And we are back folks! The second part of the battle shall continue and the aftermath of it. What will happen to our heroes and villains? Let's find out!
Damien Evermere: Ah well...about that...I still have use for him.
merendinoemiliano: Thank you.
Lorenzo Macchiavelli: Eris as a hybrid was an idea I had planned from the very beginning. The pictures of her with black feathery wings were part of the inspiration to do so. As for how Thor will beat her, how can he? He's being bombarded by spells and has a spear stuck in his side? Hopefully, he will find a way out of it.
Optimus470: Hmmmm good question. But what IF Thor does not wish to be king? His goal is to see the factions united in peace. Will he be king or will he let Vidar rule? Only time will tell.
Herja gripped her sword tightly as she looked out at the portal. It was sitting there in the center of the plaza sending more monsters through it guarded by three Cerberus' each keeping an eye out for any signs of approaching trouble. The blonde Valkyrie did not like the idea of herself, Schwertleite, and Brynhildr going in to try and destroy that portal. Did any of them have the magical prowess to destroy it or skills to take on three Cerberus?
"Lady Brynhildir, are you absolutely sure the three of us can do it? Can we not call for back-up?"
"I already told you Herja, communication is being jammed by unknown means. We cannot contact the others inside the kingdom or for Asgard's aid. If I were to gather all the Valkyries it would take too long to find them and help them out of whatever fights they are preoccupied with. We are the only three who can do this."
"Don't you mean the forty of us?"
The trio looked back, standing behind them was a column of servants all dressed in armor from Hephaestus forge.
"The God of Smithing said any servant who could fight were to be given weapons and armor from him to defend the kingdom. We've launched a counterattack and cleared two levels of monsters. If we destroy this portal we can win the battle." Explained the leading servant, a burly bushy beard man.
Brynhildr looked over the gathered men and women, they only knew basic combat skills but the more help they had the better chance they'll get at destroying the portal. Quickly she explained her plan to the servant-turned warriors then turned her attention back to the giant hellhounds. Channeling magic into her sword she gave a shout and led the charge.
Conference hall
The Alchemist made the first move, unleashing a barrier of seals of different types of magic at the Valkyrie, some were Demonic, others Olympian. Rossweisse answered his challenge with her own offense spell, elements of all the different natures, and some pure magical energy met The Alchemist attacks. The Hero was surprised her spells were managing to match some of his spells. Despite his boosted power to near Super-Devil Class, she is a demi-god and Norse magic was rumored to be among the strongest types of magic in all the Supernatural world. Perhaps if he captured her she could force him to learn her magic and use it to defeat his foes and prove his worth to his master.
More spells flew towards Rossweisse but each one missed its mark, the silver-haired beauty weaving between attacks, some coming very close to hitting her. One would have hit her square in the chest if her own spell hadn't countered it at the last minute. The blast however sent the Valkyrie flying back which she quickly recovered from.
"Having trouble little Valkyrie?" The Alchemist taunted as he fired another spell, "I'm sure you are considering you are facing a being with near super-devil powers! That vial of satan blood combined with Ophis snakes has given me that power and with it, I will destroy you, the Gods, and even those pacifist Satan's ruling the underworld!"
Rossweisse grimaced, that at least explains why he's so powerful but would he keep that power or did it have a limit? If it was the latter, and she hoped it was, a stalling tactic was required. If not… then only the Gods could stop him. Odin's bodyguard couldn't keep dodging his spells forever, that wasn't her way. She specialized in offense spells, she had to keep on the attack but stall for time.
Narrowly avoiding a fire blast, Rossweisse fought back with a combination of water and lightning and would have hit him if his eagle wings hadn't shielded him. Grinning maniacally behind the feathers he conjured more spells to try bringing down the Valkyrie. Ignoring the hero's taunting, she formed two pairs of triple-layered seals that, to the surprise of the Greek Gods, managed to withstand the attack. Spreading his wings, the Alchemist took to the air and flapped his wings, sending powerful gusts of wind Rossweisse was unavailable to avoid. The warrior maiden hissed in pain at the slashes cutting across her exposed skin and leotard, the armor's magical defense breaking easily against it.
Fighting the pain that was coursing through her she started formulating a seal but was forced to stop and dive beneath another gust of wind and as she did an idea formed in her head. Twisting her body she fired a barrage of magic bullets at The Alchemist, none doing any damage against his defense spells. However, it did get his attention.
