Beyond Death's Door

By: Sokai

Disclaimer: I, Sokai, do not claim ownership to the role-playing game, Valkyrie Profile: Lenneth -- I leave that honor up to tri-Ace and Square Enix. However, I can and DO claim to own this story, its inspired ideas FROM said series, as well as my original character, Sitara Vandom.

Note: Sniffie. Only 6 reviews. Ah well. Kind of figured that, truthfully. For some reason, if the story isn't truly W.I.T.C.H. or doesn't feature every/all the Guardians, it instantly gets shunned. Whatev. Anyway, read on, if you will.

P.S. If you're still confused about the game, visit my profile again, as I have provided another new link in relation to it. (It might also do you some good to do before or after reading this chapter – at least the beginning or so. Because there are references to the game that I didn't REALLY really get into open detail about. So . . . yeah.)

This chapter was created/written in January 2007.

Chapter Two

"Welcome back, Lenneth -- it has been a long time."

Lenneth inclined her silvery-blue head in acknowledgment to the breathtaking, dark blonde haired woman adorned in all green (who was effortlessly levitating before her within the vibrant green meadow that Lenneth had just landed within).

Freya, the Goddess of Fertility.

It had been a while since Lenneth had laid upon the powerful deity, as Lenneth had rarely bothered to return to the peaceful and privileged world of Asgard (the holy land of the Gods separate to that of Midgard, and where also Valhalla was situated). Truth be told, she preferred to continue roaming around while performing her duty to collect new Einherjar for her All-Father, Lord Odin.

However, it was not to say that Lenneth was, in any way disloyal or dissatisfied with her status and role as Chooser of the Slain. She would eternally remain faithful to Lord Odin and all that he surveyed, until the at last the wheels of time ceased to turn.

And yet, at the same time, for whatever reason, the young Battle-Maiden felt herself more comfortable hovering or flying within the skies of Midgard, than she did walking throughout the vast and numerous halls of Valhalla, or partaking within the entitled glories of her Godhood.

It was a sensation that was slowly but surely beginning to secretly bother the strong and independent Valkyrie . . .

"Is something troubling you, Lenneth?"

Lenneth's silver-blue eyes began to widen in surprise, before immediately regaining its relaxed nature from just moments before. She had, if only for a bit, forgotten that she was not alone with just her thoughts as she was while in Midgard, and swiftly realized how imperative it was to conceal them.

The last thing that was needed was for the greater Goddess to suddenly have suspicions that Lenneth was not as impenetrable as the two understood that she was . . . wasn't she?

"I am fine, Freya -- thank you for sparing such concern for one as myself," said Lenneth humbly, draping her right hand diagonally across her left breast, at the same time that she bowed her head once more.

Freya merely smiled a bit fondly at her compatriot as she did so, watching a few strands of her steely-blue tresses gently brush against and obscure her unmoving eyes.

Of all of the Gods and Goddesses who resided within the ethereal realm, Lenneth Valkyrie was the one Freya was admittedly most taken with (with the exception of Lord Odin, of course), despite Freya's general cold and distant disposition.

Lenneth was, in a lot of ways, identical to Freya, herself, in that the two were both immensely strong, resourceful, headstrong and defiant (against defilers such as the Undead, at least). And Freya, having great respect for such attributes (especially that of strength), therefore naturally favored Lenneth.

The only true, significant differences between the pair, however, was that Freya was eternally her superior in every aspect (with the inclusion of said similarities), being that Freya was, after all, second-in-command only to Odin.

And also, of course, I have never had my soul be put to sleep to live out a lowly mortal life, mused Freya, in both reflection and disgust. It was not because the act had happened to Lenneth, that her disdain was emerging, however; it was solely due to the fact that Lenneth had become a human (and a poor one at that).

Humans.

If they were not useful to her Lord to act as his Einherjar (to fight during Ragnarök, as they had several hundred years before, and had succeeded in winning), Freya would most assuredly as well as adamantly suggest that they all be eradicated and sent to Nifelheim for Queen Hel to deal with.

Freya would be certain that Lenneth would probably agree with the sentiment, if Freya did not sense a minuscule trace of sympathy, as well as familiarity resonating within the fair Battle-Maiden . . .

While it is a tad unsettling to realize, at least she had had little to no reaction after learning that one of our former Einherjar, Lucian, had fallen by that treacherous God Loki's hand -- and it's been centuries since that event, pondered the Fertility Goddess silently, as she continued to hover idly before the "Death Goddess."

It was true.

Freya, despite having been the one to personally seal away her human memories, had still admittedly expected some sort of sympathetic reaction from Lenneth the moment she had heard of Lucian's demise, and then naturally wish to seek revenge against Loki.

