A new installment and the story unfold in a new direction.
Soon there will be more action and more mysteries; I would welcome your comments.
The Order of the Mortal Knights
by Elnauhual
Fan fiction, based on the characters and universe of "Oh my goddess" by Kōsuke Fujishima.
Chapter XII
Valkyrie
Silhouetted against the light of the entry was the unmistakable figure of Lind. Her battle-ax suggested it was not a social call. The back light created a long shadow on the floor, so she seemed larger and even more dramatic. The pose of the goddess might seem a bit theatrical, but the most powerful of the Valkyries did not need such tricks.
Urd recalled that once, many years ago, she had been terrified by such vision. After all, even the daughter of the great Daimakaichō, could also be just a scared little girl trying to prove otherwise, while she was surrounded by their sworn enemies.
In Hell there were many disturbing legends about these powerful goddesses. Hild had said that Heaven would protect her with all their might. And she had been proved right. After she had arrived to Heaven, she had found herself surrounded by strangers and then, with and equally dramatic entry she had appeared there, as her appointed guardian. Lind name was well-known in Hell. The most powerful of the Valkyries, whose name filled with terror to some. Eventually she learned that some of those legends were mere fantasies, but others were not.
How could she ever have imagined that one day that would be a reassuring sight? After their experiences, Urd knew she was a goddess she could trust, even when she was not supposed to be there.
- Lind. What are you doing here?
In an elegant move that was not intended to be, Lind dissolved her battle-ax in the air, then, ignoring the question, she walked in, looking curiously around the hidden room. Like all goddesses she was eternally young, but her attitude and demeanor left no doubt of her position and age. Then greeted Urd with a smile that could not fail to show certain condescension to her former protégé.
- So here is where you hid your belongings.
Urd was surprised by the assertion, she was sure that this was a secret between two sisters.
- Hide them? So you know about them?
- Urd, Daughter of Hild. Do you think we would not supervise everything that came from the world we consider our greatest enemy?
Urd was a little uncomfortable, she never thought this could be considered a serious threat.
- They're just toys and souvenirs; you should not care about them. After so many years, are you still looking for them?
Lind, did not answer, instead she walked to meet her, watching with a calm curiosity the objects on her path. She approached a sphere floating in the air and despite the Urd´s claims; the sphere seemed menacing due to the sharp thorns that surround it.
- What is this? - Asked intrigued.
The sphere had a complex lighting design on its surface that responded to goddess presence. The warning cry of Urd did not arrive on time. The sphere had already been activated
- Do not touch that! It's dangerous.
The sphere had rose in the air violently and sprouted several arms with sharp weapons, and without warning viciously attacked the Valkyrie.
- Look out; let me try to stop it.
But the Valkyrie did not seem concerned, on the contrary, seemed she found it funny. The object shot some spikes to her, but they do not find anybody. She had moved so quickly that seemed to have disappeared. The sphere stooped and then two antennas like structures emerged, and began to locate Lind. The began to move increasing the speed of their attack, but Lind was faster, she even did not seem to move, she simply seemed to vanish from one place and appear in another.
Urd then recalled who was Lind, and decided she did not need to worry. That object could never hurt her, and furthermore, Lind seemed to enjoy it. Urd had rarely seen her smile and that a dangerous object would make her smile made Urd recalls some of the old legends... Lind finally stepped just in front of the object and with a gentle movement, she just touched the sphere in the center and it just turned it off, and drop gently to her hand.
- Interesting. Is this a toy?
- It meant to train young demons, is not fatal, but it can be very painful. Nobody expected we could overcome it, we should just learn to minimize the punishment and the frustration.
- Interesting approach. May I keep it?
- Why? Why you want It.? Oh, just keep it. It brings me unpleasant memories. It is just I never knew how to turn it off. I wish I have known that was the way.
- Thanks, this will serve to justify the reading of demonic magic that appeared in this place- for a moment Lind showed a mischievous face- and could be useful in training. Some of the younger ones have never felt the emanations of a magical object from Hell; it would be a useful lesson.
Urd was uncomfortable with the idea, but probably she was right; a good trainer should have some sadistic traits.
- So you are not going to tell the truth? I thought as first class goddesses, Valkyries class could not lie?
