A big thank you as always to everyone reading and enjoying my story. :D Once more...let's take a look at those review questions!

FireFox614: Good eye, that was the inspiration for the weapon, if only the Dragonslayer Swordspear had the capacity to switch from spear to sword. xD

A Plexx: Oh you can bet he will return to Jotunheim someday, the dwarves never said they wouldn't infuse his weapon...just that Dorian will need a good bit of time to leave it with them to be completed. During which time I'm sure he'd be willing to party hardy with the king. lol

Curse of Whimsey: That would be amazing if he was, though the original Ratatoskr was more nefarious in his mischief. I am so glad you've been enjoying it so far!

Sakra95: Actually, the intention is for Dorian to meet up with the main cast during the events of the Holy Sword Arc, how their paths will cross...only time will tell once we reach that point. :D

The time has come, Dorian returns to Asgard with all he has achieved and learned. The new Einherjar will face the youngest son of the God of Thunder to protect the life and freedom of the woman responsible for his arrival in the lands of the Norse Pantheon…

"Looking good," Ratatoskr gave Dorian a thumbs up. After all their time training together in the Road Between Realms, it was finally the moment he would return to Asgard. "I can't tell if you'll win, but Borr himself can't say you didn't give it your all...despite my earlier assertions."

The young Einherjar stood proudly before him, armor shining in the blue ambiance of that middle dimension, his swordspear Bright Star held straight to the heavens.

"I couldn't have gotten this far without you Rat, you are a true friend. Are you sure you won't come through?"

The small rodent chuckled. "Sorry, but I'll watch from here for the time being. No offense, but if you die down there I'll have no way back and despite my divine appreciation for the women of your realm…home is where the heart is."

"I understand," Dorian held out his hand. Ratatoskr had returned to his normal size due to their lengthy training, no doubt another reason he had chosen to remain behind in order to recharge his batteries. He shook the tiny squirrel's hand. "Just in case…take care of yourself."

His traveling companion's tail whipped across his face, slapping him again.

"You can't go talking like THAT!" He chastised. "Real heroes say something like: 'we'll meet again someday,' or 'as if I could ever fail with the safety of such a beauty at risk." Ratatoskr deepened his voice mockingly at the dramatic lines. "Get it right!"

Dorian just let out a hearty belly laugh. "Fair enough."

"Open a portal at the end of that walkway and you'll be in the throne room, at the time of day it is in Asgard, Odin and his lovely wife should be waiting for you. Be sure to give her a wink for me."

Dorian nodded, summoning his Sacred Gear and releasing a burst of azure energy. He had since learned to focus his emotions when generating a portal now that he knew how it worked. As it stood, he should be able to enter the roads at will from now on. Standing tall in such a way to prepare himself for the majesty of Asgard's Throne Room, he took a wide, sure step inside.

"Knock em dead!" He heard Ratatoskr shout back as he disappeared within the blue pool of light.

As Dorian had realized by now, once through the portal he instantly materialized on the other side. However, instead of the golden halls of Asgard, he came out into a thick mist from which he could barely see. The air was damp and caused his armor to cling to his body stickily. Coughing at the unexpected steam, he waved his hands to try and clear some away.

What happened? I've never seen a fog like this around the palace much less inside it. Did someone leave a door open, maybe…?

"Dorian?"

The young man froze as the steam cleared somewhat, revealing Herja standing before him. His cheeks exploded red with hers as he realized she was standing before him wearing only a thin pair of frilly purple panties and nothing else. He stood there in shock, eyes widening at the sight before him. Her golden hair was let down and slick from the moisture in the air, he could not help but notice the smoothness of her skin as it glimmered, her strong yet feminine frame, her curves going up to meet a pair of bountiful…

"What is going on!?" Dorian screamed as he spun around before his mind or eyes could wander further. "I didn't know that you were…!"

He quickly learned that turning around was far worse, for behind him stood the remaining nineteen Valkyries of his class. Each one of them was in a state of undress. Some had their uniforms half off, others wearing one undergarment or the other…and a few with nothing at all. Dorian did not recognize the location, however based on the lockers and his classmate's training clothes lying nearby he could safely assume he had entered the Valkyrie showers and changing chambers.

It was quite an odd sight with Dorian standing there in full armor and weapons versus the essentially naked room of young women around him. There was nowhere he could turn to avoid looking somewhere he shouldn't.

The girls opened their mouths and screamed as loud as they could almost in unison, weapons and magical seals popping into existence across the room.

"RAT, YOU SON OF A BI-" he started to scream, however his voice was cut off as nearly two dozen magical blasts of varying sizes slammed into his person followed closely by a flurry of fists and feet.

Meanwhile, deep within the depths of the Road Between Realms, a familiar voice could not stop laughing, doubling over on a comfortable branch as he listened to the entire exchange, his plan a complete success.

"Was that...entirely necessary?" A melodious feminine voice asked. She had remained hidden throughout the entire training session and only now revealed herself.

The small squirrel wiped away tears of joy, waiting for his giggling to subside. "Sorry Iggy, but if Freyja's latest retainer does indeed die in the fight ahead, at least he provided one more moment of priceless entertainment."

Asgard…

Dorian winced in pain as Thrud laid a gentle hand on his bruise-covered face. The same feeling that had healed him in the mountains started to spread throughout his body.

"Perhaps the spirit of the Allfather had possessed you," she teased, smirking warmly as she continued her Sage Arts. She knew full well it had not been intentional; otherwise she would have been far less cordial with the injuries dealt by his classmates.

"Or perhaps I shouldn't have trusted a known perverted prankster rodent when it came to asking directions," he sighed. "How is Rosch…Rose doing?"

"She is well, Lady Freyja made sure her…accommodations were as comfortable as we could make them."

That's a relief.

"Did you find any evidence to help prove her innocence while I was away?"

Thrud shook her head solemnly.

"Dorian!" The door to the chamber swung open as Freyja entered, Odin close behind. Without allowing Thrud to finish, she threw her arms around and pulled him close, pressing the battered young man quite close to her bosom once more like a worried mother. "It is so good to see you back whole and hale."

"I…missed you too…Lady Freyja." He stammered from embarrassment, doing his best to avert his eyes despite nowhere else to look.

