Crows and grudges
Three weeks had passed since Thor recalled the battle the Biblical Faction had over him and no more new memories had resurfaced but much had happened since then.
The people of Asgard, warriors, and civilians alike, cherished the red-haired man. His socializing skills, knowledge of the Norse Faction, and magic had progressed rapidly. Rossweisse, being the master magician she was, could see his spells no longer backfired or use too much energy. He could name all Nine Realms and those who lived in them. Like the Elves of Alfheim or the Dwarfs of Nidavillir who began rebuilding the lower levels of Asgard after their kingdom was rebuilt thanks to Asgard and Vanaheim's help. Even though the Dwarven Kingdom was restored, Thor still had no solution for a permanent flame to keep the forges going forever. For now, they had to work with the fires Vanaheim provided them which could only burn for a week.
The greatest achievement Thor was proudest of was socializing. Yes, he could talk but it was never about the day to day topics of what was going on in Asgard. Mostly about training, sparing, and the missions he partook in. Now, thanks to the help of his family and friends he could hold a long and cheerful conversation about the economy recovering or sharing the hobbies he loved doing. Hobbies like tending the gardens with Freya, going for a ride on the plains with Tanngrisnir, or looking at the history of Norse Faction with Rossweisse.
The times spent together with the silver-haired warrior were memories he would cherish forever. He loved listening to her lectures on seals, the history of the Norse Faction, and the possibilities on who Asgard would ask to be allied with next. It was during one of these talks that he told her he was thinking about forming a team for such a task and offered to have her join but she turned it down saying her responsibilities are protecting the Royal Family. Although Rossweisse refused the offer she gave advice on saying the team would need to have people who are smart, brave, powerful, and those Thor trusts. Sigrun's political skills and battle prowess would be beneficial for the team but who else would join was unknown.
Only time would tell.
In his time not training he was away on missions dealing with monsters or the Fallen Angels who abandoned Grigori. The issue had been successful, mostly. Some returned to Grigori while the rest met a horrible end. Shenhazai, who was the Vice-Governor, wasn't pleased about how many Fallen refused to rejoin. With so many Fallen Angels dead, their numbers had dropped to the few hundreds. Extinction was a real possibility now.
And let's hope this will truly be the last group to deal with or Odin's plan for peace and coexistence will fail.
That is what Thor thought as he stepped out of the Bifrost, Jarnbjorn in hand ready for battle. Today the God had a job from Azazel; exterminate the last group of rogue fallen angels terrorizing a local town in Europe and rescue a hostage they had with them. Shenhazai, the Vice-Governor and a kind man to have a conversation with, had explicitly said no survivors were to remain of this group for the troubles they've caused and a companion or two to assist him. Of course, Rossweisse and Sigrun were the first to come to mind however neither Valkyrie could assist him. Sigrun was away on a mission of her own and Rossweisse was guarding Freya while she was visiting Vanaheim.
However, Thor knew someone who could fill the roles of both Valkyries.
Vandil, son of Aurvandil.
Lately, he had only been seeing the Jotun at Valhalla and felt bad for not talking with him more, today he would make up that lost time. When offering to let him join on this mission he immediately said yes and rushed home to prepare for the adventure as he called it. When Thor saw him waiting at the Bifrost he looked as if he was ready to go on a Viking raid. A helmet sat securely atop his head, metal armor made of chainmail covered his body and arms, a knife was tucked away into his belt and his great war-hammer slung over his back. There was no doubt in Thor's mind that Vandil would be of great help in their mission today.
"Despite my excitement to be working alongside my greatest hero and inspiration. I am appalled by these crow's actions. Only cowards use humans as hostages. When we confront them I wanna take their leader myself so he may feel Benbryter's wrath." The Jotun said exiting the Bifrost shortly after Thor had.
"He's all yours, my friend. What I want to know is why the Fallen Angel's would take a person hostage? Azazel said they never take humans unless their rogue Exorcist or Sacred Gear wielders. This hostage may have a Sacred Gear those Fallen Angels want."
