Happy Halloween everyone. Yes I'm still alive, I just have a full-time job now. I will admit this chapter got away from me a lot. There was just a lot I wanted to do and I couldn't stop. Admittedly I could've split it into two chapter, but I was way to into it to stop and do that. Sorry. Anyway, I drew a lot from other works that will more than likely be sending ripples down the line. Now just to forewarn you all, if you are into Warhammer fantasy Chaos I have taken many liberties with them for this world and story. Please don't bite my head off over it, I just want to tell my story. Please enjoy and don't forget to review, follow, and favorite.

I own nothing except for my OCs and story.

"talking"

"thought"

"demonic/powerful talking"

"demonic/powerful thought"

"[non-human language]"

Chapter 10: The Callings

If one were to describe a Nordberg feast the word that would most likely come up would be rowdy. After Skarin had greeted them and had made his claim, he called his men for a welcome/morale feast. Ripe meats and fresh mead was served by the tray load as the men, team, uruks, and minions feasted and talked. Folkvar eagerly gulped down Nordberg mead with the adults, its honey flavor warmed his blood. Tenten had the meat that was more on the rare side when she wasn't conversing with the shield maidens from the various clans. Guy and Lee helped themselves to the food and drink as they joyfully arm-wrestled anyone they could find.

Neji, however was very out of place in the excited atmosphere. He struggled to maintain a prim and proper attitude as bawdy tunes were sung through mead glazed beards and fights spilled onto the table. His left eye was twitching as the wenches tried to woo him with their fur clad bodies even though he was much younger than some of them.

"I guess it doesn't really matter to these people. We are rather unique in appearance and perhaps my fangirl curse is still prevalent," Neji thought with remorse.

"Well this is rather different to the clan feasts you probably attend at the Hyuga compound," Folkvar said as he sat down, "but you can't deny the feeling is infectious. Come on let's live a little before we work."

The Overlord had a minion slide a flagon of mead to Neji. Said Hyuga was a bit nervous about the whole thing as he watched the wild celebration rattle around him. With a sigh and a mental thought of "Fuck it" he took a swig.

Resistance Meeting Room

Just as they had seen the day before, the team looked at the large map focusing on the Nordberg region. The respected leaders of clans raven, serpent, boar, and bear stood in their armor around Skarin. His grim hardened face scrutinized on the map before him. Bruz was also there picking bits of…whatever from his gauntleted arms. Team 9 were also there and still recovering somewhat from the celebration the night before. Neji was especially worn looking, even more so when a shield maiden from the serpent clan gave him a look while she licked her lips.

Folkvar looked at the Hyuga's blush and the warrior woman, the blush rivaling his cousin's at the moment. "Do I-"

"No, you do not, nor will I answer right now," the young man bit out. "And for the record, I blame you for all of this."

*Cough* "Thank you all for coming as quick as you did after last night," Skarin started. "The celebration was excellent for our moral. For the longest time, we've been in a slump against the enemy. They have been unable to capture more areas or retake anything, but we've been unable make any kind of push. Bruz's forces have done an excellent job at whittling down their numbers, but such things are of no consequence to them so long as they have their corrupted shamen. That being said, your presence Overlord will be the turning of the tide."

"This is the homeland of my mother. I would see it being restored first in my path toward rebuilding the domain of my father. Gnarl has also told me that the Reds are here as well, housed within the city of Nordberg," Folkvar spoke with firm tone.

"Yes. Drakan uses their abilities to forge weapons for his war machine. Thankfully *snap* he did not get all of them."

Led by a young warrior came a group of twenty Reds. Their appearance was more traditionally imp like with their red skin, curly horns, and fire affinity. One look at their master and they exploded with joy.

"Mastah!"

"Master!"

"We burn for the mastah!"

"Wooho!"

"Huggbees!"

"What was that last one?" Lee asked.

"…ugh, mastah?" the red shrugged.

Guy shook his head. "Anyway Skarin, please give us an update on your current situation."

"We've essentially cut off Drakan from receiving any more resources from our various grounds and holdings. We could in theory make a push now, but to ensure victory we need the other two clans on our side."

Folkvar took in the sparse information. "Bruz, do you know if Drakan has hired any uruk or olog mercenaries?"

"Yeah. A sharpshooter by the name of Dead Eye and his boys," the olog grunted. "Heard he won't take a shot unless he knows it'll hit."

The Overlord nodded. "I say that our team will sneak into Nordberg and get him on our side. Don't worry, I'll…persuade him. This will give us a man on the inside to set up sabotage and turn on the enemy at the right time, especially if he has archers."

"I like it! Truly daring," The bear clan leader barked out a laugh.

"Duplicitous. Excellent cunning," the serpent clan leader said with a nod of her head.

"That leaves the task of getting the other clans on our side to us," Skarin said. "We'll divide and conquer. I'll take the bear and boar leaders with me to meet with the ram clan, while the other two meets with the wolves. Be careful you two," he pointed to the leaders of the ravens and serpents, "Arya is called the she-wolf for a reason. If she suspects we'll doom her clan, her pack, she'll refuse at a moment's notice. Bruz, I know I'm no longer your employer-"

The olog raised a large hand. "Way ahead of you. The boss here wants me to keep the legion filth on their toes and off your backs while you all get everyone ready for the push."

