The NightWalker: Winter Solstice

And to all, an endless night

"Ah hell!" Thor unsheathed his sword and took up a fighting stance. Loki shields me with his body as the dust settles around us. Sif runs over to us, asking if we are okay.
"Oh my god!" I covered my mouth as the Red Guardian landed in front of us. Loki pushes me behind him.
"Which abomination shall be the first to die first?!" He snarls, drool dripping from his rotting mouth. The room erupts into chaos as the vampires scramble for the exits.
"Emily, stay behind me!" Loki ordered. I nodded. Thor starts kicking chairs over. Then the banging starts. we look behind us towards the nearest exit.
"What now?" Sif yelled. The doors fly open as something smashes into the room... something huge and rotting that snarls and bites.
"Oh fuck me," I sighed. Loki smirked quickly but then his face hardened again "The fuck is that!?"
"What the hell!?" Thor asked, his eyes red.
"No! NO! I call bullshit! He does not get a zombie reindeer!" Melody stamped her foot. If it wasn't for the fact that we were about to die, I would have laughed at her.
"Fucking move out of the way!" Fandral yelled, pulling Melody and Sif out of the way of another charging reindeer.

One of the zombie reindeer lets out a loud screech, so loud that I had to cover my ears. It smashes through the room, ploughing over a table, and knocking several vampires over as it races towards Love.
"Axl! Help!" Love cried out, cowering on the floor.
"Arrrgh!" He yells as she runs towards Love. The stampeding zombie reindeer clips him with a bloodstained antler as he sweeps Love up into his arms.
"Axl!" Love cries as she wraps her arms around Axl's neck.
"I got you, kid," Tritan winced as he held the little girl close.
"Axl, Get her out of here!" Thor ordered as he sliced a reindeer's head off "NOW!" Axl ran off and as he did, he grabbed Medusa's hand.
"You will all die!" The Red Guardian bellows, Wickedly sharp icicles shoot from the Red Guardian's fingertips. Vampires scream as they dive out of the way. My terror spikes, blood pounding in my ears as one of the icicles shatters against the castle wall, raining down razor-sharp shards of glass-like icy shards.
"All of you! To arms!" Sif ordered. Loki turns to me, desperation glinting in his eyes.
"Emily... You need to run!" But there's nowhere to go. I know it and so does he "Emily! Get somewhere safe!" Loki yells at me as he punches a reindeer across the hall. Thor cleaves it in half.
"Loki, what about you?" I ask. Terrified that this was just like last time.
"Darling, I will be fine," Loki's face softens as he looks at me.
"Loki..." I didn't want to leave Loki. Vampire or not, I said I would protect him.
"I can't protect you and fight this... whatever that thing is. I will be fine. I promise you,"
"No," I declined. I am sick of hiding. I can fight. Badly but I can still fight.
"Emily..." Loki sighed, pinching his lips together.
"I am going to fight with you," I clenched my fists and stood my ground "I will fight with all of you," Loki closed his eyes and sighed, heavily. When he opened his eyes, he nodded.
"Just be careful and don't do anything so... Emily," Loki took a fighting stance as he faced the Red Guardian.
"Let's do this" Thor draws his sword as Melody reaches behind a large vase for her crossbow. When did she stash that?
"Right behind you, Thor!" Melody loaded up her bow.

Shrieks and screams echo through the ballroom as the Red Guardian continues his brutal assault.
"You will surrender, beasts! Beg for the mercy of a swift end!" Another round of deadly ice shards fly from his fingers and head straight for me. I dive for an overturned table, covering my head with my arms. The icicles sail over my head and shatter harmlessly against the wall.
"That was way too close!" I pant and I take a peak over the table. This is bad. I don't think I will ever be able to look at another reindeer the same way after this.
"Arrrrgh" More undead reindeer smash in through the wall. Thor grunts as he swings his katana, slicing through one of them.
"This is not how I wanted to spend my weekend!" Fandral yells as he stabs the reindeer through the head.
"Never thought I would say this, but..." Melody fired bolt after bolt "Same, Fandral. Very hard same,"
"Fight now! Complain later!" Volstagg speaks even as he bashes one of the reindeer repeatedly in the head with his bare fists. The vampires fight fiercely, their decades and even centuries of battle experience on display.

One of the beasts charges at Loki, who grasps its tattered harness with a growl and flings the creature across the room.
"Stupid creature," Loki kicks the corpse to the other side of the room. Another reindeer smashes in through the window, its mouth open, gnashing its sharp jagged teeth.
"What? Why? Don't reindeer eat plants?" I muttered to myself as I took my heels off. I knew I should have worn flats tonight. As I move from behind the overturned table, I hear a screeching hiss behind me, I slowly turn and see a large rotting reindeer. I slowly backed up until I hit a table. It lunges at me with a demonic hiss "Holy crap," I look around and see a serving tray. I reach out and close my fingers around it. It's bloody heavy "I don't think so," I slam the tray against the side of its drooling muzzle as hard as I can, denting the metal and snapping the beast's head around. It falls to the floor. I scramble away, trying to find a bit of safety so I can catch my breath.

"Foul creature! Undead abomination!" The Red Guardian snarled as he advanced towards a door. Towards a group of Sif's clan. Sif yells as she kicks him in the back of his on his knees and slams her fist into the side of his head. The Red Guardian yells out in pain as he falls to the ground to the ground.
"Coming from you! That's a bit rich!" Sif yelled. My eyes focus on the gleaming stone hanging around his neck.
"The amulet!" I whispered harshly. Maybe I could get to it while Sif has the bastard's attention. She spins in front of him, letting out a primal growl. Her twin daggers flashed. The Red Guardian scrambles to his feet as he launches volley after volley of his lethal icicles but she bats them out of midair with the flats of her blades.
"Your aim is way off," she taunts, a smirk on her face "Your predecessor was better,"

While Sif keeps him busy, I edge around, trying to sneak behind the Red Guardian. But an unearthly light sears my eyes as magic rips through the room.
"What the hell?" I covered my eyes as I backed away.
"Your extinction draws near!" The Red Guardian grumbles.
"Okay, is anyone else getting really tired of this rotting asshole!?" Hela shouts as she fights off a zombie reindeer. Sif flips the daggers over in her hands, a growl rumbling up in her throat.
"I am. So let's get rid of him," But as Sif begins to advance on the Red Guardian, a piece of the carpet runner beneath her feet curls up and wraps itself around her ankle "But... How?"
"It's his magic," Thor sliced a tablecloth as it got near. All around the room, inanimate objects begin to move, snaking and tangling around the legs and throats, trapping the vampires. Someone from Thor's clan asks him for help "I can't get to you and keep myself free. Just hold on while we think of a way,"
"No!" Ebenezer yells as a curtain wraps around his throat.
"You bastard!" Loki shouts. The Red Guardian's smug, evil laughter rings out, echoing through the room.
"All you bloodsuckers will die tonight," He howls. He then starts counting each vampire. With every number, an icicle appears. That's why nothing has come for me. I'm human.
"No..." I panic as I see Melody yanked to the ground by a rug. I looked around for a weapon. A carving knife would be great to use. But there are no weapons. Except for two axes on the wall.