"That means they may try removing it. Come, Thor, let us make haste!" The Jotun declared before taking off with speed that shouldn't have been possible in such heavy armor.
Poor Thor was forced to run twice as hard to keep up with him. Soon they reached the top of a hill overlooking the town the Fallen Angels were harassing. It was small by the looks of it, with only a few hundred buildings and a shopping center. Down there, somewhere in or around the town, hid their foe. If a Church is here then the search will be much easier otherwise the search will be longer.
"See anything unusual?" Thor asked, searching for any holy building.
"No." Said Vandil with a shake of his head, "We should have brought Tanngrisnir he could have followed the enemies scent back to their base."
Thor rolled his eyes, yeah sure let's bring along a giant goat that will help us blend in with the humans.
"Or we can rely on my tracking skills."
"You have tracking skills?"
"Yup. Father always took me on his hunts. Through those skills, I have become an excellent hunter."
"But Fallen Angels can fly. How can you track something which flies?"
"You'll see. Come, let us find these crows and save that hostage."
The Jotunn began searching the grounds around the town saying they would not enter until they found no trace of their enemies outside. He studied the earth and trees with great detail like an artist preparing a painting but so far he was finding nothing out of the ordinary. For two hours the search was like this and Thor began to worry. Did the Fallen already know about them coming and if the hostage had a Sacred Gear did they obtain already? If they were still here then they may be able to save that person.
"Look."
Thor turned his gaze to what Vandil was looking at. Lying beneath a tree was a handful of feathers. Vandil scooped them up and stared at them intently. After a long silence, the Jotun nodded to himself before speaking.
"They belong to Fallen Angels and fell recently. Either their base is close or one was in their area."
"I hope it's the former, otherwise we may have an innocent life be taken today."
"So do I, Thor. So do I."
The hunt continued for thirty minutes before talking could be heard up ahead. That better be the Fallen Angels, then the hunt could finally come to an end and they can save the hostage. Thor peeked out behind some bushes to see humans, police officers, standing around talking to one another.
"Any sign of her?"
"We've searched everywhere and found no trace. Not even the dogs can pick up her scent."
"Whoever these kidnappers were, they know how to cover their tracks. I still can't believe that happened…"
"The whole family except Alicia was murdered. If those kidnappers are ever found I hope they are given the death penalty."
"They murdered a family and kidnapped a child. Of course, they are."
"Do you think the kidnappers are still around?"
"I doubt that. Lingering in the town after murdering and kidnapping would be stupid. What I don't understand is the crow feathers at the crime scene? Is that supposed to be a joke by the kidnappers?"
"Your guess is as good as mine. However, if we find them we can get the answers we seek."
Thor shared a knowing look with Vandil. The house sounded like a good spot to do more searching. They have to be discrete about it though, they didn't wanna warrant any unwanted attention by the locals or the Fallen Angels. With that settled the two warriors snuck off into town, storing their weapons and armor into pocket dimensions and wearing normal clothes. Thor wore a simple back tank top and grey sport shorts while Vandil had a blue button shirt with tan pants.
After asking around about Alicia, they were pointed in the direction of her house. Once there they saw the front door was gone, the first-floor windows were broken and a gaping hole was in the roof. Stealthily they snuck passed the cops surrounding it and began searching around for more clues. Most of the furniture was destroyed or turned over by the fight that obviously happened when the Fallen Angels came for the girl. Thor stood by watching for any cops who would come to the house while Vandil continued his hunt.
Those Fallen Angels are going to pay for what they did to this family, I swear on the Allfather's name!
"Everything here is three days old. However, there is something I noticed which I'm sure the police have as well. The window to the kitchen is broken and outside are footprints. Leading into the forest. The foot size is small, a teenager. Alicia most likely."