Odin had stopped at the door; the swordspear was floating on its own nearby as if to await its master's need again. He reached out to take hold of the haft, meeting resistance as he tried to pull it. The weapon was actually fighting against his taking it, he could overpower it of course, but that would undermine Dorian's ownership.

Even grander than I ever hoped he could accomplish. I worried if he would even pass one challenge for an impossible ingredient...but to claim three!

"An adequate weapon," he commented in a reserved fashion, it would not do to build up the lad's ego. "It will only allow itself to be held by those you allow. Are you ready for the fight?"

"I have to be," Dorian replied as Freyja finally released him from the embrace. "Is there anything else I must do?"

"Just prepare yourself; this will be televised across the nine realms, Modi saw to that. He wants your death and Rossweisse's execution to be very public."

Dorian clenched his fists tightly around his armrest; the enchanted wood cracked slightly, a feat he had been incapable of before leaving.

"We will all be there," Thrud assured him. "Should you surrender and Modi takes it too far I...I will not allow him to harm you, I swear it."

Dorian smiled back at her, gripping her hand in his.

"I won't surrender, not as long as there is hope, but that is appreciated Thrud."

Freyja could only shake her head at the two, how such a young man could cause a reaction in their warrior goddess baffled her. So many years she had remained so stoic…her playful side rarely shining through.

"However, as this may be your last day," Odin interjected. "Tradition demands that you are permitted a single request of anything you wish within reason."

"A last meal?"

Freyja glared at him, for a moment he thought the Goddess of Fertility was pouting. She didn't want to even consider the chances that Dorian may perish in the struggle ahead.

"You may ask that if you wish, many requests over the years have been quite clever. Why, long ago one of our champions faced a sun god from an accompanying mythology so he actually made his last request to build a roof over the stadium to cut him off from the rays of power. Of course she just blew through it…but the thought was there."

"Anything within reason?"

"Yes, just name it."

Dorian beckoned the King of Asgard closer, whispering the request in his ear. The old man smiled and started chuckling.

"Of course, that is the easiest of things I may grant."

Hallway…

Dorian was being led by the guards to his requested destination; walking at a quickening pace despite the hours remaining to the match. Just a few more corridors and he would be there. Rounding the corner, he stopped in his tracks as an older woman in blue emerged in his path. He had to grip the wall and practically skid to prevent colliding with her.

"My apologies ma'am, I am in quite a hurry."

"I saw that young man," she replied. Her voice was calm and low as if she wanted none but he to hear her words. "You are the one fighting for Rossweisse's freedom are you not?"

"I…am," he answered hesitantly.

"Then perhaps you will humor and old woman if it will help her. You can do a double seal layer I hear…show it to me."

"You can help her?"

"Not I dear boy, that would be you, but I can show you a thing or two if you will let me."

Dorian instantly complied, creating a simple layered defense and elemental defensive magical seal with one hand. The silver and gold light lit up the room as the old woman gazed into it, a single eyebrow raised in curiosity. Reaching out she gripped his hand.

"Don't move," she commanded as she extended his pinkie while minutely adjusting his finger placements and hand position. "I have been around a LONG time; sometimes it is the simplest things that can make a world of difference in the end. A pebble to halt the avalanche if you will."

At last she was finished, stepping back she looked over his hand. Dorian couldn't believe the difference, she had barely done anything and yet his seal was stronger than ever. Just by altering the smallest of positions of his fingers it seemed that it had eased the strain of maintaining the seals.

How did I never realize this during my time training with Rat? As a result, he could likely maintain the seal even longer at a slightly higher output. It wasn't much, but it was an improvement.

"Th-thank you," he whispered. "Who are you?"

"Just an old woman who wants to see that young girl happy," she answered honestly to a point.

"I will do ALL in my power to ensure she is free," Dorian asserted, his voice full of determination and strength. "I WILL defeat Modi…and I will make her happy."

"See that you do," she concluded as the older woman stepped past him and continued down the hall. "If you are to be her hero…you should at least be capable of that much."

Dorian stood there watching her leave, utterly perplexed as he allowed the seals to shimmer out of existence. With a shake of his head he cleared his mind, rushing down the corridor towards his intended destination.

Asgard Cell…

The silver-haired Valkyrie paced her cell as she had the last hour, she just couldn't relax. She knew that the Rite of Challenge would commence soon. Not only her fate would be decided then...but his as well.

"He was such a fool," she had taken to talking to herself if only to hear her own voice, kicking the nearby wall in frustration. He'll get himself killed…for nothing!"

"Hardly for nothing Rose."

Rossweisse jumped as the wall to her left shimmered like a mirror, turning see-through, such was how cells were built to accommodate visitors or gentle interrogations. Standing on the other side was none other than her student smiling awkwardly with a pair of guards in the distance watching the door.

"Dorian!" She rushed to the wall, pressing her hand against it as he approached. "What are you doing here? It is forbidden to see the accused before the rite!"

"Not for the next few minutes, I was made privy to a final request option," he smiled innocently. "The Allfather granted mine, I…hope you've been doing well."

He could have asked for almost anything…and he used it to see me?

"Please, call off the fight!" She begged, somehow maintaining her professional composure. "I…I did help steal Hrotti, I was part of all of it, leading you to the vault, making you think I was beaten easily. I did it!"

"Even if th-that were true," Dorian stuttered at her words. "I could never do that." He had to hold back tears at the realization of how far she was considering going to protect him. "You are a terrible liar…even worse than me."

"I'm not worth it!" She asserted again. She had been content with her grandmother's request to let him fight, but now seeing him standing before her…she didn't want to picture him facing Modi again. "I'm just a useless cheap Valkyrie who has never had a boyfriend!"

Dorian punched the glass as hard as he could, causing her to jump back a step. "Stop telling yourself that Rossweisse!"

She stopped, pausing at what he had just said.

"What did you call me?"

"You…were the one whose words brought me here," he continued without stopping. "If it weren't for you, I'd be dead and buried completely unaware that this world even existed. I owe you my life…how could I ever take action that would deprive you of yours?"

She had no words; she just stared at him, hands still pressed against his through the glass between them.

"I am going to win Rossweisse," he repeated her name perfectly. "I am going to kick Modi's ass, prove your innocence…and them I am taking you to all the best discount shops in Asgard! My treat! So just sit tight and be ready to get out of here."

"Please," she whispered only loud enough for him to hear after a moment of silence. "Call me Rose."

