The NightWalker: Reborn

Oh, Come on!

As much as I try to go back to sleep, I can't. I was still rattled by the dream I had of Frigga. There are only two people I can talk to about this. I head to Odinson HQ. I need to see Loki and Sif. I look out the window and see that the sun has only just set.

When I walk into Loki's office, Loki and Sif are sharing some whiskey as they sit on the sofa in Loki's office. I must have shocked them being this early. I wasn't due at work for another two hours.
"Emily. To what do we owe the pleasure?" Loki smiled at me.
"And why do you look like you need a drink?" Sif asks as she holds out a bottle.
"Because I do," I quickly snatch up the whiskey bottle and take a long gulp from it. It burns down my throat and I gasp for breath as I resurfaced. Loki stares at my face, frowning. He sets his drink down as he stands up. I guess he finally noticed the worried look on my face.
"Emily? What's happened?" Loki moves to where I am standing and rubs my back soothingly. I look around, biting my lower lip. I need to tell them. I take a deep breath as I look between the two vampires.
"I... I had a dream. A bad one but it was more than a dream if that makes sense," I speak quickly and stuttered. Loki leads me back to the sofa.
"A vision?" Sif shuffles so I can sit down. Loki kneels in front of me. Sif takes the bottle off me and pours another drink for everyone.
"It wasn't like the others. Those visions, I can see the past but this one... it involved Frigga," I stared at the amber liquid. It reminds me of the one we had at Christmas.
"What was she doing?" Loki asked softly. I shivered.
"She was... well, I woke up or I thought I did and she was sitting on my bed and she was..." I swallow as I think back to the vision. The terror that gripped me "She was covered in blood and she was smiling,"
"Smiling?" Sif whispered as I downed my drink "Nothing else?"
"Well, she was naked... I don't know... I just had this feeling... This terrible feeling that she had done something awful. Something truly horrible and that she enjoyed it," I hid my head in my hands. The other two stand or sit there in thought (Honestly, I wasn't paying attention to where they were) but when I do look at them, they exchange a look with one another "You don't believe me," I don't blame them, I sound crazy.
"Not, that's not it, Emily," Loki pulled me into his arms "We do believe you,"
"There's no reason why you would lie to us. And with your psychic ability, we would be fools not to pay attention to your visions," Sif crossed her arms as she slowly stood up. Clicking her fingers at Loki and then pointing to the sofa. Loki immediately moved next to me, pulling me onto his lap "But I have to admit that this makes me uneasy. What does it mean?"
"I don't know. I wish I could tell you," I pulled away from Loki "I just remember feeling scared and freaked out. That's when I woke up for real,"
"And you don't get freaked out by a lot of things," Loki stated.
"Feelings are real. I trust your fear," Sif poured another drink.
"And it makes me question how much of Frigga's story we haven't heard yet," Loki wrapped an arm around me. I sigh in relief. They are taking this seriously. The burden of my vision is no longer mine alone. I reach out to grab Lok's hand. He gives a reassuring squeeze "Thank you for telling us, Darling,"
"I figured you guys would want to know,"

Before the three of us can speculate any further on my vision, a knock sounds at the door, We spin our heads around and Frigga herself walks in. Loki and I shoot to our feet. I try to straighten myself up but it is difficult too. I can't seem to differentiate between smiling, blood-stained Frigga to the one standing before me now.
"I hope I am not intruding on something?" Frigga smiled. It wasn't like the dream one. This smile was soft and welcoming.
"Not at all. What brings you by?" Loki wrapped his arm around my waist, pulling me to his side.
"I've decided that it is time for our whole community to come together in celebration. Which is why I am throwing a party at my manor tomorrow night," Frigga put her hands behind her back as she walked to the window. Some of the skyscrapers now had lights in them. Life was slowly returning.
"A party?"
"Back in Mydiea. Or Andros as you would call it now. We would throw a bacchanalia to honour the Goddess Phampia,"
"Who is the Goddess Phampia?" I scrunched my nose up.
"She is the goddess that granted Frigga eternal life," Loki whispered in my ear. I didn't know a lot about vampire history. Maybe I need to spend a few days in the archives.
"An epic bacchanalia than any of you can imagine," Frigga smiled as she turned back to us.
"I'm friends with Melody, I can imagine a lot," I scratched my chin. Firgga smiled at me.
"It is a decadent feast for all senses. No pleasure left unclaimed. No thirst unquenched. It will be a night to put aside all inhibitions. A night to be free," Frigga added. I look up at Sif and she gives a subtle nod.
"That sounds wonderful" Sif smiles.
"We will be there," Loki bows his head.
"I am so glad to hear it. And you, Emily. Will you be there?" Frigga asks me. I can feel the reluctance. Fear even. I have a feeling I am going to regret this.
"I wouldn't miss it," I smiled. I wanted to say no but I couldn't. I can't bring myself to say no more like. Not even after seeing her in her birthday suit covered in blood. But I will be safe at the party. The others will be with me. Loki will be with me.
"We will be thrilled to have you all. Besides, we all need to have some fun in our lives," Frigga clapped. Frigga spins on her heels and makes to leave then she pauses. It's like she can sense something is amiss.
"Is there something on your mind, Frigga?" Loki asks. Frigga nods.
"I was wondering if you could give me a tour around the city tonight? I'm afraid I have been so busy I haven't had the time for it yet," Frigga asks. Sif and Loki exchange a look and after a moment Sif nods at him.
"I will happily show you around," Sif bows.
"I'm sure we can arrange something. Emily?" Loki placed a hand on my back "What's on the itinerary for today?" Loki tried to be more professional at work. I shakily opened up my planner. Loki leans in and whispers "Breath,"
"Let's see... there's an appointment to help pick the new candidate head of the R&D," I hesitate but one look up at Frigga's expectant face dispels the last of my worry. I can feel my fears melt away. 98% of my doubts too. Everything but certainty. It was just a dream, that's all. Just a harmless dream "But that can wait for another day. Let's do it,"