Thor wasted no time in going to the kitchen to find the clues Vandil discovered. Soon he was following his friend into the forest where they kept going straight before sharply turning left before suddenly ending abruptly with no trace left behind. Alicia must have been snatched by a Fallen Angel flying by. The discovery of how she was kidnapped was solved now they needed to find the Fallen Angels hideout. That was the tricky part. There were no churches in the town or in the outskirts of it so what else could a Fallen Angel hide?
"You hear that!?"
Thor strained his ears to listen to what Vandil heard but couldn't hear anything except for the creaking branches in the wind, the chirp of birds, and other animals of the forest. What did Vandil hear that he could not? Suddenly the giant started running again, prompting Thor to sigh and start running again. At least this time Vandil saw his error and slowed his pace for the God to catch up. As he followed his friend he saw something flying through the trees. Squinting to get a better look, he saw it was a human shape with wings.
At last, we found them! Though Thor as his energy renewed at the possibility of finding the hideout and hopefully saving Alicia. On they ran following the Grigori traitor who was unaware of his pursuers. The pursuit continued for thirty minutes before the Fallen Angel descended to the earth in front of an old house covered in vines, obviously their base of operations and where Alica was.
The idea of rushing in and saving Alica plagued his mind but he knew such a tactic would be foolish. He had to be smart about this, smart and fast. If they waited, Alica may die if she wasn't dead already. Suddenly he saw an Exorcist exit the old building and speak to the Dark Angel.
"How is the ceremony proceeding?" The Fallen asked.
"We have not started yet but will be ready soon." Answered the Exorcist.
"You'd best hurry. The humans are still searching for the girl. Get Jehovah's Horn and give it to Yunkai as soon as possible. I need to scout the area again, I saw some suspicious people looking around the girl's house."
Thor shared a look with Vandil. So she did have a Sacred Gear and its name was Jehovah's Horn. Whatever its power was it would be used to terrible effect by these Fallen Angels. They had to act now and save Alicia. Speaking of Alica, it was obvious she would need Grigori's help with her Sacred Gear but would she allow herself to be trained by the people who murdered her family and kidnapped her?
Sitting here thinking it wouldn't give him the answer.
Before Vandil could stop him, Thor burst forth from the trees, summoning his weapon and armor for battle. With a cry sounding like thunder, Thor buried Jarnbjorn into the Fallen's head before he had time to react. The Exorcist was just as unlucky for he felt the power of a thunder spell at point-blank range.
"I can't wait to crush Yunkai's head," Vandil muttered as he followed Thor through the front door.
The two warriors ran down the halls, adrenaline pumping through them for different reasons; Thor to save Alica and Vandil excited for battle. As they turned down another hall Thor began to regret killing the Exorcist, he could have been used for information on where the ceremony was taking place. It had to be somewhere in this building, either the largest room or a secret underground base which they would need to find the entrance to, which would waste time in the rescue.
As they ran down a hallway the sound of chants and terrified screams could be heard nearby. It was Alicia and the ceremony began. They ran faster, following her cries for help before crashing through a set of double doors leading to a giant room. In the room was a small army of rogue Exorcists, about fifty to sixty and they were surrounding a cross that held Alica, her screams, and being drowned out by the chanting. Floating above them all were five Fallen Angels, the five Fallen Angels they came to eliminate.
"This party's over!"
Vandil's declaration had all eyes turned to the party crashers with many Exorcists freezing in fear. They heard the stories about the return of the God of Thunder and seeing him in the flesh made the former Church followers rethink their decision today. Their superior Fallen Angels, however, were unfazed by the intruders, two teenagers wouldn't stop their plan.
"Who are-" The six-winged Fallen began but stopped upon seeing Thor. His violet eyes widened as memories of old resurfaced. He raised a finger and pointed at him shouting in rage and surprise, "You!"
"Me." Thor grinned at Cadre's surprise, "We've come to stop your evil scheme."
"Stop us!? You should have joined us!" A female four-winged shouted, "Asgard should have helped us defeat our enemies instead of preaching about peace! You hate the Devils too! We could have destroyed them together!"