Borr's Coliseum…

The grand coliseum was packed full with spectators having come from all corners of the city. They ranged from the normal civilians residing in Asgard to even Einherjar from Valhalla and everyone in between. Lady Eir had permitted her class to attend though were appropriately further towards the back as the front rows were reserved for MVPs. Despite the stadium being able to hold tens of thousands, monitors and cameras lined the area, allowing for complete coverage across the nine realms.

From the realm of Jotunheim, King Ymiron's enormous monitor allowed his palace to watch as well, the room was filled to capacity with Ygritte taking front seats. The dwarves Brokkr and Eitri continued their work, yet still had their own screen activated so they could watch and smith without a break in their toils, eager to see their creation in action.

Odin and his wife Freyja had seats of honor above the rest made in likeness to the thrones of Asgard, however these were cushioned per his request and infinitely more comfortable. Flanking them to either side were the other members of the Norse Pantheon or their family who could attend. Thor was absent as usual though his seat was filled by his wife Sif, the perfect mixture of strength and beauty that even her daughter Thrud could not yet hope to match.

Sif's daughter sat beside Lady Freyja as was her position between her and Magni. He was nigh indistinguishable from his brother save for Magni's longer straw yellow hair and choice in clothing which was far more reserved and professional then Modi's usual fur and armor. Thrud had taken to clacking her fingers against her armrest again and again; none dared asking her to stop.

Rossweisse had been permitted to attend as well, however was sat in the front row before the rest. She was flanked by half a dozen guards, the idea being that should Dorian fall or yield…her execution would swiftly follow.

On the opposite side sat Loki beside Odin's attending children Vidar and Baldur, both having brought several women from their Harems for company. The stands surrounding them were a torrent of commotion as spectators were either crying out for blood or mercy, there was no way to tell which had the stronger voice. All were quieted; however as the Allfather stood tall holding aloft his weapon Gungnir.

"Today," he started, his voice booming through magical enhancement. "We seek the truth to the events that led to the fall of so many of our loyal guardsmen and the theft of one of our most treasured relics. As you know, blame was placed upon my bodyguard Rossweisse which was challenged in Asgard's very court. With no clear proof to the statements made, we will settle the truth of their words through action this day."

A flash of the Bifrost impacted opposing sides of the arena, revealing the two combatants. On the left was Modi with his mace, cradling it in his off-hand, a sneer that could curdle fresh milk on his lips. Opposite him was Dorian, they were identically dressed in steel boots lined with fur, they bore no leggings or armor above the waist and went bare-chested wearing matching heavy fur loincloths lined with steel. He gripped Bright Star in one hand, currently set in its sword-form; Modi had no idea of its transformative ability.

Sharp whistles found Dorian's ears amidst the crowd; sure enough he spotted Herja leading his class in cheers. The blonde Valkyrie herself appeared to have forgiven his barging in on their showers and was currently fanning herself with one hand, no doubt complimenting the physique he had developed during his training in Asgard and Jotunheim. He was still quite small compared to the wall of muscle that was his opponent, but his own were quite well defined, even Rossweisse could not help but notice.

Raising his hand again, the Allfather silenced the crowd. "The rules are ancient and simple. These two men shall fight until one yields, is unable to continue…or dies. Whoever remains standing will have proven the strength of their conviction and words."

Dorian and Modi simultaneously turned towards Odin and Freyja beside him, bowing low in reverence.

"Modi Thorson, accuser…Dorian Held, challenger, may both fight with honor and let he who speaks truth prevail."

Hesitantly, like an old man with a bad back, Odin took his seat. He adjusted his posture in absolute silence as the coliseum awaited his words. He was clearly taking his time as the awkward silence continued. At long last it appeared the Allfather was comfortable, Freyja was massaging the bridge of her nose in embarrassment.

"Let the match COMMENCE!"

Dorian immediately charged towards Modi who did not even budge. Instead, he hurtled his mace straight at the young Einherjar soaring straight as an arrow. Dorian's wrist glowed as his Sacred Gear manifested, shimmering gold. Bringing his sword up in time, he deflected the weapon into the ground where it sunk almost up to the handle. The demigod was clearly surprised at the complete ineffectiveness of his attack as Dorian cleared the distance, slashing horizontally at his chest. Modi raised his left arm, parrying the blow; however a deep gash appeared across it as even his skin as hard as steel could not withstand the blow.

"So those damned dwarves did make you such a weapon?" He growled. Reaching out he grabbed Dorian's wrist and pulled him in.

Dorian curled up in mid-air, catching Modi's earth-shattering punch on his feet though pain shot through his limbs, he couldn't keep doing that. With his free leg he uppercutted Modi in the jaw, knocking himself free to gain some distance. His arm was bruised from the force of the demigod's grip.

"You'd be surprised what you can accomplish when you aren't screaming and partying," Dorian taunted as he remembered the dwarve's explanation of Modi not taking his own task seriously when claiming his mace.

"You rely on too many, boy," Modi spat. "True strength is only accomplished alon…"

He had no time to finish as Dorian was upon him, bringing his sword down. The son of Thor was prepared now and easily sidestepped his swing yet was surprised at his ferocity. Despite the strength granted by his Sacred Gear, he was still weaker than Modi…yet he was the one on the offensive?

Keep up the pressure, the words of Jotunheim's Blood-Maiden rang in his mind as he pushed forward consumed in growing rage. He will expect the weak you that he bested before, show him the fire that has been born in your heart and never let him forget it! Channel all of that anger and power to your strength.

"THAT'S THE WAY!" Ygritte roared from Jotunheim. "RIP HIS HEAD OFF AND BEAT HIM WITH IT!" She barely noticed that the other giants had decided to give her a wider berth, her enthusiasm unsettling even by their standards.

Dorian was improving his swings and correcting with each miss, finally he saw an opening and took it. The gap in Modi's defenses closed in an instant as his mace flew across the field, cracking Dorian in the back before returning to its owner's hand and blocking his slash. He pushed back while Dorian was recovering from the attack, planting a solid kick straight into his chest and sending his opponent flying.

Thrud flinched in the stands at the hit, her shock and surprise growing with each moment. How had Dorian improved by such a margin that he could take even a few hits from Modi? Rossweisse was clearly thinking the same, mouth agape at the hit he had just taken yet could still stand.

