YuYuGiDigiMoon Movie: Valkyrie Advent

by Kanius

An insidious plot orchestrated by a trickster god and his enchantress prompts the reawakening of Odin's Valkyrie Maidens. The Maidens, now reincarnated as young women, are to be reunited by their leader, the reincarnated Brunhilde named Kotori Ayami. They along with Japan's heroes must unite to prevent Loki's return and an imminent Second Ragnarok.

11. The Nine Realms World Tour, Part II

A/N: Hi, readers. It's been a while since the last update, hasn't it? Since August, I believe. Well, there've been a couple of reasons. I won't bore you with any details. But, most importantly I've recently gotten over some health issues that lasted me a month and a half, prohibiting me from writing fully like I wanted. I've only managed to crank out two Cross Generations chapters which were already (and primarily) written by Ford1114 and I helped co-write my parts. Now that my health has gotten better, I'm back to writing on my own and decided to try updating this fic.

Well, if you're reading this it means I completed this chapter recently in time for the holidays. It should be Thanksgiving time (if you live in the US) if you read this update.

Outside of the previous health issues, I needed a break from writing. But break is over and I'm back better than ever. Much thanks to LazerWulf for beta'ing and Ford for his post-chapter A/N commentaries.

And so we move forward with the rest of the Nine Realms World Tour. How will our other hero groups fare in Svartalfheim and Alfheim? We're about to find out.

Enjoy!

xxxxx

Folkvangr

Philippe walked around to watch the fallen warriors' blissful activities. He stopped near a table where two grizzled veterans played chess. Philippe looked over to his right as two men walked by drinking and laughing jovially.

"They're all enjoying themselves," Philippe was still trying to wrap his mind what he was seeing. He wondered if all these fallen warriors faced similar dilemmas. He also wondered if it was ok to finally let go and accept he was dead now. "Are they all ok with the fact they'll be like this for all of time?"

"Yes, and you can be just like them, Philippe. Don't you think it's time to let go of that extra baggage?" Freya asked, hanging her arms over Philippe's chest and shoulders. "Release all of your cares and embrace this eternal paradise. There's no reason to go back and risk your life again. You've died the most honorable way a man can go out on, sacrificing yourself for the one you deeply care for." She leaned over and caressed his face. "It's time to retire, Philippe."

Philippe started absorbing every word said by Freya. Her words rang deep into Philippe's own soul.

"It's time to let it all go. Relinquish all your cares and stay with me, beautiful Philippe," she whispered a soft, soothing tone in his ear, convincing him to stop resisting the urge to leave.

Philippe hung his head, letting tears roll down his cheeks.

"I can finally let go?"

"Yes, Philippe. You've fulfilled your duty. It's time to rest."

The boy's frown slowly shaped into a smile. "...I can rest now?"

"It's time to retire, Philippe. Stay with me and we can have fun all day, every day."

He mumbled, seemingly convinced to stop worrying over trivial mortal concerns. "All play, no work makes Philippe happy."

xxxxx

Chapter X

The Nine Realms World Tour, Part II

xxxxx

Svartalfheim

(Cue RCT3 Music - Gothic Moon)

Over an hour and a half passed since Skogul's group landed in Svartalfheim. Skogul, Sailor Jupiter, Sailor Pluto, Genra, Terriermon, Sailor Gao Pluto, Athena & PinkPatamon, Sailor Eris, Larry, Yui & DarkGabumon, Aoshi, Ranamon, and Grottomon explored a dark forest is shown with black trees and light purple skies. A full moon is seen. Sounds of wolves' howls are heard.

"Yikes! Are y'all hearing that?!" Terriermon yelped, his big ears perked up while picking up on the wolf howls. "There's wolves here?"

Aoshi sniffed the air. "Yep, those are wolves all right. Possibly Lycans, too."

Sailor Gao Pluto smiled hearing this. "Wow, there could be more like us here, Aoshi?"

"Maybe, sis."

Skogul walked over beside Gao Pluto. "Hey, Hina, do you know what we call a wolf in Navajo?"

Gao Pluto nodded. "No, what do you call us?"

"Mai-coh. It also means witch, relating to someone becoming a wolf if he or she donned a wolf's skin."

"Wow, I didn't know that! I like learning new things!" Gao Pluto replied enthusiastically.

"Yeah, same here!" Athena walked into Gao Pluto and Skogul's chat.

Yui giggled, whispering to Aoshi. "How cute. Hina's really growing to like Jessica."

" I'm glad she's made friends with Athena and Jessica," Aoshi stated, looking proudly toward Gao Pluto. "She won't need me to guide and protect her. Sailor Pluto also has more or less been looking out for her."

"Oh, c'mon you're still her big brother she deeply loves," Yui patted Aoshi's back.

"Everyone be on guard," Sailor Pluto advised the group. She then addressed Skogul. "So, have you considered to continue training to become a Time Guardian?"

Skogul answered her. "Well, we'll see about that. As I'm starting to regain my memories, I'm remembering Heimdall. I thought I could've taken over his role in the future."

"Well, it would make sense since past Skogul was the granddaughter of Heimdall's nine mothers. Whatever you decide I'll support and respect your decision, but it would be nice if you'd at least complete your training under me."

"Fair enough, Sailor Pluto," Skogul nodded.

After conversing with Skogul, Pluto tapped her Garnet Staff down and summoned Lupe the wolf. "Based on your vast knowledge, what can you tell us about Svartalfheim's natives? Are there Lycans here?"

Lupe raised his head, sensing the abundant wolf presences in the realm. He howled loudly, drawing attention from the other wolves throughout Svartalfheim. Aoshi and Gao Pluto's eyes shifted from human to Lycan as the howling stirred their true wolf natures.

"Such a beautiful way to communicate," Skogul smiled delightfully at the sound of the wolf howls.

Lupe stopped howling and responded to Pluto's inquiry. "This realm is home to two werewolf factions: the Berserkers and the Hexenwulfen, Apparently the Berserkers were once underlings of the Hexenwulfen, but later there was strife that led to the Berserkers to turn on their oppressors, leading to a Werewolf Civil War."

"Berserkers and Hexenwulfen?" repeated Sailor Jupiter. "Whoa, I didn't think the Norse had any werewolves."

"My father said many of our kind are spread through the realms," Aoshi pointed out. "In other words, we're not exclusive to just Earth and the Makai."

"Well, gee I hope one of those two factions are friendly. We have to at least keep Loki's crew from finding either of them before us," Genra said.

Suddenly, the howling grew even louder. The louder the howling, the closer the wolves seemed to be. The group huddled together and readied themselves for a confrontation. Aoshi and Sailor Gao Pluto stood in front of the group, sniffing the wolf scents around them.

"They're drawing near," Aoshi stated.

"Let's all be on guard," Sailor Eris whispered as she and Larry prepared for a possible conflict.

"Over there!" Jupiter pointed to their right.

The group turned and faced a pack of humanoid warriors garbed in thick wolf coats. They came armed with spears, swords, and shields. They each wore wolf's pelt that also concealed their faces, but some can plainly see their human visages. However, the lacked any kind of body armor.

"They're wearing wolf coats," Genra noted the wolf pelts.

"That would explain why I can smell wolf's scents on them," Aoshi said. "Wait, no there's more. I can still smell wolf on them beyond their coats."

"So, which are they? Berserkers or Hexenwulfen?" Jupiter wondered.

"Lupe, based on your wisdom what can you tell us?" Pluto asked her wolf spirit.

Lupe scanned the Berserkers, who quickly noticed him. "They are with the Berserker faction, but tread carefully. They are quite vicious and unpredictable in nature."

In a shocking turn of events, Sailor Gao Pluto got close to the Berserkers, prompting Skogul and Athena to hold her back.

"What do you think you're doing, Hina?" Skogul whispered loudly, holding her back and meticulously glaring down the Berserkers.

As Skogul got close enough to the Berserkers, they growled and snapped their jaws. Skogul backed off, keeping Gao Pluto and Athena back.

"They're feral! Yeah, forget even talking to them if they're not happy with our presence," Skogul gritted.

"Looks like we'll have to fight back after all," Jupiter nodded as she summoned Mjolnir.

"Yeah, they're not giving us a choice!" Eris agreed, taking out her lasso.

Ranamon and Grottomon put up their guards, preparing to fight. Genra did the same.

"Stand down!" A loud cry among the Berserkers called out, reasoning with his brothers.

Everyone watched as a tall Berserker walked out unveiling himself and removing his wolf pelt hood. He resembled a man with short red hair. His ears were wolf's ears.

"Please excuse my brothers," the man apologized. "We're only protecting our territory and we thought you were Hexenwulf spies." He sniffed wolf scents from Gao Pluto and Aoshi. "So there are wolves among you."

"Yes, that's me and my sister," Aoshi walked up with Gao Pluto. "And we come in peace."

Yui gawked at the man's wolf ears. "Are all your ears like that?"

"Yes," the Berserker man replied, touching his wolf ears. "Even our enemy, the Hexenwulfen have these in their Lycan forms."

(Cue Adrian von Ziegler - Celtic Music - Wolf Blood)

"So, you're Svartalf Lycans," Skogul specified. "Did you know there are Lycans on Earth?"

"Yes, and we're also aware of the Lycans in that demon realm you call Makai," he said.

"Excuse our intrusion, sir," Pluto addressed the Berserker man. "I'm relieved there's someone among you who can be reasoned with. Perhaps we can discuss our situation. We're here to prevent Loki and his group from recruiting either you or the Hexenwulfen."

Hearing this, the Berserker man's face expressed disdain. "The trickster has returned? And he seeks to gather allies? Then he's likely going to gain the trust of our rival clan, whom we once served." He turned to Pluto's side and noticed Lupe. His eyes widened. "Lupe?"

"Wait, you know Lupe?" Pluto was taken aback.

"I've neglected to tell you, Lady Pluto, but I was once a Svartalfheim native before I became a spirit." Lupe revealed his origins to the shock of Pluto and the others.

"Lupe was revered as a revolutionary among Lycankind here," the Berserker man said. "He was the one to lead the Berserkers to turn against their Hexenwulfen oppressors and he sacrificed himself for our ancestors' freedoms."

"As a result of my honorable sacrifice, I was taken to Valhalla and spent my time there. I stayed there until I was sent to become Pluto's spiritual steed. In order to return among the living, I was bound to serve the Time Guardian who trained Skogul. And what an honor it's been to serve Lady Pluto. We both share great wisdom and have lived solitary lives for most of our existence."

"We're just honored to see you," the Berserker man addressed Lupe. "Apologies to all of you. We've followed Lupe's creed in freedom for our kind. My name is Harald. We shall lead you to our village. Lupe, perhaps you'd like a look at our home?"

"We'd be happy to," Lupe nodded.

Pluto added. "Thank you for hearing us out."

"This way," Harald beckoned his Berserker clansman back and lead Pluto's group toward the village.

Watching them from afar was a small shadowed creature. It was the same little spy that has been relaying information to Lokato about the heroes' activities. It quickly zipped away, avoiding being seen as it carried out its mission.

xxxxx

Berserker Village

As they arrived, Pluto's group toured the Berserker village, which consisted mostly of huts and mounds. Gao Pluto, Athena, and PinkPatamon played with some wolf pups as the adults looked around meeting the villagers.

"These people don't talk much do they?" Ranamon observed, noting only a few capable of human speech.

"Probably because they're part-wolf?" Grottomon surmised.

"No, because our kind has long been dehumanized and regressed to berserker animal-like states. However, recently, a few of us have regained the ability to speak and are breaking out of our feral-like mindsets," a Berserker man spoke up. "It took some of us hard discipline to overcome our feral natures, but for people like Harald it paid off. Our ancestors were once among Odin's army until they were cast here when they lost their sense of humanity."

Jupiter added. "That's too bad, but looks like things are looking up for you now."

"We wish that were the case, but not as long as we're still in conflict with the Hexenwulfen. We won't achieve full freedom until we've bested them and gain our rightful dominion of Svartalfheim. All in Lupe's name."

