The Nightwalker: Cursed Blood

Prague

"Morbius?" I repeated. Sif nodded while Loki covered his face with one hand. I frowned in confusion "Ain't he the guy whose tomb we just robbed this book from?"
"That was Mobius," Sif wrapped her hands around her drink "Spelt differently," Melody sipped her drink and spat it out in disgust. Her tongue hanging out, eyes scrunched.
"You okay there, Mel?" I asked, getting ready to eat the rice dish that was just placed in front of me.
"I forgot to add sugar to this coffee," Melody coughed. Thor chuckled and handed her a sugar pot. I took one mouthful of my food and groaned in happiness.
"That good?" Thor grinned. I nod.
"I don't know the name of this but damn this is good," I almost said it was better than sex but Loki was already in a mood, I didn't fancy my neck being ripped open.
"So we have to go see Doctor Micheal Morbius, The man who willingly got himself turned into a vampire so he could cure his blood disease?" Melody pinched her nose. I remember reading about Doctor Micheal Morbius in school. He was apparently as old as Dracula himself.
"You know him?" Loki tilted his head at Melody. She did a little head wiggle.
"I never met him in person but my uncle Nick and Blade did. I believe that Blade best described him as an anti-hero and a giant turd,"
"Was that when you interned at SHIELD?" I asked as Melody nodded.
"According to Uncle Nick, the dude did not look healthy. His hair was greasy, he looked like he had lost a nose. His nails were too long, almost claw-like. His skin looked almost transparent. He had just flown over from Russia. Someone's blood hadn't agreed with him,"
"That would explain why he went to SHIELD. Between SHIELD and I, we manufacture Blade's serum so he was probably after some," Loki folded his arms across his chest. Blade wasn't really welcomed in the vampire community. He does hunt them. I had seen him quite a lot over the last few months at work. His serum was getting weaker. He had been down in South America hunting some dude called Deacon Frost. Have no idea if he caught him or not.
"Is that why Blade leaves us alone?" Sif sipped her drink. Loki nodded.
"Blade ain't that bad. Was always fun to see who would die first out of him and Volstagg," Loki scoffed "I really should let him know about Volstagg,"
"Anyway, back to the matter at hand," Thor interrupted "We have an old as fuck vampire to deal with,"
"So, you ain't pulling our leg? We have to go see the giant turd,," I wiped my hands and mouth as I pushed my empty plate away.
"Unfortunately, I am not pulling your leg,"
"Please tell me that this is a joke," I pinched my nose. Melody patted my knee.
"Emily, When have I ever told a joke?" Sif stared me down. About six months ago when she said something about a penny for her thoughts but I didn't want Melody to know that. She would go nutty over it. More so than normal.
"I can vouch for that. I have been with her for days. The woman has no sense of humour. She's being 100% for real," Melody finished her drink.
"Why do you hate him?" Sif and Loki exchange a weary glance.
"We can talk about this later. In a less... public location," Sif placed a finger against her lip. I looked confused as I saw a security guard walk past. I nodded once.
"Yeah, Wannabe Dracula can wait. How's New York? What's happened since we have been gone?" Thor sat forward, his large arms on the table.
"Things escalated pretty quickly, but thankfully we are still holding our own for now," Sif drummed her nails on the table "Most of the clan's vampires were safely evacuated. They are taking refuge across the US,"
"My clan?" Loki bit his bottom lip. He did that when he was worried. I placed a hand on his knee. Loki had also clenched his fists.
"Most are evacuated but some stay to fight. Loyal to you," Sif sighed. Loki takes a deep breath and nods, unclenching his fists.
"What about mine? You got them out, right?" Thor shuffled in his seat.
"Thor... Lots of folks in the den stayed behind to fight too," Melody drummed her fingers on her cup. She looked down as Thor clenched his fists "They are safe, don't worry. Or should I say... don't worry too much,"
"I wanted them to evacuate," Thor snapped, shooting up and glaring at Melody.
"And they wanted to fight for their home. You of all people should respect that," Sif snapped back, standing in front of Melody.
"... I do" Thor spoke after huffing. Sif pushed him back to his seat.
"What about Odin? Have there been any other videos? Has he shown himself at all,"
"There has been one other video since you left," Sif picked at her lip. Thor and Loki looked at each other, nervous looks on their faces.
"What happened in it?" Loki finally asked.
"He was executing vampires who were suspected of helping us. Cruelly. And in most cases, for no bloody reason," Melody explained. She pulled her phone out, logged into Fangbook and showed us.
"That's terrible," I covered my mouth. All of Volstagg's and Fandral's clans were dead. None had bent the knee, as it was. Only a handful of Sif's and Loki's clans had been killed. Most went out fighting. There were some that even Thor didn't recognise. Odin claimed that these were the ones that helped us escape.
"I could barely watch. It's like he enjoys the torture," Melody shivered as she locked her phone.
"He does," Loki growled.
"I swear the next time I see that fucking bastard, I am taking his head," Thor slammed his fist down on the wooden table.
"Get in line," Loki grumbled. I placed my hand on his knee again and squeezed. Hoping it was as reassuring as I hoped it was.

The 5 of us head towards the exit and I find myself glancing around nervously, looking for anyone who might be working for The Black Order.
"Sif, have you secured us a safehouse here?" Loki asked, his eyes never leaving the city skyline.
"Please, Loki. There's a reason I have an office in every major city," Sif flicks her hair "You should have thought about that,"
"English version means yeah, she does," Melody whispered to me. After leaving the airport, we all climbed into a cab (I had to sit on Loki's lap. Which I didn't mind), which whisked us away into the city.

