Suburban Cyborg

by Gloria Martin

  “I don’t know what you speak of,” Loki pouted her pretty lips at the human.

  “I bet you don’t,” she muttered before she drove Loki to the hospital. She wasn’t truly sure what she believed about this woman. She just dropped out of the sky like some crazy thrill seeking sky diver, or a survivor of a plane crash. Now she was babbling that she was some kind of Norse god. Maybe the fall had messed up her head.

  “I do not like this transport,” said Loki, testily.

  “We’re nearly there,” said Alexis.

  Soon they arrived, and went inside. Alexis did her best to explain the situation, but it was hard.

  “Yes, she just fell from the sky,” Alexis said for the fifth time. “I don’t know what happened, but I saw her fall. I was filming for my nature film, and next thing you know a woman in a green dress just fell right in front of me and skidded into the dirt. It was a horrendous fall, At least 300 feet. I brought her here to be sure nothing was broken or that she didn’t have any brain damage. She’s claiming to be the Norse god Loki from Asgard.”

  The nurse replied to Alexis, “Ma’am, you must have been mistaken, because there are no signs of any breaks in her body. There’s also no sign of any damage in the brain. However, it is possible that something traumatic occurred and that is why she is indulging in this fantasy. Was there anything on her about a family?”

  “No, nothing but a coin purse with some old looking coins in it.” Alexis said with a sigh. “I don’t even know her. I was just trying to be nice.”

  “Well, we’ll see what we can do about locating her family. Do you want us to keep in contact with you?” the nurse asked.

  “Yes, let me give you my phone number.” Alexis took up a pen and wrote down her number for the nurse. She saw ‘Loki’ in a white hospital gown, looking straight at her. She waved to her. Alexis sighed and decided to at least say goodbye.

  “Daughter of John, these people gave me these garments to wear,” Loki said. She spun around to show that she had no underwear on. Alexis blushed brightly and looked away for a moment.

  “Listen.... uh... Loki... the fact is, I can’t stay here with you. These people are going to help you. They’re going to try to find your family to come and get you. I’m not sure what really happened out there, whether you fell or something else happened, but you need help. I hope your family comes for you.”

  “My family cannot come for me Alexis, daughter of John,” Loki said. “Nor would they if they could. My family is on Jotunheim, and they are fierce to behold. Believe me, you do not want them to come here. They would destroy Midgard in a matter of days. My blood brother Odin is the one who sent me here in his anger. For the next 100 years I am burdened to live in this realm as a woman.”

  “See, this is what I’m talking about. Loki... you’re not really Loki. You’re not some Norse God of mischief... I don’t know who you are, but you can’t be that.”

  “Why can I not?” Loki interrupted her, fire in her green eyes. “Why can I not be what I am? A god and a trickster.”

  “Well... because they aren’t real...” Alexis tried to explain gently. Loki chuckled.

  “You are without truth in this realm. Once there was a time when a god of Asgard would come to Midgard and be worshiped. Now I fall to this realm and I am lucky that you know my name.”

  “Listen, I really want to help, but I just don’t know what to do...” Alexis said.

  “Get me out of here,” Loki said, pleading in her green eyes. “Your Midgardian healers cannot help me... I need somewhere to stay. Can I stay with you, daughter of John?”

  “I...please stop calling me that. My father’s name is Mark. Just call me Alexis, ok?” she said. She rubbed her temples trying to think of what to do.

  “Look, maybe I can get you out of here, but I don’t know, you should be able to sign yourself out,” Alexis told him. “I’ll get a doctor.”

  Loki calmly explained to the doctor that she felt fine and was going to look for a nearby cousin who would be able to take her home. Since there was nothing noticeably wrong apart from a few scrapes and bruises that doctor let her sign herself out. Alexis led her back to the car.

  “You really expect me to just let you stay with me because you claim to be a god?” Alexis asked. Loki humphed and gave a pout.

  “Back in the day it was an honor to have a god stay at your home,” she said. “Thor and I would travel down to Midgard and be treated like kings.”

  “You really believe this don’t you? That you’re a Norse God?” Alexis looked puzzled.