"These people sure respect Lupe. They bowed the minute Harald revealed who he is," Yui whispered to Aoshi.

"He's like a Buddha or a Jesus figure to them," Aoshi said.

"Wonder what they're talking about in there," Skogul turned to Harald's hut. "Hope things are turning well in there."

xxxxx

"I see. So that's one of Odin's Valkyrie Maidens among you," Harald was stunned to hear this from Pluto, who sat opposite from him. "And those two Lycans are Okami's children?"

"I take it you know Okami?" Pluto curiously asked.

"I've never met him, but my predecessors know of him. Interesting he's still living among humans in Midgard in the modern era."

"He's been my dear friend for as long as I can remember," Pluto said.

"Harald, we ask if you'd be willing to join us in the conflict to stop Loki and his entourage. They wish to unleash Ragnarok once again." Lupe pleaded to Harald.

"If the Hexenwulfen join them, then we will fight on your side. This is our last opportunity to resolve this age old conflict. If Brunhilde and the Maidens are with you, we'll sure turn the tide against Loki's people."

"We're very grateful to you, Harald," the Time Guardian smiled genuinely.

"No, anything to fight in Lupe's name," Harald acknowledged the wolf spirit.

"Let us commence with staging a counterattack on Skoll and Hati…"

(End theme)

Suddenly, they heard loud howls and cries outside the hut. Alarmed, Pluto, Lupe, and Harald got up from their seats.

"They've struck first," Harald growled.

xxxxx

As Sailor Pluto, Lupe, and Harald stormed out of the hut, they witnessed Hexenwulf warriors attacking the village. Pluto watched as Skogul and the others fought off Hexenwulfen soldiers. Harald quickly joined his men and defended their village from their oppressors.

The main invaders that recruited the Hexenwulfen reveal to be Jormunry, Geirskogul, and Zmey. The Hexenwulf army are lead by Fenrir's sons: Skoll & Hati.

"We've got company, Pluto!" Jupiter shouted, readily wielding Mjolnir as she set her sights on Zmey. "Besides, I can get some payback on that three-headed jerk!"

"I owe him a beating, too," Eris added.

"Save me some of him," Larry said, brandishing a kinetically-infused Duel Monster card, which he quickly tossed at several Hexenwulfen.

Boom!

The card exploded, sending the Hexenwulfen flying back.

"Seems you're rather popular with them, Zmey," half-joked Jormunry.

"Shut up," scowled Zmey as he scanned Jupiter, Eris, and Larry.

Genra stepped up and called out to Jormunry. "Henry! I know you're there! It's me, Sara!"

"C'mon, Henry! Hear us out, buddy!" Terriermon tried to reach his Tamer.

However, Jormunry was unfazed by their pleas.

"Henry's asleep now, but you can play with me," Jormunry smirked evilly. He summoned snake-like tails from his hands. He lunged at Genra and Terriermon, attempting to whip them with the snake tails. "Hold still so I can strangle y'all!"

(Cue Adrian von Ziegler - Celtic Music - Part of the Pack)

Genra stomped her foot down, kicking up a big slab of earth, which she used to smack Jormunry with. Jormunry took a faceful of earth to the face and was pushed away. Genra hopped on floating rock debris and created a tsunami of earth. She rode on the rock tsunami and went straight for Jormunry. Jormunry evaded the rock tsunami and spat out snakes at Genra. Terriermon intercepted the snakes and blasted them with Bunny Blast.

"Irksome rabbit," angrily growled Jormunry, conveying his annoyance with the floppy-eared Digimon.

"And I'll keep coming 'til you give me back my Henry, you snake jerk!" Terriermon talked smack.

"Thanks, Terriermon," Genra nodded, summoning slabs of rock, which she tossed at Jormunry, who shattered with them snake tails.

Upon seeing Skogul, Geirskogul smiled and beckoned her forward.

"S-She looks like me," Skogul gasped as she faced Geirskogul. "Who are you?!"

"I am Geirskogul. You wish to know more about me? Come this way," Geirskogul flew away, landing several kilometers from the village.

"Don't, Skogul. It's most certainly a trap," Pluto advised against the Valkyrie pursuit of the Erinye.

"Sorry, but I have to know who she is and see if I can remember her based on past Skogul's memories. Don't worry, I intend to defeat her." With that, Skogul flew off and went after Geirskogul.

"Wait…!" Pluto called out to her until some Hexenwulfen cut her off.

Lupe intercepted the Hexenwulfen and attacked them. Harald joined in and helped Lupe beat down the Hexenwulfen.

"Thanks, Lupe," Pluto acknowledged her spirit partner. She twirled her Garnet Staff and smacked a Hexenwulf's head with it. She then fired a Dead Scream and vaporized another Hexenwulf.

As both growled seeing their clan members being killed, Skoll and Hati walked up toward Pluto, Harald, and Lupe.

"So, the prodigal wolf has returned," Skoll growled intensely at Lupe.

"We'll kill you and finish what's left of your Berserkers!" Hati declared, lunging at Harald. He and Harald grappled and clawed at each other.

As Skoll charged at Pluto and Lupe, the Time Guardian jumped up and bopped the Svartalfheim wolf with her Garner Staff. She then blasted him back with Chronos Typhoon. Lupe jumped at and headbutted Skoll, knocking him off his feet.

Raising her Garnet Staff, Pluto summoned an orb of light and tossed it at Skoll. The beam struck Skoll and neutralized him.

"Give up!" Pluto threatened to finish Skoll.

"I will not!" Skoll relented.

Zmey's three heads, Dexter, Sinister, and Medium, tried to keep up with Sailor Jupiter, Eris, and Larry. However, the trio were already aware of Zmey's beams and did their best to avoid falling into the Drake's traps. Jupiter transformed into her Dai-Valkyrie form and battered Dexter with Mjolnir. She summoned a thunder bolt and blasted Medium with a Mjolnir Strike in the face.

"Yeah take that!" Jupiter cried out. "That's for making me your puppet!"

Eris quickly ensnared Medium's neck with her lasso. She tugged and pulled Medium forward. Eris readied a fist and punched Medium's face, seemingly breaking his jaw.

Larry tossed several explosive objects at Sinister's face. Sinister tried to shake off the explosions, but took a psionic-powered shot to the forehead, which stunned him.

"That's for turning me into a dude!" Eris shouted.

"And for turning me into a chick," Larry remarked.

Eris and Larry then laughed together. "Not that we didn't mind being turned to a dude/chick for a minute."

Sinister grumbled. "...ow…"

Medium chuckled under his breath. "...hahah, you look worse than me, Sinister…"

"Shut up…" grumbled Sinister.

Jupiter delivered another Mjolnir Strike to Dexter and smashed Mjolnir over the Drake's face. Dexter groaned in pain as a giant bump popped out of his forehead.

"You ready to give up?" Jupiter threatened, charging electricity through Mjolnir.

"...make the pain stop…" Dexter whimpered.

Meanwhile, Yui & DarkGabumon, Aoshi, Ranamon, and Grottomon helped Berserker warriors engage Hexenwulfen. DarkGabumon evolved into ShadowMetalGarurumon. Aoshi transformed to his full Lycan form.

"Let's protect these villagers, guys!" Yui took command, leading the group in defense of the villagers. She fired a Spirit Gun, taking out a few Hexenwulfen.

ShadowMetalGarurumon rushed a Hexenwulf group and headbutted them back.

Aoshi viciously fought off some Hexenwulfen. Ranamon summoned a storm cloud and washed away a few Hexenwulfen. Grottomon pulled out his giant mallet and smacked away a Hexenwulf.

As the battle spread across the village, Sailor Gao Pluto, Athena, and Ariamon defended some villagers from Hexenwulfen. As Gao Pluto went to attack a Hexenwulfen, another blasted Gao Pluto from behind sending her sailing back.

Gao Pluto was sent falling down a slope. She rolled into a mound. There she opened her eyes and saw a ginger squirrel with dark blue stripes on its back sitting in front.

"...huh?" Gao Pluto stared at the squirrel.

"Oh…" the squirrel muttered before chattering.

Before Gao Pluto can get another word out, the same Hexenwulf that attacked her followed Gao Pluto. It sent a blast toward Gao Pluto.

"Look out!" Gao Pluto grabbed the squirrel and jumped out of harm's way. She scrambled behind a mound and protected the squirrel from the Hexenwulf. "Are you ok, little guy?"

The squirrel blinked in alarm and chattered.

"Hey, you were going to speak just now," Gao Pluto muttered, holding the squirrel in front of her.

The squirrel quickly crawled up her arm and climbed atop her head. Gao Pluto was about to grab him, but the Hexenwulf charged her way.

"Hang on, ok?!" Gao Pluto shouted as she dashed up to the Hexenwulf warrior and took out her Garnet Wand.

A ribbon snapped out of the wand, ensnaring the Hexenwulfen. The ribbon then emitted a bright lavender light. Gao Pluto initiated her Möbius Whip. The ribbon wrapped around him several times before the two ends connected, binding him. Then, Gao Pluto used her Garnet Rod again and this time fired a red beam that vaporized the Hexenwulfen.

The squirrel keenly observed Gao Pluto, seemingly intrigued with her power.

"He's been taken care of! Are you ok?" Gao Pluto asked, running over to meet with the squirrel, who crawled up to her.

The squirrel simply nodded.

"C'mon, you can talk, right?"

The squirrel seemed hesitant, but gave in to temptation.

"Y-Yes, thank you."

"See? It's ok. I'm used to talking animals."

"I see. You're rather peculiar," the squirrel replied, remaining overly cautious.

"What's your name?"

"Ratatoskr."

"My name is Hina Inuki, but I'm Sailor Gao Pluto now."

"Thanks for saving me there. That monster was going to get us both!"

"I'm glad I can help and save us!" Gao Pluto reached to pet Ratatoskr, but the squirrel slightly backed away. "It's ok. I won't hurt you."

Ratatoskr sniffed Gao Pluto's hand. "I smell wolf on you. You're one of those Lycans?"

"Yeah, I hope that doesn't scare you."

"No, not at all. Though wolves usually eat my kind."

"I won't eat you. I promise!" Gao Pluto vowed, genuinely smiling.

"You won't? Ok… if you say so…" Ratatoskr cautiously approached her, but before he can get closer, a loud battle cry was heard and two Hexenwulfen were seen flying over them as if someone punched them far back. This startled Ratatoskr as she scrambled away.

Gao Pluto quickly turned as she saw another Hexenwulfen being punched into the air. She saw Athena, who had become Sailor Arctic Sedna.

"Athena, over here!" Gao Pluto called to her.

"There you are, Hina! C'mon, we need to help the innocent villagers out of here!" Arctic Sedna shouted.

"Ok! Hold on!" Gao Pluto called back. As she glanced over her shoulder, she saw Ratatoskr was gone. "Hey! Rata? Rata! Where did you go?!"

"Hina, c'mon! Who are you calling for?!"

"I… I'm coming!" Gao Pluto replied as she followed Arctic Sedna.

Poking his head out of hole, Ratatoskr quietly watched the two Senshi hurry back to the Berserker village. He resisted the urge to follow Gao Pluto as he owed her for saving him. However, he had another concern to deal with.

After taking down some Hexenwulfen, Ranamon and Grottomon went straight to Genra and Terriermon, who had their hands full with Jormunry.

"Henry, you have to resist that monster's control of you! I know you're in there!" Ranamon pleaded to Jormunry, who remained unfazed by her words.

"Your touching words won't penetrate my strong will. Henry was so easy to control," Jormunry said, forming an energy whip that resembled a snake's tail. He then used the whip, sending a torrent of serpents toward Genra, Terriermon, Ranamon, and Grottomon.

"Get back!" Ranamon unleashed a stream of water to repel the snakes away.

Grottomon smashed the earth with his mallet, sending rocks toward the snakes. Genra gathered earth debris left by Grottomon and sent them toward Jormunry. Jormunry's arms morphed into snake's heads. The heads spewed acidic venom that melted the incoming debris.