- The art of war includes the art of deception, but there is one person to whom I cannot lie, yet I am sure that He will not make any objection, you are valuable for Kamisama.
Urd clenched her fists at the words.
- Valuable? You mean as a hostage? Am I still considered a hostage? I thought my oath as a goddess would be enough.
- Urd, no matter what you choose to be, there's something you can never stop being, the daughter of Hild and even more, you still have the possibility of becoming the future Daimakaichō. But you're a not hostage. When you had your oath as a goddess, Hild was about to go to war and Kamisama accept the risk so you could stay. At least you owe him that.
- I never knew about it.
- There are some things that are not told to everyone.
- Things...? Like Giörel whereabouts? How can a goddess first class disappear? Apparently no one wants to know about her.
Lind lifted an eyebrow yet did not seem surprised. And then she smiled, in her serious face, her smiles acquired an enigmatic air, then simply ignored the question.
- Urd, on your first question. You exceed again the limit of our alarms.
- Alarms? What alarms?
- Do you know your little entertainment has always caused us problems?
- My entertainment? Do you mean the craters on the wall?
- Exactly, as your power grows with time, we had to adjust the alarm level in this area so not to trigger a major emergency, even with your goddess license your energy has a Hell signature which has a tendency to trigger our alarms and now you have surpassed all your previous marks in energy level.
Urd felt your blood boil, she had always considered that this was a private activity and now realize that this was not the case.
- What? You mean that everything I do is recorded? Am I being watched?
But her display of fury was greeted with a smile from Lind, who seemed amused.
- When you just came you were continuously monitored, it was inevitable as you are the daughter of the leader of our greatest enemy, but eventually when I had no doubt about your loyalty, and ordered to stop watching you. I do not know what happened between you and your mother, but I have no doubt you have no loyalty to her. I know you are like Belldandy who is willing to sacrifice herself for those she loves. And is no secret for me that your loyalty is not to us but to those you love. You have grown, you're not the terrified small child, trying to pretend otherwise, but I still feel that I need protect you.
Lind gave a severe look at Urd, whose fury rapidly evaporated. Usually she would not tolerate anyone to speak her is such a condescending way, but Lind inspired respect.
- Protect me? From what? - Asked Urd, taken aback by Lind´s serious tone
- In this occasion, from a perfectly trained Valkyrie's squad. On that occasion, despite being exhausted gave a good fight. You earned our respect, but I do not want to repeat the experience.
Urd was surprised by the mention of that episode, which thankfully was no longer painful, yet it did not fail to move her. To know she had earned the respect of Valkyrie was something unexpected. But what was the point now?
I do not understand. Why would I have to fight now?
Lind seriously looked at her.
- As I explained to you, you triggered the alarms when you surpassed your previous energy mark. A young and enthusiastic Valkyrie just was preparing a squad to fight back what seemed a like a great demonic activity accompanied with magic from Hell. She was convinced it was the prelude to an invasion. The squad was ready, and from personal experience, I know they would have not been well received - Then a smile lit the Lind´s face. - She is now very disappointed.
Urd was left speechless for a moment. Then she imagined the scene and could not help but start laughing. Yes, she would have put a very good fight. She was not the young and weakened goddess from the last time. Maybe even she would have enjoyed it.
- And why did you stop this squad?
- I have not protected you for so long without being able to recognize the signature of your power surges and the real causes of so many of those craters. The sudden increase of your outburst tells me you're worried about something important, and I need to find out. Also I need to give you a warning; I may not be there the next time.
- Why do you tell me all this? You are not someone who gives explanations. I have the feeling you want to say something very important.
Lind was silent for a moment, after the experiences she had lived with Belldandy, Keiichi and Urd, she had begun to assess many of her past actions. She felt there was so much to amend in her actions to her old protégé, yet it was difficult to act, her warrior skills were not very useful for this purpose. Finally decided to explain her.
- Urd, Hild daughter. For many years I was obsessed with being more strong and powerful. Thanks to you and your people I have rediscovered myself. That made me think about my actions and I realized that as a guardian, I failed. I was so distant; I could have been your guide, and friend. Because of my you got a wrong idea of the Valkyrie, yet you could have been a wonderful one. Now I know that despite some appearances, you will be a magnificent goddess, if you do not to get killed first. You are right, we need to talk. Even if there are things I cannot tell you. Now let's get out of here or that young goddess would come, so seal this place before it generates more curiosity.
