"Are you out of your fucking mind?" Volstagg snaps at his fellow council member.
"Oh read the room, Grampa. They have us outnumbered. Do you want a war? Go ahead but I will side with the winning team" Hela growled at Volstagg. This might be the first time that I liked her.
"Thor can't be any worse than Hogun" Fandral scratched his nose.
"Loki and I are obviously on board. so that's four votes. A majority"
"Thor, Welcome to the council" Loki held his hand out for Thor to shake.
"On behalf of my people, Thank you. Let's work together to make this world a better place" Melody can't contain herself as she jumps up and down, pumping her fist in the air. Running over to me.
"Yes! Boom! it is official!" The council members turn around and glare. I grab her arm.
"Mel! Shush!" I whispered loudly.
"Sorry! Did I actually say that out loud?" Melody lowers her voice to a hushed whisper "But this is exciting!"
"And we can celebrate later" I calmed her down.
"Well, I object to all of this!" Volstagg stamped his cane on the floor.
"Good for you. But you are overruled" Sif didn't even look at him as she walked over to our group.
"You will regret this, All of you! This is the beginning of the end!" Volstagg stalks off, Fuming. The guards followed close behind. I waved bye to him.
"Did he just quote the mummy?" Melody asked.
"No that's death is only the beginning" I wiggled my finger at her. I then looked at Loki and Sif "He is going to be a problem, isn't he?"
"He is. but that is a problem for another day" Loki nodded, Placing a hand on my shoulder "Today... A new era begins"
"Let's hope it is a better one" I mumbled.
"Are we done here? It's been a long day and I am sweaty as hell" Fandral wiped his forehead.
"Yeah. there's a couple of houseboys at home with my name written all over them and I mean that literally" Hela shivered with happiness, licking her lips.
"Gross" Melody looked ill, placing a hand on her stomach "I didn't want to know that"
"Till next time" Hela waved and Fandral walked off, Leaving me with Melody, Thor, Sif and Loki.

Once the other members of the council left, we all let out a sigh of relief.
"So is any up for drinks? I've got a nice vintage I have been saving back in my office" Loki offered, Finally doing up his suit jacket.
"Hell yeah," Melody beamed.
"I could go for a drink" Thor rubbed his hands together. We all turn to leave. I feel a pull towards a crumbling statue and that's when I see it, a small pink crystal attached to a wooden frame. Why do I keep having these moments? My head hurts from them.
"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 this very temple. Only it was a lot cleaner. I can Sif and Loki. There's screaming, A lot of screaming.

Deep underground, In an ancient stone temple, Loki stands with Fandral, Hela and Hogun. Their gazes all locked tensely on the door.
"What is taking so long? I'm tired of waiting" Hela stamped her feet.
"Your complaining isn't helping" Fandral pinched his nose.
"Leave her be, Fandral. We are all a little tensed" Hogun snaps. Loki holds up his hand, Silencing the others.
"They are here" Loki whispered.

