Hey guys, UltimateDemonBeast65 here! The new chapter is finally out now. I hope you're enjoying the story, and I hope everyone enjoyed the Examtaker DLC. Enjoy and please tell what you think!
Norse Arc: Ripples
It was early in the morning for the Helltaker and his harem, and while most did sleep, a certain new roommate was outside in the cold fresh air practicing his fighting techniques, strikes and poses from ancient martial arts styles he taught the Japanese. As he finished off with a leaping kick he picked up a wooden training sword called a bokuto and started swinging it at a dummy he set up, smacking it from all directions as he weaved around it gracefully. Unbeknownst to him, however, someone else was up at this time of day. That person being the Awesome Demon and former High Prosecutor, Justice. She woke up a bit earlier to do her workout, but then she had heard him training outside and was curious about it. For at least an hour, she was watching, or rather listening to him as he was training.
"Hey Susano'o." She said as she decided to now make Susano'o aware of her prescence.
Susano'o ignited his bokuto with electricity and pointed it in the direction of where Justice was, only for him to put the practice sword down realising who it was.
"I was mere seconds away from taking your head off."
"Well, I probably would've dodged it." Justice replied with a smile, walking a bit closer to him. "Anyways, how do you like being here with us?"
"It is doable, despite your fellow demons' antics." Susano'o replied.
"Well that's good." Justice chuckled. "I'm starting to like you around here. Not that there was anything wrong with just the nine of us, though I guess eleven if you count the other two Cerberuses."
"They are one entity sharing three bodies." Susano'o said as he sat down on the grass. "I take it she wasn't always like that given how she's not an actual demon."
"True, though I don't know what she was like before then." Justice said as she stroked her chin. "Other than being with Hades and Persephone for a while of course."
"So she was a three headed dog?" Susano'o asked.
"From what I was told, yeah, she used to be like that." Justice replied.
"Huh, interesting." Susano'o said as he held out his hand to the wind, feeling its cold breeze touched his skin as he closed his eyes and breathed in and out.
"So...you have any demons of your own where you come from?" Justice asked.
"The Oni and Mazoku are considered demons by many." Susano'o said. "The Oni are born from the souls of wicked mortals who after death are reborn as these foul beasts that punished impure souls. Mazoku are far more dark and sinister, beings of pure evil and malice that enslave and corrupt mankind and other Yokai."
"Oh damn..." Justice mumbled.
"What of you? Were you once made to punish the souls of the damned and wicked?" Susano'o asked.
"Yes, I used to do that as I was the former High Prosecutor centuries ago.", Justice replied, "Used the Sin Machine to do so, especially on a wide scale. Though that came to an end once Beelzebub had tried to ursurp Lucifer. I had to fight her off before...well, losing my vision."
Justice waved in front of her eyes as a gesture to what she was saying.
"So that is why your eyes are dim." Susano'o said. "They don't shine or have red in them."
"Yuuup." Justice simply said, with a couple moments of silence passing by as she took a breath of the cold air.
Susano'o was about to say something else when he felt something moving in the distance. The sun had not come up yet but he could make out figures moving in the dark. He stood up and slowly moved towards where the figures were in the streets. Justice had sensed these figures as well and followed Susano'o, readying herself for a fight while Susano'o summoned his katana as he got closer to the figures' locations, making out that they were dark skinned humanoids wearing black masks and garbs and silver armour.
"Who the hell are they?" Justice asked as she looked in the direction of the strangers.
"Could it be..." Susano'o said before he dodged and deflected arrows fired at him.
The dark skinned humanoids then lunged at the storm god and Awesome Demon, attacking them with knives, blades and arrows. Despite being blind, Justice sensed where they were going to attack and manage to dodge them. And then she proceeded to counter-attack them with hard-hitting punches and kicks. Susano'o blocked each of the assailants' attacks with his katana before kicking one to the ground and blasting another into a wall with wind. The remaining assailants disappeared in a flash of black energy before appearing in front of Susano'o who tried swinging his blade at them only to disappear again with the same energy.
"Some sort of dark magic." Susano'o thought as he blocked an attack from an assailant and punched them in the face, knocking off their mask and revealing them to have pointed ears.
"What are they, Susano'o?" Justice asked as she noticed the others disappearing.
"Dark Elves." Susano'o replied, standing his ground as the assailants surrounded them.
"Shit..." Justice mumbled as she raised her fists up, ready to keep up the fighting.
Susano'o channelled electricity into his katana as he readied himself for the Dark Elves' next attacks. The Dark Elves rushed at Susano'o who swung his electrified blade around, shocking and slashing at his adversaries, who tried their best to dodge or counter with dark magic, warping and also coating their blades in dark energy. Susano'o however had more experience and skill and was starting to wear them down alongside Justice. Justice attacked the Dark Elves with a series of punches and kicks, this time moving and attacking at a much faster rate. Some of the Dark Elves were sent scrapping against the street several feet away and even launched into the air when she used an uppercut. The Dark Elves, realising they were outmatched started warping away. Susano'o tried to grabbed one of them but only got hold of a piece of armour.
"Damn it! They got away." Susano'o said gritting his teeth.
"We should head back inside and tell Lucy and the others of what happened." Justice said. "I'm sure we'll have answers later."
Susano'o nodded in agreement as they headed back to the house. After an hour of waking everyone up and preparing breakfast, the two explained what happened.
"They disappeared, with the only thing I got from them was this piece of armour." Susano'o explained.
"Holy shit..." Zdrada chuckled as she exhaled some smoke out the window.
"Wonder what they are doing after us though." Pandemonica said out loud, full of curiosity.
"I know about Dark Elves from playing RPGs, but what are they actually like?" The Helltaker asked.
"Dark and elves." Malina replied sourly.
"One of the two dominant races in the realm of Alfheim, who are at conflict with one another due to their affinities and ideals." Lucifer explained.
"Alfheim, like Nine Realms?" The Helltaker asked.
"We just stopped an evil from Greek mythology with the assistance of heroes from countless legends, and you're having a hard time concerning the realms outside of Earth?" Susano'o asked.
"Well you you say it like that..." The Helltaker replied.
"So then if the Dark Elves are on Earth, what does that mean?" Judgement asked.
"Hmmmm...I'm not too sure about that." Justice replied.
"The most likely reason on why they are here is that it relates with that incident with Pandora's Box." Pandemonica stated.
"The box's opening was no doubt sensed by other pantheons and the other realms." Susano'o said. "Perhaps they are searching for any traces of what's left of the evils."
"But why would they want to do that?" Modeus asked.
"They'd want it for their own gain." Pandemonica replied with a yawn. "An opportunity has now opened up for whoever intends to use these evils. Though what their use for it is beyond me."
"Would Apollo and Artemis have noticed?" The Helltaker asked.
"Not likely if it's just this group sneaking around, but there may be more afoot." Lucifer replied.
"We'd better keep a sharp eye then." Justice said.
"Agreed." Pandemonica said before taking a sip of her coffee, making her into the Sadistic Demon with bigger horns and slit eyes.
The Helltaker then decided to turn on the TV and was shocked to see what was currently on the news.
"What sounds like a fairy tale or fantasy novel has come to life as sightings across the world of creatures some can only explain as giants, monsters, elves and other assortment of mythical beings grow by the minute. These creatures are seen searching and battling, and attacking cities just to find whatever they're looking for. Each country's law enforcement and military have reacted to these threats but their efforts in stopping these beings straight out of fiction seem to be in vain."
"Damn...guess they really are searching for the evil that remains." Justice said as she heard the TV.
"We'll have to be more prepared than ever then." Pandemonica stated.
"The pantheons of the world will not like this." Susano'o said.
"Asgard will no doubt be the target of their wrath." Lucifer said. "It's their job to keep those other realms in check after all."
"Hopefully Apollo and the others are going to handle the situation that they could be facing." Justice stated.
Lucifer nodded in agreement.
Meanwhile...
Back in Olympus, Apollo was walking around the area with his twin sister, Artemis.
"Did you see what was going on down there, sister?", Apollo asked with concern.
"I did." Artemis replied with a look of concern.
"This is really bad." Apollo said. "I knew that the other pantheons would be involved, but I was definitely not expecting this at all..."