The four of us head out into the city, walking towards Times Square. Although I still see some scaffolding and debris, reconstruction is coming along nicely.
"Thank you all for accompanying me. There's so much about this world I have yet to see or understand," Frigga spins around. I'm still struggling to differentiate between the two Friggas. This one seems so carefree and not murderous. Even though I know better. I saw her memories.
"It must have been difficult to wake up in a brand new world," Loki asked as he gripped my hand. He was the only thing anchoring me to this world right now.
"Especially one with so many gaudy lights and screens," Sif points above her. Frigga takes a moment to admire the many signs around the square, nodding.
"It was but it is so lovely. The colours, the images. The sheer kaleidoscope tapestry," Frigga gazes at the sign.
"They are mostly advertisements," I sigh, Leaning my head on Loki's shoulder "Also, this place is normally way busier but because of everything..."
"Understandable. It will take some time for things to get back to how they once were," Frigga crossed her arms as she watched a black SUV fly down the road "But they will. And I cannot wait to see it,"

As we keep walking, I spot a familiar dancing figure up ahead. I smile.
"Looks like even the vampire apocalypse can't stop the Times Square Spiderman" I point to the dancer idiot. Frigga peers at the dancing man in the spandex. He begins to twerk.
"Thankfully that is not the real Spiderman," Loki chuckles. No, he has better moves. I look up and see the real Spiderman perched on a crane, shaking his head.
"Fascinating. Why does he do this?" Frigga asks as we move away.
"Money. Attention. Boredom," I shrugged. The others agree.
"It's funny. I can remember some aspects of being human but I cannot for the life of me remember boredom," Frigga let her hands fall to her side as she window-shopped. Her mouth dropped open at a mini skirt and vest top "That outfit does not leave much to the imagination,"
"What do you remember?" Loki asked.
"Being in love," Frigga smiled at him. Loki looked away as he had a small tint of pink on his cheeks. Sif rolled her eyes and elbowed him "But most of all, I remember heartbreak,"

Walking through the square, Frigga looks up at a giant screen, advertising some crappy soda brand.
"This must be so strange for you?" I stood next to Frigga.
"Sort of. It does remind me a little of home. It was common to walk through a market and have the vendors yell for your attention," Frigga closed her eyes, she looked as if she was trying to remember something "But in these modern times, they do their yelling in other ways,"
"You should try the indoor market on a Sunday. They yell there a lot," Loki spoke. I glance at Frigga and find myself drawn to her expression of open curiosity. 
"Hey Frigga, Got to ask. What's your favourite thing about the modern world?" Frigga stops to think of an answer to my question. The lights above her washed her in blues and yellows.
"I think what I like most are the ways in which humans have continually tried to make life easier for themselves. The plane we used to get here, for instance. In my lifetime, it would have taken much, much longer and would have been by sea,"
"I read once that it took a ship in England 3 months to travel to America. Mayflower, I think it was called,"
"Didn't that ship sink?" Sif asked.
"No, It made land in Massachusetts. Near Cape Cod," Loki shrugged.
"Oh yeah. Now I remember. Tha captain fell off the gangplank," Sif chuckled. I often forget that she is old "Sorry Frigga, we interrupted you. Please continue."
"It is fine. I love hearing the old facts about history," Frigga smiled "What I love about this era of life is your phones, your computers, elevators and cars. Washing machines even. It all comes from ingenuity, from craftsmanship. From a real genuine desire to connect. To grow. To rise towards godhood,"
"That's a nice way of looking at it," Loki smiled.
"It truly is incredible to behold,"

As we continue, we pass a mostly naked man with a cowboy hat strumming a guitar. Frigga smiles as I point out the different billboards for Broadway shows.
"This one is my favourite. It's about this guy who haunts an opera house," I point to a poster.
"Is he also dark and brooding and moved with terrible passions?" Frigga crosses her arms.
"You've seen it?" My mouth dropped open.
"No, but some things never change," Frigga shook her head.

A short while later, we pass by a church with the doors wide open. We can hear the gospel choir singing inside. Frigga stops and closes her eyes as she listens.
"This place is truly remarkable. There is so much to do and see. I fear I have only scratched the surface," Frigga places a hand over her chest.
"Once things settle down a little more, I am sure there will be plenty of time to see everything," Sif led us all to a little cafe on the high street.
"You're right. I need to savour all this,"
"There's a lot to savour. You might be at it a while," I coughed as a faulty car drove past. Frigga laughs softly and gazes at us, her expression soft.
"Sif, such a strong, noble woman who always gets back up when life has knocked her down" Frigga places a hand on Sif's shoulder. Sif leans into the contact "I know things have been difficult for you. That Odin placed such a dark handprint on your life"
"One way of putting it" I mumbled. Loki nudged and put a finger to his lips. I stuck my tongue out at him.
"But I promise that the things we have lost are not lost forever. Just like this city, we can be rebuilt,"
"Frigga..." Frigga then turns to Loki, placing a hand against his cheek. I resisted the urge to growl. Sif smiled at me, patting my shoulder. Between Loki and I, I had more control over my jealousy.
"Loki Odinson. The visionary who always looks forward. The soldier who yearns for peace. You have had to endure so much. Your contributions are not for nothing. I promise to make this world a better place. To work with you to achieve that goal. Not just for vampires but for all races," Loki stares at Frigga, stunned. He finally nods.