  “Because that is what I am, though you will never live to see it, unless your age is extended,” Loki replied.

  She let out a sigh.

  “Fine. Let’s go to my apartment,” she said.

  “I am hungry. I need nourishment Alexis,” Loki said firmly.

  “I’ll make something when we get to my apartment okay?”

  Alexis drove out of the hospital parking lot.

  “This is an interminable wait, Alexis,” said Loki. “And this vehicle again, it displeases me!”

  “You’ll just need to practice some patience. We’ll be there soon.”

  “I hate to wait,” Loki crossed her arms over her large chest. “I never had to wait back when Midgard was young.”

  “Well, Midgard isn’t so young anymore and people don’t even believe in you and your kin anymore,” Alexis pointed out. “The reason I know is because I’m a substitute teacher. The stories are fascinating, but they aren’t true.”

  “Well, maybe to me, your stories aren’t true. Believe me, you don’t give birth to an eight-legged horse and just forget about it,” Loki said huffily.

  Alexis looked over at Loki, giving her a peculiar look. “You can’t expect me to believe that,” she said. “First of all, you’re clearly human, and second of all, with a figure like that you expect me to believe you gave birth to a horse?? If you really want me to believe you, show me that you can shapeshift.”

  “I was a horse at the time of the birth. It was altogether a rather dreadful experience and one I would not like to repeat.” Loki said. “And I cannot. Odin in all his wisdom saw fit to strip me of my powers. I could not even change my hair color if I wished it.”

  Alexis looked incredulous, but then she smirked a little bit.

  “So... what did you do to be stripped of powers, turned into a woman AND thrown down here to earth?” she asked as she parked the car. She looked at Loki, her blue eyes sparkling with a certain mischief.

  “I... tricked Thor into an engagement with a troll...” Loki said, looking embarrassed. “It did not go as planned.”

  Alexis snorted with laughter.

  “I thought Thor was already married to Sif. I imagine that didn’t go over well with her either. Anyway, come on, I’ll make dinner.” Alexis got out of the car.

  “Sif was indeed displeased. But then, Sif hasn’t liked me since the incident with the hair cutting,” Loki said, thinking aloud as she tried to get out of the car. She couldn’t for the life of her figure out how the car door worked.

  “You’ve certainly done your homework, I must say that,” Alexis said. She watched Loki struggle with the door and nervously tucked a piece of her short dark hair behind her ear. “Do you need help?”

  “Of course not, don’t be foolish!” the red-haired woman said as she struggled. “I do not see why you would even need such a contraception. Do horses no longer exist in this realm?” She began to bang on the door with her fists out of frustration. Alexis began to smirk. It was just so funny. She covered her mouth to avoid laughing before she walked over and opened the door. She pointed out the handle and showed Loki how to pull it.

  “Horses still exist, but it’s cheaper and more convenient to own a car,” she explained. “Come on Loki. You said you were hungry.”

  “Famished,” Loki said with a hand to her stomach. “I did not receive a chance to dine before my blood brother saw fit to cast me out.”

  “You’
re really going to stick this out?” Alexis asked. “I don’t know if you’re playing a trick or if you’re completely mad. You just don’t give up. I’m hungry too though, so let’s go.”

  Alexis led Loki up to her apartment. It wasn’t very big, just a few rooms.

  “It’s not much, but make yourself comfortable,” said Alexis. Loki looked around for a moment. She looked confused.

  “This is all?” she asked. Alexis scowled angrily, hands on her hips.

  “Don’t get all high and mighty with me,” she said. “I’m not rich or powerful, but at least I believe you.” She bit her lower lip thoughtfully before she spoke again. “Well... I don’t exactly believe you... but... kind of... I guess.”

  “I am the god of lies. I can tell when you fib,” Loki said with a sad sort of look. “You have not believed anything I have told you.”

  She sat down on the couch, twisting a long lock of red hair around her finger as she sighed sadly.

  “Midgard has grown into a godless land...” she said, looking very disappointed.

  “Well, I don’t completely not believe you...” Alexis said softly. She couldn’t help but agree. Earth had no real gods to believe in anymore.