The door slides open and Odin steps inside. Volstagg follows close behind. Odin scowls, Crossing his arms as he joins the group.
"Well? What is this emergency that you have summoned me for? It had better be good" The four exchanged glances and after a moment, Loki stepped forward.
"We have been discussing your plan to realise the virus and we would like for you to reconsider"
"Oh, Would you now?" Odin chuckles humorlessly, eyes scanning the group. Only Loki meets his gaze, Standing tall.
"While we agree that mortals can be challenging at times, Killing millions of them is unacceptable. It's cruel. Monstrous" Loki clenched his fists "How can we destroy them where there are so many working to do good in this world? There are mortals who care, Who have value. Surely is there a better way?" Odin scoffs and paces away from Loki, Exasperated.
"Have you truly grown so soft? Where is the beast who hunted alongside me up and down the coast, Killing and feeding as we pleased? Where is the Butcher of Antietam, Who slaughtered any who crossed his path? What has changed you so greatly?" Odin turns back to Loki and his gaze softens a bit "There is no room in a vampire's heart for pity, Loki. Would a wolf pity a sheep? Or a snake pity a mouse?"
"We are more than wolves and snakes!" Loki snapped back. Odin frowns and shakes his head before looking around once again.
"And you all share his sentiments?" Odin pointed to everyone in the room.
"I have no love for humans" Hogun held his hands up "But I believe your proposal is too dangerous. There's too much that could go wrong"
"And you, Fandral?"
"I don't think we need to waste our time fixing what ain't broken, We're sitting pretty as it is. Why change that?" Odin turns to Hela with a raised eyebrow and she merely laughs.
"I prefer my prey alive and wriggling" Hela flicks her hair. Odin sighs and rubs the bridge of his nose.
"Your feedback has been heard and noted. But I am your King and this is my decree" Odin yelled "The virus will be released as soon as it is completed" Loki looks at Odin, eyes full of sorrow and he sighs.
"Then I am sorry, My King" Loki bows his head. Hogun steps back and lifts a broadsword from where it's leaned against the wall, Levelling it at Odin "You have left us no choice"
"Volstagg! Kill them!" Odin turns to Volstagg and finds himself staring down the barrel of a Tommy gun.
"Sorry, Boss. But you know how it is. Reign in hell, Serve in heaven, All that" Before Odin can respond, Volstagg pulls the trigger and opens fire. Blood sprays across the floor as Odin's body is riddled with bullets.
"That won't kill him!"
"I know that!" Volstagg yells "It will slow him down though! Get him" The others rush towards Odin but even as the bullets shred him, He is too fast! He lunges forward and plants a kick straight in Volstagg's chest, Sending him flying across the room "Agh!"
"Fools" Odin whirls on the others and the bullet holes are already healing. his flesh stitching itself back together.
"Get him!" Loki rushes at Odin but suddenly freezes in place as Odin holds up his hand "Urrrk!" As Odin starts to clench his fists, Loki's limbs twist, Bending at awkward angles. His joints pop unnaturally and he screams "AHHHHHHHHH!"
"Drop him!" Hela yells. Odin doesn't listen. Hela fires her pistols, Blowing off the ends of Odin's fingers. Loki drops to the floor as Odin whips around to face her "How do you like that? How do you like --"
"Hela look out!" Odin grabs her arm and throws her across the room. She slams into the wall, Her head smacking against it with a loud crack. Hela stands, Blood dripping down the side of her face and she shoots again.
"You son of a bitch!" In a blink of an eye, Odin is on top of her, Catching her wrist and squeezing until it snaps "AGGGGH!"
"I've had enough of you!" Odin grabs her throat with his other hand, Crushing her windpipe. Hela struggles, Clawing deep gashes into Odin's arm with her sharp fingernails. Then, A broadsword cuts into Odin's side. Odin drops Hela to the ground.
"Get away from her!" Hogun whirls on Odin. Ripping the blade free, Blood showered through the air. Odin grimaces, Even as the wound knits together.
"Ah, Hogun. Always so chivalrous" Odin springs, Tackling the man to the ground. They roll, Hogun scratching his nails across Odin's face but Odin comes out on top. Odin twirls the broadsword in a wide arc and stabs it through Hogun's abdomen and into the ground, Pinning him there "Stay there"
"Bllggh" Hogun coughs up some blood. Odin stands up, Stamping on Hogun's leg, Snapping the bone. He straightens up, Dusting off his fine clothes. When suddenly, Fandral stabs his daggers into Odin's back.
"Maybe you should be watching your back!" With Fandral's daggers still in his back, Odin winds up and slams his fist so hard into Fandral's sternum that he crumples immediately "Hhhhh"
"And here I thought this might actually be a challenge"
"Just die already!" Volstagg raises his gun to shoot but freezes suddenly as Odin raises a hand.
"My blood runs in your veins, you petty little thug! You think you can defy me?!" Odin clenches his fist and a series of cracks resound throughout Volstagg's body and he drops to the ground.
"Fffffuu..."
"Hey, asshole! We ain't done!" Hela stands up on shaky legs, Firing her pistol again, This time at Odin's face. The bullet rips through his cheek. Tearing it open. Odin sighs and pulls a dagger from his back. He flings it at Hela's abdomen, Where it sticks with a sickly squish and she falls again.
"ENOUGH!" Loki lunges forward and punches Odin, Snapping his head to the side. Odin turns back, Eyes glowing with rage. He slams his fist into Loki's ribs and the crack echoes around the room. Loki swings again but Odin steps to the side, Dodging. He snarls and grabs Loki by the throat, Lifting him in the air.
"Look where your machinations have gotten you. Is this what you wanted?" Odin gestures at the broken and twisted bodies of the others "You traitorous little whelp! I gave you everything! I made you a god! And this is how you repay me!"
"I... C-can't let you... do this..." Loki grunted.
"Then you shall die!" Odin pulls his hand back, Aiming at Loki's heart "Goodbye, my soldier" Suddenly, a long glowing sword bursts through Odin's chest. Odin turns around "My Queen?"
"You can't do this" He stares at her in shock and one moment, The anger leaves his face. his eyes are wide, Sad. Mainly they were full of hurt "You have lived too long" Sif's gaze hardened and she jerked the blade up, Cleaving Odin's upper half in two. Sif catches Loki and Odin's grip weakens and he falls.
"Hhhh" the other vampires gather themselves, Wincing as they struggle to their feet. Some snapping bones back into place. They join Loki and Sif, Surrounding Odin, who lies in a pool of his own blood.
"We did it. We really did it" Hogun sat on the floor.
"Hurt like hell though" Fandral rubbed his ribs.
"End him now! Before he recovers!" Loki stares at Odin's broken form. His forehead creased with regret.
"No" Loki closed his eyes.
"You are joking, Right? We cannot let him live!"
"The second he gets himself back together, He'll kill us all" Volstagg popped his shoulder back in.
"He's too useful. His blood runs in all our veins. The time may come when we will need his strength... his power" Loki takes one last look at Odin before turning away, His face hardened in his resolve "Bind him in chains and sever his arms. Once that is done, Put him the Onix coffin" the others start to obey but Hogun pauses.
"is that how this is now? You're giving the orders? Odin is gone and you're, what? Our new King?"
"No. Never. We will create something new. Something better"
"Like what?"
"An alliance. The six of us ruling together and coexisting with mankind" Loki looks at Sif and their eyes meet. She gives Loki an encouraging nod.
"What are you proposing? Some sort of team up?"
"Not a team" Loki smiled "I propose a council"