Suddenly, all around us, people stop what they are doing and look up at the screens. I frown as I glance at my phone.
"Thought so. It's almost midnight," I don't think I will ever get used to this nightlife. Maybe in a few decades.
"What does that mean?" In response, I point up at the screens, which go dark for a moment before they begin to show whimsical pieces of digital art "Oh my,"
"It's called the Midnight Moment," Loki spoke.
"It's stunning,"

The four of us watch the screens as they display the art, caught up in the art. Then something pulls at me, urging me to look behind me. I groan as I spot a shard on the table outside Uncle Ben's restaurant.
"You have got to be kidding me," I groaned as I turned around. Loki called my name but when I didn't respond, he called for the other two vampires.
"Emily, Is everything alright?" Frigga asks as I shake my head.
"Nope. I got a vision coming," I hurry over to the shard. From it, I feel faint anger, the need for vengeance. I briefly catch a glimpse of Thor's face, hard and resolute.
"Please sit down this time," Frigga crosses her arms as she explains to Loki and Sif that I passed out yesterday and that I nearly hit my head off the floor had Thor not caught me. Loki wasn't happy but mainly because no one told him.
"Thor...?" I close my eyes and take a deep breath as my hand hovers over the shard. Swallowing, I carefully reach out and touch the shard. The city of New York spins around me until it fades completely from sight, throwing me into the vision.

New York, 1982. A dark alleyway stretches into the night. A young woman laughs and pulls on the hand of a young man, leading him farther into the alley.
"Come on. Don't keep me waiting,"
"All right, all right! Slow down!" The young man looks around and trepidation crosses his face "Hey, Jane. It's pretty dark in here. Maybe we should go back to the nightclub,"
"What, are you scared?"
"I... no..."
"What's there to be afraid of?" Jane puts a hand on the man's chest, leaning into him as she bares her fangs "When I am right here,"
"Wh... what... what is..." The man starts to run but Jane grabs him by the collar and slams him hard against the wall.
"Shhhh" Jane places a hand over the man's mouth "Don't struggle,"
"What??"
"Actually... Do struggle," Jane grabbed the man by his chin and arm so she could easily reach his neck. One strong pull and the man would be in pieces "You will taste so much better," Jane leans in, ready to bite.
"Not tonight," A voice rings through the alley. Hissing in surprise, Jane jumps back. The young man sees her face and backs away.
"Help! Please!" The man begs. The voice tells him to shut up.

From the shadows emerges another young man in a dark leather jacket and piercing red eyes, holding a hammer in his hand.
"Don't touch him again," The voice warns.
"Who the hell do you think you are?" The young man, seeing his chance, flees from the two vampires. Jane scowls "Great. Now you have just cost me a meal!"
"You really don't remember who I am, do you?" The young man twirls his hammer and steps closer, hatred hardening his face "We met on a night like this. in 74. You lured me into an alley, you bit me. You left me to die,"
"Just who the hell are you?" Jane put her hands on her hips.
"I'm Thor," Thor gripped his hammer tightly "I'm also the guy that is going to kill you,"
"Thor?" Recognition sparks in Jane's eyes "How are you a vampire? You're clanless?"

Thor slips into an offensive stance, raising his hammer. He lunges at Jane, aiming for her head. Jane jumps back and narrowly evades his hammer.
"You have no idea who you are dealing with. I am part of Hel'as clan and if anything happens to me--" But Thor doesn't listen and strikes again, fast as lightning. His hammer smashes into Jane's shoulder, breaking several bones in her arm.
"I don't care who you are," Thor hits Jane's arm again and in a flash, he rips Jane's arm clean off, and blood sprays from the wound. Jane retaliates by delivering a kick to Thor's chest, her high heel stabbing into him, narrowly missing his heart. Thor staggers back and rips her show from his chest, throwing it back at her. The heel stabs Jane in the eye and she screams in pain. Using the distraction, Thor closes in.
"No! You wouldn't dare!" With a quick spin, Thor swings his hammer and strikes Jane's head clean of her shoulders. He watches dispassionately as her head rolls before it and her body dissolves into ash.
"I dared,"

Thor stands there for a minute, catching his breath and watching the ash scatter across the alleyway.
"... It is done. It's finally done,"
"You dumb bastard!" A voice sounds behind him. Thor turns and half-lifts his sword, then drops it at the sight of his maker "What the hell did you just do?"
"I thought that would be obvious," Thor shrugged as he hung his hammer off his belt.
"We are supposed to be lying low! Killing a clan member isn't lying low!" Thor's maker shouts "Now all the clans are going to be on alert. All of our planning, wasted!"
"I couldn't let her keep killing innocent people, Selvig," Thor went and stood by a load of boxes.
"Well now, because of your actions, the clans will know that something is amiss. They will know that we are coming for them. You put our whole plan into jeopardy!" Selvig swears as he starts to pace, still looking furious "The clan leaders need to die in order for the clans to be abolished. But now we have been compromised,"
"So you would rather let a man die tonight than risk our position?" Thor frowned. Not quite believing his maker.
"Yes! At least then we would be set back! At least then there would be less suspicion spread between the clans!"
"Selvig... I don't give a flying rat about the clans! Jane needed to be stopped!" Thor's voice echos angrily against the walls. Selvig stops pacing "That woman... she was going to kill that man. like she did me. That man was going to be like me, laying there, on the street, dying. Because of her," Thor turns away and covers his mouth with a shaking hand. The rest of his body begins to shake, catching up with what he has done.
"Thor..."
"I couldn't let her do it again. I just couldn't," Selvig sighs and walks up to Thor, putting a firm hand on Thor's shoulder.
"Easy, son," Selvig soothed. he understood Thor's pain "You're right. What she was doing was wrong. You fought well, son. I'm proud of you," Thor raises his tear-filled eyes to meet Selvig. Selvig pats his arms again, reaffirming "I am proud of you,"

