"The cavalry is coming, right?" Johnson shot the reinforced steel door another nervous glance, and Anderson couldn't blame the kid. The situation was well beyond their pay grade. Tension hung in the air, each officer fighting hard to maintain their professional calm.
"We won't be abandoned. I'm sure some military response is already coming," Anderson replied. "The more important question is, how will Ymir respond to this crisis?"
While he doubted Wilson would abandon them, could Ymir muster a strong enough force to combat the Niflhel? Almost nothing seemed to hurt these creatures. Paul had devised makeshift Molotov cocktails, but the explosions only annoyed the monsters.
Only tear gas seemed their most effective weapon against the rampaging Niflhel. The monstrosities still needed their eyes, after all. Only poor Lana's quick thinking had allowed them to escape alive with the prisoners. It had cost the officer her life.
They were currently taking refuge in a special prison designed to hold dangerous and high-risk inmates—the most secure part of the police department. While a cardboard barrier against the almost invincible monsters, Anderson would accept any advantage he could get. Luckily, the Niflhel weren't very smart, toying with their prey first. It bought precious time to gather their forces and regroup.
"And we're stuck here, unable to protect the public. Those animals are out there in my city, causing havoc," Anderson thought. He took a deep breath, reminding himself to focus on each crisis as it came.
"They damn well better," Chief Greer said, grunting in his usual gruff voice. "I couldn't bear the shame if we're forced to depend on Ymir for our salvation." Unlike his subordinates, he'd maintained a clear head during the entire crisis. Being ex-military helped. His quick thinking had saved many lives.
Outside, Anderson heard the distant sound of gunfire. He prayed the old-timers were doing alright. They'd basically sacrificed themselves to buy time. While brave, it was a cruel sacrifice. One ex-soldier, Hal, had lost a leg in Afghanistan. He was eager to do his part despite the debilitating injury. He'd been the first to die, giving an innocent woman the time to escape. The sick bastards had taken enjoyment in killing the man for his defiance.
Anderson tensed, hearing another gunshot—closer this time. Behind their jail bars, the still-captive Niflhel sneered.
"Hear that? Selim's coming for you," one said.
"You're rats, trapped and helpless," another added. "Once you're dead, what's stopping us from owning this city?"
"You could beg for mercy, but nah. It's much more fun seeing you get ripped to shreds!" All nine Niflhel laughed cruelly. Each officer ignored the taunts and jibes, hardening their determination to prove them wrong.
Chief Greer was on his phone, trying to hurry their rescue along. Several surrounding nations had already offered their unconditional support, but mustering any forces required time they didn't have. They were also uncertain about what level of armaments would be necessary to subdue this threat. Anderson winced as a scream echoed through the halls before going silent. The entire room fell deathly quiet, holding their breaths in nervous anticipation. Anderson almost jumped as something powerful slammed against the thick steel door, leaving an enormous dent.
"Places, everyone," Chief Greer's voice remained strong as he gave the command. "They aren't getting the prisoners without a fight." Each officer gave a resolute nod, prepared to die for their duty. They held their guns ready. While they wouldn't inflict much damage, they'd prove a useful distraction for their real plan. Anderson only hoped it'd be enough.
Another dent appeared in the room's only entrance, bending the meter-thick door further. One final strike blasted the door off its hinges, sliding across the floor before crashing into a far wall.
The long-armed ape creature's body almost didn't fit through the door frame as it sauntered in. Behind it was a shorter weasel-like monster with ghostly white fur and dead eyes.
The weasel monster smirked. "Found you. So, you were hiding in the basement. Liam owes me four euros. Don't worry, boys, we'll have you rescued soon." They gave the terrified police officers a lopsided, toothy grin. The monster's friends cheered, eager to escape.
"Now!" The police opened fire, aiming toward the creature's head. It yawned, unbothered by the barrage of bullets, strolling toward the officers. They took delight as their prey retreated, helpless to do anything. Their fellows walked behind them, ensuring no possible escape.
"Go." Anderson placed a handkerchief over his face. They didn't have enough gas masks for everyone. The two officers tossed the gas canisters between the two monsters, who broke into coughing fits as gas filled the chamber.
The smoke burned Anderson's throat, but he remained resolute, commanding the next stage of the plan. He waved his hand, and two Molotov cocktails exploded, aimed right at the monster's Angra Armlets. Immense heat filled the confined space as they exploded, causing Anderson's ears to ring.
"Did we get them?" Joey's muffled voice asked.
"Steady." Each officer kept their weapons trained on the two Niflhel. Anderson cursed when he saw the result of their efforts.
"Damn you, bastards!" While the weasel monster's steps were sluggish, he recovered quickly. The explosion had only dented his transformation device. The gorilla monster suffered worse damage to his armlet, but he hadn't lost his transformation either.
"Dammit, those were our last smoke grenades." They still had another cocktail, but Anderson doubted it would be enough. Worse, their attackers didn't seem inclined to let them try the same trick twice.