"We should go and talk to the others." Artemis said.
"Yea...let's go." Apollo said as he walked faster to where the gods met up the other day.
The two arrived at the courtroom of the Olympians where they were discussing what was happening on Earth, concerning the invasion.
"It seems as though these are Nordic beings from the realms beyond Earth." Hermes said rather worryingly.
"Other races and pantheons being involved were bound to happen, the evils were scattered across the world after all." Athena said. "But we shouldn't declare war on any of them though."
"These are races under their jurisdiction, ones they are in charge of keeping in check." Ares argued with his sister.
"It doesn't matter..." Athena sighed. "We're not even ready to fight against such a force by ourselves. There could be other pantheons that could join in as well."
"Enough!" Zeus exclaimed to silence the room, the gods in the room then sat back down in their seats while Apollo and Artemis entered.
Artemis took her seats next to Apollo, not daring to say a word.
"Now then, I'm sure we are all aware what's been happening on Earth." Zeus said with a frustrated sigh while giving a brief glance at the twins as they entered. "And that we are completely in the dark about why this is happening. So our best decision is to call upon the Aesir and Vanir to try and help solve the issue."
"That would make the most sense Father." Hermes said with a nod.
"Perhaps Odin and Njord can shed some light on why this is happening." Hera said to Zeus.
"Agreed." Zeus said as he held his wife's hand while turning to her for a moment. "They are the ones most likely to give insight on the matter."
"We should prepare ourselves for whatever information they have." Athena said. "I don't think any of us could be a hundred percent sure about why this is going on. Not to disrespect both the Vanir and Aesir of course."
"Agreed." The other Olympians said in response.
"It's settled then. We get in contact with the Aesir and Vanir in order to deal with the situation at hand together." Zeus said. "Try to find out how much they know about this and act accordingly."
All of the Olympians now had a better understanding on how to handle this crisis, with some nodding or replying back in response. After the meeting, some of the Olympians mingled with one another while Apollo and Artemis spoke to each other about these matters.
""Well I'm glad that we're already on the good side with both the Aesir and Vanir." Apollo said as they were walking. "Generally speaking."
"Indeed, thankfully they respect our strength enough to overlook our more dubious deeds." Artemis said scratching her head.
"For sure.", Apollo said with a nod, "You think that they are in the dark just as we are about this whole thing?"
"Possibly." Artemis replied. "Should we contact Lucifer and Susano'o?"
"Yea, we should." Apollo answered. "If those creatures are on Earth, they must've encountered them too."
"I'll stay here in case I'm needed elsewhere." Artemis said. "Take care, brother."
"I understand. I wish that you are safe as well, sister." Apollo said with a nod before making his way down to Earth to meet up with Helltaker, the Harem, and Susano'o.
The group in question were doing multiple things. From their usual banter and antics to actually following up on monitoring and watching out for more creatures from the other realms. Lucifer and Pandemonica were tracking them, Azazel was flying about watching the Earth and the others were either holding the line or protecting the house. For the most part Justice was standing relatively close to the door to be ready to defend the house while also trying to sense any of the creature's aura nearby. With the whole situation that's going on, Modeus was trying to be alert while also being invested in her book, though mostly forgot to look out the window she was sitting at.
"None of them have come close to where we are at." Pandemonica said.
"That's good." Zdrada said as she exhaled a cloud of smoke.
"Apollo approaching!" Azazel called out to the others.
"So he has returned." Susano'o said putting away his bokuto.
Justice then smiled as she then sensed his presence, before he landed in the backyard and walked to the sliding door.
"Hey guys!" Apollo said with his voice being a bit muffled. "I'm not going to destroy the house this time! Can you open up?"
The Helltaker opened the door for Apollo.
"Thanks man." Apollo said with a nod before entering the house. "Hey everyone, it seems as though we have quite the problem with these creatures."
"Yea, me and Susano'o have already dealt with a group of Dark Elves." Justice said.
"Oh really?" Apollo asked and then looked to Susano'o.
"They were lurking about in the early morning." Susano'o explained. "I believe that they alongside the other otherworldly races are searching for the remnants of evil left over from Pandora's box."
"I see. We noticed that in their behavior as well a couple hours earlier." Apollo said. "They were causing destruction, but didn't go on to persue anybody unless if it was the military or police force that got close enough."
"Indeed." Lucifer said. "How is Olympus taking all of this carnage?"
"Zeus is going to contact the Aesir and Vanir to get more light on the situation." Apollo replied. "Obviously to find out why these creatures want this malicious energy."
"No doubt to make themselves more powerful, not to mention some of them would have the experience and wisdom to wield malicious energy without it destroying them." Susano'o stated.
"That is certainly a possibility." Pandemonica said.
"Should some of us go out like last time?" Apollo asked. "Possibly find answers that Zeus and the others could use?"
"It wouldn't hurt to investigate further." Lucifer replied. "Odin may have answers, but not every answer."
"What do you expect from the god who hung himself from Yggdrasil in order to obtain more knowledge?" Susano'o remarked.
"So that's why he's called the Hanged King." Malina said sourly.
"Huh...I didn't know that." Justice said as she stroked her chin. "So should we be in the same group as last time?"
"That would be wise." Lucifer replied.
"What if more show up at the house while we are gone?" Apollo asked with concern. "No offense to the rest of you guys, but I don't know how capable you guys are in combat."
"My girls can take care of themselves." Lucifer assured.
"Yea, you'd be surprised, archer boy." Zdrada chuckled.
"Very well, Your Majesty." Apollo said with a nod. "I believe you."
"Then let's get to work." Susano'o said.
"Let's do this!" Justice said excitedly.
"Alright then, where do we start?" Apollo asked.
"We'll start in the city, then move on from there." Lucifer replied. "Perhaps the warriors that assisted us before will appear too."
"That is likely, as it appears they've formed some sort of alliance." Susano'o said.
"Achilles has told me a bit about this. They are known as the Chimeran Guard." Apollo added. "Said that he came up with the name but Gilgamesh was the one to call upon all the members that make up the group."
"Gilgamesh, King of Uruk?" Lucifer said surprised. "I thought he failed to obtain immortality."
"I guess he didn't." Apollo said with a shrug. "Wonder how many other people are in this group as well, Achilles only talked about those he could remember."
"In any case, they'll no doubt assist us in our efforts." Susano'o said. "We should get going."
Lucifer nodded and created a portal to the city, Justice went through the portal with Apollo following shortly after, with his bow ready in hand. Susano'o and Judgement walked through followed by Lucifer. Cerberus and Malina stayed with the others while Azazel kept flying about, scouting different location.
"So Justice, how have you been?" Apollo asked as they were now in the city.
"I've been alright. It's been interesting having Susano'o around though." Justice replied.
"Wait he lives with you guys now?" Apollo asked surprised.
"Yup." Justice simply said with a nod.
"He's a spoilsport." Lucifer said. "Always got that frown on his face, always training during the early hours of the morning. A real hard ass."
"There is nothing wrong with staying ready and vigilant." Susano'o said.
"No, nothing is inherently wrong with that." Apollo said. "But you know sometimes you gotta loosen up, Mall Katana."
"Do you intend on calling me that forever?" Susano'o asked.
"It's just a nickname that I'll use sometimes." Apollo replied with a chuckle.
Susano'o sighed as they walked around the city. They spotted what looked like a blue skinned giant smashing up buildings and looking for something, all while killing humans.
"A Giant." Judgement said.
"Not just a Giant, a Jotnar." Lucifer said.
"They reside in Jotunheim, one of the nine Nordic realms and mostly are in opposition against the Aesir and Vanir." Apollo explained. "As you can see, they are downright destructive and are of primeval chaos."
"So how do we deal with them?" Judgement asked.
"They're powerful and durable creatures, but enough power and force will take them down." Lucifer replied. "But magic and divine energy are especially helpful against them."
"Well we got loads of that." Apollo said as he pulled the string of his bow. "Let's stop him before he kills anymore people."
"Agreed." Susano'o said as he summoned his katana and rushed towards the Jotnar with Apollo.