I gasp as I slowly come back to myself, the alleyway fading as the lights of Times Square fall over me. I looked around and saw that I was in Loki's arms, My head on Loki's shoulder.
"I did say she should sit down," Frigga spoke.
"Emily?" Sif asked as the world focused, "Are you alright?" I nodded as I blinked a few times. I looked around to see Frigga was once again hovering nearby.
"Yeah, I am guessing I flopped?" I glance down and the crystal is gone. I rubbed my eyes.
"You just flopped," Loki repeated as he lowered me to my feet, keeping a firm hand on my waist "What happened?"
"Thor was there... In an alleyway... I don't know," The vision was already fading, I hate having a memory of a goldfish, "I think... I think I... I don't quite know,"
"Such a strange power," Frigga mumbled.
"I wish I knew more about it," I rubbed the sides of my head.
"One day, we will find the answers," Loki said, I saw that he looked like he was worried.
"Loki, stop worrying, I'm fine."
"What kind of boyfriend would I be if I didn't worry?" Loki said with an eyebrow raised.
"A normal one," I cupped his chin "It's not the first time, I have had these visions and it won't be the last. One day, I will be able to control them," I sniff and give myself a moment to recover before smiling at the others. Frigga smiles at all of us as the Midnight moment draws to a close.
"I would like to thank you all so much for showing me around. I think I understand the city even better now and I hope I can continue to provide for it and its people,"
"Thank you, Frigga. For everything,"
"You can thank me by attending my party tomorrow night. I will see you all then," Frigga bows to each of us and leaves.

We watch as Frigga flounces off. Sif soon follows as she has her own business to attend to. So it was just me and Loki.
"What do you want to do? I have a few hours spare," Loki wraps his arms around my waist.
"We could go up to the Empire State Building and look at the view?" I grin.
"Never been," Loki shrugged. My jaw drops.
"Are you serious?"
"Mmhmm," Loki hums. He watches a look of shock flit over my face. I gasp as I look up at him. I wonder if I can convince him to play hooky tonight, something I am relatively certain he hasn't done in more than a century.
"How is that possible?" I ask, my eyes wide with disbelief "Never? Not even once?"
"I just never found the time," he laughs again and he strokes a strand of hair back behind my ear.
"You are 300... ish years old! You've lived in New York since before America was America, and you have never visited the Empire State Building? I ask again, how is that possible?!?"
"I've visited it before on business," he clarifies with a shrug "I've never been to the observation deck."
"That's like sacrilege or something," I shake my head in teasing disappointment.
"I take it you have?"
"Are you kidding? I was up there on my first day in New York," I boast proudly.
"Tourist," he taps my nose and I wrinkle it in offence and he laughs again.
"Hey, Watch it, old man," I wag her finger at him, but Loki quickly catches it in his mouth. He bites down gently. I gasp softly and Loki smirks at me "Come on. There's something I want to show you,"

A quick drive and the two of us are stepping out of an elevator and onto the empty observation deck of the Empire State Building. Loki's jaw drops a little. I grab his hand and pull him to the railing. I lean on it, looking out and sighing a little. Loki shifts his eyes from the city to me and smiles softly.
"Isn't it just amazing and romantic to be up here?" I ask, never taking my eyes from the view before us.
"It is," he admits "It's very Tom Hanks/Meg Ryan." I slowly turn to him, sheer delight shining on my face.
"Oh. My. God," I smile, holding back a squeal "You've seen Sleepless in Seattle!"
"I don't have to have seen it in order to know that particular bit of pop culture trivia," he backtracks, fixing his eyes out on the city and avoiding my gaze.
"But you have, haven't you?" I lean around to look him in the face and grin "Come on Loki. Just admit it. You're hopeless romantic heart just sings watching the story of Sam and Lisa," I just hope my hunch is correct.
"It's Annie," he blurts out before he can stop himself. As he covers his mouth, I shriek and laugh.
"Haha! I knew it!"
"Yes, yes, fine," he confesses with a heavy sigh "I enjoy a good romantic comedy," I giggle and wrap my arms around his waist, snuggling close to his chest, and Loki holds me close for long moments. Eventually, I tilt my head up to look at him, studying his face carefully.
"Hopeless romantic," Loki cups the side of my face, his smile softening. I run my fingers along the collar of Loki's shirt as he slips an arm around my waist.
"Only for you," Loki smiles slyly, he uses his finger to lift my chin to kiss me "Thank you," he whispers against my lips.
"For what?" I ask.
"For this moment. For reminding me that there are still first times, still, new experiences to be had and for being the one to have them with me,"
"You're welcome,"

We soon left the Empire State Building. Loki could only stay for a few hours before he had to deal with someone from Fandral's clan. stop outside my apartment complex and smile up and Loki. He smiles back tenderly. I tilt my chin up as Loki leans down to kiss me. My hand wraps around the back of his neck. Loki's hands find my waist and his arms wrap around me. His embrace is warm and comforting. I feel safe in his arms. It's like he refuses to let anything hurt me ever again.
"Emily... You are amazing," Loki kisses me again, deeper this time. He pushes me against the wall outside my apartment. Thankfully, Melody won't be home for a few hours yet. She and Thor have their own thing to do.
"I know," Loki growled in my ear, He gripped my hips. I kissed Loki along his jaw.
"Get up those stairs,"
"Make me," I smirked against Loki's lips. Loki slowly kisses my jaw and then my temple. I sigh happily.
"You asked for it," Loki grins as he vamps us to my apartment.