"Your attempts are futile, Valkyrie! Submit and I won't harm you anymore."
"I am a Valkyrie of Asgard! We do not surrender!"
"You're a fool to say such a thing! I was going to make the pain gentle but if you wanna play hardball so be it!"
Rossweisse tensed her muscles, waiting for the right moment. When the pure beam of magic was fired she zoomed into the beam missing her completely but not the magic portal. The Alchemist realized too late about the plan and could only watch in vain as the portal was destroyed by his own spell. Meanwhile, Rossweisse turned her attention to the monsters and unleashed a bombardment of all her elemental magic, beams of raw magic rained down upon the black one-eyed monsters, obliterating them into dust. The heroes gave a triumphant cheer, the Alchemist howled in rage.
"You clever bitch! Using my powers on the portal was quite the trick. I should have commanded the anti-monsters to attack you as well!"
Rossweisse raised a silver brow. So they do have a name. I'll have to report this to the Allfather.
The Alchemist threw his arms wide and a wall of magical seals appeared behind him, aiming at the Valkyrie, Heroes, and Gods. So great was the magic unleashed he was emanating a violet glow around himself. His intention was clear; kill them all since Heracles failed to destroy Olympus Flame. There was no way she could hold that attack back, she had little to no training in defense magic and what spells she could cast wouldn't be able to hold back all of them.
As she tried to figure out a plan to stop the Alchemist, the heroes rushed to her aid determined to not see Olympus fall. Hector threw his spear but all it did was break on impact against the master magician. There had to be a way to stop him or the whole kingdom may be destroyed.
My magic alone can't hold him back. One of the Gods maybe but they are trapped in the barrier and- her thoughts halted as her eyes fell on an item lying nearby, forgotten about since the fight started but would it still work?
"Give me the staff!"
Hector kicked the staff to Rossweisse and when she caught it inspected the weapon, it was damaged but still usable, hopefully. Concentrating her magic into the staff she thrust it forward and from it, formed an enormous magic circle before the Valkyrie. The Alchemist and Rossweisse locked eyes as she tightened her grip on the staff, time to see which one was the master of magic.
"If you think using Eris' staff against me will work you are mistaken! Even her powers are insignificant next to the power of a superhero!"
"He's mad with power." Said Jason, even with his Sacred Gear he could not think of a plan to defeat this human-turned monster, it was all up to the Valkyrie's skill in magic to hopefully defeat him.
"Can you really stop him using Eris' weapon?" Achilles asked, readying himself to attack if an opening showed itself.
"If the staff still work my barrier should hold."
Suddenly, the magical circle flickered and disappeared leaving them wide open to the Alchemist who was laughing hysterically. Dread filled Rossweisse at seeing the staff malfunction, her spell used to knock it out of The Alchemist's hand caused too much damage to it and she had no knowledge of how to repair it. Without it, she had no chance of stopping the attack. Her eyes flickered to the hallway, all she saw was the ruble laying around from her battle against the traps set in it. No Valkyrie or God was rushing in to aid them; they were on their own.
Thor, why are you being so stubborn? Breaking your promise to keep silent about yourself and facing Eris alone….if you should have let me help you stop Eris! I would have helped you defeat her and together we'd have a better chance of stopping The Alchemist. Is this where the Norms led me? Is my fate woven into the destruction of Olympus? To die here in a futile attempt to save a kingdom far from the north? I never even got to have a boyfriend.
"I knew it was futile to stop me! Now die in vain as all my powerful de-"
Suddenly he stopped talking, the glow around his body faded, his wings stiffened. Everyone looked in confusion at him wondering what caused him to cease his final attack? The answer came shortly when he started to scream as magic began pouring out his body like a leaking sink.
"No! What is happening!? Why am I- aaaggghhh!"
The Alchemist screamed in agonizing pain as a burning sensation filled his body. He felt as if someone had poured lava down his throat and was melting him inside out. He wanted to jump into the ocean to quench the burning, to make his suffering end but it instead grew hotter and hotter.
"Master! My lord help me! Save me! Don't let me die please! PLEASE!"
Everyone watch the human-turned monster scream and writhe in pain as more and more magic flowed out. After a final agonizing scream, the magic burst from The Alchemist obliterating his body in the process. Feathers of his wings floated gently to the floor as silence fell upon the room.
