Monster Among Us

By: Darkest Ember

Chapter 3: Walking With A Ghost

All Jane could see through her teary vision was Loki's crystalline eyes alit with enjoyment at her expense. Despite knowing it would have little effect, Jane still clawed at his constrictive hands. She dug her nails deep into his skin and could feel warm blood bubbling beneath her nail beds, yet he didn't show the slightest sliver of pain.

As she alternated struggled breaths with regretting ever sympathizing for him, she wondered why he risked his own life for her twice when they confronted Malekith. Was it really all a show, put on to create a better image of himself in Thor's mind? The thought seemed preposterous, but Jane suspected it's to be expected from the god of mischief.

Jane was torn from her thoughts once she felt Loki's breath flutter into her ear. She wasn't sure how it was possible, but he seemed to be standing even closer to her than before. His body pressed into hers, creating additional levels of discomfort.

"You have no idea how long I've awaited this moment," he breathed. His lips curled into a twisted smile that contorted his features.

Yet even as his fingers closed tighter around her throat and breathing became near impossible, she couldn't help but feel curious. "Why?" she croaked.

Loki did not have to justify his actions to such a lowly mortal, but he knew that if he killed her too soon, he'd lose his single source of entertainment whilst trapped in his illusion as Odin. Without speaking, he released her and watched as she slid down to the floor, trying her best to conceal her tears and mingled emotions of fear and relief.

"Care to be more specific?" he asked, crouching down to her level. Even with less difference in their height, Jane still felt intimidated. There were so many different questions to ask, she actually had to take a moment to figure out which were most pressing to be answered.

"Why did you say you've waited for this moment? Why do you even want to kill me in the first place? I haven't done anything to you," she said, voice a bit scratchy, but still pleasantly strong.

He inclined his head, implying that she was partially correct. "Perhaps not directly, but your interference with Thor certainly complicated things. Now that we have some alone time, why don't you enlighten me? How does a single human transform an arrogant oaf of a god in hardly two days?"

"Don't talk about him that way," she replied, finally able to sit up. "After everything he's done for–."

"He has done nothing but destroy my life!" Loki roared, resisting the urge to continue strangling her. "And so have you…because of you, Thor returned to Asgard and made me out to be the villain. Because of you, my mother is dead. She died saving you."

At the mention of his mother, Loki's anger ebbed into sorrow. His eyes became glossy – a momentary display of sentiment that didn't go unnoticed. Taking a risk, Jane reached out and placed a hand on his arm.

"Believe me, I still feel guilty for what happened to her. She just told me to do as she said…I never imagined that she would've been…killed."

In a flash of movement too quick for her to process, he gripped her arm and used his hold to pull her closer to him. "By the time I'm through with you, you'll feel far more than guilt. For once, Thor did me a favor bringing you here."

Caught off guard by the sudden movement and terrified by the threat in his tone, Jane tried to pull away from him, but his grip was too strong. "Thor will never let anything happen to me," she replied, though this time her voice didn't hold as much confidence as it had before.

"Oh, I doubt he'll be very helpful now. He's monitoring the very race of monsters that he chose to save over you."

Despite his tone, Jane didn't believe he had the upper hand. "He'll see these bruises," she said, gesturing to where he was holding onto her wrist. "I'll tell him what happened."

Loki didn't seem worried in the least. In fact, Jane could've sworn that he was biting back laughter. "You'll tell him that his dearly departed brother came back from the dead to torment you? He'll think you mad!"

"As you so kindly pointed out, you're very much alive. I'll find a way to prove it to him."

This time, he was unable to hold back his laughter, which was filled with mockery. "The illusion I've created allows me to appear as Odin to everyone but you."

Once he heard familiar footsteps echoing in the hall, Loki removed his grip and stood up. Jane was unaware of Thor's approaching presence. She also stood up and locked eyes with him. "I assure you, Loki, you will not get away with this."

Just before the large doors opened, Loki resumed Odin's form and made Jane's bruises disappear.

After about an hour of pointless monitoring, Thor concluded that nothing of dangerous prospect was afoot on Jotunheim. He rarely questioned his father's decisions, but this seemed unusual. Nothing was out of the ordinary with the frost giants, yet Odin made it sound like something was transpiring there.

Thor decided it best to discuss it in the morning. He didn't want to keep Jane waiting any longer. Just the thought of seeing her was enough to ease his uncertain mind.

Needless to say, he was surprised to find the bed abandoned once he reached his chambers. Several scenarios played out in his mind – the most likely being she couldn't sleep and thought to explore the palace. Without having a proper tour, though, it was likely that she was lost.

With Heimdall's assistance, he was able to pinpoint her location. He charged through the palace until he reached the room that she was in. Before he opened the door, he paused upon hearing bits of a conversation. Did Jane just address Loki? He thought. Eavesdropping would not give him the answers he sought.

Without further hesitation, he opened the doors to find Jane and Odin. His brow furrowed as he approached them. "Forgive me, Jane, but did you just address my brother?"

