Trouble in Asgard! When Sirzechs and his family attend a festival in Asgard and speak to Odin about become allies. Millicas, and an Elven princess Eivor, are kidnapped by a band of Jotnar. Not wanting conflict to happen between Asgard and the Underworld as well as seeing a child getting hurt, Thor volunteers to go save the boy. Knowing his friend has never been to Jotunheim and his tracking skills will be needed, Vandil accompanies his friend. Also joining them in the rescue is Azazel's hybrid son, Azrael! Together, the God, Giant, and Fallen Angel begin a hunt across the Land of the Giants to rescue The Strongest Satan son!
With that intro out of the way we can begin our stories but first review replies!
MobsterLuffy02: I agree, not a big fan of the recent AC games but the music will still be great to listen too.
Lorenzo Macchiavelli: I'm glad you enjoyed the surprise about Azazel having a son. It always made me wonder how and why he never had one with all the women he slept with lol. Hopefully he will become a likeable character, depending on how well I write him.
merendinoemiliano: Thank you for the kind words. Always fun to see your reviews.
Terror: You do do you? Or maybe it is Koll of the White Fang Clan.
Nazgul60: Aww thanks, I try my best. The relationship between Thor and Rose will grow in due time. As for Thor's past...that will catch up to him eventually. I hope you enjoy this little adventure and coming Excalibur Arc.
Millicas lay in a dark and troubled dream: it seemed that he could hear his own small voice echoing in the black crying Beowulf, Beowulf! Instead of Beowulf hundreds of hideous faces grinned at him out of the shadows, huge arms grasped at him from every side. Where was Beowulf? He woke to warm air blowing on his face while lying on his back, it was day and the sky above was shining brightly with white puffy clouds floating above. As he turned about he found his wrists, legs, and ankles were tied with cords and all about a great company of Jotun sat or stood.
Slowly in Millicas' aching head the memory returned. Of course: he and Beowulf had been led down an alleyway by a Jotun saying it was a shortcut to get a better view of the light show. Suddenly Giants came out of the shadows rushing the Devils like stampeding bulls, Beowulf prompted himself to Rook and fought like a rabid dog to protect the little boy and ordered him to run and run he did but right into the arms of a Jotun! Millicas did not remember much more. His last memory was watching helplessly as the Pawn was overwhelmed by the enemy and beaten nonstop; then darkness fell suddenly.
"I suppose I was knocked on the head", he said aloud to himself. "What happened to Beowulf? Why didn't the Giants kill us? Where are we, and where are we going?"
"'You are in Jotunheim," Whispered a voice, "And I would speak more softly unless you want to arouse them."
Millicas turned over and saw laying beside him a green-haired girl also bound with cords, she was older than him by a couple years and the pointy ear indicated she was an elf. On her head was a nasty bump but would heal eventually. The little Devil kept a calm face but inside he was panicking, he and the Elf were kidnapped by Giants and taken to their Realm but for what? Further questions were halted when he heard yelling, daring to take a peak he inched his head slightly to see a group of Jotunar bickering among themselves. Each one was a different shape and size but one stood out the most. Despite his advanced age he still bore muscles that could break chains by flexing and a full head of black hair styled in a mohawk, he wore a white wolf fur for a cloak and bore the tattoo of a white wolf on his shoulder.
"Nyngi, you were supposed to bring them unspoiled!" Said the one with the white wolf tattoo.
"My apologies, Chief Koll!" Whimpered the second, "But they're alive, aren't they? We got them here without a fuss, didn't we? We can heal them with my company, Nyngí."
"No." Said Koll, "We cannot linger. We are still in enemy lands. We need to get going then we rest."
"And after that?" Asked the third.
"We go to the mountains."
"That's not your territory." Said the third, "Why the mountains?"
"You made sure you weren't followed?" Koll asked in return.
"Of course!" Replied Nyngi, "Nobody saw us take the Elf and the little bat. His escort was put down easily."
Millicas' felt his blood freeze as fear filled his heart. They didn't kill Beowulf, did they? He was just a Pawn but one of the strongest in the Underworld, there's no way they could have killed him so easily.
"I hope so. If they discover what we did then not only will all of Asgard come chasing after us but even the Devils. You've heard the stories of how powerful that Lucifer Devil is he could possibly destroy all of Jotunheim."
Nyngi scoffed, "He wouldn't be dumb enough to try that. If he destroyed this realm it would cause a catastrophe so great the World Tree itself may be harmed."
Millicas turned back to look at the Elf, why did they need her? Was she important like him? Did she come from Alfheim?
"Who are you?" He finally asked in a whisper.