"I was right." Said Rossweisse, making everyone turn to her, "The blood and snakes used to boost his power had a limit on them and thus lost them. What I didn't expect was that they would backfire and destroy him. He was so consumed by the power he let it get to his and did not realize what flaws may happen when combining them. Now that he is gone, that means…"
Meanwhile
Sweat formed upon the God of Thunder's brow at the strain to ensure the barrier held strong, blood continued to seep out of his wound but he held firm. He could not let this defense spell break if it did he would be a pincushion of spears and feathers. Thor's decision to fight Eris alone was a foolish mistake on his part and led him to his current situation. He knew he couldn't keep this up forever but what could he do to get out of this, he was heavily wounded and losing energy fast. Suddenly an idea came to him, he saw it in one of the books he read and if he performed it right he may survive.
Eris continued her bombardment on the God of Thunder, it was taking much longer to break that defense but soon it would and he would be defeated…possibly even killed. At that mere thought a moment of hesitation passed over her, could she bring herself to kill Thor? Since learning how to use magic it had been for pranks, pranks that would never go to the length of hurting someone. Any trouble Olympus had with monsters would be settled by the heroes, no Greek God had ever fought and killed since the time the Titans roamed the earth. She was born in an era of peace, not war.
Even as the monsters slaughtered the servants she couldn't bring herself to join them as Enyo did. Yet despite the hesitation to kill something stirred within her as she watched the fires spread, the blood flow, and buildings crumble. Watching her Olympus burn was so chaotic and she loved it. She loved chaos, she is the Goddess of Chaos, and this organization Heracles introduced her to a month ago, this Khaos Brigade, had the same intentions as her. To cause chaos. And what about the times spent together? The stories they shared, the laughs they had, the promises of visiting Asgard. Could she throw away all that to see chaos unfurl?
Suddenly she felt a fluctuation in power, returning her attention to the battle Eris noticed a second seal appear beneath his first one. Was he really trying to use the last of his strength to hold back her attacks? It was futile to do he knew that he could-
"What?"
Her sudden exclamation was from an enormous bolt of lightning shooting out of the defense spell destroying the feathers and spears with ease. Unable to hold back the attack she ceased her attack and retreated to avoid the spell. When it finished she saw Thor back on his feet, wrenching the spear from his stomach making more blood flow out and a large hole to be visible. Had he tricked her into thinking he was using a defense spell instead of an offense? Slowly she lowered herself to the ground and locked eyes with him.
"What did you do?"
"I used a layering defense spell and between them added an offensive spell that, as soon as the first barrier broke, the lightning spell would go off."
"Hiding an offense spell between a layered defense spell? Impressive And here I thought you were just a big strong man." The Goddess said, "Thor…I think it's time to end this little game. You can barely stand you used the last of your strength in that plan and if you don't go see a healer you may die."
"If you are suggesting I see a healer does that mean you are sparing my life?"
"Only if you walk away. This is my last chance, Thor. Turn your back on me and I will spare your life."
"Eris… you have a right to be angry but please don't feed that emotion. Don't let one lie from your father make you throw away all the good memories you had here. You had with me? What about all the times we shared together? What about the bathhouse trick you pulled on me? Do those not mean anything to you!?"
Eris' face softened slightly, "Our time together was fun, Thor. I will cherish those memories but you chose your side and I have chosen mine. I am the Goddess of Chaos, Thor, my title will be more suitable among the Khaos Brigade. I will help them bring about true chaos!" She raised her hand readying a spell to finish the wounded Aesir, "I gave you a chance Thor! I offered to let you walk away but you chose to stay and fight! You chose to die!"
Thor grit his teeth as he tried to stay standing, his wounds stung, his vision blurred, his knees buckled. He couldn't die here, he still had to see more alliances build between the mythologies, he had to see the other realms, his family, his friends. Rossweisse… he should have listened to her, she would have been of great help against the Fallen Angel hybrid. He had hoped to see her one last time. Thor wait… and waited but the spell did not come, what was Eris waiting for? He tried to clear his vision but couldn't make out her face but it looked as if her hand was shaking, could she be hesitating to kill him?
"Eris!"
