A/N: Back with the next installment of this ongoing modern day Norse tale!
Much thanks to Ford1114 for writing and basically helping me jumpstart this chapter with the cold opener, which introduces the YYGDM!Erinyes (and believe me two of them contrast greatly from their Corner counterparts). And credit also goes to LazerWulf for the beta work.
Not to waste anymore time, let's get on with the chapter!
(Note: due to some last-minute changes, the groups heading to Alfheim and Svartalfheim have been swapped, and the previous chapter has been updated to reflect this, but it doesn't really affect anything until next chapter.)
xxxxx
Somewhere in Ginnungagap
"Are they ready, Mist?" Lokato asked as Mist floated down with the four coffins.
"They are. We can begin the revival ritual," the enchantress replied, her lips curving into a smirk.
"Please remove the coffin lids, Fenrir," Lokato instructed Fenmura, who quickly popped open the coffins lids to reveal four mummified corpses.
The Drakes watched this from the sidelines. Wyrm murmured to Zmey and Aerialvern.
"You don't suppose we're being replaced?" Medium asked Wyrm.
"I doubt it. Since Lady Nidhogg has been freed, Lord Loki will merely let Nidhogg take command of us," Wyrm reassured the concerned Drake.
Aerialvern grumbled. "Sounds like being replaced to me. These Erinyes are being moved up to a higher command status and we're being demoted for our failures."
Wyrm sighed. "You're being paranoid."
Sinister growled. "Can you blame us?"
Dexter whimpered. "Yeah, this isn't fair! Waaah!"
Fafnir growled. "Will you three pipe down?! Lord Loki requires concentration!" As he said this, the Drakes sealed their mouths.
Lokato then uses Ymir's armor using the power of Niflheim's necromancy as four beams shoot at the four coffins. The runes glow as the coffins open up, revealing lifeless zombie-like corpses with female armor. The beams have the bodies floating as they make them move slightly.
(Cue Dante's Inferno OST - Storms Of Lust)
An unstable moaning sound comes out of the four corpses' skeletal jaws, which evolve into female screeches. Mist gives an iniquitous smile hearing the 'beautiful' sound of her own Shitennou's revival.
The process of the beams slowly continues with muscles, flesh skin and full clothing forming over their former decayed bodies in restoring them. Eventually, the restoration is complete. The Erinyes are fully returned to the living realm. They have now become Revenant Draugr.
The first is a blond-haired girl the same height as Skuld with pigtails tied in braids made out of flayed bones. She wore a spiky blood red crown and blood red armor trimmed with lilac. She is Rota, the Carcass Erinye and the leader of the group. Her codename is Alecto.
The second is a young woman resembling Skogul, but has long navy blue hair, light violet skin, light green armor and spiky crown, a long black battle dress hung down from her lower body, a royal light purple loincloth, navy blue diamond-shaped symbols on the black dress, and navy blue Triforce-like symbols. The dark clone is named Geirskogul, the Antimatter Erinye. Her codename is Tisiphone.
The third is a young woman whose black hair is tied in a round-shaped hairstyle, completely white skin, and pale blue armor/spiked crown. She is named Geiravor, the Specter Erinye. Her codename is Megaera.
The last is a young woman with long auburn hair, freckles, grayish black full-body knight armor with spikes on her shoulder pads, grayish black armored gauntlets with claws on each fingertip, and wearing no spiked crown. She is named Reginleif, the Berserker Erinye. Her eyes are shown to be under control presumably by Mist, and she gives a low growl like a berserk dog on a leash and behaves in a manner similar to Berserker (Sir Lancelot) from Fate/Zero. Her codename is Telphousia.
"AHAHAHAHAHA! We're alive, all thanks to Misty here!" Rota evilly cackled.
"So good to be back." Geirskogul sinisterly smiled.
"Humph, why do I even care?" Geiravor scoffed.
Reginleif simply growls before letting out. "RRRAAAHHHH!"
(End theme)
(Cue Hunter x Hunter 2011 OST - Hopeless War)
Lokato powered down. "Welcome back to the world of the living, Erinyes." He chortled as he approached the Erinyes.
The Erinyes were taken aback by Lokato and instinctively tried to attack him, but Mist, Fenmura, and Jormunry stopped them.
"Who is he and why does he possess Loki's aura?!" Geirskogul demanded.
"This is Lord Loki, I assure you, Erinyes," Mist stated. "His spirit has taken on a human vessel since his original body was destroyed following Ragnarok."
Rota sniffed Lokato and giggled evilly. "Oh yeah, it's him alright. You can't deceive my nose!"
Geiravor bowed. "We're at your behest, Lord Loki and Lady Mist."
Reginleif growled like a feral animal, prompting Mist to use magic to suppress her fury.
As Lokato addressed the Erinyes, a small creature crawled up on Lokato's shoulder. The creature's appearance was obscured as hardly anyone but Lokato recognized it.
"I've been able to pinpoint the locations of the Maidens," the creature whispered, chattering his teeth. He whispered to Lokato.
"Erinyes, you'll be pleased to know where you'll find the Maidens," Lokato said.
xxxxx
Lokato and Mist walked out of the cavern with the Erinyes. Upon seeing the Erinyes, the Drakes had mixed feelings toward their revival.
"So, what were you two worried about?" Wyrm asked Zmey and Aerialvern.
"Being replaced. Recall the Erinyes were much more efficient against the Valkyries ages ago," Aerialvern reminded them. "The Erinyes' strength are superior to our own, making them comparable to the Valkyries."
Medium nodded. "Yes, and each of us has failed to stop the Valkyries' revivals! If the Erinyes succeed where we've failed, consider us demoted!"
Fafnir snarled over the Drakes' sniveling. "What did I tell you? Be quiet, you fools! No one's getting demoted!"
Lokato overheard the Drakes' gossip and smirked. "Fafnir, I understand Lady Nidhogg has regained her full strength?"
"Yes, sir," Fafnir responded faithfully.
"Excellent, then I'll let you and Lady Nidhogg take full command of the Drake army," Lokato said. "As usual, your Drake soldiers will follow your lead once we initiate Second Ragnarok."
"As you say."
"For now though, I'm asking for your Drakes to cooperate with the Erinyes to amass more recruits from the other realms," the trickster commanded. He pivoted toward Rota. "Rota, can I ask you to go with Lady Nidhogg into Muspelheim? Mist will also accompany you to see her adopted father Lord Surtur."
Mist smirked fiendishly. "A sweet father and daughter reunion, how touching." Her tone was filled with dripping sarcasm.
Rota snickered sadistically. "If Skully is showing up there, she'll be delighted to see me!"
Lokato shifted over to Reginleif, Zmey, and Jormunry. "You three will enter Alfheim. You'll be asked to recruit Mab and Puck."
"As you command, father," Jormunry bowed.
"Oh, Reginleif, if you happen to come across Sigrun, don't hold back and tear her apart!" Mist said, caressing Reginleif's face and body to get her to elicit some anger.
As he faced the other way, Lokato addressed Geirskogul, Wyrm, and Fenmura. "You shall take Svartalfheim. Fenrir, I do think your sons, Skoll and Hati are there."
"Possibly, but we'll do our best to recruit them if we find them," Fenmura obediently replied.
"And if we see Skogul there, I'll deal with her personally," Geirskogul vowed.
Lokato turned facing Geiravor and Aerialvern. "And you shall go into Nidavellir."
"Leave it to us, Lord Loki," Geiravor said. "I will find Gondul, and I will kill her personally."
"Then, our parties have been determined! Lokar, go forth and bring our recruits! We're mere steps away from finalizing our armies. It's paramount that we don't fail as we are close to initiating Second Ragnarok!" Lokato declared, lifting his right fist into the air. "Our enemies have split up, but this is our chance to be several steps ahead of them. Go and crush their hopes of thwarting us!"
The Lokar cheered and roared in unison, rallying in support of Lokato. As this is going on, Mist's smirk subtly faded.
"Lord Surtur... my adoptive father…" Mist murmured. "How shall I convince you to join us? It has been so long."
(End theme)
The tiny messenger climbed up on Lokato's shoulder and whispered to him again. Lokato nodded.
"Yes, we shall observe each realm, but as usual you observe from the shadows."
The creature nodded.
xxxxx
Chapter IX
The Nine Realms World Tour, Part I
xxxxx
Muspelheim
(Cue Valhalla Chronicles - Muspelheim)
More than an hour after leaving their portal way, Skuld & Garm, Sailor Mars, Hiei, Agunimon, Wolfmon, Fairymon, Sailor Blue Mars, Sam, Ryuuhi, Sailor Varuna, and Sailor Quaoar explored Muspelheim's hot and barren landscape. The backdrop of the dimension looked like hellfire and brimstone.
After a long walk, they faced a war ravaged landscape filled with firepits. Molten fire shot out of the firepits and scorched the area near a ruined dark castle.
"The more and more we walk, it's looking like we've been dropped into hell," Wolfmon blinked in shock.
"Welcome to Muspelheim," Garm stated. "We're in Surtur's realm."
"And who is Surtur again?" Agunimon asked.
"He's the fire giant and ruler of Muspelheim, the realm of the fire demons. He's known for being a major force during Ragnarok and carried a fire sword," Varuna explained, once again using her Norse knowledge. "If Surtur's here, we're in for a fight."