"Right. That's it, good luck everyone."

Days Later

Folkvar and the rest of Team 9 continued their preparation for infiltration. He had Browns scowering the outside of Nordberg for a less guarded entry point. They may have had chakra, but since they were outside a magically heavy area they didn't want to run out of chakra just from trying to get into the fortress. Though Guy and Lee could probably leap over the walls if they put their minds to it.

"No, they would make too much noise when they land. This is a pure stealth mission," Folkvar thought to himself. "Is everyone ready?"

Acknowledgements went around. Tenten was still sore about losing her shield, but had a wooden replacement for the time being. The team's wounds had fully healed before they reached their target location, so they were ready.

The scouting Browns returned and the leader gave his report.

"Mastah, the uruk we's seekin' is in dat tower," the Brown said. This Brown being the one who wore the antlered champion's helmet from the fight in the quarry. "Dare's some boxes that way Mastah. Dat how we got in."

"Well done Nibb," the Overlord told his subordinate before turning to his team. "We have a way in."

Guy nodded with a serious expression. "Alright. We all know the plan?"

"Sneak in and make sure Folkvar is able to turn this uruk to our side," Lee said.

"Gather any pertinent information we can use to aid the resistance," Neji added.

"Find the location of the Red minion hive if possible, and cause sabotage on the way out," Tenten finished.

"Right. Make sure you use your chakra sparsely and only when in combat or in an emergency. I'm on point," the jounin spoke.

The team made their way through the snow at a methodical pace. The guards may be animalistic, but that didn't make them blind. Upon finding the boxes the minions formed a tower using themselves and the rest climbed up. The interior of the fortress was just as monstrous as the exterior. Trees were dead and withered if they were not cut down for fuel or material. Skeletons and half eaten corpses of Nordberg's population still strewn the streets the foul legion prowled.

Team 9 communicated through hand signs to maintain silence. They made their way to the tower, careful to avoid the patrols. Against normal or amateur infiltrators, the guards would've had an easy time finding them, but a skilled or advanced infiltrator could weave their way through their throng. Yet shinobi, even genin, were on a whole other level of stealth as they barely made tracks through the snow and made not a sound. The tower was easy to spot, having an overlooking position for most of the fort.

Not taking the risk of going through the tower and running into uruks Tenten had a different approach in mind. She shoved a large bundle of rope into Nibb's arms and had Lee through him to the top of the tower. The poor Brown didn't have time to squeal as he landed on the tower's edge. Not wasting time, he tied the rope around a jutting spike that hung a skeleton and threw the rope down. The minions and team scaled the structure by order of weight and went into the topmost room that seemed to have an office. Nibb climbed to them via the rope and they hid among the wooden scaffolding to wait.

The uruk in question came into his room two hours later. He was more wild in appearance with fangs and claws adorning his armor. His crossbow had the skull of a great cat at the arrow point. From some angles they could spot his right eye was either blind or malformed in some way. There was no doubt that this was who Bruz was talking about, Mozu Deadeye.

"Now!"

On command, the minions leapt forth to subdue the uruk. Unfortunately he had more skill then they realized, as he swiftly drew his crossbow and fired. The single bolt managed to skewer four browns and he efficiently reloaded quickly to fire at Lee as he dodged. Lee caught the bolt with deft skill as the rest of the team descended. Deadeye tried to put more distance between himself and his ambushers to no avail. Neji managed to weave his way into the uruk's guard and used his gentle fist to incapacitate Mozu as Tenten and Guy held him down just in case. Deadeye thrashed as much as he could but had no defense against the Overlord's domination. The magic did its work and the strong warchief's mind reassessed where his loyalties lied.

Blinking away the cut, but established, control the uruk was released and had his pressure points reopened before bending the knee. "How may I serve?"

It was moments like this that made Folkvar greatly pleased. "Your men serve me understand?" The uruk nodded. "Good. I want you to set up points that can be used for sabotage when the resistance and my forces attack. Keep a lookout for the perfect opportunity to reveal your true devotion."

"Yes my lord," Mozu said with fervor. "Though you should know, there's a meeting going on between Drakan and his benefactor. Something about more forces."

"We'll need to listen in on that meeting if we're to be prepared for the siege," Neji said.

With a team nod, they left Mozu to do his work while they stayed on the roofs of buildings. The minions couldn't follow them, so Folkvar had them do their own thing with Nibb in charge. None saw the curious look Nibb gave to one direction in the town.

Team 9 moved carefully given their armor, but it seemed that the guards were easier to avoid than what the shinobi trained for. They did off some patrols silently for a more direct path. They made their way up to the former town hall and spied their targets. Drakan was massive, far more so than any other champion they saw yet. Large dark spikes were mounted on his armor and shoulders. His skull-like mask hid his perpetual distain and his dark aura pulsed around him. The mask's tusks were pointed toward the other, non-legion men. Said men wore heavy armor with tall shields and gladiuses and their speaker had more ostentatious decorations. With them was a wizened old man with a foul feeling staff.

"The Imperium thanks you for your continued contribution Drakan. However, the Emperor and the council in general feel that you have allowed this resistance to continue for far longer than comfortable," the pompous man spoke.