"Kill these bastards!" The weasel monster darted forward at incredible speed, not messing around anymore. Poor Joey died in seconds, torn to bloody pieces with the ease of batting away a fly.
"Shoot the armlet!" It was a desperate plea, but their only shot at accomplishing anything.
It was a bloodbath. Officers he'd known for years—decades—dead in seconds. Some couldn't even fire their sidearms before their screams faded. Anyone not cut down by the weasel's claws got pulverized by the gorilla monster's fists. Much to Anderson's growing dread, the Niflhel ignored him, intending to play with him once they'd killed everyone else. His sidearm sat in his sweaty palm, useless—not even making the monsters flinch.
The police chief screamed as a meaty fist slammed him against a wall, trying to protect a newbie who'd only been working in their department for a week. While not dead, he'd broken several ribs and twisted his left leg badly.
"Please don't," the newbie said, trembling. He'd lost the courage to even discharge his weapon. The gorilla monster's face extended into a cruel smile, delighting in his victim's terror. The creature opened a massive fist, ready to grab the man's head and burst it like a grape.
Without thinking, Anderson jumped on the creature's arm. His old bones shook as the creature tried to shake him off, but he refused to budge. Looking up, he realized the monster's armlet was right above him. Was that a hole in its carapace large enough for a bullet to enter?
The shaking became more violent, but his partner spotted him in danger. Johnson shot directly into the back of the creature's head, earning an annoyed grunt. Seeing his chance, the detective pointed his sidearm at the vulnerable point in the armlet's armor.
"Fly!"
Pain lanced through Anderson's body as he struck a nearby wall. Helpless, the gorilla monster sneered in contempt above him. The creature raised a fist to pulverize his victim—only to jerk as its armlet sparked. Bricks shattered as the monster's arms swung wildly, its face twisted in agony.
"Hakan, what's wrong?" the weasel monster asked, stepping back in shock as their buddy lost his transformation. The large man grimaced in pain, clutching at his chest. Was he having a heart attack?
"Hakan!" The weasel monster's alarm grew.
"I'm fine," Hakan said through pained breaths.
The weasel monster's face shifted into a furious snarl. "Bastard! You'll pay for that!"
"Nikita, is everything alright in there?" Another monster appeared through the door, slipping in with cat-like grace. This cat creature had mangy, thick fur that puffed out from its body. Its dead, feline eyes looked toward the prone Anderson with interest. Much to his horror, three more monsters stood outside in the hallway. The scuffle had attracted Nikita's friends' attention. There wasn't any escape now.
"Just give me a moment," Hakan said, using a nearby wall to support himself. "Focus on rescuing the others."
Anderson screamed as the weasel monster stomped its bottom claws onto his back, pinning him to the ground. Blood oozed down his spine as the creature's claw dug into him.
"Free the others. I'm busy."
The cat monster looked at his injured friend with concern before smirking after seeing the multitude of dead officers.
"Seems you've done a good job cleaning up. I doubt there are many cops left in the entirety of Bifrost!"
The cat monster tore the reinforced steel bars from the cell door, granting its comrades their freedom. Johnson backed against the wall, terrified and helpless. The freed prisoners shot him hateful looks, eager for payback against their former captor.
Anderson's phone buzzed in his pocket. Had Yareli arrived?
"Haken, we've got trouble!" a Niflhel shouted.
"Trouble?" another echoed nervously. It was rare to see the monsters unsettled.
"Yes, trouble," Selim said, untransformed as he stuck his head inside. "The Valkyries are back. Hit-and-run attacks. Roy's dead." He gestured at the freed Niflhel. "There's a van waiting out back. A friend of mine is prepping your new Angra armlets. Move."
"Are you alright?" The Niflhel leader turned to Haken." They destroyed your armlet?"
The big man nodded silently. His breathing was still irregular, but he seemed better.
Selim's expression darkened. "If a few inept cops can break one, the army might cause us serious trouble. Go. We're short on time."
The Niflhel obeyed, leaving a shaken Johnson behind. He slumped to the ground, relieved to be alive.
"One moment," Nikita said, grinning down at Anderson. "I'm not done playing with this one."
"We're leaving. Now," Selim said flatly. "My sources say tanks are en route. I'm not sticking around. We're splitting up—no easy targets." The Niflhel leader paused, considering. "Take him with us. He'll make a decent hostage."
Anderson cursed as the weasel monster threw him over its shoulder like a sack of laundry. His death had only been delayed—but he was alive, and Yareli was close. That had to count for something.
His phone buzzed again. Carefully, Anderson slipped a hand into his pocket and answered the call. A jolt knocked it from his grip. It hit the floor hard, the screen cracking. His heart pounded—but no one noticed. Chief Greer's timely groan of pain masked the noise, catching onto the plan.
"Put me down!" Anderson shouted, hoping Yareli could hear. "I'm not going anywhere with you! I'll fight you all the way to the back parking lot!"
