Power Play: Act 1 Svartalfheim (Ragnarok on Ice) (25 page)

From what I could see out the access grate was Odin, Sif, and one other Aesir I didn’t recognize frozen in their positions.  So much for their help, they had lost their battle to Azmodeous and two blondes that looked almost like twins.  Deductive reasoning led me to the conclusion that this was Freyr and Freyja.  Azmodeous, for his part, no longer sported the trademark blue skin of a dark elf.  His eyes and hair had a gold hue to them now.

“Well Odin and his elite commandos are out of commission, but it’s only Azmodeous and the two blondes.  So by my math, we got a two man advantage here.  Back home we call this a power play.  We screw this up and we’ve no one to blame but ourselves.”

Everyone nodded.  It was game time.  “Jack, whenever you are ready we will follow.”  Rumil’s confidence in me was a boost I needed on the inside.  I was pretty terrified of what was to come.

“We’ve got to time this just right.  Hugs, can you talk to Odin at all?”

“I can convey images to the Allfather.  He already knows we are here.”

“When we go busting through this grate we’ll only have a few seconds, we need them to be totally unprepared.  Can he help us in anyway?”

“I will send the message.  Please have patience in this.”

We sat there, prepared for battle while the raven did his thing.  I had no idea how long we would have to wait, but as soon as the moment hit, we had to be ready. 

Then our moment was given to us.  Odin’s voice filled the room, with a sort of power that I can’t even describe.  “As powerful as you claim you are Azmodeous, I can say I am hardly impressed.  You needed the help of two of my own to bring us down.”

“Do not tempt me Odin.  All the realms would rejoice if your tyranny were to end on this day.”

Azmodeous continued on like all great villains do to justify themselves.  Right as he was in the middle of his monologue, we decided to break up the party.  Algrim, being the strongest of us, rammed the gate with his shoulder and we roared out.  The shocked look on all of their faces was priceless. 

Algrim went for Freyr, Rumil and Ustin cut off Freyja, and Hargna immediately attacked Azmodeous.  While they were keeping them busy, I ran over to Odin.  “So, it looks like we have a common enemy.  What do we need to do to get the three of you back in fighting shape?”

“Azmodeous has casted his foul magic upon us.  The more souls he enchants in this wretched curse the harder he has to concentrate.  Break that and we will be free.”

That’s all I needed to hear.  Hopefully that would do the trick for Hel too and she and Garm would come busting up here.  I looked over at Hargna and even without weapons he was holding his own, but not nearly enough to throw Azmodeous off.  “Do you have anything we can use?”

“My spear lays over there and the swords of Sif and Tyr are at the back of the antechamber.”  I nodded and took off.  The spear was huge and quite heavy but luckily for me Huginn came to the rescue.

“Who shall I take Gungnir to?”  It was Hugs, and apparently he was in a helpful mood.

Perfect, this would speed things up.  “Get that to Algrim, the one who is fighting Freyr.  In the meantime, I will go grab the swords.”

Huginn took off and I continued to make my way to the swords.  By the time I got there, Huginn was back and I gave him one to take to Ustin.  “What are you going to do with the other?”

“I’m going to go give this to Hargna personally and re-introduce myself to Azmodeous.”

“I wish you well.  May the Allfather watch over you.”  He took off with the other sword and it was now my turn.  I gave a quick look over at Rumil and Huginn had dropped one of the swords with Ustin.  Poor Freyja was now in a whole lot of trouble. 

I took in the rest of the battles and saw Algrim and Freyr were still fighting on pretty even footing, but the longer reach of the spear was starting to show.  The fight between Hargna and Azmodeous was not in our favor.  Hargna was completely on the defensive now, and Azmodeous was just toying with him. 

I ran over as fast as I could and before either registered I was there I punched Azmodeous as hard as I could across the face.  Having been caught off guard, he fell backwards but rolled into a standing position.  It gave me the time I needed to get Hargna the sword.

“So the human thinks he can play?  Well then let me show you how overmatched you truly are.”

“It’s about time you just shut up and bring it.”