A growl from the mountain of a man voiced his displeasure.

"Regardless, we Solarists would be remised if we were to let such an investment as your take over completely fall through," the man continued to speak. "As such, we are offering the services of mister Gelthert here to support your already substantial numbers. Necromancy is useful like that."

"Did he say necromancy!?" Lee whispered urgently.

They watched as Gelthert waved his staff around the many bodies of Nordberg's deceased. Then one by one, cadavers rose to horrible animation. Zombies limped to their master and skeletons clattered in an undead march with scavenged weapons and armor.

"Fear not Drakan, your holdings will be maintained once this rebellion is properly crushed. And with a bit of time there shall be more creatures to add to the roster with your giants."

They watched as the undeath spread to more of the town and the undead began their congregation to the necromancer.

"We need to tell the others," Folkvar said seriously.

Suddenly there was an explosion from one of the furnaces, causing a fire to break out. Drakan snarled and pointed a finger toward the growing inferno as the imperials moved to see. Team 9 took the chance to move out quickly by how they came to avoid guards. Then they heard the yelling of minions, the clatter of clawed feet, and the 'thunk' of arrows. They noticed, to their amusement and confusion, that the Browns were running with full speed while carrying a large sack of gold and the red hive of all things.

"Okay go, go, go!" Nibb cried out as they drunkenly dodged arrows.

The team could only stare gob smacked at the sheer audacity that Nibb had. Legion archers continued their poor shots at the ever-retreating band of minions as the clatter of skeleton warriors followed.

"…Did they really just do that?" Neji asked.

"Well at least we're denying the enemy a resource," Lee input, scratching his head.

Guy looked at the minions' path, "Yes but the way out-"

*Thud*

While Nibb had the foresight to open a door, the doorway itself was just not big enough to squeeze the hive through. And now they were in a pickle with Nibb trying to choreograph a way out.

"Okay now twist clockwise."

"We is twisting."

"No twist from our end."

"Nibb, they's shooting at us."

The Overlord facepalmed at their antics. *sigh* "Lee if you would."

Rock Lee got a running start before he did a dropkick with a cry of "Dynamic Entry!"

The force and strength behind the maneuver cracked the frame enough to shoot the hive meters ahead of the carriers. With all the fortress now barreling forces at their exposed group, Nibb said something everyone could agree with.

"Cheese it!"

Folkvar had to active his shield spell a time or two, but the infiltrators got away with their unexpected bounty and information to teleport to the tower gate outside resistance HQ. They left the outlooking imperials with frowns on their faces.

"Hmm. This could be a problem."

Resistance Meeting Room

"So it is as we suspected, the Solarists are behind this," Skarin frowned.

The newly allied ram leader nervously tapped his fingers on his shield. "The fact that the imperium helping to screw over the Overlord's legacy is nothing new, but the fact that they have given Drakan a necromancer is the biggest concern."

"Aye. Our dead are spread across the land in piles thanks to this war," The raven leader said. His clan's symbol cawing in worry.

Bruz added, "That might explain why th' legion are escorting wagon trains of dead to th' city. Me and the lads saw that while we's was causing trouble."

"They will no doubt have children among those corpses." The serpent leader lamented. None were keen on fighting their fallen, but those of children would sap their will to fight.

The bear leader shook his head, "And that isn't even counting the monsters they'll be able to field, especially ghouls and crypt horrors. Maybe a terrorgheist too if we're really fucked."

"And Arya still wants to meet with Skarin personally before she's willing to throw her lot in with us," the boar leader said.

The Overlord stared hard at the map, his team just as concerned. "Bad news all around save for the gold was took and the red hive. At least they will have a longer while before they can rearm or arm their forces." He looked into the eyes of all present leaders. "We need more forces though if we do not want a pyrrhic victory. So what are our options?"

Skarin shook his head in frustration. "It's not that simple my lord. We need numbers yes. We have mighty warriors yes. We have some giants yes. We even have yourself and Bruz offering greater flexibility for an assault, but we don't have the right kind of training to deal with the amount of monsters and undead."

The room became rather still. Until Bruz remembered something.

"Oh wait! Sigwulf Halvherm! 'e's a got a tribe full of monster killers and good fighters. They're one of them Norscans tribes from the valley. Th' Norspear tribe."

The room became edgy.

"I wouldn't risk bringing those people to our lands," the bear leader hissed as he gripped his hammer.

"They have excellent goods tis true, but their dark worship and savagery must be considered," ram's chieftain noted.

"But you forget how the Norscans fight incessantly within the valley and raided us even throughout our war here," the serpent clan leader urged.

Folkvar was curious. "Will anyone inform the Overlord who these Norscans are?"

Skarin cringed a bit, he had a feeling that his lord would be interested in more blades. His fingers together as he rested his chin. "They say that there were once four dark gods who sent armies into our world long ago. Their influence drove many to their side with their powers and monsters. Our ancestors both fought against and for them, but it was madness all the same. Yet the titans, creators of the world itself sealed the armies into a large mountain range and cut off the majority of the gods' connection to their leaders. While they still raid or lead armies out of there from time to time, the descendants mostly stay in the Dark Valley. Sometimes also called the Norscan Valley or Unholy Scar. They only come out in mass if a champion unites the tribes or someone calls them out. Past overlords have done so, and I have a feeling you shall do so now. The trick will be binding a tribe to your service."