Judgement summoned her white chains and rushed after the two while Lucifer began channelling demonic magic into her hands. Apollo pulled back his bowstring all the way which summoned multiple light arrows, then fired them at the Jotnar. Justice quickly ran towards the giant in a different direction and landed a couple of hits on it. The Jotnar was pushed away from the buildings, turning to face its adversaries. Judgement wrapped her chains around the Jotnar's legs while Susano'o electrified his katana and began landing various slashes and swipes at the Frost Giant's body. Justice got out of the way in order for the others to use their attacks against the Jotnar before moving in when she had an opening, attacking with rapid punches and kicks. Apollo meanwhile still shot arrows at it, even aiming for areas like the eye to try to incapacitate it. Lucifer fired a barrage of red energy blasts at the Jotnar before Judgement ensnared it with more chains. However the Jotnar, despite being in a lot of pain, broke free and kicked Judgement into a building. The Jotnar held its breath before blowing a powerful stream of cold air at Susano'o and Apollo, covering their bodies in ice.
"Shi-!" Apollo exclaimed before he could fire another arrow and then was covered in ice.
Justice then wound up her fist and punched the Jotnar into the building behind it in retaliation. The Jotnar crashed into the building while Lucifer created fire to free Susano'o and Apollo. After Susano'o was free, he channel wind and lightning into his katana to form a giant elemental blade and rushed at the Jotnar. Judgement got back up and summoned a large white magic circle which summoned four giant white chains that struck the Jotnar like high-speed bullets. Apollo then flew up in the air and started to channel yellow magic in his arms which then surrounded his bow in the same energy. A more big arrow appeared on his bow and then Apollo fired it at the Jotnar's chest, piercing right through it. Susano'o then flew towards the Jotnar and with the large elemental blade, cleaved the Giant in two, spraying its blood everywhere in the streets. Apollo quickly brought up his arm before he was splashed with the Jotnar's blood.
"Well, that's one down. But I can only imagine things will get harder from here." Apollo said.
"I would think so as well." Justice said with a nod. "We might run into the Dark Elves again, maybe this time we could extract some information from them."
"Indeed, there could also be more Jotnar and other Nordic beings." Susano'o said as he put away his katana.
"Let's be sure they can't get the drop on us." Lucifer said.
"Agreed." Apollo said. "Let's clear the rest of this city."
Judgement made her chains disappear before spotting what looked like humanoid figures with a glowing dark liquid flowing through their bodies like blood.
"Are those zombies?!" She exclaimed.
"Draugr, the reanimated corpses of those who resting places was defiled." Susano'o said.
"Despite their appearance and awful smell, they possess quite a bit of strength." Apollo explained. "Also heard that some are capable of shape-shifting."
"Then let's finish them quickly and carefully." Lucifer said as she started raining down energy blasts down from a magic circle she summoned.
Judgement began throwing punches and kicks at the Draugr before flailing around one of her chains while Susano'o summoned his katana again and started slicing through them and blasting them with wind. Justice also rushed in at the group of Draugr with rapid punches and kicks, even getting in a grapple with one of them before tossing it into a couple of their allies. More energy started to surround Apollo's bow as he rapid fired arrows down onto the undead. Justice also rushed in at the group of Draugr with rapid punches and kicks, even getting in a grapple with one of them before tossing it into a couple of their allies. More energy started to surround Apollo's bow as he rapid fired arrows down onto the undead.
"We're sure making quick work of them!" Apollo said excitedly as he kept shooting more of them with his arrows.
Justice smiled as she heard his comment but then quickly went back to fighting the Draugr that were still present. Lucifer created several ethereal serpents which ensnared and tore apart the Draugr with their fangs while Judgement burned and sliced them up with her chains. Susano'o summoned a storm cloud and began striking each of the Draugr down with a barrage of lightning before beheading a larger one in front of him and blasting away ones behind the storm god with a gust of wind. The Awesome Demon then rushed up to one of the Draugr that was bigger in size, then pummeled it with rapid punches before sending it flying into its comrades. Which then caused them to be launched into nearby buildings and cars.
"What a woman..." Apollo thought while smiling, but then snapped out of it and fired a barrage of arrows at a couple of them until their bodies fell to the ground.
Lucifer and Susano'o looked at each other and nodded.
"You're certain this will work?" Susano'o asked.
"Positive, now hurry!" Lucifer retorted.
Lucifer and Susano'o then combined their energies together to create a powerful blast of wind, lightning and hellfire which obliterated all the Draugr in their wake, leaving nothing but decaying burnt pieces of cut up flesh and bones.
"Oh damn..." Apollo said in astonishment at what he saw.
"Always knew you could do it Lucy!" Justice said as she gave a thumbs up.
"Of course, I am the Queen of Hell after all!" Lucifer boasted pridefully.
"Heh." Apollo chuckled as he floated back down to the ground. "Anyways, you think we should find the Dark Elves so that we could have some info on why this is happening?"
"Agreed." Susano'o replied. "But where to find them..."
Meanwhile...
The Chimeran Guard had also intercepted the Nordic beings that had come to Earth, battling their forces to protect humans.
"TAKE THIS!" Tud Bulul yelled out as he swung his sword that extended a couple feet extra, which then sliced at least a dozen creatures in half all at the same time.
Masamune dodged and slashed at a group of Draugr before beheading them with a swift strike of his katana and dodged as Cu Chulainn threw his barbed spear through a smaller Jotnar's stomach before grabbing onto it and ripping the giant's belly open. Achilles blocked an attack with his shield before slashing at a Draugr multiple times before falling backwards to the ground.
"I think that should be all of them in this area..." Achilles said as he shook some blood off of the blade.
"Looks like it." Mulan said as she took her spear out of a large Jotnar she killed moments ago.
Masamune wiped the blood off his katana before putting away and Cu Chulainn scouted ahead to check for more signs of enemies.
"So uhhh...guess we should wait for him?" Tud Bulul asked as he walked closer to Mulan.
"Yes we should." Mulan replied as she moved further away from Tud Bulul. "Just stand over there though so that we could cover more ground in case more creatures come here. And also because I'm not interested...Tud Bulul."
Achilles snorted at what he saw before straightening out and wiping the smile off his face. Tud Bulul gave a sigh and just walked back to where he was.
"Interested in what?" Masamune asked.
"Interested being in a relationship with him." Mulan replied as she pointed at Tud Bulul.
"When did this happen?" Masamune asked shocked.
"W-were you not picking up on the hints, Masamune?" Achilles asked confused. "Him getting closer to her as well as his tone of voice?"
"I think he gets it now!" Tud Bulul said irritatingly as he still heard them.
"Nothing else here!" Cu Chulainn said coming back to the others.
"Alright then, let's move on to the next area." Mulan said, with Achilles and Tud Bulul giving a nod.
"Gotta ask, why her?" Cu Chulainn asked Tud Bulul.
"Well..." Tud Bulul said scratching the back of his head. "I don't really know, she just seems more...interesting? If that's how I'd put it, not saying that the other girls aren't, but..."
"So something with her clicks with you that the others don't?" Achilles asked with an eyebrow raised.
"I guess you can say something like that. " Tud Bulul replied.
"Interesting." Masamune said.
"We should move along with Mulan though." Achilles said as he then followed her.
"Alright then..." Tud Bulul sighed.
A few miles away, Gilgamesh was leading a group of his allies against Jotnar and Dark Elves, countering and slashing at them with his blade and using his superior strength to his advantage. Both Joan of Arc and Sir Lancelot were ganged up by a group of Dark Elves and a couple of Jotnar. They gave a silent nod towards each other before slashing at the creatures multiple times, cutting down the giants to pieces while slicing though the Dark Elves. The two even through the weapons of the Dark Elves were trying to block their attacks. One was almost unaccounted for about to stab at Joan of Arc before Sir Lancelot blocked it with his shield before closing the distance and cutting the Dark Elf's head off.
"Thanks..." Joan of Arc said.
"Not a problem, lass." Sir Lancelot responded with a small bow.
King Arthur meanwhile used Excalibur's power to blind the Dark Elves before slicing them to ribbons and dodged a few attacks from the Jotnar who were knocked over by Gilgamesh.
"So this is the power of Excalibur, or rather a percent of it." Joan of Arc commented. "Fascinating."
"Heh, you certainly haven't seen anything from that yet." Sir Lancelot said as he lifted up the faceplate on his helmet, showing a wide smile before putting it back down and fighting some remaining creatures.