"My name is Eivor Olafsdotter, I'm the second daughter of Olaf, king of the Boreal Forest, sister of Ylva Olafsdotter, heir to the throne. I don't know why they want us but an Elf princess and Devil prince will make fine hostages to bargain with. If we are to be bartered, what for? A weapon, money, or perhaps someone important?"
"It could be either of those. I just hope Beowulf is ok…"
"I'm certain he will be healed. Since we are being pursued they must have found him. I just hope they can pick up our trail."
While Eivor spoke Millicas' tiny mind worked fast on what he could do to help Asgard follow them. Suddenly an idea came to mind. Looking about to see nobody was looking he scooted closer to Eivor until her hands were near his left coat pocket.
"I have something in my pocket, try to grab it and drop it before we are carried off again." He whispered.
"Enough talk. Get the prisoners we will run until I say we halt." The white wolf chief ordered. "And sure the prisoners are comfortable."
Millicas kept still and silent as he and the girl were each hoisted onto the shoulder of a Jotun. Once secured the party began heading north at a steady pace, ensuring their captors were comfortable. The young Devil's head swirled with more questions; where were they going, who was Koll, and more importantly was Beowulf alright?
"Look!"
At that moment all heads turned in the direction of where the Jotun was pointing, off in the distance to the west in a forest came a beam of energy the color of the rainbow. Millicas could hear the two Giants he overheard from before now arguing but he didn't care what they said for his heart scored with joy. Help was on its way!
Koll turned his yellow eyes to the Nyni, "You lied! You said you weren't followed!"
"We weren't! The illusion spell worked!" Nyngi protested.
"They obviously found Beowful because you imbeciles didn't take him with you! Now we'll have to leg it! We can't let Asgard or the Thunderbolt clan catch us! Get the prisoners and let's get going!"
"But we need to recover!" Protested Nyngí, "Many of us still feel the pain Beowulf inflicted."
"You can lick your wounds when we reach Koll." Growled Koll, "Move out!"
With that, the company began running like rabbits chased by hounds. The sight of the Bifrost filled them with terror knowing Asgard was after them for kidnapping the children and no quarter would be given if caught. The more distance they gain the better a chance they would have of losing whoever was after them. Whoever Asgard sent was a mystery but they would be too late to rescue the children. As they ran some of the Jotunar began to tire, those who had fought Beowulf were starting to lag behind due to their injuries but Varnir did not halt for them to catch up, the company continued to run leaving their wounded comrades in the dust.
In the forest
Tanngrisnir silently exited the Bifrost, his nostrils sniffing the air while his master sat atop within the saddle. He had been given a bushel of apples to eat before he was hastily taken out of his pen and saddled up. The goat knew his master, Thor, was in need of him and was proven right when he was led to the throne room to see Thor and an Elf talking, something about the Elf not coming on the mission. The mission he discovered was to Jotunheim in search of the Elf's sister and a Devil child both kidnapped by Jotunar led by Koll. Tanngrisnir knew right away he would be carrying his master across the Land of the Giants until they rescued the children, a task he would not fail at.
"Welcome to Jotunheim!" Vandill said, "The Land of the Giants is similar to Midgard, grassy plains, mountains, forests, rivers, and lakes."
"But no oceans?" Asked Thor while adjusting the reins on Tanngrisnir.
"None."
"Are you sure Heimdall sent us to the right location?"
"You do not trust the Guardian of Bifrost?" Thor asked the Fallen Angel.
Many times Azazel shared his experience with harems to Vidar, a topic Thor and Rossweisse did not enjoy listening to so when the Governor-General introduced his biological son Thor wasn't surprised by the news. With all the women he slept with, Azazel would eventually conceive a child accidentally, something he admitted was surprised to discover. How and when he discovered him was a tale Thor was looking forward to hearing about, first, however, he had to rescue Millicas and Eivor. Before he departed for the Bifrost Ylva, after drying her tears, offered to help but Thor denied the request saying only those chosen for the mission will go. The seriousness he saw in the old pervert was what he had hoped to see since awakening in Asgard, the Allfather was said to be wise, powerful, and serious, and some of that had leaked out when Millicas and Eivor were kidnapped. Was his perverted antics a facade to hide the legends about him or had it faded away when peace came to the Nine Realms?
"No." Said Azreal, "But I'm sure they saw the Bifrost and must be running now. We should have been sent somewhere else before beginning the hunt."
"It's better this way, otherwise I won't be able to track them and Tanngrisnir can't smell them." The Jotun said as he led the God and Fallen Angel out of the forest onto a wide grassy plain, "Let's start searching."