"I do sense an immense being wielding flames enough to rival my darkness flames," Hiei noted, picking up on a certain fire giant's presence.
Sailor Mars added. "You can feel it, too, Hiei? The Houou already knows someone's watching us now."
"That should be no surprise. We are in Surtur's realm. He'll know who comes in and out of his realm," Garm said.
Skuld eyed the dark castle. "He's beyond that castle."
Sailor Blue Mars shivered. "This place is unnerving. I don't know if I can go any further."
"Be strong, sis," Ryuuhi said.
Sam held Blue Mars' hand. "Don't worry. We're going together and I promise I won't let anything happen." He genuinely smiled to her as she nodded knowing she was in good hands with her boyfriend, brother, and parents.
"Something's coming," Sailor Mars sensed numerous dark entities emerge.
"Yeah, look!" Agunimon pointed toward the fire pits.
The fiery ground beneath them shook hard as cracks formed and split the earth. This caused the fire pits to erupt, shooting fire like magma. From these pits emerged giants with bodies covered entirely in flames. Behind these fire layers are black skeletons.
Other fire demons emerged and resembled walking fire people with lizard-like and demonic visages. Most wore battle armor and wielded fiery blades.
"Well, if there was any doubt Surtur knows we're here!" Fairymon exclaimed.
"Then, why don't we say 'hello'?!" Agunimon bellowed, preparing to attack with his flames.
"Agunimon, you might want to be mindful not to use your fire attacks!" Wolfmon suggested. "There's no telling if they can absorb flames!"
"Ah crap, thanks for reminding me!"
"That's fine. I have other ways of taking these things down," Mars said, taking out her Ofuda scrolls and transformed into her Dai-Valkyrie form.
"As if I need my dark flames to bring these things down," Hiei took out his sword.
"Yes, we have other means to kick their asses with!" Varuna said as she and Quaoar took on their Dai-Valkyrie forms.
"What about me? My elemental power is fire-based," Skuld turned to Garm.
"Not necessarily true. Remember you can conjure other spells and attacks derived from Niflheim magic. Your mother, Lady Hela, can create powerful mystic attacks that can neutralize beings like fire giants," Garm advised her. "In fact, your flames are so unique that it can harm other fire beings."
Upon hearing this, Skuld raised her hand and summoned a pillar of green flames, which formed into her scythe.
"Then, I can fight without a handicap!" Skuld declared, smiling evilly as Inner Skuld surfaced. "I'm gonna tear up some assholes and send Surtur a message not to mess with me!" She dashed forward and slashed a fire demon in two her her scythe.
Sailor Blue Mars jumped up, unleashing an icicle barrage that halted and froze a handful of fire demons. Ryuuhi swiftly took down fire demons with his sword. Sam invoked his Spirit Fusion power, transforming into Chaos Emperor Dragon. Chaos Emperor Dragon clashed with a Fire Giant and blasted it back.
As a Fire Giant rushed forward, Hiei chopped off both its feet. The Fire Giant collapsed, leading to Mars planting an Ofuda scroll. Mars quickly invoked the Houou's cosmic flames, which proved most effective in eliminating the fire elemental.
"That's a relief. Your flames seem to work on these things, Houou," Mars said.
'Their flames while resistant to normal fire attacks can be extinguished by cosmic and mystic flames. Skuld's flames are by nature the most effective besides my own.' The Houou responded, analyzing Skuld's mystic green flames.
"Might be due to the mystic properties of Hela's fire magic," Mars assessed.
'Hiei, your dark flames should be as potent as Skuld's, so give it a go.' Houou telecommunicated with Hiei, who responded by imbuing his sword with darkness flames.
Hiei made a dash for a fire demon and slashed it in two. The dark flames consumed the fire demon and finished him for good.
"Works just fine," Hiei observed, pleased with the results.
"Houou, could you maybe give Agunimon a fighting chance? Lend him some of your flames," Mars asked. Closing her eyes, she put out her hand and donated some of the Houou's flames to Agunimon.
Agunimon felt new energies surge through him. "Whoa, what the hell?! I feel more energized!"
"Agunimon, the Houou's given you just a little bit of her own aura, which should empower and allow you to use your flamed attacks on these things!" Mars called out.
"Oh, so I don't have to worry if my own attacks get absorbed? Good play!" Agunimon yelled excitedly. He rushed toward a few fire demons and unleashed his Pyro Tornado, eliminating the threats. "Yeah, that's the way it's done! Thanks, Houou!"
Wolfmon swiftly disarmed a fire demon's sword and blasted him with Howling Laser. As more fire demons stormed toward him, Wolfmon took out his laser sword and slashed them down.
Fairymon unleashed a flurry of rapid kicks on a fire demon. She knocked away another with Hurricane Wave.
Dai-Valkyrie Varuna flew at a Fire Giant and hacked off its left arm with her battle axe. As the Fire Giant turned its head, Varuna one-shotted its head off with her Varuna Flash Cannon.
Dai-Valkyrie Quaoar pressed hands to the ground, creating a fissure that cut through the earth. As the fissure got bigger, the fire demons standing on it fell into an abyss plunging to their deaths.
"Hey, over here, asshole!" Skuld yelled out rudely and unruly. She brought down her scythe, slicing the fire-covered behemoth right down the middle. She unleashed green flames, eliminating the Fire Giant.
As a fire demon tried an ambush on Skuld, Garm rushed and headbutted the fire demon. Garm expelled purple smoke from his mouth, putting out the demon's flames and melting it. More fire demons charged at Skuld, who smashed her scythe into the ground and summoned a wave of green flames that wiped out the Muspelheim demons.
"Hahah, c'mon! Come on up and get skewered!" Skuld cackled evilly, licking the demon's burned remains on her scythe's blade.
Suddenly, a Fire Giant popped out of a fire pit behind her. As Garm tried to warn her, Skuld summoned chains from her armor. The chains hooked up and started tearing the Fire Giants into pieces. The behemoth's fiery debris fell over Skuld, who gleefully smiled over her enemy's gory demise.
"Is this the best Surtur has got?! He's in serious shit if he's sending these scrubs!" Skuld boasted, demanding a better challenge.
"Remember we have to prevent the Lokar from recruiting Surtur, Skuld," Garm said.
"I know that, but I don't see any of them here!" Skuld snapped as she sent more chains to wear and tear down more fire demons. "Where are they?! Come out, grandfather! I've got a scythe with your name written on it and ready to be shoved up your ass!"
(Theme fades)
xxxxx
While the fighting with the Muspelheim forces carried on, a portal opened near the ruined castle. Lokato, Mist, Rota, and Nidhogg emerged facing the castle.
"I take it this is your adopted father's castle?" Lokato asked Mist.
"Indeed. According to my past memories, I was raised and trained in dark arts by Surtur," Mist scanned the castle with familiarity. She then felt the Muspelheim's presence within the building. "Come, Lord Loki. He's here and probably knows we're here."
"Let's hope he's able to join us," Lokato nodded. "We can't afford to lose his support."
"If you're worried your granddaughter, Garm, and their colleagues will come for this castle, then Rota can handle them," Mist smirked, eyeing the Erinye. "Isn't that right, Rota? Won't you take care of Skuld and her friends for us?"
Upon hearing this, Rota giggled evilly, grinning a sadist's smile. "But of course! Won't Skilly be surprised to see me again!"
"Yes, if anyone's able to match my granddaughter's unhinged and bloodlusted nature it's Rota," Lokato recalled Rota's bloodthirsty character. "And Nidhogg, go with Rota and help bring our opposition to their knees."
"As you command, Lord Loki," Nidhogg complied, grinding her sharp and massive flesh shearing teeth.
"No biggie. I shall tear Skully's head from her body and turn the tide of the battle against her friends!" Rota cackled as she and Nidhogg flew off toward the war zone where Skuld and her friends actively engaged the Muspelheim forces.
"Come, Mist! Rota has us covered!" Lokato beckoned Mist away.
"Yes, let's hurry!" Mist replied.
xxxxx
Surtur's Quarters
(Valhalla Chronicles - Muspelheim continues)
Sitting on his fiery throne, a solitary figure monitored the battle through a viewing orb. The figure resembled a traditional red-skinned demon wearing full-bodied black armor. Jutting from the crown of his head are long, curved black horns. His eyes burned with yellow fire. A large black sword, held in a red sheath, hung on his right hip.
While he painstakingly viewed the orb, Surtur felt the presence of two guests.
"I see you've returned to me, my adoptive daughter," Surtur turned his throne around, facing Lokato and Mist. "Mist, it's good you've reawakened."
Mist bowed before Surtur. "It has been forever, father."
"Yes, and I see you've brought the trickster with you. Loki, you've taken on a disgusting Midgardian meat sack as your vessel?" Surtur scoffed, gazing over Lokato's new body. "Then again, your original body was destroyed during Ragnarok."
"I may have lost my old body, but rest assured my powers are returning to me. And this vessel has proven to be compatible with my soul," Lokato firmly stated. "In fact, in order to augment my strength, I've taken Ymir's Armor." With that, the armor materialized over Lokato's chest.
"What?!" Surtur was flabbergasted seeing this. "You managed to take it from Niflheim?"
"Yes, and with this armor, I'm better able to cross through the Nine Realms and harness their powers. Lord Surtur, I've come on your adoptive daughter's behalf to recruit you to our side. Let's resume the apocalyptic crusade we were supposed to finish millennia ago."