Soon, Sif leads us all into her Prague office, where everyone takes a seat as Loki recounts everything that happened in Paris. He mentions what happened to Sylvie, his eyes flaring with rage.
"Loki... I am sorry," Sif walks over to Loki and puts an arm around his shoulder "I know you two were close,"
"It's not just that. It's how they took her from me. How I failed her," Loki started to pace up and down. Melody looked at me and I shrugged. She knew how I felt about Loki and I thought he felt the same, Especially after we placed the lock on the bridge. I guess I was wrong. Sylvie had a special place in his heart. A place that I could never fill.
"Loki it wasn't your fault," Sif reached for Loki, trying to get him to stop pacing "The Black Order is incredibly effective at what they do,"
"That doesn't change the fact that they have her," Loki shrugged away from Sif's touch.
"I know and we will do whatever is in our power to get her back, I swear it," Loki nods wearily. I clasp my hands tighter together as I watch the expression on his face, remembering his rage at the club. Loki takes a look at me. I smiled at him. I couldn't let him know that I was pretty bummed out that he still cared for his ex. We ain't officially together, Loki ain't mine to claim.
"Seeing the Black Order attack firsthand... It's clear that they've evolved," Loki finally stopped pacing. He leaned against the desk, arms crossed "They were deadly before but now they are practically unstoppable,"
"Those were Special Forces tactics back there. They are not just hunters, they are military," Thor spoke standing next to Loki.
"Cool. cool cool cool. Totally something I wanted to hear..." Melody sighed, head in her hands.
"This was the most effective attack I have ever seen from them. They were..."
"Ruthless," I finished Loki's sentence.
"Yeah... Not even the humans spared,"
"Bastards," Sif snarled, lips pulled over her teeth.
"What does that mean for us?" Melody asked as she pulled a bag in front of her.
"It means we will have to be fast and discreet. Get the eye, get to the tomb and then we get the fuck out of Europe," Loki frowned. It was odd hearing him swear. Is it wrong that I enjoyed it when he swore?
"And we put a stake through Odin's heart," Thor slammed his fist into his hand.
"Can I just say, you are really cool when you are all broody and violent? Is that weird?" Melody piped up.
"Melody. The point. Get to it," Melody hops out of her chair and takes out her laptop, which she situates on Sif's desk to face us all.
"Ladies and gents, It's time for an exclusive showing of 'Melody Fury present: The Eye of Bathory'!"
"You are such a dork," I smiled as I shook my head. Melody placed a hand over her heart.
"Excuse me! This 'dork' spent days pimping out this PowerPoint. The transitions... are flames," Melody placed her hands on her hips.
"Melody, fast and discreet, remember,"
"Right, so..." Melody hits a button, and the first slide appears. It shows an image of the jewel "A long time ago, in a land far away, The Eye of Bathory was first discovered," I fold my hands in my lap and nod along studiously.
"Are you alright?" Thor leans and whispers.
"Shush, trying to listen," I pushed his face away. The melody changes the slide to a gif of a confused-looking woman with math equations floating around her head.
"But what exactly is The Eye of Bathory, anyway? Is it a gem? A Philosopher's Stone? A fiery eyeball at the top of a tower?"
"I would like to add that I already made that joke," I raised my hand. Both Loki and Thor agreed with me.
"My girl," Melody finger gunned me "The Eye of Bathory is an ancient vampiric artefact, dating all the way to the time of the first vampire. Or so the rumours go,"
"Right..."
"It's shown up quite a bit in vampire lore and all accounts link it to super powerful, spooky-type magic," Melody smiled. I could see Sif in the corner of my eye, heading her face.
"Define spooky," Thor frowned.
"Like... make you go mad and murder everyone you know' kind of spooky," Melody twirled a dreadlock around her finger.
"... so the regular kind of magic," Thor shrugged. He hated magic.
"It's the necklace from Harry Potter," I clicked my fingers. Loki and Thor frowned at me, confused "Google it,"
"technically," Melody moves on to a slide of anime knights "It was passed around like candy for hundreds of years until the 18th century when it was lost during a Black Order raid,"
"Would explain some lore I know," Loki sighed. Sif stated the same.
"And here we arrive at the end of the slides. And thankfully with some digging, I was able to able to identify a few other artefacts lost in the same raid. They all ended up in one place" The last slide is a still from an old, black and white movie with a comically ugly vampire centred in the frame "In the possession of one Doctor Morgan Micheals AKA Morbius,"
"I really don't wanna deal with him," Loki groaned as Melody closed her laptop with a bow.
"I am never letting you present again," Sif sighed heavily. Melody shrugged.
"Good choice, yeah. I respect that," Melody grinned.
"I still can't believe Morbius is real. I always thought he was a myth," I leaned my elbow on my knee.
"How can he be a myth when I have seen him?" Melody scrunched his nose up.
"You once claimed to have seen Bigfoot," I rolled my eyes "This is Morbius we are talking about,"
"Yes, yes. The Morbius," Loki mocked his name.
"You sound like you are not a fan," Thor went and sat on a chair.
"Because in reality, he is far legendary," Loki refused to look at anyone "Did you know that Morbius is part of the Tepes bloodline,"
"Get the fuck out of here," Melody slapped her thighs "Morbius is Dracula?"
"In fact, He is Vlad Tepes the Third" Loki sighed. I could tell he was biting the inside of his cheek "Vlad was a member of the European vampire society with a certain... ah... flair for the dramatic,"
"He's a drama queen then?" Melody walked over to a mini fridge and got a bottle of water.
"So he gives you a run for your money?" Thor smirked.
"That's one way to put it. Always wanted to be the centre of attention. Always making grand displays and extravagant provocations,"
"Ohhh, so he's Tony Stark then," I rubbed my chin. Melody snickered at me.
"Then he had a brief fling with a writer in the 1800s and the next thing you know, he's part of literary canon,"
"He crafted an entire legend for himself and started to get known around the world. Which is the last thing his ego needed," Sif sat on her desk.
"The other European vampires were furious. Hell, all of us were,"
"Because he was famous or because he ratted them out?" Thor leaned back in his chair.
"Both" Loki and Sif both spoke.
"But the European vampires tend to stick together, no matter what. That, and he is extremely wealthy and influential,"
"So... does he have an accent?" I raised my hand.
"What do you mean accent?"
"You know... vahn... two... three... ah ha ha..." I mocked the only words I thought Dracula said. I blame cartoons. And Melody. Melody and Thor chuckled loudly and Loki was trying not to laugh.
"What... what is that? What are you doing?" Sif had a blank look on her face.
"Don't bother Emily. As I said, I have been trying for days," Melody came and sat next to me.
"He does have an accent, Darling. But it is subtle. Everyone else tends to exaggerate," Loki spoke before Sif could make some snarky remark.
"So Dracula is alive? And he is living as Morbius?" Thor said, making sure he heard everything correctly.
"Unfortunately,"
"But at least he has the eye. Or at least there's a good chance he does,"
"Here's what I don't get. How has he managed to stay away from the Black Order if he is so well known?"
"Morbius has always been good at evading them. He's always been able to stay a step or two ahead,"
"It's likely how he's come to collect so many artefacts,"
"How are we planning on getting the Eye from him, then?"
"I reached out to him just before you guys landed. He invited us to a party he is throwing tomorrow night at a local castle,"
"Going to a party hosted by Dracula... Seriously, what is my life even?"
"And if I know Vlad... he won't part with the Eye easily," Loki scratched his chin. Melody then muttered something, looking away at a shelf. Since she is my best friend, I knew she was up to no good.
"Mel, care to repeat that?" I glared at Melody. Melody bit her lip. then using what little confidence she needed, flipped her hair over her shoulder.
"Which is why we are going to steal it," Melody shoots some finger guns.
"A jewel heist at Dracula's castle... This is... a lot to process," I stared at the floor. Loki patted my shoulder.
"We still have quite a bit of time to kill before then. Maybe you should rest," Sif took her heels off and placed them on her desk.
"Orrrr we go out and have some fun!" Melody chimed, jumping to her feet.
"What did you have in mind?" Thor spoke.
"Sightseeing, drinking, debauchery... you know... the usual. We are in Prague, people! Let's enjoy it!" Melody skipped to a window and pointed out to the city.
"Actually, count me in on that. I need to blow off some steam," Thor raised his hands.
"What about you guys?" I looked between Loki and Sif.
"I'll pass this time. If I am going to be social at Morbius's party, I need to clear my head," Loki relaxed on the sofa.
"Me too. I still have some research to do on the castle,"
"So, Emily, what do you say? Wanna hit up Prague with me and Thor?"
"That does sound fun... and I could really use some fun right now but I am pretty tired... I might just stay here," I wanted to go sightseeing but I wanted to go with Loki. Melody had far too much energy for right now "But I think I shall stay here and chill,"
"There's a room down the hall you can sleep in," Sif pointed.
"Thanks, Sif," I go towards the bedroom but Melody scoops me up "Hey! Put me down!" I heard Sif chuckle and I think Loki did.
"Not a chance. I need some time with my bestie" Melody declined.
"But I need sleep" I tried to fight Melody but with Thor grabbing my legs, I had no hope.
"No, you don't. You can live on three hours' worth of sleep. I have seen you do it," Melody carried me on her shoulder "Please... please come out with us,"
"Okay! Okay... but please, put me down,"
"Yessss! Let's wreck this city!" Melody cheered as the pair put me safely on the floor.
"I really hope you mean figuratively," Thor grabbed his jacket and walked to the door.
"Fun fact, I never mean anything figuratively," Melody grinned, grabbing her bag and then me.
"Just behave you three," Sif shouted after us.
"Yes, Mum!" Both Melody and I shouted.