A bolt of thunder came hurtling between the two combatants ceasing their fight. Thor felt his knees give way just as he was caught by someone. Even as darkness came around him he saw the familiar silver hair of his favorite Valkyrie. He tried to speak but someone was telling him not to speak and saying they would tend to him. More yelling could be heard and then he started to feel something warm fill his mouth.
"Swallow." A voice commanded.
He obeyed and then the warmth started to flow throughout his body. The pain was fading, his energy returning, and his vision. Blinking a few times he looked around and saw he was in the arms of Rossweisse surrounded by the Argonauts, one was kneeling beside Rossweisse looking relieved. Before he could ask any question the shouting caught his attention.
"It's true! She IS a Fallen Angel hybrid!"
"Do you hate me because of that, Desponia!? Do you hate me for being a half-breed? A freak!?" Eris spat back.
"Never!" The Goddess of Mysteries answered, "I could never-"
"Liar!"
"Eris…" Zeus said, stepping forward, "Eris, listen to me, please. I'm sorry for keeping your heritage a secret. I did it to protect you."
"Protect me from being laughed at!? Well, you did such a great job with that Father! You abandoned mother! You let her die! You should have had Olympus help the Fallen Angels!"
"She didn't come to Olympus asking us to join their war, Celine asked for our help finding an unstable Sacred Gear wielder who fled to Greece. During our search, we grew close and I couldn't hold back my passion for her. She did not reject it, she accepted it, she loved me as much as I loved her. I truly did love her, Eris. It took some time before we found and stopped the Sacred Gear wielder. He was elusive and at last, found him before Celine discovered she was pregnant. Soon she gave birth to you and wanted to return to Grigori. I didn't want her to go. I pleaded with her to stay in Olympus to help raise you. She refused, saying she had to return to the war. I didn't want to lose her but I did… she cared more about her fellow angels than a daughter she had with me. I kept your Fallen Angel side hidden for fear that you would be looked down upon by the others."
Eris looked as if she had taken a knife to the heart, then her brow furrowed. "You had me living a life of lies and secrets. What do the others say? Do they see me as a freak?"
"What I see you as is a traitor for allying with Heracles and this Khaos Brigade that has tried to destroy our home! Your home!" Persephone snapped, "You and Heracles should be executed for your crimes against Olympus!"
"Traitor huh? Being a traitor is no worse than being looked down upon by you all." Eris said stepping back to gain distance from her father, "None of you liked the antics I performed. My love of chaos was never liked within this kingdom. It will be among the Khaos Brigade. Know that you did this, Zeus. You drove me away for keeping me in the dark about my heritage."
"...Eris…"
"I don't wanna hear any more from you, old man!"
"Eris! Who told you about your heritage? Celine was a Fallen Angel, maybe Azazel and his captains knew as well. If they did, why didn't he send someone to explain your heritage to you? Did they not know or chose not to tell you until now?" His question caught the God's attention.
Eris shifted her gaze to Thor who was helped up by the Valkyrie, his eyes looking at her, not in hatred, but pity. She knew he didn't want her to go, to become an enemy he would have to fight someday but it was too late.
"That stupid Fallen Angel was wasting his time looking for humans with Sacred Gears. They were more important than a Goddess with Fallen Angel blood. No Fallen Angel ever came to me until the day before you arrived at Olympus. But he came not on Azazel's orders, but of his own accord. He told me everything about myself, my mother, and helped break the seals on my powers."
"Who told you!?" Thor demanded, an unsettling feeling rising in his stomach.
"Kokabiel."
The God of Thunder's fists clenched, Kokabiel was one of the strongest Cadre in Grigori and a madman in love with war. If he told Eris without Azazel's orders he clearly was up to something bad. Before he could ask any more questions the Goddess of Chaos disappeared in a flutter of feathers.
The silence was broken by Hera's commanding voice, "Go! Protect our kingdom! Drive off these invaders and help our people! Asclepius, go to the summit and heal whoever saved Olympus Flame."
Like a folk of birds, the Gods and Heroes rushed off in separate directions to stop the invaders leaving Thor, Rossweisse, Zeus, and Hera alone. The Queen of Olympus placed a comforting hand on Zeus' shoulder, the old god's face wrapped in sorrow. At last, he spoke in a quivering tone.
"This is all my fault, Hera. All of it. I should have never kept it a secret. So many lives were lost because I disbanded the army. My own children hate me. I should have been a better king. A better father."