The Giant began searching all about for any clue that would point them in the right direction, sometimes he would get on his hands and grope in the grass or lay his head on the earth for so long his companions assumed he must have fallen asleep. While Vandill searched the earth, Tanngrisnir held his head high sniffing the air for anything unusual and Azrael took to the skies flying high to get a better view of the area. For a long while they searched until Tanngrisnir gave a cry and began to speed off to the east, the goat's sudden action making his rider nearly fall off and his friends to give chase in wonder and hope at what he found.
"Easy Tanngrisnir!" Cried Thor gripping the reins tightly.
The goat ran for some time before cresting a hill and halting in his tracks stamping his hooves and sniffing the air again, Vandill and Azrael coming up behind. The area was barren with no sign of life anywhere, at least that's what Thor and Azazel saw. Vandell's brow knitted together as he began surveying the ground carefully for a while before addressing his comrades.
"Tanngrisnir has caught a scent. Possibly a Jotun of Koll's band and I know he or she has been here, the grass has prints left in it, heavy prints, those left by boots. And look, footprints are not the only thing among the grass." He stooped to pick it up and held aloft a tiny wooden object.
"A wooden totem!" Cried Thor and Azrael together.
"This was not dropped on accident. Either Eivor or Millicas left it as a sign showing they are alive and which way the White Fang are heading…" Vandill brought the totem to Tanngrisnir for him to sniff, "This is good tidings. Now we have a chance to lessen their lead!"
"But we do not know how long ago this was dropped or which way they went or how far they are from us." Said Azrael.
"Tanngrisnir can follow the scent easily enough, we follow him and we find the children." Said Thor, "Come! Let us follow the trail and make such a chase as shall be accounted a marvel among our people Gods, Jotun, and Angels. Forth the Three Hunters!"
Kicking Tanngrisnir's sides the goat sprang forward in the direction Millicas sent went, Vandill following close behind and Azrael keeping up with his wings. The woods had long vanished over hills, the plains went on for miles leading to whatever awaited on the horizon. They ran on for a mile or more westwards, never stopping, hearts burning to save Millicas and Eivor. The trio agreed before leaving Asgard they would travel light and not stop for rest, if they were to catch up to the enemy they needed to cover as much ground as possible. Azreal voiced concern for Tanngrisnir and Vandill but the Jotun reassured him that both his kind and Tanngrisnir do not tire easily, both could run for many hours without pause, a feat that made Jotunheim Giants so formidable.
They crested another hill and Vandill looked to the sky, "The sun is reaching the afternoon hours. By now it will be two hours after midnight in Asgard and five o'clock in the morning in Norway. We have to hurry!"
"You never told us why this Koll is so dangerous, Vandill? Will you share what you know of him?" Asked Thor.
"Koll is one of the most ruthless Giants in Jotunheim. My father said he was a war chief in the old Jotun Empire. After its collapse, he formed his own clan, the White Fang, and prefers to cling to the old ways. That means sacrificing prisoners for rituals or attacking other Jotun to gain more power for his clan, which he has done to many. He has himself a small army but it's not strong enough to attack the larger clans or Asgard."
"Is he gonna sacrifice Millicas and Eivor?" Azrael asked.
"I hope not. Whatever he is planning, we - what's that up ahead!?"
"I'll check it out," Azrael said and he flew off ahead to see whatever was on the horizon. It wasn't long until he returned, "I think we just found our prey."
Hope filled the hunter's hearts, now they just needed to catch them. They pushed themselves as fast as they could even as the sun began to set, they couldn't stop, not yet, not until they succeeded. The sun was down and the moon was steadily rising while dark clouds loomed overhead. Soon they descended into a valley full of rocks but halted when Vandill surveyed the ground.
"Oh no…" He said after a long silence, "The tracks go in separate directions and I don't see any prints belonging to Millicas or Evior."
"So the trail is cold now? We don't know which way they were carried off?" Asked Thor with grit teeth.
"I do not want to deny it but I'm afraid we have lost the trail."
"Our choice then is to either follow one or split up."
"There are too many trails leading in all directions and neither of you knows how to track as I do."
"Then what do we do? We agreed not to rest until we found the children. If we rest we will lose time in tracking them." Said Azrael
"We are already wasting time standing here debating." Thor said, "You can rest if you want but I choose a trail and not rest until I find where it leads."
"Stay, Thor!" Vandill ordered, "We can't rush off into the dark. If we follow a wrong trail we will have to backtrack to follow a different one and if it rains the tracks will disappear. I can't believe I'm saying this but we must rest for the night. I'm sorry."