I run over to the wall, where two crossed axes have been mounted and yank one down. I hear another yell and I look over at Loki. Two table clothes have wound around Loki's wrists, pinning him to his spot. He struggles with them, even as they glow bright with magic.
"This... is... ridiculous," He grunts as he fights the cloth. Since he is the closest one to me, I decided to go and help him. I lift the axe and bring it down hard, severing one of the tablecloths.
"Yes!" I cheered. Loki then yells for me to watch out as one of the Red Guardian's reindeer barrels towards me. Loki pushes me out of the way and grabs the reindeer by its antler, his shoes skidding across the floor as he tries to hold it back "Loki!" I heft the axe with all of my strength and bring it down on the reindeer's neck, severing its head from its body.
"Thank you for the assist, darling," He smiles as he walks over to me, wiping his hands on his jacket.
"You owe me a raise," I wink at Loki. He smiled as he licked his lips "Shall we get back to it then?"

I look around the room and I see people still struggling to free themselves from their magical bonds. I run around and do my best to free them. Hela rubs her wrists as she takes the axe off me and kills several reindeer.
"We can't give up! We beat him once, we can do it again!" Sif yells as she kicks a reindeer in the head "Fight harder!" A renewed sense of purpose sweeps through the vampires. Just as the Red Guardian holds out his arms. He begins to levitate.
"You have got to be kidding me," He opens his mouth (what's left of it) and then screeches. He lets out this unholy sound that seems to come from the very depths of hell itself.
"Ow!" Sif covered her ears.
"Brain is bleeding," Melody stuck her fingers in her ears. Loki winced.
"Ow ow ow," I cover my ears, wincing at the discordant pain. I then realize the vampires aren't just bothered by it. They are incapacitated.
"God, that sound," Loki covered his ears and dropped to his knees.
"Make it stop!" Thor grunted. He also dropped to his knees. All the vampires drop to their knees, blood dripping out of their noses and ears.
"That's just great," I am only the one unaffected and I am completely terrified. I watch as the Red Guardian bears down on the stunned vampires, icicles once again beginning to swirl around him.
"Now... It's time," he grinned like a maniac. I looked around again. There is no one to help. I am literally the only one left standing. The Red Guardian is heading over to Volstagg. I squeezed my eyes shut as I knew what I had to do.
"I am going to die," I grab a heavy goblet from the table and toss it in my hand "HEY! FUCKFACE!" I hurl it right at the Red Guardian "I said... HEY FUCKFACE!"

I watch as the goblet bounces off the back of his head. He slowly turns to face me.
"*SNARL*" I put my middle finger up at him. In a flash, he was in front of me and a hand reached out. Thor and Melody yell my name. Both try to move forward but end up flat on the floor. Loki and Sif can barely move. And everyone else is too far away.
"Oh, Shit!" I hiss as his nails dig into my flesh and he lifts me by the chin until my feet dangle above the floor. I try to kick him in the testicles but I guess being a zombie, he doesn't feel pain.
"You're... human?" he snarls. I grunt a hell yeah and I try and pull his fingers off me. At least he's not yelling at the vampires "Foolish little human. How could you betray your own kind? how could you consort with the unnatural," He pulls me closer "I can smell the beast's stench all over you,"
"Hcckk," Out of the corner of my eye, I see Sif moving. I just have to stall him. The Red Guardian growls and his hot, rancid breath gusts over my face "I don't think you have... any room... to talk about the stench. dude, I think you need a breath mint," I grab the zombie by the head and ram my fingers into his eyes.

With a howl, the Red Guardian slams me back hard, through a wooden door and onto the stone balcony outside. I am going to feel that in the morning.
"Ahh!" I yell out as the stone crenellations cut into my back. The Red Gaurdian's fingers begin to tighten around my throat. For a dead guy, he is incredibly strong. But back in the room, I see Sif reaching into a crate.
"Emily!" She calls out to me as she throws something my way. It's a dagger. Hand-eye coordination, don't fail me now. Somehow, I catch the dagger, wrapping my fingers tightly around the hilt.
"Sorry about this, Alexei," I plunge the blade into his forehead and he drops me as he howls in pain. I hope the Widows will forgive me for this.
"Arrrrrgghh!" He cries out. Taking the opportunity, I push off the stone crenellation with everything I had, back through the wooden door.

The two of us fall back into the ballroom. The Red Guardian finally lets me go. I hit the floor, gasping for breath. Melody is by my side in an instant, helping me to my feet and moving me out of the way.
"It's the mistletoe!" Sif inhales sharply. The vampires on the council exchange look, grin and then rush forward in a wave. Sif and Thor toss the other members of the council a weapon before Thor hands the other vampires a weapon.
"Hela, here!" Fandral tosses her a blade treated with mistletoe. She plucks it nimbly from the air just as Volstagg seizes the Red Guardian by one arm.
"Get him!" Volstagg orders as he whips the Red Guardian towards Hela, who drives her dagger deep into his chest.
"Abominations! Monsters!" The Red Guardian shouts, trying to swipe at Hela. But because I poked his eyes out, he couldn't see very well. Hela then shoves him with a yell towards Fandral. Fandral drives his sword through the zombie's gut.
"He's still moving!" Hela stamped her foot as Volstagg punched the Red Guardian in the face.
"Hela! Duck down!" Loki shouts as he gets ready to run forward.
"Catch!" Hela dives to the floor as Volstagg tosses a sword in the air. Loki leaps into the air, his hands closing around the hilt as he soars over Hela. He yells as he chops off one of the Red Guardian's arms.
"How dare you!?" The Red Guardian stumbles in his step, his severed arm crumbling to dust.
"I think it's working!" I said hoarsely, rubbing my throat. Melody handed me a drink.
"Now, Thor!" Fandral spoke as he spartan kicked the Red Guardian towards Thor.
"On it!" Thor swings his katana, the blade biting deep, driving the Red Guardian to his knees.
"Uhrrrrkk!"
"More! MORE!" All the other vampires rush forward, driving blade after blade into the Red Guardian's chest and back.
"This is for trying to hurt Love!" Axl yells as he shoves a sword into the Red Guardian's back.
"Burn in hell, freak!" Another sword to the neck.