The three of us roam through the cobblestone streets of Prague, taking in the city. Loki had sent me a text to call him if things went south or if Melody got too much. He then sent me a cat video to make me smile and another text that he owes me a date. I smiled softly at my phone. This man will be the death of me.
"This place is amazing!" Melody squealed.
"It's so quaint but beautiful," I smiled as I put my phone back in my top.
"Right? There's a really old-school vibe here. I bet there's some great history in this place," Thor looked around, smiling at the most random shop we saw. It had little china figures in it.
"You want history, baby? I'll give you history," Melody grinned. She had a quick look at her phone "Google Maps says to go this way,"

Melody grabs our hands and leads us to a town square surrounded by beautiful, old-fashioned architecture. On the far end, I can spot a Gothic church.
"This place is really into Gothic stuff, huh?" I pointed to the gargoyles. Think I have watched way too much Doctor Who. They reminded me of the weeping angels.
"Considering the people who live here, I am not surprised," Thor smiled as he looked in a shop window "Oooh that jacket is nice,"
"Do you mean Dracula?"
"Hey, I didn't know the guy was real either. Still wrapping my head around it. I knew of Morbius. Just not that he was Dracula,"
"If what Sif and Loki said is true, I hope I get to see the spectacle he makes of himself," I crossed my arms.
"Like prowling around with a big black cape waving in the breeze?" Thor waved his jacket around.
"Or emerging from a coffin, shrouded in mist, all greased up and wearing just a leopard-print thong..." Melody trailed off. Both Thor and I looked at each other. and shrugged.
"What... what does that have to do with Dracula?" I waved my hand in front of Melody's face. It took a few attempts as she had completely zoned out.
"... I may have lost the thread," Melody blushed. The three of us laughed and carried on walking.