As if to reinforce the show of strength, Dorian parried another swing of Modi's mace and another and another. The demigod was growing frustrated, clearly under the belief that such a feat was impossible.

"Is he so strong?" Asked Magni, the elder son of Thor. "That he can match even my little brother?"

"No, he's outthinking him," Thrud explained. "Look at his hands; he is never meeting Modi head on. He is catching the blows at slanted angles…cutting off his forward momentum enough that he can parry it."

Such improvement, how was this possible in only a week?

"Go DORIAN! Herja screamed with the other 19 Valkyries, holding their signs aloft as high as they could.

He spotted them out of the corner of his eye, drawing his attention somewhat as he looked over their posters and signs. They all had variations of his name along with motivational words like "Let the Truth be Known," and "The Invincible Einherjar." His eyes traced along the edges as the style caught his interest.

What an interesting border design…

Modi swung downward in his moment of distraction, Dorian leapt back at the last instant fully aware he could not block it as the attack impacted the ground with such force it kicked up a large dust cloud.

"You cannot have grown so strong in a week!" He growled, flipping his mace over for flair as the two circled each other. "Even with that toy on your arm, how dare you cheat before the Allfather!"

Dorian was panting heavily, he needed some breathing space and this seemed the best chance to buy some time.

"You are half right, I didn't grow this strong in just a week…but it's no cheat. Care to know how?"

Modi squeezed the handle of his mace threateningly; he wanted to know but refused to acknowledge his curiosity.

"The Road Between Realms is a magnificent place," Dorian explained, allowing a hint of smugness to sneak through his exhaustion. "One of your fans tried to stop me from making it back in time, so I had to take a detour home."

Freyja and Odin smiled as they realized where he was going with this. No one else had any idea.

"Time passes quite differently there, it's how I survived the injury in the Vault. According to a certain annoying squirrel it moves at about twenty times normal compared to here."

"What does that have to do with…?"

"Time? Glad you asked," Dorian smiled. "I entered there with about a day and a half to the deadline…I returned with less than half a day left. Surely even you can do the math."

Rossweisse gasped as she leaned forward, the truth obvious to everyone.

He stayed in there training…for more than twenty days?

The memories were fresh in his mind, the practice, the workouts, having to spar with a squirrel as tall as he was. Ratatoskr had run him ragged, making even a workout regimen for summoning and dismissing his Gear over and over to grow used to it. He shuddered at the memories when he lost their practice matches, lying on the ground as the massive rodent had sat on him for a pin until he tapped out.

I'll get him for that someday... he only half joked.

With his breath caught, Dorian pressed forward again; jabbing forward though it was Modi who deflected his blow this time, knocking Bright Star from his grasp. As the weapon buried itself in the nearby dirt, he gripped Dorian by the throat, lifting him high off the ground as he struggled to free himself.

"I am going to enjoy beating you to death in front of your Valkyrie whore," he whispered as he pulled the thrashing Einherjar closer to him, fingers tightening around his neck. His breath absolutely stank.

"And I am…going to enjoy this…more than I planned," Dorian retorted. Modi hadn't noticed the gem on his Gear had shifted to a deep-green.

Vines of Jotunheim exploded from the ground, lashing themselves around the enormous man's arms and legs, holding them in place and prying his fingers from Dorian's windpipe, revealing ugly bruises. Not even he could easily compete with the foliage that had evolved in the primordial land before time existed.

"You…BASTARD!" He bellowed, backhanding Dorian in the face. The young Einherjar's nose broke as he was knocked backwards.

Thinking fast and ignoring the blood dripping from his face, Dorian held out his hand, summoning the invisible binds that now tied him to his impossible weapon. Like Modi's mace, it freed itself and returned to his hand. Spinning it around, he aimed at his opponent and twisted the handle. Modi grunted, collapsing to a knee as Bright Star's blade impaled him in the chest, tethering Dorian to him. The crowd gasped at the serious injury, the now-revealed swordspear jutted slightly out his back. Not even a child of Thor could shrug off such a blow easily.

"Do you…yield?" Dorian asked, still holding on to the haft of his weapon like he was holding a rabid animal at bay.

"You should…have just died quietly."

Dorian felt like a truck had run into him, he went flying across the field as the grip on his weapon released in an uncontrollable spasm. As he slid to a stop he staggered to his feet, a black scorch mark had been burned into him, his skin smoking as he barely started to comprehend what had just happened. Modi had extended his mace still in-hand and thrown a bolt of lightning directly into Dorian's chest. Squeezing again he released another blast.

Dorian slammed into the wall, it was too fast. He had trained for so long and hard, was an infinitely better fighter than he'd ever hoped to be…but there was no way he was anywhere close to being fast enough to dodge lightning. Modi seemed to have given up facing him head on and was now solely launching barrage after barrage from a safe distance.

Boos and jeers echoed from the crowd, there was nothing inherently illegal about Modi's actions, but it was hardly the honorable fighting etiquette expected of a son of Thor.

"Ya sorry sod of a whorseon!" Brokkr roared at the screen in the forges of Jotunheim, so angry he forgot to mention his lack of insult intended toward Lady Sif. "If he'd had your time he could be throwing it right back at ya! Try fighting him like a REAL man!"

Dorian wobbled back to his feet, holding out a hand he recalled his weapon once more in the nick of time to block the latest blast. Instead of a quick burst he'd been using, Modi maintained the stream of electricity. Despite the impossible nature of his weapon, the lightning still followed its length into his body, smoke rose from him with a sickening smell of burnt flesh and meat. After several seconds he ceased the attack if only to taunt him as the young man collapsed to a knee.

"See it now BOY?" He sneered, uncaring at the audience having turned against him. "You never stood a chance from the beginning." He groaned as he gripped his bleeding side, with a guttural roar he jabbed his mace into the entry wound, searing it closed. "Have some consolation that she will be following you as a traitor's death." Flipping his mace over again and again, the head built up energy growing brighter and brighter. After several seconds it was dazzling so intensely that none could look at it, he was planning to end the fight with one final bolt.

Gods DAMNIT! Dorian screamed as he attempted to get back to his feet but his knees wouldn't listen and continued to spasm. Get up…I don't care if I am literally cooking. Get…the hell…UP!"

It was too late, with a thunderous warcry, Modi released the full power of his mace. The blast billowed across the arena like a wave towards the battered Einherjar.

GET UP!