And all at once, I am back at the cavern. I lean on a pillar, Feeling slightly dizzy.
"What was that?" Only a second had passed. But my head felt like it had a jackhammer going off in it "Weird"
"Emily?" Loki puts a hand on my back "Are you alright?" I blink a few times. I see the others on the stairs.
"Yeah... I..." I glance down and the crystal is gone. why does this keep happening? "Sorry. felt a little off for a second"
"That has happened a few times now. Sure you are okay?" Loki helped me steady myself. I wasn't sure I was but there was no one I could ask for help. Strange was out of town. I think he went to London or something.
"I think so" I lied as I rubbed my temple, Shaking off the feeling "Must be the lack of sleep or something"
"Are you sure?" Loki looked at me, worried. I smiled at him. I hated the fact that I had to lie. I wanted to tell him these daydreams were freaking me out but I just couldn't. He will think I am crazy. How can I tell him that I am seeing the past?
"I'm sure"
"Come on, Let's go" Loki took my hand and we left the temple.

A little while later, the five of us emerge from the elevator and step into Loki's office. The bolts were still in the wall and the window was still broken. Loki yanked the bolts out of the wall and placed them on his desk.
"You weren't kidding about jumping out the window" Melody muttered as Loki closed a curtain over it. Using a chair to hold it in place. This high up, The wind was a little cold. A silence hangs over us all as the weight of everything that has happened settles in "So that's it?" Melody asked.
"That's it" Loki nodded.
"I love a happy ending!" Melody clapped and spun around "I mean I presume we're done Or is this going to be more of a regular thing??"
"I bloody hope so" Thor sighed, heavily.
"No, we're done" I smiled. I leant against Loki's desk "... Huh"
"What? Not good enough for you?" Melody looked at me.
"Oh, Trust me. I've had enough. it just seems hard to relax after all that" I puffed my cheeks out as I sighed. How does one relax after a week I have had?
"Well, Let me suggest that you try. I could use a break myself" Thor spoke. Everyone agreed and scattered across the room, Exhausted. Loki heads over to his desk. Sif gazes out a window. Melody sprawls on the couch and Thor is looking at a bookshelf.
"I'll go and talk to Melody"