The Red Guardian lurches forward, rasping, howling. He can't keep up as he is battered from one vampire to another. Melody swings her crossbow around and takes aim. Her crossbow bolt takes him squarely in the throat.
"That should shut you up!" Melody beams.
"Gurrrgh" The Red Guardian scratches at his throat, trying to remove the bolt. Melody strolls up to him, dagger in her hand and slices his hands off.
"Not today, Wish Santa!" The Red Guardian sways, wounded beyond compare. He drops to his knees as Sif reaches for the amulet.
"This time," Sif crushes the amulet in her fist "Do yourself a favour and stay dead!"
"Hurggggghhhh!" The Red Guardian's gurgling fades as he crumbles into bone. All around the room, the zombie reindeer, dead and undead, follow suit. All were crumbling to dust.

For a long moment, silence reigns. Then, everyone screams. The chandeliers shake as everyone cheers.
"WE DID IT!" Love screams in joy as Axl throws her in the air, giggling like crazy.
"Did that just happen? That just happened!" Melody beamed as she too jumped up and down.
"We won!" Loki cheers as he rushes to my side, scooping me up as he spins me around. My ribs are going to feel that tomorrow.
"We killed the son of a bitch!" Fandral high-fived members of his clan.
"Damn right, we did!" Thor grinned as he wiped his katana clean.
"And good riddance!" Volstagg cracked his knuckles as he went and retrieved his cane.
"This was worth breaking a nail!" Hela flapped her hand around.

Practically beaming, Sif strolls to the centre of the room. All eyes are on her.
"Yes. We won. And do you know why we won!?" Sif clapped her hands together.
"Because being gorgeous will always beat the rotting corpses of hell?" Hela flicked her hair over her shoulder. Sif casts her resting bitch as she looked at Hela over her shoulder before turning back to the group. Hela let out a little huff.
"Because we worked together. We weren't at odds, bickering or sniping or outright sabotaging one another. We put aside our differences, came together in pursuit of a common goal and emerged victorious" Sif put her hands on her hips.
"I..." Hela went to speak but her mouth flapped open.
"hmmm," Volstagg grumbled. I smirked. I grabbed Loki's hand and leaned my head on his shoulder.
"I guess we did," Fandral crossed his arms.
"Yeah. We did," Thor grinned.

Despite all that has happened tonight, nobody dared move or talk. It was oddly silent. Sif was the only that moved and she went to get a whiskey. She looked a little disheartened. I elbow Loki and point to Sif. He then sighed and whistled at Hela and nodded his head towards Melody. Hela clicked her tongue before she walked up to Melody.
"You know, Melody... was it," Hela waved her hands at Melody. Who nodded. She and many others were slightly shocked and disturbed that Hela was talking like a normal person "You're getting pretty decent with that crossbow,"
"Thanks. You..." Melody stuttered, unsure of what to do. She then relaxed as Sif handed her a whiskey glass "You continue to be one of the scariest people I have ever met,"
"Awww! That is so sweet," Hela grinned as she waltzed off. Melody turned to me and her jaw hung open.

Fandral then nudged Volstagg towards Thor, making him bump into him. When Thor turned around, Volstagg clears his throat.
"I was... impressed by your sword technique. It's not my style but it is effective," Volstagg held his hand out for Thor to take. Shocked by the action, Thor took it and the pair shook hands for the very first time.
"What about you? Bare-knuckle boxing a zombie reindeer?" Thor exclaimed as he mimicked Volstagg's punch. Volstagg chuckled as they were handed a glass of liquor each "All I know is that I don't want to be the one to owe you money,"

As I look around the room, I smile. Everyone is talking to someone from other clans. Hela isn't trying to hit on me. Volstagg doesn't want to kill anyone tonight. This warms my heart. It really is a Winter Miracle.
"Awww... This makes me want to hug you all," I wrapped my arms around myself. Loki came and stood next to me. Volstagg too (I need to make sure he has whiskey more often. This version of Volstagg was being reasonable) Fandral overheard me and smiled, creepily.
"Yeah! Let's all hug!" Fandral cheered as he held his arms out and rushed towards me. Volstagg uses his cane and steers Fandral away from me. Loki nodded at Volstagg. And I gave him a quick smile.
"We already had one manic try and kill us, we don't need another. It's better if we just take the win and move along,"
"Well..." Fandral pouted but then a grin appeared on his face "Is this a party or is this a paaaaaaaartttttty!"
"It's a party," Loki smiled.

I grab a drink and drift around the room, enjoying the laughter and joviality.
"So, how do you do this... What did you call it? A keg stand?" I overheard Ebenezer speak, I looked around and saw that Axl was lifting Ebenezer into the air. And he was being encouraged by most of Thor's clan while there was only a handful of the council's clans.
"Axl!" I grinned.
"What? I am doing him a favour," Axl beamed at me. Shaking my head, I turned to leave. Leaving poor Ebenezer to his fate.

I make my way over to Melody, who is sitting cross-legged on a table, watching the party. I smile, grab a bottle of wine and hop up next to her.
"Having fun?" I hand her the bottle.
"The most," Melody swigged the bottle. I couldn't tell if it was sarcasm or not.
"More than when Fire Emblem came out and you played it nonstop for three weeks?" Melody stopped drinking and looked at me out of the corner of her eye.
"I know. Wild, right?" Melody handed me the bottle back. We sit there in silence for several moments.
"Hey, Ems?" Melody spoke after calming down.
"Yeah, Mels," I laid my head on her shoulder as she wrapped her arms around me.
"... Remember that time I said, 'Not today, Wish Santa'?"
"How could I ever forget?" Melody's hands folded around mine.
"This has been a pretty good day. A good holiday, even"
"Yeah, it has."
"Soooooo... is this a bad time to say, go and talk to that man." Melody turned my head so I was now looking at Loki.
"Mels..."
"Don't Mels me. I know how you feel and I will be on your ass about it until the day you two admit that you are dating," Melody took the bottle and swigged it.
"And I will ignore you for the rest of my days,"