"Ugh, this guy's turning our Henry into a freak!" Terriermon shrieked. "I ain't forgiving ya for twisting my pal's body like this!" He jumped up and spat green blasts at Jormunry.

However, Jormunry batted away Terriermon's blasts.

"You amuse me, little rabbit! Provide me with more of your comedy routines!" Jormunry taunted Terriermon.

Genra jumped on a floating debris and surfed forward, crashing it into Jormunry. Genra then flung earth debris, hitting Jormunry. As Jormunry attempted to grab her, his snake hands seemingly phased through Genra. Genra's body went incorporeal as she went through him. She then phased through the ground and caused the ground to shake under Jormunry. A giant stone hand sprouted from the earth and attempted to grab Jormunry, who jumped around avoiding getting caught in Genra's clutches.

"We're taking back my brother, you monster!" Ranamon declared as fractal code formed over her. She then slide evolved into her Beast Mode: Calmaramon. However, this time around her appearance changed: She was less grayish and had almost a white complexion similar to Gesomon. The eyeballs on her center piece was replaced with beautiful sapphire. Only her face didn't change much, but she didn't care.

"Ah, your new modified look for Calmaramon," Grottomon noted, recalling Jaarin's recent makeover was based on her former reluctance to use Calmaramon due to her low opinion on her B-Hybrid's appearance. It took much convincing to overcome said reluctance and enhance Calmaramon's strength to make her A-Hybrid and Z-Hybrid forms more effective.

Calmaramon spun herself and attempted to smash Jormunry with Titantic Tempest. Jormunry narrowly avoided Calmaramon's physical attack and jumped into the air, casting energy blasts on his enemies.

The group hopped and shifted around, evading Jormunry's blasts.

(Cue Castlevania Curse of Darkness - Mortvia Aqueduct)

Fleeing out of the village, Skogul and Geirskogul found a perfect place to settle their differences.

"It has been a long while, Skogul," Geirskogul addressed her. "Oh, sorry you're not really the same Skogul since the last time we met." She calmly and fiendishly smiled.

"I've started recovering most of Skogul's old memories and from what I remember you're her bitter enemy from the past," Skogul stood guard, forging spell circles in her hands.

Geirskogul copied Skogul, but formed darker spell circles to counteract the Valkyrie. Skogul combined her time spell circles, sending a beam Geirskogul's way. Geirskogul merged her spell circles and unleashed a beam. The beams clashed. Skogul and Geirskogul's beam clash ended to a stalemate. Skogul took to the air, luring Geirskogul toward her.

"You won't get far," Geirskogul calmly chuckled, sending beams at Skogul.

Skogul formed another spell circle, which expanded and stopped Geirskogul's attack. Skogul wove her spell circle, rewinding time and sending the beam back at Geirskogul. Geirskogul stopped the beam with a barrier.

"Huginn and Muninn, come forth to me!" Skogul beckoned her two ravens, who materialized above her. "Help me remove her."

"Geirskogul? Yes, that Erinye must be defeated," Muninn said.

"Let us purge her existence," Huginn readily said.

However, the Erinye smirked in the face of Skogul and her ravens. Geirskogul's composed demeanor worried Skogul.

"So, you've gained Odin's ravens. Congratulations, but don't think I didn't come empty handed. Allow me to introduce to my partner as well." Geirskogul stated.

The Erinye then summons a mule deer named Durathror of the Winter.

"That's Durathror!" Muninn and Huginn exclaimed in alarm.

"That's your partner" Skogul asked, eyeing the mule deer.

"Yes, and together we'll dispose of you," Geirskogul said, stroking Durathror's face. "Won't we, Durathror?"

Durathror growled and charged at Skogul and her crows. Skogul put up a spell circle, stopping Durathror. However, Geirskogul phased behind Skogul and neutralized her with a binding spell. Durathror intercepted Muninn and Huginn from saving the Valkyrie.

"Give it up. You won't defeat me!" Geirskogul taunted Skogul, keeping her binded with her binding spell.

Skogul reversed Geirskogul's binding spell with a counterspell. As she broke loose, Skogul repelled Geirskogul with a spell circle.

"I'm finishing this now!" Skogul declared as she prepared to seal Geirskogul with a binding spell circle.

(End theme)

Suddenly, a green blast caught Skogul's back. The blast stunned Skogul long enough for Geirskogul to blast her away. Geirskogul looked across as Mist, Lokato, and Fenmura emerged from a portal.

"Oh, I'm sorry did we interrupt your squabble?" Mist chortled, forging a green ball and hit Skogul with it.

Skogul hollered as Mist's attack struck her. Geirskogul seized advantage and blasted her down.

"Fenrir, go fetch your sons," Lokato instructed.

With that, Fenmura howled loudly, garnering Skoll and Hati's full attention. The two howled back, recognizing their father's communicative yell. They withdrew from their battle with Pluto, Lupe, and Harald.

"You dare retreat?!" Pluto called out the two Svartalfheim wolves.

"Nay, we just have an important reunion to attend to," Skoll growled back.

"Father awaits us," Hati muttered as he and Skoll headed off to meet with Fenmura.

"I sense Fenrir is close," Lupe snarled as the back of his fur stood.

"You're not wrong. That's his spiritual power," Harald gritted.

As Skoll and Hati raced away, they saw Lokato, Mist, and Fenmura waiting for them. The brothers were initially stunned to see Fenrir in a host body, but sensed his presence.

"Father, it's been such a long time," Skoll acknowledged Fenrir, bowing to him.

"You gaining a mortal vessel is quite the unexpected development, but we're not complaining," Hati said.

"Stand, my sons," Fenmura instructed as Skoll and Hati rose as told.

"Jormungandr, we're leaving!" Lokato beckoned the serpent, who overheard the trickster and withdrew from fighting Genra and Terriermon.

Geirskogul approached Mist. "Must we leave now before we have a chance to kill Skogul?"

"Let her anguish over this defeat. We'll kill her during Ragnarok," Mist suggested, glaring over Skogul's fallen form.

As Zmey attempted to retaliate against Jupiter, the Senshi landed a lightning-powered kick to Sinister's face, knocking him up into the air. Zmey flapped his wings and steadied himself.

"Why you…!" Sinister snarled, fuming over Jupiter's abuse of him.

Jupiter charged up Mjolnir. "C'mon, you want some more?!"

"She's scary!" shrieked Medium.

"The other one is just as dangerous!" Dexter gawked at Eris, who spun around ready to unleash a tornado-like physical attack.

Upon hearing Lokato's beckoning, Zmey heard his boss.

"Oh good, it's about time!" Dexter exclaimed.

"Then, let's leave here immediately!" Sinister added.

Zmey turned away and flew back to Lokato's location. Jupiter wouldn't have any of it and pursued the three-headed Drake.

(Cue Thor Soundtrack - Brothers Fight)

"I'm not letting you get away with turning me into your puppet, you overgrown handbag!" Jupiter shouted, swinging Mjolnir around like crazy. She had a sharp and dangerous look on her face like a woman madly obsessed.

"Ah! She doesn't know when to quit!" Medium screamed.

Once Jormunry escaped and rejoined Lokato, Skoll and Hati gathered their Hexenwulf warriors. They started to retreat into the portal. Zmey closed in preparing to enter the portal. However, Jupiter remained hot on his trail.

"Ok, that's all of our Hexenwulf soldiers, father," Hati said.

"Except the ones who died in battle here," Skoll informed Fenmura.

"That's fine. C'mon!" Fenmura beckoned his sons into the portal.

Just then, Sailor Pluto, Lupe, and Harald arrived at the location. So did Gao Pluto, Arctic Sedna, Ariamon, Yui & ShadowMetalGarurumon, and Aoshi. They watched Skoll and Hati about to escape.

"Stop!" Pluto shouted, quickly transforming into a Dai-Valkyrie. She flew ahead to stop the wolves, but Lokato cut her off.

"So sorry, but we can't afford to play with you now," Lokato chortled.

"Then maybe you'd like a piece of me!" Yelled Jupiter from above.

Hearing Jupiter's outcry, Lokato looked up and saw Jupiter flying down with Mjolnir lightning up with thunder. Zmey flew into the portal, avoiding Jupiter's wrath. However, Lokato raised his hand and forged a barrier, protecting him from Jupiter and Mjolnir.

"Ah, so you're the one wielding my brother's weapon. I can see why you'd be worthy since you were his biggest fan way back when," Lokato grinned, chuckling evilly. As his eyes burned with light, he saw Thor's spirit behind Jupiter. "Isn't that right, brother? You can't hide from my sight!"

"Loki, you must cease this course of action! If you implement this second Ragnarok, it'll potentially have greater catastrophic results than the previous one ages ago! The loss of life will be insurmountable!"

"And that's where I'll reset everything to my image. All Nine Realms will be altered to suit my own vision," Lokato smiled evilly in the face of Thor. "It's a shame you and Odin can't be here in the flesh to see my rise to dominance! You and father never wanted this, so I've forged my own path and decided to take it all for myself."

"Yet you hide behind that mortal vessel and steal Ymir's armor to enhance yourself!"

"This vessel has proven himself useful. In time, this body will become my permanent one. I wish we can continue his brotherly talk, but I have more important matters to attend to. So, here's a taste of what you'll be going up against!" Lokato declared, amassing a dark green ball of light that smashed into Jupiter and Mjolnir.

Jupiter powered Mjolnir and resisted Lokato's attack. However, Lokato gathered power from Ymir's armor and summoned the ice of Jotunheim, freezing Jupiter's hands and hammer.

"I've accumulated enough power from Ymir's armor to best Mjolnir!" Lokato boasted, now gathering darkness power of Niflheim and light power of Alfheim. She combined both powers and unleashed a force that blasted Jupiter down.

"Jupiter!" Pluto called out as Jupiter fell with Mjolnir. She jumped up catching Jupiter, stopping her fall.

"Hey! You're not getting away!" Yui shouted, firing her Spirit Gun at Lokato, who nullified the Spirit Detective's beam with a barrier. "Damn it!" She jumped up and punched Lokato's barrier, which repelled her. "Ugh!"

ShadowMetalGarurumon and Aoshi both jumped up at Lokato, but the trickster invoked Ymir's armor and blasted them away with Jotunheim ice waves.

"Nice try, fools! And as for you, Jupiter, you're not quite up to par with my brother's best yet, but you forced me to combine two elements. I'll give you your due, Lady Jupiter," Lokato remarked, turning around and facing the portal. "Mist, it's time we make out leave."

"As you command. Geirskogul, we're leaving," Mist said, leading Geirskogul into the portal.

"Durathror!" Geirskogul called to her spirit beast, who followed her.

"We'll meet again during Ragnarok, our worthy adversaries," Lokato chuckled, waving to his opposition in a haughty manner.

(End theme)

The Lokar retreated into the portal. As the portal closed, the heroes recollected and picked up the pieces left by the Lokar and Hexenwulfen. Gao Pluto checked over Skogul, who awoke to the Lycan child's presence.

"Welcome back!" Gao Pluto giggled, elated to see the Valkyrie awake.

"Hina…? Oh! Where did she go?" Skogul exclaimed, looking for Geirskogul. "Oh that's right, Mist hit me with a sneak attack." She rubbed the back where Mist blasted her.

"You're better now, Skogul," Gao Pluto reassured her.

"We'll have another chance to stop them," Pluto said, kneeling next to Skogul. "We lost this battle, but we'll make up for it during the Ragnarok war."

"Yes, but I would've preferred beating Geirskogul here and now. Oh well, now it can't be helped."

"And this won't be the last we'll see Henry. Next time, we'll be sure to beat that snake and free Henry!" Genra declared.

"Heck yeah!" Terriermon boasted with fire in his eyes. "We'll keep coming at 'em 'til we can go no more!"

(Cue Castlevania Curse of Darkness - Mortvia Fountain)

Jupiter recovered and picked up Mjolnir. "I couldn't even beat Loki with your hammer, Thor. That armor gave him a bunch of elements that bested my lightning."