"And this time destroy Odin's Valkyries as well as Midgard! Consider this, father. Once we've ravaged Midgard, you can have any territory you want," Mist offered. "I know you've always wanted to expand your each beyond Muspelheim. Aid us and you're guaranteed that plus more!"
Giving little thought to this, Surtur stood from his throne.
"If I'm promised expansion of territory beyond my realm, then I accept. I'll join you and lend you my armies," Surtur conceded to the Lokar's offer.
"Thank you, father. You won't regret this," Mist said.
"I suggest we head out there. You can demonstrate your power to Skuld and her friends," Lokato said.
"Of course," Surtur cackled evilly, taking out and brandishing his sword. "I shall smite and scorch their flesh until there's nothing left! Not even their bones!"
Mist clapped. "That'll be simply fantastic, father! Come then, let's give them a horror show!"
(End theme)
xxxxx
Muspelheim
"Take this!" Skuld roared, slashing another Fire Giant into two with her scythe. She then burned its remains with her green flames. She yawned. "This is getting so boring. Where's grandfather hiding?! He and that whore of his better show! Hell, bring on Surtur!"
"I'd advise against fighting Surtur, Skuld!" Garm warned her. "His power is unmatched as long as he's in this realm."
"Really? Then, I'll get to kill him at his best!" Skuld relished at the thought of fighting Surtur's full strength. "Hey, Surtur, get out here if you can hear me!" As she flew toward Surtur's castle, a quick blur slammed into Skuld and knocked her down hard.
"Skuld!" Garm yelled out as he rushed over to the Underworld Valkyrie's side.
(Cue Dante's Inferno OST - Track 12 - Whores Of Babylon)
Recovering to her feet, Skuld looked up and stared at her attacker. It was Rota, who descended and floated in front of them. Rota wore a crazed look on her face, grinning gleefully.
"Wh-Who the hell are you?!" Skuld demanded angrily, shooting a gaze at the Erinye.
"Awww, I'm hurt. I can't believe you've forgotten me, Skully!" Rota snickered, folding both arms behind her head and sliding them down on her hips. She openly taunted her. "But I remember running roughshod on you back then!"
"Forgotten you?" Skuld was confused.
"I can't believe this! Loki and Mist must've confiscated the Erinyes' seals and undid them! In doing so and probably with Ymir's armor, they've revived the Erinyes!" Garm shouted in disbelief. "That's the only method they could've used to restore these fiends into Draugr!"
"And who are the Erinyes?"
"Mist's most loyal servants. If Rota's been revived, no doubt the others have been, too. Lady Skuld, this creature in front of you was your equal in battle."
"So, I fought her?"
"Equal? Please, I kicked your ass without breaking a sweat. Then, you got pissy and took it out on Asgard by blowing the whole shit up!" Rota chuckled evilly, trying to contain her hyena-like laughter.
"Wait, I did what?!"
"You pretty much ended Ragnarok, sweetie," Rota revealed until she realized she dropped a big reveal that rattled Skuld and covered her mouth. "Whoops, guess you weren't supposed to know that!"
"I stopped Ragnarok?" Skuld tried to take this shocking revelation all in, including the consequences that followed. "Garm, why didn't you…?"
Garm sighed deeply, turning away. "Odin and your mother instructed me never to tell you. In fact, once you went off, your power was enough to stop Loki's and Odin's warring factions from creating more bloodshed. And you ultimately stopped Loki from completing Ragnarok."
As Skuld continued to absorb this information in, Rota cackled and formed red energy in her hands.
"Yeah, yeah, enough talk. You said you wanted a challenge, Skully?! Well, here I come! And here I come!" Rota cackled evilly as she flew down and clashed with Skuld.
Skuld quickly guarded against Rota's sharpened red claws. Using her scythe, she countered Rota's quick claw strikes. Skuld dodged Rota's claws and swerved behind her. As Skuld spun around swinging her scythe, she attempted to split Rota in two. However, Rota jumped up and somersaulted over Skuld. Rota phased out and reappeared behind Skuld. Rota grabbed Skuld and shoved her claws through the Valkyrie's left shoulder.
Screaming in pain, Skuld succumbed to Rota's claws. Garm quickly intervened and expelled green blasts at the Erinye. Rota grabbed Skuld and put her in front to take the blasts instead.
"No!" Garm yelled.
Skuld screamed and unleashed a red aura, knocking Rota away. The red aura also absorbed and nullified Garm's attacks.
"Huh, not too bad, Skully. My strength is not up to snuff yet, but don't worry once I get going I'll kill ya!" Rota licked Skuld's blood from her claws.
"I'm sorry, Lady Skuld!" Garm said. "Sasha, are you ok?"
"I'm fine!" Skuld turned, facing her Erinye counterpart. "Now you've pissed me off! Now come and get cut into pieces, ya piece of shit!" She shot an evil grin as her eyes burned red, which perfectly reflected her current mood.
Meanwhile, Nidhogg appeared, swiftly setting the battlefield ablaze with fiery blasts that halted the heroes war with Surtur's Muspelheim forces.
"Whoa, what the hell?!" Ryuuhi shouted.
"It's that giant dragon that they freed from Niflheim!" Agunimon recalled as Nidhogg rained fiery blasts all over the vicinity. "Take cover!"
"Between this dragon and that woman Skuld's fighting, looks like Loki and his crew have arrived!" Sailor Mars concluded.
Most of the heroes ducked for cover, avoiding Nidhogg's blasts. As Sam flew up, he slammed into Nidhogg, but the Mother of all Dragons retaliated by firing a massive purple blast at Sam. Sam fell as he crashed into the ground.
"Sam!" Sailor Blue Mars cried out as the Chaos Emperor Dragon slowly rose only for Nidhogg to crush him beneath her feet. "Let him go!" She pushed her right hand forward, expelling an ice flame dragon. Her Frost Flame Dragon slammed into Nidhogg's face, knocking her off Chaos Emperor Dragon.
The Chaos Emperor Dragon regressed into Sam, leading to Blue Mars collecting him. Irked with Blue Mars' intervention, Nidhogg belched a purple destructive blast at Blue Mars and Sam.
"KOORI!" Ryuuhi, Dai-Valkyrie Sailor Mars, and Hiei called out as they hurried to stop Nidhogg's attack.
Just then, an orb of snow blue light formed over Blue Mars and Sam. This light took the form of a swan as the white bird folded her wings, stopping Nidhogg's blast. The swan fearlessly hissed at Nidhogg's despite giving up so much size and scale to the Mother of all Dragons.
"Frostburn! You're a lifesaver!" Blue Mars cried out happily. She put Sam's body on Frostburn's back. "Get him safely away, Frostburn."
"Of course, Koori," Frostburn complied, flapping her wings and flying off carrying Sam.
"Koori!" Ryuuhi reached his sister. "Is Sam going to be ok?"
"He'll be fine. He's protected me, so now it's my turn to repay the favor," Blue Mars said, glaring down Nidhogg.
"Foolish little humans! As much power you wield, you're nothing to the dragon race!" Nidhogg bellowed, expelling purple flames at Ryuuhi and Blue Mars.
As the purple flames quickly consumed the siblings, Sailor Mars and Hiei stepped in the way. Nidhogg's eyes widened as her fiery blast was pushed back toward her. She caught a glimpse of Sailor Mars, Hiei, Blue Mars, and Ryuuhi combining their powers to push back Nidhogg's attack. Dai-Valkyrie Mars summoned a larger Mars Snake Fire. Hiei unleashed his Darkness Flames. Blue Mars went Dai-Valkyrie mode and unleashed her Frost Flames. Ryuuhi coped his father's technique, adding to his family's massive fire wave.
"They're able to match my power?!" Nidhogg exclaimed in disbelief. She witnessed the fire wave morph into the head and body of a dragon. They're wielders of the feared Darkness Dragon Flames?! I thought only few have been able to conjure them from straight out of the depths of the Underworld?!
Hiei grinned, reading Nidhogg's thoughts. "I'm one of those few wielders to have successfully utilized and merged with the Darkness Dragon Flames! My children here have inherited that power to slay the likes of you!"
"Yes, but it will take more than your fabled flames to destroy me!" Nidhogg swiftly flew aside and fired a purple blast that wiped out their combined dragon power.
"Ugh, we almost had her!" Ryuuhi growled with frustration.
"We'll have another turn next time when she least expects it," Hiei eyed Nidhogg, who flew around shooting purple blasts at them.
The Hino family dodged Nidhogg's blasts. Hiei and Ryuuhi relied on pure speed, phasing past and through the blasts. Mars and Blue Mars conjured fiery shields, nullifying Nidhogg's blasts.
"Let's weather out these blasts, guys!" Agunimon beckoned Fairymon and Wolfmon.
With that, the three Legendary Warriors combined their Spirits to Fusion Evolve. Agunimon became Ardhamon. Wolfmon transformed into Beowulfmon. Fairymon turned into JetSilphymon.
Using the Houou's flames Mars lent him, Ardhamon took out batch of fire demons. After taking down a few fire demons, Beowulfmon and JetSilphymon combined efforts to put out Nidhogg's stray fiery blasts.
Ardhamon turned his sights on Nidhogg, who rained more purple blasts. Ardhamon amassed his Solar Wind Destroyer and chunked it at Nidhogg, who took the shot straight to her face. This drew her attention away from the Hino family as she belched a purple beam at the Warrior of Flame.