After 10 more minutes of laughing with Melody, I slide up to Sif as she surveys the room. Arms crossed daintily in front of me.
"Looks like your party went off without a hitch," I smiled. Slowly, Sif looks up at the giant hole in the ceiling. But she is smiling when meets my gaze.
"I'm afraid Ebenezer may not see it that way," She sighed. I feel as if Ebenezer is going to bitch about all the damage.
"We all know that if the Avengers were here, There would be a lot more damage. Superhero rule 24, Cause as much damage as possible. Plus we all know if Hulk was here, he would smash that zombie into the ground," I smashed my fist into my other hand while making a pop sound. Sif chuckled and agreed with me. She did wonder if she should invite the Avengers next year. After all, it is said that the council (Mainly Thor and Sif. Loki didn't care) wanted to work with them in order to provide more protection to the city. SHIELD and SWORD don't always know what goes on under the cover of darkness. Granted they don't know a lot but Sif says it should be good for them to work together.
"Thank you for helping me plan this Winter Solstice, Emily. It's been one of the best I can remember,"
"Even the murderous magical zombies?" I look up at the giant hole in the ceiling and smashed outer door. After going through that door, I am surprised that I didn't get any splinter or broken bones for that matter.
"Especially the murderous magical zombies," Sif grinned and sipped her drink.

I finally make my way over to Loki, who is sipping a glass of whiskey. He licked his lips as I moved closer to him.
"So," I smile. I swear every time Loki looks at me, I get butterflies in my stomach. That must mean that common sense leaving my body.
"So,"
"You look relaxed,"
"I suppose I must. I have you to thank for that," Loki downs his drink and places it on a table. Loki wrapped an arm around my waist just before Melody snapped a photo. She grins as she runs off. A pleasant tingle flickers around my body.
"Me?" I point to myself. Loki nodded.
"Mmmm. And Sif, Thor and Melody. And... everyone really," Loki looks around the room, a smile tugging at his lips, "I think I finally figured it out,"
"What's that?"
"My past will always be a part of me. That pain will always be a part of me but," Loki takes my hand and brings it to his lips, brushing a kiss against my knuckles and smiling "I don't have to bear it alone,"
"No, You don't," Loki smiles at me momentarily, then nods. He then reaches for my hand.
"Can we talk outside? Away from prying eyes," I nod and we walk outside.

"What did you wanna talk about?" I asked. Loki pressed a finger to my lips.
"You should know, that it is taking everything I have not to rip this dress off you," Loki growls in my ear, pressing up against me. I glance down at the stiff outline forming in his pants "But I imagine it would raise many questions if we returned to the party totally naked,"
"Who says we need to return to the --" Loki hitches me up against the railing, swallowing my gasp with his mouth as he kisses me. I wrap my arms around him and curl my fingers into his hair.
"Hmmm," Loki sighs, softly.
"Okay, we can linger here a little longer," I grinned.
"How are you? truly?" Loki asked.
"I will admit that I am a little sore. Was not expecting to be put through a door," I sighed. Loki pulls me close to him, hugging me gently.
"I thought I said not to do anything so Emily?"
"When do I ever listen?"
"I wish you would... sometimes but..." Loki let out a long sigh "I am very glad that you didn't. Once again, you saved me. All of us,"
"As I said, you owe me a raise," I joked. Loki used his finger to tilt my head up.
"I owe you a lot more than a raise," I pull him down to my lips.
"I am sure this is against company policy," I say once we pull apart. Loki chuckled. I said this when we first slept together.
"Never been one to do things by the book," Loki grins as he picks me up with both hands. My legs wrap around his waist as he lifts me onto the stone crenellation.
"Screw the company policy,"
"I would much rather screw you instead," Loki stared at me. I can see the longing in his eyes. His hand on my back seems to radiate warmth through my whole back. Loki drags his fingers down my back. I let out a small moan "So sensitive,"
"And you love it," I bit my lip. Loki pinches my chin, pulling it down.
"Only I get to bite that lip," Loki groans in my ear. He holds my gaze for a while. Only breaks it when he hears a loud crash. We look back inside to see Axl and Ebenezer in a heap by the beer keg "I better go and mingle with my clan,"
"See you in a little while," I hop down off the stone crenellation. But before I can move for the door, Loki catches my wrist gently. his touch warm and reassuring.
"Thank you for coming to this Solstice. It made my darkness a little brighter," Loki leans in and kisses me gently and sweetly, cupping my cheeks in his hands. I sigh happily and once again, wrap my arms around him, holding him close. Savouring the touch of his lips.

We go back into the ballroom and on my to get a refill, I pass by Hela and Fandral arguing about something, as usual. But what isn't usual is that there is no screaming or snarling.
"I'll die on this hill! Edward Cullen is clearly the hottest vampire in history," Fandral stamped his foot. Hela pinched her nose.
"You are only saying that because you haven't watched The Vampire Diaries. Stefan and Damon have him beat," Hela flaps her hand. Volstagg coughs as he intervenes.
"Both of you are being ridiculous," He stamps his cane on the floor, His voice is serious "The winner is clearly Eric from True Blood," I choke on a laugh and keep moving as Hela and Fandral stare at him. Melody will want to hear this.

I go and wander over to Thor. He is standing at the bar, mixing a drink. As I draw close, I hear him humming.
"Thor, are you humming carols?" I lean on the bar. Thor frowns then smiles.
"What? No. I don't know... maybe," He looked around and pressed a finger to his lips "Don't tell anyone,"
"Why? It's adorable! I am so happy to see you finally getting in the spirit," I beamed. Thor scoffed as he finished making his drink.
"Not being so much of a Scrooge?"
"I heard that!" Ebenezer shouted.
"Whoops," I giggled behind my hand. Thor slides me a drink.
"Don't worry, It's only old-fashioned," He grins. I hop on a bar stool next to him "God, my life has changed. If you told me this time last year that I would be here, partying with the council, I would have laughed in your face,"
"And you would never have met me this time last year. I was still working for Stark,"
"Seriously, Emily. Yeah, my life has changed. But that happens to everyone. And you know what?"
"What?" I sipped the whiskey.
"It's not all bad. Some parts of it are pretty damn good,"
"Hear, hear," We clink our glasses together. I smirked as I leaned closer to him "So... Do you take song requests?"
"Get out of here," Thor pushed my face away. I hopped off the stool and walked away.