Lind turned around and walked out of there without looking to see if she followed. Urd growled a little, remembering a woman who had that habit.
Outside, at the curious eyes of Lind, Urd sealed the cave. Lind approached the entrance and passed her hand across the surface. Then she looked at Urd and made a gesture of approval - Belldandy's magic? - Urd nodded, then Lind made a system call.
- Lind, Valkyrie, First Class goddess, Special Operations requests access to the training extends access to Urd, goddess of second class.
Suddenly a powerful column of light seemed to drop from the sky distorting the space-time continuum. But this extraordinary phenomenon was everyday magic for Urd, who hardly paid attention. The tunnel edges were full of powerful and ancient magic that keep at bay the structure of the space.
Lind rose to the portal, followed by Urd. The portal disappeared and the valley was silent again. Only the newly formed craters were witness that something had happened here.
Hild looked with growing irritation the information provided by the screens floating around her. Even though she was living in a world that appreciated more confrontation than cooperation, having to watch her own rather than their enemy was becoming exhausting.
As feared, the death of this young demon, Anang-Reh had caused much discontent. That he was also the son of her most powerful rival was a particularly unfortunate coincidence.
Anang-Reng now had a new excuse to challenge her, and using the death of his son as a political tool was not something he would miss.
She breathed deeply. She began to feel tired of all this. Knowing she was alone and without an heir did not help. Alone? Then she remembered the figure that was kneeling before her. But she did not want to think about it.
Hild looked around, this place was designed to enhance the impression of power, yet that did not bring her comfort. It was a large hall; the decorations on the walls were much more elaborate and baroque than anywhere else in this world, since it was here where she controlled this realm. Despite being partly in shadow, the place opulence was extraordinary.
A number of seats on the sides show the place where the council met. But only rarely it was used to its full capacity since Hild did everything possible to prevent such meetings. That increased the resentment in some, but Hild was aware of where they wanted to go most of them.
Soon there would be a special meeting that she could not avoid, and this, the place she considered a private place would soon be filled with leaders calling, fighting and arguing.
She made a gesture of disgust at the idea. For countless ages, a time so long men would have had trouble in conceive, she had been the leader of this realm, a place she had taken when it was at the edge of extinction, but no one seemed to understand that.
Finally, she decided the affair of the figure could not be postponed more. She turned her attention to the young demon that was kneeling in front of her, waiting patiently for her attention. She spoke with a tone of contempt that centuries of practice have transformed into a full art of manipulation.
-Marler, tell me one good reason I should hear that message. The message from the son of my biggest rival.
The tone provoked the desired effect, and the demon trembled with fear. She tough that if after that she still could speak then it must be important ... And the young demon spoke:
- My Lady - there was a suppressed excitement in her voice, she seemed on the verge of tears - This message comes from the young demon who was executed, and who no longer can win anything with this.
Hild looked coldly at the young demon, and her tears only increased Hild´s irritation.
- Still he still remains as the son of Anan-Reng. It is my enemy. I'm surrounded by enemies.
- Not all are your enemies, among the youth there are some that agree with you, but also fear you. Anang-Reh was their leader. He ... He just wanted the best for our world.
Marler hesitated, shuddered at the memory, which did not go unnoticed for Hild. She looked puzzled, something happened there. And she rose from her seat and approached Marler, who only could shudder in fear.
With violence, Hild cupped her face with her hands for examination.
Tears! Yes, that confirms my suspicions. You loved this demon. You loved the son of my enemy. This is treason.
- My Lady, he was not your enemy. He wanted to form a group to counter his father influence; you should listen to his latest message. I'll always be true to you, no matter what happens.
Hild touched Marler´s forehead, and concentrated to introduce her will into her mind. No mercy was showed to her most intimate feelings, in order to verify her loyalty once again. She dug into her mind and finally quit. She made a grimace.
- Love! I have not given permission for that. But I can see that you remain faithful to me. Maybe one day I will give you permission. Alright! Give me the message!