"Oh crap!" Ardhamon panicked as he flew away, avoiding Nidhogg's beam.
"Your guard's down!" Hiei howled as he jumped up and clocked Nidhogg's face. His fist, imbued with darkness flames, jaw jacked the Mother of Dragons.
Nidhogg quickly recovered from Hiei's punch and expelled a fiery blast. Hiei phased out, narrowly escaping what could've been his fiery demise.
Meanwhile, Sam awoke, finding himself on top of Frostburn. The first thing he saw was Blue Mars and her family fending off Nidhogg.
"Koori…?" Sam muttered. He watched in awe as his girlfriend went to town on Nidhogg.
Nidhogg fired another purple beam, which the Hino family avoided. Hiei and Ryuuhi zipped around, throwing off Nidhogg's aim. Mars and Blue Mars bombarded and disoriented Nidhogg with their fire attacks.
"Koori's kicking butt out there and I'm not apart of it? Like hell I'm sitting back!" Sam yelled out, but then he buckled from the pain shooting through his body. "Ugh, damn! Well, I did take a hard fall."
Frostburn advised. "You'd better rest, Sam."
"No way. I'm not out of this yet." Sam sat recovering from the battle, admiring Blue Mars' courageous efforts.
Brandishing her axe, Dai-Valkyrie Varuna set her sights on Skuld and Rota's battle.
"While they fight the dragon, how about we lend Skuld some help, Quaoar?"
"Good idea."
(End theme)
Before the Kuiper duo had a chance to aid Skuld, a red projectile sliced through the earth, halting Varuna and Quaoar's path. The earth split causing a fire wall to shoot out.
"What the hell?!" Varuna spat out.
"Look out!" Quaoar warned.
Before Varuna can react, Surtur hastily flew straight into Varuna and blindsided her away with his sword. Quaoar barely blinked as Surtur's attack came so fast and sudden.
(The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers CR - 01. Glamdring (1:43 - 3:52))
Everyone ceased fighting as they set their sights on Surtur. Surtur grinned evilly and turned facing Quaoar, who threw a rose thorned vine at him. Surtur caught with vine and burned it. Taken aback by Surtur's power, Quaoar raced over to collect Varuna.
"Who's that freak?!" Sam exclaimed, standing up on his feet. "You're gonna pay doing that to my friend, jackass! Hang on, Hammer!" He referred to Varuna's nickname.
"Wait, Sam!" Frostburn called out, flying after him.
"Good to have you join us, Surtur," Nidhogg acknowledged Muspelheim's ruler. "Seems Lord Loki and Mist managed to convince you to join us."
"That's Surtur?" Dai-Valkyrie Mars gasped, meticulously observing Surtur.
"His power is beyond these demons we've been exterminating up to now," Hiei assessed Surtur's power. "And he's stronger than this dragon. Varuna didn't even have the time to respond to his attack."
Skuld turned, flabbergasted by Surtur's presence. "Whoa, he's finally decided to show up?" She scowled as she sensed a certain trickster and enchantress' presences. "Oh great."
Lokato and Mist materialized near Surtur.
"How do you like our newest recruit, friends?" Lokato chortled, wearing a victory grin. "Did you see how quickly he put down your blonde friend? He'll easily do the same to all of you, so think twice before crossing Surtur's might!"
Mist added. "My adoptive father is quite the beast, isn't he? He'll run through all of you!"
"Adoptive father? Great," muttered Ardhamon.
"Don't let him intimidate you, guys!" Dai-Valkyrie Mars rallied her group.
"Now that you've shown yourself, grandfather! You're mine!" Skuld laughed fiendishly. She flew at Lokato, brandishing her scythe with reckless abandon.
"Lord Loki!" Mist shifted right in front of Lokato.
As Surtur prepared to stop her, Rota caught up to Skuld. Rota slashed Skuld and kicked the scythe from her hands. Rota seized Skuld's neck and flew away, slamming her through a rock pillar. Rota then kicked Skuld straight through several rock faces. Skuld hit the stone wall.
"HAHAHA! Hey, we're not done playing, Skully!" Rota cackled. She jetted across and planted a kick into Skuld's body. She quickly kicked her hard several times and grabbed Skuld's neck. "Aww, poor baby hurting?! Here let me make it better and put you to sleep for good!" She readied her claws, preparing to drive them through Skuld's heart.
Struggling, Skuld growled fiercely at the Erinye. She summoned her chains, which Rota quickly stopped with her left-handed claws.
All Skuld could think about was tearing out Rota's throat and ripping her to shreds. However, within the mind of the savage Valkyrie, the pure innocent soul of Sasha wanted nothing more than to find and save Philippe's soul.
"WHEN I BREAK LOOSE, I'M GONNA SPILL YOUR GUTS!" Skuld roared like a savage.
"HAHAH! You're welcome to try, Skully! Oh you'll make a good meat carcass for me to punch and munch on when I'm done with ya!"
Skuld gritted, clenching her teeth and biting her tongue.
We can't be beaten here, Skuld! I won't allow us to die here! Not since we're looking for Philippe! We have to survive no matter what!
"Shut up, you scaredy rabbit! What do you think I'm trying to do here?!" Skuld snapped at Sasha.
"Are you making peace with your other self?! Well, that's fine because I'm gonna put an end to this now!" Rota smiled wickedly as she raised her right hand, revealing her long red claws. "I'll make this as bloody and excruciatingly painful as I can make it!"
SKULD! Sasha's voice rang inside Skuld's mind, causing the Underworld Valkyrie to resolve her bloodlusted nature.
Skuld quickly headbutted Rota's face, disorienting the Erinye. The Valkyrie then seized Rota's neck and punched her hard in the gut. Skuld didn't stop there and kept punching her. Rota's felt every blow crushing her ribs. Skuld shot up quickly across the landscape and slammed Rota through a rock face.
"NOBODY'S GETTING BETWEEN ME AND PHILIPPE!" Skuld shouted at Rota, slamming her face first into a wall. She then slammed her repeatedly and tossed her up into the air. She flew up and shot out her chains, ensnaring the Erinye. "Now to skewer you, bitch!"
Suddenly, a sadistic grin adorned Rota's pale features. A dark red aura bathed over the Erinye. With rejuvenated strength, she successfully snapped and broke loose from Skuld's chains. Skuld was flabbergasted to say the least. Rota floated down and kicked away Skuld's chains.
"I can't believe this!" Garm growled, glaring disdainfully at Rota. "Skuld, I don't think your power will be enough to beat her!"
"Listen to your doggie friend. He's obviously the brains between y'all. Know your place and kiss my feet," Rota smiled evilly.
Skuld spat on the ground near Rota's feet. Irked by Skuld's disrespectful gesture, Rota gave an unhinged scowl.
"I don't think it's fair you get animal support. Why don't I show ya mind, Skully?!" Rota snapped her fingers. A Sika deer materialized next to her. "Say hello to my animal spirit, Dainn of Autumn. Let's see how Dainn compares to your doggy! Go Dainn!"
With that, Dainn charged head-on with antlers ready to ram Garm. Garm lunged forward and tackled Dainn. The Underworld hellhound hopped over to the left side and expelled green flames at Dainn. Dainn instinctively forged a barrier, stopping Garm's flames.
Rota lunged at Skuld and shoved her back. Skuld summoned a chain and attempted to grab the Erinye. Rota danced around the chain and shattered it with her right-handed claws. She quickly charged at Skuld and grabbed her face. Rota summoned a sword in her hand.
"Your strength sure ain't up to snuff with mine. What a fucking disappointment you are," Rota snorted in annoyance with her disappointing opponent.
"SKULD!" Garm charged past Dainn and snatched Skuld, narrowly saving her from being stabbed by Rota.
"You dare interfere, you beast?!" Rota screamed angrily, swinging her sword something fierce and sending a red projectile shaped like a red scythe toward them.
As Garm jumped away carrying Skuld, the projectile cut through a giant rockface, splitting it and several others in two. Garm glanced at the destructive path caused by Rota's attack. Had Garm not saved Skuld, they both would've been skewered into bloody pieces.
(End theme)
Rota chortled dementedly. "Consider yourself lucky, Skully. Your servant puppy saved you. If he didn't, you two be in deep shit and hacked into pieces by me." She made her sword vanish. "Oh, but you bore me. I thought you'd give me a challenge, Skully. Oh well, there's always next time!"
(Cue Sailor Moon Crystal OST - Sailor Mars no Theme)
Meanwhile, Surtur, Lokato, Nidhogg, and Mist made short work over the majority of the heroes. Ryuuhi, Blue Mars, Sam, Ardhamon, Beowulfmon, and JetSilphymon were quickly brought down. Quaoar continued to tend to Varuna, who stood ready to fight again.
"You haven't beaten us yet!" Varuna defiantly shouted, picking up her battle axe.
"No, you haven't! Hiei and I are still able to fight!" Mars declared as she and Hiei faced the Lokar members.
"You two? Don't make us laugh!" Mist gave a haughty giggle.
"What makes you think you'll do any better than these fools?" Surtur asked, drawing his sword against Mars and Hiei.
Hiei held his sword. "Why don't we show you?"
