A New Beginning
In only a matter of moments, the world was destroyed. Countless gods, spirits, humans, elves, giants and demons were slaughtered for the sake of a god filled with hatred bigger than Yggdrasil itself. Asgard and Midgard became barren worlds devoid of life. A choir of voices screamed out in unison desperately trying to cling onto their fleeting existence.
Yet it wasn't in vain.
As their voices reached out to the other survivor of the cataclysm, she became a conduit for their power. Through her power, the world was restored to its proper state. All those who had perished were given life once more. It was almost as if the threat to the world was only a nightmare that everyone had woken up from. Loki, who would have destroyed all life, was beaten by Lenneth, Goddess of Creation.
Lenneth opened her eyes as she gazed across Asgard from a field of white flowers. A small gust of wind caressed the field lifting several pedals into the sky. She allowed the breeze to play with her silver hair as she enjoyed the setting around her. Although a few of the flowers around her were weeping lilies, it didn't matter. She was goddess and could unconsciously resist their poisonous fumes just like any other deity. Lenneth appreciated their beauty more than their nature anyway. Her thoughts on the weeping lilies were cut short as she heard a familiar voice call out to her, "Some things never change do they."
A blonde haired man in red armor approached the valkyrie with a small smile. He had a feeling that he would find her here and was more than pleased at being correct. The silver haired woman turned to the blonde man and returned his smile, "Lucian…" With a small nod, she added, "…I'm sorry for leaving so suddenly. Its just…I have a lot on my mind." Lucian stood next to her and tried his best to sound reassuring, "You know I will always be here to support you. If you want to tell me what's bothering you Lenneth, I'll listen." Lenneth merely nodded, "I know…I…I always push others away from my problems. It's the future that concerns me Lucian. What will happen now?"
Lucian briefly arched a brow at the question. Although she was trying to open herself up to him, it was hardly enough information to make any suggestion, "Do you mean about the other gods? You revived Odin and forgave him and Freya. They wouldn't do anything to you and even if they tried, I wouldn't let them." Lenneth chuckled slightly at Lucian's bravado. She found it charming that even though he was just a mortal, he would take on gods for her sake.
The young warrior realized from her expression that he was quite off, "So its not them. Are you concerned about the Einherjar? Everyone is doing fine and enjoying their relaxation time." He placed his index finger on his chin a moment, "Well…Argrim did threaten to use Badroch for a new sword sheath if he tried to cheat him at cards again…" At this remark, the normally emotionless valkyrie couldn't resist laughing a little. She knew quite a few of her Einherjar didn't exactly get along but they were all useful allies and generally decent people. After she collected herself, she decided to just tell Lucian, "No, that isn't what I mean. I meant the future of Midgard."
For a brief moment, her eyes left her lover's face and gazed over the horizon again, "Sometimes…I wonder how humanity will survive. Every day, I hear the voices of those who have died. Some of them perished due to their own greed and arrogance. Others…were merely the victims of someone's hatred, fear and anger regardless if it was justified or not. I worry that…I gave Midgard a second chance to destroy itself. Humanity seems to have learned nothing." Despite her harsh words, Lenneth was truly concerned about the mortals in the realm below Asgard. Lucian wrapped his right arm around her waist and gently pulled her closer to him, "You've done so much already. Never forget that. Even if us humans are a little hard headed and sometimes learn our lessons the hard way, there is beauty in our souls too." Lenneth wrapped her arms around the man she loved and nodded, "I know but…I wish there was a way to nurture the goodness in their hearts."
A new feminine voice pierced through Lenneth and Lucian's conversation like a knife through butter, "If you wish to make them understand, then perhaps you would be interested in my proposition." The two lovers separated from each other and turned towards the source of the new voice. A tall pink haired woman wearing a white dress stood before them. While Lucian was wondering who this woman was, Lenneth's eyes widened briefly under the realization that this woman was alive. Lenneth immediately spoke a warning, "You shouldn't be here! These flowers around us are-" The mysterious woman interrupted, "'-poisonous?' I already know that and have…taken the proper precautions. It will take more than these lilies to kill me. Don't concern yourself over my well being."