Melody leads us down a side street and gestures to the nearest wall.
"Ta-da!" Melody beams, a huge grin on her face. Thor and I gape at the large Astronomical Clock before us, its gold mechanisms gleaming in the darkness. It's a marvel of innovation decorated with golden numerals and astrological symbols.
"Wow... I have never... never seen a clock like this before," Thor spoke, impressed.
"I have always wanted to see it for myself It tells the time, but even how the planets are aligned! Isn't that awesome?" Melody crossed her arms while I moved closer to the clock.
"It really is stunning. I am glad you took us to see this," I grinned at my best friend. I examine the clock more carefully, noticing the statue of a skeleton and a gilded rooster high above. Just then, the clock strikes the hour and a door above opens as statues of apostles make their way across the facade of the building.
"Damn," Thor leaned back, not thinking that if he took two steps back, he could see the whole thing. But no, the man decided to bend his neck at an awkward angle.
"Okay, now it's even cooler," I grinned, mesmerized. Melody looks around furtively and then leans in to whisper.
"Sif was telling me a bit about the clockmaker who made this. Apparently, he was a vampire,"
"Not surprised," I shook my head.
"But the people who commissioned the clock didn't want him to make another, so they blind him with a piece of hot iron. Well, tried to anyway," Melody shrugged.
"I've always wondered if we could regrow eyes," Thor spoke, immediately regretting his words "I mean... uh... that's rough! About the clockmaker. And all,"
"Feels like no matter where we go, we are reminded of how cruel and vicious people can be," I sighed. Melody and Thor nodded.
"That's life for you," Melody huffed, she looked at the clock and smiled "Still I am glad that he got to make it. And that people get to appreciate it even to this day," The three of us admire the clock for another few minutes until Thor clears his throat.
"I don't know about you two but all this looking is making me thirsty," Thor wraps his arms around our shoulders.
"Bar anyone? The first drink is on Thor," I laugh.

The three of us end up in a small pub near the town centre. It's warm and crowded with a cheerful environment.
"Now this is a welcome sight," Thor smiled, smiling at the bar staff "After what happened in Paris, I think I need a whole barrel of whiskey,"
"I am so sorry you guys had to go through that. I wish I could have been there," Melody grabbed my hand and squeezed "Trust me, they would have had to catch these hands,"
"It's okay, Mel," I pat Melody's arm "We are here now, all in one piece and that... that is what matters," When we eventually make our way to the bar, Thor leans over with a grin to the bartender.
"Three shots of tequila please," Thor holds up three fingers.
"I ain't drinking shots," I shake my head. I did want to drink but I was with Melody, she tends to go overboard and with The Black Order on our ass, we didn't need her gaining attention.
"Don't worry. They are all for me," Thor grins, Melody shakes her head with a laugh.
"That sounds like a challenge to me. I'll take the same, please," Melody holds up three fingers.
"Et Tu, Melody?" I crossed my arms, looking at Melody over my glasses.
"That's how we roll in the Thunder Den," Thor grinned. I rolled my eyes as Thor and Melody high-fived. The bartender slides three more shots across the counter "What will you get, Em?" I thought about my drink. I then smirked and turned to the bartender.
"Three shots of tequila please," I hold up three fingers. The other two look at me in surprise as the bartender slides another three shots across the counter "What, I can be an honourary Thunder Den member, right?"
"That's my girl!" Melody squeals, grabbing my shoulders from behind and cheering me on.

When we all have our drinks, I find a tall table in the back corner. We all raise our first shot and clink them together, then throw them back. I wince as it burns a trail down my throat.
"Ahhh, just like mum used to make," Thor groaned, enjoying the burn.
"I have an idea! Let's go around and share something juicy," Melody rubbed her hands together. Anything is better than Truth or Dare.
"Meaning..." Thor narrowed his eyes at Melody.
"How about sharing our first kiss stories," Correction, Truth or Dare would be better.
"Why would you want to know about something like that?" Thor coughed.
"For the angst, Thor! the angst!" Melody held her hands up.
"... I get the feeling that maybe I should have stayed back with the Sif and Loki," Thor muttered, using his right hand to rub both his eyes.
"Oh, you big baby. Here, I will go first," Melody takes a sip and clears her throat "The summer after senior year, in Wisconsin. There was this girl who went to my high school. She wore combat boots, and had studs in her ear"
"You definitely have a type, don't you?" I grinned.
"Shush you. Well, we were both at this party. Neither of us was out of the closet yet but we kinda just knew. We locked eyes across the room. she smiled. I smiled. Next thing you know, we're both sitting in a bathtub, making out,"
"Classy," I raised my eyebrows.
"Unironically, yes. It had claw feet and everything. Okay. Now you go, Thor" Thor sighs and downs another shot to fortify himself.
"I am going to need more of these," Thor coughed.
"Spill the tea," Melody put her hands on the table.
"I think I was fifteen? My dad forced me to be part of the student council," Thor tapped his shot glass.
"Good training for the vampire council then?" I smiled. Thor dead-faced me and rolled his eyes.
"I am pretty sure that's not what he had in mind at the time but let's say sure. Anyway, there was this girl in the council, Emma... something, and she asked me to a school dance,"
"Aw,"
"We went... we danced and we kissed. End of that,"
"Oh come on! You gotta add a bit more spice than that," Thor shrugs, Melody sighs dramatically and turns to me "Please tell me you have a good one?"
"Oh man, where do I start? It was my first year at high school and we had become really good friends. We did so much together, like hanging out at each other's houses all the time and grabbing food together. But it wasn't until that first winter we actually kissed. It was snowing and we stopped in the middle of the quad and..." I trailed off with a smile, lost in good memory. That was until Melody snapped her fingers in front of my face.
"Damn, was it really that good?" She asked.
"I think nostalgia has something to do with it but yeah, it was pretty good," I bit my lip and then my finger, grinning.
"Sounds like something out of a Hallmark movie. I totally dig it," Melody clapped and announced she was off to the bar for more shots.
"Did you also lie about your kiss?" Thor leaned in, whispering.
"Fuck yes. My first totally sucked. I had to give her something good," I licked my lips, nodding.
"Well played. I nearly fell for it," Thor did a small clap.
"What was your first really like?"
"Mine was not as sucky as I made out. I just don't remember much of it as it was nearly 75 years ago,"
"Old man," I could have said more but Melody arrived with more drinks.