He nodded before looking to his faithful olog. "Do you know where to find the Norspears?"

"Yep. Been there six months ago, should still in the same place. The hunting was good there."

"Very well. Skarin and everyone here will seek to get the wolves on our side, while my team with Bruz will seek out the Norspear tribe."

The leaders looked concerned but it was their lord's desire.

"Very well Overlord," the raven chief said. "It may take days to reach the tribe and longer for them to send any aid to us."

"Not exactly," Lee said. Eyes turned towards him. "Well we just need Grubby to dig a new big gate and we can teleport them to the one we have here."

The idea slowly sunk in, with Gnarl providing further insight. "It could work master, but it will have to be done in several trips. The tower gates don't possess a large enough entry point to bring an entire army over at once."

"The idea hold merit," Folkvar spoke, "I think it's a good plan. If not than we stick to a land route, but I don't think it will."

"Indeed Lee, excellent thinking my student," Guy exclaimed with exuberance.

Days Later

The hard trek through the deep snow seemed more oppressive as they drew closer to the main entry point to the Dark Valley. The wildlife seemed more unsettling and had a savagery to them they had not seen in other of their kind. Black jagged rocks jutting dangerously into the pass marked their entry. As they passed the threshold they felt the tingle of their chakra grow to more familiar levels.

"It would seem the valley is teeming with magical energy master. You and your allies should be more than able to deal more comfortably with any threats," Gnarl said.

Bruz also felt the magic. "Yeah, always tingles comin' here. Might want to keep an eye out Overlord, there's all manner of creature here. Good for a hunt. Shame we ain't got time for one."

Grubby dug a small gate in case of emergency for them as the wind seemed to blare even colder than Nordberg. Or was it their nerves. They didn't know nor focus on that. What they did focus on, other than Bruz's directions, were the massive/freaky wildlife and the many totems they passed. Their olog guide said they were icons of the four gods that dominated the land; the Hound, the Eagle, the Crow, and the Serpent. Bruz didn't know enough about them to go into detail so they moved on.

Their long march and hiking did not go unnoticed by other tribes. Twice they were attacked by hunting parties and twice did it end in a slaughter to those hunters. Then not long after they heard the sound of wolf barks and wooden wheels.

"Ah tha' might be them," the guide said with glee.

From over the crest of the hill came eight chariots pulled by large white wolves. The simple war machines were clad in heavy iron with blades and spikes forged into them. Bones and skulls clattered from their chasey and bladed wheels spun lethally. The men driving them were even larger than those of Nordberg, dressed in iron, bone, and fur they carried spears and axes. The banner they held high on the supposed leader was tan in color with a fanged skull over an eight-point star with two of the crossed lines being barbed spears. They surrounded the team, minions baring their weapons or preparing fireballs.

The group olog took their situation in stride. "Now I know you lot aren't much for the dramatic, but I gotta say well done."

The leader's head snapped to Bruz and scowled. "Bruz. We remember you olog. If you're here looking for a fight with our chieftain you will be disappointed."

"No, no, no. See I got a proposal is all Ulk. Just take us to Sigwulf and we'll give you all the details."

The bearded warriors scowled at Bruz's lack of worry, still the minions and the armored one seemed interesting. The one named Ulk spoke.

"Fine. We'll escort you to our village. But make no mistake Bruz, if you or the outsiders seek to threaten Jagged Spear we'll sacrifice you gladly."

"Great, great. So you mind letting my associates and me hitch a ride?"

Ulk scoffed. "It will get us there quicker nothing more."

"The minions and Bruz will need the lift. My team and I will run," Guy said.

"Ha. If you wish to tire yourselves out and die in the snow be our guests," a driver quipped causing the Norscans to laugh.

But two hours of travel had them changing their tune as the shinobi would have outpaced them long ago had they not needed the directions. They managed to maintain their speed through the cold, wind, snow, and rugged terrain. Respect was most definitely earned. Even if they schooled their expressions, the shinobi were having a difficulty through this whole thing and were unsure if they could maintain it for long.

The rockiness and rough road lead up to a large settlement with primitive wooden palisades with iron spikes and bodies attached to it. The tribe was divided into a main area for homes, shops, and the like, while the center area had the more important buildings. The people were just as large as their escorts and eyed them with suspicion, though nods of acknowledgement were shown to Bruz. The team saw numerous of the large white wolves meandering through the place. They seemed to make it even colder around them.

"Oh pretty wolfy," a brown said and reached out to pet it. Only to have it snap violently at it. "Ahhh! Bad wolfy!"

That garnered some laughs from the Norscans. Folkvar ignored his minions' stupidity and continued to follow their hosts. He had to pull Tenten away from the forge with Lee's help as she whined like a petulant child denied a sweet. The great hall was much like the other buildings of Jagged Spear, made of wood and decorated with bones both human and not, but there were numerous more impressive trophies hung throughout the place. A giant's arm, the tail of some beast, mammoth tusks, and even a dragon's head.