Thor materialized next to her. "Don't be hard on yourself, Lady Jupiter. Ymir's armor grants the user access to all the elements from the Nine Realms. It's not surprise he's tapped into the armor's potential. Mjolnir is not the end all problem solver you've been led to believe."

"I know… but I had the thought I could've ended Loki's momentum and purged him out of Takato's body."

"It may not be as simple. Had you tapped into Mjolnir's full power, that would've destroyed the boy's physical body. I doubt that's your intention."

"Well of course! Or, maybe…" Jupiter stared over Mjolnir. "I'm not entirely cut out to wield Mjolnir? If this is all I can muster?"

Thor nodded. "Nay. Don't say that. You've only had a few years to wield Mjolnir and you've progressed faster than I could've possibly imagined. You're certainly better than I was during my first tries."

"Thanks for lifting my spirits, Thor. I don't know what I was thinking. I'll continue to improve myself with Mjolnir."

"Jupiter?" Eris tapped her shoulder. "We're ready to go!"

"Huh?" Jupiter snapped out of it and saw Thor was gone. "Oh, right. Sorry." She looked over her shoulder and saw the group preparing to leave.

"Harald, would you like to come?" Pluto offered the Berserker. "I'm sure you and Lupe would like to talk some more. Moreover, we can discuss how to prepare for the forthcoming second Ragnarok."

"I'd be willing, After all, we have a common enemy now and with the Hexenwulfen joining Loki's group."

"Thank you, Harald," Lupe replied graciously.

"Let's go, Jessica," Gao Pluto said, grabbing her hand.

"Yes." The Valkyrie then formed a portal for the group to use.

"Hey, who were you talking to back there, Hina?" Arctic Sedna curiously asked Gao Pluto.

"Oh, a talking squirrel. I protected him from one of the bad Lycans."

"Did he have a name?"

"Rata-um… Rata-something. It's hard to pronounce and a lot happened, sorry," Gao Pluto couldn't get a grasp over his name.

"In we go," Skogul firmly nodded as she, Gao Pluto, Arctic Sedna, and PinkPatamon jumped through the portal first.

Once every group membered passed through the portal, the portal closed.

(End theme)

xxxxx

Folkvangr

Philippe walked in and interacted with the Einherjar warriors. They openly greeted and welcomed Philippe to the fold. Freya watched genuinely smiling and nodding approvingly.

"So, you've finally decided to retire here with us for eternity?" An Einherjar asked Philippe.

"I have…" Philippe replied. "I decided it's time for me to retire. I can lift the burden of responsibility off my back. My sacrifice allowed my cousin to live and fight just as she always wanted. She can fight to make sure no one else has to die."

"Well, we're happy to have you in our company, Philippe," another Einherjar acknowledged their newest addition. "Let's give him a drink!"

"Well, I-I'm not exactly a fan of alcohol. I don't even drink that stuff!"

Freya's smiled broadened, seeing Philippe being given juice instead of mead.

"Yes, you're far past the denial stage. You've accepted your place in my realm. Don't worry, Philippe Sagara. You will enjoy an eternity of peace and quiet. That means no more fighting."

"No more fighting…" Philippe droned as he picked up his cup. "I can finally rest for good." He quickly chugged his drink.

"I promise, Philippe. Nobody will deny you this eternity of peace and happiness. I won't let anyone take you from this realm." Freya whispered, watching Philippe painstakingly and almost borderline obsessive. "No one, not Loki. Not Odin's spirit. And especially not a Valkyrie. Your soul belongs with me." She vowed to protect him at any cost.

"Finally, peace is mine. All work and no play make Philippe a dull boy," he muttered lifelessly, drinking away his responsibilities for good.

xxxxx

Alfheim

(Cue The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring Soundtrack - 14. Lothlorien)

An hour and a half passed since Sigrun's group entered Alfheim. They first appeared in a beautiful midsummer forest with radiant light.

Sigrun, Alec, Sailor Venus, Rio, Byari & Felinismon, Leomon, Inumon, Sailor Orcus, Kazu & Guardromon, Kenta & MarineAngemon, and Kiyoko continued their trek, admiring the majestic and grandiose of Alfheim's realm.

"This place is beautiful," Byari admired Alfheim's view.

"Tell me about it. There's a divine and heavenly vibe I'm getting here," Venus said, gazing over a flowerbed. "Wow, how pretty!" She knelt over to glaze over the flowers. "What do you think, Rio? This place feels homely."

"Well, maybe not to live, but maybe a vacation spot?" Rio shrugged, trying to appease his wife.

Kiyoko scanned the midsummer forest. As she walked forward, and without looking, she nearly fell into a ditch, but Kazu grabbed her and broke her fall.

"I've got ya, Kiyoko!" Kazu smiled like a goof.

"Thanks, Hiro," she genuinely replied and hopped into his arms.

"Ok, Alec, what can you tell us about Alfheim?" Orcus asked him.

"Other than knowing Alfheim is one of the Nine Realms? Nothing. It's my first time being here," Alec revealed. As he turned to Sigrun, she gave him an awkward look and turned away.

Kenta quietly noted Sigrun and Alec's awkwardness.

(Cue Enya - Lothlorien)

Suddenly, the group heard footsteps storming behind them. They turned around and sighted fairy-winged warriors garbed in green and gold armor. Most had youthful looks, but there were a few grizzled warriors. All came armed with spears and swords.

"Ok, who triggered their alarm system?" Kenta sardonically asked.

"It wasn't me!" Guardromon spat out.

"Hands up, intruders!" The commander demanded, beckoning his soldiers to search the group.

"Wait, we've come to speak with your leaders!" Alec spoke out. "We fear Loki and his group are here to recruit your enemies!"

"Guards stand down!" A voice belonging to a man commanded as the Alfheim soldiers backed away.

"Sir, we apologize, but these intruders…" The commander tried reasoning with the source of the voice.

"We'll take it from here," the male's voice reassured. The source of the voice stepped forward. He appeared to be a middle-aged elven male garbed in a white royal shirt trimmed with green and gold. He wore matching white pants. Hanging off his back is a silver shimmering cape. A crown with antlers adorned his forehead. A pair of clear wings were seen widespread across his back. His long white hair cascaded over his back with a braided hair in the middle. His yellow eyes met Alec's. He noticed Sigrun behind him. "A Valkyrie Maiden?"

Sigrun blinked. "Huh?"

"Lord Oberon, is this really one of Odin's Valkyries?" The commander inquired, eyeing Sigrun.

"Oberon, is everything ok?" A woman's voice interjected.

"It's ok, Titania," Oberon stopped her.

Titania walked out of the midsummer forest. She looked like an alluring, youthful elven woman with long ginger hair. She appeared wearing a lime dress with olive green wings on her back. Her green eyes shifted over to Sigrun and her group.

"Is that a Valkyrie on our grounds?" Titania inquired to her husband.

"Indeed, one of Odin's Valkyrie Maidens is here with a group of strangers," Oberon answered, maintaining eye contact with Sigrun.

"Sir and ma'am," Sigrun addressed the Alfheim rulers. "My name is Sigrun, and yes I'm a Valkyrie. However, I'm not the same Valkyrie you might've known from ages ago."

"She is Sigrun's reincarnation, your highness," Alec spoke up for Sigrun, who was taken aback with his intervention. "I happen to be Helgi's reincarnation. I have all of his memories, but Sigrun and the other Valkyries have yet to recover their past incarnation memories."

"You're Helgi?" Oberon confronted Alec.

"I am and I am close to Heimdall. In fact, me, Sigrun, and our party here just returned from Niflheim. We saw Odin, Frigg, Hela, and Heimdall down there. I have the power to access Yggdrasil." As he said this, he placed his hand on a nearby tree and opened a portal, allowing a branch of Yggdrasil to pop out.

"Yes, that is in fact a branch of Yggdrasil," Oberon acknowledged.

"And Yggdrasil has given the Maidens access to the Nine Realms. We're one of many scouting the Realms to try and stop Loki from recruiting new members to his Lokar stable," Alec further explained.

"Please, sir, allow us an audience with you. We fear Loki and his group are here to try recruit your enemies," Sigrun said.

"If there's anyone Loki would want to recruit, it would be the Unseelie faction, who are ruled by Mab and Puck," Titania stated. "We are the Seelie."

"The Seelie and Unseelie?" Byari muttered quietly.

"Very well," Oberon said. "Let us discuss this further in our royal quarters."

"Thank you, sir," Alec bowed, shifting over to Sigrun, who turned away not giving him a glance. "What?"

"We're ready to go, your highness," Sigrun addressed the King and Queen of Fairies.

Orcus whispered to Venus. "Ooh, if their forest and garden are pretty, can you just imagine what their palace must look?"

"It has to be extravagant!" Venus said.

"Follow us," Titania instructed Sigrun's group. "Soldiers, we'll take it from here."

"As you command," the commander conceded to his superior's wishes.

"C'mon, everyone," Sigrun said as she followed Oberon and Titania. Alec, Venus, and the others walked behind Sigrun toward the Fairy King and Queen's palace.

(End theme)

xxxxx

Midsummer Palace

(Cue The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug - The Woodland Realm)

Upon entering a beautiful marble palace, Sigrun, Alec, Sailor Venus Byari, and their company were led to a royal chamber. Two seats reserved for Oberon and Titania were situated beneath two self portraits of the aforementioned Alfheim rulers.

The group surveyed, marveling the beautiful architecture and Alfheim gallery. They set their sights on Oberon and Titania, who both returned near their thrones.

"You're welcome to admire our quarters," Titania encouraged the guests.

"Can I just say you've got excellent decorum, your highness?" Sailor Venus addressed Titania while admiring the gallery. She walked around with Rio.

"Incredible. Felinismon, Leomon, would you like to look around?" Byari admired the Alfheim gallery.

"Sure if to kill some time," Felinismon said, folding an arm over Leomon's. "Well? What do you think?"

Leomon failed to hide his blush. "Oh I suppose."

"See those soldiers over there?" Felinismon pointed to a few Alfheim guards. "They have some fine quality armor."

The beastman nodded. "Yes, and their swords have some fine craftsmanship."

"Hey, wait up!" Inumon called out to Byari and her Digimon. He walked by wall paintings of Alfheim's Seelie, consisting of lighter-skinned elven people. He glanced over and saw dark-skinned elven people. "Hmm, interesting. This has to be the Seelie and Unseelie." He eyed the Alfheim guards. "They're definitely Seelie."

Kazu took Kiyoko's hand. "Guardromon, I'm gonna tour Kiyoko through this place. We'll be back."

"Sure, you two have fun," Guardromon waved Kazu and Kiyoko off.

Kiyoko whispered to Kazu. "I don't mind Guardromon escorting us."

"Yeah, but I figured the big guy can use a break. Let's make this just us."

"Ok then," Kiyoko said as she scanned the Alfheim galleries.

"So, you recognize anything from here? Anything you can gather from Verdandi's memories?" Kazu asked her.

Kiyoko nodded, biting her bottom lip. "A little. Verdandi would remember more about these places than I would."

"Let's have a look around while Kara and Alec talk to the fairy King and Queen," Kazu suggested, escorting Kiyoko down the royal corridors.

Sailor Orcus shrugged and turned looking around. "Guess I better have a look around."

"Same," Kenta said, watching Sigrun and Alec briefly before walking away. "C'mon, bud." He beckoned MarineAngemon over.

"Lords Oberon and Titania, we apologize for unexpectedly stumbling into your realm, but our situation is urgent," Alec faced the Fairy King and Fairy Queen.

"Yes, you've already mentioned Loki and his band are scouring each realm and recruiting supporters to his side," Oberon pointed out. "The Unseelie faction is who he'll probably gather to his side. If this is true, it's imperative we counteract them."

"The Seelie and Unseelie were once a united kingdom until social and political differences divided us," Titania said. "Mab and Puck shared opposing viewpoints from us. Once our colleagues, their greedy desire for absolute power drove a wedge between us."