As I reach into my bra for my phone to take some photos, my giggle subsides as I feel a surprising weight in my pocket and remember that I still have Loki's Christmas present.
"The locket," I pull out the delicately wrapped package. Even through the wrapping, it pulses with magical promise. I scan the room for Loki and see him chatting with Thor. Taking a deep breath, I walk towards them.
"I was thinking of adding a bowling alley," Thor spoke, wiggling a finger in his ear. Loki agreed that it would be fun. Love would love it. I walk up to Loki and wrap my arm around his arm.
"Emily, Can I help you?" He smiles at me.
"Hey... can I talk to you?" I tugged on his arm, pulling him to the side.
"Of course," He nods as he bids Thor goodbye. I pull Loki into an alcove in the long hallway.

"I have something for you," I take the package out of my pocket and hold it out.
"A gift isn't necessary, Emily," Loki tilts his head to the left. I rolled my eyes.
"Being necessary isn't the point of gifts," I sighed, I held the gift out further "Here. Take it, please," I pleaded. Loki sighs as he accepts it solemnly and unwraps it with great care, revealing the antique locket sparkling with my blood.
"Is this...?" Loki cradled the locket in his hands.
"Yes," I resisted the urge to bite my lip.
"You got me a life blessing?" he tilted his head at me.
"yes," Why do I get the feeling he hates it?
"Do you know what it means?" He whispers, looking at me softly. I gulp as I nod, slowly.
"I know what it means to me," I said, my voice shakey. Using this locket, I could speak my feelings without words. At least that is the idea. I fold his fingers over the locket and smile "It means a part of me will always be with you now,"
"Then I will cherish this," Loki kisses the back of my hand before slipping the chain over his head. He tucks the locket into his shirt and pats his chest.
"Good. And if I ever see you without it on, I will never forgive you," I joke. I didn't expect him to wear it. I hope he understood the thought behind it. Loki laughs, deep in his chest then leans in to kiss me softly for a long moment.
"Thank you, Emily," He speaks. He then does a double take, smirking "What do you want for Christmas?"
"You don't have to get me anything," I declined. Just being part of Loki's world was enough for me.
"I beg your pardon?"
"I said you don't have to get me a present." I chuckled.
"Ah, that's ridiculous. How can I not get you anything for Christmas? You just got me a life blessing. I must get you something,"
"You don't have to,"
"But I want to. Whatever you wish, It will be yours," I wish to be part of Loki's world forever but that is not going to happen. Not unless... things change.
"Hmm. I already know what I want," I tiptoed so my mouth was near Loki's ear "I simply want you," Loki made an o shape with his mouth.
"Any other requests? Apart from me," He tightened his grip.
"Oh, there are many but not ones I can say in public," I licked my lips as I looked up at him. Loki looked around. I made a little squeal as Loki pushed me against the wall so no one could see us "You really don't have to get me anything,"
"Then maybe I will just have to surprise you," Loki smiled as he reached into his pocket, taking out a small pouch "I... I got you a little something,"
"Oh? What is it?" I turned my head, raising an eyebrow. Throwing my legs over the side of the bed.
"Close your eyes," Loki instructed. For once I did as he asked as he took out his gift from the bag. I could feel his icy fingers as he placed something around my neck "Okay, you can peek now." I gasped in surprise as I opened my eyes and looked down at my neck. It was a beautiful silver necklace. It had a snowflake pattern on the pendant and practically glowed in the light.
"Loki... I... I don't know what to say," I stuttered slightly "I-it's beautiful. I've... I've never seen anything as beautiful as this," Loki put his hand around my waist, pulling me closer to him.
"I have. I am staring at her right now," Loki licked his lips as I wrapped my arms around Loki's neck, I sighed softly, kissing him while he held me close.
"I love it. Thank you,"
"No, Thank you. you have given me more than you could ever imagine," Loki smiled as he cupped my cheek. He closed his eyes as he leaned his forehead on mine.
"We should get back to the party,"
"Regrettably so. Melody will be going crazy if she finds us like this," Loki links our hands together and we go back to the ballroom.

As we cross the room, a shred of something catches my eye. It seems to shimmer. It is on the table next to me.
"Again?" I reach out to touch the shard of headaches. This is the fourth time in 2 days that I have had these things pop up. I think I need to make a visit to see Wong or Strange. They might be able to help me or point me in the direction of someone who can. As soon as my fingers touch the shard, the ballroom dissolves. I can faintly hear someone say my name.

The 1920s. A speakeasy in New York. The bartender turns across the room.
"Another Whiskey?" The bartender wipes the bar with his rag.
"Leave the bottle," Loki mutters as he sips his drink.
"That's a twenty-dollar bottle," The bartender places a large bottle of what looks like whiskey in front of Loki. Loki reaches into his pocket, pulls out a crisp hundred and slides it to the bartender.
"Leave the bottle,"
"She's all yours,"

The bartender leaves. Loki refills his glass, Completely ignoring the click-clack of heels behind him.
"Somehow, I knew I would find you hear on this day," A woman spoke. She didn't sound irritated, concerned would be a better word. Loki chuckled in his throat.
"What do you want, Sif?" He looks at the bottom of his glass.
"I am surprised at you, Loki," Sif slides onto a stool next to Loki, he doesn't bother to look in her direction "That year is worth ten dollars at best. And that's assuming it's not flavoured moonshine in a fancy bottle,"
"I know," Loki sighed as he stared ahead, lost in his own thoughts.