After Loki left my apartment, I stared at the ceiling. I was feeling a lot better about Frigga than I did 24 hours ago. I hear the door open softly and close.
"Hello? Are we decent?!" Melody shouted. I rolled my eyes and climbed out of my bed.
"He left an hour ago," I spoke as I walked out of my room.

I saw that Melody was already killing zombies on the console, her back to the sofa. Snacks were all around her and she was drinking vodka. Straight out of the bottle.
"Oh, I've got you now, You dumb fuck! Die, you son of bitch," Melody pressed the controller a bit too hard. I coughed "Hey Em,"
"Hey, Are you okay Mel?" Melody doesn't look up. She just keeps killing zombies.
"Just die you walking ballsack!" she flicks her fingers loudly "Boom. Cockshot!"
"Is there a reason that you are trying to blow my eardrums?" I press my fingers to my temple. Melody finally looks up and takes a swig of vodka. She looks sad.
"Want some?"
"No thanks. I still need food," I declined as I walked to the kitchen, I was starving. I helped myself to a large bowl of cereal and a blood bag "Why are you in a mood?"
"I am not in a mood," Melody swigs the bottle as I sit next to her "Fine, I am in a mood. Blowing the zombie's heads off makes me feel less depressed,"
"You saw her didn't you?" I say with a mouthful. I knew where this was going "Am I going to need to find my bat?"
"She walked past me and didn't even recognise me," I put my bowl on the coffee table and hugged her. Forcing her head on my shoulder, she lets out a sniffle "Sorry, I'm a mess,"
"Don't be. Maria is a bitch."
"I know she's a bitch but I liked her. A lot more than I realized I did. I can't be like you and pull an incredibly hot CEO." Melody sighed deeply. She then wipes her nose on the back of her hand "Look, let me be a mopey cow and a zombie-killing mess. I'll cheer up tomorrow when we go to the party,"
"Sleep will help," I let Melody go and grabbed my food. Melody sniffed again.
"Yeah, that makes sense," Melody wiped her eyes with her sleeve "Wanna kill some zombies with me?"
"Only if I can use the shotgun," I wolf down my food. It had been so long since Melody and I just chilled together.
"That's why you're my girl!" Melody laughs as she grabs another controller.

The next night, Melody and I are in our apartment getting ready for Frigga's party. Melody had just finished raiding my wardrobe.
"I am so excited!! An actual vampire bacchanalia!" Melody jumped all over my bed but as she jumped to the floor, something in her brain clicked "Wait... from what I remember in school, isn't bacchanalia like a sex thing? Is this a sex party?"
"I have no idea. But I know Frigga plans to go big. Would it be a problem if it was a sex party?" I sat on the end of my bed and painted my toenails.
"No. I don't mind. But I feel like I need to dress better for a sex party," Melody took her black skirt off and flung it to the side.
"Would it matter? If this is a sex party, there's going to be no clothes," I picked a big pink dress up, shook my head and flung it behind me "I gotta make the first impression," Melody clapped as she ran out of the room in her underwear "We should go big too!"

Melody runs out of my room and comes back with a wrapped outfit.
"Just in case this is the type of party I think it's going to be, I think you should wear this," Melody smiled, winking at me "I brought this when Frigga first invited us to the party. I wanted to get you something to fit the part," I unwrap the present and my eyes widen.
"Melody, this is scandalous!"
"Come on! Try it on!" I slip the dress on. It is a navy blue lace bodycon dress that does not leave much to the imagination. I look in the mirror and blush when I see myself. I feel fierce and hedonistic "I need a towel. Girl, you have got me drooling,"
"You know what? Why the hell not!" I ran my hands up my sides "It feels... wow,"
"Loki will not take his eyes off you," Melody fans herself and I playfully shove her with a laugh "I don't know why I said that. His eyes never leave you," I twirled.
"You look totally amazing. If I do say so myself," Melody beamed "Now let me get ready and we can meet up with the others,"

10 minutes later, Melody walked into her room and came out wearing a black A-line body con dress that stopped mid-thigh.
"You look incredible!" I clapped.
"Yeah?" Melody looked at herself in my floor-length mirror. She had gold jewellery on and I wore silver "Can I borrow your black heels?"
"As long as I can borrow your gold-coloured ones,"

We reached Frigga's manor and I spotted the others mingling outside, waiting for us.
"Get out of the car," Melody pokes my cheek.
"I suddenly feel very aware of what I am wearing" I hug myself. I wasn't used to outfits like this "I should have brought a jacket,"
"Gril, if you are going to wear a dress like this," Melody grabbed my wrists and placed them by my side "Then you need to wear it with confidence,"
"Only the tomboy would tell me how to wear a bloody dress," I mumbled as I slid out of the car.

