I'm Grant Ward

Chapter 125: The Last Fragment

The Shuttle was silent except for the sound of the engines as the team flew toward Ireland. Coulson was at the control desk, on a holographic call with Elliot Randolph, the professor and expert on Norse history. Coulson's expression was serious, the weight of the mission and Ward's emotional state clearly on his mind.

"Elliot, we need to know where the third piece is," Coulson said urgently.

Elliot sighed on the other end of the line. His expression was grave, unlike the relaxed personality they had known previously.

"I think it's time you knew the truth," Elliot began, adjusting himself in his chair. "I'm not just an expert on Norse history. I'm the Asgardian warrior who hid the Berserker Staff on Earth." The revelation caused everyone in the room to exchange surprised glances. Coulson was silent for a moment, processing the information.

"That explains a lot," Coulson finally said. — But why didn't you tell me before?

Elliot looked thoughtful, as if searching for the right words.

"I've spent centuries trying to bury that part of me. I've given up violence, war. I wanted to be just... human. But it seems the past always finds a way to catch up with us."

"Where's the last piece?" May asked, standing next to Coulson.

Elliot looked directly at her.

"I hid it in the monastery of Saint Brendan, in the hills of Ireland. It's remote and peaceful, far from any major cities. I didn't think anyone would find it, but with the first and second pieces together, they're certainly after the third."

"We'll be there as soon as we can," Coulson said, ending the call.

As the Shuttle flew over the Atlantic, the atmosphere inside the ship was tense. Ward, sitting apart from the others, stared at the ground, still struggling with the memories the Berserker Staff had triggered. Elliot's words echoed in his mind: 'The rage will subside eventually.' But when? Ward wondered. When would he feel like he had complete control again?

May walked over and sat beside Ward, silent for a moment before speaking.

"He's right, you know," she said softly. "Anger does subside. But it takes time. The question is how you deal with it in the meantime."

Ward looked at May, grateful for her words, but found no answer. He was still processing everything.

"I'll try," he replied, his voice thick with pent-up frustration.

May nodded and stood beside him, offering her presence as support.

The monastery was old, with weathered stone and a sense of isolation hanging in the air. The surrounding hills were shrouded in mist, and the wind blew softly through the trees.

The team approached cautiously. Coulson, Ward, May, Fitz, and Simmons formed the front line, with Elliot leading them to where the third piece of the Berserker Staff was hidden.

"It's behind that wall," Elliot said, pointing to a section of the ruined monastery. — I hid it in a safe that can only be opened with the strength of the staff.

Ward stepped forward, but before he could reach the wall, a scream echoed through the room.

"They're here," Coulson said, already drawing his weapon.

The couple, Petra and Jakob, emerged from the shadows, followed by their group of fanatical followers. Petra, still holding the staff, smiled sinisterly at Ward.

"You again," she said with an arrogant smile. "It seems you still haven't learned."

Jakob advanced first, attacking with the superhuman strength that the staff had granted him. Ward, driven by the rage that still burned inside him, threw himself forward, dodging Jakob and taking down two followers with precise blows.