Marler, took a data crystal. She placed it between her hands and it lite as it recognized her presence. Only Marler could activate it. She finally muttered a secret keyword and the crystal floated in the air. It emitted a glow and the in mid-air appeared the image of a young demon. His countenance was calmed, it was hard to imagine he was about to be executed.
Marler ordered: - Advance to Section 3 Message to Hild. Start. The image was modified and took life
- Hail Hild-Sama. I really hope that Marler had not suffered much in order to deliver this message - Marler sobbed at hearing those words- I have limited time, soon I will be executed, and I accept this fate since it will keep peace, yet there are important things that need to be done. So please pay attention to my last words. You only see me as the son of your enemy, but I am really your ally, even death. There are many young people who want to be on your side, despite disagreeing with your methods, we share your goals and know that peace can only be maintained if you're in control. Despite our disagreement, you are still our best hope for peace. But they only will help you if you're willing to listen. Maybe you think you do not need us. For eons you have held power without needing anyone, and without listening to anybody, but that has to change. Hild-Sama. Listen:
- My father knows your secret. We already know you do not have all your power. He knows that you are weak, but does not know how much. Soon he would demand a trial, and possibly he will use my death as an excuse. He is powerful, and he will try to measure his power against you. Even if you defeat him, he will know how weak you are and this knowledge will encourage other Shaikh to join him. Together they will break power balance. Currently they fear you are more powerful than all them together, but we know you are not. If they join you will have no chance and will be defeated. Even if my people decide to help you, still will be difficult, since as a young people they have not fully developed their power, but they prefer to take risks with you. Marler can contact them, but only if you agree to listen to their demands. I made a contract between Marler and me, so you cannot force her by force. Please do not hurt her, she is faithful to you and I'll be dead, I have nothing to gain except the hope that our kind will survive. Finally, as a last duty to my father, I ask you not to kill him. He really believes he does the best for our kind. He is not really your enemy, he is not after your power and position, he truly believes this is the best way and I know it's a wrong way. Hild, listen, you cannot lead this world alone and you have no one to whom inherit your power.
Hild clenched her fists in anger and the air was filled with electricity. Her secret! How could it have been known? She looked at Marler; she was the only person close to her. She took her by the neck and lifted into the air.
Marler offered no resistance, only made a gesture of grief over the power that imprisoned her, Hild relieved a bit the pressure so she could talk.
- Hild-Sama. You can do whatever you want with me. But those words are true. Your enemies just did an energy balance. They have been measuring your use of power, and they just infer it. But I managed to get their data. They know their measurements are not accurate, so they need to test your power. The debate on the doublet system will be used as a pretext. With that, they will measure your power with precision. You cannot refuse.
Hild looked furious, yet she knew Marler was right, so slowly released her. Yet she was troubled by another thing. Ina world where paranoia was essential for surviving, she could not understand why this creature was so faithful, this creature had served her well, especially as related to Urd, but she did not understand why she did it. Marler had never tried using her proximity to Hild for her own benefit and that was very suspicious.
Then she felt a twinge of pain, she remembered Urd, If at least she were at her side. By now her power would have grown enough to tip the balance on her side.
Then looked at Marler, and realized something. She was the only person she could trust. Even her daughter had betrayed her, however Marler...
Maybe she had not her rated well. Hild approached her and again put her hand on Marler´s face, but this time she decided to penetrate more deeply. And saw:
She saw herself through the eyes of Marler. And through those eyes, Hild did not saw the terrible and powerful autocrat, but Hild, which used an impassive mask to hide her pain, the pain of the betrayal of a god, the pain of betrayal of a daughter, the pain of loneliness, and saw admiration for her strength to move forward.
Hild released her angrily. This creature could see into the depths of her being. This creature felt admiration and compassion for her, Compassion! Even if she could destroy her with a gesture.
But Hild managed to contain the anger and turned to see Marler, the young demon dared not look into her eyes. Hild began to look at this creature in a different light. Maybe there was more than she expected. Finally Hild took a decision.
- Listen. Yes, I will listen to these youth demons who believe they have enough power to help me. But I make no promises. After that I have a mission for you. It will be the most important mission that you never had. If you can manage to carry it, I will reward you more than you can imagine.