The three of us share another round of drinks but as I get up to head to the bar, a loud voice cuts through the din.
"The hell is my drink, bro?" there's a small group of American tourists, most likely college students, who everyone seems to be avoiding. One of them is yelling at his friend to grab him a beer.
"I think it's time we moved on," Thor scoffs.
"Agreed," Melody nods, rolling her eyes.

The three of us make our way to the exit when someone bumps into me, spilling beer down my front.
"Oof!"
"What the hell? Why did you do that?" The man snaps at me.
"Um, excuse me? You bumped into me!" My eyebrows rise in shock as I stare at him.
"yeah, right. Because I am that clumsy," The man mocked me, his voice high and stupid. He then eyes me up and down, licking his lips "But you can make it up to me by buying me another drink and maybe sitting in my lap," He and his friends laugh as my face goes hot with anger.
"Hey, you can't talk to her like that!" Thor yelled. The whole bar had now stopped chattering and was staring at us.
"Says who, Bladerunner?"
"These dickheads need to be taught a lesson," Melody cracked her knuckles. I put my hand on her shoulder and pulled Thor away from the drunks.
"Guys, chill. I got this. I ain't gonna sit back and let them talk to me like that," I whisper to my friends.
"Judging by the way she is dressed, I'd say she is up for it," The man elbows his friend. Though they laugh, no one agrees with him. I wink at Melody and Thor. I turn to the buffoon, a smile on my face. I walk closer to him "See? She doesn't mind how I talk to her. She's such a little tart," the idiot smiles, licking his lips. I grin as I pull my fist back and swing it wide.
"Emily!"
"Whoa!" the tourist leans back at the last second. Then, grins cheekily "Aww, how cute. Look, lads, she tried to sucker punch me," My anger flared even more.
"How this for cute, asshole?" I stomp my heel down on his foot and he howls in pain.
"What the hell, you little bit--" I pull my arm back, leaving my palm open and quickly jab him in the throat, cutting off his words "Hkk!"
"And now, for the piece de resistance," I grab his shoulders and bring my knee up right into his groin. He doubles over and makes a sound somewhere between a cry and a dry heave "Now you can tell your friends that girl finally touched your special place," the man groans and falls to the fall, coughing loudly.
"Hell yeah, Emily! That is my girl!" Melody cheered. As I head around the idiot's stunned group of friends, Thor pats him on the back with a grin.
"Nice try, champ,"

After walking through the city and cooling off after the encounter at the pub, we head back to Sif's office.
"Okay, I am glad you dragged me to this," I smiled. I then shivered as it was getting cold, didn't help my top was wet. Thor noticed and wrapped his jacket around me "Thanks,"
"Me too. I have no idea what's in our future, so I want to make as many good memories as I can,"
"Yeah, me too. Enjoy a little bit of heaven until everything goes to hell," The three of us reach the front door to the building and hesitate, drawing out the moment before we have to get back to real life.
"As much as I don't want this to end, I need sleep," I yawned. I make my way up the stairs and to my awaiting bed.

I woke up several hours later. I quickly changed my outfit to some dark jeans and a tight-fitting shirt, undoing the first two buttons. I grabbed my trainers and put my hair in a low ponytail. I walked into Sif's office area to find everyone prepping for tonight's event in the office.
"Morning sleepyhead," Thor grinned at me and poured me a cup of tea. Loki looks at me softly and winks.
"Can I just say... not to diminish the whole life or death stakes thing... but I am actually kind of excited?" I spoke, slightly excited. Melody pops up on my left and is just as jumpy as ever.
"Just kind of? Girl, we are going to party with Dracula!" I laugh and spot Loki sitting by the window, looking pensive.
"Be right back," I pat Melody's arm and I go over to join him.

I sit next to Loki, Which rouses him from his thoughts.
"Hey, you," He whispered.
"Hey, Is everything alright?" I ask. Loki sighs. I place my hand over his.
"I'm okay. Why do you ask?" His gaze drifted back to the window and the city lights far below.
"I'm sensing that you are not so pumped about this party. What's on your mind?"
"Honestly, I don't know. I'm a little worried. Vlad is excessive,"
"Have you met Melody?" I pointed to my bestie. Loki didn't laugh.
"Think Melody times 1000%," he then ran a hand over his face "I might not like the man but he ain't a bad one. I met him on one of his visits to New York in the early 1900s," The corner of his mouth ticks up in a smile "He has managed to be a thorn in the Black Order's side for centuries. Not to mention he does have good advice now and then. He holds a lot of power but it goes hand in hand with his level of insight. He's also..." Loki hesitates. As if he is trying to find the right words.
"He's what?" I tilted my head.
"Quite... seductive,"
"Does that mean you have first-hand experience then?" I joked. Though I wouldn't be surprised it was true.
"No, not personally. Drac is fair from my type. I heard Sylvie had a fling with him though. And he and Odin would get up to all kinds of mischiefs and other things,"
"Are you sure?" I smiled and tilted my head.
"Quite. Flash like that doesn't quite work on me," Loki sighed, his mouth turned slightly up at the corner.
"Ahh, you're way too canny to be wowed," One corner of my mouth is turned up.
"Or perhaps just too cynical," Loki shuffles in his seat.
"Is he weak to others seducing him?" I asked.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Loki narrows his eyes at me, suspiciously.
"Nothing! we are trying to rob the guy, I figured asking some tactical questions might be helpful,"
"I suppose that's a fair assessment," Loki bit the inside of his cheek "I guess the short answer is, yes. With Morbius, you can assume that flattery will get you everywhere," Loki eyes me again, something darkening in his expression and I can't help but laugh.
"Don't give me that look. It was just a question. No reason to get jealous,"
"I ain't jealous," I laughed once. Loki gets jealous when Melody hugs me. He nearly jumped out of his chair when Thor high-fived me.
"Yeah, you are," I walk closer to Loki, arms behind my back. I stand on my tiptoes and lean in close "You don't have worry. You know I only have eyes for you," I kiss his cheek. Loki growls at me softly. Before Loki or I can say anything else, Sif walks up to us.
"Emily, can I have a word?"
"Sure,"

