Avengers Generations

Chapter 20

"Are you cold, little thing?" Hrimthurs asked as he led Tori through the ruined streets. She hugged her arms and sniffled, but didn't answer the tall man - she didn't like the way he spoke to her. Hrimthurs chuckled his dark, rhythmic laugh again, and wrapped an arm around the girl. "There," he said, leading her on "I will keep you warm."

"Creep." Tori said, shrugging him off. She wasn't comfortable with him so close to her "Where are you taking me?"

"To a sanctuary." The man said "There will be food and water there for you, and my disciples will be able to help your friend."

Every shred of logic in Tori's mind was telling her to run - if this didn't sound like a trap, she didn't know what did - but Jake needed help, and this was his only chance.

They walked in the dimming light until they came upon something that looked like a subway entrance - but more dangerous.

"Usually I would honor your customs and say 'ladies first'," Hrimthurs explained "But since they would kill you on sight, I think we can forgo the formalities, hm?" He stepped down into the underground passage with heavy footsteps, and was immediately greeted with angry shouting.

Tori recognized a voice she had heard recently echoing out of the entrance - the terrorist, Raza. He shouted something in another language and Tori almost ran away, but Hrimthurs stepped out of the mouth of the tunnel and spoke to her.

"You may enter." He said simply.

"Thanks." Tori said, cautiously following him. She couldn't see much in the dark, she felt a hand on her back, which made her shiver.

"Victoria." Raza's voice was disgustingly pleased "What a pleasure to see you again."

"Don't touch her, filth." Hrimthurs ordered "She is a guest, not a trophy."

Tori's eyes adjusted and she saw they were not alone in the cave - dozens of people sat and stood silently watching Hrimthurs. Tori also saw Raza's grudging face as he bowed in submission to the tall man - Hrimthurs was obviously in charge here. She wanted to remind him that he was supposed to be helping Jake, but anyone who Raza groveled for had to be pretty powerful.

Thankfully, Hrimthurs did not forget his bargain, and sent three men out of the mouth of the underground cave to find Jake. They hurriedly obeyed without question, and he stalked toward Tori through the dim light.

"I will help your friend." He said "As I promised - as long as you help me as well."

Tori was afraid of what he'd ask, but nothing she could give him was worth more than Jake's life. "Anything you want." She said.

"Good." Hrimthurs said, a cat lighting on his shoulder from seemingly nowhere "Please follow me." He said, picking up a weapon which immediately began glowing blue.

The two (three, including the cat) walked quietly back, further into the cave until they were out of sight from the others. Hrimthurs smiled in the azure light and looked lovingly at the wall. Tori followed his gaze and saw a beautiful, intricate tapestry depicting a delicate teenage girl with flowing blond hair and a playful, happy smile on her lips.

"She's beautiful..." Tori breathed despite herself.

"Yes, many of my people thought so." Hrimthurs said "But she was kind too. Loving, caring - she had a beautiful heart."

Tori looked at him closely. "You were... in love with her?"

Hrimthurs' expression did not change; he continued looking at the painting with a sad smile and eyes that reviled more than his words ever could. "It is not that I was in love with her," he said "It's that I am."