I walked over to the couch and plopped down next to Melody. She laid her head on my shoulder.
"Hey, You" I patted her head.
"Heeeeey"
"You doing okay?"
"Just trying to figure out what the new normal is going to be. Ever since I got attacked, it's been this wild sprint from one thing to another. but if we are really done fighting and running, then what happens next? Where do I go from here?"
"Are you still going to join Thor's clan?"
"Well yeah. I just meant more... Who am I going to be?" Melody picked at her nails so I slapped her hands "Am I still going to be the girl who crashes on the couch every night with a cheap bottle of wine for the fifth playthrough of Skyrim?"
"Or?"
"Or is this my moment to become someone else? Is this whole thing a wake-up call?"
"Hmmm, Why not both?" I tapped my chin. Melody lifted her head up.
"What do you mean?" she asked as I gripped her hand.
"It doesn't have to be one or the other. You can evolve and explore and push yourself!" I used my spare hand to poke Melody on the nose "And you could still be the same Melody we all know and love"
"Thanks, Em. That's exactly what I needed to hear" I give Melody a crushing hug before I leave her with her thoughts.
"Time to talk to Sif" I head over to the window where Sif is gazing out at the nighttime cityscape.

"Emily" Sif turned to face me. For the first time in a week, She looked calm.
"Penny for your thoughts?" I leaned on the window.
"My thoughts are worth way more than a penny. But I suppose I could give you a discount" Sif licked her lips, Keeping a straight face.
"did you just make a joke?" Sif rolls her eyes and turns back to the window, Though I did happen to see a glimmer of a smile on her face, reflected in the window pane.
"I was just contemplating what happens next" Sif sighed, Placing her head on the window "We just unended a social order that's held this city together for nearly a century. There will be consequences"
"And we will deal with them when they come for us" I watched as I saw some dude dancing in his underwear. I laughed a little before turning back to Sif "But isn't change a good thing?"
"Emily, I have been part of more revolutions than you can imagine. I've stormed barricades and thrown Molotovs and killed more than a few heads of state"
"Really?"
"Change can be good. But change always provokes conflict. And I don't know how much more this city can take"
"Well between you guys and the Avengers, It will be protected and defended" I placed a hand on Sif's forearm "I believe in progress"
"Of course you do. You're young. Incredibly young" Sif rolled her eyes. If she keeps doing that her eyes see the back of her skull.
"Sure but that doesn't mean I am wrong. The world does get better. Just look at all the progress in the last century" I waved out at the city. Sif raises her eyebrows and nods "I'm not saying it will be easy but I think justice and progress will win in the end"
"I really hope you are right" Sif turns back to the window and I step away. I see Thor examining Loki's bookshelf.
"I wonder what Thor is looking at?" I walk over to him. I know I should be relaxing but chatting with friends is my way of relaxing.

"Anything interesting?" I poke Thor's shoulders.
"For a guy that claims he is a pacifist, He's sure got a lot of books on war" Thor flicked through a book and held up a page on WW2.
"I think he has been through a lot" I quickly glanced at Loki. He was typing on his computer "But what I want to know is how you are feeling, Mr council member?"
"Honestly I always thought I would either kill the council or they would kill me. I never imagined I would join them. I feel like I am selling out but I know that it will do my people so much good. I can't turn it down" Thor put the book back and leaned on the shelf "What do you think? Am I doing the right thing?"
"You'll be fine. Just stay true to yourself" I reach out and place a hand on Thor's chest. I swear I heard a growl, I looked behind me to see no one looking at me. I remove my hand as I think I can guess who was growling "You are one the most passionate and dedicated fighters I have ever met. As long as you stay as you are. You will make it work and you will push everyone to be better"
"Thanks, Emily. You're pretty damn great yourself" Thor smiled at me. I pat Thor's shoulder as I walked away. I see Loki still at his desk, Where he sits, hands laced. A sober expression on his face.
"I think I need to talk to him"