Thor was staring at the spot Eris had been before departing. Eris betrayed them and worse it was Kokabiel who said she was part Fallen Angel, without Azazel's orders. Azazel and Odin had to be notified by this.
"Are you-"
"I'm sorry for breaking my word. I thought they could be trusted."
"We can talk about it later. Right now you need to rest. We need to rest. Let the Olympians take care of the rest."
Olympus plaza
Enyo hacked and slashed away at the servants who tried to fight back, she was covered in bruises, and blood leaked from her forehead. The fight against Thor had put her through the wringer but she was still eager to kill. Everything was going well until the Olympians started resisting and now the Valkyries were attempting to destroy the portal, she could not allow that to happen. There was a crash and one of the Cerberus was killed by the blue-haired Valkyrie, she has to be the commander of the Valkyrie's, Brynhildr, if she kills her that will be a great loss to Asgard.
After decapitating two more servants she rushed the Valkyrie, her bloodlust rising in eagerness to kill the Valkyrie commander. Her attack was thwarted by a defense spell blocking her sword with ease while the Valkyrie leader effortlessly brought down the second Cerberus with a combination of spells and her sword. Undaunted in her desire to see Brynhildr's blood flow, Enyo tried attacking from another side this time slipping past her defense spells and closing the gap. Now within striking range, she swung her sword, Enyo's excitement to see Brynhildr bleed faded when the Valkyrie not only managed to block her strike with her own sword but didn't move an inch at the impact made by the attack. Before she could attack again the blue-haired woman sent forth a powerful blast of wind magic sending the war goddess flying across the plaza into a building's roof.
Enyo watched helplessly as the second Cerberus was taken down with ease and as she looked around at the anti-monsters slowly being beaten back anger began to build within the Goddess. This wasn't supposed to happen, Olympus was supposed to burn and the Gods were supposed to die, everything was falling apart. The plan would carry on, even if she would have to do it alone. Launching herself off the roof with a powerful push she threw herself at Brynhildr who had begun her attack on the last Cerberus that was being hassled by a group of spear-wielding servants. She slammed into the Valkyrie bringing her sword down upon her right arm to hack it off, yet to her surprise, the limp did not fall nor did blood leak from it.
"Strength and Defense magic combined do well in preventing you from losing limbs, Enyo." Said Brynhildr as if she was giving a lecture to one of her subordinates before sending her spiraling down to the floor with a thunder spell.
Enyo struggled to get to her feet, the pain was so great yet still, she would not give up. She would prove to these demi-goddess what a true goddess could do, especially one who was born for war and blood lust. Her newest attempt to take on Brynhildr was halted as an enormous blast of pure magic collided with the portal obliterating it into nothing and putting a pause to the battle. Enyo froze, all hope of victory fading away as she stared at who had destroyed the portal. Standing at the opposite side of the plaza was Posideon, his mighty trident in hand and ready to unleash another blast of magic at any who dared try restarting the fight.
"Stand down!" Poseidon shouted, his voice rough and harsh like the sea he commands.
His words alone were enough to have the last Cerberus hunched over whimpering and any non-anti-monster throw their weapon down and beg for mercy. The anti-monsters however, simply stared at Zeus' brother as if he was another object to destroy before firing their eye beams. Yet such simple monsters were nothing to the God of the Sea, Poseidon gently tapped the floor once with his trident and a great wall of water appeared before him blocking all the beams with ease. Tapping the three-pronged spear again, water bullets the size of his fist shot out of the water wall at each monster piercing through them as if they were nothing but clay. Soon one by one the anti-monsters crashed to the floor unmoving.
"Now for you."
Enyo felt as if her legs were made of jello as Posideon stared her down with a look of controlled fury. She realized all was lost, her plan to see her family and the kingdom destroyed was ruined, it was all over. Yet if she was to die it could not, it would, not be like this, cowering in fear at her grandfather. Unleashing a defiant roar she summoned all the courage, all the strength, she had left and rushed the God of the Sea.
The last thing Enyo, Goddess of War, ever saw was Poseidon's trident come flying at her.