After watching Loki for a moment, Sif sighs and waves a finger. The bartender slides a glass down to her. She pours a shot, drinks and grimaces.
"Definitely moonshine," She shivers before downing the rest of her shot.
"It kills the pain just as fast. Maybe faster," Loki sips the drinks "Reminds me of home,"
"Thinking about your family?" Sif asks. Loki nods and takes Sif's glass and pours two shots.
"Every year, I think it will hurt less. But it never seems to get easier. I just seem to be learning to cope with it," Loki places the drink in front of Sif, clinking his glass to hers "And this year, there is nothing to distract me,"
"I know the feeling all too well," Sif picks up the glass and glares at it before draining the cheap liquor in one gulp.
"Why didn't you plan a Winter Solstice this year?" Loki asks. Instead of answering, Sif picks up the bottle and pours another drink. She lifts the glass and swirls the moonshine around slowly.
"I suppose it just feels wrong without Odin. It was something that we had always planned together," It was now Sif's turn to stare into the bottom of the glass.
"I'm sorry, Sif" Loki patted his friend's shoulder.
"It is what it is. He had gone too far. We had to stop him," Sif gently pushed Loki's hand off her shoulder.
"But it still hurts," Loki tapped on his glass.
"It still hurts,"
"The oddest part about it is how I feel liberated and still..." Loki let out a shaky breath. It was as if all his feelings had just come to the surface. It was not what he needed right now, But it was what was needed.
"Lonely?" Sif ended the sentence. Loki nodded before refilling the glasses.
"Yes. Odin was always there to comfort me when things grew too dark,"
"He had a way of making us believe that better days were coming," Sif placed her hands on her lap as she thought about Odin. She knew it was his time and he had to go but she had cared for him "Even where there should have been no hope left at all. Until he was gone, I don't think I realised how much of my life he had shaped. All of my traditions, my rituals. He was there for all of it. there's nothing left that doesn't remind me of him," Sif poured the drinks and downed her glass.
"Even me?" Loki raised an eyebrow as he looked at Sif, sipping his drink. Sif rolled her eyes.
"Especially you. You irritated me dreadfully for the first century, you know,"
"Only the first century?" Loki tried to be offended but he was also trying to hide a smirk.
"You were so... brooding. Some days you made Ebenezer look positively bubbly,"
"That's a scary thought," Loki sat up a little straighter and crossed his arms over his chest "Odin chose me to be a soldier. For a long time, it was the only thing I wanted to be,"
"You were good at it. Not necessarily suited to killing. You would make a better hero but you were skilled,"
"You didn't always think so. Remember our first mission together?" Loki turned slightly so only one arm was on the bar.
"The HMS Montjoy?" Sif tapped the wooden bark, her sharp nails leaving small dents in it "I thought Odin was made to send us together. I was so sure that I would end up murdering you before the end of it,"
"But you didn't," Loki grinned.
"No, I didn't. You proved yourself worthy," Sif sighed, her face less stone-looking and happier looking.
"You mean I saved your life," Loki poured more drinks.
"That's what I said," The pair of vampires share a smile and clink their glasses together.

"I think you should plan the Winter Solstice gathering next year," Loki spoke after three more glasses.
"You do?" Sif hugged herself.
"Yes. While it may have started with Odin, it will always be yours, Sif. You were also there also. Weren't you,"
"Yes, Of course,"
"And you were the one that gave the legendary speech about going out in a blaze of glory?"
"I'm sure it wasn't anything that trite" Sif smiled as she looked at the floor. Loki tilted his head and lifted Sif's head up.
"It's your holiday Sif. Claim it. Make it yours," He grins.
"I will consider it. On one condition," Sif spoke.
"What is the condition?" Loki frowned.
"That you will always attend," Sif whispered as a human walked past, drunk as anything "I don't want you to be alone during the holidays, Loki. It's not good for you and brooding is so cliche," Loki reaches out to clasp Sif's hand.
"You have my oath,"
"And you have my promise," Sif nods and takes a neatly wrapped package from her dress's pocket "Now before I go somewhere with half-decent whiskey... I got you this," Loki accepts the package and unwraps it. Revealing a burned piece of wood.
"Sif..." Loki ran a finger over the wood "It's from the HMS Montjoy,"
"An exhibit came through town two months ago and I stole a piece. A memory of our first mission," Loki started to chuckle "What?" Loki slips a more clumsily wrapped package from his own pocket and places it on the table.
"I got you something too" Loki pushes the present towards Sif. She opens the package to reveal a matching piece of wood. Sif grinned, holding up the wood.
"I did and you're one to talk," Loki nodded at his present.
"I love it,"
"Somehow, I knew you would," Loki and Sif embrace each other.

However, the hug does not last long as Sif is the first to pull away.
"I should get going," She pats Loki's shoulder as she climbs off the bar stool, Loki catches her hand.
"Stay, Sif. Another drink. I'll even pay for a good bottle," Loki grins.
"Fine. I suppose it is my duty. I did say that you shouldn't be alone," Loki pours two more glasses of the moonshine before summoning the bartender and asking for a better bottle. Since Loki already gave a hundred dollars, The bartender gave him a fifty-dollar bottle. Loki pours two more large glasses and he and Sif hold up their glasses.
"Happy Winter Solstice, Sif,"
"And to you, my friend. And to you," The pair clink their glasses and drink into the night.

I gasp as I come back to myself. My knees buckle. I brace myself on the table, falling to my knees. As the world comes into focus, I feel a set of arms wrap themselves around me, picking me up off the floor.
"What?" I muttered, panting. It seems as if only a second had passed. I was grateful to have witnessed a moment in Loki and Sif's friendship. It was slightly adorable to see "Weird,"
"Emily?" Loki spoke, waving his hand in front of my face "Are you alright?" He then called for Melody.
"What happened?" I heard Melody speak as she ran to my side.
"She nearly passed out," Loki relayed the facts as he sat me down on a table.
"Again?" Melody scrunched her face up.
"Emily?" Loki puts a hand on my face, Running small on my cheeks "I asked if you are alright?" I blink a few times.
"Yeah... I..." I glance down and the crystal is gone. It was hard to remember, The vision was already gone. I must be going insane "Sorry. I felt a little dizzy," Loki lets go of my head and helps me steady myself.
"Did you hit your head when you went through the door?" Melody asks as Loki lets go of my shoulders, wrapping his arms around me.
"I don't think so," I sigh, taking a deep breath in. I wasn't lying, I don't remember getting my head hit. I know I got strangled "I must have done. Could also be from lack of oxygen from when assmunch strangled me," I rubbed my neck. I will most likely have bruises in the morning. Loki pulled my head to his chest, running small circles in my back.
"Are you sure you are okay?" Loki cupped my face again, gently running his thumb over my cheeks.
"Yeah," I let out a breath as I rubbed my temple. I need to take a break "Loki, I swear, I am fine,"
"If you are sure," Loki looked at me, cupping my chin before escorting me to a chair. Melody handed me a cup of water "I might take you to the emergency room tomorrow. Just to be sure," Loki said, with much concern in his voice.
"I totally agree with him," Melody checked my head over, claiming she was checking for splinters. I slapped her hands away.
"I told you guys I am fine," I insisted. Even though the memory has faded, I hold onto that feeling of warmth and family "Let's enjoy the party,"