Wasting no time, Dai-Valkyrie Mars and Hiei charged at the Lokar. Hiei blitzed past Surtur and struck the Muspelheim ruler's armor. To Hiei's shock, his sword broke against Surtur's armor. Surtur turned and dropped his sword, only for Hiei to sidestep the demon and pick up his broken sword. Hiei imbued darkness flames into his broken weapon, forming his Sword of the Darkness Flame. Hiei and Surtur clashed swords with each other.
Dai-Valkyrie Mars flew past Mist's mystic blasts. She quickly got through Mist's attacks and swerved behind the enchantress. She landed a roundhouse kick on Mist's back, kicking her aside. She turned and faced Lokato.
"Takato, I know you're in there! It's me, Mars! Your friend! Your flame instructor!" Mars pleaded to him, hoping to contact Takato Matsuda.
Lokato remained unfazed to her words. "Yes, I know what you're attempting to do. Hate to break it to you, woman, but he can't hear you! He remains shrouded in his own sea of insecurity and has willingly allowed me to take over!"
"That's not true and you know it, Loki!" Dai-Valkyrie Mars summoned flames, forming a bow and arrow with it. "I'll do whatever it takes to free Takato from your control, Loki!"
"Go on and shoot, but can you shoot this boy's body?"
As he invited her to shoot him, Dai-Valkyrie Mars fiercely glared him down and pulled back, preparing to launch the arrow. Lokato openly taunted her to shoot him. She paused briefly seeing Takato flashing before her eyes.
'I know it's difficult, but in order to save Takato…'
"I'm sorry, Takato!" Mars cried out, shooting at the arrow at Lokato.
However, Rota quickly intercepted the arrow and tossed it aside. The Erinye snickered evilly until she shrieked and noticed the burns on her hand.
"GAH! YOU BURNED MY HAND! OWIE! OWIE!" Rota blew on her scorched hand. "YOU BLACK-HAIRED BITCH! THAT HURT!"
"So close, but you should've shot that arrow sooner," Lokato shrugged, flicking his dark locks back. "Nidhogg, now!"
Dropping down from out of nowhere, Nidhogg unleashed a purple blast that swept Dai-Valkyrie Mars back. Surtur and Hiei ceased their sword battle as the latter moved in and caught Mars. With his guard dropped, Mist appeared behind and blasted Hiei. Hiei was felled by Mist's sneak attack. Mars hit the ground. The Miko opened her eyes and saw Lokato walking away.
"Takato…!" Mars called for him, but Mist stepped on her head.
"And that's for kicking me, you priestess bitch!" Mist stomped on Mars' head.
"Mist, that's enough. We've recruited who we've been looking for," Lokato ordered Mist off. "Leave them to lick their wounds."
"As you command," Mist bowed and walked off.
"Takato…" Mars once again called for him.
Rota growled as she walked over to Mars. "C'mon let me kill this one for burning me!"
"You heard, Lord Loki. We're leaving," Mist instructed, pulling Rota away.
"Aww, no fair! I want payback for her burning me!"
The other heroes began to stir and watched the Lokar preparing to make their leave. Garm landed with Skuld, who was starting to come to. Angered by Takato's situation, Mars clenched her fist and shared her anger with the Houou.
'They can't get away!' The Houou charged, channeling her mystic flames through Mars.
Shoom.
The Lokar quickly stopped as they felt an immense pressure building up behind them. They turned and witnessed Houou Mars stand before them enveloped in a phoenix aura. Lokato's heart skipped a beat. The trickster became apprehensive toward Houou Mars.
"The Houou…!" Lokato exclaimed, recognizing her phoenix aura through Takato's memories. "We have to get out of here now!"
"It's that same woman with the phoenix aura!" Mist recalled witnessing Houou Mars' involvement in the Apophis conflict.
"Feh, what's so scary about a flaming bird?" Rota scoffed, completely unaware of Houou's reputation.
"You fool! All of us together are hard pressed to beat this force!" Lokato stressed. "I know through this vessel's memories! It's best we retreat now!" He grabbed Mist. "Let's retreat!"
"You're not going anywhere!" Houou Mars shouted at the Lokar.
"I'm not leaving without claiming victims!" Surtur bellowed, swinging his sword and sending destructive mountain cutting slashes at the fallen heroes.
However, Houou Mars forged a gigantic wall of flames that stopped Surtur's attacks.
"Surtur, call off your remaining armies! We'll need as many as we can for the final battle!" Lokato ordered Surtur, who quickly beckoned his Muspelheim forces to follow through the portal.
As Houou Mars protected her allies, the Lokar used this opportunity to retreat through the portal. Skuld awoke and charged after the Lokar. She unleashed a hell chain at Rota, but the portal closed before she can even grab the Erinye.
(End theme)
"Shit!" Cursed Skuld, punching the ground hard enough to make a big hole.
"Mom!" Ryuuhi became drawn to Houou Mars' presence.
Blue Mars, too, was impressed by her mother's Houou aura.
"Are you all ok?" Houou Mars asked her family and friends, who were recovering from their beatdown.
"We're fine now, but man that Surtur guy was no joke!" Ardhamon exclaimed.
"Indeed, Loki's managed to recruit some heavy hitters," Beowulfmon added.
"Which means bad news for us," JetSilphymon stated.
"Ugh, that bastard's not getting away with blindsiding me like that!" Varuna cursed her defeat.
Quaoar put an arm over Varuna's. "We'll have another chance to beat him, Varuna."
"I sure damn hope so."
"And I better get my hands on that Rota bitch! She's dead the next time I see her!" Skuld cursed, yanking her fist out of the ground. She noticed her scythe laying away and recalled the weapon back to her hand.
Houou Mars immediately powered down and used the Houou's aura to heal the wounded. Hiei fully healed by the Houou's cosmic flames.
"They got away, I'm afraid, Hiei," Houou Mars nodded.
"Yes, but next time we'll end them," Hiei vowed to take matters to his hands with the Lokar.
"Ugh, man we took an ass-whipping, didn't we?" Sam said, recovering from Surtur's attack on them. "But, hey just means we've gotta toughen up! We've faced worse than this!"
Blue Mars was taken in by Sam's optimistic outlook and kissed him. "Yes, you're right. And we'll be better prepared when we fight him again."
"Taking that damn sword from him is essential," Ryuuhi said.
Garm approached Skuld. "Skuld, look we unfortunately lost this battle, but this misstep can't put us off from winning the war with the Lokar. We'll have another chance to defeat Surtur, and you'll have another to destroy Rota." He pushed his head next to Skuld. "Look I know it's hard to take in you helped initiate Ragnarok's end is hard to take in, but that was in the past. We must worry about the present." He was brushed with the silent treatment. "Come on, Sasha. We still have to find Philippe..."
Hearing his name, the redness in Skuld's eyes faded. A tear poured down from her left eye as Sasha resurfaced.
"Yes, Philippe to me comes first," Skuld spoke in Sasha's sweet voice. "You're right." She turned to Garm and smiled. "Let's go and get Kotori so we can find Philippe."
"Then, once we've found Philippe's soul, that burden will be lifted and we can fully focus on defeating the Loki and Mist."
"Yes, you're right!" Skuld resolved, wiping the tear from her face. "Is everyone ready to go?"
"Anywhere beats this hot oven of a place. I've seen enough hell-like places!" Ardhamon exclaimed.
"We thought you'd never ask," Varuna said.
Houou Mars powered down into Dai-Valkyrie Mars. She added. "Thanks, Sasha. Let's go back."
"Ok then!" Skuld declared, invoking Yggdrasil's power and accessed a portal for them. She and the group entered the portal and went back to Yggdrasil's realm. Hold on a little longer, Philippe! We're coming!
xxxxx
Folkvangr
(Cue Yu-Gi-Oh! Capsule Monsters Soundtrack 22 - Neverending Site)
Philippe blinked for a moment as he palmed and massaged his forehead.
"Is something wrong?" The blonde-haired woman asked him, gently taking his hand. "It's ok. Whatever's troubling you, you're safe here."
"It's not that. It's just I have a feeling someone's looking for me," he tried to explain. "Kotori, Sasha, and the others are probably looking for me now."
The woman leaned next to Philippe and draped an arm over him. "Relax, you don't need to fear anything anymore." She was surprised when Philippe rolled her arm off him.
"Look, I don't even know your name! And am I really dead?" Philippe demanded from her.
The woman replied with an infectious smile. "You are dead. And pardon my rudeness, I am Freya." She leaned over and caressed his delicate feminine features. "Goodness, you have such a beautiful features! Are you really a man?"
"Yes, and my name is Philippe Sagara!"
"Philippe Sagara? That's such a beautiful name," Freya blushed gleefully.
"So, what is Folkvangr supposed to be like? Heaven?"
"Sort of. This is one of the Nine Realms," Freya answered. "We just happen to be in Folkvangr, Vanaheim's version of Valhalla."
"Valhalla, I heard that name before. Isn't that where the Valkyrie escort the souls of fallen warriors?"
"Yes, you're a very smart boy, but to be exact half of those fallen go there. The others are taken to here. In fact, I used to be a Valkyrie who served Odin."
"You were a Valkyrie? I find that hard to believe."
"But it's true! I was a Valkyrie fighting alongside Frigg, Hela, and others!" Freya replied enthusiastically. "Goodness, that takes me back." She quickly had a nostalgic rush and pressed both palms to her cheeks.
"So, why are you here? Aren't you supposed to be in Asgard?"