As we walked towards the others, they all took a double look at me.
"Emily... that outfit..." Loki's mouth flapped open like a goldfish.
"You look ravishing," Sif smiled before she glared at Loki "Shut up."
"I was about to say you took the words right out of my mouth," Loki held his hands up and took one step back.
"He didn't growl? I am shocked," Melody whispered in my ear.
"Now I feel underdressed," Thor eyed me up and down. Loki did let out a growl "Oh shut it,"
"And just think, you have me to thank for..." Melody gestures at my body and I playfully strike a pose "This outfit,"
"Emily, may I talk to you for a moment?" Loki walked up to me, taking my hand in his.
"Of course,"

Loki and I walked around the corner. Loki grabs me by my waist and pushes me against the wall, making me squeal a little.
"Loki?" I said. Loki was still holding my waist.
"I..." Loki looked me in the eyes "I am suddenly finding it very hard to speak," he finally managed to get out as he leaned forward to kiss my lips.
"I can see that," I respond, running my fingers along his jacket.
"Do I really need to say what I thinking?" Loki pulled me closer.
"I want to hear what you have to say," I placed my hands around Loki's neck. Loki took a deep breath.
"I shall repeat a speech I have said before. Because those are the only words I can think of," Loki gripped my waist "How do you want me to remove it? How would you prefer that to happen? Rip the fabric from your body with my hands? Or maybe it should be slowly, Intimately. Bit by bit with my teeth," Loki growled in my ear. I tried to steady my breath. I bit my lip as I wrapped my arms around his neck, gripping his hair. I stand on tiptoes to reach his ear.
"Loki, All of those ideas sound excellent. However," I kissed his cheek "You can wait till we are alone," I cupped his chin as I walked away. Knowing that Loki was still standing there.
"This going to be a long night," I heard him growl.

As we rejoin the others, a group of excited vampires pass by us, eagerly heading toward the open doors of the manor.
"Looks like she really did invite everyone," I muttered. Everyone agrees with me.
"Shall we?" Loki offers me his arm and we all head inside, following the vampires toward the ballroom.

I stop and gape at the party that awaits us. A massive fountain of flowing champagne bubbles in the middle of the ballroom, which has been decorated lavishly with rich drapes and bundles of flowers.
"Oh wow, Frigga really went all out, huh?" There are tables of food everywhere, from baklava to caviar to bundles of grapes. They are being picked at by humans and even some humans who have joined the festivities.
"This... is... so... dope!"
"Frigga has certainly spared no expense,"
"It reminds me of the parties we used to have back in the day," Sif muttered as she went off to speak to someone from her clan. 
"Is it just me or is it really hot in here?" Thor asks, tugging at his collar. I nod as I notice it too, an intense energy infusing the air and making the atmosphere somewhat humid. A jolt of excitement runs up my spine. Tonight was going to be good.

We walked through the ballroom and I noticed that there were vampires openly feeding on their human dates and a dance floor where hands slide along bare flesh. I even notice people watching me hungrily as I pass by, their eyes roaming over my revealing outfit. Loki growls at each and every one.
"Mine," he mouths to a lot of them. I smile as I wrap my arms around his waist, pulling him away from the creeps "I hope I don't have to spend all night fending off perverts that want you,"
"Jealous butt," I nudge Loki.
"Can you blame me? You are as beautiful as a goddess. And they know it too. I feel as if they will try and steal you away,"
"Let them. My heart and eyes are only for you," I pulled Loki closer to me. I tiptoe and kissed Loki lightly on the lips.
"Good," Loki kissed my forehead.

"So? Where do we even begin?" Melody put a hand on her hip.
"Let's... climb into the champagne fountain," I grin. Melody gasps in excitement as Thor frowns.
"I must have had candle wax in my ear, I clearly misheard you," Thor wiggled a finger in his ear "Did you say that you... want to climb into the champagne fountain?"
"Did I stutter, Thor?" I looked at Thor over my glasses "But I understand. I bet you're too scared to do it," I taunted as Melody and I slipped our heels off. Thor raises both eyebrows at me, at the challenge. Then he takes his shoes off.
"Woohoo! Yes! I can't believe I am crossing another thing off my bucket list!"
"You have such an oddly specific bucket list,"
"It varies from moment to moment," I laugh and hoist myself up onto the bottom tier of the massive fountain. And being the graceful vampire I am, I lose my balance and fall in with a bubbly splash.
"Woah!"

When I emerge, the vampires around us are cheering. Melody is on the floor, howling.
"She... fell... over!" She cackles "I'll be a minute... Sides... hurt... cramp... cramp,"
"Bambi on ice strikes again," Thor and Melody finally climb in and I splash them.
"Oh hell no" Thor smirked as he cupped his hand. I squeaked as he splashed me back and the three of us launched a small-scale war while our clothes got soaked and my inebriation levels steadily grew higher.
"Are you not going to stop her?" I hear Sif speak.
"No," Loki replied. Sif mumbled something "Sif, no. Leave them alone. They are having fun,"

A little while later, I return to the main floor, where I spot a familiar face. Dracula is surrounded by a group of admirers and is clearly eating it up.
"Yes, yes. I would be more than happy to sign your ample bosom," He grins. He flourishes a pen as he signs a young woman's cleavage.
"No way. I can't believe this," I rolled my eyes. I was hoping to avoid the traitor. But I need a drink and unfortunately, he is in the way.
"Oh, I can," Melody leaned her arm on my shoulder "If I didn't know any better, that would have deffo been me," Melody smiled before turning to me "Are you ever going to spill the juicy deets about the Dracula sex by the way?"
"You already know most what happened during one of the worst ideas I have ever done," I scrunched my nose up, Melody raised her eyebrow at me.
"Still, sex in one of those big beds made it worth it,"
"One, Drac is useless at sex. I got more thrill from shooting zombies last night and secondly, We didn't have sex in those big beds... We had sex on the ceiling,"
"Like... on the roof?" Melody whispered. I shook my head.
"No. On the ceiling,"
"For the first time in my life, I am at a loss for words," Melody muttered. And at the mere mention of his name. Dracula turns from flirting with a young blushing man and sees me. He scowls.