I follow Sif to the corner of the room, where she crosses her arms. I feel like the kid who just got summoned to the headmaster's office.
"What's up?" I said, playing it cool even though I was shitting it.
"I saw you fighting back at Tivan's. You show some admirable enthusiasm,"
"But?"
"But your form could use some work," Sif nodded her head from side to side. I was in a skirt when we got kidnapped by that maniac. How else was I supposed to fight?
"I mean, I'm no karate kid but I think I held my own pretty well..." I put my hands on my hips.
"Actually, a martial child is probably the best point of comparison I could have made as well,"
"That's not what I--" I shake my head as Sif holds up her hand.
"But the fact of the matter is, we'll have to do a lot more fighting before this is over. I want you to be prepared. There's a very good chance you will have to fight for your life" Sif hesitates for a moment, choosing her words carefully "And losing you... that's not something I think I could bare,"
"Sif..."
"Besides, if I let anything happen to you, Loki would have my kneecaps," Sif sighed, turning her head towards Loki. He wasn't even looking at her before Sif rolled her eyes "And he just agreed with me," I chuckled. I keep forgetting vampires have excellent hearing. But let's be serious here, Like Sif would let Loki kick her ass, the woman is a machine "Let's not waste time being sentimental. Right now, we need to talk of practical matters,"
"What are you suggesting?" I crossed my arms.
"I want to train you in combat, Emily. I want you to be ready for whatever comes our way next,"
"I guess it would be nice to learn something more than 'go for the eyes or the groin'." I smiled, remembering the events at the pub.
"I have a facility here that's made for it. One that's very private," Sif smiled as she pointed behind her. I heard Loki growl. Sif smiles, turning her head to Loki "Easy there, Loki. Save it for the bad guys,"
"Cue the 80s training montage," I rubbed my hands together. 
"No montages. I am teaching you the basics first,"
"Never mind," I sighed. I will get her to crack a joke. Even if it kills me.
"I won't," Sif spoke as she ushered me down the hall. I frowned at her and she pointed behind her with her thumb. I look back and see Loki looking at me. I put my thumbs up.

Sif leads me down a hall to a room that looks like a miniature fitness studio.
"Cool," I glanced at the weapon racks.
"I have a training centre in all of my offices. It's one thing to learn how to fight and another to maintain your skills," Sif removed her jacket and heels, prompting me to do the same. I shuffled my feet around so I could get used to the grip of my socks.
"I'm impressed by how committed you are,"
"I have to be," Sif takes a position in the centre of the room and I stand facing her "First, let's go through the basic stances. Stand with your feet hip-width apart, front foot facing forward, back foot turned out a little," I let her correct my stance until I felt like I had a solid base. I sort of knew what to do, Black Widow had taught me some moves but this was a long time ago. I just needed a refresher.
"Like this?"
"Good. Now, let's do some punches and blocks," Sif patiently shows me how to form a fist (which I can already do but I have to give her some credit, she is willingly spending time with me) and how to jab. Then she instructs me how to block an incoming attack using my forearms.
"Think I am getting the hang of this," I go through the moves Sif just taught me "Like that?"
"Exactly like that. I think we can move on to something a little more challenging now," Sif smiles as she wanders over to a wall where different fighting weapons are hanging. She returns with two sets of wooden knives.
"Umm," I backed away.
"Don't worry. These are blunted, so they won't do much harm,"
"That's good to know," I take one of the pairs, weighing them in my hand.
"The first lesson is don't draw your weapon unless you absolutely need to. In any situation, it's always best to try to escape first,"
"Got it," I was never any good at legging it. I knew what I signed up for when I chose to keep my memories.
"Second. Learn how to hold your weapon of choice. you can do a forward grip for now. And third. Always keep your body behind your weapon and move often to avoid attacks," Sif crouches, her wooden knives at the ready "Try to disarm me,"
"What?" Sif rushes at me and I stagger back, yelping as I flail my knives around. Sif easily disarms me and puts a knife to my throat.
"That was just awful. Let me show you the right way,"
"Are you enjoying this?" I frowned. I should really introduce Sif to Yelena. Those two would have great fun with training.
"Only a little," Sif smiled.

Once I have my knives back, Sif goes through each manoeuvre. I copied her stance.
"When your attacker slashes at you, move with them. Lunge back and to the side, using their momentum against them,"
"Lunge back and to the side," I repeated.
"Then when their arm is extended, bring your knife down on their forearm and slash to get them to drop the knife,"
"Knife down and slash," I nodded, following the movement slowly.
"Ready?" Sif doesn't wait for me to answer and slashes her knife towards me. Panicking, I try to block with my knives but Sif easily knocks one way "Not quite,"
"Crap," I hissed. Sif follows through with her attack by slashing at my stomach, arm extended. I make a downward motion with my blunt knife, slashing it down Sif's arm to her wrist. She drops her knife.
"Perfect," Sif grins. I huffed as I went to pick up my other knife "Still needs some work but it's a decent start. Let's keep going," This was going to be a long night.