"Well, Asgard… it's a shadow of what it used to be and I left after a falling out with Frigg," Freya explained her departure. "I was lambasted with heavy criticism over my carefree demeanor and not taking certain situations seriously. In hindsight, I lashed out like a petty child and wished we could've talked things out better. I regret letting Frigg down. Having spent a long time here, I've reflected on my mistakes. But there was more to our falling out. It was over internal political reasons."
"Like what if I might ask?"
"Before I became a Valkyrie, I was one of the Vanir, gods of peace, tranquility, and prosperity," she delved into her past history. "As opposed to the Aesir, who were war gods. Our sides had conflicts for ages. There was great strife between our sides, leading to the great Aesir-Vanir War. Eventually, we did make peace. My brother, Frey, and I were allowed to come to Asgard. I was allowed to become a Valkyrie and joining Frigg came with great responsibilities, but I didn't mind. I was honored to fight the good fight with Lady Frigg and bring the fallen warriors to our realms. However, I objected to the treatment of the Einherjar."
"Einherjar?"
"Yes, they're the souls of the fallen warriors who we are supposed to collect. The Aesir always felt the fallen should be taken to Valhalla and converted into soldiers, but I objected and suggested they deserve to rest peacefully after dying honorably." Freya then escorted Philippe toward the white temple Philippe saw when he awakened.
Philippe was mesmerized by the souls of the fallen warriors enjoying their eternal bliss. Some were seen bathing in a tub. Others were seen drinking to their hearts content. And a few others playing games. All of them conveyed the same expression: jovial and genuine pleasure.
"They all look so happy together!" Philippe was flabbergasted.
"Yes, they can rest and enjoy eternal bliss without having being subjected to any more fighting. They've earned it after their years of honorable duties to their kings, queens, and people." Freya said, turning to face Philippe. "They have no reasons to fight anymore."
"Lady Freya, it's good to see you!" A fallen warrior waved to the beautiful goddess, who blew a kiss to him and the others.
"She loves us!" The warriors howled together, praising Freya's name and beauty.
"As per agreement with Lord Odin, the Valkyries would bring half of the honorable dead to Valhalla, leaving me to sole responsibility of bringing the other half to Folkvangr, where they can live out the rest of their eternal lives in Vanaheim. Philippe Sagara, you died a noble death saving Brunhilde's reincarnation. With no Valkyrie to take your soul to Valhalla, you were immediately brought here." She extended a hand to him. "Welcome to Folkvangr and enjoy your stay." She smiled affectionately.
"Thank you for the offer, Miss Freya, but I can't."
"Oh, but why not? If there's anything you'd like to see changed, I'd be willing to make some accommodations…"
"Thanks, but it's nothing like that. It's just… I shouldn't be here. I feel like I should be out there with my friends trying to stop Loki and his group! My friends are probably looking for them and also looking for me! I doubt I was supposed to die like that!"
Freya's gently smiled, expressing sympathy for the boy. "Philippe, death is always a certainty for mortals like you. It'll always come when you least expect it."
"I know that, but don't you think it came too soon?! I mean , my cousin, Kotori, was taken from me too soon and she was gone from my life for a few years until she was revived!"
"Her revival was realized as a result of special circumstances. Kotori was always meant to reawaken into Brunhilde. But you are just a human with no ties to Asgard like your cousin was."
"So, I'm nothing compared to my cousin."
"No, your heroic deeds are easily on par with those of Brunhilde's reincarnation. By saving her life, you've ensured that Brunhilde can continue her war with Loki and his entourage. Your sacrifice was not in vain."
Philippe clenched his teeth, frustrated with his untimely death. He was even more frustrated knowing he can't fight with Kotori and the others.
"You not only died honorably but out of love, which quite frankly has enamored me to you, being the goddess of love," Freya said, leaning over near Philippe's face, causing him to step away.
"I just want to see Kotori, Jaguarmon, Sasha, and the others again," Philippe muttered. "They need me to be with them! I'm not meant to be here!"
"I'm afraid you can't leave. Your fate has been decided."
Kotori, Jaguarmon, Sasha! I want to see you all again! Philippe begged and prayed in this thoughts.
(End theme)
xxxxx
Nidavellir
(Cue Yu-Gi-Oh! Capsule Monsters Soundtrack 08 - Tomb of Ancient Kings)
Over an hour after being dropped off, Valkyrie Gondul, Sailor Mercury, Arbormon, Sailor Ixion, Sailor Cyber Mercury, Max, Kuwabara, Kohana, and Lien scoured a temperate forest near a mountainous region.
"Well, Mercury?" Ixion asked her.
Turning on her visor, Mercury scanned the perimeters. She picked up on life beacons in a cavern.
"I'm picking up on particular life readings in that cavern," Mercury pointed toward the cavern. "It looks like a mine, so there might be people in there we can ask."
Gondul frowned, glaring toward the cavern. "You don't even need to scan, I can pick up on their scent."
"What? You can smell Loki and Mist?" Max asked the Valkyrie.
"This way! Come on!" Gondul beckoned the group forward. She hastily dashed forward.
"Wait, Gondul!" Mercury called for her.
"Why wait? Let's kick bad guy ass already!" Blue Mercury cried out, running off with Max.
"Hey, wait! Don't we have to strategize first?!" Kuwabara called them back.
"Can't be helped! Let's get this over with!" Arbormon declared.
Turning off her visor, Mercury sighed. "All right, let's get this over with."
"Hell yeah! Let's kick butt, Lien!" Kohana yelled out.
"Well, what's the worse that can happen?" Ixion muttered.
xxxxx
(Cue The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug – Durin's Folk)
Upon storming into the mine cave, Gondul already clashed with a few heavily armored Dwarves. Gondul kicked a few back that attempted to ambush her.
"C'mon, give me all you got!" Gondul roared, catching a Dwarf with a punch. She grabbed another Dwarf and smashed it into a wall. As another Dwarf charged her from the rear, Gondul summoned her Light Spear and gutted him with it.
"Gondul!" Cyber Mercury called out as she, Max, Kuwabara, and Arbormon were the next to enter the cavern.
"Hey, we've got company! Dead ahead!" Max pointed toward some Dwarves charging their way.
"Heh, bring it, you trolls!" Kuwabara readied his Spirit Sword, slashing and attacking two Dwarves.
Arbormon rushed a Dwarf and speared him through a wall.
"So, who attacked first?" Cyber Mercury asked Gondul.
"They did!" Gondul replied, punching a Dwarf off her.
"That's all I need to know!" Cyber Mercury said, sending a water blast that swept away four axe-wielding Dwarves.
Another Dwarf tried to jump Gondul, but the Valkyrie instinctively shapeshifted into a White rhinoceros and gored him with her horn.
Kohana and Lien arrived only to be cut off by two Dwarves. A mischievous grin formed on Kohana's face, prompting her to summon her spirit partner, Shiro.
"Shiro, let's knock off these meatheads!" Kohana declared, turning Shiro into a giant hammer. She picked up said hammer and countered a Dwarf's sledgehammer strike with her Shiro hammer. She knocked the sledgehammer away and battered the Dwarf chest first, sending him flying away.
Lien quickly dodged the other Dwarf's hammer smashes. Lien taunted the Dwarf, tirelessly dodging him while tiring him out.
"You're up, TobuCatmon!" Lien beckoned, opening her backpack as TobuCatmon jumped on the Dwarf's face.
TobuCatmon scratched and bit the Dwarf's face, allowing Kohana to groin shot him with her hammer. The Dwarf's face turned red like a beet (and then purple like a turnip) and his eyes bulged out.
"And here's a homerun!" Kohana shouted, hitting the Dwarf with her hammer with enough impact to send him flying high into the air. "And he's outta there!"
TobuCatmon hopped over to Lien. "We sure showed them, Lien!"
"Yeah!" Lien cheered.
Suddenly, a large being made of stone emerged from the ground and grabbed Lien. The being's head popped out bellowing.
"LIEN!" Kohana and TobuCatmon cried out alarmed.
"Help!" Lien screamed.
Suddenly, Lien's Digivice came to life and this distress invoked TobuCatmon's evolution. TobuCatmon evolved into the massive and terrifying SkullBaluchimon. The skeleton-like Digimon charged and crushed the rock being, freeing Lien.
"Thank you, SkullBaluchimon!" Lien said, climbing on his back. They faced the rock being, which popped out of the ground. "Let's get him, SkullBaluchimon!"
While SkullBaluchimon attacked this Rock Giant, Kohana fought off a Dwarf.
Sailor Mercury and Sailor Ixion headed straight for the cavern. They stopped and surveyed the fighting all over the mine cavern.
"Sheesh, I knew things would spiral out of control, but this is ridiculous!" Ixion exclaimed. "Well, we should already be used to it."
"Amaya! We're here!" Mercury announced as she and Ixion ran further into the cavern.
Just then, a Dwarf picked up and threw a mine cart at Mercury and Ixion.
"MOM!" Cyber Mercury called out.
"Hold on!" Arbormon dove in and grabbed the mine cart before it smashed into Mercury and Ixion.
"Thanks, Vega," Mercury said, having already formed a bubble to protect her and Ixion.
"Hey, bitch! That's my woman you were about to crush! Here, right back at ya!" Arbormon tossed the cart at the Dwarf, knocking him off the pedestal he stood on.
"There's more coming!" Ixion called out. She quickly fired a barrage of poison arrows, taking out a few Dwarves.