Sitting on a raised dais sat a giant of a man, even among these people, wearing dense armor and a helmet with large gold edged horns pointing upwards. To his sides were a large heavy axe whose edge seemed to burn red hot with power and an iron shield with wood and bones adorned to it with his people's symbol boldly at the center. His armor was dense and similarly spiked with bone and iron. A frown was present through his greying brown beard as he saw the outsiders approach. His champion guards tensed at the guests.

Sitting up with a pained wince revealed that he was injured and bandaged in places, but was still undoubtedly strong. Such strength was carried through his deep voice. "Bruz. Come for another round? It will end the same as all other times. Though I'm generous enough to fight with a handicap for myself to make it fair."

"You look like shit Sigwulf," Bruz responded with. The chieftain reached for his battle axe. "Relax. I ain't here for a fight today. My new boss wants a word wit' ya."

Sigwulf's veteran eyes looked over the outsiders. They were an odd assortment of fighters. Their strength was very present, especially from the older man in green, the Overlord, and the girl. From his devotion to the Hound he could smell the amount of blood they had spilled. He was impressed.

"Fine olog. I am Sigwulf Halvherm, Chieftain of Jagged Spear. What business do you present Overlord."

"I seek your warriors in a battle that promises much blood and plunder. An alliance to me would also be a benefit for future plunder against the Imperium," Folkvar said, yet saw the chief's grip tighten. "But I know you are too proud and strong a warrior and leader to simply bow to such demands, what will it take?"

The old warrior's hand moved from his axe to his long, greying beard. He stroked his mane and pondered a reasonable price. He sighed and shook his head.

"Ordinarily I would be somewhat eager to spill blood for my patron and his avatar, but my people are in a dire way."

"From what we've seen you have enough warriors. They seemed strong and healthy," Guy said.

"I speak of the will of the gods outsider," Sigwulf glared. "In a recent hunt, our tribe joined with another to bring down an especially old mammoth to dedicate to the gods. However, the other tribe, the Jaeorlings, lost more hunters than us trying to be brave in the hunt. We wanted to dedicate the kill to the Hound, our main patron, while they wanted to offer it to another. To keep bloodshed to a minimum, I met with their leader Qoulwark for a challenge before the eyes of the gods and avatars. He accepted the terms of combat. Two champions to represent the tribes, and chieftains can fight as one of them. With Qoulwark being a dragon ogre shaggoth I know he'll be one of the fighters, but the other is a mystery to us. Regardless, I'm not known as one of the most fearsome chiefs for nothing with Vars at my side, we would've won."

He grimaced, "That is until a few nights ago. We were ambushed in the night by Jaeorlings trying to sabotage us. I managed to slaughter the grunts, but someone killed Vars and that someone put up a better fight. The coward got some good hits on me before my warriors could put out the fires they lit. He saw them charge and he fled. Now I'm injured and lacking a second champion to represent us."

"Perhaps we could fill in the role. You mean more to your people than a simple champion," Folkvar started, then he appealed to his devotion. "I would think the gods would find it insulting to not be at your best for this fight."

"Fight!"

"Bash!"

"Whoo!"

The Browns cheered. Their exuberance gave a smirk on Sigwulf's face. "Aye lad. You get us a victory and we'll slaughter any southerner you want. But the challenge isn't until two days. Stay the night. We'll all go to the battlegrounds on the marrow."

Later

In accordance with tradition, they left amid a train of chariots and wagons pulled by horses and, as they found out, ice wolves. The weather wouldn't be in their way this day so they bared witness to the twisted land of the Dark Valley. But despite this, the boredom set in and they had to ask about the Norscans themselves.

"So you not only have gods, but they each have avatars?" Neji asked.

"Aye," Ulk confirmed, "We praise the avatars more so, since they are closer to us and have been seen. But make no mistake, they gained their power through the gods themselves."

"Do they have names?" Tenten asked.

Sigwulf answered this time. "Aye. Sarthorael the Everwatcher of the Eagle, Prince Sigvald the Magnificent for the Serpent, Fetus the Leechlord of the Crow, and Valkia the Bloody for the Hound."

Before more could be asked, they got their first glimpse of their arena. The battlegrounds were more than a plain amid the snow. Awesome sized effigies of the gods were carved into hard stone and before them were statues of their respective avatars. The arena was large enough to have large monsters within it with enough space to make the fight interesting. The Jaerolings were already there waiting for the Norspears. Even if only four individuals were fighting, all were ready for battle. And not just them, but several tribes of Norscan warriors, monsters, and Beastmen had gathered here. Normally they would more than likely be at one another's throats, but would not dare risk the ire of the gods on sacred ground. Least of all when the matter of honor was for their favor.

Sigwulf's chariot pulled to the edge and he dismounted with no show of weakness. Team 9 and the other Norspears followed suite. Grubby sprung a larger tower gate near them and Folkvar grabbed more minions for the fight ahead. Fifteen Browns and ten of his new Reds. He followed Sigwulf's lead as they stride toward their opponents for pre-battle banter/negotiations.

The sounds thunder marked the movement of their rival's arrival. The stomps upon draconic feet made their way to the meeting point. The Shaggoth was large and decked in heavy armor while he wielded a mighty halberd that sparked with lightning. Following in the wake of monstrous lord were the Jaeorlings lead by an inceredibly beautiful young man. Not handsome, beautiful. Even in Norscan armor and bones, he seemed immaculate with his thin blade and polished iron shield.