He did just that.  He was so fast, but having to divide his attention between the two of us kept us in the fight.

“I am disappointed Hargna.  The esteemed leader of the Darklighter clan and you have to seek aid from a human.”  He knew Hargna was wearing down and quickly targeted him in a full rush.  I tried my best to get in the way, but it happened too fast.  A few well placed strikes with his staff and Hargna was down on the floor.  It looked like it was now up to me.  “Now it is time to exterminate the insect.”

No one could help me.  The others were still trying their best to eliminate their respective targets.  I just hoped all the training I did paid off.  An idea hit me and I immediately went into defensive mode and let Azmodeous dictate the attack.  His speed was impressive and he clipped me a few times, but I avoided most of the damage.

“Are you not even going to try to fight back?  Then I suggest you allow me to bring out the beast in you.  Have at it!”  Once again, this time with a little more behind it he went on the attack.  Letting my instincts take over, I was more successful in my avoidance.  His slashes were becoming less coordinated and more erratic.  I was frustrating him.  Finally, he took an overhead swing and I jumped just out of the way from where the blade of the staff cracked the floor.

“The insect is still here.  I guess you need a bigger stick.”

The rage was building on his face.  “You dare insult me?!  Enough of this!”

His speed intensified one hundred fold.  I didn’t know how much longer I could keep this up. I could feel my body slowing down and Azmodeous was able to kick me right in the stomach.  As I fell to the floor, I knew it was over for me.  I just hoped it worked.

“Pathetic human!  What did you hope to accomplish by this nonsense?  You never had any hope of beating me.  It is time for you to play your part.”  He raised his staff above his head and brought it down.  I lifted my arms in a weak attempt to protect myself but the blow never came.

“I think you forgot about something elf.”  I looked up and Odin was standing there in all his glory.  He had caught the staff and ripped it out of Azmodeous’s hand.  “It is over, both of your warriors have been defeated.” 

Sure enough, both Freyr and Freyja were slumped on the floor.  Rumil was with her dad tending to him but looked over and gave me a relieved smile.  Sif and the other Aesir were now both up too and walking towards the three of us in the middle.

Azmodeous spit on the ground.  “It is not over until I say it is.”  With a quick motion of his hand, a knife flew out and before it even registered with anyone, the elf that was hit was slammed into the ground, just by the force of the throw.  I didn’t even want to look over at her.

“Rumil…”  The pain of what I had just seen was starting to register.  I couldn’t believe it, didn’t want to believe it.

“Are you angry human?  Do you feel the grief and the pain welling up in you?”

I was starting to shake.  He took her to spite me.  It was my fault this happened.  The pain was overwhelming.  “I will… KILL YOU!!”

“Maybe you will, but first you must let the pain go.  Embrace your hate!”  With another quick move he thrust something into my hand.  I grabbed at him but he was too fast.  All that was left in my hand was Icing.  Immediately, I could feel the heat coming off of it.  The world was turning red and then nothing.

****

The dagger Azmodeous threw caught me by surprise that was for sure.  Fortunately for myself, I had Algrim modify my tunic with a layer of chainmail underneath the leather.  Also, the knife was not nearly big enough or as sharp as it should be to penetrate, probably from lack of proper care. 

That did not stop it from hurting as the force behind the throw was incredible.  Laying there trying to catch my breath took a bit longer than usual, but it was when I heard Jack tell Azmodeous he would kill him that I knew something was wrong.

“Rumil!  Daughter are you okay?”

“Yes father I am fine.”  I did not mean to be short, but things were about to get very bad.  “We need to be concerned with Jack!”

We both looked over and I saw it is his hand, Icing.  Horrified, I realized we had given him the key to unlock the monster and now he was using it.

“Jack, it is okay!  The knife only knocked me over!”

When he turned over and looked, I could tell he was no longer there.  The wolf inside had taken over.  The white shroud of energy was gathering around him just like before.  The heat of the energy coming off of him was so intense.  Odin, Sif, and judging from the one hand Tyr were all moving away with looks of surprise on their face.