"Oh, It's you," He grumbled as we walked closer.
"Didn't mean to cramp your style, Vlad," Melody held her hands up.
"Don't call me that," Dracula frowned.
"I wonder how these nice fans of yours would react if they knew what we know," I whispered as I looked around. Dracula's eyes widen as he glances at the vampires practically swooning in his presence.
"You wouldn't dare. And I told you, the Black Order was extor--"
"Extoring you, yeah, we get it. Hey while I am here," Melody quickly spun around and bent slightly "Mind signing my ass? Since you are so good at kissing them and all," I burst into laughter as Dracula sputters and stomps away, his admirers trailing after him.
"You enjoyed that way too much," I laughed as we moved to the drinks.
"Duh," Melody beamed.

The music drifts over me as I turn to see what my friends are getting up to. Melody has joined the dancefloor. Thor is sampling the food. Sif is watching a burlesque performer and Loki is studying a piece of artwork.

I joined Melody on the dancefloor and we shared a grin.
"Can I live like this forever? Please?"
"Maybe after a couple of hundred years," I smiled.
"As long as you are right there by my side," Melody wrapped an arm around my neck.
"Always," the two of us sway and twirl to the music. Melody's hands are on my waist and my hands rest on her shoulders.
"Okay, revised thought... I will just convince Frigga to have this going 24/7,"
"Good luck with that," I rolled my eyes. Melody laughs and the two of us flow in and out of the crush of vampires. A sea of skimming hands and eager glances.

When the song ends, the two of us bow to one another and break into laughter.
"Okay, I wouldn't mind a 24/7 party," I admitted.
"Now, you get it," Melody beamed, wiping her forehead "You know, I half expected Loki to come and rip my head off for dancing with you," Melody walked back towards the door.
"Still time yet," Loki spoke as he grabbed Melody's neck. Melody let out a little squeal. Loki laughed. I covered my mouth. Loki laughed as he walked off, giving me a quick wink as he went around a corner.
"How does he do that?" Melody shivered.
"Years of practice," I smiled.

I join Sif as she stands among a small crowd formed to watch a couple of burlesque dancers perform. Sif sips from her champagne flute and gives me a pointed look.
"I'll be honest. I didn't expect Frigga to be quite this... sensual. But I am not complaining," One of the burlesque dancers moves her body provocatively while her partner turns and flexes, showing off his back muscles.
"Yup. No complaints out of me," I tilted my head at the dancers.
"We used to have parties like this. It makes me nostalgic for the old time. The things we did..."
"Urm. No. You can't stop there! I need details please," I did the Italian hand thing as I walked in front of Sif. Sif smirks and takes another sip of her drink as the woman dancer shimmies, the tassels on her chest swaying.
"I may have owned a set of tassels like that. Once upon a time,"
"Sif!" The two of us continue to enjoy the show and applaud when they finish. The crowd watches the dancers with hungry eyes.

I sidle up to Thor with my hands behind my back, inspecting the food spread out before us.
"Hmmm. After much deliberation, the results are inconclusive. This food must be tested to ensure it's not poisoned," I pick up a piece of baklava and bite into it. The flakey, honeyed layers dissolve on my tongue. My eyes roll into the back of my head as I moan "So good,"
"Not poisoned then?"
"Definitely not. You may proceed," Thor shakes his head with a laugh and reaches for a toast point with caviar.
"Well, if you are sure it's safe," He pops the food into his mouth. After he swallows, he pretends to choke and grabs his throat "Not... safe. We... were... deceived," He choked.
"Of course! They hid the poison in the caviar! What a cruel twist of fate!" I slapped my forehead. I quickly grabbed another piece of baklava and pressed it to his lips "Quick, It's the only way!" Thor takes a bite as I feed him the baklava. He licks his lips with a hum of satisfaction.
"Damn, that is good," Thor moaned, eyes closed "I can't believe that you figured out the antidote was in the baklava. You are definitely the smartest woman I know,"
"One of my many talents," I smiled.
"Also... what state of mind was I in to put caviar in my mouth? That stuff is nasty," Thor coughed. I laughed and walked off to find Loki.