"Mulan, what's your status?" Gilgamesh asked through the comms.
"We have taken care of the threat in our first area." Mulan replied back to Gilgamesh. "We're about to deal with another group."
"Very well, rendezvous with us once you're done." Gilgamesh said before dodging another attack.
"Understood, Gilgmesh." Mulan said before getting ready to fight the next group.
More Dark Elves and Jotnar showed up attacking the two different groups, but the aligned heroes had the advantage in skill and experience. Gilgamesh and Arthur began tearing through enemies with their swords, either through strength or Excalibur's holy properties, Cu Chulainn threw his barbed spear Gae Bulg into more Jotnar before pulling it out and stabbing more enemies and Masamune cleaved through a few Dark Elves. Mulan had fought off the Jotnar with her spear and switched to her sword whenever she threw her spear. Tud Bulul kept extending his blade to slice groups of Dark Elves and Jotnar. Joan of Arc and Sir Lancelot kept slashing through all of their adversaries at a fast pace.
"These bastards don't give up!" Cu Chulainn yelled.
"They definitely aren't!" Achilles exclaimed as he slashed one of the Dark Elves' arm off before decapitating it. "Whatever they are using the left over evil for must be really important!"
"Indeed!" Masamune yelled as he dodged a Dark Elf and sliced off their legs before cutting their torso open.
Suddenly, a portal opened which caught the attention of both friend and foe before seeing a certain group of demons and gods appear before their eyes.
"Well guys, looks like we have some help!" Achilles said with a small smile.
"You know them?" Tud Bulul asked as he kicked a Dark Elf into a bus.
"Mostly Apollo, but I did accompany the Queen of Hell and the other demons when Pandora's Box was opened." Achilles explained. "Susano'o was also with us."
"Susano'o? The storm god?" Masamune said shocked and amazed.
Lucifer began blasting enemies with magic while Judgement pulverised with her fists and swung her chains. Susano'o used the wind to propel himself into a Jotnar that he knocked down and used a powerful lightning strike to blow it to pieces.
"Woah..." Tud Bulul said in amazement before going back to fight the remaining enemies in this area along with the group.
Apollo flew up into the air and show down light arrows in rapid succession which made his targets fall to the ground. Justice moved in quickly to punch and kick the Jotnar, pummelling them into buildings or the in the street.
"Amazing." Mulan said as she briefly glanced at those that have just arrived, impressed by their abilities during combat.
Lucifer then unleashed an intense blast of demonic energy which incinerated the Jotnar and Dark Elves within their range while Susano'o quickly tagged one and incapacitated them before they could get away. Apollo shot a barrage of light arrows at the rest of the Dark Elves and Jotnar except for the one Susano'o tagged, finishing them off.
"Another group of enemies down. Thank you for your help." Mulan said turning to the newcomers and giving them a small bow. "Though I suppose you kept this one for some answers?"
"Correct." Lucifer replied. "Someone is no doubt behind this attack on Earth."
"It's nice to see you again." Achilles said as he walked up to them.
"It's nice to see you too Achilles." Apollo said with a smile. "So these must be the other warriors you have told me about."
Masamune and Cu Chulainn approached the group.
"So you're Lucifer, the one the Christians refer to as the Devil?" Masamune asked.
"That's right, but I'm far more stunning and beautiful than what mankind portrays me as." Lucifer said with a vain and prideful tone.
"Yup, that's Lucy for you." Justice said after meeting up with the group, with a body of a Jotnar falling from the air and onto a car. Presumably, Justice had sent this one flying a couple of minutes ago.
"Lucy?" Tud Bulul snorted.
"What was that?!" Lucifer said, appearing in front of Tud Bulul, glaring at him angrily with red serpentine eyes that pierced his souls.
"...nothing! I said nothing at all, Your Majesty!" Tud Bulul replied in a scared voice.
"Please do be mindful of what you say, Tud Bulul." Achilles said. "But please spare him, he has quite the skill set that makes him a part of the Chimeran Guard."
Lucifer turned away with a "hmph" as she went over to Justice. Judgement sighed in frustration.
"How did I ever let you talk me into rebelling?"
Tud Bulul sighed a breath of relief.
"Wait you are a fallen angel too?" Apollo asked Judgement.
"An Accuser, avenger." Judgement replied.
"She punished the wicked and tested the faithful." Lucifer explained.
"Until you tricked me into defying Heaven!" Judgement yelled.
"Relax, you're the High Prosecutor now, that's basically the same thing." Lucifer said.
"I don't think you would've met me after all." Justice said with a smile on her face.
"That aside though..." Mulan said. "We should be on our way and take care the rest of the attackers."
"Agreed." Achilles replied with a nod.
"Take care." Susano'o said.
"We will, Susano'o-sama." Masamune said bowing respectfully.
"I wish you and the others luck." Apollo said.
"Likewise." Achilles said before moving along.
Lucifer and her group then began to head out again, leaving to Chimeran Guard to regroup.
"Let's meet up with Gilgamesh and the others." Mulan said, though she gave Tud Bulul an eyeroll as she made quick eye contact with him.
"You think things might be moving fast between you two?" Achilles asked as he nudged Tud Bulul.
But the Moonspeaker didn't respond and just went where the other group of the Chimeran Guard was. Gilgamesh and his group meanwhile had cleared out the area of enemies and were waiting for the others to arrive. The group that Mulan led then regrouped with Gilgamesh and the others after making their way through the ruined city.
"Glad to see you guys are safe." Mulan said.
"Were you expecting anything less?" Sir Lancelot asked.
"I guess not." Mulan said back to him before turning to Gilgamesh. "We ran into the Queen of Hell and two other gods along the way. They helped us out fight off the Jotnar and Dark Elves."
"I see, good work." Gilgamesh said with a nod.
"Thank you, Gilgamesh." Achilles said.
"Where to next?" Lancelot asked.
"We'll head west, sources say there looks to be Dwarves from Svartaflheim." Gilgamesh replied.
"Dwarves? Those short blacksmiths and inventors?" King Arthur asked.
"Yes, some of the universe's finest craftsmen." Cu Chulainn replied.
"Oh, that's interesting." Tud Bulul commented. "Us in the Philippines also have our own dwarves. Though they don't exactly make weapons and armors."
"What do they do?" Masamune asked.
"Well...they mine for gold, then trade them for stuff but mainly chicken's blood for some reason." Tud Bulul explained. "And some...kidnap children, but I'm sure to put an end to those ones in every case I find out about it."
"Huh, weird." Masamune said.
"Nordic Dwarves love gold and treasure, some of them were so consumed by greed they were turned into dragons." Gilgamesh stated. "One such example is with Fafnir."
"I heard that he used poison breath on the lands so that no one would touch his treasure but then was slain by Sigurd." Achilles said.
Tud Bulul gave a nod as he was intrigued from what Gilgamesh and Achilles explained.
"Indeed, let us move on." Gilgamesh said as he took up his sword again.
"Let's do this." Tud Bulul said as he walked closer the the whole group.
Sir Lancelot and the others gave a nod that they were ready to move on to the next location.
Meanwhile...
There was a large cave in which two important looking individuals stood, a Dark Elf and Jotnar, leaders of their people respectively.
"It seems as though there are gods and heroes that are defeating our forces." The Dark Elf leader groaned. "This is not good at all, and I'm not just talking about a loss in our numbers here."
"We've haven't retrieve any of the residue power from Pandora's box because of these interferences." The Jotnar leader said.
"Damn it!" The Dark Elf yelled before calming down. "I know who's not going to like this one bit...we have to come up with a way to obtain this power, without any interference from these forces."
"What did the Dwarves have to say?" The Jotnar asked.
"Well, they said they are building something that can help on tracking the energy we need." The Dark Elf leader replied. "Whatever it is though, it better be quick."
"Agreed." The Jotnar leader said as he sharpened his blade.
"Let's not inform him of our progress yet." The Dark Elf said. "But we should have more of our men be together."
"Indeed, in the meantime we need to ensure our location is not discovered." The Jotnar leader said.
"For sure." The Dark Elf said with a nod.
The Jotnar leader then went outside to observe their surroundings in case their enemies got closer.