Feebly, Dorian raised his right arm; with no other options left his last thought was to punch the wave. Winding back, he swung forward, eyes clenched shut awaiting the impact.

Greetings Dorian Held, it is a pleasure to finally speak with you.

Dorian gasped at the unexpected voice. Opening his eyes he saw the wave of lightning frozen a foot before him. The rest of the stadium was similarly trapped in a moment of time, the audience frozen mid-cheers. Even his class high above were unmoving, their oddly designed signs held high.

"Who is there?" He could not move either; frantically his eyes glanced around for the source of the voice.

He did not have to look far, before him the shape of a woman shimmered into existence like a mirage. It was her, the emerald-haired woman he had seen in his dreams since awakening in Asgard. The one he could see but not hear. She wore the same dress, though upon close inspection it was not white so much as silver and covered with flowers, the seams were clearly made of incredibly thin vines and branches. Her hair was expertly braided similar to Thrud's the first day he'd seen her but even grander. Her grace and imposing presence could have competed with Lady Freyja.

And of course she is impressively well-endowed...why is that not as surprising to me anymore as it should be?

You awoke me, yet were too far to hear my words. I am glad you are closer now.

"Yggdrasil?" He asked, the answer seeming obvious.

Yes and no. Yes I am of Yggdrasil, yet I am not their Yggdrasil. I remember…fire and destruction driving me far from home, yet not where that was. Do you know?

"I am afraid not," Dorian replied, realizing he could only speak and not even shake his head. His words came without moving his lips, their entire conversation was occurring in the mind. His synapses firing so fast that it was as if all else stood still. "I thought you were tied to Yggdrasil directly."

I am tied to her, yet she is not I…at least not all of me.

Dorian was so confused.

Regardless, I know that more is needed; you cannot die here yet Dorian Held. You must live.

"I wish I could oblige. Unfortunately Modi has other plans and neither the strength you gave me or the control over nature can help."

I have no power over strength or nature.

"Come again?"

I have no power to increase your physical strength or grant mastery over nature. Those are not within my power.

"Then…how have I been able to do both?"

The strength you wield is that of the Aesir tied to their realm of Asgard. The nature is that of Jotunheim, untamed and wild. The power is theirs alone channeled through the connection to me.

"So you are…feeding them to me?"

All of creation was once one, and then it was not. I seek to bring all within the protective shade of my branches once more. I have done so with the nine realms…yet there are so many more wayward lands. If you listen, you can understand the nature of each one and tap into it…I can show you.

Dorian allowed a smile to grace his lips once more as the Avatar of Yggdrasil extended her hand to his own, gripping his right tightly.

"I would be eternally in your debt…my lady."

Back in the Arena…

Thrud and Rossweisse stood to their feet as the wave of lightning approached Dorian. In his present state there was no way he could survive such an attack. They were about to simultaneously shout for an end to the match but did not get the chance. A heartbeat before it would have struck, a green wave expanded from Dorian's hand, the same kind that had heralded the birth of his Sacred Gear. This time was different, instead of collapsing inward, the wave continued outward, canceling out the explosion of lightning and slamming into Modi, blasting him backwards into the coliseum wall. The entire audience looked on in near silence at what they were witnessing.

The teal-green bracer that adorned Dorian's wrist cracked and chipped as if something bigger inside sought to escape. It did not take long before the strange wood-metal it seemed to be forged of expanded outward, growing as if it were alive and encompassing his arm from his fingers up to his elbow. It retained the strange wooden bumpy texture yet with a metal sheen as it enclosed his fingers. The gem remained affixed to the back of his hand with the intertwining roots snaking around his arm to the elbow where it jutted outward into a sinister golden spike.

"The first liberation," Odin whispered so low only Freyja heard him. He remembered the term provided by his contacts within the Grigori. "It seems our Mr. Held has finally broken his training wheels."

"Laerad Ragnarok!" Dorian cried forth, calling out the name of his Sacred Gear now known to him. Loki smiled unnoticed by the others at the name.

The Betrayer of Ragnarok?

Dorian held up his awakened Sacred Gear, now a complete gauntlet rather than the partial bracer it had been before. Squeezing his fist, he showed Modi the gem which was currently cycling through every color imaginable like a prism, finally settling on a strange misty white hue. Dorian's class gasped as they saw his face, even Modi took a step backwards. Any hesitation that was present before had shattered, his eyes bored into his opponent with absolute determination and anger. The monitoring equipment broadcasting the event allowed them to hear every word.

"You shouldn't have called Lady Rossweisse a whore."

In that instant, a gale of thick mist erupted from his gear, expanding outward as it made contact with the coliseum floor and obscuring everything from view. The mist was no ordinary creation of nature, all the gods above could sense that as they watched.

"The mists of Niphelheim," Lady Freyja whispered to Odin's nodding approval.

The swirling haze that lies over the ancient land of Niphelheim, Yggdrasil's voice echoed in Dorian's mind. Few things other than Odin's new eye can see through their depths.

Modi aimed forward and fired another blast of lightning; however Dorian was no longer in his previous location and the bolt continued harmlessly into the wall. Modi could not tell, however as the fog was now so thick he could not see more than a foot in front of him. Enraged, Modi began releasing burst after burst of electricity wildly, many shots only prevented from striking spectators by the reinforced barrier surrounding the arena.

"Come out and fight!" He roared as another shot missed not even realizing he was announcing his location to the world.

"Dodge when I can…" Dorian's voice echoed from the mist all around him in remembrance of his combat lessons with Thrud.

Modi gasped as a sharp pain struck his left leg, driving him to a knee. The Einherjar had gotten close enough to do that without being seen? He swung at the source of the attack only to hit empty air and mist. A slash appeared across the demigod's back as he got another hit, blood dripped to the ground. He felt blow after blow strike his back and front, his foe was rotating between his weapon and enhanced punches. Several even managed to bruise him, one struck his temple causing his vision to blur.

The giant calmed himself despite the pain, a plan formulating in his mind as he once again failed to strike his elusive enemy moving like the soupy haze itself. Once more he charged a mighty burst of electricity, slamming it into the ground as hard as he could. The energy dispersed in all directions, evaporating the thick fog from the air and revealing his surroundings. Dorian was dancing away just to his right, moving in to strike again with an overhanded swing having leapt over the wave of lightning. Modi brought his mace up on what he thought was his unprotected side.