“Father, we need to get the dagger away.  If we can separate them it will bring Jack back.”

A howl echoed through the room followed by a punch to the chest of Azmodeous.  There was so much force behind, more than even Odin could generate I gathered.  He hit the wall hard and slid down.  The eeriest part was he just kept laughing.  “Blame me all you want Jack, but it was Odin who did this to you.  Kill me if you must, but it should be Odin who you devour.”

The more energy that gathered around him, the more wolfish his features became.  He even dropped down to all fours.  He stopped looking at Azmodeous and turned to Odin.  The Allfather was without his spear.  I doubted that the stick he currently held would be of any use.

“Father, Azmodeous is trying to start the Ragnarok!  If the Fenris wolf inside Jack is allowed to kill Odin, it will begin!”

“Algrim, Ustin stall Jack as best you can.”  Algrim from across the room nodded and joined up with Ustin.  “Daughter is there any way we can get through to him, even for just a second?”

I thought about it the best I could.  I watched in horror as both Algrim and Ustin within moments of engaging Jack were being battered and bloodied from the assault of his attacks.  How could they do this to him, this was not the man he was.  Jack was a kind, sweet man who just wanted to make it home.  He is not the monster, they are.

“Father, I need you to stay here.  I can do this!”

“What?”  But I knew what I had to do.  Jack in this form had made quick work of Algrim and Ustin.  Both were laying on the ground and more than likely out cold.  Sif and Tyr were next, but to no avail.  A series of punches to Tyr’s face all the while screaming that this was redemption for his father ended Tyr’s attempt. 

Sif fared no better as he grabbed her by the throat and whipped her into the back wall of the room.  Seeing their broken bodies lying around the room seemed to only send him further into rage.  Finally, he jumped and landed on Odin’s chest, knocking him to the floor.  With his dagger raised high, it was now or never.

“Jack stop!”  He turned and raised his clawed left hand to strike at me, but hesitated.  “Please Jack, do not do this, you are not a monster!  A monster never would have dreams and you do!”  He started to lower his hand.  “Please Jack, we won, Azmodeous is beaten and Odin can send us to Midgard.  Just stop and come back to me.  I love you Jack Skelton and we are going to get you home!”

****

“I love you Jack Skelton and we are going to get you home!”  Where did Rumil come from?  More importantly where was I?  I looked down at Odin, his face bruised and his one eye showing true terror.  I looked over at Rumil again, pretty confused.

“Did you just say you love me?  I mean after everything we have been through that was a given, but I was waiting for the…”  She cut me off, as usual, putting her finger up to my lips.  Pulling me up and hugging me, it started to come together.  Tears were streaming from her eyes. 

I looked around and saw the devastation in the room.  Algrim and Ustin were both beaten up pretty bad.  Sif and the other Aesir were both unconscious.  In my hand was Icing, did I do this?  I dropped the dagger in horror.  Then I heard a cough and saw Azmodeous laying there with blood running down from his mouth.  His chest looked like it was caved in by a hammer or something.

“Enjoy this victory while you can.  It will be your…last.”  He slumped over.  Hargna was the closest and went over.  After a quick check, he announced to us all that Azmodeous was indeed dead.

I was holed up in a room in Odin’s estate.  After hearing what had happened and how I nearly killed friends of mine and started the end of days for Asgard I was a bit shaken up. 

On top of that, both Freyr and Freyja escaping during my homicidal rampage didn’t do anything to make me feel better.  The only good news I had heard afterwards was that Thor, Valkyrie, and The Einjerhar were able to defeat the Nidhogg and with the help of the dwarves were able to put it back in its bounds.

“Jack, are you still in here?”

I knew my solitude could only last so long.  Rumil was not one to let me brood.  “Yeah, I’m here.  Come on in.”

She was once again a sight for sore eyes.  I have no idea where she got fresh clothes from but the dress she was wearing was particularly stunning.  “Are you still blaming yourself for everything that happened?”