Jane looked between Odin and Thor with an increasingly confused and frustrated expression. As she sputtered an excuse, Odin supplied a more concrete explanation.

"I think Miss Foster is still adjusting. Perhaps it would be best for her to get a good night's sleep."

"Yes, of course," Thor replied absently. Adjusting to Asgard could explain her nervousness earlier, but didn't quite clarify this current situation. He recalled her prior interest in Loki. Why did it seem that Loki was always on her mind since their arrival? Thor squelched any traces of jealousy and ushered Jane back to his room.

As they both lay down, Jane let out a nervous laugh. "You must think I'm crazy…I know it sounds insane, but I swear it was Loki and not your father I was talking to."

"It has been a long day," Thor said softly. "We can discuss this more in the morning." He kissed her forehead before rolling over and dozing off. Jane could tell by his tone that he didn't believe her.

By some miracle, Jane was able to fall asleep despite being plagued with concern and regret. Sunlight filtered through the window and reflected off all the golden accents on the walls and furniture. It felt as if she woke up in heaven.

The experience was enhanced as she turned over to find Thor still asleep. Despite his bulging muscles and facial hair, he still looked so innocent as he slept. Jane couldn't help but scan his shirtless body, feeling all thoughts regarding yesterday dissipating.

"I trust you are enjoying the view?" Thor mumbled, the corners of his lips turning upward.

Jane gasped and playfully hit his chest. "I thought you were asleep!" She was thankful that his eyes were still closed as a rosy blush crept across her cheeks.

"If there's one thing you should know about me," he said, sitting up, "it's that I do not require much sleep. I figured I would wait for you to awaken before getting out of bed."

"Such a gentleman," she laughed, stretching as she got out of bed. "So, what are we going to do today?"

Thor put on a leather vest and walked over to the balcony. There were so many places that he wanted to show her, which made it difficult to decide where to begin. As she reached for her jeans and t-shirt, he thought it would be best to take her to the tailor for some Asgardian clothes.

Once she was fitted, it took but a handful of minutes for the tailor to produce a dress made from the finest silk Jane had ever felt. Metal shoulder and breastplates completed her look. Of course, she'd seen herself in Asgardian wear when she was here the first time, but this felt different.

As she took in her appearance, Jane imagined what it would be like to rule alongside Thor. She stopped herself before her mind wandered too far. The thought of her being a queen was comical. She had neither the grace nor the knowledge of Asgard to be a queen. Besides, Thor already told her that he resigned his right to the throne.

"You look beautiful," Thor said, grinning.

She welcomed his presence, running over to him. "I definitely don't feel like such a weirdo anymore," she laughed.

"You never were a…weirdo," he replied, sounding somewhat confused when he used her vernacular. "I don't know about you, but I am famished. Will you join me in the great hall?"

Jane wasn't quite ready to face Thor's acquaintances so soon, but she couldn't deny that she was also rather hungry. She linked arms with him and walked to the hall.

They had arrived just in time for the main course – boar meat and various sides that both intrigued and revolted her. Jane focused on eating rather than conversing. She picked the most normal-looking dishes and started eating.

As bits and pieces of the surrounding conversation drifted through her ears, Jane started imagining images of Loki dying again. She imagined his corpse being brought back to the palace and then coming back to life once no one else was around.

She stole a glance at Odin, who was sitting at the opposite end of the table. He didn't seem to notice her staring as he conversed with what she assumed to be other royals or persons of power. Maybe she really was going crazy…

As she stirred a green pasty substance with some vegetables on her plate, an interesting thought formed in her mind. I don't know much about Norse mythology…but I wonder if they have any beliefs regarding ghosts. Maybe I'm just seeing his ghost… She thought.

Excusing herself from the table, she managed to find her way to the stable. She borrowed a horse and headed across the rainbow bridge. If anyone could give her answers, it would be Heimdall.

When she reached the domed gateway, Jane saw Heimdall standing as still as ever with his back facing her. "You seem distressed, Miss Foster," he said without turning around.

"That's a bit of an understatement," she said, catching her breath. "I have to ask you something, and I know it might sound crazy, but please, hear me out."

The desperation in her voice was unexpected. Heimdall stepped down from his post and approached her. "Ask me anything."

"You can see everyone and everything, right?" She waited for his nodded response before continuing. "Have you sensed or seen Loki since the day that he died?"

"No, I have not seen him since his death on Svartalfheim. It is worth noting that there have been occasions when he was able to hide himself from my gaze, but this time I believe him to truly be dead."

Jane could think of no reason for him to lie to her, which should mean that Loki really died. Even so, she needed to further explore the possibility of ghosts in Asgard. "Thanks, Heimdall. Anyway, I think I need to brush up on my Norse mythology. Think you could point me in the direction of the library?"

"Something tells me you seek more than mythology," he said, bright eyes burning into her. "What about Loki troubles you?"

She groaned. "I doubt you'd believe me."

"I cannot help you if you don't tell me," he replied.

She raked her fingers through her hair as she tried to figure out the least crazy way to explain the last 24 hours. "I don't know…I think I keep imagining Loki…walking and talking as if he were still alive."

