The lights of New York shimmered like stars pulled down to Earth.
The most prosperous district pulsed with energy as people moved like rivers of color beneath the neon signs.
Freyja had changed out of her battle-worn Asgardian armor. In its place, she wore a sleek, modern outfit, deep green with silver accents that complimented her eyes.
Her long golden hair flowed freely, catching the city lights. The aura of the goddess of war was still there, but now wrapped in elegance and grace.
Walking beside Soren, she looked every bit a goddess disguised among mortals.
"Thank you." Freyja said softly, her voice just above the noise of the street.
"If you hadn't shown up when you did… I don't know what would've happened."
Soren glanced at her. "You would've held out longer than you think."
Freyja smiled faintly, but her brow furrowed. "Even so... Vampires, Soren. Actual vampires."
"I didn't expect that. Asgard's records said the Blood Clan vanished ages ago."
He shrugged. "Honestly? A few vampires don't surprise me."
"So, what happened? Why were they after you?"
Freyja's expression darkened. "Lorelai."
That name twisted in the air like poison.
"After arriving on Earth, she used her charm ability to control several powerful individuals." Freyja explained, her voice laced with contempt.
"When she realized her puppets were useless against me, she turned to other tools. Ancient ones."
"She's controlling the vampires?"
Freyja nodded. "Yes."
"When I tracked her to the outskirts of the city, she lured me into a trap. I didn't expect her to have that many at her command. I had no choice but to send for you using the crane."
Soren walked in silence for a moment, digesting it all.
He had originally dismissed Lorelai as a minor nuisance, just another arrogant sorceress playing with mortal toys.
Controlling vampires? That changed things.
"Soren… will you help me?"
He stopped walking, surprised by the vulnerability in her tone. She wasn't ordering.
She was asking…
He turned to her, catching the flicker of pink in her cheeks as she avoided his gaze.
"You're asking nicely?" He teased, letting a grin curl his lips.
"How could I possibly say no to the beautiful Lady Freyja herself?"
She rolled her eyes, but her smile lingered. "I'm serious."
"So am I." Soren said, his tone now gentle. "I'll help. You've got my sword and my fire."
He left out that helping Freyja also gave him a good reason to avoid the Avengers for now.
Let them deal with Ultron on their own for now.
As they resumed walking, Freyja's voice grew more cautious. "Be careful. These vampires aren't just tough, they're nearly immune to most magic. Even natural magic only slows them down."
"It's hard to kill them… permanently."
Soren smirked. "Come on. You're talking to a guy raised on vampire movies."
"Silver bullets, garlic, sunlight. I'll grab a UV lamp and a string of garlic cloves if I have to."
Freyja blinked, then stared at him. "Wait… how do you know all that?"
He laughed. "I lived on that stuff. Blade, Dracula, Van Helsing, Earth has plenty of vampire content."
Her eyes widened slightly. "That's... exactly what I was going to tell you."
"The Blood Clan, despite their strength, are vulnerable to silver and garlic. And of course, sunlight burns them to ash. It's why they can only move freely at night."
"…"
"…"
"You've probably never watched a movie in your life…" Soren sighed, giving Freyja a side glance.
"Silver weapons against vampires is basically common knowledge here. Like, first-year monster-hunting 101."
Freyja blinked, nonplussed. "Why would I watch mortals pretend to slay monsters? I fight the real ones."
Soren chuckled. "Fair enough."
He ran a hand through his hair, gazing out at the city lights. "Honestly, though, we don't need to make this too complicated."
"Find the Charm Banshee, and I'll take care of her. Easy."
Freyja folded her arms, unimpressed. "That confidence of yours is endless."
"I've earned it." He said with a wink.
She shook her head, eyes narrowing slightly. "I'm not doubting your strength. But with Lorelai… it's not about raw power."
"She's dangerous in ways you're not prepared for."
That made Soren pause.
"You're saying I'm not her match?"
Freyja's voice dropped, solemn. "I'm saying you're not immune to her."
"Her charm isn't just... physical. It's magical, laced with spells. Once you fall under her control, there's no coming back."
"I've seen it."
Soren tilted his head, curious. "You think I'd be that easy to seduce?"
"I mean, come on. You were around me in Asgard for days, and nothing happened. Are you saying she's more irresistible than you?"
That got a reaction.
Freyja's cheeks colored. "That's not the point~"
"I think it is the point." Soren said, flashing a mischievous grin.
"Because if I can survive being around you, who's like, divine-level beautiful, then what chance does some knockoff enchantress really have?"
Freyja scowled, though her ears had gone pink. "This isn't a joke, Soren."
"I know."
"But seriously. I'll hold off the vampires. You go after Lorelai. If things go sideways, I'll be your backup plan."
Freyja hesitated. "She once incited a war across all Nine Realms."
"Alone."
"It took Asgard's divine relic to imprison her. Don't underestimate what she can do with just a whisper."
Soren's eyes narrowed slightly. "You really don't think I can resist her."
Freyja didn't answer at first. Then, carefully: "I think you shouldn't have to."
Soren stepped closer, his voice lowering playfully. "Then maybe you can help me build up my resistance."
"You know… train me."
"Train you?" Freyja blinked.
"Sure." He gave her a look that slowly dragged down the length of her graceful frame.
"Let's say… exposure therapy. I spend time around beautiful goddesses until I'm completely desensitized."
It took a beat before Freyja understood. Then her face went crimson.
"Go to Hel, you idiot!" She hissed, shoving him lightly in the shoulder.
Soren burst into laughter, clearly enjoying her reaction. "You're cute when you're flustered, you know."
Freyja turned away with a huff, but a tiny smile tugged at the corners of her lips.
"You're infuriating."
"And yet here you are, walking next to me instead of flying off in a blaze of righteous fury."
She rolled her eyes, but couldn't stop herself from laughing, just a little. "Don't push your luck."
As they continued down the street, their steps falling into rhythm, the tension between them melted into something warmer…
Whatever threat Lorelai posed, they'd face it together.
Maybe Earth wasn't so bad after all.