Meanwhile...
Zeus, Hera, and all of the other gods in Olympus were waiting for the Aesir and Vanir in order to recieve information about the situation down on Earth. A shining rainbow bridge appeared from the sky and stretched onto Olympus, and soon after the Nordic tribes, the Aesir and Vanir, had arrived. Their leaders were Odin and Njord.
Odin was a old but fit looking man with long white hair and a beard, missing one of his eyes and wore robes and pants with armour pieces and had ravens resting on his shoulders and a staff. Njord was a more healthy looking man with brown neck length hair and a beard and wore bright robes with ornaments and jewellery made from plant life alongside a crown of flowers and sticks. Behind them were a few more of the gods of the Aesir and Vanir. Those gods and goddesses being Baldur, Freya, Sif, and Heimdall.
Baldur is a god that has a muscular yet slightly skinny build with long light blonde hair along with a full beard, he was wearing a golden chestplate, shoulder pieces, and gauntlets with dark blue robes and pants. He also wore a blue cloak with white trimming. But most of all his body radiated light unlike a certain Olympian.
Freya was a beautiful goddess with long, flowing honey blonde hair that nearly reached down to her lower back. She wore a white dress that revealed a bit of her cleavage and showed off an ornate necklace. Freya also had gold armor pieces on her legs, shoulders, and forearms while also wearing a golden helmet with white wings. Two cats were walking around her while occasionally rubbing up against her and Freya was armed with a spear and shield.
Sif was a goddess with golden blonde hair that was longer than Freya's and had some small braids on the sides of her hair. She wore a blue dress that went down to her ankles with a sort of cloth piece of dark green that ran down to her knees and under that she wore boots. Her headpiece had flowers of multiple colors in it.
Lastly, Heimdall was a more muscular god with a sword sheathed at his side while holding a large horn in his hands. He wore a blue tunic with a red cloak and large golden belt with a couple of armor pieces including his helmet with the horns of a ram. And orange hair ran down to his shoulders as well as having a beard that nearly reached down the top of his chest.
"It's good to see you once again, Odin." Zeus greeted him. "Though we wish we could've gathered together in less...problematic circumstances."
"There is much afoot going on around the Nine Realms currently, Zeus." Odin stated. "Midgard as usual being at the centre of it."
"Of course." Zeus said with a nod. "This time it has caught the attention of many other pantheons such as yours. But we think that you have some more light on this situation."
"There are parts that I am not familiar with, but I do have some answers that might be useful to you." Odin said.
"Thank you for what ever information you can provide to us, Odin." Athena said giving a slight bow towards him.
"Indeed." Zeus said. "So what is there that you know about this? Like why are they searching for the remaining evil that came from Pandora's Box."
"The Dark Elves and Jotnar are adversaries of Asgard and Vanaheim, but this also extends to Midgard. The Jotnar terrorised humanity until we stepped in and protected them from, and we have been keeping a tight grip on their activities ever since. The Dark Elves are at war with the Light Elves on Alfheim, and no doubt want something to get an advantage over their cousins and the Jotnar want to no doubt try and take on Asgard and conquer Midgard." Odin explained. "But there are many ways to do this, so why would they go after a power source created by Midgard deities?"
"Perhaps to enhance their physical and magical capabilities." Freya stated. "They could've found a way channel this sort of energy for themselves, or at least have a better idea on how to do so."
"It is quite possible." Baldur said observing his surroundings.
"Do these Dark Elves and Jotnar usually ally with each other?" Athena asked. "Or has this been the only time it's been seen that they have combined forces?"
"The Dark Elves are not normally cooperatively with the Jotnar." Odin replied. "But given the circumstances, they might be aligning themselves to have a better chance at seizing this power. The Dwarves have also noticed what has been happening on Midgard, though most of them have stayed loyal to us."
"Well that's one good thing to hear about this whole situation." Athena responded. "But about the Dark Elves and Jotnar, someone must've convinced them to rally together. Maybe obtaining this malicious energy was a part of some sort of deal."
"That is certainly a high possibility of being the case." Freya agreed with a nod.
"I've sent my son Thor to scout ahead." Odin said.
"Scout ahead where?" Zeus asked.
"To try and find their leaders and to see if there are humans in danger." Odin replied.
"Some of our own like Apollo are at least trying to fight off the Dark Elves and Jotnar on Earth." Hermes stated. "Is there anything else that we should know about when it comes to why this is happening?"
"We are still investigating all possibilities." The pale god named Heimdall replied. "But we can assure you that we are close."
"Hmmm...understood." Zeus said as he was stroking his beard.
"Thanks for the information that you have provided us." Athena said.
"You're welcome." Odin said as the ravens on his shoulders flew away.
"Would you all like to stay here a bit longer?" Hermes asked.
"I don't see why not." Njord said. "Perhaps we could use this time to ask you what had happened before the Dark Elves and Jotnar."
"Pandora's box was opened." Poseidon explained. "Its evils spread across the world and tried wiping out the mortals."
How was it opened though?" Freya asked. "I thought it was under watch at all times."
"The box's bearer has disappeared." Ares replied. "And it somehow found its way in the hands of the Queen of Hell, the fallen angel called Lucifer."
"Those demons were meddling with the box?!" Freya exclaimed. "Did you manage to take it back from them?"
"That's the thing though..." Hermes said chiming in. "The demons weren't responsible, at least not entirely. While one of their own did open it. That one responsible being an angel that was a part of their group, they were trying to actually fix this problem."
"This is true, for as much as I hate to say it." Zeus said. "My son Apollo and that one other god...ummm...Susano'o, were trying to reseal it along with Lucifer and the others. They were fighting off the creatures on the planet before going to the underworld."
"A Kami was involved?" Odin asked intrigued.
"Yes he was." Athena replied. "From what Apollo told us, Susano'o was originally going to take it back to Takamagahara, but then figured it would be better with us here in Olympus. The group did venture down into Tartarus then to Elysium in order for the hope that was stuck in that angel to be released and spread across the world, with Hades and Persephone also helping out with this."
"Huh..." Njord said as he was interested in the whole explanation.
"This is quite peculiar." Odin said.
"Indeed." Freya agreed with a nod. "Wouldn't be surprised if those of other realms decided to get involved as well."
"This has attracted a lot of attention in the cosmos." Odin said. "But let us hope we can drive the Dark Elves and Jotnar back to their realms and convince the Dwarves to surrender."
"You're not going to fight the Dwarves?" Ares asked with a brow raised.
"The Dwarves are simply looking to exploit the other races, to gain treasure or payment for their services. We offer them a better deal, and they'll come peacefully." Odin replied. "Trust me, I've been dealing with their kind since I was a child."
"If things could be settled that way, then I would believe it to be the better option than to just fight them." Athena said.
"I agree." Baldur said, whose body radiated beautiful light.
"Mhmm." Freya hummed in agreement. "Though I feel like we should join the fight as well, if not to at least prevent more lives from being lost due to the destruction in search for the evil energy. I feel as though Apollo and the others aren't enough."
"Patience, daughter. Our time for intervention will come." Njord said putting a hand out to her, to which she just sighed.
"Let us hope Thor finds the others and assists them in battle." Odin said.
Meanwhile...
Susano'o finished off another Jotnar by blowing a hole through its torso with a lightning strike while Lucifer and Judgement tag-teamed a group of Dark Elves by wrapping them up in white chains and then incinerating them with a red energy geyser, reducing them to ashes. Apollo whistled at the display of teamwork before focusing on the enemies he was dealing with. He pulled back his bow to shoot a single large arrow before it split off into smaller ones mid-air, striking down its targets and even piercing through the shields of the Dark Elves. Justice meanwhile was dealing with a couple of them, quickly dodging through their attacks before striking them back with powerful punches and kicks. The last one hit the wall of a building but was still alive.
"This one's still breathing. Should we take another for questioning as well?" Justice asked while Apollo was ready to finish the remaining Dark Elf off.
"We have one already" Lucifer replied.
"Take this one as well." Susano'o added. "With two, we can get answers if one refuses to speak."
"Sounds like a great idea." Apollo said as he put back the bowstring to its normal position. "That seems to be the last of them."
"I don't sense anymore Dark Elves or those other ones, so at least our city seems to be in the clear." Justice added.