The party lasted long into the night. But it finally begins to wind down.
"Well, I have to say, thank you all for coming. It was a beautiful celebration," Sif spoke as she bid goodnight to everyone who was leaving. It was pretty much our group that was the only one still standing.
"Even though we had to slaughter a demon zombie Santa and reindeer?"
"Demon zombie slaughter is the true meaning of the holiday spirit," Thor grinned.
"See? The boy can learn," Sif smiled. Thor rolled his eyes and hoped that sour face Sif would come back "That Sif will be back on Monday," Thor did a fist-pump and grinned.
"No one harmed and we triumphed," Loki spoke after saying goodnight to his clan "That is always a good night," I hid a yawn behind my hand as I watched the partygoers start to drift towards the staircase.
"It is getting late," I yawn. my gaze drifts over my gathered friends. My heart beats a little faster as each other of them meets my gaze. Thor has desire on his mind. Sif's eyes sparked with a sensual promise, Melody has that mischievous smirk that I know for a fact will lead to all sorts of trouble and Loki simply looks at me as if I am the only thing he wants. I slip my hand in his and he looks at me knowingly.
"You can stop looking at the others, you're with me, tonight," Loki growls in my ear. His hands were on my waist "We need to make up for some lost time, darling," I shivered as we said goodbye to the few remaining guests.
"Merry Christmas and to all, and to all an endless night," Sif chanted as we left the room.

Loki follows me into my room and gently closes the door behind us, Locking it. The room is lit in the warm glow of the chandelier and snow hisses softly against the window. He takes off his jacket and flings it over the back of a chair. He slowly walks over to me, a soft look on his face.
"You have to admit, this is pretty romantic," I licked my lips as I stood in front of the fireplace.
"Mmmm," Loki cups my face, fingers gentle against my skin "Someday, I would like to bring you here when there isn't a bloody fight for survival"
"Oh, I don't know" I placed my hands on both of his arms "It doesn't seem like a normal day without a little mortal peril"
"That's a part of my life I would have spared you from if I could," Loki mumbled. I sighed as I ran my hands up his arms to his neck.
"I don't need to be spared. I am here. Mortal peril and all. I am here because I want to be," I assured him. Besides, where else would I go? I don't want to go back to Stark Industries. It was a good job but I am so much happier with Loki.
"And what else do you want?" Loki whispers.
"A lot less talking," I stand on my toes to pull him in for a kiss. His hands fall to my hips, tightening his grip for a moment before he pulls me close. He kisses me until my head spins, making my toes curl. I sway when he lifts his head.
"So this is what you want?" Loki rubs small circles into my hips.
"What I want, is for you to be mine tonight," I grab him by his shirt collar.
"Is that so?" Loki licked his lips, smirking "Then your wish is my command,"
"In that case" I nudge him backwards until both of us are standing in the warmth of the crackling fireplace "You are overdressed,"
"And do you plan to remedy that?" Loki smirks. I take a deep breath and slowly unbutton his shirt.
"Immediately," Loki holds out his arms and I take my time.

With each article of clothing I strip away, I tease my fingers over the newly discovered skin. I caress every little detail. I savour every moment. Loki lets out a hiss as my lips brush the warmth of his bare chest. The only thing he has on his locket.
"Emily..." Loki growls, I look up at him and his eyes are stern but full of lust. His eyes are flickering. he goes to reach for me but I push it away.
"No moving until I am finished with you," Loki's muscles tremble under my touch. His fingers curl towards his palm but he remains still. That is until I step back and start to undress.
"Emily..." Loki's eyes were red. His dominant side wanted to come out and play. That just made me want him more.
"Losing control already?" I say as I take off my necklace and lay it carefully on the dresser.
"Not even close," Loki slips the chain off and places it next to mine. He once again reaches for me.
"What about if I do this?" I asked as I dropped the dress to the floor, revealing a dark red lace set. Loki exhales roughly, his fists clenching. He's practically trembling "Oh, Loki. You can move," Loki closes the space between us in the blink of an eye and hauls me to his chest. I barely have a chance to make a sound before his mouth covers mine. His kiss is hot and wild, totally unrestrained. This is Loki, losing control. It's almost too much, Loki is feral with desire. I feel the last of his clothes away, exposing him completely to my gaze "Oh, Loki,"
"Emily..." Loki chuckles but it quickly becomes a groan as, unable to control myself any longer, I wrap my hand around him, clasping him gently "Mmmm," He closes his eyes and hisses in pleasure as I stroke his entire length, savouring the heat of him in my hand.
"Mmmmm" Biting my lip, I add my other hand, working him and building his need with every touch, every caress. Loki groans and growls from the sensation.
"Oh god... Emily... If you keep going, I think going to..." Loki closed his eyes as he panted. I slowly release my grip.
"Would that be so bad?"
"No. but... I want to feel you too," His arms tighten around me and the world spins. I clutch at his shoulders, only vaguely aware of movement.

When he breaks the kiss again, I am standing in front of a richly upholstered chair near the fireplace. Loki sits and smiles up at me, extending one hand.
"Do you trust me?" Loki smiles, his fangs peeking out ever so slightly. I slip my hand into his.
"Of course, I do," Loki gives my hand a tug and I tumble into his lap. He pulls me against his body, his chest hard against my back "Oh!"
"Relax, darling. I've got you," I relax back against him, all the more aware of the strength in his arms because of how gently he holds me. One of his hands slides up to my throat, and the other settles on my abdomen "Just feel this," His mouth hovers close to my ear, while his fingers inch lower "Feel me,"
"Ohhh!" Pleasure rushes over me, building fast. I try to squirm but Loki's arms are like steel. his hands hold me trapped, one gentle at my throat, the other driving me slowly mad "Loki..." In a surge of vampire speed and flexing muscle, Loki lifts me up. I land astride his lap in the chair, our bodies pressed tight together.
"Just feel me, darling," I can feel him along every inch of my body, bare skin and fierce hunger. His eyes linger on my throat "Tell me, What do you truly desire? How much do you want?" His grip tightens at my hip, rocking us together.
"I... want..."
"We can have this. Just this," Loki lifts his other hand to trace my throat, where my pulse flutters beneath his fingertips "Or I can take your blood? We can have everything,"
"Don't hold back," Loki weaves his fingers through my hair and coaxes my head back, leaving my throat vulnerable.
"I won't," He growls playfully in my ear. I feel his lips and his tongue drag along the skin of my neck. The sharp bite of his fangs follows, the sting swiftly melting to bliss.
"Oohhh,"
"Hmmmm," My body moves without conscious control and his hips rise to meet me. the pleasure is almost more than I can contain, building from everywhere all at once. I tremble and cling to him "Just let go, darling,"
"Yes, yes, yes," Another pulse of heat at my throat and the wave breaks. sweeping me away.