"That's a shame," Sigrun expressed her sympathy. "And there's no doubt they'll join Loki."

"We best prepare before they strike us," Oberon said, beckoning a guard to give him his sword.

"That's a good idea," nodded Alec, who noticed Sigrun giving him a distant look. Before he can say anything, she looked away.

"May I be excused, your highnesses? Then we can discuss how we can better prepare for Loki?" Sigrun asked as Oberon and Titania allowed her to leave.

Then, Sigrun walked away leaving Alec behind.

"Wait…!" Alec tried to call for her, but his words fell on deaf ears as she continued her way. "Please excuse me." He hurried off after Sigrun.

Oberon and Titania had observed Sigrun and Alec's limited interactions.

"I felt disconnect between those two," Oberon commented through his observation.

"They'll need to harmonize somehow if we want to stop Loki," Titania added, expressing concern for Sigrun and Alec's troubled relations.

(End theme)

xxxxx

As he scoured the halls, Alec looked hard for Sigrun. He turned a corner and bumped right into Kenta.

"Hey," Kenta acknowledged Alec.

"Oh, hey. Have you seen Kara around here?"

"No. What happened between y'all?"

Alec denied. "Nothing."

"Yeah? That awkwardness between y'all was a whole lot of nothing."

"What?"

"Geez! I haven't seen anyone as awkward as you two are!" Kenta exclaimed. "Even MarineAngemon here has you two figured out."

"What do you want me to do? I've tried talking to her, but she'd actively avoid me. I don't know why."

"Don't be afraid to confront and talk her. Ask her what's up."

"Easier said than done," Alec muttered.

"Take it from me. I know how it feels to get burned by a woman. Happened to me more than once," Kenta said.

"More than...? I never pegged you as someone…"

"...who'd be involved in relationships? Yeah, for the longest time, I didn't either. Not for lack of trying, but eventually one realizes the futility of the situation. That is, until Kotori came along."

"Kotori? Really?" Alec said unwilling to believe.

"It's true. She had just been brought back to life, and Himura, her ex-boyfriend from before she died, was going out with Jeri. I sympathized with her, and we started hanging out, just as friends. Eventually, I realized that I was falling in love with her, but before I could screw up the courage to confess, she started going out with Kouichi." Some irritation seeped into Kenta's voice. "I thought, after all this time, I'd finally found someone, but nope… fate's a bitch. You have a chance with Kara. Just talk to her. Don't end up like me."

Sighing, Alec nodded. "All right."

"Take my advice or leave it. It's up to you, but if I were you I'd take it. Or you might regret it," Kenta muttered, turning away. "Like I did."

Taking heed of Kenta's advice, Alec realized he possibly wouldn't have another opportunity to talk straight with Kara while the Lokar conflict was still ongoing.

"Thanks, Kenta," Alec smiled to him as he started off to find Sigrun.

Kenta chuckled, patting MarineAngemon. "Anytime."

xxxxx

Facing a glass mirror, Sigrun stood posing and turning around flexing her back shoulders. She showed off her back muscles and brushed her pink ponytail aside.

"Still can't believe I'm a Valkyrie and in one of the Nine Realms. Kara, you're totally not dreaming, mate," Sigrun smiled, leering over her shoulder. She tapped her foot, the high heel end of her sandal clicking hard. "I can totally live with this. A new chapter in Kara Summers' life!"

"Hey, can we talk?" Alec was heard behind her.

Startled, Sigrun turned and faced him. "Oh… uh… sure, I guess. Is something wrong?"

Alec walked up to her. "That's what I wanted to ask you! You seemed dead set on finding out who I was, but ever since you did, it feels like you've been avoiding me!"

"I'm sorry. It's just… all this stuff about past lives is a lot to take in. You're lucky. You've had seven years to get used to all this. Me? I just found out two days ago! And then you show up out of the blue and claim to be in love with me?!"

(Cue Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas OST - 02. The Book of Peace) (0:00 - 1:15)

"Whoa! Slow down," Alec tried to calm her down. "That's not what I said. I said I remember Helgi falling in love with Sigrun. As in the original Sigrun. Yes, I recognized you in Beijing. I'll even admit that my curiosity got the better of me, and I went to see most of your matches, when I wasn't competing myself. But suppose I had introduced myself back then. Suppose, even, that I never told you about all this Valkyrie stuff, that I found some other excuse to talk to you, and we end up hitting it off. Eventually, you would awaken, and then how would you feel about me keeping this from you? At this time, I felt like my best option was to just keep my distance and wait until we could meet properly with no secrets between us."

Sigrun sighed hard, taking this all in. "And yet, you never seemed to want to stick around and introduce yourself."

"Hey, I spent three years building up this meeting in my head. Can you blame me for being a bit nervous? Look, these memories of my previous life, they're a part of me, yes, but they are a separate part of me. Even though I'm the reincarnation of Helgi Hundingsbane, I am not Helgi. I'm Alec Bainard. Just the same, you are not Sigrun, you're Kara Summers. I'm under no illusions that just because we were together in a previous life we're destined to be together in this one. Even so, I think you're amazing, and I'd like to get the chance to know you better. Maybe it will lead to something. Maybe it won't. Either way, I hope we can at least be friends, and get over this awkwardness between us."

As her mind absorbed all of this, Sigrun took Alec's confession to heart and watched him stand his ground. She bit her bottom lip and slowly approached him.

"Alec… what you said now. I don't even know how to counter all that."

"I just want us to be on the same page. Just so we can get to know each other. It's up to you though if you want a relationship. I won't force that on you."

"Yeah…" Sigrun paused as she and Alec exchanged glances. "Look, I'm sorry for giving you the cold shoulder. I… I just didn't know how I'd be able to talk to someone who's the reincarnated lover of my past self!"

"That's understandable. I don't blame you for that."

"I still haven't gained all of Sigrun's memories, but I think with time I'll remember everything. But despite gaining her memories, I am still Kara Summers, and I still intend to compete at the Olympic competition next year!"

Alec smirked. "That's good to know. Kara…"

"Yeah…?"

(End theme)

Before they can finish, they heard a big explosion erupt outside the palace. This distracted them from their deep conversation.

"You want to finish this another time?"

"Yeah, good idea," Sigrun nodded as she and Alec headed off to see to the commotion.

xxxxx

As Sigrun and Alec ran out of the palace, they saw Sailor Venus and Sailor Orcus gather the group to confront the invaders. The invaders were in fact the Lokar and an Unseelie army. Among the Lokar was Fenmura, Reginleif, and Wyrm. Accompanying them are the Unseelie's leaders, Mab and Puck.

"Glad you two are here! They just came and hit the castle really fast!" Sailor Venus called to Sigrun and Alec.

"Yeah, so much for admiring the galleries in peace," sighed Sailor Orcus, who brandished her sais.

"Himura," Inumon faced Fenmura. "I know you're still in there, buddy!"

"He's there, but that beast, Fenrir, has taken him over," Byari said, glaring at Fenmura with yellow tiger eyes. "Himura, we will break Fenrir's control over you!"

Fenmura scowled, blocking off Inumon and Byari's pleas. "Oh you're welcome to try, fools. This man's body is my property now."

As Alec summoned for Gram, the sword seemingly reacted, glowing near Fenmura's presence.

"What's going on?" Sigrun asked him. "Your sword's glowing."

Alec turned toward Fenmura's way. "Is it possible…?"

Reginleif snarled beastly growls toward Sigrun's way. Taken aback, Sigrun backed off from intimidation.

"Who the hell is that?" Sigrun cautiously faced Reginleif. "I don't like the look she's giving me."

"That's Reginleif," Alec revealed.

"Who?" Venus asked.

"An Erinye and someone past Sigrun knew."

Sigrun turned to Alec. "Is that true?" She pivoted back and faced Reginleif. "She's not even speaking. She's just making growls and snarls like she's become some kind of rabid animal. Believe me, I've seen my share of rabid animals."

As Reginleif lunged for Sigrun's group, Wyrm held her back.

"We're not sorry to crash your gathering," Wyrm chortled. "I see you've recruited the Fairy King and Queen to your side, but we didn't go empty-handed either." He motioned over to Mab and Puck. "We have the Unseelie's leaders on our side now!"

Mab and Puck stepped forward much to Oberon and Titania's dismay.

"Looks like we're always fated to cross paths, eh, Oberon?" Puck, a dark gray-skinned elven man garbed in a silver and blue robe with black body armor fitted underneath said robe, addressed his former ally.

"Titania, it's a shame we couldn't agree to a utopia together, but alas it's come to this. The Lokar gave us an offer we simply couldn't refuse," Mab, a dark gray-skinned elven woman garbed in olive green full-bodied battle armor and a white battle dress, said to the Fairy Queen.

"After all our past differences, you'd sell yourself out to Loki and his entourage? What a shame," Titania replied with disgust.

Oberon drew out his sword and took a battle stance. "My friends, we'll handle Mab and Puck. You take Loki's people!"

"Right, we've got this!" Sailor Venus declared, quickly producing a long chain.

"Let's take them down!" Sailor Orcus shouted, readying her sais.

"Attack and show them no mercy!" Wyrm roared as he launched himself toward Sigrun's group.

(Cue Odin Sphere Leifthrasir OST - Back Alley in Titania - Final Chapter)

Sailor Venus, Sailor Orcus, and Rio quickly cut off Wyrm as they engaged the Drake. Oberon and Titania hastily fought Puck and Mab.

A fleet of Unseelie soldiers stormed toward the Midsummer Palace. However, Kazu & Guardromon, Kenta & MarineAngemon, Alec, Leomon, Felinismon, and Seelie warriors took on the Unseelie soldiers while defending the palace.

"Guardromon, protect Kiyoko!" Kazu called to his Digimon, who evolved into Andromon and carried out his duty.

"Stay behind me, Miss Kiyoko!" Andromon said, launching his Gatling Attack on the Unseelie soldiers.

Alec used Gram and took down Unseelie soldier. As he slashed down an Unseelie, he quickly got in Fenmura's way. Fenmura growled and brought out his claws, catching Gram as it swung down to hit him. Blade and claws clashed with each other.

"Why's Gram reacting to you?!" Alec wondered out loud, resisting Fenmura's attack. Suddenly, Gram glowed again and he heard a faint voice seemingly coming from the sword.

'Help me.'

Staring deeply into Fenmura, Alec analyzed. "Is the man you've possessed calling out for me?"

"I don't know what you're talking about and I don't care!" Fenmura snarled, slashing at Alec, who narrowly dodged the wolf's claws.

Backing off from Fenmura, Alec looked over his shoulder as Sigrun confronted Reginleif.

"Kara, be careful!" Alec shouted to her. He watched as Fenmura had his attention elsewhere.

The Valkyrie shifted her focus exclusively on Reginleif. She gritted hard. "Let's get better acquainted. This way!" She bolted away as Reginleif pursued her.

Meanwhile, Byari confronted Fenmura. The latter chortled darkly and brandished sharp wolf claws.

"Himura, please hear me out," Byari tried reasoning with him again.

"He can't hear you now!" Fenmura retorted. "And I know you're in there, Byakko. Congratulations on taking over Jeri Katou. It only makes sense you'd select her as your vessel due to her close ties with this man." He dropped into a battle stance and howled. "I'm about to show why a wolf is superior to a tiger!"

As Byari's eyes flared gold, Byakko's presence took Jeri over. Byakko's voice was heard overlapping Jeri's.

"Fenrir, make no mistake this woman has become my container now that you've taken Himura from me. Together we will crush you and save Himura Tsubasa!" Byari openly declared as he lunged at Fenmura, who jumped up and avoided getting hit with the Victory Tamer's Drill Claw.

Fenmura turned as Byari unveiled her long Wolverine-like claws. She roared and hastily dashed at Fenmura. She spun around, unleashing a series of tornado claw slashes at Fenmura. Fenmura dodged Byari's claws. Fenmura swiped at Byari, who dodged. Fenmura's slash split a statue in two and unleashed enough force to wipe out a few columns.