"Then let's move on and keep searching." Lucifer said as she opened up a portal.
However before anyone could do so, a large glacier was hurled towards them, breaking the ground beneath them and flinging them away from each other.
"What was that?!" Judgement yelled.
"There's only one thing that can throw a glacier around like a javelin." Lucifer said getting up from the ground.
"What is it?!" Apollo exclaimed as he stood back up, ready to shoot his bow at this new adversary.
Susano'o looked up and saw an enormous Jotnar, one larger and tougher than the other giants. It had icicles protruding out of its body and long flowing hair.
"Holy shit, that's a big one!" Apollo yelled as he saw the Jotnar that showed up.
Apollo then pulled back on his bow and fired multiple light arrows at it, but the arrows however were splinters compared to this larger Jotnar as he snarled and charged at the group. However before he could get close to them, a small hammer with Nordic runes hit the Jotnar in the torso, sending them flying across a large field and into one of the mountains nearby.
"Woah!" Justice said as she felt how powerful the blow was form where she was standing, also sensing that there was someone else in the distance.
"I feel like I know who just attacked that Jotnar." Apollo said as he looked around.
"As do I." Susano'o said.
The hammer then flew back and was caught by someone. They were a red-headed muscular man with blue glowing eyes, a beard and wore a dark tunic and pants with silver and onyx armour and had a cloak made from black bear fur.
"Thor." Apollo said with a slight smile as he now saw him catching his hammer. "I figured at least one of you would show up."
"Thor, the Prince of the Aesir, god of thunder." Lucifer said with a smile. "It figures he would come, given his history with the Jotnar."
Thor watched as the larger Jotnar got back up and roared at the thunder god, and began throwing large spears of ice at him, only for Thor to smash them into rubble with his hammer before flying into the giant and smacking him into the air. Both Apollo and Justice were amazed at the power that Thor had used against the larger Jotnar. Albeit, Justice could only hear and feel of what was going on, but she still was glad that another came to aid them. Thor then channelled lightning into his hammer and with a fast strike, cleaved the Jotnar in two, reducing it to snow.
"Hey! Well done, Thor." Apollo said looking at him while giving a wave.
Thor looked down and saw Lucifer, Apollo, Susano'o and their group. He flew down to their location.
"You're Olympian and Kami. Wait Lucifer?!" Thor said as he held his hammer ready to attack.
Justice was now ready to protect Lucifer as soon as Thor was prepared to attack her.
"Hold it, Thor!" Apollo yelled as he stood between Thor and Lucifer and Justice. "Lucifer and the others are here to help take down these forces that's causing destruction here. We believe that they are searching the evil energy left from when Pandora's Box was opened."
Thor then stopped his advances before lowering his hammer.
"How do you know we can trust them?"
"Do I look like I'm trying to throw the world into chaos and destruction?!" Lucifer yelled angrily.
"Me and Susano'o were with her and the other demons when the evils from Pandora's Box were released!" Apollo replied.
"All of this is true." Justice said with a nod. "We also helped out in dealing with this mess as you can see as well."
Thor looked around before raising one of his brows.
"Very well, we'll call it a truce for once."
"Alright then, it's settled." Apollo said, sighing with relief. "Anyways, thanks for the help with that ice Jotnar."
"It is my sworn duty to protect Midgard and its people from the Jotnar." Thor said.
"Yes, we know you have a history with them." Susano'o said.
"Indeed. So I guess you're filled in on the situation as well?" Apollo asked the Prince of the Aesir.
"I know enough from the All-Father to understand the situation." Thor replied.
"Gotcha." Apollo said pointing a finger gun at him. "Anyways, the five of us along with some of the Chimeran Guard have only taken care of those in this city. Know of anyone else who's trying to stop this?"
"I would think other like-minded warriors and heroes." Thor replied.
"The more the merrier, especially for something like this." Justice said.
"Indeed, but these two have been sitting here for quite a while." Apollo said as he turned to both of the Dark Elves. "How about we ask them a couple of things with why this is happening?"
"Agreed." Susano'o said as they went over to the captured Dark Elves.
"So you two have anything to say?" Apollo asked.
"You might want to be more specific than that..." One Dark Elf managed to groan out of his mouth. "Even then...it won't matter once we complete our master's plan."
"Which master?" Susano'o asked.
"I'm not telling you that." The same Dark Elf replied with a devious smile. "Only thing I will tell you is that he's going to give us the means in killing the Light Elves...once we are finished with gathering all of the energy we need."
Justice then cracked her knuckles while glaring at the Dark Elf, while Apollo was ready to draw an arrow to try and threaten him.
"I hardly think that will get me to talk either." The Dark Elf stated as he rolled his eyes.
"Then what about something you hate?" Lucifer asked gesturing to Apollo.
Apollo nodded and pulled back his bowstring, to which a two light arrows appeared pointing at both of the Dark Elves. Both of them flinched as soon as Apollo was now threatening them.
"I suggest the both of you start talking. NOW." Apollo said.
Judgement summoned her white glowing chains and wrapped them around the Dark Elves.
"That's better." Justice said with a slight smile.
"Plan on talking now?" Apollo asked as he put himself closer to them.
"You really want to know that badly...?" The first Dark Elf scoffed. "Fine...we'll tell you."
"The Father of Wolves promised to give us the resources to claim Alfheim and usurp Frey if we gathered the energies from that accursed box!" The other Dark Elf, now shivering in fear from having glowing chains and light arrows encircling them.
"The Father of Wolves, who is he?" Thor asked.
"He's the one who's formed the alliance between us and the Jotnar!" The Dark Elf replied.
"Who else is helping him out with getting this energy?" Apollo asked.
"He managed to get a number of Dwarves to develop something to help us harness, or at the very least, find the evil energy.", the first Dark Elf replied as sweat ran down his head.
"Who is the Father of Wolves?" Susano'o asked.
"We don't know, he just came to our leaders! He promised us Alfheim and the Jotnar revenge on Asgard!" One of the Dark Elves exclaimed.
"Are you sure about that?" Apollo asked more assertively as he pointed his bow at point blank range at the first Dark Elf.
"Yes! We have never even seen the Father of Wolves!" The first one yelled as he got more nervous. "Our leader couldn't speak that much about him other than what we needed to know!"
"Very well." Lucifer said. "That's something at least."
"Yeah...but we need a bit more information about what's even going on with this whole operation." Apollo said, stepping back from the first Dark Elf, who took a breath of relief.
"The Dark Elf leader, they would know more." Thor suggested. "We find him and the Jotnar's leader, then we can find out more."
"Sounds like a good idea to me." Justice said.
"Agreed, but what should we do with these two?" Apollo asked.
"Kill them before they can warn their peers." Lucifer replied in a cold tone.
"Agreed." Judgement said tightening her chains around them.
"COWAR-!" The first Dark Elf yelled before Apollo fired both of his arrows straight through their heads.
Susano'o then put his hands together and whispered a prayer.
"Even if they are enemies, you pray?" Apollo asked. "Not saying that you shouldn't though, just curious."
"They are just following orders." Susano'o replied. "It was nothing personal, so why not pray they rest in peace?"
"Well, I suppose that does make some sense." Apollo said scratching the back of his head then looked at Thor. "You have any guesses as to where the leaders of the Jotnar or Dark Elves would be?"
"Somewhere dark and cold." Thor replied. "Away from the sun and large enough for giants."
"I would assume for them to be in one of their realms, right?" Justice asked stroking her chin.
"No they would have established a stronghold on Midgard." Thor replied.
"A cave would be a most likely place, though I'm sure that's a given." Apollo said. "Maybe one up a mountain perhaps, maybe one that goes underground. Either way, I'm thinking maybe they're held up in one of the Nordic countries."
"Perhaps we better look." Thor said.
"Let's do it." Justice said with a determined smile with Apollo looking at Justice, admiring her a bit before snapping out it.
"Hopefully whoever the leaders are don't just abandon their hideout just because we are looking for them now." Apollo chuckled as he was ready to move out.
Lucifer nodded in agreement before summoning a portal to which Apollo entered the portal first with Justice following through afterwards. Susano'o and Judgement followed so after while Thor held up his hammer and disappeared in a flash of lightning. They all arrived at a snowy tundra region near a mountain range. It was rather cloudy up in the mountains, cutting off some visibility for the group.