However, true to her duty-bound and Goddess self, Lenneth had only wished to seek vengeance for Loki's betrayal against his fellow Gods for having seized the great Dragon Orb for his own.

Never before had Freya felt more proud of her Valkyrie than she had during that moment, watching her bravely and without hesitation journey to the frigid world of Jötunheim to do battle with its ruler, the Vanir Surt (who had joined forces with Loki, in hopes of gaining more power as well as regime), before then defeating Loki and retrieving the Dragon Orb.

In one fell swoop had Lenneth managed to dispose of two troublesome nuisances, as she had also ceased Ragnarök to coming to true fruition.

And ever since then, she has steadily continued her duties to recruit more fallen heroes to train in Valhalla to be properly prepared in the event of another Ragnarök, without much rest, thought Freya, a small frown beginning to form upon her flawless and milky visage. This would be, now that I am thinking upon it, the first in what would be the equivalent of a mortal's seven month's time since Lenneth has returned to Asgard. I wonder if I should be more concerned about her curious behavior . . .

"Freya? I hope you are not displeased with me for not returning to Asgard sooner," Freya heard Lenneth's strong voice break through her thoughts with perfect and coincidental timing.

Freya's former scowl instantly dissipated and was replaced with a far kinder, gentler expression before she suddenly vanished from view and then reappeared hovering directly at Lenneth's side.

"Not at all, Lenneth. I am most pleased to see you, of course. And with your continued, magnificent progress in delivering onto us worthy Einherjar, I dare say you steadily remain within Lord Odin's good graces -- despite your inexplicable 'desire,' as it were, to stay within Midgard for as long as you do," she delivered with a rare smile upon her face, as well as extremely faint although still detectable concern sounding within her voice.

At this, Lenneth raised a perfectly shaped, slate blue eyebrow at her companion.

Have I been gone so long that Freya has completely transfigured into a being less recluse and indifferent? she wondered with great curiosity, as the two Goddesses began to walk on through the vast meadow.

Although she seemed to have a bit of a special distinction for Lenneth that Lenneth was indeed aware of, it was no secret that Freya only reserved the utmost respect and kindness for Lord Odin.

So why did she suddenly seem so bothered by Lenneth's extended absence?

So long as I do my duty, what does it matter in which realm I choose to reside more than any other? thought Lenneth before verbally stating,

"I understand, Freya, and my deepest apologies, of course. I mean no disrespect nor dishonor by my actions -- or lack there of, in returning to our motherland more frequently. Do I not do as such as swiftly as possible whenever I am called upon by Lord Odin or you, yourself?"

Freya nodded her dark golden head in acknowledgment and, to Lenneth's surprise, let out a brief chuckle.

"This is quite true, Lenneth, indeed. You have been most loyal and faithful throughout the course of the last several centuries," she complimented, a cool breeze caressing hers and Lenneth's cheeks as the two continued on in their leisure walk (or levitation, in Freya's case). "And . . . that is why I consider you an ally."

Lenneth stopped within her tracks upon hearing this admission and gave a scarcely seen, minuscule-like smirk of sorts to the now puzzled Fertility Goddess who hovered a few paces ahead of her.

"Is something the matter, Lenneth? Have I said something prematurely?" queried Freya with a look of perplexity riddled upon her face, as she moved closer to Lenneth.

Lenneth shook her silvery head, her long braided mane swinging idly behind her well toned and armored back.

"Not at all, Freya. I am merely taken aback to hear you refer to me as your 'ally' for the first time. I am humbled."

Freya extended an emerald green clothed hand and rested it upon the taller woman's shoulder.

"There is no need, Lenneth. As I have said, your overall performance continues to be sensational. I am honored to consider you a reliable companion," she stated, smiling softly at her Battle-Maiden. "Now, tell me: Why have you been staying within lowly Midgard longer than you need to, or even I certainly could not stand?"

Lenneth lightly frowned at this and let out a soft exhale. It was not as though she was particular fond of humans anymore than Freya was; however, she was growing a bit tired of Freya's incessant need, it seemed, to belittle them.

If they are as worthless and beneath we Gods as she obviously believes, then why do we constantly enlist them to enter the great halls of Valhalla?

"I . . . Well, as I am quite sure you have noticed, the world of Midgard has significantly changed over the years, with a vast technological advance, as it were," Lenneth began to explain, resuming her walk through the luscious green meadow with Freya in tow. "And as such, it is quite logical that I remain there as much as possible to observe and learn more of their 'new' world, so that we Gods can be prepared in the event that mortals ever plan a revolt of some sort. After all, their world has continued within its chaos ever since the Dragon Orb had been taken away . . ."