"Enough talk! Time to put you into your grave!" Vandil yelled before throwing himself at the Fallen Angels, slamming his hammer into the head of the female Fallen who just spoke. The force of the impact sending her spiraling across the room.
"Get the girl!"
Seeing Vandil had the Fallen's attention, Thor turned his to Alica who was watching in awe and hope they came to save her, which of course they would. Calling upon his magic, Thor jumped into the air, Jarnbjorn crackling with thunder as he brought it down upon the Exorcist. The strength of the impact coupled with the magic caused a miniature shockwave to erupt through the tiny army, they were flying with some dying. Some ran for their lives screaming for mercy and forgiveness for their Lord in Heaven while others stayed to fight on for their crow superiors. They were brave but foolish in thinking they could take him out, he had years of combat experience and a God.
It wasn't much of a fight. Any Exorcist who put up a fight was either punched by a fist or cut down by Jarnbhorn. Three tried to take him at once, one charging forward one flanking either side but like those who came before, they could not stand against the God of Thunder. As more Exorcist rushed him to bar his way to Alicia, his anger began to rise. He had to save her, prevent the Fallen Angels from taking her Gear, from taking her life!
When a holy sword grazed his left shoulder, his rage exploded out of him like a volcano. As his blue eyes flashed to yellow, his attacks became more brutish and wild. Heads rolled and limbs flew, with thunder crackling with each swing of the axe. With a roar of defiance, he slammed Jarnbjorn into the earth to send forth another shockwave that cleared the path to the cross. After removing a large brutish looking Exorcist of his head he finally reached Alicia.
Now that he was closer he had better look at her. She seemed to be around fifteen or sixteen years old with shoulder-length blonde hair and dark brown eyes. It seemed her kidnapping had happened a few days ago by the state of her condition. Seeing that she was bound by ropes he called for Vandil to give him his dagger, which he did after caving in the chest of another Fallen Angel. Quickly but carefully he cut the girl free of her bonds and when done she threw herself onto him, hugging him tightly and crying that she was free at last.
"Do not celebrate yet, Alica. For victory is not yet achieved." Thor said, removing the girl from him and turning back to stare down the few Exorcists who remained to try and stop him. Fools, all of them. They saw what he did to their comrades and what hope they would have against him and Vandil was taking on their Fallen Angel leaders alone. Despite being outnumbered and the Jotunn looked as if he was having the time of his life facing off against the crows. His latest attack had clipped the wing of one sending them spinning to the ground.
He watched the fallen foe jump back to their feet and prepare a spear to skew Vandil from behind with. So focused was her attention on the Jotun she did not realize Thor threw the dagger at her till it was buried up to the hilt into her head.
Thor wanted to help Vandil finish off the Fallen Angels but chose to stay on the sidelines to protect Alicia from attacks the Fallen Angel's might send her way. Plus Vandil really didn't need help, he stood up to five Fallen Angels and held his own.
Now only two remained. Fives minutes later none remained. The room was quiet now, except for the quiet sobs from Alicia. Storing Jarnbjorn into his pocket dimension, Thor pulled the girl into a comforting hug.
"There. There. Alica. It's okay now. You're safe."
Asgard
"The Fallen Angels were dealt with. None survive. There are still rogue Exorcists who fled the battle but they are no threat to us. Azazel has sent agents out to deal with them. The townsfolk are none the wiser on what happened to Alica and her family."
"And the girl?"
"Under the care of Grigori now. She almost had a panic attack when seeing Azazel. It's a good thing he calmed her down and explained he would help her. As for her Sacred Gear, it's called Jehovah's Horn with the power to create sonic blasts. Hopefully, she'll be given the help needed to control her Gear and adjust to her new life as an agent of Grigori…"
Rossweisse nodded solemnly. Lady Freya's visit to Vanaheim had gone well, no ruffians pilling towns or revolutions. She returned to Asgard seconds before Thor did and the two groups discussed their events outside the Bifrost. It was a shame Alicia lost her family but hopefully, she would recover and move forward.