Fifth level
Andrew walked on through the halls, every now and again he would pass a body, the Attack on Olympus was a bloody one. The battle was over but a handful of enemies remained to fight to the end, foolish of them to do so considering they were now facing Gods but the Einherjar didn't care he was just glad he had survived his fight against the Heracles. The power Sigrun put into that spell should have killed the Son of Zeus, if not, then either he needs to get stronger to face him again or someone else will put the arrogant traitor down.
The last thing he recalled was saving the Flame of Olympus from Heracles. He wasn't sure how long he was out but when he awoke he saw Asclepius, tending to his and Sigrun's wounds. Apollo's son was a master healer and through those skills was able to heal every wound they sustained in the fight, unfortunately, he couldn't grow back hair but Sigrun didn't mind the shorter length. After their wounds were fully healed, Asclepius told them to return to the conference hall where everyone was gathering.
As he rounded a corner to search for the others his ears caught sounds of battle on the west side of a bridge leading up a flight of stairs towards a building. He stiffened. There were cries, and among them, to his horror, he could distinguish the panicked voices of children. Then suddenly with a loud-throated battle cry, a female's voice bellowed, and the sound of it echoed in the halls, rising in a mighty shout above the clang of steel.
"Rota! She needs help!" He cried, rushing over the bridge as fast as the healed wounds would allow him. He had to get Rota. He had to save her.
As he ran the clashing of weapons came louder, but higher now and desperately the children were screaming. Andrew raced up the last stairs, but before he could reach the building, the sounds died away until at last, he could hear them no more. Grabbing a discarded spear he shouted the Valkyries name and crashed through the doors.
Eight feet from the entryway he found Rota. She was sitting with her back to a pillar as if she was resting. But Andrew saw that she was covered in wounds and pierced with many arrows; her sword was still in her hand, but it was broken near the hilt; her armor was rent and pieces were scattered about. Many monsters lay slain, piled all about her and at her feet.
Andrew threw aside the spear and knelt beside her. Rota opened her eyes and struggled to speak. At last slow words came. "They tried to kill the children. They attacked the orphanage and chased some into here and I gave pursuit." Her glance strayed to her fallen enemies; forty-five at least lay there. "The children. Where are the children!?"
"They are safe. You saved them." Andrew reassured, spotting the children peeking out behind an overturned table that was filled with arrows.
"Then it was not in vain." She paused and her eyes closed. After a moment she spoke again. "Farewell, Andrew! Though our time together was short, I am glad to have known you."
"'No!' said Andrew, taking her hand in his and looking her in the eye, "You will live! We are going to save you!"
"It's too late for that now. I'm dying."
"Don't say that! We can get a healer and we can go visit Greece and my family can meet you as we promised!"
Tears sparkled in Andrew's eyes. His heart swelled with the sorrow swirling through him. He reached for an arrow to pluck it from her stomach but the Valkyrie grabbed his wrist. Andrew looked up to see her lean forward and caress his cheek.
"Shhh," Rota whispered gently, a smile spreading over her palling face, "Don't worry, my brave Einherjar. Olympus is safe. The children are safe. You are safe."
The children gathered around the dying Valkyrie, sobbing, pleading for her to not go. One stepped forward and hugged her tightly.
"Please! You can't go!"
But Rota did not speak again.
Andrew sat there motionless as more cries of sorrow came from the children. Some stood while others fell to the floor unable to witness the loss of the brave woman who saved them. The pain of dying, or possibly never seeing his family again, was incomparable to what he was feeling right now. Rota, the only Valkyrie to open up to him, to see him as a friend, was dead. The promise she made atop Olympus felt as if it had been washed away like a sandcastle by the tide. As he stared at the corpse his vision became blurry and soon he too wept for Rota.
It wasn't long before Artemis and Aphrodite came into the building to see what the noise was and upon seeing Rota they bowed their heads in sorrow and respect for her gallant sacrifice.
Main plaza
Thor limped into the Great Plaza with Rossweisse beside him. What had been the place where the monsters invaded was now a makeshift hospital for the wounded due to the hospital itself being attacked and partially destroyed. He could see many having their wounds healed while others were resting or helping others. Far off in a corner was a row of blankets. Blankets covering bodies.
"Form in!"