The mace impacted a shield that had not been there before, allowing Dorian's swing to connect, leaving an ugly gash from shoulder to hip down Modi's chest. His god-like resilience was incredible that such injuries had not yet dropped him.

"Where…did you get that shield?"

"Block when you must…AND STRIKE!" The buckler now latched to Dorian's arm was a clear-blue matching his gem which had changed once more with strange shapes swirling within its depths as if something was alive.

Hel is a dangerous realm, take heed when tapping into the cold of that land for more than water resides within the frozen landscape of that place…

"Ice from Hel now?" Odin rubbed his chin. Dorian had now cycled through abilities unique to four of the nine Norse Realms…could he really utilize them all? "Truly my love, you made quite a find when you claimed him as your retainer."

Freyja only nodded, gripping her chair so hard her fingers turned white. Dorian and Modi were clearly exhausted, battered and beaten. They were doing little now but swing back and forth, new bruises and cuts appearing with each renewed blow. Even with the additional hits he had scored on Thor's son, how was the young man still standing?

Rossweisse cursed at her inability to do anything as Modi's mace ducked beneath the buckler, scoring a direct hit on his torso to the familiar crunch of broken ribs. He did not come away unscathed, however as the young Einherjar impaled an arm, Modi did not seem able to raise his left one anymore.

Why isn't Dorian parrying his blows anymore? He cannot possibly win in a war of attrition!

And then she saw it, the gem upon his gauntlet had changed again, glowing a bright magenta. She, Thrud and Freyja recognized that color better than any others present.

"The magic of Vanaheim!" Thrud blurted out to her mistress. They could all sense the growing static in the air around Dorian.

The strength of the Aesir will augment your bones and muscles…while the essence of Vanaheim accelerates the magic within your blood to closer match the residents of that ethereal land…

As Modi's last blow missed, a pair of magical seals appeared around Dorian, offensive skills focusing on the elements of fire and lightning…but they were different. Unlike the simplistic seals that Dorian had used in the past, these ones had a strange ornate border surrounding them amplifying their power in tandem with the connection of his gauntlet. None save Freyja, Rossweisse and a certain elder Valkyrie watching the fight recognized it as the unique border utilized by the twenty girls cheering their classmate on.

It meant something to him in the end, Rossweisse's grandmother smiled proudly from her seat.

Rather than a rain of fire as he was prepared for, a single immense javelin made of fire itself emerged and launched towards Modi, lightning wrapping around it like a shroud. Despite the combined elemental attack hurtling his way…the towering warrior refused to move. The mace swung, catching the attack head on, fire burned through Modi, scorching his skin and leaving him smoldering. Despite the grisly injuries he still stood, and Dorian soon realized why he had refused to dodge.

Modi was no magic user, all the lightning he wielded was solely a property of his weapon which was finite. It had taken all he had left to release the burst that scattered Dorian's smokescreen, but it could be recharged. Though the fire passed through and burned him, the lightning stopped at his mace, wrapping around it as it was pulled within. The enraged giant pulled back his arm for a windup.

SHIT! Dorian raised his frozen buckler as quickly as he could.

He was barely in time, as soon as Modi pointed forward; all the energy he had just absorbed was released, disappearing into the depths of the shield forged from mythical ice. After several seconds the bulwark literally popped from the heat, releasing wisps of swirling fog into the air that plumed outward.

"Strengthen the barrier immediately!" Odin commanded as those overseeing the fight quickly complied. The renewed mist was contained to the battleground.

"What is happening? Magni asked Thrud, leaning over confused.

"That shield was formed from the ice of Hel," the warrior maiden explained, her left eye twitching with worry. "That means it was made of the very essence of that place. Even when removed from its realm…the air of Hel is intended to torment those who inhale it."

Back in the field, Dorian rushed towards the silhouette of Modi while he had an opening, swinging Bright Star in a downward slash. Instead of muscle, his weapon cut through only air, causing him to tumble forward to the ground.

"You really were useless," a familiar voice echoed behind him. A silver-haired girl walked forward, a scowl affixed on her face where a smile should be.

"Rose! I haven't lost yet, I can still save you!"

"You never could, that's how pathetic you are." Only then did he notice the red line across her neck. As if she were removing a hat, the Rossweisse before him pulled off her head and held it in her arms like a baby. "Bringing you here was the worst mistake of my life."

The real Rossweisse stood to her feet. The entire exchange was visible to the audience and those watching. The echoes of Hel entered the mind to extract what tormented them…but then turned it into a physical form. Despite being an illusion, they were quite tangible.

"That's not me Dorian!" She called out, praying her voice could be heard. "It's not true!" Dorian snapped slightly in her direction, he was certain he had heard someone shout his name…but from where?

"I won't give up even if you have Rose," he pleaded to the apparition before him. "I…I care about you!"

"Like she'd ever care about you," a familiar red squirrel appeared on her shoulder beside her decapitated stump. "You think I stayed behind because I THOUGHT you might lose. You were a dead man walking the moment you woke up in Asgard."

"I should have throttled you in that bed," a ghostly Thrud whispered regretfully.

"I'd be killed at the first assassination attempt," a shade of Freyja coalesced into being behind him. "You are a bookkeeper, unfit for any other task."

Dorian's calm was cracking, spinning between the greatest fears and insecurities that plagued his mind daily now being forced down his throat. If this was what the denizens of Hel had to experience every moment, it is no wonder so many seek the halls of Valhalla.

"Stop it…you're wrong," the mist was swirling inside his head, clouding his consciousness. It would not be long before all cohesive thought was driven from his mind. For a moment he saw a seven headed silhouette devour Rossweisse in a single bite, moving towards the others around him…

"And what about me?"

Dorian spun to his next nightmare, only to be faced with someone he didn't recognize at first. A small girl with black hair and a purple dress, the same he had protected from the conflict of the apartment complex, the same silhouette that had hidden from him in the snow...

The same when I died...did she always have gold eyes?

"I…saved you." He whispered. Surprisingly, she nodded in return, beckoning him closer with a single tiny hand. The other shades seemed unable to approach her, dispersing into the haze from which they spawned when attempted.

"You are interesting," she whispered in his ear. "Interesting beings can't die yet, so get back out there. All you need…is a little light."