Grumbling about the choice to rest, Thor dismounted Tanngrisnir and stroked the goat's head for his hard work for today before laying beside a rock. He noticed Azrael clearing a patch of grass with magic and afterward summoned fur costs, wood, lighter fluid, and a lighter. Didn't they plan to travel light?
"Father suggested I bring these along, just in case for a moment like this."
Thor smiled, "Azazel is prepared for anything, isn't he? Say, how is it the Governor-General conceived you? He always talked about his harems but I never thought he actually had a son?"
Azrael chuckled as the attention was centered around him, he knew they wanted to know about him, and now it was a good time. After making the campfire he sat on the ground and began to tell the tale.
"Well…" He stated, "This was long after he disbanded the harem and focused on his research for Sacred Gears. I guess one day he missed the pleasures of sex and decided to, as he said, 'Take a trip down memory lane' and sleep with a woman who became my mother. How did she and I know I was part Fallen Angels? Because when I was five or six, I had tiny wings sprouting from my back. You can imagine the fright it gave me and my mother. She didn't know because her memory was erased of the night my father slept with her. Eventually, I learned how to fly and I was stronger and faster than normal humans, in the end, my mother chose to keep this secret. It was going well, till one day when I was twelve, a robbery was going on at the local bank. I was there to get cash. Anyway, I didn't want to see the people of the town harmed so I leaped into action, taking out each thug as fast as I could. The thugs and townsfolk were quite surprised to see I wasn't normal and it sent the last thugs running for their lives. The news of a Fallen Angel protecting a town was what brought me face to face with my family. Of course, I wasn't happy to know Azazel was my father but in time I learned to accept it. Anyway, he offered to take me in and teach me how to properly use my powers."
"Which you did. Otherwise, you wouldn't be here with us." Vandill said.
"Yes. The hardest choice was to wipe my mother and the whole town's memory of me. It still hurts me to this day…" He paused to collect himself before continuing, "So I joined Grigori, met many Fallen Angels, including Baraqiel and Kokabiel, whom I hate the most, and many Sacred Gears wielders too. Father trained me since I was fourteen and I learned quickly. Which was lucky to do, since I had to not only train, but learn about the Supernatural world and still attend human school. I insisted he enrolled me in a human school. I still want an education. I arrived late to the Aurora Borealis Festival and stumbled upon poor Beowulf sometime after he was attacked."
"And now where we are, in Jotunheim attempting to save Millicas and Eivor." Said Thor, "by your age, you seem to be a year younger than I. I guess Azazel's smarts passed on to you."
Azrael laughed, "They did. I learned everything quickly and now have the skills to help you save the children."
"And we look forward to fighting with you.." Vandill said, "Now let us sleep. We must leave early if we are going to catch our prey."
Not far west
Earlier that day the Jotunar had run until descending into the same valley full of rocks Thor and his friends now slept. Eventually, the stragglers caught up to them, panting and cursing their fellow Giants for leaving them behind, which they ignored. When told they were being pursued by the God of Thunder, panic erupted among the company before Koll restored order and told them to split up before regrouping in two hours, a plan many did not agree to.
"We aren't going further till we've had a breather!" Complained Nyngí again.
The chieftain glared at him, "Then stay here and wait for the Aesir. We won't stop till we are far away from them!"
Rounding up his warriors from the White Fang they trooped out of the valley carrying the prisoners so as to not let their footprints be spotted among the tracks. They trekked along the plains once more, never stopping despite the sourness building up within their muscles, gaining distance from the God of Thunder was more important. As the setting sun's rays began to fade behind the horizon the allies of the White Fang finally caught up to them, unfortunately, the panting and sluggish movement said they had little time to patch up their wounds or rest. Nevertheless, they, like the White Fang Giants, pressed on until Thor lost their trail, how long before he regained the trail that would be was anyone's guess. After some running, the company reached a large lake, it spanned for miles and beyond the horizon to the east, on the north side were great mountains covered in trees.
"This is where we make camp." Koll said, "We rest here and then we go into the mountains."
While the Giants set up camp for the night, Eivor and Millicas were set left alone beside a campfire recently made, all-day either said a word to each other for fear of being overheard by their captures.
"So," Whispered Millicas to the Elven Princess once he was sure nobody would hear them, "Do you think Lord Thor found your totem?"
"I hope so," Eivor answered, "Otherwise will soon be in the clutches of a vile Jotun. The White Fang clan and their leader Koll are a wicked bunch who rule by strength. I hope we are saved soon. I do not think my courage can last much longer. I wanna go home…" The corner of her lips trembled.