Sailor Mercury unleashed Shine Aqua Illusion to wipe out a few Dwarves.
"Where are you, Loki and Mist?!" Gondul snapped as she turned into a leopard and landed atop of a Dwarf. She bit on the Dwarf's arm, tearing and biting its armor.
"Heheh! Up here, Gondul!" Aerialvern cackled as he got the drop on Valkyrie and picked her up by the shoulders. He flew up carrying her. "Enjoying the ride? No? Then enjoy the long fall down!"
As she turned back to normal, Gondul growled as she bit Aerialvern's left arm, causing him to screech painfully. Gondul quickly mounted Aerialvern's back and cupped his eyes. Aerialvern lost sight of where he was navigating and crashed hard into a wall. Aerialvern slid down the wall. As he was seeing stars, the Drake's eyes went spinning.
Aerialvern mumbled. "...look ma… I can see pretty stars…!"
Turning back to a leopard, Gondul growled as she sharpened her claws over the defeated Drake.
(End theme)
Suddenly, a creature of similar build to Gondul's leopard swooped down and pushed her off. Gondul turned back to normal and looked across to see a black panther walking toward her. Gondul had a perplexed look as the black panther shapeshifted into a human-like shape. Gondul scowled as Geiravor appeared before her.
"Aerialvern, you fool. Looks like I'll have to make up for your failure."
"Huh?" Gondul blinked at the newcomer.
(Cue Erinys, The Daughter - God Of War: Ghost Of Sparta Soundtrack)
"Gondul, I take it?" Geiravor greeted her eerily. "If you don't know me, I don't blame you."
"Who the hell are you?!"
"Geiravor, one of Loki's Erinyes," she answered, grinning darkly. "You and I were the bestest of friends back then, and by 'bestest' I mean we were mortal enemies."
Gondul scoffed. "I already don't like you. You know where Loki and Mist are hiding!"
"Maybe, maybe not, all I care about is killing you. Something Aerialvern has failed to do!" Geiravor smirked as she raced toward Gondul.
Gondul grabbed Geiravor and tossed her into the air. Geiravor landed on a wall and catapulted herself back into Gondul, slamming her into a wall. Geiravor grabbed Gondul's face.
"You're not the only one that can shapeshift into anything she wants! Here's another one for you!" Geiravor cackled as she shapeshifted into a Spotted hyena and snapped at Gondul's head.
"Get off!" Gondul tried pushing Geiravor off. She quickly turned into an African wild dog and used her smaller size to squeeze through Geiravor's hold.
Gondul jumped on Geiravor's back and bit the back of her spine. Geiravor yelped and whined loudly, shaking Gondul off her back. As Gondul hit the ground, she jumped across and headbutted Geiravor's body, knocking her down.
Both warriors transformed into their normal selves. Gondul readily summoned her Light Spear and tossed it. Geiravor sidestepped the spear, which hit and exploded where it impacted. Geiravor rushed at Gondul. The Valkyrie and Erinye grappled and utilized their physical prowess. They slammed each other into the walls. Geiravor kicked Gondul into the air and flew up, clubbing her in the back.
As Gondul hit the ground, Geiravor tossed several black blasts. Gondul dodged the incoming blasts and jumped up throwing another Light Spear. Geiravor hopped up, avoiding Gondul's attack. Gondul flew up, catching and slamming Geiravor back first into a wall. Geiravor grabbed some rocks and tagged Gondul's face with it. Geiravor followed up with body blows. Gondul raised her arms, trying to defend herself from Geiravor's punches. Gondul rebounded with a wind-up punch and sent Geiravor flying into a mine cart.
As Gondul charged, she shapeshifted into a feathered Deinonychus and mounted Geiravor. She snapped and clawed at Geiravor, who then turned into a Giant Panda. Geiravor roared and swiped at Gondul. Gondul used her small agility to dodge Geiravor's strikes. Gondul jumped up and slashed Geiravor's face. Gondul landed behind Geiravor and transformed into a cheetah. She bit Geiravor's right shoulder, causing her pain. As Gondul let go, Geiravor turned around and roared.
(End theme)
Suddenly, a green beam struck the space between Gondul and Geiravor, alarming both. Gondul turned only for another green beam to hit her, knocking her back to normal.
"Looking for us?!" Mist was heard taunting the Valkyrie.
(Cue The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring CR - 01. Khazad-dûm)
Gondul looked up as she spotted Lokato and Mist together with two massive and heavy armored Dwarves.
The Dwarf on the left wore red & silver armor and carried a giant axe over his shoulder. He had a thick red beard.
The other Dwarf on the right wore purple & silver armor and held a giant sword. He had a long thick black goatee.
"Ugh, you!" Gondul hissed.
Everyone else ceased fighting and noticed the Lokar with their newest recruits. The Dwarves raised their fists and weapons, roaring and cheering for the two Dwarves.
"Hail Brokk! Hail Eitri!" The Dwarves yelled out in unison for their leaders.
"Yes, these two are our latest recruits, heroes," Lokato introduced the two Dwarves. "Brokk and Eitri have agreed to join us."
"Well, that's great," Cyber Mercury sardonically said.
"Why don't you send them down here so we can kick their butts?!" Kuwabara goaded the Lokar.
Brokk grunted, brandishing his axe. "Puny Midgardian, I'll crush you for disrespecting us!"
Lokato, however, held Brokk back. "Save your strength, Brokk. We'll need you and Eitri at tip top shape once Ragnarok starts again."
"Yes, we must take our leave. We don't have time to be playing with you, you deluded fools," Mist chortled.
"Oh, that snooty attitude is already getting on my nerves!" Cyber Mercury shouted as she transformed into her Dai-Valkyrie form. She then summoned her spirit animal, Kelpie the water horse. "Don't leave! We were just getting acquainted!"
"Wait for me, Amaya!" Max called out, using Spirit Fusion to turn into Black Luster Soldier. He hopped on Kelpie's back as he and Cyber Mercury went straight for the Lokar.
"No, don't!" Gondul called out.
As Kelpie got Cyber Mercury and Max near the Lokar, Brokk and Eitri intercepted them. Brokk dropped his battle axe over Kelpie, but Cyber Mercury blasted him with water. Max and Eitri slashed swords.
"Enough!" Lokato shouted, invoking Ymir's armor again. He called upon Niflheim's dark powers and blasted Kelpie.
Kelpie quickly turned and absorbed the impact of Lokato's attack. However, it pushed Kelpie away. Mist snuck up behind Cyber Mercury and blasted her with a green beam.
"Amaya!" Max yelled out, charging at Mist.
However, Brokk smashed the earth with his axe, splitting the ground and knocking Max down.
Having seen enough, Gondul tried to save them, but Geiravor grabbed her.
"Going somewhere?" Geiravor chortled.
"Let go!" Gondul shouted.
Then, Gondul kicked Geiravor's gut and summoned Odin's wolves: Geri and Freki. Geri and Freki lunged at Geiravor and pushed her away.
Lokato noticed the wolves. "Well, if it isn't Geri and Freki. It's been such a long time."
Geiravor growled at the wolves. "Feh, so Odin's passed his two mongrels to you? Heh, no matter. I have my own spirit partner!" With that, she conjured a column of dark light and coming out of this column was a Pere David's deer. "Gondul, hello me to introduce Dvalinn of Spring!"
Gondul growled. "Geri, Freki, take it down!"
Heeding their new master's command, Geri and Freki lunged at Dvalinn. Dvalinn swerved around the wolves and fired astral projection blasts from its antlers.
As Brokk, Eitri, and Mist closed on Cyber Mercury and Max, Sailor Mercury, Arbormon, and Sailor Ixion intervened. Mercury went into Dai-Valkyrie mode and fired a water blast at Mist, but the Blood Valkyrie narrowly dodged. Arbormon Slide Evolved into Petaldramon and knocked the Dwarves with Leaf Cyclone. Sailor Ixion went Dai-Valkyrie form and launched poisonous arrows at Lokato's way, but the trickster stopped the arrows with a handwave.
Dai-Valkyrie Mercury collected Cyber Mercury. As Petaldramon turned back to Arbormon, he picked up Max.
"Thanks, mom," Cyber Mercury muttered. "That was stupid of me."
"You're your father's daughter," Mercury smiled.
"Ick, too much sentimentality for my liking," Mist groaned, firing green blasts at Mercury's family.
In response to Mist's attack, Mercury unleashed an immense wave of water. Her Oceanic Crush swept Mist, Brokk, and Eitri away.
"Damn you!" Mist angrily hissed at Mercury. Before she can retaliate, Lokato beckoned her off.
"That's enough, Mist! It's time for us to leave!" Lokato ordered.
Resisting the urge to attack Mercury, Mist turned away.
"Brokk, Eitri, recall your forces! We'll need them to bolster our ranks!" Lokato requested.
With that, Brokk and Eitri beckoned their Dwarf army. Lokato opened up a portal for him and his entourage.
"Aerialvern, time for us to go!" Lokato ordered the Drake.
"Geiravor, let's go!" Mist called the Erinye.
Geiravor scoffed as she turned to Gondul. "We'll finish this later. Don't you die before we fight again." She recalled Dvalinn, who dematerialized. She flew over to Mist.
"You're not getting away!" Gondul snapped as she, Geri, and Freki went after the Lokar.