  “What do you like to eat, Loki?” she asked.

  “Roasted boar has long since been my favorite,” the Asgardian said, with a slight smile at the prospect of food.

  “Pork it is then. We’ll have teriyaki stir fry.” Alexis got into her freezer and pulled out a pack of pork chops. “I can’t cook like a Viking, so try not to be picky.”

  “I am hardly a picky eater,” Loki said. “I am simply accustomed to higher standards. I dine at the high table, alongside the All-Father and his kin.”

  “And I dine at a coffee table with my cat, Coconut,” Alexis said. “Different standards, I get it, but you will just have to learn to get over it.”

  She went into her kitchen to begin cooking. It was half an hour later that she returned to find Loki lounging on the couch. She set a plate on the coffee table.

  “Sit up you ungrateful bitch,” she said, shoving her over. Loki wrinkled her nose and looked angry.

  “How dare you speak to me in such a tone, Midgardian! I should have your head!” she screeched.

  “But you have no powers so good luck with that, now eat your food,” Alexis said, rather peeved with her guest. Loki tucked her long red hair behind her ears and looked down at her plate.

  “What is that?” Loki asked. It was like no food she had ever seen before and she couldn’t help but be rather disgusted by it.

  “Teriyaki stir fry with rice,” Alexis said. “Try it, it’s good. Tomorrow I’ll see about a roast. I can’t just magically roast something. It takes like all day. Be grateful I feed you at all.”

  Loki stared blankly down at the plate. The small white grains looked like maggots and made her sick to her stomach.

  “Don’t be a baby. Just eat it,” Alexis said. She spooned some pork into a small dish on the floor. A puffy white cat seemed to come out of nowhere and began to devour the pork in the bowl. Loki looked at the puff ball of an animal in surprise.

  “What is that?” she asked.

  “This is my cat, Coconut,” Alexis said, petting the feline’s soft white fur. “She’s pretty friendly if you want to pet her.”

  Loki looked at the creature. She was unsure. It ate with such ferocity. In a way, although she knew this creature was feline, the way it ate reminded her of her son Fenrir. Poor, sweet Fenrir. Tears came to her eyes as she thought of him.

  “Hey... what’s wrong?” Alexis asked. “The food can’t be that bad.”

  “Your cat made me think of my son, Fenrir,” she said softly. “You seem very knowledgeable of the old tales... so I don’t need to explain to you.”

  Alexis did know about Fenrir. She had never thought about it from Loki’s perspective. Fenrir had always seemed like the bad guy. He was a giant wolf that everyone was afraid of. She never stopped to think that to Loki, that was his son. Loki wiped her eyes with her sleeve. She truly seemed upset.

  “If Coconut bothers you I can put her in the other room.” she said.

  “That’s not necessary. It’s just... when Fenrir was born he was about that size. He was just a little pup, but he grew so fast. He didn’t do anything wrong. Everyone feared his size and for that he was chained and left. He trusted Tyr, and he was betrayed. My sweet little puppy.”

  Loki began to cry. She covered her face to hide it, but her shoulders shook with silent sobs. Awkwardly Alexis brought an arm around Loki. She pulled her into a gentle embrace.

  “I can’t imagine what that must have been like,” she said softly. “I knew the story... but I never realized how upsetting that must have been to you.”

  “He was my first born. I loved him so dearly and they put him in chains. Then they banished my younger two children... Jormungand... I could visit him. He’s in this realm. Could we? Could we go to the ocean and see my son?”

  “Will he... recognize you, in this form?” Alexis asked.

  “He will know me,” Loki insisted, now rather excited.

  “Well you can’t just summon a giant serpent out of the ocean in broad daylight. It will cause mass panic!” Alexis said. She couldn’t believe that she was actually starting to believe him. She felt like a fool. Perhaps this was some sort of elaborate prank and a fake snake would come out of the water to scare her.

  “We could do it tonight; I must bring a present for him... Perhaps some veal…” Loki said, her eyes shining.