"Do no fear," Said Millicas, "We will be saved and once so reunited with our families!" Brave as it sounded the little prince himself was growing concerned about if they will be saved in time.
Silent minutes passed as the Jotun's set up camp with what equipment they brought along until it was broken by one of the smaller Jotun who bore a nasty bruise on the face by Beowulf.
"I'm starving. We haven't had anything since the kidnapping." Gamau complained.
"Yeah! Why can't we have some meat?! " Said Nyngí, the little boy froze when the Jotun's eyes laid upon him and Eivor, "What about them? They're fresh."
Fear gripped Millicas heart for a moment before Koll stepped forward, a deep scowl upon his face, and sword in hand, "They are not for eating."
"Come on, Koll! We are starving!" Agreed Gamau as he came up from behind Nyngi.
"What about their legs? They don't need those. They look tasty." Gamau said, drawing a knife as walked towards the children, mouth-watering at the prospect of getting some meat.
"Get back, scum!" Koll roared as he threw Gamau back, his shout drawing the other's attention and a rift to form between the parties, the White Fang on the left with Nyngi and Gamau's clans on the right, curses were flung at the other while weapons were drawn for the battle Millicas knew was coming, "The prisoners must be presented alive and unspoiled."
"Alive?" Repeated a clansman from Nyngi's as he gave an inquisitive look at the Devil and Elf, "Why alive?"
"Because these are my orders." Koll answered, "We are taking them to another, stronger and smarter Jotun who dwells in the mountains. Your questions will be answered tomorrow once we rendezvous with him. So put your weapons down and rest up."
"Now that's odd," Eivor whispered, "Someone giving Koll orders? Hopefully, we will know who the true mastermind behind this kidnapping is."
Before Millicas could reply his heart sank into his stomach as he felt a large hand grab his shoulder, turning his head he saw Gamau standing behind him.
"Just a mouthful…" He said, raising his knife to cut the prince.
The red-haired boy watched the knife prepare to be lowered when a huge sword came into his view and cut Gamau's head clean off. Blood sprayed everywhere like a fountain as Gamau's head went flying through the air, the look of surprise stuck on his face as the head bounced and rolled away into the dirt. The Devil stood rooted to the spot as blood rained down upon his face while the headless Gamau collapsed before his feet.
"Looks like meat's back on the menu, boys." Koll declared as he cleaned the blood off his weapon.
The other Jotun's cheered as they rushed the corpse tearing it apart to eat raw or roast on the fires, poor Millicas was speechless at the violence unfolding before him, and Eivor looked away feeling sick at the sight.
"And that goes for the rest of you. You hurt the hostages, it's your head." Said Koll before adrenaline Millicas, "Boy, don't stand there like a petrified tree, we have a lake that way. Get a rag and clean yourself up."
Millicas grabbed a rag and went to the lake, once at the lake he wet the rag and brought it to his face. He winced, it was icy cold but he persisted and wiped his face and hair clean of the blood. He was lucky it was fresh otherwise he'd have red spots dotting his face with a darker shade of red to his hair. He sighed as he looked at the sky's reflections on the lake, the stars flickered overhead and the moon was barely visible through the clouds. This was not how he expected his visit to Asgard would go, here he thought it would be a fun festival and it was until being kidnapped.
The more he stared at the reflection the more his thoughts wandered to questions. What were his parents thinking right now? Why did Thor come and not his father? How far was the God of Thunder from him?
Lord Odinson, I hope you can save me and Eivor soon…
The next day
Thor was rattled awake by a loud cry from Tanngrisnir, the goat was on his feet, nostrils flaring, legs spread apart, and head lowered to use his horns, the signs showing he was ready for battle. The God of Thunder was on his own feet with his axe in hand as he cried for his friends to wake up, it was still dark but soon dawn would come. Whatever or whoever Tanngrisnir smelt, hopefully, he or she or it would be a friend, he followed the goat's gaze to where they entered the valley and eventually a figure appeared, followed by another, and another, until about twelve strangers came slowly down the hill, their weapons sheathed and their leader holding his hands up in sign of peace.
"Father!" Vandill cried that was more than enough for Thor to lower his guard, "You received the Allfather's message?"
"I did. I had to hurry to assemble a war party to track them. We found signs of their presence passing through my territory leading into this valley. I'm surprised you are camping instead of tracking them. I thought I taught you how to track in the dark."
"They are trying to deceive us. There are trails leading every direction out of the valley. We had to stop to figure out which trail to follow."
