Tamsin stood frozen as the words of the Ash sunk in. The name, Isis, conjured up all manner of thought. She was an Egyptian goddess most often associated with fertility but was also known to have magical and healing abilities. But what most intrigued Tamsin was her other known ability as a protector of the dead.

"Isis? As in the Egyptian goddess?" Tamsin said looking between Dyson and the Ash.

"That's correct," Dyson said with a chuckle.

"But how are you here on this plane?"

"I left my home long ago. Things can get a bit...dicey for gods when we are no longer worshipped. I still have followers but very few so I came to live amongst humans some time ago," Isis said leaning forward. "You are a follower of Odin, yes?"

"I was, how did you know that?" Tamsin said looking surprised.

"I am quite familiar with the various gods and their people. You look like a Valkyrie I once knew. It is a very prestigious position but one you are no longer in?"

"No, I'm not."

"Hmm," Isis said sitting back. "I'm sorry. It isn't easy losing one's place in the world."

"What do you mean?" Tamsin said finding herself stepping forward.

"It is in our nature, as sentient beings, to wish to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. You dreamed of becoming a warrior and you succeeded beyond your wildest dreams, then to lose it all. I feel for you child."

Tamsin stopped directly in front of Isis and stared into the woman's eyes. It seemed that they were there for awhile and when she felt wetness on her cheeks she was surprised to realize she had been crying. Isis raised her hand and brushed the tears away then leaned forward and spoke without moving her lips. Tamsin realized she was hearing the woman speak in her mind.

"You can be at peace if you choose. This battle does not have to be yours."

"But I love her."

"She will only bring you pain in the end. Let go, start over."

Tamsin stepped back and shook her head as if she were in a daze," How did you do that? I could hear you in my thoughts."

"I can communicate with the dead," Isis said with a smirk as Tamsin began backing up to where Dyson stood.

"But I'm not dead yet."

"You are close enough that your spirit is already straddling this world and the next. You best get your affairs in order my dear. Now as far as the little dust up at the club, it is excused. Happens again, I might not be so kind. Understood?"

"Yes, thank you," Tamsin said spinning on her heels and quickly leaving the room.

She heard Dyson running to catch up to her and he stopped her with his hand.

"Tamsin hold up, are you okay?"

"I'm fine, great. Hearing that you're so close to death that the matriarch of the dead can enter your mind really makes you feel good," she answered sarcastically.

"Yeah, that was a dumb question, sorry," Dyson replied looking sheepish. "So what was her role with the dead anyway?"

"In essence she used to usher those who died to the afterlife. Keep them safe, make the transition easier. She was like a guidance counselor for your soul."

Dyson chuckled, "Interesting analogy. I guess she still retains some of her gifts," he said as they walked to the car.

"From what I understand those who were once gods often keep elements of their powers, of course to a lesser degree. I wonder..." Tamsin said stopping.

"If she could be of help with the current Bo situation?" Dyson said slapping her back.

"Wow, you're a regular John Edwards. No one would have guessed I was going to say that," Tamsin said with a smirk.

"See this is how I like you, acerbic and gloomy. Much more fitting than the sap of late," Dyson said tapping her with his fist.

"Yeah whatever," Tamsin said right before getting in the car. "I'm going to go back, talk to her a bit more. Is that okay?"

"No problem, I'll wait here."

Tamsin headed back in the direction of the meeting room. The guard gave her a look but stepped aside to lets her back in.

"Ugh, the gaudiness of this room irks me; I'm going to have it redone. Nothing says pretentious like a throne. How could you not laugh at me sitting there? Men, always trying to portray power with objects," Isis said as she appeared from around a corner.

"Someone as beautiful as you could never look foolish. If anything you make it much more than it is," Tamsin said with a grin.

Isis raised an eyebrow and nodded as she broke into a dazzling smile, "Looks like I've got myself a charmer on my hands. Can't say I'm not flattered but I think both you and I know who your heart belongs to. The only question is why?"