Coming to the center of the battlegrounds both leaders sized one another up. Until Qoulwark threw his head back and laughed with the sound of thunder.

"I come all this way for a fight with the mighty Sigwulf Halvherm at his peak, yet you are lowed by wounds. It would insult me were it not so funny to me human."

"Indeed, great Qoulwark," the beautiful man spoke, "to be made lame, even if temporary, before a challenge is an insult of the highest order for your presence. And it seems that he is lacking his usual champion." He sneared at the Norspears. "Perhaps we can just skip to the part where you meet our demands lest you embarrass yourself old man."

"And were it not for you, Ivar, my warriors wouldn't have perished through your tricks!" Sigwulf roared at the younger man.

"And yet that changes nothing, save for your weakness being seen before the gods themselves." Ivar placed a hand to his face in fake drama. "And before someone of my stature is doubly insulting to them."

Before their eyes, a purple light showed a symbol above Ivar's head. It was of a serpent above a mirror and rose. Many gasped at the symbol, Beastmen outright kneeled.

*Hmph* "You should count yourselves lucky that I had completed my mission, or as a child of Sigvald it would've been my duty to offer a champion of the Hound to my father."

Sigwulf grimaced. "Shit. A demigod."

Morale for the Norspears dropped significantly. But before more could be said, Folkvar speared his two-handed blade into the ground.

"This is all very interesting, but changes nothing. The Norspears will meet this challenge," the Overlord spoke with conviction.

Ivar turned his gaze to the outsider. "And who are these people Sigwulf? So desperate are you for a win that you turn to mercenaries for hope of victory? Does your shame-"

"Oh shut the fuck up pretty boy!" Tenten snarled, "We're here to fight."

The beautiful leader was taken aback by the girl's sudden anger. Sigwulf guffawed at her audacity. "The lass is right Ivar. We're talking too much, so I'll state what's going to happen. I may not be able to fight fully, but these outsiders want my people's aid. The price is that they win the challenge for us and we help."

Qoulwark leered at the chieftain. "Fine. Who's fighting?"

"I am," Folkvar stepped forward. Minions cheering.

"So am I," Tenten said abruptly and shocking her comrades.

Ivar glared at the girl who threw of his groove. "Very well. Since we are generous, you shall have ten minutes to say farewell outsiders. By your will of course great Qoulwark."

The dragon ogre mearly grunted before turning away. Both parties following suite.

Once they were a distance away Guy rounded onto Tenten with his signature grin replaced by a scowl. "That was not part of the plan Tenten."

"I have to agree with Guy-sensei. You are normally not this aggressive unless there's been a lot of fighting," Lee said as he fiddled with his prayer beads.

"Rrrrr I know! I know, but that guy just gets my blood boiling," Tenten paced. "It was like standing in front of the worst perfume department imaginable. I felt disgusted to be near him."

Sigwulf stroked his beard. "Be that as it may, he is still a demigod. He will not be an easy opponent."

Neji scoffed. "No offence Chieftain Sigwulf, but you have not seen how we shinobi fight."

"Maybe," Sigwulf's eyes narrowed, "but then again you don't know what demigods of the Avatars can do. I know for a fact that those of Sigvald stock are quick, and try to charm their enemies into weakness. And since you called him out lass, he'll be trying to woo you."

"He does that and I'll break his teeth in."

"Tenten," Folkvar placed a gauntlet hand on her shoulder, "whatever's pissing you off, don't let it interfere with your skill. You're better than that."

Letting out a deep breath. "Yeah thanks for that. He's screwed for messing with a Konoha kunoichi anyway. I'm gonna need a shield though to not show my hand yet."

Ulk handed her a Norscan shield as she readied her spear. Content, she and Folkvar made their way to the center of the grounds. The minions chittered at the upcoming violence as Sigwulf called out one more time.

"You only need to kill one of them and the challenge will be satisfied. There's no call to start, just fight!"

Folkvar nodded and he picked up to a small jog. The minions skittered closely behind, Browns waving weapons and Reds conjuring fireballs. Tenten was keeping a similar pace as they gazed at their opponents. Qoulwark thundered across the field, outpacing the demigod, with his lightning halberd sparkling toward the Overlord. Ivar had a cocksure smile as he drew a thin rapier from behind his mirror like shield that pulsed with power. Norscans, Beastmen, and monstrous creatures of the valley cheered for the impending violence. As the combatants got within thirty feet of one another, the Konoha raised fighters made their first move.

With a burst of their chakra, the distance was closed to the surprise of the other two. Folkvar's two-handed blade bit deep into the foreleg of the shaggoth. The monster lord roared in more surprise than pain. His focus now on the armored youth, he missed the minions now throwing fireballs at his head. The fire added to his disorientation as the Overlord now went for the hindlegs and stabbed the draconic paw. Unfortunately, the reflexes of the huge monster worked and Folkvar was sent away, tumbling across the barren earth. Using his blade, he shook the dirt from his armor and scowled at the charging dragon ogre. His glowing eyes narrowed as he went to reengage.