"So serious" I poked Loki's face, Breaking his concentration. He smiles softly as he looks at me "What's on your mind?"
"Just reflecting. Taking it all in" His eyes meet mine, Appraising me. I sigh as I sit on the edge of his desk "You know, Back in that good awful cell, I really thought I was going to die. I even came to terms with it"
"Loki..."
"The only thing that scared me was that I was never going to see you again" Loki placed his hand on mine, squeezing tightly "You saved my life, Emily. More the once actually. I owe you the greatest debt imaginable"
"Just save my life twice then we are even" I smiled. Loki didn't have to save my life twice. Just being in it was enough "Or give me a raise"
"Or you could help me run the company. I mean there is a slot open for Vice President since the other one... bolted" Loki smiled "It would mean longer hours."
"I don't see how that is a problem. I still get to be your assistant"
"That you do," Placing his elbow on the desk, Loki leaned his head on his hand "I should probably stop dragging you into dangerous situations then. Pretty sure that is against company policy"
"When did company policy ever stop you?" I joked. Loki chuckled. A small blush on his face "You think things will finally settle down?" I sighed, changing the subject. Loki runs his thumb over my knuckles.
"I don't know. There are still some unanswered questions that still bother me"
"Like what?"
"Hogun took advantage of the feral crisis but he wasn't the one that started it and we still don't know who attacked Melody" Loki kept hold of my hand and leaned back in his chair "And what happened back on the field with the serum? there is still so much more to figure out"
"Well, We will figure it out together" I spoke. A sweet smile breaks out across Loki's face.
"Yes. Yes, We will" I reach down and squeeze his hand, Returning his grin. Loki clears his throat and rises to his feet "Alright, Who is up for that drink?"
"About time" Sif smiled.

Loki takes out a bottle of champagne and pours everyone a glass. We all raise our glasses.
"To the council" Sif clinked everyone's glass.
"To your clan" Loki smiled.
"To a better world," Thor held his glass up.
"To a better life," Melody clinked her glass with mine.
"To us" I spoke.
"And to you, Emily" Loki turns to me and lifts his glass. I pointed to myself, confused "None of this would have been possible without you"
"But I didn't do anything" I frowned, Confused.
"If you hadn't befriended Thor, If you hadn't been so sympathetic to the clanless cause. if you hadn't pushed me to think of the benefits of working together" Loki placed a hand on my shoulder.
"Not to mention your help with the feral out at the country house" Sif grinned.
"And freeing all those prisoners from that cesspool" Thor shivered "I still can't get that smell out of my head"
"And, You know, saving my life" Melody shoulder-bumped me.
"Well, when you put it like that, I did do something"
"Just take a compliment, Girl" Melody ordered. Everyone laughs and takes a drink "So are partying all night or what?"
"I don't know about that" Loki downed his drink.
"Not all of us are that young anymore. It's a beautiful night, I may take a walk and clear my head" Sif sipped her drink before placing it down.
"I ain't heading home so I think I will head to the guest suite. There's a bottle of wine and a beautiful view I am looking forward to"
"And I have to go and break the news to my people back at the Thunder Den" Thor bit his lip. I had a feeling that might not go down as well as he hoped.
"In that case, I am going home. For what seems like the longest time. Sleeping in my own bed sounds amazing" Melody hugged herself "Emily, What are you going to do? Where are you heading?" I knew what I wanted. I turned my head subtly towards Loki.
"I'd like to stay here if that's alright?"
"I'd be delighted to have your company" Loki smiled. I hug Sif and Thor goodbye before hugging Melody.
"Girl, I want details later" Melody whispered in my ear as I hugged her last.
"Get out" I pushed her to the door. Melody laughed as I waved as they all filed out "See you all soon"

Once they were in the elevator, I then turned to Loki. He was leaning on his desk, smirking.
"I was hoping that you would decide to join me" Loki licked his lips.
"Well, you mentioned something about a good view and a bottle of wine"
"Shall we head to the guest suite?" Loki asks. I nod. Without another word, Loki takes my hand in his and leads me to the private elevator.