"Why does anyone love who they do? She's good and righteous and all the things I wish I could be. But then I don't have to tell you that, you see what is in my heart do you not?"

"I do, which is why I knew you would come back. I can sense you feel alone. I assume you have confided in no one about your condition?" Isis said motioning for Tamsin to come closer.

"I have to an extent. But I don't want them to...worry. We have many pressing matters to attend to..."

"And your death is not a pressing matter? You are so concerned with Bo and everyone else," Isis said holding out her hand. "What about yourself?"

Tamsin took Isis's hand and immediately felt at ease. The woman led her towards the back of the room which led to a hallway. As they walked holding hands Tamsin wanted to speak but it had been so long since she felt such peace that she didn't want to ruin the moment.

They finally entered a room at the end of the hall which was obviously where Isis was staying. It was decked out in everything you would expect an Egyptian goddess to have. There was a massive canopy bed in the middle of the room draped in rich velvet purple fabric. There were several cats lounging around lazily in various corners. Two chaise lounges sat against a wall and looked to be made of the same fabric draped on the bed. Isis pulled Tamsin over to one and they sat side by side. She didn't let go of the Valkyrie's hand.

"Do you know what I used to do?" Isis asked stroking Tamsin's hand.

Tamsin swallowed as she felt herself drifting into some kind stupor, "You provided healing and comfort to the living as well as the dead. You also had magical abilities, what kind I do not know."

Isis dropped Tamsin's hand causing the Valkyrie to break from her lull.

"What was that?" Tamsin said straightening up.

"Not much different than what happened earlier when you cried. I bring peace to others; allow them to be in touch with their emotions. It usually has an emotional or physical effect. You are in desperate need of rest my dear and a good cry," Isis said rising from the chaise.

She began pacing in front of Tamsin, a cat occasionally running by and stroking her legs.

"You want something from me child, please tell me what it is," Isis said stopping in front of Tamsin.

"First a question, have you ever heard of the god Danielus?"

"Yes, he is Nordic I believe and very powerful. But I heard he died fighting in *Ragnarok."

"Ragnarok? But that was long ago and he still lives."

"Hmm, well that's intriguing," Isis said beginning to pace again. "Why do you ask about him? He is very old, he existed before I or any god that exists today."

Tamsin hesitated then continued, "He is my father."

Isis smiled, "Well, now I am even more intrigued. But I must admit I know nothing more of Danielus, but I may be able to find someone who does. I will get back to you."

"Anything you could find out would be greatly appreciated. My other question has to do with Bo. Her father is Odin," Tamsin paused as she saw Isis raise an eyebrow. "I fear he has plans to use her as some kind of vessel to either bring forth a great evil or become one."

"Well, this is quite a situation you find yourself in. Do you have any idea what being he could possibly be hoping to transfer?"

"No, but she mentioned something about the ritual of Vor."

Isis froze and stared at Tamsin, her playful face had become still and full of fear.

"Vor was a very powerful goddess, the knower of all that is and all that will be. She was once very revered by your people but if I'm not mistaken you have never heard of her?"

"No, I haven't," Tamsin said sitting forward.

"She was banished from memory so that no one would worship her, the hope being that she would die. But of course she knew this and managed to sequester herself into some kind of vessel. She exists in another dimension where she cannot be touched waiting for the day that she can be reborn."

"She doesn't sound inherently evil. Why was she banished?"

Isis sat back down beside Tamsin, "Gods are not born per se we come into being. Sometimes because there is a great need and other times to complement an existing being that creates you so they are in essence your parent. I had parents, Vor simply came into being. She was supposed to keep the balance between the Nordic gods because she knew all that could happen. Instead she ended up using her knowledge to manipulate events; some say she was the cause of Ragnarok."

"Wow, okay so I get she did some messed up shit. But why would Odin want to bring her back?"

"If you had plans to take over earth wouldn't you want someone who could tell you what to do so that your path is smooth as possible?"

Tamsin shook her head, "Wait, rewind for a sec. Take over earth?"