"Shut up." The weasel monster squeezed, nearly cracking his spine. "Once we're safe, I'll tear you apart piece by piece. Maybe scatter your guts across the city." Nikita laughed cruelly.
"Quit gabbing. Move!" Selim snapped. The weasel monster gave a meek nod and obeyed.
The Niflhel ran through the police station's halls, unfamiliar with the layout. Anderson smirked when they bypassed the elevator that would've taken them straight to the garage. A small win, but he'd take it.
Even if Yareli or the Valkyries showed up, Anderson didn't rate his chances. Still, he wasn't about to make things easy. This "helpless" hostage had a few surprises left. He'd show these monsters what Bifrost's boys in blue were made of.
---
"They have a hostage?" Pihu asked over her helmet comm.
"Yeah," Abbey replied. "A detective. The weasel one's carrying him."
"Damn. How many Niflhel?"
"Eight monsters, including the boss. The rest are untransformed—must be the ones the cops arrested. One looks terrible. He's armlet broken."
No surprise. Dr. Halvorsen always ranted about the Angra Armlet's risks. They warped the body in ways even Ymir didn't fully understand. One had died outright when Abbey pierced his armlet—the damage to his heart was too much. Not the Valkyries' proudest moment. Killing was sometimes necessary, but life was still life.
"Five more monsters joining them," Reine added. The newest Valkyrie had insisted on helping. She wasn't a fighter, but her sharp eyes and instincts made her useful.
"We've taken down seven already," Abbey said. "But we can't beat them all." While fearsome, the Niflhel were only a street gang, thugs without training or tactics. It made them easy prey.
"How long until President Wilson arrives?" Pihu asked.
"What?" Reine sounded stunned. "He's coming too?"
Dr. Halvorsen snorted. "He has his moments. Five minutes until he arrives."
"They're heading for vans," Pihu said. "We might not have five."
"I can reach the garage," Abbey said. "Two guards at the door. No problem. I'll wreck their escape route."
"Understood. I'm done marking," Ilma chimed in. "I'll join you."
"Watch yourself," Pihu warned.
"What the—" Reine blurted. "Someone just rode a motorcycle into the building. Through the halls!"
"A helmet with a painted wolf?" Halvorsen asked, voice tight.
"Yeah. She's good. You know her?"
"It's... complicated," Pihu said. "Don't worry. She can handle herself. Focus on the Niflhel."
"Understood," Ilma said, her usually calm voice carrying a hint of tension. The mere mention of the Kamen Rider had sent their leader on edge. Pihu wondered about the grudge. It seemed incongruous for someone so usually devoid of emotion.
"I'll back Fenrir up." Pihu launched into the air. Her heart soared—she'd always loved flying. Maybe she'd been a bird in a past life. She shattered a window, rolled through the landing, and sprinted toward the stunned Niflhel.
Fenrir leapt from her bike midair, transforming as she flew.
"Henshin!"
The weasel monster howled as Fenrir's blade slashed his chest, dropping Anderson. The detective twisted free and fell—right into Fenrir's arms. She hurled the detective in one smooth motion, right onto her bike.
"Get out of here!" she barked.
"Thanks for the rescue," Anderson groaned, rubbing his sore ribs. "But you could've been gentler?"
Pihu covered his escape, intercepting a taloned Niflhel with her blade. After a few stuttering kicks, Anderson got the bike running and sped off.
That was one problem solved. The easy one.
Even through her helmet, Pihu could sense Fenrir's wariness—like she was bracing for a second fight.
"Relax. I'm not your enemy today," Pihu said. "We work together. Just this once."
"Fine by me," Fenrir replied. No time to argue with enemies closing in.
"Fenrir?" Selim growled, drawing his Uhyre Key. "You couldn't wait five more minutes? No matter. You die here. Terrorize."
Sixteen Niflhel surrounded them. Fenrir pressed her back to Pihu's, undaunted.
"My allies are close," Pihu whispered.
"Mine too," Fenrir replied.
Right—Ilma had said one Jotnar had an Angra Armlet.
"Kill them," Selim ordered.
The parking lot thundered as the terrible horde charged.
"Follow my lead. Let's make some noise." Fenrir jammed her key into her weapon. "Torrent Fang!"
A destructive torrent of water blasted a wedge through the monsters, sunlight spilling in through the hole it punched in the wall. Fenrir lunged, slashing one fallen Niflhel's chest and clawing another's face.
Pihu joined her, driving her blade into a monster's throat before it could strike Fenrir from behind. Her ally returned the favor, Fenrir's claw blinded a Niflhel raising a meaty fist to crush Pihu's skull. Fenrir fought like a wild animal, a berserker of terrifying fury. Pihu, in contrast, fought with grace, a surgeon operating with delicate precision. Their clashing styles complimented each other surprising well.
Pihu only hoped it would be enough as the Niflhel surrounded them.