"Well I guess we should start moving." Apollo said his shoulder with his free hand, then floated a bit off the ground. "Though I suppose the question is where do we start? And I'm sure not everyone here can fly or has experience climbing."
"I'll try and see if I can sense similar presence to the Dark Elves and Jotnar we've faced before." Lucifer retorted.
"Understood." Apollo said with a nod.
"I will try to use my senses as well." Justice stated.
Lucifer, Judgement and Susano'o both scouted and scanned the area for any signs of the Dark Elves or Jotnar. Apollo and Justice also went off and scouted the area for the Dark Elves and Jotnar.
"Found anything?" Judgement asked.
"Not yet." Susano'o replied.
"We still haven't found anything either." Apollo said before turning to Justice. "So why aren't you the High Prosecutor anymore, Justice?"
"Well, it was after I fought Beelzebub she was trying to usurp Lucifer and I put a stop to her." Justice replied. "She was sent to the Abyss after that. Though the battle with her was pretty cool."
"Ah..." Apollo hummed as they kept moving.
"That doesn't explain why you stepped down." Susano'o said.
"Well...I can't really operate the Sin Machine when I'm blind can I?" Justice asked with a shrug. "You could thank Beel for that."
"Uh huh." Susano'o said as he kept walking.
"This shouldn't take too long though." Apollo said as he floated by the group, trying to search for the leaders of the Dark Elves and Jotnar.
Lucifer then spotted something moving in the distance, and decided to fire an energy wave at it, revealing a Jotnar sentry. Apollo then shot an arrow at the sentry while Justice tried to make her way by leaping and bounding across the mountain range. The Jotnar sentry roared, which alerted his allies, causing three more Jotnar and a squad of Dark Elves to appear.
"Shit, he called for reinforcements." Susano'o said summoning his katana.
"Well, they would've found us out one way or another!" Apollo said as he flew up in the air and shot more light arrows at the Dark Elves and Jotnar that appeared before them. "But we should pick up the pace in finding that hideout!"
Susano'o and Judgement raced into battle, attacking with their respective weapons. Lucifer chanted and conjured magic circles that rained down hellfire clad projectiles, burning and incinerating flesh and spirit. Justice landed on another mountain, trying to sense for the leaders of the Dark Elves and Jotnar. But as soon as she did, she encountered a squad of Dark Elves who immediately attacked her. She managed to dodge and push away their strikes before counter-attacking with powerful punches that sent each squad member falling down the mountains. Apollo whistled at the sight but then moved on flying around and searching for the hideout only to find a couple of Jotnars. Though he did flinch a little at their sudden appearance, he quickly conjured more magic into his bow and fired large arrows at them, piercing right through their bodies. Susano'o channelled wind and lightning into his katana, creating a giant elemental blade that he swung at a couple of Jotnar, who tried dodging only for Judgement to wrap her chains around them to allow the storm god to cleaved them in two with his giant blade. Dark Elves then appeared and tried surrounding the area in darkness but Judgement clanged her chains together, releasing a flash of light that overwhelmed their senses. Eventually, Apollo was able to strike down one of the Jotnar before severely wounding the second one, getting closer to it with an arrow pointed at his head.
"Where is the hideout?!" Apollo yelled, trying to interrogate the wounded Jotnar.
The Jotnar simply roared at Apollo defiantly.
"Tell me where damn it!" Apollo shouted as he shot the Jotnar in the stomach.
The Jotnar roared in pain.
"Go to Helheim!"
"Fine then..." Apollo growled before taking him by the leg and tossing the Jotnar dozens of feet into the air.
Soon after, a large flash of lightning appeared and the god of thunder arrived, twirling his hammer and threw it into several Jotnar, knocking them off the sides of the mountain range.
Justice smiled a bit as she knew who that was, but kept moving around trying to find where the leader of the Dark Elf and Jotnar are located. Meanwhile Apollo flew up towards the wounded Jotnar as he was falling and then caught him by the wrist.
"Think you want to tell me now?" Apollo asked. "Because I would just drop you if you so wish."
"Over the mountains!" The Jotnar said painfully. "It's over the mountains, large cave made of ice and crystals!"
"You just added way more steps if it was that simple of an answer." Apollo remarked before letting go of the Jotnar. He then went to meet up with the others and pointed towards the mountains in another direction. "A Jotnar told me that the hideout is that way."
"Then let us be off." Thor said as he flew over the mountains with Lucifer, Susano'o and Judgement following him.
As soon as she was done dealing with a couple of more Dark Elves, Justice sensed that the group was heading towards the hideout and followed them. Apollo kept flying forward while occasionally shooting at Dark Elves and Jotnar on the way. Lucifer and Thor also struck and hit more Jotnar and Dark Elves before finding the cave in question they were told about.
"There it is." Susano'o said.
"Let's do this!" Apollo said as he flew towards the cave with Justice making her way as well.
The group alongside Thor raced into the cave, attacking and overpowering more Dark Elves and Jotnar.
"Shit! They're already inside?!" The Dark Elf leader exclaimed while pulling out his sword.
"Have you Dwarves finished the device yet?!" Yelled the Jotnar leader.
"We are in a process that requires a delicate touch with this device!" One of the Dwarves stated. "So hold them off for a few more minutes and we'll be on our way!"
The Jotnar leader roared before taking up arms to defend the Dwarves. The Dark Elf leader also was ready to defend the Dwarves from the invaders. As they were waiting for the impending attack, they could only hear the rumbling of the mountain and screams and roars of their comrades. Thor charged ahead, smacking his hammer around and blasting them with lightning. Apollo followed shortly afterwards, clearing the way by quickly shooting light arrows at their adversaries. Susano'o and Judgement combined their wind and chains to knocked and flail several Dark Elves and Jotnar away before lunging at the Dwarves. However, the leader of the Dark Elves had stood his ground against the wind using his magic and parried the chains.
"Heh...you'll have to do more than that." The Dark Elf leader scoffed. "Once they finish this device, we'll be unstoppable!"
"Damn you." Susano'o said as he electrified his katana.
The Dark Elf leader then imbued magic into his sword then rushed to fight Susano'o. Justice then ran towards the leader of the Jotnar, leading in with a punch. The Jotnar leader blocked Justice's punch before trying to smack her with a war hammer while Judgement tried to surround the Dark Elf leader in chains. Justice quickly got out of the way of the Jotnar's strike before throwing out counter-attacks against him. The Dark Elf then blocked the chains before switching his target and charging towards Judgement. While all of this was happening, the Dwarves tried to move further away from the fight to continue building the device. Susano'o however in the blink of an eye appeared in front of the Dark Elf leader, then swung his katana at blinding speeds, hitting and electrocuting them at the same time. Judgement side-stepped out of the way before uppercutting the Dark Elf leader into the top of the cave. The Jotnar leader meanwhile was pushed back by Justice's attacks before trying to freeze the Awesome Demon with his cold breath. The Dark Elf managed to block some of the slashes before being uppercutted by Judgement, coughing out some blood as he hit the top of the cave. While that was happening, Justice has tried to move out of the way of the breath but was a bit frozen in various places. However Apollo shot a couple of arrows at the Jotnar leader in order to stop his cold breath. The Jotnar leader was knocked over by the force of the arrows while Lucifer them began to bind them to the floor.
"Augh, damn it!" The Dark Elf leader groaned as he was binded to the ground along with the Jotnar leader.
However, the Dwarves seemed to be finished with the device. Apollo noticed this and tried to shoot a couple of arrows at them, but they managed to teleport out of the cave.
"They got away!" Lucifer yelled before incinerating more enemies around her.
"That's not good at all!" Apollo shouted as he turned his attention to the other enemies in the cave, before eventually it was only the leader for the Dark Elves and Jotnar.
The Jotnar leader broke out of his binds and roared before summoning his war hammer.
The Dark Elf leader had a harder time breaking out but then he used his own magic to break free of his binds.
"Well...I'm impressed that you managed to find this place." The Dark Elf leader stated as he drew his sword again. "But our device is complete now. You have lost."
"We'll see about that, Elf." Thor said twirling his hammer.