As soon as Dorian thought that, the gem on his Gear switched again. This time is shined with a white light lined with gold at its edges. Holding aloft his hand, a blinding flash burst outward like a burned-out light bulb. The mist surrounding him was gone along with every shape present including the little girl.

The cleansing light of Alfheim can disperse even the most sinister darkness. Remember it, when all others are insufficient to guide your path.

It was over, Dorian was free and then had time to think. Why hadn't Modi taken advantage when he was confused? Looking across the field, he realized the light of Alfheim had only cleansed his half; a swirling mist still encompassed Modi's side being kept at bay by his gear preventing his entrapment within it again.

"I did it for you father!" The demigod pleaded, tears were streaming down his face. "To live up to your name…your legacy!"

"My legacy would be ground into the dust with you," the imposing shape before him bellowed. "I should never have known your mother or claimed you as my own."

"Strength comes so naturally to us," the shapely form of Thrud mocked him. "Only the weak seek out the aid of others."

"I never sought aid!" He argued back just as Dorian had done. "I walked this path on my own, ground those before me underfoot, I needed no one…you hear me…NO ONE!"

"And how strong are you now? Driven to your limits by a pup not even of Asgard."

Dorian could hardly bear to watch as he looked at what Modi had been reduced to at the sight of his worst fears and insecurities. The Thrud he had come to know would never have torn down her brother for being weaker, yet it seemed somehow Modi had been warped into his belief that gaining strength at all costs was all that mattered. In that instant, he pitied him.

He doesn't have the light of Alfheim, he'll never escape. Dorian realized. All I have to do is leave him in there. He'll be reduced to nothing under the weight of his paranoia, and sorrow. Then I'll have won and be able to…

Dorian could not even finish the thought, with a raise of his hand, the light exploded outward again, dispersing the fog that hovered over Modi and cleansing the field. The lumbering opponent slumped to his knees in relief, finally free.

"What is he doing? Loki asked no one in particular. "The match was his and he just threw it away."

"You are wrong," Thrud snapped as she turned in her honorary grand-uncle's direction.

"She is right," Vidar asserted, kissing the hand of his nearest wife tenderly. "A victory like that would have left naught but ash in his mouth despite achieving all he has desired. He may not have been born here…but he has the heart of a true Einherjar of Valhalla!"

Back in the field, Modi was glancing about left and right, clearly confused as to what had just happened and that Dorian had been the one to break its hold. The young retainer to Lady Freyja waited while he staggered back onto shaky feet. Despite his exhausted, beaten and battered form, Dorian was doing no better.

"What…are you getting at?"

"Strength isn't the only measure of a man," Dorian started, gasping between pained breaths from his broken ribs. I can't speak for the rest of your family, but Thrud would never think that of you just because you aren't as freakishly strong as her or your father."

The audience, whom had previously been cheering up until the appearance of Hel's fog, remained deathly silent. They could not believe the sight before them, having expected a ruthless, savage brawl that had now turned on its head.

"True strength can only come from oneself," Modi rationalized, he must have been truly exhausted both physically and mentally to now be conversing with his foe. "Those who seek out the aid of others are weak and deserve no quarter."

"Then how…do you explain me. I trained under your sister, Rose, Lady Freyja, Ygritte of Jotunheim, Ratatoskr of the…Ratatoskr. Yet here I am, still standing because I am fighting FOR them, and that grants me far more strength than fighting selfishly for myself could ever give."

Dorian could not have known the memories playing back in Modi's mind. All the times he refused help, toiled and suffered in order to make his strength his own. If that was not the case, and relying on others could lead to greater strength, then that meant it had…all been for nothing and only served to stunt his own growth.

"DAMN YOU!" Modi roared, sprinting as fast as he could towards Dorian, his depleted mace swinging wildly.

Dorian deflected the first blow, and the second and the third. His attacks were wild, manic and uncontrolled, but lacked the force he would have expected. It was as if he was conflicted and no longer throwing his all behind every blow.

"You were pathetic, a cast-off of a lesser mythology!" He roared between swings. "You were nothing when brought here, you had to use my sister, that Valkyrie, even our Queen before you could even lift a weapon right! You relied on them, then sought out your classmates! You never went it alone, never...and why? So that you could walk with others...IS THAT IT?"

Dorian sidestepped his next swing; his attacks were getting noticeably slower as he broke down, tears welling in his eyes as he screamed louder and louder.

"You…have no right to this power, it is not yours...so how...HOW ARE YOU THIS STRONG?" Gripping his mace with two hands, Modi brought it up in and underhanded swing with as much strength as he had left in him.

Dorian answered with an earth-shattering warcry, gripping his weapon reduced to its sword form down with two hands, all the energy left in his body. At the same time, the gem flipped once more, becoming a swirling mass of black and red akin to magma.

Beware the flames of Musphelheim, for they are ancient and will burn all around you both friend and foe down to the very stone. Save it only as a final resort unless you wish to incinerate your foe to his very soul.

The blade of Bright Star burst into horrific dark flames a fraction of a second before impacting Modi's mace and extinguished just as quickly. With a resounding crack, the legendary weapon made as homage to Mjolnir shattered into a thousand shards that rained from the sky, leaving only the lone handle in Modi's quivering hand.

Ignoring the burning sensation of broken ribs in his chest, of the exhaustion causing every breath to come pained and ragged, ignoring the sweat mixing with blood dripping down his bruise-covered body, Dorian stepped closer. Extending his weapon to its maximum length, he spun it sideways, cracking his shocked opponent in the gut, surely breaking as many ribs as Modi had previously. Dropping his blade from lacking the strength to maintain his grip, the gem on his gauntlet rotated to a vibrant gold once more as he wound up his fist squeezed as tight as he could make it.

"This is the strength I have found in my time among the people of Asgard!"

Dorian delivered a shattering right hook straight into Modi's jaw, succeeding in knocking out several teeth as he sent his opponent flying backwards. He also stumbled at the force of his own punch and fell forward, the two combatants collapsed to the ground, neither moving for the longest time. Freyja and Thrud stood up in concern; even Odin stirred somewhat from his seat yet managed to hold his composure. Dorian's class went silent as he fell forward, though it did not last long.

"Get up!" Herja shouted, the others joining in.

"You've almost won, you can do this!" Brynda cried.

"The noble Einherjar cannot fail after accomplishing so much for those he loves!" Misty added as melodramatically as ever.