As the Dwarves passed through the portal, Lokato and Mist fought off Dai-Valkyrie Mercury, Arbormon, Ixion, Kuwabara, and the others. Gondul flew by past them and went straight for the Lokar duo. At that moment, Aerialvern flew over blasting the space between the Lokar and Gondul, cutting the latter off from the pass.
"Thought you had me?! Hah! That's payback for earlier!" Aerialvern cackled as he flew into the portal.
Lokato and Mist jumped through the portal as it finally closed in front of Gondul.
(End theme)
"Damn!" Gondul cursed. "Almost had them! That stupid Drake had to interfere!"
"And even worse, they've recruited all those Dwarves!" Cyber Mercury exclaimed.
"Son of a bitch!" Arbormon punched the ground.
"Yes, truly unfortunate," Mercury sighed. "It's a setback, but don't let this crush your spirits. We'll have more chances to defeat them."
"That couldn't be anymore true," said Ixion.
Gondul muttered under her breath. "Who is that Geiravor chick? She's as strong as me and can shapeshift like I can. Yet she knows me?"
"She knows you from the past during the Ragnarok battle," Geri revealed to her.
"Well yeah she already said that much."
"Gondul, it's time to go," Ixion approached the Valkyrie. She offered a hand to Gondul.
Nodding, Gondul took Ixion's hand. "Yeah, thanks."
xxxxx
Yggdrasil
Enough time passed and Skuld's group arrived to meet with Brunhilde's group.
"You're all back! Thank goodness!" Moon called out to them.
Mars sighed, shaking her head. "Sorry, Sailor Moon, we failed to stop them. They managed to recruit Muspelheim's leader."
"So, now Surtur has joined their side. With his strength on their side, we're in trouble," Garm confirmed.
Sam reconvened with Lyn.
"I'm glad you're ok, Sam," Lyn said.
"Max, Amaya, and their group aren't back here yet?" Sam noticed his absent brother. "I hope they're ok."
"Me, too," Blue Mars added her worries.
"Sasha," Brunhilde approached Skuld.
"I'm ready to find Philippe," Skuld said softly, taking out the golden apple Hela gave her.
"Can't wait any longer, huh? Same here," Brunhilde smirked.
"Kotori, we also have other problems," Skuld informed Brunhilde about Rota.
"Well, shit. As if that Mist whore was bad enough, but she and Loki resurrected some evil Valkyries to fight us?" Brunhilde wasn't pleased with this.
"They're not evil Valkyries. They're Erinyes," Garm corrected her. "And their strength is comparable to you and the Maidens. I'd advise caution."
"Rota had enough bloodlust and strength to beat me," Skuld confessed.
"It's ok. You'll have another chance to kick her ass," Brunhilde said. "We just need to wait out on the others."
"Why can't we go to Philippe now?" Skuld asked.
"I figure we can go together and it gives us time to plan our next move."
"Fine."
Garm added to the Valkyrie conversation. "Besides, you'll need the rest and will need someway to convince Lady Freya to take Philippe from her realm."
"All right, but I hope the others get here sooner than later," Brunhilde muttered, sitting down with Seadramon and Jaguarmon. "Don't worry, Jaguarmon. We'll find Philippe. We just gotta wait this out 'til our friends get back."
"Ok, I'll wait this out."
Taking out her Moon Force Crystal, Brunhilde sighed and had Philippe in her thoughts.
Unbeknownst to them, a shadowed creature watched the group from a far. It is Lokato's messenger, who had been keeping tabs and reporting to Lokato. He turned away and vanished to carry out being Lokato's command.
xxxxx
Next chapter: The Nine Realms World Tour, Part II
xxxxx
Ford1114's A/N: Here to make my rare commentary in this fic since I helped Kanius create the Erinyes. The Erinyes are the four Valkyries' (sans Brunhilde) counterparts. The concept is first inspired when I played Castlevania: Aria/Dawn of Sorrow with Valkyries and Erinyes as standard enemies. Like how Neuromancer was originally by himself before his Rogue teammates became a late addition, Mist was originally herself individually before the four Erinyes became a late addition. However, there came drastic changes for YYGDM-01 exclusively. Originally, Mist would have been an Erinye just like outside of YYGDM such as Corner and GCLK, but ultimately she is not in order to make her a different character to make K/Belle's idea work, not to mention I remember Lazer come up the origin story of Gudrun (YYGDM-01) that makes her different anyway. The other four YYGDM!Erinyes are more like Mist's Shitennou instead of them and Mist as a full-out rival team. The Erinyes are not friends/comrades unlike their Corner selves. The YYGDM!Erinyes exclusively have code names pertaining to the real Erinyes of Greek Myths. Their revival gives off horror impressions since I look at their coffin scene in the previous chapter.
Rota, Geirskogul, and Geiravor remain similar and unchanged, with minor changes for YYGDM-01 setting. Geirskogul's personality to find completeness is slightly sympathetic compared to her Corner self's yandere selfishness (though she still gets better), alongside YYGDM!Geirskogul has no bloodline connections with Stolas (an owl demon prince, to which Corner!Geirskogul has connections with. I also based on the Erinyes when Stolas as standard enemies in Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow summons Erinyes) by creation. YYGDM!Rota is the leader of the Erinye group like Kunzite. Originally, YYGDM!Rota is supposed to be a Complete Monster due to being an insane murderer instead of Mist, but I scrapped it as it felt make no sense/not work. Instead, the Complete Monster trope is shifted to YYGDM!Mist (After K said those words to me before of this inspiration: In fact, Mist will be an even immoral monster than her Corner self (and has a tendency of backstabbing associates). The rest is history of helping out to amplify this concept.) which we'll see the real revelations (Unmark spoilers are revealed in Valkyrie Homecoming Ch. 12 anyway).
Reginleif, however, receives drastic changes like Mist. In fact, YYGDM!Mist and Reginleif received the most alterations. Outside of YYGDM, Reginleif is Mist's cousin, second-in-command, was also a former Valkyrie (making her the seventh as another number theme), in which she and Sigrun first met in Asgard's Valkyrie Orientation, and willingly became an Erinye out of growing secret envy. But in YYGDM-01, she is not Mist's cousin and first met Sigrun in Midgard as a normal human admiring and befriending the Valkyrie (YYGDM!Reginleif does not go to Asgard) before being controlled to become an Erinye. The other Mists still show some degree of respect for their Reginleifs. The YYGDM-01 Mist is a much different story, this Mist is evil enough to brainwash Reginleif by making her a savage beast that doesn't speak outside animalistic roars. The attires and personalities are different as well. Outside of YYGDM, Reginleif wears fur coat and light armor like a Wildling (Game of Thrones, particularly Ygritte) to convey an outspoken personality. In YYGDM exclusively, Reginleif is more like a Norse knight with a reserved and polite personality (and does not use profanity), and upon becoming an Erinye, she wears a full suit of spiked armor and mannerism like Lancelot/Berserker from Fate/Zero. The author's respond on mail: Hmm, those are big differences between YYGDM!Reginleif and Novel!Reginleif. Maybe 'curses' as an alternative to 'damn'. And even her wardrobe choice separates her from the 'wild' Corner!Reginleif. It's like comparing a princess to a commoner (like The Prince and the Pauper).
Kanius' A/N: Thanks Ford for delving into the development and creation of our Erinyes (and entailing readers about the personality/quirk differences between the Corner and the YYGDM!Erinyes). This will truly set the record straight for those who haven't followed the Cornerverse stories and a thorough reminder who're curious about the Erinyes.
So, yes this chapter finally introduces the Erinyes into YYGDM-lore. Unlike their Corner counterparts, these Erinyes won't have much in character development and serve as obstacles for our Valkyries to overcome (well, one *might* see some development, but how it happens remains to be seen). And unlike their Corner selves, they're just henchwomen to Mist and won't teammates with her. Rota and Geiravor have shown just how deadly they are.
The Erinyes are certainly deadlier and stronger than the Drakes (outside Fafnir). Having taken down the Valkyries in their first encounters is substantial proof of their strengths.
Speaking of recruits, Surtur, Brokk, and Eitri have joined the Lokar rankings. And how about that? Turns out Surtur was Mist's adoptive father in the past. Now we see where Mist learned to utilize mystic fire from.
And the beautiful blonde woman keeping Philippe company has been revealed: Freya. We learn what we already know from Odin: Freya being a former Valkyrie and agreeing to split slain warrior spirits across the two realms (Valhalla and Folkvangr). Just when Freya thinks Philippe will be staying with her, Kotori and company arrive to bring him back. Freya's meeting with Brunhilde, Skuld, and the others will be interesting.
Surprised Skuld was the one who helped end Ragnarok? It parallels Sailor Saturn ending the Silver Millennium in the manga/Crystal. Maybe she wasn't solely responsible, but she along with Odin helped bring an end to that apocalypse. Now Skuld/Sasha is coming to terms with this and who knows? She learn some about it from Freya's POV, if Freya is feeling generous.
Well that about covers this chapter. It's not nearly as long as the previous entries have been, but I don't need to fully flesh out each Realm. Just get the Lokar to recruit the bad guys of each Realm, have our heroes fight them, and rinse/repeat. The bigger battles will happen when Second Ragnarok hits. And the Philippe and Freya stuff needed more screentime. Next chapter may or may not be of similar length to this.
Until the next installment, send a review and be cool.