The Dark Elf grinned as he then charged at Apollo, who frantically tried to shoot arrows at him only for them to be deflected. Fortunately, Apollo managed to block the Dark Elf's sword with his bow. Justice then move in to attack the now vulnerable Dark Elf, but he quickly turned in Justice's direction and slash at her. She managed to dodge out of the way before punching the Dark Elf leader into the other side of the cave. The Jotnar leader covered his war hammer in frost before swinging it around frantically, to which Thor dodged and countered each of the swings before kicking him further into the cave. Susano'o and Judgement rushed at the Dark Elf leader at blinding speeds, attacking from each direction with their respective weapons, creating a mix of electricity and white light. The leader of the Dark Elves groaned in pain from the attacks he sustained despite his efforts in trying to block them, even when he tried using his magic to create a barrier. Apollo then shot more light arrows at the Dark Elf, to which a few managed to land on his target. Justice then finished him off by pummeling him with kicks and punches before winding up her fist and delivered a punch that made his body go through the mountain they were in, his body then split in two due to the sheer force. Thor smacked the war hammer out of the Jotnar leader's hands before discharging a large wave of lightning at him, blasting both of his arms off before Lucifer appeared behind him and created a magic circle on his chest. Lucifer snapped her fingers, to which a red energy geyser blasted out of the Jotnar leader's torso which incinerated him from the inside.
"Oh damn..." Apollo said as he saw the Jotnar leader die. "But now what? The Dwarves escaped with what they've invented."
"They won't get far." Thor replied. "The All-Father will intercept them and convince them to stand down."
"What makes you so sure?" Susano'o asked.
"Because no Dwarf would dare try to defy Odin within his presence." Thor replied.
"If that how it works, then there shouldn't be too much to worry about." Justice said. "Other than whoever the Father of Wolves is."
"Indeed." Lucifer said landing on the ground. "We should go and see if Odin has reached the Dwarves yet."
"Very well then." Apollo said with a nod. "Where do we go to meet up with the Dwarves now?"
"I can detect them moving out to the other side of the cave, there's an exit there that let's them slip out of the mountains." Thor explained.
"Understood, let's make our way towards them quickly.", Apollo said as he flew out of the opening Justice had made earlier and looked around. Justice also followed but stopped at the edge of the opening, trying to sense the Dwarves. As the Dwarves were retreating past the mountains, a certain one-eyed man with a staff appeared before them.
"AH!" The Dwarves exclaimed as the familiar figure suddenly appeared before the lead Dwarf spoke out. "O-O-Odin..."
Meanwhile Apollo and the others made their way around the mountain to see the confrontation.
"Looks like he's caught up with them." Lucifer said.
"I told King Mótsognir that Midgard is off limits to you Dwarves unless Asgard permits it." Odin said sternly. "Yet here you are acting like hired thugs, building illegal contraptions."
"I...we know Odin." The lead Dwarf said with a bit of guilt and anger in his voice. "But the offerings that the Father of Wolves gave to us...we couldn't resist..."
"You forget your place, Dwarf! I am the All-Father and it is my duty to maintain order throughout the Nine Realms! But I know what your kind is like, and so instead I will offer you payment in exchange for your services." Odin stated.
The Dwarves mumbled to themselves for a bit with their fear of unknown punishment is at least suppressed at the moment. They then turned back to Odin and gave him a nod, with the lead Dwarf speaking up again.
"We accept this deal All Father." The Dwarves said.
Odin nodded.
"Now then, tell me about this device you've created."
"This device was made to help harness the malicious energy that was left from Pandora's Box." Another Dwarf of this group replied. "We just finished a couple of moments ago..before you came here."
"I see." Odin said. "Who put you up to this?"
"We couldn't tell who this person was." The leader replied. "He hid himself in the shadows of the room he gathered us in when we last saw him. And told us to refer to him as the Father of Wolves."
"The Father of Wolves." Odin said intrigued.
"We've heard it from some others we questioned as well, but we still have no idea who it really is." Apollo said.
Odin turned around, spotting Apollo, Susano'o, Thor and the demon girls.
"You are the group the Olympians spoke of, and I see you've found my son."
Apollo then gave a grin as he and the others were addressed.
"Yes. Yes we are." He said. "I'm sure there's no need for introductions right?"
"Apollo, one of Zeus' children." Odin said. "The Kami Susano'o, and Lucifer and her band of demons."
"Yeah nice to see you too, Odin." Lucifer said rolling her eyes. "Did you remember which one is your Hell and mine already?"
Odin sighed in frustration.
"That was a long time ago."
"Wait what happened?" Apollo asked.
"Our versions of the Underworld are similarly named, so one time he had a bunch of souls sent to the wrong Hell." Lucifer said with a snicker.
"I remember that like it was yesterday." Justice chuckled.
"Ohhhhhh..." Apollo said with a slight smile, finding amusement in that even though he didn't know exactly what happened.
"It's why we now refer to it as Helheim, not just Hel." Odin explained awkwardly. "Not to mention its ruler decided to call herself Hela to distinguish herself from the realm."
"Ah, yeah, that seems to make sense to me." Apollo said.
The Dwarves were just standing there as the group was talking with Odin. They didn't know if Odin had anything more to ask or need, so they were waiting for his word. Odin then cleared his throat and approached the Dwarves.
"I will need you to build me something, but until then hand over the device."
"Yes Odin. We understand." Some of the Dwarves said while others gave a nod. The leader of these Dwarves then handed over the device they created.
Odin started to examine the device.
"I could see why they would want a contraption like this."
"Indeed, Odin." The lead Dwarf said. "This took quite a bit of time to create, we even started before the invasion happened..."
"Did you come up with this design?" Odin asked.
"We modelled it after some similar inventions, but overall it does serve its main purpose." One of the other Dwarves said.
"Understood." Odin said before slamming his staff down. "Baldur!"
A few minutes later in a flash of light, Baldur, the Norse god of light, appeared before them.
"You called, my king?"
"Baldur, take the Dwarves to the workshop in Asgard." Odin ordered.
"As you wish, Father." Baldur said as he approached the Dwarves. "This way, gentlemen."
The Dwarves then followed Baldur, with some still having guilt on their faces but still kept moving along.
"So now we have to find out who this 'Father of Wolves' exactly is?" Apollo asked.
The Dwarves then followed Baldur as soon as word was given. Though some still had guilt on their faces but still kept moving along.
"So now we have to find out who this 'Father of Wolves' exactly is?" Apollo asked.
"Indeed." Lucifer replied. "But where to start?"
"He must be a Nordic being given that he was in contact with the Jotnar and Dark Elves." Susano'o suggested.
"Of course, that makes the most sense." Apollo stated. "So I guess try to find him where the Jotnar and Dark Elves are? Maybe somewhere else entirely?"
"Somewhere in the outer realms no doubt." Thor replied. "He has to be on one of them."
"Guess we better start searching then." Justice said.
"Agreed." Apollo said with a nod.
"Then let us begin our search." Susano'o said.
"I will activate the Bifrost and take us to Jotunheim and Alfheim to gather more information." Odin said.
"Thank you Odin." Apollo said.
"Take care, young deities." Odin said as he summoned the Bifrost which created a rainbow bridge of light.
"That's still pretty cool." Apollo thought as the rainbow bridge appeared then turned back to Odin. "Wait where are you going?"
"To consult the Olympians on what we've found." Odin replied.
"Ahhh gotcha. We'll be on our way now." Apollo said as he walked on the bridge.
"Glad that you helped with the Dwarves, Odin." Justice said with a smile before walking on the bridge.
"Let's go and find out who this Father of Wolves really is." Lucifer said as she entered the bridge, who was then joined by Judgement and Susano'o.
"Wait which one are we going to first?" Apollo asked with that sudden realization.
"Alfheim." Thor answered.
"Ah, alrighty then." Apollo said. "So what's our plan from there? Try to talk with the Light Elves for their possible help or still confront the Dark Elves only?"
"We'll talk with King Frey, see what he knows about the Father of Wolves." Thor replied.
"Let's get moving then." Justice said. "Wouldn't wish for the destruction they are causing to last much longer."
"Agreed." Thor said as they all headed towards the realm of Alfheim.
To Be Continued...