By the time I had regained my senses, Loki carried me to the bed and tucked us both under the covers. the two of us are cuddled up, My head resting on his chest as we stargaze. Loki had one arm behind his head and his other hand was running small circles on my upper arm.
"Two hundred years of practice really made you this good, huh?" Loki spins us so I am now lying by his side.
"Not at all," He leans over me, Kissing me, deeply "I've always been this good," I curl my fingers into his hair. We then look out the window and see the first rays of the sunrise start to fill the sky, purples and reds filling the sky "Dawn already?" Loki sighs, complaining that he is comfy as he gets out of bed and closes the curtains.
"We should get some sleep," I yawn as Loki climbs back into bed. I placed my head on his chest, listening to his heartbeat.
"Regrettably," Loki sighed, a small pout on his face. I cup his face and kiss him one last time.
"We definitely made up for lost time," I snuggle in closer. resting my cheek against his chest. Loki's arm comes around me and he sighs softly, placing one hand behind his head and running a finger up my back "What are you thinking?"
"Just that, I might not dread this holiday quite so much next year," I glance up at Loki and I see him smiling down at me "As long as you plan to attend again,"
"Uh, of course. I don't want Sif mad at me," I gulped. Sif is a very scary woman.
"I can tell you from personal experience that... that is a very valid concern," Loki chuckled, letting out a loud yawn "Oh, I am so sorry,"
"But, saying that, even if Sif forbid me, I would still come," I placed a hand on Loki's face "I would come for you,"
"I..." Loki leans down to kiss me softly "What did I do to deserve you?"
"Happy Winter Solstice, Loki,"
"Happy Winter Solstice, Emily,"

As I drift off to sleep, the Dark Solstice is once again over for another year. This is only one of many Winter Solstice celebrations, for this holiday is shared by vampires all over the world. Many, many are more elaborate than tonight. However, my sleep was restless as vivid dreams took over.

Down in the archives below the Metropolitan, two figures sulk in the shadows.
"Something troubles you, Lord Odin?" Tyr speaks as he kneels next to his master. The decaying man sighs as he leans against a bookcase. Odin looks out of the window, glancing at the moon.
"Today is the Winter Solstice, Tyr. I should be out there, with my people, celebrating, being celebrated but instead, I lurk here underground, like a rat in a sewer. It is pathetic,"
"Our great plan is in motion, Master. Soon, we will take the BloodKeeper. Soon the vial will be ours," Tyr patted his master's arm as he stood up, walking around the corner "Soon, you will be restored,"
"You're right. Next Solstice, I will be back in charge and in control. Stronger and more powerful than ever. With my Queen at my side once more," Odin looks at his hand as he clenches it "But for now, I will take what little joy I can,"
"Indeed," Tyr smiles and walks forward, dragging several terrified young people bound in chains. Odin grins as his fangs descend "Happy Winter Solstice, my lord,"

At a deeply unusual bar in New Orleans.
"Guys, Guys! Melody just texted," Darcy ran into her friend's bar.
"And?" Korg spoke as he tossed a ball in the air.
"And they won! They beat the Red Guardian! Apparently, it was 'rads as butts'?" Darcy showed her friends the texts.
"Good for them! I knew they could do it." Miek cheered.
"I had my doubts." Korg sighed. Darcy and Miek stared at him.
"That's because you are a big pessimistic grump." Miek weaves his hands behind the bar, hands dazzling and soon three sparkling red drinks rest on the wooden surface "What do you say? Should we have a drink for our vampire friends?"
"I am always down to drink for any reason," Darcy smiled as she hopped on the bar stool.
"Unfortunately, the Faith of the Stone means I cannot drink in celebration of another's holiday," Korg shook his head.
"Wait, really?" Miek went to take the drink back but Korg snapped it up.
"No. I'm just teasing," He clinked his glass against his friend's glasses.
"Korg, did you just make a joke?" Miek's mouth dropped open. Korg laughed loudly.
"It's a Solstice miracle," Darcy cheered.

In France, in an upscale stylish club, a beautiful vampire stands before a crowd.
"On this Solstice, we give thanks that we have endured another year. that blood still runs through our veins, that life still beats in our hearts. And we pray as one that this year will be the year when the first shall return to us. when the Black Order will burn and when we may once again be free," A young blonde woman holds her glasses high above her head.
"Hear hear, Sylvie," Several vampires cheer.
"To Solstice past... to Solstice present and to the Solstice yet to come!" Sylvie toasts. All the vampires raise their glasses and drink.

In a castle, not too far from Prague, a tall elegant vampire holds court over a throng of starstruck followers.
"And that is the story of the Winter Solstice, how I single-handedly defeated the Red Guardian and saved all our kind," the man with long black hair speaks as his many devoted followers hang onto his every word.
"Woo!"
"Go Dracula!"
"In the end, the meaning of the Winter Solstice is me," Dracula beams as he stands before the fireplace.
"Dracula, you are amazing!"
"We love you!"
"Yes, I am truly amazing!" He grins. He claps his hands together, rubbing them together "Now then, it is time for the most sacred of Solstice traditions,"
"ORGYYYYYYYYY!" Everyone shouts.

And in a strange high-tech club in Japan, a group of strangers gather solemnly.
"Another year. another Solstice. The world keeps turning,"
"Gamora you are truly the voice of the holiday spirit. Wherever would we be without your cheer?"
"I am Groot," A skinny tree-looking man spoke. Quill clicked his fingers at his friend.
"Agreed. Another year and the nation holds strong. That alone is worth drinking to," Quill held up his drink and grinned.
"Quill, You know it is meaningless, right? Time is just a construct we created. It is all arbitrary," A blue lady spoke. Her voice is almost robotic.
"Thank for that Nebula but, I think I will drink all the same," Quill replied. They all raise their glasses but as they a small voice from the corners speaks.
"Savour this Solstice. For it shall be the last"
"I am Groot?" The tree tilted his head.
"Yeah, what he said. What do you mean, Rocket?" Gamora asks while the others stare at him in silence.
"the last of this world. Of this understanding. The last Solstice before everything changes,"