We step out of the elevator into the modern impeccable apartment.
"Lights, Relaxing" The voice-activated system turns on select lights, Giving the apartment a warm, relaxed glow "Music..." Loki turns to me "What are you in the mood for?"
"Will it play anything? Like what if you said Music, club" Loud music blared out of the speakers, I covered my ears as it was too loud "Ahh! sorry"
"Music, mellow" Loki chuckles at me. Before placing his hands over mine, pulling them away from my ears "Better?"
"Fuck yes" I moaned. Loki then walked over to a cart and held up a bottle.
"Wine?"
"Is the wine robot going to come out and deliver a glass of Cabernet?" I joked.
"Some things, thankfully, are still done by hand. With care and love," Loki pours me a glass of red wine and hands it to me, Fingers lingering on mine.
"Thank you" I take a sip and savour the incredible, full flavour.
"So would you like a tour?" Loki led me over to the lounge area. 
"I have to admit something, Melody and I poked around a little when we were here" I bit my lip.
"Oh, did you? See anything you liked?" The corner of Loki's lips turned into a smirk.
"Sure did. The bed was fantastic" I run my fingers along the satin lapel of Loki's suit jacket as he slips an arm around my waist "And I have to say that I am looking forward to trying it again. Maybe with your company this time"
"It would be my pleasure" Loki clears his throat, Adjusting his tie "I've made a decision by the way"
"Oh?" I tilted my head.
"I am cancelling the serum project. I am going to ring Fury up in the next day or so. I am shutting it all down. Making sure all records are destroyed of the face of the earth" Loki gulped his wine.
"Seriously?" My mouth hung open.
"What I felt back there, in the field. It was too powerful and you saw how dangerous I was. I cannot risk that falling into the wrong hands" Loki looked out at the city.
"But you will never be human"
"No, I won't," Loki took another drink "There's part of me that will always long for it. I will never let that go but I have also listened to that part for too long. It's time for me to step back and stop trying to change what I cannot change. To accept who I am"
"And who is that?"
"I am a vampire. It is what I will always be. I need to use the resources I have to focus on helping others, like the clanless. To prevent more violence and war" Loki's arm around my waist tightens just a bit, drawing me closer to his side "To protect the people I care about"
"I am sure you will do great things. Serum or no serum" I grinned.
"With you by my side? how could I not?" Loki looks at me, Eyes softening as he drinks me in.
"Is there something on my face? You're making me nervous" I touched my face.
"No. Just trying to put words to a feeling" Loki licked his lips.
"And what feeling is that?" Loki puts his glass on the table and then does the same with mine. he moves in front of me, hand lingering at the small of my back, so close I have to tilt my head back to keep my eyes on his.
"Now that I have you, I feel..." Loki looks as if he trying to choose his words carefully. He licks his lips "It's been a long time since I felt like I wanted to take a risk. A real risk"
"But you take risks all the time" What was he trying to say? I knew what I felt. At least I think I do. I just need another grown to ask about this.
"in my work, Yes but when it comes to... matters of the heart. Things that can cause real pain and real joy. It's been a long time"
"Loki, I feel the same. You're smart, passionate and brave and you have this idealism... A sincerity. That's so hard to find. and when I am with you, I just feel..." I also struggle to find the words. Loki leans down and kisses me, his lips soft against mine. His lips feel like they were made to be touched by mine and I lose myself in the feeling until he finally pulls away "Yeah, I feel something like that"
"Emily..."