- Hild-Sama I will not do it for reward, I will because what is best for our kind.
And slowly, overcoming her fear, she looked up and meets Hild´s eyes, fighting with all her strength, and held her gaze.
Hild was amazed, only one person had been able to do that. The approached Marler and put a hand on her shoulder. Marler shuddered at the contact. Hild said
- I think I have misjudged. I have to correct that.
Urd left the portal and received a sudden impact of heat and pressure. She felt pain before Yggdrasil readjust her goddess body to this environment. She wished Lind would have prevented her, but it was typical of her to forget that not everyone was so powerful.
It was a hostile world, inhospitable, with a heavy atmosphere devoid of oxygen and filled with toxic fumes. The heat should be enough to melt lead. The pressure was so great that everything was distorted, as if instead of atmosphere it were a viscous liquid. Then looked at the sky of this world. She saw swirling clouds of an ominous yellow that barely concealed a giant, dying red sun.
The gravity also was greater than Earths. This place should not only be deprived of life, but also of any possibilities to developing it.
- What place is this?
- It's our training camp. This is a universe devoid of life, and it will not last enough to develop it. In order to train, we need to use all our power freely, and here we can do without fear of consequences - Lind looked at Urd and then made an unexpected comment - Belldandy would have offered you tea, but you can imagine that liquid water cannot exist here.
Urd laugh. Coming from Lind that was a monumental joke. Lind finally got serious.
- Now tell me why it is important for you to enter Yggdrasil?
Urd hesitated, but Lind appeared to be her only chance. Then began to explain how she had used an unauthorized access and discovered many system processes were missing, but Lind could see there was much more. Lind started a skillful interrogatory which easily overcome any lie Urd tried to put. Finally Urd gave up and decide to trust Lind completely and told her everything. She had to talk about Keiichi special record and tried avoid mentioning Belldandy, but Lind guess that easily.
Lind stared at her, and measuring it to see if it was true, then... simply smiled. Urd began to think that when Lind smiled, it was time to worry.
- Urd, you know all that you did could get you severe penalties, not only for you but also to Belldandy, even despite being Norns.
- I never mentioned Belldandy.
- There is no need; she would do anything to protect Keiichi. Urd! Listen, this is important. Do not log back illegally into the system without consulting me first. Remember, I also wish to protect Keiichi.
- So. I can do it illegally... if I consult you? You are not going to report on all this?
- Urd, would have been easier if you were a Valkyrie. I would be able to justify your actions, but at the moment you are calling too much attention. Remember that there are gods who do not forget who your mother is and we are on the brink of war.
- War? - - Urd uttered in surprise- How is this possible? Hild would never allow it without a very good reason.
- Hild no, but Anang-Reng yes.
- You mean the Shaikh Anang-Reng?
- Did you know him?
Urd closed her eyes, trying to remember the demon she had seen her last day in Hell.
- Only saw him once, but I know he is against Hild and - she tried to remember more, there was something important, and then understood what she had heard... - I think... - her body trembled with anger - he supported those who murdered my father!
- Yes, it´s true, you remember well. He also supported those who wanted to kill you.
- Kill me?
- You did not you knew? There had been several attempts to murder you. Several demons died protecting you. So Hild sent you here to protect your life.
Urd was speechless. To discover Hild true motives had shocked her. Urd always thought she was sent to heaven only for political reasons... While Hild had mentioned it was her protection, she though it had been and excuse. She had never thought it was really for her safety. Hild must had been hidden the attempts from her.
- No, I did not know- She became silent while a deep emotion invaded her. Her mother had made a sacrifice for her. All had been on her behalf. Finally said - maybe I had been unfair to her.
- Hild is a formidable opponent, but I respect her. She does not want war, but there are chances of her being overturned. So a technical anomaly in Yggdrasil will not be considered as a priority. Unfortunately now we cannot go unnoticed and avoid calling attention to you. When Hild's daughter tries to enter by force to the system from unauthorized access point, when there is a possible war, some will see it as very suspicious. Even if Kamisama trust you, he has his attention into other matters.
- But it is more than an anomaly; I am convinced there is a real threat.
- I believe you, but it is not an imminent threat. Even so, I will manage to get you access. Trust me; just be patient, even if that is the hardest thing for you to do. Now, you must return to earth, but there is something you need to do first. You must learn how to defend yourself.