It was Freya's turn to frown, as she vanished from sight once more and reappeared within Lenneth's direct path.

"Our Lord Odin had obtained the Dragon Orb from its shrine on Midgard and brought it to Asgard for a very just reason, Lenneth, and you are aware of this," she stated in a tad reprimanding as well as defensive manner. "Lord Odin needed the Dragon Orb to prepare for Ragnarök -- and he may need it yet, to continue the protection of our world."

"I understand this, Freya -- you needn't remind me," replied the Battle-Maiden just as strongly, her silver-blue eyes locked with Freya's pale green. "I was merely making reference to the fact that Midgard continues to be in steady disarray due to the Dragon Orb's consistent absence."

The Goddess Freya said nothing, but merely continued to maintain the other Goddess's stare. She would not act upon anything grand just yet, but Freya made a mental note to keep a more diligent eye upon the Death Goddess.

Sensing a bit of growing tension within the otherwise pleasant atmosphere, Lenneth cleared her throat and spoke once again.

"But perhaps, then, it would make my duties a bit lax, if not tedious, if the world of Midgard did not remain as troublesome as it is -- would you not agree, Freya?"

Freya nodded slowly in agreement, before smiling lightly just as slowly.

"Indeed. I suppose it all works out in that nature, then. Now: What brings you back to Asgard at last?"

"I have merely come to learn the status of our Einherjar, before I leave once again to find more," responded Lenneth with a nod of her own.

The pair, with perfect timing, had at that moment approached the field in which every Einherjar gathered to train and practice their battling skills throughout the course of each new day.

"Ah, yes, of course. Overall, they are fairing quite nicely, I will admit -- for mortals, of course," began Freya, peering down from where the two women stood (Lenneth, at least) atop the field's hill to watch the sea of warriors fighting within leisure or mortal combat. "Some, however, are weaker than the rest, while others stand out in terms of strength as well as supreme worthiness to fight for our Lord . . . And then, there are the four that you had recently brought in . . ."

Folding both of her arms across her armored chest as she continued to watch the various Einherjar train, Lenneth curiously asked,

"Are you referring to the ones who had been slain by the other I had justifiably sent to Hel?"

"Yes. To be quite honest, despite their continued confusion of what is expected of them here -- which seems to be a common trait, regrettably, within every Einherjar who arrives, courtesy of the changing world -- they seem to possess great sorcery within them," revealed Freya, her olive tinted eyes focusing upon the individuals in question, who were currently gathered, huddled together at an empty and far corner of the field.

Lenneth's own orbs then shifted to the same spot that Freya was still gazing upon and nodded lightly.

"I had sensed that, myself. Lord Odin should be most pleased with their recruitment."

Freya turned her golden head and peered at the blue-armored Valkyrie next to her.

"That he is, Lenneth. However, he bids me bestow upon you the added task to personally train them. It will be in this way, also, that their adjustment to the afterlife will occur far swiftly than the obvious reduced nature that it is at the moment."

Lenneth gasped in affect, both eyebrows raised as she turned her own head to look back at the higher Goddess.

"Me? But, Freya, far be it for me to question my Lord's desires; however, I have not personally trained any Einherjar since the time of Ragnarök," she began, unfolding her arms. "I am afraid that I have lost my touch, so to speak. Also, am I not more valuable to you and Lord Odin back out there within Midgard, continuing my task as Chooser of the Slain? Perhaps Tyr could train them."

"Tyr has his plate full as it is, training the majority of the Einherjar present. No, Lord Odin made profound specifications that you be the one to train them -- and I agree with his decision. I believe that they might benefit from your battling guidance -- as you might benefit from remaining within your motherland for a while . . ." stated Freya with esteemed confidence within her voice, smiling lightly once more at her compatriot, before suddenly vanishing from sight for good.

Closing her silver-blue eyes a moment, allowing another cool breeze to wash over her muscular, armor clad body and lightly rustle the feathers upon her helmet, Lenneth reopened and rested them upon her new charges apparent.

"If my Lord bids me train these humans, then train them I shall . . ."

-- End of Chapter Two

(A.N. Can we guess who the four new Einherjar are, those who've read my "Requiem for a Dream" story? Mmhmm. LoL And now you all can be happy, those who left reviews saying that you wish you could have read the P.O.V.s of each of them before they died. We get to watch them in the afterlife. Woo. LoL And look at freaking Lenneth, being the good little dog that Freya and Odin want her to continue to be. I hate Freya, sorry. LoL Ok. I don't hate her, but I don't like her attitude about humans. Whatever. LoL Review, please, if you will.)