Ivar was far more surprised with the girl. One moment he was charging toward certain victory against the outsider, then in a burst of speed she vanished. Only for him to feel a pair of feet smash into his shield and sent the demigod sprawling onto the ground. He rolled quickly to avoid being speared in the head. He lashed out with his rapier, driving her back. He saw the look of contempt in her eyes and responded in kind. His instincts screamed block. Pulling his shield up, he heard the pings of metal and the sight of strange knives. Ivar had no time to examine them further as the girl continued to pepper him from a distance.

Qoulwark thundered toward the Reds, swinging his sparking halberd. Folkvar commanded that they move quickly, but not quick enough since the trailing three splat across the field. He then leapt and slammed the ground with his weapon causing a burning fissure. The rock shrapnel lightly cut the thick hide of is opponent as he called his minions back. The dragon ogre prepared a mighty blow to wipe the challenger out of existence, its eyes and weapon more alight with power. But the Overlord took a gamble. The monstrosity swung and Folkvar poured every ounce of magic into his shield. The shield held, barely, as the ground cracked around the strike zone. The audacity of the spell and success made the shaggoth surprised once more, enough for phase two to take effect. The Overlord sent a burst of domination at the weapon. The sudden influx of foreign magic caused a backlash to ripple through the dragon ogre. The power faded from the halberd as the beast reared up and fell stunned temporarily.

Cheers at the violence roared on the wind from barbarian and bestial throats. Guy being the loudest for the Norspears. Neji, Lee, and Bruz also gave their support, the olog laughing loud and long at their enemies' gob smacked faces. Two youths were essentially tiring out one of the mightiest beasts of the gods and a demigod. Sigwulf however noted that the eyes of the statues were all alight. The eyes of the gods were on this match, a true sign of providence.

Tired of being hidden behind his shield, Ivar sent some magic at the girl. Thanks to his father's ties to the Serpent, his brand of magic was much subtler and affected the mind and body. He whispered soothing nothings to her, promising a life of endless pleasure if she only surrenders and become his. Tenten suddenly became enraged and became more forceful with her throws. Seeing that fail, he sent more sensual magic to affect her adolescent flesh. The kunoichi felt the magic stroke her in pleasuring comfort and focused more on her private areas. With a burst of chakra she banished the attempt. She felt violated at the demigod's attempt to seduce her through her body. Her kid gloves came off.

"No matter how much I throw at that shield, it still remains unscratched," she observed mentally. "Got to be magical if that's the case. Still, he can only move it so much. Let's see him handle this."

In bursts of speed she began throwing kunai and shuriken from multiple angles. For Ivar this was not in his favor. Despite how light it was, his mirror shield was bulky, so when she seemed to be throwing from every angle even he knew he was in a bad way. His demigod stamina could only keep pace for so long and soon gasps of pain came with the weapons now in his legs and sword arm. While the two did their deadly dance, they were edging their way toward the statue of the avatar of the Hound.

Minions ran up the halberd of the giant to bash the face. Nibb was the most exuberant with his horned helmet leading the charge. The weight of attack did more damage to the dragon ogre's thick hide than normal due to how many there were. Qoulwark fought to regain full control and brush the annoyances off with sluggish effort. The Reds found a way around to the draconic body and threw fireballs at the fur in the armor. The burning sensation made the shaggoth wake faster in anger. The Browns ran back down the weapon to scatter, but a swing downed five of their number, while the reds now hung on for dear life. Qoulwark bucked like a horse to shake the minions from his back, right into the dueling shield wielders.

Said wielders rushed to get out of the way, but the tail got them both. Ivar used his shield to skid across the ground, while Tenten caught herself in midair and flipped safely down. Tenten was starting to pant in effort not from her fight, but from holding back her bloodlust. Her skin shined with sweat and she gritted her teeth to calm herself.

"Tenten!"

Folkvar's voice knocked her out of her funk. She looked at him and saw his blade in the ground with his hands cupped for a boost. She grinned and threw her shield and spear over her back to run toward her companion. Their two opponents started to reorganize and saw the Overlord hurl the girl high as she unraveled two scrolls. She began to spin.

"Twin Rising Dragons!"

Following her cry came a hail of weapons of all manner of forging. Kunai and shuriken. Javelins and axes. Maces and Swords. A rain of iron and steel descended upon the Jaeorling leaders. The dragon-ogre shaggoth's bulk played against it as the thick hide soon became decorated with various weapons sticking out of unarmored flesh. Ivar's shield gave him great protection, but the shield couldn't guard everywhere and he gained a scythe to the shin and a kunai to his shoulder. Others gave him cuts all over, but those to his face and hair were the most demoralizing. And infuriating.

The crowd of Norscans, Beastmen, and others cheered or gaped at the display. The sheer number of weapons made many a warrior eye them with greed. Good iron was hard to find. Bruz clapped his armored hands together and laughed at the enemies' suffering. The shinobi nodded in acknowledgement of the teamwork. Sigwulf's eyes were more on the statue of Valkia. The Avatar's eyes were glowing particularly bright at the now weapon covered arena in front of it.