"I thought I taught you that each trail isn't the same. If you look closely you will see that each one is different." The eight toed Jotun said before surveying each trail leading out of the valley, "Yes, it's just as I thought. Each footprint is different, some are small and some are large. Koll and his clansman are known not just for the white wolf tattoos but their large feet. Koll only wished to have strong Jotuns and I have found his trail."
"Are you sure it is his?" Thor asked as he mounted Tanngrisnir.
"I have confronted Koll many times, Son of Odin, and if I know him he will most likely be the one to take the children. Now, let us hurry, we will help you save the children and if we must, kill Koll."
Aided by Aurvandill and his war party, the three hunters quickly broke camp and followed the chief of the Thunderbolt clan to wherever the White Fang clan went. As the sun began to rise, they reached a lake overlooked by mountains where a small company of Jotunar, about fifty or so, gathered together, some were on guard keeping a lookout for them but no sign of Millicas or Eivor. They were too late again, the White Fang Clan must have departed earlier and kept their allies behind to keep watch for when they arrived.
"What do we do?" Whispered Vandill to his father.
Thor stared down the tiny army of Giants, some were large and some small, it was no wonder they managed to beat Beowulf, there were so many, but Beowulf was a Devil, not a God, Thor, however, was a God, the God of Thunder, and nicknamed Giantsbane in the Land of Jotunheim.
"We get our answers." Said Thor spurring Tanngrisnir forward, ignoring the cries of stop by Vandill.
The Giants were too slow to react to the goat's speed, Tanngrisnir charged through the Jotun's ranks, able to stop him, behind him, the Thunderbolt clan and their chieftain came crashing into the enemy like a title wave. The God of Thunder spotted Vandill taking down a Jotun with a swing of his hammer but unaware of his attacker from behind, thinking quickly Thor threw his axe burying it deep into his back before throwing his hand out to recall his axe, Jarnbjorn erupted from the dead giant and spun through the air back to him. Not far he caught sight of Azreal ramming a spear into his opponent before turning his attention to another, Vandill he knew was already a skilled combatant but he was quite surprised how swiftly each foe Azreal faced was taken down, Azazel trained his son well. Thor killed more and more Giants left and right until eventually, the enemy submitted, throwing themselves to the ground crying for mercy.
"I'll make this short and simple," Said Thor once he had their attention, "You will be spared and allowed to go home to your clans but only if you tell me one question; where did the White Fang clan take Eivor and Millicas?"
"Koll just left. He ordered us to stay here to keep watch while his clan went into the mountains." Said a Jotun within the crowd.
With one look at his father, Vandill took off towards the mountain disappearing into the trees. It was up to his son to find out where Koll is and stall him until the others arrive. Hopefully, he hasn't met with whoever it was that ordered the kidnapping but if he did then would get the answers as to why the children were kidnapped.
"Go home and let this be a lesson to never act against Asgard or the Underworld." Said Thor, keeping a close eye on them so as to not get attacked from behind. Once out of sight Thor turned his eyes to the mountain, up there was Eivor and Millicas in Koll's clutches.
"Let's finish this," Azreal said, spreading his wings and flying as fast as he could to find Vandill.
In the mountains
Eivor trudged along the cliffside, her captors guiding her up the path they walked. Early that morning she and Millicas were carried until reaching a stony path which forced the children to walk on their own for the path was narrow at some parts. If this wasn't a hostage crisis she would stop and take in the view, it truly was beautiful to look upon; the mountains reflected off the lake with foliage surrounding them on all sides. If they are ever rescued she would take that opportunity, but not before asking Millicas. Through the time they had alone, the young Elven princess learned more and more about the little Devil like how his parents met or his aunt's becoming the next heir of the Gremory clan.
She had never met a Devil before and her first experience with them was the opposite of what she was told; Millicas was not arrogant or power-hungry but kind and prideful of who he is. Pride was a sin all beings had even if they denied it. The little boy, while scared, was being so brave in this situation and encouraging her with the hope of rescue.
Will we be rescued?
No sooner did she think that a cry of pain was heard from the front followed by another and soon the sound of battle was heard, they were being attacked or hopefully rescued. Peaking around one of her guards the Elven princess saw a Jotun be knocked over the edge by a hammer swing to the head, his screams echoing as he fell down into the forest, the attacker was another Jotun, a younger one by how old he was. After burying his long knife into the neck into what was possibly his fourth foe he went straight for Millicas, but Koll had jumped between him and the Devil. Sword and hammer clashed as Koll and this unknown Jotun battled, the younger Jotun tried to use his knife but Koll dodged easily before swinging low and cutting his foe in the upper left thigh, erecting a cry of pain from the teenager. Eivor looked away, violence was a sight she never liked to see.