We kiss our way to the bed. Shredding shoes, and shirts. until we are standing in front of each other in just our underwear.
"Mmmm... You look so good"
"Not as good as you feel" He traces his hand down the back of my neck, Skimming my spine. when he reaches my ass, He squeezes, pulling me closer.
"Oh!" Loki lifts me effortlessly and I wrap my legs around his waist as he lowers me onto the bed. I run my hands along his body, his firm taut muscles, The curve of his back "Yes..." he kisses me again. first on the lips, then my neck, working his way down my stomach, my thighs then lower. I swear the whole apartment just disappears, Leaving just the two of us "Yes... there. R-right there..." I bury my fingers in his hair as the passion in me grows, and then, right as my body begins to tense, Loki comes back up, His hips pressed against mine.
"I want you. Now"
"Yes. Please. Right now" I reach down to guide him and then I gasp, Back arched, Digging my fingernails into his back as our bodies connected. He kisses down my neck, lightly biting down my collarbone as our movements find a rhythm. Together, We move faster, Harder. I wrap my legs around him, Pulling him closer. As close as I can "Nnngh... That's... That's so..."
"Emily" We lose ourselves together, Vanishing in the sensation, into bliss, Into ecstasy.

Afterwards, we curl up against each other, surrounded by piles of impossibly fluffy pillows. I look out at the city lights, Nestled deep with Loki's strong arms. He cranes his head towards me, Eyes glowing with the intensity of the lights outside the window.
"Emily"
"Yeah?" I look up at him.
"I don't know what the future's going to hold. I don't know what happens next but I just know that I want to spend it with you" I smile as I lean forward to kiss him. Letting that be my reply. I hold Loki close, Savoring the moment. I also have no idea what darkness lies in store.

- Author's Pov - 

Outside the city that never sleeps hums and purrs. Cars streak down roads. Bars buzz with chatter, People shout and laugh and kiss and fight. People live. And in the alleys, Strange beasts stalk the shadows. Sinister eyes glow in the dark.

Late at night, in the Musea Sanguis, A solitary figure paces. Carefully barring the door behind him. After making sure he is alone, Tyr walks forward, Towards a corner of the room, A corner shrouded in darkness. He kneels, head bowed.
"Master, I come bearing news" Tyr spoke in a reverent tone. From the darkness, There is a creaking sound.
"Well? Speak. Has my plan come to fruition?" A voice replies, Terrible and ancient, Like dust blowing from a tomb.
"I'm afraid not, Master. It was working at first. The feral attacks had the council on edge and after I attacked Melody, Loki turned her, Just as you predicted"
"He always was a weakling" the voice growls.
"Hogun played his part admirably but Loki's clanless allies proved unexpectedly resourceful. They overcame Hogun's force and killed Hogun. And now his seat on the council has gone to the clanless leader"
"That is most disappointing"
"I'm sorry, Master. I have failed you" Tyr lowered his head, Expecting something to happen.
"What of the girl?"
"That part is going well. For now. She is connected with all of the psychic crystals I left. Her powers are growing" Tyr slowly stands up "And Loki still has no idea what she is"
"Good. Very good" The voice spoke, Pleased with that development "I had hoped to do this the easy way but we will have to move faster. Be more aggressive"
"Your will is my command"
"My will is to feed"
"Of course, Master. I have already made arrangements" Tyr turns and gestures to the library behind him "Come here, Girl. I have someone I want you to meet. Now" A young woman emerges from behind a shelf where she was hiding. She looks ragged and terrified.
"P-Please"
"I'm afraid it's far too late for that" Tyr grabbed the girl by her arm and dragged her over to the darkness "Now, Come here. I have someone I want you to meet" In the corner of the room, The darkness shifts and a figure emerges "My dear. This is Lord Odin Borson"
"Well, Hello there, Poppet. Don't you look like a treat?" Odin grinned, and his fangs descended.
"AHHHHHHH!!" The girl shrieks and turns to run but Odin is on her fast, vicious, and ravenous and the night swallows her screams.

- Notes -

Thank you for reading my story. It's wonderful readers like you that give me the inspiration to keep writing. It was a privilege to write for you all and I want to encourage you to keep being your lovely selves!

Now if anyone has an idea of what I could write next that would be great!

See you all soon,
Jammy :)

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