Tenten landed gracefully as she put away her now empty scrolls as she prepared for the next phase of the fight. Ivar screamed in rage at his slightly disfiguring scratches and loss of a few hair strands. His shield's reflection gave him a perfect view of his damaged looks, and the son of Sigvald flew into a fury charging at the kunoichi with divine speed. Thankfully Tenten's training came to the fore as she used her shield to parry as many of the blows as possible. The scent of blood was in the air and Tenten embraced it more so in this fight. She bashed the demigod hard in the face despite his assault, earning her the sound of a broken nose but a cut across her face. Ivar's rage rose higher as his face was more disfigured and had snapped the girl's spear before seeking to try and beat her to death.

As Tenten fought, Folkvar charged the shaggoth once more and Nibb lead his surviving minions at his back. Qoulwark rose angrier now that his hide was coated in numerous weapons. With a powerful swing, he sought to make the Overlord a smear across the field, but only took two more Browns. The Overlord slid across the slick ground to his target, cutting deeply into the fore limb of the dragon ogre. As Qoulwark reared his injured limb, the young lord held tightly to his embeded blade before flipping over and freeing it. Through his chakra exercises, he'd never been more thankful for his weird sensei, he ran up the giant beast's body toward it's face. The shaggoth tried to swat him off, but Folkvar wanted to finish this.

He raised his great sword high as he leapt vertically past his opponent's face. Said opponent followed the living shot, but spotted it too late. Gravity took hold once more as the Overlord's weapon chopped into the dragon ogre's left horn and hung there. The pain of his horn was nothing compared to what happened to Qoulwark next. Summoning as much magic as possible. Folkvar shot fireball after fireball point blank in the shaggoth's face until he was drained. Then with a heave of effort, finished sheering the monstrous horn from the beast. The lord and the horn thundered to the ground as Qoulwark clutched his ruined face roaring in pain and shame. He turned tail and ran from the whole thing.

He would have attacked once more, but feminine sounds of pain drew his attention to Ivar beating on Tenten's downed form. Folkvar looked between the retreating dragon ogre and his downed vassal. He had to make a choice and broke into a sprint.

Tenten didn't know how much more she could last as she deflected more punches from the demigod. She could feel her arms burn from the effort of holding Ivar off and the wood from her shield creaked from the strain. Her opponent had a look of outrage as his blood dripped onto her, giving her more strength. Despite that however, his relentless assault kept her from doing anything and her spear had been broken. She would've reached out for one of the weapons she'd scattered around earlier, but both hands were needed to keep her safe. Suddenly the shield gave way and she suffered several fast and painful punches as Ivar grinned.

"WOOHOOO!" cried Nibb as he latched onto the demigod. He grabbed fists full of his beautiful mane and pulled. The pain and disgrace done to his hair pulled him away from Tenten.

"Get off me you insufferable speck!" Ivar raged as he threw Nibb from his shoulders.

The Brown smirked despite his new headache, he'd bought enough time for his master to make it. Clunking of boots alerted Ivar to his new threat, but didn't stop the encased fist from breaking his cheek bones. Folkvar helped Tenten up and gave her a nod of confidence. She smiled with bloodthirst in her eyes when she returned his nod. It had been her fight to start with, she would finish it. Not even looking she grabbed the nearest weapon on instinct with both hands. Her drive to kill was further boosted by the scent of blood in the air and on her, making her eyes bloodshot in glee.

Ivar had not recovered fully and was unprepared as he felt a jagged weapon pierce his belly and saw an excited Tenten. He coughed up blood as she withdrew her weapon, making him fall to his knees. He looked at the girl with more fear than hatred.

"Even if you kill me, my siblings will avenge me with our father's blessing. You'll regret killing me."

"No," she almost purred at him, "I don't think so. I only regret not killing your fucking ass sooner. And as for your siblings, let them come. They're nothing but spare, useless blood." A strange gleem entered her eyes. "Blood. Blood! BLOOD!"

Ivar made one last desperate swing only to be blocked and cast aside. She then drove her weapon through his throat. The dying youth gripped the shaft on reflex, though he could do nothing. Tenten gripped the part of the weapon that was clear through her victim and yanked with vigor. Ivar's head was pulled from his shoulders, while his stump fountained.

With head still on her weapon, Tenten threw her head back and gave a roar of triumph that radiated from the depths of her being.

"BLOOD FOR THE BLOOD GOD!"

A loud clamor of approval rippled through men and beast as they bore witness to the end of the fantastic fight. The team were rather surprised by their companion's ruthlessness toward, but had long come to terms that Tenten had such…issuses. So long as she could control or temper such urges they were good. Folkvar grinned at her brutality as hus surviving minions cheered around him. Tenten was gulping air as she came down from her battle-high. It was always intense but never more so in this fight.

Then a red light appeared over her head and a symbol began to form. A snarling hound over a spear and grotesque shield. The light dripped like blood before disappearing into nothingness over her head. It was strange to Tenten like she had been welcomed, but from who and to what she didn't know.

Gasps reached her ears as many Norscans and Beastmen kneeled as before, looking at her in either awe, wonder, or fear. Among the many voices, one broke through for all to hear.

"Hail Tenten, daughter of Valkia! Gorequeen. Consort to the Hound."

Said daughter spoke the only thing on her mind, "…say what?"

I know some people might've saw this coming, but Valkia is one of my favorite legendary lords and she's a follower of Khorne. Gotta thank Percy Jackson for the whole 'claiming' bit. See you all later.