"My gosh…!" Byari was flabbergasted by Fenmura's power.

"Impressed? Well, how about holding still for me and see if you're durable enough to take my claw strikes," Fenmura chortled, licking his wolf claws. He raced forward and unleashed quick claw slashes.

Byari once again dodged Fenmura's attack. As Byari quickly sidestepped Fenmura, Inumon intercepted Fenmura and kicked him in the face. Fenmura stood stunned briefly, but quickly recovered and punched Inumon's chest. Fenmura grabbed Inumon and slammed him down, pinning him to the ground.

"On your knees, mongrel!" Fenmura roared, shoving Inumon's face through the ground. "Give up. Himura is so far from your reach."

"...as his partner, I'll never quit! Not until we've beaten you!" Inumon protested, biting Fenmura's hand. As Fenmura let go, Inumon slipped out of his reach and jump kicked Fenmura's face, knocking him back.

Byari then rushed Fenmura's rear and drilled his back with a claw slash. Fenmura was sent flying and crashing into a fountain. Byari and Inumon stood side by side waiting for Fenmura to recover.

"We work well together, Jeri," Inumon said.

"Yes, but I wouldn't be doing this without Byakko. He's given me a better fighting chance to save Himura."

Suddenly, Fenmura shot out of the pool and landed on all fours. He snarled and shook off the water drenching his body. He shot a fierce glare toward Byari and Inumon. Undeterred, Byari and Inumon remained firm against Fenmura's intimidation tactics.

Fenmura charged forward, slashing at Byari and Inumon. Inumon dodged Fenmura's strikes. Byari quickly unleashed a telekinetic blast, stunning and knocking Fenmura back. Fenmura struggled to withstand Byari's psychic blast. Byari focused hard and tried to hold Fenmura at bay.

As they glided over the Midsummer Palace, Oberon and Puck clashed blades. They traded quick slashes. Both were seemingly evenly matched. Puck tried a sneak attack and took out a knife from behind his back. Oberon immediately kicked the knife out of Puck's hand. Oberon followed up with a green blast, knocking Puck away.

"Give it up, Puck! Your new alliance with Loki will be short-lived!"

Puck sneaked an evil grin. "Oh, I wholeheartedly disagree. This is just the beginning of a beautiful partnership!" He launched a black beam, which Oberon countered with a green barrier.

Puck suddenly teleported behind Oberon and blasted him from behind.

"Oberon!" Titania called out, alarmed by her husband's plight. As she flew to catch him, Mab cut her off from the pass.

"Going somewhere, Fairy Queen Titania?" Mab taunted her former friend. She flew at Titania and planted a kick to Titania's face.

Titania crossed her arms, breaking Mab's kick. Mab unleashed a volley of energy blasts. Titania quickly batted away Mab's blasts. Titania enveloped a green aura around herself. Mab formed a dark aura over herself. Titania and Mab launched into one another, knocking each other around.

"I can keep this up, Titania! You're making this entertaining!" Mab cackled evilly, seemingly enjoying inflicting pain and punishment on the Fairy Queen.

Titania evaded and countered Mab's relentless attacks. "This has to stop!" She swooped down and pushed Mab away with an energy wave.

(Cue Fate/Zero OST - The Battle is To The Strong)

As she distanced herself from the others, Sigrun found an isolated location for her to confront Reginleif. It didn't take long as the Erinye dropped in front of Sigrun. Reginleif raised her head, growling as she frothed at the mouth like a rabid animal.

"So, apparently we knew each other from the past?" Sigrun addressed Reginleif, who responded with a snarl. "What's wrong? Why can't you speak? I need answers!"

"YAH!" Reginleif leaps and slashes at Sigrun with her gauntlet claws.

"Wait!" Sigrun screamed as she narrowly dodged Reginleif's attack. While sidestepping and dodging Reginleif's strikes, Sigrun grabbed Reginleif's hands.

Sigrun jumped and dropkicked Reginleif back. As she took to the air, Sigrun raised her hands, amassing a storm cloud in the Alfheim sky. He gathered bolts of electricity and forged a lightning ball. Reginleif recovered and flew up to meet Sigrun. Sigrun tossed her Thunderclap Flash, which struck Reginleif head-on.

Anticipating Reginleif to fall, Sigrun was shocked when the Erinye still dove at her. Reginleif slammed into Sigrun and punched her hard. Sigrun crossed her arms, absorbing the impact of Reginleif's quick punches and kicks. However, Reginleif accelerated her attack speed and unleashed a double claw strike, breaking Sigrun's defenses.

"Ah! Please stop!" Sigrun cried out, trying to keep up with and parrying Reginleif's attacks.

Reginleif booted Sigrun's face and kicked her down. Sigrun quickly grabbed Reginleif's foot and tossed her around, throwing her through a pillar.

Readying another storm cloud, Sigrun unleashed a thunderbolt and hit Reginleif with it.

"GAH!" Reginleif absorbed the damage from Sigrun's attack and backed off.

"Rah! RAH! RAH!" Reginleif shouted as she called forth her partner, an Irish elk named Duneyrr of the Summer.

"What in the heck?!" Sigrun was taken aback by Duneyrr's presence.

Just then, Tanngrisnir and Tanngnjostr materialized in front of Sigrun.

"Grinder? Gnasher?" Sigrun noticed her two animal spirit partners.

"So Duneyrr, you decided to show yourself," Gnasher addressed Reginleif's partner.

"How long has it been?" Grinder sarcastically asked the Irish elk spirit.

Duneyrr snorted in response. "It's you two again."

Sigrun picked up on their interaction. "Guess you two do know him."

Duneyrr responded to Sigrun. "Reginleif will defeat you, Sigrun. While her mind has lost its clarity, her animalistic mentality has her focused on killing those she despises. And you, Sigrun, are one of her hated enemies."

"But, why?! I haven't done her wrong!" Sigrun retorted.

"Because you didn't do anything to save her from becoming a monster," Duneyrr replied hatefully.

With that, Reginleif dashed at Sigrun and slashed her with claw strikes. Gnasher and Grinder raced in to help Sigrun, but Duneyrr cut them off from the pass. Duneyrr fired blasts from his antlers, trying to hit Grinder and Gnasher. The goat duo dashed around, evading Duneyrr's attacks.

Meanwhile, Wyrm was blasted from three different sides. Sailor Venus, Sailor Orcus, and Rio simultaneously attacked the Drake. Venus caught Wyrm's head with a chain while Orcus and Rio blasted the Drake with darkness beams.

"Enough!" Wyrm resisted his opposition, firing his Wyvern Breath at Venus, Orcus, and Rio.

"Move!" Venus ordered, calling Orcus and Rio back. "Orcus, let's equip and suit up!"

Nodding, Orcus transformed into her Dai-Valkyrie form.

Venus shifted into her Dai-Valkyrie mode.

Rio invoked his Demon Stone power as dark armor formed over him.

"Two of you bear Valkyrie armor, but aren't true Valkyries. Very interesting! Come at me, false Valkyries!" Wyrm goaded Venus and Orcus to attack him.

Without delay, Venus flew up and summoned spear-like swords. She then tossed her Chain Wink Swords at Wyrm's way. Wyrm swiped the swords with his tail and expelled another Wyvern's Breath at Venus. Orcus intercepted and formed a dark hole that sucked up Wyrm's attack. Rio amassed a black sphere and caught Wyrm in the chest with it.

"Insolent maggots!" Wyrm screeched in pain, taking to the air to avoid close quarters with the warriors. He pivoted away, observing the other ongoing battles. "This isn't looking good for us. Loki, Mist, what's taking you?"

"Sorry for the wait, Wyrm, my friend," Lokato's voice chimed in behind Wyrm, who turned and faced the trickster.

(End theme)

Lokato and Mist emerged through a portal.

"It's about time," scowled the annoyed Drake.

"Don't blame him, you overgrown lizard," Mist rebuked. "We have been traversing through the Realms. Now…" She shifted her sights on Sigrun and Reginleif's skirmish. "Excuse me." She descended near the Valkyrie and Erinye fight.

(Cue Valkyrie Profile 2 OST [Silmeria Side] - A Possession Within the Mist)

Lokato scanned the other ongoing battles. "Well done recruiting Mab and Puck. Now we can make our leave."

"Hey! It's Loki!" Orcus pointed toward Lokato.

"So, the darn trickster decides to show himself," Venus grumbled.

As he took down a Unseelie warrior, Alec noticed Lokato's presence.

"He's here," muttered Alec as he headed off toward Sigrun.

"Dude, where are you going?!" Kazu called to him.

Fenmura ceased his attack on Byari and Inumon. He noticed Lokato high above them.

"Father, you've come," Fenmura acknowledged as Lokato produced a floating platform to ride on.

"Fenrir, are you running?!" Inumon shouted at him. "Our fight's not over!"

"Takato!" Byari noticed Lokato above them.

"That's not Takato now, Jeri," Byakko reminded her in her mind. "Loki has firm control over him. It will take more than pleas to bring Takato to the light."

"No, there has to be a way!" Byari said, painstakingly glaring over Lokato.

"Well done recruiting Mab and Puck, my Lokar! It's time for us to make our leave!" Lokato announced as he produced more floating platforms for the Unseelie soldiers to ride on.

Mab withdrew from fighting Titania. "We'll finish this another time, old friend."

Puck floated up, leaving Oberon. "Please do show up for the second Ragnarok. It'll be awfully lonely without you there!"

Meanwhile, Mist dropped in closer to Sigrun and Reginleif's location. She waited as Sigrun was about to strike Reginleif. Mist forged a green mystic sphere and tossed it. The ball struck Sigrun's back, allowing Reginleif to claw slash and knock her out with a gut punch.

"Kara!" Alec called out as he hurried over to collect her.

Mist grabbed Reginleif, who snarled and growled at the sorceress. The enchantress responded with a hard slap across Reginleif's face.

"Foolish animal, you don't speak unless told!" Mist hissed at the brainwashed Erinye.

Reginleif calmed down as Mist dragged her along.

"Stop!" Gnasher yelled as he and Grinder attempted to stop them.

"Gullinbursti, come forth!" Mist summoned the golden boar.

Gullinbursti stomped his feet down, sending a shockwave that stopped the goats.

"Well done, you golden swine," rudely chortled Mist. "Let us leave now."

"Wait…!" Sigrun came to as she recovered to see Mist and Reginleif flying away together. "Reginleif, come back!" She clenched her fist. "Mist, what did you do to her?!"

"She's my property now, dear Sigrun," Mist spoke up, laughing out. "And since she's an animal now, I treat her like the dog she is." She said with a conniving grin.

"How horrible…" Sigrun condoned Mist's apparent treatment of Reginleif.

As Mist, Reginleif, and the others reached Lokato, Fenmura noticed Alec holding Gram.

"Is something the matter, Fenrir?" Lokato asked Fenmura.

"No, it's nothing," Fenmura dismissed the sword's previous reaction. "I'm ready to leave."

Once Mist, Gullinbursti, Reginleif, and Duneyrr rejoined the Lokar, Mist forged a chain made of green light and tied it like a collar over Reginleif.

"Next time, you'll tear Sigrun apart until there's nothing left of her. Am I clear, you mangy cur?" Mist pulled the back of Reginleif's hair and slapped her face again.

Wyrm witnessed this mistreatment, cringing. "I think you enjoy that too much, Mist."

"She hasn't been trained enough," the enchantress nonchalantly shrugged.

"Hey, we're not done yet!" Dai-Valkyrie Venus called out as she, Orcus, Oberon, and Titania flew up to stop the Lokar and the Unseelie.

"But we are. See you all at Ragnarok!" Lokato laughed out loudly, reopening a portal behind them.

The Lokar and Unseelie retreated into the portal. As the heroes closed in, the portal closed right in front of them.

(End theme)

"Damn it! We almost had them!" Dai-Valkyrie Orcus loudly cursed.

"But we have a second Ragnarok looming for us all," Oberon dreaded the future war of the Nine Realms.