As if in answer, Dorian stirred as did Modi. As if they were linked in body and soul, the two combatants struggled up to a single knee. Grunting in pain, they both somehow managed to stand, leaning forward, what could possibly have been sustaining them? The two glared at each other, standing yet without the energy to throw even a single punch. Modi glanced around the stands, hearing the cheers for Dorian now overshadowing his own, his contorted face of confusion giving way to a softer tone…acceptance?

"Ever a shame father…I yield." With those last words Modi fell forward, collapsing into the ground as Dorian remained standing. The audience waited several seconds to ensure he did not get back up.

A great cheer rose up as Dorian stood victorious amidst the field. Unbeknownst to him, the cheer echoed across Asgard, Jotunheim and much of the nine realms to those who counted Rossweisse and her family as friends. Ygritte had twin Jotuns in a headlock with each arm shouting for more mead. King Ymiron sat as dignified as ever atop his throne, yet allowed a smile to grace his lips. The dwarves took a brief respite from their toils to share a drink and embrace at the first victory of their latest creation. Dorian just stared blankly, his left eye bruised and swollen shut, he could barely believe what had happened.

I…won?

"Modi Thorson has yielded the fight, as per our laws and traditions I declare Dorian Held the victor and thus whose words ring true," Odin declared, standing tall and holding aloft Gungnir. "Rossweisse, you are free and pardoned of all claims of your guilt!"

Down at the front, the chains surrounding the silver-haired Valkyrie vanished, her prison clothes magically replacing with her white armor once more. She did not hesitate, the instant her armor had been returned, she took of down the field flying at break-neck speed.

Dorian had nothing left; finally his legs gave out as he fell forward once more…right into Rossweisse's waiting arms. Without realizing it, he nestled his head into her ample bosom, she was so soft and warm.

"I got you," she assured him without realizing Thrud was making her way down to the arena. Rossweisse cradled him in her arms, stroking the back of his head. "Thank you, just relax now," she whispered despite the fact the young man had already lost consciousness.

Thrud rushed past them, falling to her knees before Modi, gripping the sides of his face, she channeled her Sage Arts to heal her little brother.

"I never knew you felt that way," she whispered as he slowly regained consciousness. Rossweisse's grandmother had taken to the field and was tending to Dorian's injuries personally.

"Why do you…care," he asked as his strength slowly returned. "You are the strongest up and coming warrior, while I…"

"I'm your big sister," the warrior goddess chastised him, playfully punching him in the shoulder. Despite her lack of energy behind it, he still flinched from the pain of his injuries. "But why take it out on Rossweisse? She never wronged you, why would you lie about her guilt?"

"I did it…because…GRAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH!"

Before he could utter a word, a magical seal previously invisible burst to life upon his forehead. The demigod let out the most horrific blood-curdling scream of pain, what it must have felt like to bring a son of Thor to howl so terribly. Thrud placed a hand over it and with a single command shattered the mark immediately, but the damage had been done. She recognized the type of seal, a distasteful spell meant to wipe the mind of the victim, quite useful for ensuring operatives would not talk if captured. Most often it was triggered by their attempt to utter a specific word, had Modi been about to name someone or something?

The assembled gods leapt to their feet, Sif rushing the field towards Modi, only Loki remained seated. He almost appeared...bored at the turn of events.

"Modi…answer me…Modi!" He lived, yet did not stir. "Get him to the healing rooms, NOW!"

As the aids stationed nearby rushed to Modi, Dorian remained wrapped in Rossweisse's arms, his wounds slowly receding under the watchful eye of her grandmother. As her magic did its work, she could not help but stare intently at the Sacred Gear still summoned upon his arm.

"The power of the nine realms channeled through one individual," she mused aloud. "I have a feeling he has quite a future in store for him if he can handle it. I give you full permission to do whatever you wish with this young man."

Rossweisse only nodded as she sat there holding him, hardly even listening to her grandmother's words. She did not let him go, even as twenty annoyed-looking Valkyries in training rushed to check on their classmate, even as the Allfather and Freyja herself came by to ensure his safety. She did not release him until his eyes started to flutter open as his injuries abated, at which point she suddenly found herself standing an appropriate distance away, all evidence of her tender care hidden from his sight.

Road Between Realms…

Ratatoskr blew on a party horn that disappeared as soon as the tune was spent.

"Welp, you win, I can pay next week right?" He joked with a woman standing beside him. She was nigh identical to the emerald-haired beauty that Dorian had spoken with within his Sacred Gear. The only noticeable difference was a greater sense of maturity with streaks of gray blemishing her hair from age.

She nodded at the small squirrel's request.

"So…what is she to you? Daughter, Granddaughter? Third cousin twice removed? She looks just like you did a few millennia ago...no offense, you still look fantastic."

"She is…out of her own time," the majestic woman personifying the world tree herself answered serenely. "She is of me…and yet not me."

Ratatoskr rolled his eyes, he had tried to get used to how she spoke over the eons he'd known her and failed at every attempt. "Real concise and not vague in the slightest…thanks."

"She chose that young man at birth, whether it was pure happenstance or she saw something in him we may never know. However he chooses to use his ties to us, he must become stronger than he is now…that much beyond all else is certain. You will help him won't you?"

The spectral rodent waved his hand as if there was no need for her to even ask. "I like the kid, he is grounded, shares well with others…particularly me. And most of all, he's the gateway between realms. He has no idea how monumental that is. Plus, do you know how many unfathomably well-endowed women they have over there? I mean, you are a knockout Iggy, don't get me wrong. Ten point five out of ten, but a man can only ogle one woman for so long before he gets a little bored ya know?"

The small trickster fell forward as a branch connected to the root-path he stood atop came to life and smacked him across the back of his head. The woman only smiled as she continued watching the real world, the foreseeable future was certain to be…quite interesting.

Thus concludes the first Arc of my Highschool DxD story. Dorian has taken the next steps towards understanding the power in his hand and the reason for it being sent to him. There will be a brief lull in updates as I finalize the next arc...but fear not for it is coming and already in the works.

Next Time: As Dorian tries to settle back into his new position, his duties as retainer to Lady Freyja will send him and the beautiful Rossweisse to far-off lands. A task to the ancient realm of the Greek Pantheon on a mission of cooperation. But there are those lurking in the background seeking the destruction of such friendship between mythologies that have operated in secret. As always, Read and Review…but most of all Enjoy! :D