- I know how to defend myself. - answered an irritated Urd.
As an answer, Lind pointed to a huge granite mountain. It seemed to have emerged recently, since there was no erosion in its irregular surfaces - Then destroy that mountain - Urd looked at it incredulous, she knew to have more power than a goddess of her age, but this seemed too much.
- What? It's too big, I am not powerful enough.
- Just do it. You are the daughter of the great Daimakaichō and your father was one of the most powerful gods. It´s time to see if you got something from them.
Urd hesitated for a moment, but Lind's words were a challenge she could not ignore. She had never tried to emulate her parents. It had been Belldandy role to emulate her father and mother, and Urd had despised Hild, yet she could not withstand the challenge.
So she looked at the mountain and tried to evaluate the energy necessary. Then stood firmly on the ground and concentrated. For some reason now Urd felt the power had arrived to her with much more ease than before. Probably her early exercise helped her. Urd began to chant a power spell, one that had never had dared to use. She had to force her voice in such thick atmosphere. Now she felt the accumulation of energy, her body was shining, on her hands began to form a ball of glowing plasma with an intensity that had never achieved before and with a furious cry unleashed a barrage against the flank of the mountain.
The ground shook, the impact was equivalent to a small atomic bomb, and part of the slope of the mountain collapsed. Urd never thought she would cause so much destruction. She stood still for a moment to recover while she looked with satisfaction to her work and then proudly turned to see Lind.
Lind remained impassive and then commented:
Is that's all? I expected something like this:
Lind raised her arm and without barely any gesture or invocation, she made appear her battle-ax, with that she threw a powerful beam of igneous and furious plasma. Part of the mountaintop was vaporized. For a moment they were covered by the hot gassed coming from the explosion. Urd had to protect her eyes while tried to avoid being overpowered by the shock, while Lind simply stood firmly. Event in that hot atmosphere, Urd felt a chill on her spine and recalled some of the legends about the Valkyries. Maybe it had been good she did not fight against that Valkyrie squad. She had never seen such power. Lind then said earnestly:
- Urd, now stop playing and concentrate.
These words made Urd felt her blood boil. Her anger boosted her power. She began to invoke the elemental forces that surrounded her. In this world inhospitable and lifeless those forces were crude and rude. Thunder, wind and thunderbolt were amplified by the thick atmosphere. In front of her began to generate fiery solar plasma, an insufferable glow like watching the inner deeps of a sun. But she had never tried to control as much energy and her anger did not help much. Soon it began to spiral out of control. The incandescent energy began to fight back against her control as something living that wanted to escape the control of her magic. Urd tried to regain control, but none of the forces she used to control lightning seemed enough. At this time no material object could survive contact with the incandescent plasma.
Lind looked alarmed when Urd tried to regain control using her bare hands.
- Urd. No... You are going to hurt yourself, do not touch it.
It was too late, Urd screamed in pain at the touch of the energy mass, and before losing complete control, shot the unstable energy toward the mountain, which almost vaporized completely, yet Urd received some of the impact and was thrown away
Lind ran to catch Urd, and then put her on the ground, where she moaned in pain. Urd's hands were burned; she felt she was going to collapsed and fought to overcome the pain. Her hands were severely burned.
- Urd, wait, do not move, I will call a healer - Urd groaned, looked at her blackened hands, yet her pride help her to overcome pain. She was better than any healer. With a mixture of pain and anger exclaimed:
- No, I do not want a damn healer, I can I heal myself -
Enduring the pain, and using her magic, floated one of her earrings and from it emerged a few small pills. Thanks to her work with Dr. Shugahara, her healing potions were now more pure and powerful than ever. She could barely move her hands and with difficulty separated a tiny pill and took it. The pills effect was fast and impressive, even for a god. She felt how her body began to regenerate the damage, she saw as her hands returned to her normal color, the pain vanished, and the burn disappeared. Then for the first time in her life, she saw Lind impressed.
- I've never seen such a powerful potion. Urd, how on earth did you accomplish that.
Urd was still in pain, but was recovering fast, yet could not avoid a short laugh at the words - "on earth"-
- I have improved my potions, with some help from earth. - Said defiantly- Even if the Gods still think potions are toys for children.