  “Look, things here on ‘Midgard’ cost money. It costs money to travel, and it costs money to buy veal... would just regular beef do? It’s cheaper. And I swear to god, if I buy you a chuck roast and you toss it in the ocean for no reason I will kill you.” She looked exasperated. “I... I’m kind of starting to believe you. I want to believe you I think... It’s sort of exciting.”

  “I do not understand why it is so hard for you to believe me. You have horseless carriages, a magic box that shows illusions, and can cook with no use of fire that I can see. Is it so hard for you to believe that the old gods may be real as well?” said Loki.

  “I... I want to believe it,” Alexis said, tucking her dark hair behind her ear. “I love the stories, and you seem so sincere. I just... my better judgment doesn’t want to let me believe it. I guess I’ll find the truth out if we travel to the beach huh? You still haven’t touched your food.”

  Loki looked back down at her plate. “I am... Unused to this sort of food,” she admitted. “I will make you a deal. If I eat this, you will take me to see my son, and acquire this... Roast for him” she said.

  Alexis sighed. “Technically it’s no skin off my nose if you don’t eat, you’ll just go hungry,” she said. “However... I’ll do it. I want to know once and for all what is true.”

  Loki smiled and nodded, looking once more down at her plate she took a breath before having a spoonful of the stir-fry. Alexis watched her carefully, wondering what she thought of the food. Coconut jumped up into her lap, demanding to be petted. Alexis did so, as she watched Loki.

  “Hey... if we’re traveling to the beach tonight... I’m going to take a little nap,” she said.

  Loki was busy stuffing her mouth with the food. It was much better then she had expected. She just nodded, mouth to full to speak

  “There’s more food in the kitchen,” Alexis told her, yawning lightly. “Help yourself.”

  Alexis scooped up Coconut and walked sleepily to her room. Loki nodded to her, wiping her mouth of the teriyaki sauce.

  “My thanks,” she said. Alexis stripped off her clothes down to her panties and bra and crawled into her bed with her cat. She yawned. It had been a long day and it was going to be a long night too.

  When Loki finished eating she looked around for a second bed. Unfortunately Alexis was, as she had said, not wealthy. Her apartment only had one bedroom. Loki shrugged. It was not odd for women to sleep together so she crept into the bedroom. Ale
xis was snoring softly into her pillow with Coconut, the cat on her back as she slept. Loki crawled into the bed beside her. Her body was warm and felt so good. Loki curled up close to her, her arm draping over her bare waist. Her skin was so smooth.

  “Mmmm....” Alexis mumbled, snuggling back into the warm embrace. Loki blushed slightly. The short-haired woman was actually rather attractive when she slept. She looked far more feminine like this; her features were softer and more beautiful. Loki leaned over her and leaned down softly to kiss her. Alexis’ eyes opened and widened as she felt lips against hers. She pushed the red-haired woman away.

  “What are you doing?!” she gasped, holding her pillow to her.

  “I… I desired to kiss you, because of your beauty,” Loki said. “Why are you so upset?”

  Loki looked like a wounded puppy as she stared at Alexis with her green eyes.

  “I... I’m sorry, I over-reacted a bit... but we just... we don’t just kiss people here,” she said, trembling a little bit. “And what are you doing in my bed?”

  “I was tired...” Loki said. “But... you are far prettier than I first thought. Your face is so soft, and feminine”

  Loki reached over to touch her face lightly, caressing the cheek and going down to her neck. Alexis closed her eyes, her head tilting to one side. It had been a long time since she had been with anyone, and she had never been with a woman before.

  “You’re not... using magic on me... are you?” Alexis felt like she had been drugged.

  “I have no magic to use,” Loki told her. She leaned in and kissed her again.

  “I shouldn’t...” Alexis mumbled against Loki’s lips.

  “Are you a man’s wife?” Loki asked, looking around a bit nervously.

  “No, I am not,” Alexis said. “But...”

  “But what? What’s wrong?” Loki pouted again. “I desire to pleasure you. It’s true you have been very kind to me, and I appreciate what you have done.”

  “Is this how you often repay favors?” Alexis asked, raising an eyebrow.

  “Only if the favor is especially great,” Loki said with a smile. “And yours has been especially great, Alexis. You are also very beautiful.”