Lucian was a little less concerned about the stranger's health, "Who in Midgard are you? How did you get here?" The woman chuckled slightly, "In Midgard, I'm no one. However, that won't do for an introduction. Just call me 'Lady'. As for how I got here and your next logical question, why am I here, I represent a very powerful organization that is hosting a tournament of the greatest heroes and heroines to live. Miss Valkyrie, I have come here to personally invite you into this tournament." Lenneth shook her head, "Why should I participate in this? It seems like it would only be a distraction." Lady was hardly hindered by that comment, "On the contrary, I think you'd be very interested. The winner will receive whatever they desire and the organization has the means to accomplish just about anything…including changing the hearts and minds of a world populous."
Lucian frowned at the woman, "So this organization just flaunts its power and doesn't actually do anything to help others." Lady tried her best to ignore Lucian's comment, "Of course, its still your choice to participate or not. Just say no and I will leave you to ponder about humanity for the next few centuries." Lenneth stared at Lady with an unreadable gaze. It was obvious that she felt the same way as Lucian but she didn't seem to be as blinded by that thought, "If I were to win, I only want the good aspects of human nature strengthened. I do not desire for them to lose their free will…I just want them to be more prone to doing the right thing." Lucian stared at Lenneth incredibly, "You are actually going to do it!" Lenneth slowly nodded, "Lucian…please, this could be a chance to end all strife in Midgard. I have to at least try." Lenneth's soft eyes begged for Lucian to understand and eventually he relented, "If this is what you want to do, I'll support your decision."
A smile curled up Lady's lips, "Good, now that the matter is settle-". However, she was cut off by Lucian before she could even finish, "Sign me up too." Lady resisted the urge to shout 'what' in Lucian's general direction. Lenneth was clearly as surprised as Lady. Lucian decided to speak again before either woman could react, "I'll enter the tournament as well and increase our chances of winning. If I should win, I'll make sure Lenneth's wish is granted." Lady finally had enough of this, "Look, this tournament is INVITE ONLY. You are a nobody as far as the organization is concerned. That means you aren't fit for this tournament." Lenneth was a clearly angry at such treatment towards her lover, "If Lucian does not join me, I will not go." Lady was quick to counter, "So you would throw this opportunity away for the sake of your lover?" Lenneth replied coldly, "We will find a way with or without your help."
Lady narrowed her eyes at Lucian. He was a liability and would convince Lenneth to reject the invitation at this rate. She needed to turn this situation around regardless of the methods. Lady took a deep breath and showed off a plastic smile, "Very well, you drive a hard bargain but we really want Miss Valkyrie to participate in our tournament. However, I am only in charge of recruiting the female competitors. Another associate of mine is taking care of the men. I will send him an urgent request to add you to the tournament roster. Also given your varying skills and abilities, its highly unlikely that you two will be pitted against each other unless you both make it to the final match. So I'll take Miss Valkyrie to the tournament grounds and then inform my associate to come pick you up. Okay?" Lenneth and Lucian both nodded in agreement. If there was one thing that working for a large organization with hundreds of secrets taught Lady, its how to be a convincing liar.
The couple held each other close as they prepared to say goodbye. Secretly they prayed that if either of them failed the other would succeed. Lucian whispered softly into her ear, "Be careful, Lenneth. If these people are recruiting gods into this tournament, who knows what else you might face." Lenneth replied, "As long as I know you are there with me, I know I will do well." Lucian nodded slowly, "I'll be there in body soon but I'm always with you in spirit." The two of them shared a passionate kiss which would have lasted longer if Lady hadn't purposeful cleared her throat, "If you two are done, I'd like to get back sometime this decade. I have a busy schedule to keep." Lenneth parted from Lucian and approached Lady, "I am ready." Light engulfed both Lady and Lenneth as they were pulled from Asgard. However, Lenneth turned back quickly enough to see Lucian's confident face one last time before vanishing.
By Cahb42584 (Guest)