"Now that Puck and Mab has joined Loki's group, we and the Seelie shall aid you in this forthcoming war," Titania offered her and Oberon's services to the heroes.

"The more help, the better," Venus accepted.

Andromon walked Kiyoko back to Kazu. The happy couple embraced following a quick and rough battle. Byari was visibly upset she couldn't save Himura.

"I'm so glad you're ok, Kazu. You were awesome as always out there," Kiyoko happily said, hugging Kazu hard.

"Of course I'm awesome like always. Right, dude?" Kazu asked for Kenta's opinion.

"Yep, sure, but I was even more awesome," Kenta bragged.

"Pipi!" MarineAngemon chimed in, boasting on Kenta's hype.

"See, Kazu? I guarded Miss Kiyoko like you told me to," Andromon added, folding his arms and nodding proudly.

"I can always count on you, buddy," Kazu flashed a thumbs up to Andromon.

While Felinismon and Leomon comforted Byari, Inumon approached the Victory Tamer. He patted her shoulder.

"We worked well together, Jeri, but don't beat yourself up over losing this fight. Yeah, we couldn't save Himura here, but we'll have another chance," Inumon reassured Byari.

"Yes, but shouldn't you be as upset as I am?" She asked Inumon.

"Yeah, of course I'm upset, but I'm not going to dwell on it. I know we'll save Himura. If you're Himura's girlfriend, you'll have faith."

Felinismon and Leomon smiled hearing this straight from Inumon. They knew he was right.

"Thank you, Inumon," Byari replied, openly smiling at him. "Yes, and together we'll save Himura. And we'll save Takato, too."

Inumon nodded. "We sure will!"

Sigrun sat down recovering from her fight. Alec stood beside her.

"I have to know how the past me knows Reginleif. And I've learned she's somehow under Mist's control," Sigrun revealed to Alec. "By the way, thanks for coming in to save me, even though I was already knocked the heck out."

"I wasn't gonna let those two have their way with you. And you're welcome." Alec said, looking over Gram. "You know, I think I might've heard the man Fenrir's possessed. He reached me through Gram."

"Really? Was it that Himura guy?"

"That's his name. It might've been my imagination, but I swear I did hear him call out to me through Gram. I believe Gram was in his possession before I took it from him."

"I see. And isn't he Siegfried's reincarnation?"

"Yeah, and I wish to purge Fenrir out of that guy. I'd personally would like to talk to Siegfried's reincarnation if I'm able to."

Sigrun chuckled, shaking her head. "Maybe you'll get the chance once we beat Loki."

"Hey, Sigrun!" Venus called over to the Valkyrie. "We're ready whenever you are! We can't leave here without you opening that portal for us!"

"Well, ready to go?" Sigrun asked Alec, who nodded.

With that, Venus gathered the group together. Utilizing Yggdrasil's power, Sigrun opened a portal for them. Oberon and Titania stopped the group from leaving.

"Wait," Oberon asked the group. "Allow us to join you."

"Yes, you went out of your way to warn us and helped us defend our palace," Titania expressed gratitude.

"Now that Puck and Mab has joined Loki, it's our war, too," the Fairy King stated. "Please, let us fight with you."

Rio turned to Venus. "Well? What do you think?"

Venus nodded and addressed the royal couple. "We'd be honored. Come on. This portal will take us to Yggdrasil."

Upon hearing this, Oberon and Titania became intrigued. They joined the group and jumped through the portal back to Yggdrasil's realm.

xxxxx

Yggdrasil

Shortly after returning from their missions, Sigrun and Skogul's groups gathered to rest and tell each other's experiences. Sigrun and Skogul reconvened with Brunhilde, Skuld, and Gondul.

"Seems we all got jumped by Loki and Mist before we could even beat the bad guys," Brunhilde sighed.

"I do wonder how and when Loki has been able to find us and prevent us from completing our mission. Could it be he has another set of eyes watching us," Skogul speculated. "And no I don't mean he has an extra set of eyes in the back of his head. You know I mean that figuratively."

Gondul dismissed. "Nah, forget it. We knew what you meant."

Skuld added. "We just need to focus getting Philippe back. Then, we can figure out how to beat Loki and his recruits."

"Garm, do you know where Folkvangr is?" Seirika asked him.

"It resides within the realm of Vanaheim. I'll lead the way. Brunhilde, can you make a portal for us?" Garm asked her.

"Sure. Who wants to come?" Brunhilde turned and asked the groups.

"Well, of course I'm going," Skuld affirmed her stance to go.

"Hey! I'm going, too!" Jaguarmon chimed in as she hopped on Brunhilde's shoulder. "If we're looking for Philippe, I'm not staying behind!"

"I'll go, too," Sigrun suggested.

"Us, too," Gondul chimed in as she and Skogul walked forward.

"We'll sit this one out, but please be careful, Kotori," Seadramon said.

"Likewise, we'll let you all handle this," Seirika concurred.

"Please bring Philippe back any way you can. We have faith you will, Kotori," Sailor Moon said.

"This is a good idea. It might be best if we brought along as few as possible," Garm suggested. "We don't want to give Lady Freya the impression we're going forcefully going in and taking Philippe."

"That's probably for the best," Brunhilde concurred.

"The rest of us will stay behind and rest," Agunimon said.

"Yeah, you go and get Philippe back for us," Mars nodded. "We'll be ok here."

"Cool, hopefully this doesn't take us long," Brunhilde replied as she forged a portal for her group. "Y'all ready to go?" She asked the other Valkyries, Garm, and Jaguarmon.

"Let's do it," Skuld said.

With that, the Valkyries, Jaguarmon, and Garm jumped through taking them straight to Folkvangr.

Unbeknownst to them, a tiny shadowed creature observing the proceedings and eavesdropped on the Valkyries. He climbed a tiny branch of Yggdrasil and created a portal for himself to crawl through taking him straight to…

xxxxx

Somewhere in Ginnungagap

"Well done, Ratatoskr," Lokato extended a hand to the squirrel, who appeared before him. "Thanks to you, we've been able to keep up with and outpace Brunhilde and her Valkyries. And we couldn't have recruited our new allies from the other Realms without you."

Ratatoskr replied calmly. "So, what now?"

"We'll round up a few more allies willing to join our cause. However, we've recruited a bulk of the ones we seek from the Nine Realms. So, it's only a few being outside the Nine Realms who would like to join us."

Just then, Mist walked in unannounced. As she walked in, she saw Fenmura conversing with Skoll and Hati. The Erinyes are also assembled waiting for command.

"Lord Loki, we're ready to proceed recruiting the last of our would be supporters."

Lokato turned and directed his gaze on Mist. "Let's depart then."

"Lord Loki, apparently Brunhilde and her group have left for Folkvangr in attempt to revive that Philippe boy. What shall we do?"

Lokato shrugged. "What they do with that boy matters not to me. He can be dead or alive for all I care. If he's revived, we'll just kill him again."

Mist smirked. "I'll let you do that honor, Lord Loki."

"You're too cruel, dear Mist. Thank you," Lokato said, beckoning Ratatoskr over. "If you have nothing else to report, then continue to monitor the Valkyries' allies."

"As you command…" Ratatoskr replied as he started remembering his brief interactions with Hina and being intrigued by her kindness to him. He wondered in thought why he was thinking of Hina all of a sudden. "That child… why her?"

"Ratatoskr, does something trouble you?" Lokato asked, looking over his shoulder.

"No, I'm coming, Lord Loki." Ratatoskr responded, sprinting over to Lokato. He hopped on Lokato's shoulder. He mentally vowed to get Hina out of his thoughts, but he would sooner find out it wouldn't be that easy.

xxxxx

Folkvangr

(Cue Yu-Gi-Oh! Capsule Monsters Soundtrack 18 - Crimson Valley)

Brunhilde, Skuld, Skogul, Gondul, Sigrun, Jaguarmon, and Garm found themselves standing in the Vanaheim fields. They scanned the vicinity, seemingly taken in by the beautiful flower meadow.

"Over there," Garm pointed toward the wooden temple in the distance. "Sessrumnir Hall, the seat of Freya's power."

"Think that's where Philippe could be?" Brunhilde asked.

The hellhound inferred. "It'd be the best place to investigate."

"It's beautiful," Skogul admired the temple scenery.

"Yeah it's nice and all, but we didn't come to admire," Gondul said.

"Well, what are we waiting for?! Let's go!" Brunhilde said, grabbing Skuld's hand.

"Philippe, can you hear us?! Philippe!" Skuld cried out.

"Wait!" Garm yelled out as he chased the them.

"Wait for us!" Sigrun called out to them.

xxxxx

Sessrumnir Hall

"PHILIPPE!" The cries of Skuld and Brunhilde echo, reaching the inside of the temple.

Philippe's ears picked up on their familiar cries. He whirled around with a shocked look.

"Kotori? Sasha? Jaguarmon?"

Hearing their cries, Freya showed great concern. "Your friends are here?" She looked out a window to see Brunhilde, Skuld, and company heading toward the temple. Yggdrasil, only you could've given them access to my realm. Her eyes quickly followed them. Are they here to steal my new soul for Valhalla?

"Freya, did you hear that? I think I might've heard heard Kotori, Sasha, and Jaguarmon!"

Freya quickly forged a blade in her right hand. "Philippe, come with me. Let's meet our guests."

"Kotori?" Philippe gasped as he saw Brunhilde, Skuld, Garm, and Jaguarmon heading toward their location. "Kotori!"

As her ears twitched, Brunhilde picked up on Philippe's familiar voice. She quickly turned toward the temple ahead of them. Jaguarmon's nose immediately picked up on Philippe's scent.

"That's Philippe!" Brunhilde exclaimed.

"Yes, that's him! C'mon!" Skuld cried out as she raced ahead with Jaguarmon.

"Wait!" Brunhilde shouted, running forward to catch up.

Once they arrived near the temple, a dagger was tossed their way. Brunhilde instinctively produced blue flames in her hands. Skuld and Jaguarmon prepared to defend themselves from their supposed attacker. Freya walked out holding another dagger. Accompanying her was Philippe, who Brunhilde, Skuld, and Jaguarmon were elated to see.

"Philippe! It is you!" Skuld exclaimed.

"Hold on. Who are you?" Brunhilde intently glared at Freya, who gave a similar defensive stance. "You're Freya, huh?"

"You must be Brunhilde's reincarnation. I'd welcome you, but you came here without my consent. Thus you and the other Valkyries are trespassers on Folkvangr grounds. Garm, I'm disappointed you'd let this happen." Freya replied, shifting her view to Skuld and Jaguarmon. "I'm demanding you leave. You can't have Philippe's soul. You had your chance to claim it, but it's too late. Now it's rightfully mine. He belongs here."

"Says who? We came to bring Philippe home," Brunhilde retorted in defense of her cousin.

Skuld growled, summoning a fiery green aura that enveloped over her. "Give Philippe back to us, or you deal with me!"

"Wait, stand your ground, Skuld!" Garm ordered her away.

Freya replied, unfazed by Skuld's presence. "I don't care if you're Hela's daughter. I'm not afraid of you nor will I give you Philippe."

"Kotori, Sasha, Jaguarmon!" Philippe slightly pushed through Freya.

"Philippe!" As she turned off her blue flames, Brunhilde cried out as she embraced her. "I'm glad we found you!"

"Me, too, Kotori." He then noticed Skuld enveloped in an intense green aura. "Sasha, it's ok. You don't need to go this far."

"Skuld, please..." Garm asked Skuld to stand down.

Sighing deeply, Skuld turned off her aura and relieved her tension. Philippe hugged Skuld, who returned the favor. Jaguarmon hopped on Philippe's shoulder and rubbed against his face.

"I know it hasn't even been a day, but I missed you!" Jaguarmon purred, rubbing hard against her Tamer.

"I missed you, too, Jaguarmon," Philippe said. "But what are you three doing here?"

"We came to get you, duh!" Brunhilde said. "Why else would we come here? Things have gone downhill with Loki, that blonde whore, and their crew running loose."