"That is rather unusual," he nodded. "Perhaps the explanation you seek will be in the library's texts. I think you should address this matter with Thor if these images continue manifesting."

"Of course," she murmured. She thanked him once more before returning to the palace and heading straight for the library.

She wasn't sure how long she'd been gone during the time it took to meet with Heimdall. Under normal circumstances, Jane would've been bothered by the fact that Thor hadn't come to look for her. But now, she was almost thankful for his absence.

Much like the rest of the palace, the library was adorned with golden accents and elaborate décor. The shelves of books stretched up to the ceiling. Huge windows gave a wonderful view of Asgard, which was still grand enough to steal her breath.

Once she overcame her awe, Jane remembered what she was looking for. Without computers, though, she wasn't exactly sure how she was ever going to find something specific amongst hundreds of thousands of ancient texts.

Do Norse gods and goddesses even have books about themselves and their histories? She thought, feeling hopelessness creeping in.

As she browsed the aisles, she did her best to read the dusty spines of books and labels of manuscripts. After about forty-five minutes of searching, she stumbled upon something regarding the afterlife.

A large chunk of the book discussed a place called Valhalla. This was where warriors went after their death. As she read about this resting place, she wondered if Loki's death could be considered a "warrior's death."

He did die in battle, sacrificing himself to save her and Thor. But did that mean anything after taking into account all the terrible things he did? She continued reading and found a place called Helheim, but only those who die of old age or disease went there.

Just when she was about to give up, the next page seemed to hold some interesting information. Apparently undead creatures did exist in this realm. A draugr was the closest thing to a ghost – though it was best defined as an animated corpse that resembles his or her real life appearance.

Could this be what I saw? She wondered. It would certainly be a relief, if that were the case, but deep down she doubted it to be true. She saw Loki transform into Odin, which was a skill she doubted draugar had.

"If only my sons ever had such interest in studying," Odin said, laughing.

Jane nearly dropped the book she'd been holding as she glanced up to see him standing in front of her. A chill crept down her spine as she wondered how long he'd been standing there. Ignoring her discomfort, she tried to laugh, but it came out as more of a squeak.

"I just thought I'd learn a little more about your culture."

"Actually, I was quite the dedicated pupil. Thor, ever the witless brute, cared far more about fighting than studying," Loki said, sitting across from her.

Although she'd been looking right at Odin, she hadn't seen the transformation into Loki. It simply didn't make sense. How could Odin be standing there one minute only to be replaced flawlessly a moment later?

"Why are you doing this to me?" she asked. She rubbed her temples and closed her eyes, hoping that Odin would be sitting in front of her. Unfortunately, that wasn't the sight she saw when she reopened her eyes.

He didn't seem to have as much hostility as he did earlier. "I find it to be rather fun, watching you squirm as you try to use logic and books to explain this. Do you want to know the truth? I'm no ghost, Miss Foster. I never died."

As hard as it was to breathe, let alone think, Jane tried to explain these occurrences with the assumption that Loki was in fact still alive. He could create illusions – she learned that all too well when she watched him pretend to betray and attack Thor. Would it really be that hard for him to masquerade as Odin?

"You're pretending to be Odin," she said lowly, still processing everything in her mind. "That's the only explanation – and the only way you'd ever get what you wanted."

He clapped in a very slow and sarcastic manner. "Took you long enough, but alas I'm afraid this information won't exactly benefit you. As I previously stated, you're the only one who can see my true form. You can tell anyone the truth, but no one would believe you."

Jane knew that he was probably right. How could she ever prove anything when he was so good at creating illusions? She might be able to convince Thor if she tried hard enough, but would that be enough to put an end to Loki's scheme?

"I don't care how hopeless it seems, I will find a way to stop you," she snarled, hating the way he looked at her with such glee.

"Keep dreaming," he sneered. "I will enjoy watching you destroy what little relationship you have with Thor. Originally, I had planned on stealing you from him and breaking his heart…" He paused and leaned across the table, holding down both her arms. "Who knows, perhaps that could still happen."

She wanted so badly to slap that smirk off his face, but once more, his grip was too strong. So, she did the only thing she could think to do. She wore a smirk of her own before spitting in his face. However, he didn't recoil in disgust as she had expected.

His temporary surprise and anger reverted back to his apparently permanent look of demeaning amusement. "I'd reserve that energy, Miss Foster. You're going to need every ounce of it if you hope to survive what I have planned for you."

A/N: Will Jane be able to convince Thor that Loki's still alive and more dangerous than ever? It's going to take a lot of smarts to trick the god of mischief ;)

I had to do a bit of research for this chapter, but learned some interesting things. I don't know if "mythology" is the right word to describe the places or people Jane read about, but it's the only way I could describe it lol

Thanks to everyone who's read, favorited, subscribed, or commented. I'm really glad you're liking the story thus far.

If I could get 3-5 comments, I'd be super happy (and tempted to update sooner!)

XoXo Amber