Illusions | Loki & Jane

6. The Nine Realms

The following day, Jane immersed herself in research, exploring John McKenzie's theories. While she didn't find much, she stumbled upon an ancient Norse myth about Thor. McKenzie had mentioned a connection between realms like branches of a tree, which perfectly aligned with the concept of Yggdrasil in Norse mythology.

Great. Now she was considering that John might be mentally disturbed, believing in children's ghost stories. Yet, she remained open-minded and found herself drawn to the idea. She decided to sketch the nine realms in her notebook: Midgard (Earth), Jotunheim (home of the Frost Giants), Asgard (Thor and Odin's domain), Svartalfheim, Vanaheim, Nidavellir, Niflheim, Muspelheim, and Alfheim.

As she sifted through astronomy books and magazines, she realized that the realms conceptually made sense. There were still unidentified stars or planets, and perhaps they were these nine worlds. The tree-like formation was oddly fitting, as those unknown celestial bodies could be arranged like branches on a tree. She diligently documented her findings.

When Erik asked her to share her discoveries regarding the circle in the ground, she sent him an email detailing all her theories, including the far-fetched Thor hypothesis. Erik, a wonderful professor and mentor, often disagreed with her less conventional ideas, so she anticipated a dismissive response. Instead, she received an unexpected reply:

*Please stop with the stories about Thor; that sounds delusional. Other than that, your theory about a portal is intriguing. While I cannot fully endorse the Einstein-Rosen Bridge, the circle seems to be something special or important. Darcy uploaded pictures of the symbols yesterday—couldn't stop her—and I received an email from S.H.I.E.L.D. a few hours later, instructing us to leave it alone. They intend to investigate the markings, as they have access to better linguistics and equipment. I didn't disclose where we found it; I told them it was already gone. However, they will likely find it or another eventually. I'm writing to advise you to let it go, as whoever they are, I think they are quite significant. We'll have better luck next time.*

What? No! She would not abandon this research. She was on the verge of uncovering something real and important, and she refused to let this organization stand in her way. She had asked John if she could place a trailer on his property, so she wouldn't have to commute between New York and Jersey City. He had agreed, and that's exactly what she did; she wouldn't be intimidated by emails like that.

Jane had been living in the trailer for several days, and she hadn't seen John again, which frustrated her. She still found him attractive and fascinating, and now she had developed a genuine fondness for him. Just as she caught herself thinking about him, there was a knock on the door. Her heartbeat quickened, but when she opened it, she was met with Darcy's reproachful expression.

"Jane," Darcy said, shaking her head. "What are you doing here all by yourself?"

"I'm working," Jane replied, annoyance creeping into her voice. "What do you think I'm doing?"

"If you stay here much longer, you'll get arrested for camping on someone else's territory."

"No, it's fine. I have permission to be here."

"You mean from the dark, mystical, handsome, and bossy guy we met here?"

"Yes."

"Oh Jane, I'm proud of you! I really thought you'd lost your touch with men, but I see you're still in the game!" she cheered, raising her hand for a high-five, which Jane did not reciprocate.

"Darce, it's nothing like that. He was just being nice."

"Oh really? Then why are you blushing?" Darcy teased.

"Well... I don't know," Jane replied, trying to dismiss it, now feeling annoyed. "This is pointless."

"Uh-huh, I see," Darcy smirked. "By the way, he already fixed the fence," she said, gesturing behind her.