I found Loki standing in the hallway. He is staring up at a painting on the wall with one eyebrow raised.
"Hey, what's... oh. Oh my," I realize that the artwork around us is distinctly erotic. The people painted on the canvas tangled into some interesting positions.
"I was just wondering if Frigga keeps these here all the time or had it brought in specifically for this... event," Loki looked at me from the corner of his eyes.
"Uh-huh. Sure," I sighed. I didn't believe a single word he just said.
"What's that tone about?" Loki frowned with a smile.
"Are you sure you didn't want a better look?" I crossed my arms. Loki laughs and turns so I now have his full attention.
"Trust me. I have seen my fair share of interesting artwork. This barely ranks in my top ten,"
"Yeah? What's number one?"
"I'll describe it to you in full detail. Some other time when we are in much less crowded company,"
"I will hold you to that," I let an oooh sound as I walked over to one of the paintings.
"Hey. Can we try this thing on this painting sometime?"
"There's a good one over there," Loki pointed. I bent at the waist and read the quote. I giggled it.
"Have you read some of these plagues?" I giggled.
"Have l ever 'made your womanhood reach peaks that would rival the highest Himalayas'?" Loki pointed to a plague.
"Foothills of Malibu, maybe," I shrugged. I knew this would test Loki's patience. He hated being wound up like this.
"Not even a Teton?" Loki's jaw dropped.
"l don't think so," I shook my head. I was resisting the urge to smile.
"Thanks. I thought I'd at least rate the Rockies," Loki smiled at me as he walked closer to me.
"Well, you know I'm kidding," I wrapped my arms around his neck. Loki's hands found their way to my waist.
"You're just saying that to make me feel better," Loki pretended to be offended.
"No, I'm not. No, I'm not," I gently kissed Loki "You know I'm playing. I've been to plenty of mountaintops with you,"
"Well when we get home, we'll blow up Mount Saint Helens," Loki growled in my ear.

After some time to enjoy all the party has to offer, the vampires around me begin to quieten down. I realize why when I see Frigga standing on one of the balconies overhead.
"My children! I hope you are all enjoying yourselves tonight!" Her words are met with raucous cheers and her smile grows wider "I am delighted to hear it. The attack on New York was terrible. What you have had to endure, the pain, the trauma... the fear... All of it is unfathomable. But since we are all doing our part to restore this beloved city, I sensed it was about time we got to enjoy the fruits of our labours," another cheer goes through the ballroom. The vampires cheer as they stare up at her in awe and worship "Tonight is about celebration. About tuning into your inner desires, and wants. Tuning into your cravings,"
"I was right," Both Melody and I realised what was going on "Sex party,"
"It's about time we embraced the joys of pleasure, to feed our desires, to finally experience true freedom," This receives the biggest cheer of all. The ballroom seems to grow warmer around me, hands beginning to stray, lips finding necks "Enjoy yourselves. Give into your wants. Be free," Frigga inclines her head and steps away as the vampires turn to one another.
"Oh, my," Clothes are starting to come off, dropping to the petal-strewn floor. Bare skin flashes through the crowd amid gasps and moans. Nearby, I see a couple kissing passionately, mostly naked as they sink to the floor and arch against one another. My face grew hot, unsure of what to do or where to look. Heady pleasure begins to fill the ballroom.
"Stop looking, you're with me," Loki growls in my ear. His hands were on my waist. I shivered as I turned to him. My hands run over his shoulders as I lock eyes with him and we drift away from the ballroom.

"It was getting quite warm in there, wasn't it?" Loki spoke as untied his tie and shoved it in his pocket.
"Maybe we should lose some clothes," Loki laughs low in his chest as he pulls me closer, pressing his lips to the spot behind my ear. I shiver again. I can hear all the vampires and humans together, their moans and cries filling my ears as their skin is kissed and caressed.
"Maybe we should," Loki whispered. I run my hand under Loki's collar, slipping his jacket off of his shoulders sensually before helping him out of the rest of his clothes. I let them fall to the floor as I kissed his bare chest "Emily..."
"I want you to stay right there," I wrap my hand around him, clasping him gently.
"Whatever you say" I smile deviously, kissing my way down his chest before sinking to my knees before him. He gasps as my breath hits the bare skin just above his waistband. Wrapping my hands around his thighs, I kiss my way up "Emily..." Loki's broad hand cups the back of my head as I take the length of him, his panting mingling with the sounds all around us. Unable to wait any longer, I peel my clothes off, pressing my body against Loki's. He kisses me deeply, my skin is charged as his fingertips skim down my bare back.
"Loki..." I pull Loki down onto a nearby velvet chaise, wrapping my legs around his hips "Since everyone else is doing it,"
"Do you always submit to peer pressure?" Loki kissed me along my jaw and down my neck, stopping at my collarbone.
"No. But right now, I would submit to anything you wanted," I pulled Loki closer. Loki's breath catches. I reach up and kiss his neck then gently bite it. He moans as he pulls me onto his lap and I tighten around him.
"Emily..." When our bodies join, I arch with a sigh. Loki moves steadily against me. I wonder if anyone is watching, secretly thrilled by the idea. I hold onto Loki tightly as I let myself go, feeling the freedom that Frigga promised, giving in to my desires.

Sometime later, I stagger away from the ballroom in search of water. I pass by several groups of vampires in various states of pleasure, drunkenness and exhaustion.
"That... that was... a lot," I don't know how I am going to sit down tonight.

I wander through the halls and eventually come across a set of elaborate doors left slightly ajar. Curious, I push them open and walk inside.

"Oh. My. Fucking. God," I stop dead, gaping at the blood that stains the walls, and floor. Even the ceiling was covered. All around the large bed is a pile of naked human corpses. All drained off the blood. And reclining in the middle of the bed, naked and covered in blood... is Frigga. A naked body is attached to her mouth. As I walk closer, I realise that she looks just like my dream "What... what is..." Frigga notices me and pulls her mouth away from the neck she was sucking on. She smiles and shoves the dead human away. I gasp as I recognize who it is. It was the dude that I first fed on.
"Well," Frigga smiles wide and licks her bloody fingers "Oh dear... looks like the secret is out. I had hoped to have a little more time but... well, I suppose I got careless," Frigga gracefully rises to her feet as power surges through her and the room, making the hairs along my arms stand on end.
"Frigga..."
"Now what... oh, what... are we going to do about this?"
"Oh, come on! Not this shit again,"