Another point goes to women’s intuition.  “Of course I am.  I let myself be taken over.  It felt good to punish all of those who have hurt me and my family.”

“There is nothing wrong with embracing your emotions Jack.  I am sure both your father and I, if ever in a spot like that, would also have succumbed to temptation.  That does not make you a bad person though.”

“What happened to Icing?  Who has my dagger now?”

“After seeing what happens first hand, Odin wanted it destroyed.  However, father told him that it was rightfully yours but that maybe for the time being they keep it locked away in the Valhalla armory.”

“But then anyone can use it and start this over again.”

“No one can actually touch the dagger without being subjected to a great amount of pain.  Algrim believes the weapon is sentient and will respond only to your touch.  Algrim was able to use materials here and make a special sheathe to keep it in until the day you are ready to take it.”

“Well I personally hope that day never comes.”

She sighed and reached over to give me a kiss on the forehead.  “Father also talked to Odin about returning to Midgard and as soon as Loki, Sigyn, and Fenrir return from Svartalfheim with their report, the Bifrost will be opened.  We will finally be able to get you home Jack.”

The thought of home is what got me through the next few days while we waited.  It turns out that Odin wasn’t a total jerk and negotiated a peace treaty with Hargna.  He was still upset by the death of Baldr, but conceded to everyone it was his fault that all this blood was shed.  I don’t think anyone was prepared for the Allfather to admit that mistake.

Thor came to visit every so often with updates too.  Hel had taken the worst of Azmodeous’s magic but was almost fully recovered.  Sif had recovered quickly herself and left the day after the battle to go to her cabin.  The hard feelings between her and the dark elves were still very much ongoing.

I was surprised at myself when Garm came to say goodbye when Hel was ready to travel again.  Me and that crazy dog actually had made a good team.  He assured me that we would see each other again, as it was still Lady Hel’s right to visit each realm.

The day after Hel left is when dad, Loki, and Sigyn got back from Svartalfheim.  According to dad nothing too out of whack had happened and between the three of them they were able to flush out the remaining two light elves that were undercover. 

They were more concerned that Freyr and Freyja got away, but that would be a problem dealt with later.  At dinner that night Odin joined us and said that the Bifrost would be opened as promised in the morning.

“Who amongst you will be crossing over to Midgard?”

Hargna was most comfortable talking to Odin and had taken to being our spokesperson.  “Young Jack, my daughter Rumil, and the Great Wolf Fenrir will be going to Midgard.  Is that acceptable?”

“Yes I have no issue with that as long as you allow me to send two of my own people to act as guardians and to continue observing the humans of Midgard.”

“Who might you wish to send Allfather?”

“If it is agreeable with all present I shall be sending Thor and Valkyrie as emissaries.”

A big smile broke out across my face.  Thor would be coming home with me.  I figured it had more to do with the fact he had a kid and was completely taken with the mom, but that was cool with me.

Hargna nodded, “We accept those two Allfather.”

“Then prepare yourselves and I shall see you all at the Bifrost in the morning.”

The rest of the night was more a celebration.  I wish I had time to go back to Svartalfheim and say goodbye to Ustin’s brother Tymon, but he promised he would tell him for me.  Hargna was both happy and sad that this day had finally come.  We both promised to visit as often as we could, as long as Odin allowed it.  Finally, we split off from the rest of the group and went back to our room for the night.

“I can’t believe it; tomorrow I go home and get to show you my world.”

“I cannot wait to see everything Jack!  The thought of being able to live without the threat of war or violence sounds most enjoyable.”

Sitting on the bed looking at her brought this adventure full circle.  I had no idea just how much time I had spent in and around Asgard but I would have never survived with Rumil.  “You saved me from so much while I was here.  I would never have survived without you.”

“Nonsense, you do not give yourself enough credit.  All I did was show you how much you had to offer.”

“And this is the reason that I love you.”  There I said it too.  Yeah it took me long enough and I should have said it a lot sooner but hey, don’t judge me too hard.  Rumil’s eyes lit up and she threw her arms around me.  At that moment in time, everything that had happened seemed worth it.