"Then you're wasting your time."

"What do you mean?" Skuld asked, suspiciously looking at Freya. "What did you tell him?"

"Nothing that you need to be privy to," Freya responded, to which irked Brunhilde, Skuld, and Jaguarmon.

"Philippe wasn't even supposed to die today! He sacrificed himself for me when Mist attacked!" Brunhilde protested in Philippe's favor. "His death came with bad timing!"

"Yes, I'm aware of that. And you're correct Philippe wasn't due to die. His death came suddenly. However, that being said when one dies an honorable death and no Valkyries take them to Valhalla, their soul comes here with the other warriors who've sacrificed themselves for the greater good. Philippe belongs here with me."

"Like hell he does," growled Brunhilde, who walked over and got in Freya's face. "If I have to fight you for Philippe, I will."

"You're wasting your breath. Philippe's made his decision to stay." Freya retorted, fiercely brandishing her dagger.

(End theme)

"Wait!" Philippe interjected between Brunhilde and Freya. "Please, don't fight over my sake."

"Convince me, Philippe," Brunhilde scoffed.

Philippe sighed, turning and facing his cousin. "Look, Kotori. Freya showed me around this place. I saw the other warrior spirits here. They gave their lives selflessly and honorably. I came to realization that I sacrificed myself for you, Kotori. I died so you can continue the fight against Loki, Mist, and their group. Freya convinced me I can rest."

"But, Philippe, you don't have to stay here," Brunhilde tried reasoning with him.

"I'm tired of fighting, Kotori. This place is like a paradise, but hey look you can still come visit anytime you want." He pointed to the temple. "Don't believe me? Go in there and see."

"We don't need to. I can feel their spiritual presence," Skuld said, sensing the Einherji within the temple. "But the difference between them and you, you weren't meant to die today."

"Hear that, Freya? This is a mistake. Please let Philippe go," Brunhilde demanded.

"I said I'm fine Kotori!" Philippe shouted, which visibly upset Brunhilde.

Before Philippe can convince her anymore, Freya put an arm over him.

"Philippe has made his decision. He chooses to remain here and live out the rest of eternity in peace with me. Now go."

"Look, we know about your differences with Odin and Asgard," Brunhilde replied, which garnered Freya's attention. "Heh, judging by that look, you know where I'm going with this."

"Yes, we had our differences and to this day I still do."

"And I know you were a former Valkyrie Maiden and led by Frigg. Look, what happened with y'all doesn't matter now. I'm here to make a case to set Philippe free."

"Kotori, enough! This is a decision I made on my own...!" Philippe was then silenced by Jaguarmon, who slapped him with her tail. "Ow! Jaguarmon, why...?"

"You think we came here just to go back empty handed?!" Jaguarmon hissed in frustration. She showed her claws to Philippe, who gulped. "I don't believe you want to stay here. You're starting to sound like Freya."

"I'm going to have ask you all to leave. Garm, take them away." Freya lowered her tone, standing in front of Philippe.

"Lady, you're not giving us a choice here," Brunhilde growled, growing irked with Freya's defensive stance. She grew even more crossed noticing Freya's obsessive nature of Philippe. "Get out of the way."

Freya declined. "No. Leave now."

"Philippe, get back," Brunhilde took out her sword. She then imbued the blade with blue flames.

"Kotori, don't!" Philippe pleaded.

"Don't Brunhilde. You're asking for trouble!" Garm chastised the Valkyrie from taking this reckless course.

As she charged, Brunhilde swung her blue flamed sword. Expecting to easily take Freya down, she watched in shock. Freya stopped her sword with two fingers effortlessly. Then, Freya's fingers released a gold light that quickly put out the flames. Philippe, Skuld, and Jaguarmon were stunned to witness Freya's feat. None were more shocked than Brunhilde.

"What? You thought I'd be brought down so easily? That I'm just a pretty face?" Freya smiled coolly. She quickly disarmed Brunhilde of her sword and repelled her with an aura wave.

"Guh!" Brunhilde grunted as she fell. Before the Valkyrie can respond, Freya put Brunhilde's own sword to her throat. Brunhilde stared at the pointed tip pressed near her throat line.

"Don't forget I was one of Odin's Valkyries, Brunhilde. I along with Frigg came before your time. So know your place."

Philippe was flabbergasted. "Kotori!"

"Wow, someone past their prime can do this to Kotori? Geez, I don't want to know what Freya was like in her actual prime!" Jaguarmon was impressed with Freya's power.

"She assisted Lady Frigg, Hela, and the other Valkyries in slaying Grimhilde ages ago. Her power then was well beyond what Brunhilde was capable of," Garm explained, impressed with Freya's ability to neutralize Brunhilde's blue flames. "Even past her prime, Freya is capable of fending for herself."

"I have to be to defend this beautiful realm from outsiders," Freya plainly stated.

Staring at Brunhilde, Freya's eyes suddenly became cold and intimidating, as a berserker's mindset had taken over. For a moment, it seemed the old Valkyrie Freya had resurfaced. This was a look she gave her enemy before finishing them off. She raised Brunhilde's sword, preparing to cut her in two.

"NO!" Philippe cried out in horror.

Just in time, Skogul, Sigrun, and Gondul stormed reached Brunhilde and company's location. They witnessed Freya about to skewer Brunhilde.

"Stop!" Skogul demanded, preparing to conjure a time spell.

Sigrun and Gondul both prepared to takedown Freya.

Finally, Skuld and Jaguarmon aimed to take action, but Freya dropped the sword in Brunhilde's lap. Brunhilde opened her eyes and looked up. Freya noticed the golden apple had fallen out of Brunhilde's pocket.

"Is... is that one of Idun's Golden Apples?" Freya asked.

"Huh...?" Brunhilde blinked until she saw the golden apple next to her. A smile crept on her face. "Y-Yeah."

"Lady Hela gave us that present to Philippe," Skuld revealed. "It's supposed to restore his life, right?"

"Idun's Golden Apples are how we gods gain our immortality, though we need to eat them on a regular basis. A single apple might have the power to restore a mortal's life," replied Freya. "Is that what you're trying to do?"

Hearing this, Philippe slowly started to waver a bit.

"Yeah, what do you have to say about that?" Brunhilde asked, putting her sword away. "Look, things have become hectic with Loki and his gang recruiting people to his side. Aren't you even aware?"

At first hesitant to give up Philippe's soul, Freya furrowed her brows and helped Brunhilde up.

"Of course, I'm aware," Freya replied, dropping her hostility toward Brunhilde and the others. "I'm disappointed because I thought I'd have another beautiful soul to keep me company. Now that you've shown me Idun's apple, you must know Philippe's soul can't eat it."

"Then what?" Brunhilde queried.

"You have to get Philippe's physical body to consume it, but it will only work if his soul is willing to return."

"Is this true?" Philippe asked Brunhilde.

Brunhilde showed the golden apple to him. "Yeah sounds like it. C'mon, you have to be willing to get your life back."

Before Philippe can respond, Skuld took his hands.

"Philippe, we need you... no... I need you," Skuld consoled Philippe, who looked deep in her eyes.

"A…all right."

xxxxx

Next chapter: Prelude: Second Ragnarok

xxxxx

Ford1114's A/N: Well, both Alfheim and Svartalfheim are the two realms with the biggest changes.

Before they are properly introduce to the YYGDM-lore, me and Kanius see them outside of YYGDM-01 as Alfheim is the realm of the Light Elves and Svartalfheim the realm of the Dark Elves. Especially in Cornerverse, Alfheim is the only Norse realm (aside from Hela of Niflheim, and the green-eyed Frost Giants of Jotunheim) that are genuine allies to Asgard and have helped them in the first Ragnarok. Puck (Corner) is a Light Elf and is Oberon's jester like in Shakespeare.

Lazer suggested changing Alfheim to a realm of both Light Elves/Seelie (the Summer Court) and Dark Elves/Unseelie (the Winter Court). Puck (YYGDM-01) is a Dark Elf unlike his Corner self. I remember before Mab is introduce in YYGDM, when me and Kanius mentioned her in VH, Mab (Corner) is a Light Elf and one of Oberon/Titania's retainers. Here, Mab (YYGDM-01) is a Dark Elf and opposes Oberon/Titania. In Svartalfheim, Kanius thought of Fenrir's sons, then Lazer help expand it to a realm of werewolves since he mentions there are a lot of werewolf folklore in Norse mythology. Two groups are introduced to YYGDM, the Hexenwulfen and Berserkers, to which this is one of the few changes that caught my interest and love it. It even inspires an idea for Corner!Svartalfheim that there are various Dark Elves infected by Skoll & Hati to become Svartalf Wargs. Now, Lazer did told us that he inspired the concepts from The Dresden Files series, which I just already start reading the first few books and like it.

Originally, Arachne of Greek Mythology is suppose to appear in Svartalfheim, but the more changes to its finalization that it is a realm of wolves in YYGDM and don't know where to fit her during the battle, she is scrapped.

Kanius' A/N: That's another Nine Realms World Tour chapter done. Overall thoughts on our take on Svartalfheim and Alfheim? The werewolf concept was thought up by LazerWulf as it lends itself to being a unique realm. Svartalfheim was originally going to be the Dark Elf realm while Alfheim is the Light Elf territory. But Lazer realized that the "Dark Elves" in Norse mythology were really just another name for Dwarves, and that the stories of "Light Elves" were really just the precursors to faerie lore. Nothing like the elves of Lord of the Rings, World of Warcraft, or Dungeons & Dragons would have you believe. (Also, Nidavellir and Svartalfheim were two names for the same realm.) And so, we split the Elves into two factions: the Seelie and Unseelie. It was then decided Oberon and Titania rule the Seelie faction while Puck and Mab rule the Unseelie.

Hexenwulfen and Berserkers: Before Lazer suggested Svartalfheim be a werewolf realm, I had no such plans for more werewolf lore outside the Makai. But he had something here I was able to get behind. The Berserkers are largely based off Norse warriors who fight in a trance-like fury, establishing the English term berserk later on. Though, the word ber-serkr in Old Norse literally translates as "bear shirt". The appropriate, wolf-related term, would be ulfhednar, or "wolf coat". We decided the Berserkers would be an opposing faction to the Hexenwulfen (a term borrowed from German, whose mythology is also Norse-based) as a result of civil unrest.

Harald is a reference to King Harald Fairhair, the first King of Norway, whose warriors were said to fight with the ferocity of wolves and bears, the origin of the Berserker myth.

Loki's spy has been revealed: Ratatoskr, the messenger squirrel that climbs the branches of Yggdrasil. His activities would explain how and why the Lokar know where to find the Valkyrie's groups. And this way Loki knows which realm to send each Erinye to. It makes it more intentional and less contrived (and much less convenient). And with his interactions with Hina/Sailor Gao Pluto, sooner or later we may see another side to his mischievous personality.

Since we're on the subject of Berserkers, Reginleif wasn't always a feral warrior. Mist played a part to Reginleif's regression into a feral Erinye. Reginleif had a friendship with Sigrun in the past, which ended with tragic results leading to Mist manipulating Reginleif and turning her loose against Sigrun during Ragnarok. And now the past has come back to haunt Sigrun.

Geirskogul is simply a dark clone of Skogul. There's not really much more to say about that.

Speaking of Sigrun, she finally has a heart-to-heart with Alec, after Kenta gives Alec a bit of advice, making reference to the events of chapter 25 of Gaiden. Will more come of this? What was Alec going to say before they were interrupted by the Unseelie? Does Lazer enjoy inserting rhetorical questions into my A/Ns?

If Idun's apple didn't come to play, then Freya would've kept Philippe's soul. She had both the right, and the strength to back it up (taking down Brunhilde without her Valkyrie power is an impressive feat on its own). Now that Kotori's shown her the golden apple, it was enough to convince Freya, but there's always a catch.

And that's all for our commentary. I apologize for the long wait. That's on me, but my health had to come first. Now that I'm better, next chapter shouldn't take nearly as long to release. Enjoy your day and take care, readers.