The two of us continue through the moves and after half an hour, I begin to sweat.
"Phew... I think I am --" but before I finish, Sif rushes at me and I dodge. I strike to counterattack but she blocks it. She slashes at me and I go to disarm her when Sif swipes my legs out from under me "Whoa!" As I start to fall, I grab her wrist and pull her down with me, trying to aim my knife at her heart.
"It won't be that easy," She easily pins me and puts the tip of the wooden knife to my throat "But it was a nice try," the two of us are panting and I can feel the heat of Sif's body so close to mine. I lay back on the mat.
"I think we missed the strength and conditioning part of this training session. I'm knackered!" I pant, dying on the mat.
"That may be, but your performance wasn't bad. You are a good student. I think we made some solid progress today," Sif chuckles, watching me curiously.
"Yeah, some solid progress in you kicking my butt,"
"That was just an additional benefit," Sif waved at me. I pushed myself up onto my elbows "I think I feel a little better now. About you being in these situations with us,"
"I'm glad,"
"Not that I don't think you can handle yourself. I just--" I place a hand on Sif's shoulder as she trails off.
"I understand. Even knowing what an amazing fighter you are, I still worry about you too," I smiled.
"Emily..."
"Thank you for teaching me this stuff. I mean it. To be honest, it makes me feel better too," It did. I have always felt like the weakest member here. I mean, I'm human. what good can I be?
"Any time, Emily. Hopefully, we can continue our lessons once we have some time,"
"I'd like that," I nod. Despite my ass hurting from the number of times that I landed on it, I had fun.

When we got back to the office area, Thor and Loki had gone off somewhere and Melody was pacing up and down, tapping her mouth with her finger.
"What's wrong, Mel?" I cracked my neck.
"You need to change," Melody spoke, pointing at me. I also pointed at myself.
"What?" I blinked.
"You need to change" She folded her arms.
"What's wrong with what I am wearing?" I look down at my outfit.
"You look great for a tourist but, we are going to party with Dracula. You need a fancy dress," Melody placed a hand on her hip, tilting her head at me.
"But I don't have a fancy dress. I didn't pack one. I didn't think I needed to," I folded my arms. What is it with vampires and their parties always needing fancy dresses? Thought they were meant to go with the times?
"Oh, shit... neither do I," Melody covered her mouth. I heard a loud sigh. We both look behind us to see Sif wiggling her fingers at us.
"Follow me," Sif spoke, grabbing my wrist "You too Melody," Melody did a kerching move.

Sif dragged me and Melody to a room where Sif had hung out some dresses.
"Melody, these are yours," She pointed. Melody squealed and picked a dark blue one. We just stared at her "There other dresses,"
"What, I rarely wear colour," She grinned, ducking behind a screen to change "I have to wear a corset again!" She complained. Sif rolled her as she then went straight to the wardrobe. Surveying the dress.
"No. No. No. Too yellow. No," she then looks at me "No to orange... no... no... Green might work."
"Depends on the green," I folded my arms. Sif then shook her head and closed that wardrobe. She walked to the other side of the room, opening another wardrobe. She then enlisted Melody's help.
"Erugh, why do bright colours never work with Morbius's castle?" Sif grumbled.
"We need to find you the perfect dress. One that will make Loki look like a cartoon wolf," Melody sighed. She then stopped, a massive grin on her face. She elbowed Sif and pointed. Sif smiled softly and nodded.
"This is so you!" Melody pulls out a beautiful dark green gown.
"It looks like that dress from the Anatasia film" I loved that dress. Wish I had worn it on prom night "I dunno," It was perfect for a night in a castle, I just don't think I could pull it off.
"You will look like someone who belongs in a castle, looking for her Prince," Sif spoke as she picked up her red dress. Melody held the outfit towards me. I backed off slightly. Little did she know that I had found him, but he had way too many issues for me to deal with right now. At least, I think she doesn't know. this is Sif we are talking about. Sif spoke as she picked up her red dress.
"She is right, that dress will look fab on you," Melody clicked her fingers. Sif kept her back to us. Melody pouted, Holding the dress out for me. I eyed it as I took it to the bathroom.
"Nice choice of dress," Sif spoke. Melody is probably beaming from that compliment.
"Trust me, Loki will not take his eyes off her if she wears that" I heard Melody speak "Then again, Loki doesn't ever take her eyes off that one. Like, ever. She could wear a bin bag and he is smitten,"

As I walked out of the closet, I rolled my eyes when Melody started fanning herself. Thor smiled as he nodded. Loki's jaw had dropped open.
"Girl, You are making it harder not to fall for you," Melody grins. Loki let out a small growl, I stared at him and he poked his tongue out at me.
"Mel!" I exclaimed. Loki walked up behind me. He had his usual fancy pants outfit on. And damn, did he look good.
"Just calling it as I see it," Melody held up her hands.
"You look incredible," Thor folded his arms.
"Truly stunning," Loki growled in my ear as he wrapped his arms behind me.

Sometime later, we gather outside as a carriage arrives that will take us to Dracula's castle. Thor was pulling at his collar.
"I am so ready for this!" Melody squealed, excitedly. I rolled my eyes at her.
"Speak for yourself. How am I supposed to fight in this?" Thor adjusts his outfit "I feel like a monkey,"
"Just put up with it for a couple of hours," Sif crossed her arms "None of us like our outfits,"
"I do," I raised my hand.
"If it comes down to it, you can just take off your jacket," Loki suggested.
"Yeah, give them a taste of the gun show for once," Melody flexed.
"You all look so fancy," I smiled. Melody took my phone off me and took some photos.
"And so do you, Darling. You look stunning," Loki wrapped one hand around my waist, pulling me closer "It really does suit you," With everyone finally ready, we all hop into the carriage and let it take us to the castle.