"Ah, you are not aware of the prophecy?" Isis said with a smirk. "There isn't much I can say but I do know this, the judgment day of the Christian bible refers to what Odin is attempting."

Tamsin fell back against the wall as she tried to wrap her mind around what Isis was telling her.

"I don't understand. Why would he want to leave Asgard?"

Isis laughed, "Oh my dear girl, you obviously know little about the mind of a god. Why settle for one kingdom when you can have many?"

"Is there anyway you can help us, anyway at all?"

"I will contact my informant who will be able to explain things better, but I am afraid there isn't much else I can do. Unless..."

"Unless what?" Tamsin said sitting forward again.

"I can offer you something you desperately need," Isis said walking over to an elaborate dresser. She pulled out a small vial.

She walked back over to the chaise and sat down. She lifted the top of the vial; it had a sharp point at the end. She nicked her finger and proceeded to let the blood flow into the vial. Once it was filled it she replaced the top, screwing it on tightly. Tamsin looked at the finger that had been cut and the wound was already healed.

"I'm giving you this vial of my blood should you need it for strength, it will allow you to see this through to the end. But there is a clause."

Tamsin took the vial and stared at its contents which were a rich, deep red.

"What is the clause?"

"Once you drink this you will become a follower of mine. You will no longer be a Valkyrie as you know it. You will retain your abilities but all connections to Asgard and it's gods will be broken."

"And what will you expect from me for this gift?" Tamsin said, a hint of suspicion in her voice.

"I am a kind and merciful goddess Tamsin, I only require loyalty. On occasion I may ask you to complete tasks for me but nothing that would go against your morals. But I do realize that you are a member of the dark fae so there may be times when what I ask of you would require disobedience to the Morrigan."

"Well, I've gone that path quite often already," Tamsin said moving the vial bath and forth in her hand.

Isis stilled Tamsin's movement and lifted her eyes to look into hers," Think about it, thoroughly. This is not a decision to make lightly. I know you love Bo and care for your friends but you must consider whether letting your cycle run its course might not be best for you all."

Tamsin nodded and stood up to leave. She did something unusual for her and leaned down to hug Isis. The woman held her tightly and for a moment it was easy for the Valkyrie to believe that all was right in the world.

After work Tamsin turned down an invitation to the Dal and found herself at club Ecstasy instead. She made her way over to the entrance and looked around for Vex. It was early enough that there was no line so she went up to the bouncer.

"Vex around?" She said to the large man.

He nodded and stepped aside to let her in. She murmured thanks and made her way inside. The decor was as she remembered dark and leather everywhere. She noticed Vex over by the bar chatting up the bartender and made her way over to him.

"Okay, you got me here. Start talking," Tamsin said taking the stool beside him.

"And how are you detective? Guess they don't teach manners in basic training then?" Vex said with a grin.

"You're lucky I'm even here so I suggest you tell me what you want before I leave the same way I came in," Tamsin said motioning towards the door.

"Right, lets go to the back" Vex said shaking his head.

They entered his office which was located on the far side of the club near the staircase Tamsin remembered going down to find Bo. It was small but filled with a large mahogany desk and a black leather couch. Behind the desk was a fish tank that covered the whole wall. Tamsin wasn't sure but it appeared that he had some type of piranha swimming inside.

Vex sat behind his desk and gestured for Tamsin to sit on the couch. She sat on the edge and adjusted her gun which had been digging into her hip.

"Okay, so I know we haven't always gotten along. But I've got a proposition for you that I think you will be bully for," Vex said leaning forward. He raised a piece of paper up and placed it on the edge of the desk. Tamsin picked it up and stared at the picture on it.

"What is this?" She said putting it back down.

"That would be a very nifty vessel that I think a certain goddess would be interested in."

"So is this why you were visiting Isis?"

"Yes, if she gets this vessel she can be permanently housed in a body of her choosing. Right now, every 50 years or so she has to change bodies and with her worshippers dwindling its getting harder and harder to find a suitable one. Anyway, I was hoping to use this as leverage to join the light fae," Vex said, mumbling the last part.