Poor Millicas was up there witnessing it first hand, hopefully, he was enduring it better than she was. When silence fell she peaked back over to see a pause in the battle, both Giants sizing each other up, waiting for who would make the first move, and Millicas was held back by his guards. Then the younger Jotun lunged but Koll darted aside and brought his sword down upon the Jotun, running it through the boy's abdomen before taking his long knife and stabbing it into his collarbone. Eivor willed herself to not let out a cry at Koll's victory, this boy was foolish in thinking he could take this whole party alone if he was here to rescue herself and Millicas he should have waited for help if he brought help. Koll did not gloat or smile but simply step away from his foe before pushing him over to roll off the cliff and fall into the forest below, his blood falling after him like rain.
"VANDILL!"
Eivor turned at the scream, far below but catching up was a band of Jotun, leading them was a red-haired warrior riding a large goat that climbed nimbly up the stones. Eivor's heart sored, it was Thor, he had come at last. The Giant, Vandill, if she recalled, must have been part of the rescue team sent to save them. He must have gone ahead to try and stall to let Thor catch up, it was brave but foolish of him, for now, he was dead or dying if he survived the fall which she doubted nobody could. Hearing Koll yell some orders from the front she felt herself get tugged along quickly, he didn't want Thor reaching them a fear she hoped would come true.
Not far down the path, Aurvandill raced up the path, his eyes burning with rage, Vandill, his son, was dead. Dead at Koll's hand. He should have never sent him alone, he should have waited for them to catch up or stall the White Fang, Vandill knew Koll was more skilled but still took the risk to try and stall him. He didn't care how many Giants stood in his way, he would kill them all to get to Koll.
Besides him, Thor was fuming with just as much rage, Koll had kidnapped children, nearly killed Beowulf, and now he killed Vandill, he killed his friend. He would show these villains why he's called Giantsbane. He encouraged Tanngrisnir to go faster and his pet complied, despite his large size the goat traversed the terrain easily, never missing a step. Seeing their enemies standing between them and the children, Thor delivered the first strike by firing a bolt of thunder at the first Jotun he saw, sending his chard body crashing to the ground. Tanngrisnir roared as he ran down another Giant with his horns thus allowing Thor to decapitate him before he could get back to his feet.
Aurvandill's sword went left and right with mighty but graceful swings. No Giant of the White Fang stood a chance between the God of Thunder and Chief of Thunderbolt clan. His own clansman and Azrael could not keep up with them, eventually losing sight as they disappeared into the foliage where Koll went.
"I'm going to look for Vandill." Said Azreal jumping off the cliff before summoning his wings to fly into the forest to search for the Giant.
Aurvandill burst through the thicket cutting down another Jouten before going straight to Koll, the White Fang chieftains sword redrawn to do battle once more. Behind him Thor charged the White Fang warriors but they threw down their weapons and offered to return the hostages for mercy, they knew they could not stop Giantsbane, the kidnapping had failed. They watched the chiefs do battle, their years of battle granting them the experience to dodge, parry, block, and counter strikes easily but one would fall. Aurvandill parried a swing and began beating against Koll's defensive with such fury that on his fifteenth strike he shattered the White Fang chieftains sword before running his blade through his opponent, red blood flowed down the silver blade when it was withdrawn from Koll before he slumped dead to the floor.
"Koll is dead." Said Aurvandill, "I should kill you all for my son but I will grant mercy if your next leader chooses to stop hostilities in all Nine Realms."
The Giants agreed and the children rushed towards Thor, Eivor crying with joy to finally be saved and allowed to reunite with her sister. After a lengthy questioning to the White Fang Giants, they were marched down the mountain. The reason this kidnapping was initiated was due to a Jotun Koll meet on this mountain but that was all they got from the prisoners, why Eivor and Millicas were kidnapped Koll told nobody not even his clansmen.
"We should search the mountain to find this Jotun and demand why he wanted the children," Thor said, his grip tightening on his axe.
"I agree. However, we only came here to save them. We must also find my son and bring him back to my tribe. He… he would want a proper Jotun funeral." Aurvandill retorted.
The reminder of Vandill quelled the rising anger Thor had to hunt down this mysterious Jotun, seeing his first friend in Valhalla be thrown from the mountain like a broken toy replayed over and over in his mind. The desire to slaughter the White Fang clansman simmered in his mind but the young God held it back for he knew it would not bring Vandill back or paint him in a better light. As they continued their way down the mountain they were hailed by a clansman from the thunderbolt tribe.
"We found him! We found Vandill! He's alive!"