"Well, this is cosy," Melody sarcastically remarked. Sif, Melody and I were on one side and Thor and Loki were on the other side. It was a bit of a squeeze.
"Hey gramps, your elbow is in my ribs," Thor snapped. I covered my mouth and Loki mocked him.
"I am terribly sorry about that," Loki said sarcastically and rolled his eyes. I tried not to let out a laugh.
"No, you're not," Thor narrowed his eyes.
"No, I ain't," Loki grinned at Thor.
"Can you move it?" Thor asked nicely. Loki simply turned his head to face Thor.
"No" I swear those two were brothers in a different universe. Loki quickly winked at me.
"Ah, this brings back memories of the New York subway..." Melody sighed, folding her arms. apologizing every five minutes when she collided with Sif "There are more potholes in this road than New York City combined,"
"You all talk way too much," Sif rubs the side of her head. I smiled as I looked out the window, my eyes widening at the sight before us. Morbius's castle looms before us, a mass of shadow and Gothic architecture. I quickly poked Melody and pointed out the window.
"Oh my god," Melody leans forward to look out the window. Her jaw was practically on the floor "Gotta say, I like his style,"
"That Morbius for you," Loki mumbled.
"You mean to tell us that one guy lives in this place?"
"Not always. He has multiple castles he likes to flit between. Keeps him from being in one spot too long, in case the Black Order show up and I doubt he is ever alone. He'll surely have servants, maids, visiting guests--"
"Bedmates," Sif added. Loki clears his throat.
"Yes, that too," Loki cleared his throat. As the carriage pulls up before the castle, we all clamber out and make our way up the stairs, where other guests are streaming inside. I then take a deep breath.
"Here goes nothing,"

As we are ushered to the ballroom but a harried-looking servant, my jaw drops.
"Fuck me," I whisper. Loki stands to my left, arm around my waist, He leans in and whispers that he would if given the chance "Down boy," I pat his chest playfully. The ballroom is decorated with black streamers, the large windows are drawn with heavy black drapes. A massive chandelier twinkles about me. Vampires twirl on the dance floor to haunting, orchestral music, their capes and dark dresses fanning out around them.
"You okay, Darling?" Loki asked. I was still looking around. I had a horrible sense of Deja Vu.
"I thought this would be like Michelle's party, but this... this is like something out of a goth teen's daydream," I nodded slightly.
"Just call me out directly, jeez" Melody playfully complained. Loki excused himself as he went to talk to another vampire.
"This definitely has Vlad's touch," Sif spoke as she walked past.
"I think I prefer the catacombs," Thor grumbled. He really wasn't a people person. I walk further into the ballroom, where I notice that the standing candelabras are decorated with skulls, the wax from the red candles dripping down their sides. To one side of the room, I spy a long table laden with food. In the corner, I notice a bar.
"I gotta check out that food table," Melody pointed to the food. I swear to god that she has a bottomless pit for a stomach.
"And I need a drink," Thor skipped to the bar. I look around to see Loki and Sif standing to one side, speaking to each other. While Melody and Thor went to do their thing, I wandered over to Sif and Loki.

"So? What is the first step of the plan?" I placed my hands in front of me.
"Exactly this. Blending in, enjoying the party. Killing time until our host makes his, undoubtedly, grand entrance," Sif sighed, grabbing a champagne glass from a waiter. I look around, realizing for the first time that I haven't seen any signs of Morbius.
"He is coming to his own party, right?"
"I wouldn't put it past him to miss it. But he is likely planning to be fashionably late," Just then, the orchestra strikes up a new song. It's a slow, elegant melody and the vampires pair up in a practice waltz. That's when I had a fun idea.
"Well, we are not gonna blend in standing on the sidelines," I stand in front of Loki and curtsy "Loki, may I have this dance?" He smiles and holds his hand out for me.
"Absolutely,"

The two of us make our way to the dance floor. I let Loki lead me around the dancefloor in a measured box step.
"I never thought I would be dancing in Dracula's castle," I grinned as Loki spun me around, smiling as I gracefully landed back in his arms.
"It does sound a little ridiculous when you put it that way," Loki smiled. I look into Loki's eyes. He looks back at me, a small smile on his lips "What is it?"
"Nothing... Just glad to see you smile. It's been a while,"
"I will make a note to do it more often," I tilt my face up to Loki's. Taking the hint, Loki presses his lips to mine. Soft at first then a little harder.
"Mmmm," I moan as Loki pulls away.
"Emily..." Loki whispered. I ran a hand through his hair as Loki kissed me again. I move in close, unselfconscious in the middle of the dance floor. Loki's hands fall to my waist as he kisses me. Our surroundings blur and are forgotten in the heat of the moment.
"Mmmm," I nip his lower lip and his breath hitches. Heat floods through me as I kiss him deeper. Finally, I break away to catch my breath and lay my head on Loki's chest, swaying with him in time to the music.
"I'll admit... I've shared a lot of dances, but this might be the best one yet," Loki leaned his head on top of my head.

The song ends, and a sudden hush falls over the crowd. I step away and follow everyone else's gaze. A set of doors opens at the top of the flight of stairs that lead to the ballroom. Sif comes to my right side. Loki is behind me and Thor and Melody are left.
"Here we go," Sif whispers. A tall, elegant man with long black hair and chalk-white skin enters, smiling and lifting his hands in greeting to the vampires below. A large gemstone hangs from a chain around his neck, glinting in the candlelight. 
"Is that...?" I gulp. Loki placed a hand on the small of my back.
"Micheal Morbius AKA Dracula," Loki nodded, looking at Sif "And he's wearing the Eye of Bathory,"