"You want to join the light?" Tamsin said trying not to laugh.

"Yeah, what of it? After that little stunt with Evonny I'm pretty much banished from the dark so I thought someone else could make use of my talents. Isis didn't see it that way. She thinks anyone who switches sides is weak or some shite," Vex said sucking his teeth.

"She kind of has a point. And didn't she already turn down the offer?"

"She said no because I didn't have it. Figured once I actually get my hands on it, different story. Plus I think she figures me for some kind of liar," Vex said with a snort.

"Now why would she think that," Tamsin said swiping the paper up again.

"Truth is I couldn't get it even if I wanted. The only beings that can enter the temple that holds it are your kind."

"Valkyries? But you said it can be used for any gods?"

"Not Valkyries, any being that has a connection to a god or is related to one. Seeing as you were once a lackey for a god I figured this would be perfect for you."

"Call me a lackey again you stupid Brit and you'll be spitting out teeth for days," Tamsin said slamming the paper down.

"Alright, alright, bring it down a notch. So are you going to do it or not?"

"Why? I have no incentive, you're the one who needs to get on Isis's good side," Tamsin said as she got out of her seat. "This is where the conversation ends."

"Well I'm a bit surprised, thought you would be more willing to help Bo," Vex said to her back.

Tamsin stopped at the door and turned around, "What does this have to do with her?"

"Oh nothing, except this vessel can only be used once. And from what I understand there is a certain being you're quite familiar with who needs it as well."

"How do you know about any of this?"

"You're not the only one who always has their ear to the ground. Let's just say that I've got someone with inside information," Vex said as he pushed a button under his desk.

A few seconds after, Tamsin heard fumbling at the door. She yanked it open and saw Stanley in front of her.

"Stanley? What are you doing here?"

"Mistress, I'm so pleased to see you," Stanley said dropping to his knees.

Tamsin motioned for him to get up and he did although he insisted on kissing her hand for which she in turn patted his head. She could feel Vex's eyes boring into the back of her head so she turned to face him.

"So you're the one the little bugger keeps going on about," Vex said with a smirk.

Tamsin ignored the response, "What does Stanley have to do with this?"

"Go on, tell her, "Vex said motioning for Stanley to speak.

"Mistress, as an air sylph we sometimes become privy to things that others are not. There have been rumblings about your friend and her possibly being related to a god. When I heard this I remembered about the vessel and told Master Vex but he didn't see how it was of importance until Isis appeared."

"Why did hearing about Bo make you think about the vessel?"

"Well it can only be used on a demi god, they are the only ones that can sustain a god within them. A normal human will expire within a short period of time so that the god must body hop indefinitely."

"Like Isis is doing now," Tamsin said. "Whatever you think you know Vex, its much more than that but I will help you."

"Goodie. Stanley here is going to take you the place where our object is located, fun little trip to Moscow."

"Say what now?"Tamsin said with a frown.

"Well you didn't think it was going to be here did you? Don't worry, I'm taking care of the expenses, you just worry about getting the vessel."

Tamsin walked back over to the desk and snatched up the paper. Vex gave her a big grin and it took everything in her not slap the smile off his face.

"When do we leave?"

"I was thinking sooner rather than later, how's tomorrow night for ya?"

"Just grand," Tamsin said as she walked out. "See you tomorrow Stan."

"I look forward to our trip mistress," Stan said with a gleam in his eye.

"Oh it's going to be awesome," Tamsin mumbled as she waved goodbye.

*Ragnarok: An epic battle in Nordic mythology which would bring about the ultimate destruction of the gods in a battle with evil.*

Hey everyone, so I'm sorry that it has been some time since the last update. Most of this story has poured out of me but these last couple of chapters have been brutal. Don't worry though, I know how this is going to end and where I'm going, it just might take a little longer to get there. Hope you enjoyed this installment. As always, let me know what you think.