Aurvandill and Thor wasted no time to reach Vandill. Grateful to know he was alive, they were still nonetheless surprised at how the young Jotun survived the fall with those wounds. When they reached him they saw the boy was not looking good; despite wearing armor dents covered the armor and his right leg and left arm was bent the wrong way and his nose was broken, no doubt trophies earned for his survival. Despite his condition the Giant was awake and talking to Azrael who was tending to him until spotting his father and Thor.
He said with a wide grin, "I see you got the children back."
"Your father was amazing!" Millicas squealed with excitement, the fear had vanished once he was given to Thor. The skills he witnessed Thor and Aurvandill perform were incredible, he was sure his cousin would love to battle the father and God together.
"Of course he is." Vandill agreed before wincing.
"I may know basic healing magic but all I can do is stabilize you. You need full medical treatment for these wounds." Azreal chided before adressing Aurvandill, "Chief Aurvandill thank you for your assistance, your deeds today will be remembered."
Aurvandill smiled and bowed, "I did what needed to be done to help stop Koll. I'm just grateful my son is alive. Now go, call the Bifrost. It is time to go home."
Asgard
Sirzechs was stirred from his thoughts when the doors to the throne room were thrown open with a bang. In walked Thor, Azreal supporting a very wounded Vandill and-
"Millicas!"
The father and son met in the middle, the Satan embracing his son tightly while tears threatened to roll down his cheeks. A million words came to Sirzechs Lucifer's mind but none were spoken, seeing his son safe and alive was more than enough. He felt his wife soon join in the hug, catching a glimpse of relief spread across her face to have her son back in her arms. Behind them the Elven sisters cried as they too were reunited while Vandill was carried away to the healing chambers despite his protest of being fine.
While the tears and reunions were going on, Odin and Freya approached the God of Thunder while he was petting Tanngrisnir and praising him for his strength and speed. Once noticing them Freya pulled the boy into a hug while Odin grinned at him.
"We are so proud of you." Freya said once letting him go, "If Huginn and Muninn weren't busy they could have brought back what went on in Jotunheim. We want a full account of what happened."
So Thor took up the tale leaving out nothing with Eivor and Millicas adding their own stories of what happened while captured. When finished Odin rubbed his beard his eye closed as he processed the information carefully.
"Glad as I am to know Koll is no more and the White Fang clan will hopefully be on better terms with us. It is a shame we did not know who this Jotun was that orchestrated the kidnapping."
"I have a hunch on who it may be…" Thor said, looking around the room for a certain trickster.
"Of course you suspect me of such a vile act." Drawled the voice of Loki who stepped into the room, "You even think like The First Thor, jumping to the conclusion that I somehow was responsible for this. If you must know, I was in Asgard checking the streets for any unusual activity on the Allfather's orders."
"It's true, Thor." Odin confirmed, "I ordered everyone, from the Einherjar to the Aesir, to check patrol Asgard and keep it on lockdown. The lockdown will continue for one more day then our guest will return home."
"And allow King Herdimir to bring his gift for Asgard." Added Freya.
Despite Odin's confirmation that Loki had been in Asgard all this time, Thor nevertheless felt suspicious about the God of Mischief. Before he could think more on the matter or even question Loki he found Sirzechs standing before him, a smile of joy and pride was on his face.
"Thank you for our son. The Gremory family will forever be in debt to you for what you have accomplished tonight, Thor Odinson."
"Nice work kid." Azazel added, throwing a wink and a grin towards his own son, "And you as well Azreal. I'm sure this action will most definitely strengthen ties between Grigori, Asgard, and the Underworld."
"It has for me." Sirzechs said, "However I cannot say the same for the other families. Nevertheless, I will give my full support to Odin's goal of peace and unity."
"And I," Said Odin, "Shall be looking forward to discussing terms of collaborating together and the luscious ladies of the Underworld. But first we have to deal with a pesky crow who flew from the nest. For now let us head to bed, it has been a long night and I would very much like a piece of my wife tonight."
"And with that it's off to bed. Come Tanngrisnir." Said Thor as he led the goat back to the stables ignoring the laughter of Odin and Azazel at his desire to not hear the old king's lewd words.
Done! I wanna say thank you to all who have been following this story. I understand some want chapters to be posted one after another but understand I am a busy man with my work and relationship to my fiancee. And like all good authors sometimes a chapter needs to be retyped or put on pause for how things will play out in future arcs. Anyway, Pursuit through Jotunheim was not disappointing. And don't worry...
...Ylva and Eivor will return...
...In the Boreal Kingdom Arc...