"What happened in Vanaheim?" Thor asked as he followed the bodyguard across the Bifrost.
"Well, it was just a usual political meeting about ensuring the Nine Realms stay peaceful and warning them of assassination plots heard by Azazel's spies."
Sigurd grimaced. He remembered hearing about that on his first time in Downtown. He still couldn't imagine who would want to do something as stupid as that? Half the Faction leaders were Gods, some being the top ten strongest. An assassination would never work.
Speaking of Azazel, the Governor-General had returned to studying Sacred Gears now that the trouble with his own Faction had been settled. In the many times visiting Grigori Thor had met many humans in the organization which surprised him. He thought it was only just Fallen Angels but humans were part of the faction. They were Azazel's agents, spies, and assassins to deal with threats to not just his Faction but to the world itself.
Azazel wanted peace but felt it wasn't the right time to offer it to the Devils and Angels, not until something big happened. What that exactly was he wasn't sure but once it did then he would have peace between his fellow Christian Factions. Hopefully, Asgard would set aside their hate like Azazel and try making peace with the Devils. Thinking of that prompted a sigh from the warrior to which Rossweisse asked.
"What's wrong?"
"Asgard, Rose. That's what's wrong. Asgard's reason for hating Devils is ridiculous. Why should they hate the Devil's for making a clone of Muspelheim's king?"
"Because it spits on Thor's sacrifice." A sharp voice answered.
Brynhildr stood before them at the steps leading up to the city, a frown upon her face. "We hate the Devil's for creating that abominable clone of Surtr because it means Thor's death was in vain."
"But he saved Asgard and slew Surtr in the process. When I joined Asgard, many accepted me as the new Thor without a second thought but when it comes to this Surtr clone, everyone curses the Devils for creating it. How do you even know that clone is like the real Surtr if you've never met him? You don't know how he acts or what he looks like. Asgard's hatred is one of the reasons preventing peace from existing."
With that, the warrior walked past Brynhildr, who was speechless at his words. Rossweisse meanwhile was processing Thor's words carefully. Yes, Surtr Second was an insult to Asgard but he was just a clone, a fake, a copy of the original which Asgard shouldn't worry about. Surtr Second was a Devil not the King of Muspelheim with plans to destroy Asgard and cause Ragnarok.
"Thor."
"You know I'm right Rose. Asgard is holding onto a false hatred that is preventing them from making peace with Devils. They need to put this hatred aside and make peace with them. Just as they did with Grigori."
"Grigori came to us with the offer of becoming allies, not us." Rossweisse corrected.
"Either way, if we can be allies with Fallen Angels, then we can do the same with Devils."
"But not with the Church?" It was brief, but she saw a flash of anger pass over his face. There it was; his hypocrisy."You talk about making peace with the Devils but not the people who you were a test subject for?"
"That's entirely different."
"No it isn't. You are just like Asgard. You still hold a grudge against them. The people of Asgard do not forgive and forget so easily. Surtr's invasion is still a fresh memory for those who witnessed it. It took Asgard centuries to become allies with Vanaheim after they made peace. Now, as then, they hold a grudge with Devils and Angels, more specifically, the Church. I know you hate the Church for what they did to you but you must come to terms and acknowledge them as friends if peace is to be achieved."
The Prince of Asgard listened to the Valkyries' words but did not reply. She was right, he had to make peace with the Church but he couldn't - no- wouldn't do it. Not after treating him like a lab rat. However, if he didn't then Odin's goal for peace won't come true.
"If you won't forgive them you can at least tolerate them if we become allies."
Thor glanced at Rossweisse. Tolerate the Church? Forgiveness and tolerance were very different but Asgard was tolerating Grigori despite the splitting within the Faction and evil deeds they committed. If an alliance is made with the Church he would abide by them but make sure to stay as far away from their members.