- Help? You mean that mortal you told my about. He must be very special; I'll have to meet him.
While Urd was still recovering, Lind pondered on what to do. She had strict orders against speaking about Giörel´s death, and she could not say more on the menace of war, yet she felt the necessity to help the Norns and Keiichi. But maybe if she could not break her orders, she could bend the rules.
Maybe the powerful healing potion would serve as an excuse to do something. But what? She needed to help them to protect from an attack. Urd and Belldandy had power, but the other not. Finally she took a decision and began a formal speech.
- Self-healing requires a lot of magic in a battle. Magic power that could be used for attack and defense. That healing potion does not involve using magic, nor complex spells. That can be the difference between life and death in real combat. As a Valkyrie I ask officially to share it with us. According to our traditions, I will give you something valuable in exchange. Urd was confused, she would have shared it just by asking, why the solemnity?
- You can keep it, I can make as much as you want, and In return will you answer all my questions?
- No! - Urd uttered and exasperated growl of frustration - But I'll give you something very valuable in exchange.
Lind extended her hands, and then chanted an inaudible secret spell. On her hand appeared a beautifully decorated box. The decoration and inscriptions seemed old and archaic, even for God.
Urd was surprised when she recognized it and took it with reverence. This was the closest equivalent to a sacred object for a god; it was a relic from ancient times, before they became gods.
- But this, this is so much valuable. I recognize it from the old legends and they say it was not meant to be used by gods. What should I do with this?
- You will know how and when to use it, yet I hope you do not need it, but I will feel better if you have it. I also give you advice. You created a plasma of such energy that you cannot use any material object to contain it. And the forces you used cannot hold it. Do not try to do it again if you do not know how to contain it, we use our battle-axes for that, you must seek on you own magical powers to do it. You have more power than you think, at your age I was not able to concentrate so much energy, but you must learn to control it. I can only tell you a last thing, earth is not a safe place. Please return immediately to earth and protect the people you love.
Urd held the case with reverence, it was a legendary object. If Lind gave it to her, it only could mean danger. And Lind's words made her shudder.
- Lind, you are scaring me. I will return immediately.
Urd Lind approached her and said:
- You could be a wonderful Valkyrie, but you need to focus, and to think before the act. Your mind should use your emotions to gain strength. Today you were harmed because you let your emotion overrule you. Do not commit ever the same mistake. There are people who depend on you. And I have not forgotten your warnings. If there is something wrong with Yggdrasil for me is as serious as the possibility of war. Soon you will hear more from me.
Lind then proceeded to call the portal.
- Requesting access to portal. Authorization to Urd, Goddess second class, direct connection to earth.
After Urd disappeared, Lind called one of the young Valkyries.
- Did you take measurements?
- Yes, ma'am. I had never seen so much power in a second class goddess
- She is no longer a second class goddess; I removed some of her seals to make better measurements. I have the authority to do it.
The Valkyrie looked in awe to her superior, and then delivered to her a portable data panel. It unfolded a detailed analysis of the Urd's energy and a scan of your body during the process. Lind examined in detail and then shook his head.
- She is the daughter of two of the most powerful beings we know. Her power should have exceeded what we saw, yet could barely control it.
- Exceed it? Then she would be more powerful than a first class goddess. What does it means?
- Her real power seems to be blocked. She should be able to extract energy from both Yggdrasil and Nidhogg. Look! Here in this code there is a strange sequence, this must be the block but is deeply encrypted. However I recognize it. That encryption is the signature of Hild.
- So Urd has a spell from her mother?
- Yes, I imagine Hild would have not sent her daughter to live with her enemies without any protection, I would have done it. It must be some kind of loyalty spell, which is activated by a signal or a spoken keyword. This must force her loyalty toward Hild and unleash her full power.
The young Valkyrie examined the codes then exclaimed amazed
- You did not seal her back to second class goddess! After what you know, can we trust her?
Lind looked closely at the data display, then looked at the girl and simply said:
- I don´t know. I really don´t know.
End of chapter XII
Notes:
Strange planet: while Venus is called the love goddess, Venus is a place similar to Hell. The planet I described here is very similar to Venus