He looked to see the Valkyries gathering, none had come out of the battle unscathed. Ortlinde was wrapped in bandages around the chest and left arm, red staining the white cloth. Grimgerde, whose left arm was in a sling, was supporting Alruna who was halted by a leg wound and blind in one eye. Beside them, Herja winced at the second-degree burn running up the side of her stomach being tended to by Helmwige who had a very nasty cut across her face which would probably become a scar with how deep it went. Lastly, Schwertleite hobbled over with the use of crutches, she too was wounded in the left leg like Alruna but luckily didn't lose an eye.
"Brynhildr." He greeted, noticing even the commander of the Valkyries was wounded sporting a sling for her right arm from Enyo's attempt to remove it.
"Thank the Fates you survived this attack. I feared Eris had killed you."
"She did not. She may have betrayed Olympus but she could not bring herself to kill, unlike Enyo."
"She should have known the battle was lost. Yet her lust for blood outweighed it and she died doing what she loved most." The bluenette sighed with a shake of the head before looking over her subordinates with grief, "My fellow sisters. I am sorry for what you've been put through today. Alruna, are you sure you can manage?"
"If the Allfather can rule Asgard with one eye I can defend our kingdom the same way!" Alruna declared loudly unashamed at losing her right eye to the Harpy she dueled.
"Where is Rota? She should be here?" Schwertleite asked, looking around for the happy Valkyrie.
"I could say the same for Sigrun and the Einherjar." Said Grimgerde.
At that moment Andrew walked in carrying Rota's lifeless form, Artemis and Aphrodite following close behind, the young Valkyries body free of the arrows. Herja clasped her hands over her mouth and Alrua's single eye widened in horror. The hall became silent as all eyes fell upon the Einherjar, he did not speak or look at anyone, his eyes kept looking ahead. The crowd parted as he walked to the fallen and gently laid Rota among them before joining the Valkyries.
"How?" Asked Ortlinde who was on the verge of tears.
"She was slain by many arrows while protecting children…" Andrew whispered. Then he threw himself to the floor, "It should have been me!" He shouted, tears running down his face unable to keep his emotions in check, "I should have been the one to die, not her! I shouldn't have gone after Heracles!"
"But if you hadn't helped Sigrun Olympus would have surely been destroyed," Aphrodite said gently, taking the boy and hugging him against her ample chest. "Rota of Asgard will not be forgotten for protecting those children. Her bravery will be sung by all of Olympus."
The other Valkyries bowed their heads, some failing to keep the tears from falling.
"Are we bringing her back to Asgard to be buried?" Asked Thor as sorrow filled him, he remembered the smile and cheerful personality Rota showed throughout the visit, she would dearly be missed.
"No." Said Rossweisse after a moment of silence, "she would decay. We will give her a funeral, a proper Asgardian funeral."
Thor nodded slowly, he couldn't believe one of the Valkyries fell in battle, he was sure none of them could be slain, he was wrong.
Hours passed and every minute as someone left tended to, a wound or one of the fallen was brought in. Eventually, Sigrun came in and learned what happened to Rota, the Emerald Valkyrie simply nodded and went to comfort Herja who had been crying for hours. It sickened Thor to see so many servants, innocent people, laid among the dead. They didn't deserve to die, they were just following the Gods command. The fires burning around Olympus were doused in seconds by Posideon and when the last monster was taken care of communications came back and Brynhildr offered to call Odin to help rebuild the kingdom but Zeus declined.
"It is nothing we Gods can handle. Asgard has done more than enough for us." He reassured the Valkyrie commander.
When night fell the dead were gathered for the funerals. Thor watched each servant buried in the Greek customs, he had never witnessed a funeral until now and it tugged at his soul seeing so many laid to rest while many more mourned for those they lost. The hours passed until at last, it was time for Rota's funeral. Together the Valkyries and the God teleported to a beach where to their surprise saw the Argonauts, Artemis, Andrew, and Posidon preparing a Greek longship for a sail.
When the God of the Sea noticed them he approached, "Your Einherjar, Andreas, told us how you treat your dead. Please allow us to help in Rota's departure." He said solemnly.
"Of course," Said Brynhildr.
Thor stood back and watched Rossweisse and the other Valkyries lay their fallen sister and her weapons onto a violet silk blanket and wrap her into it. Next, they carefully lifted her up and carried her aboard the ship where the Argonauts scattered flower petals and lit candles around the wood pyre that was prepared. When Rota's body was laid upon the pyre the Valkyries, Gods, and Argonauts gathered around to give their farewells to her.
"Rota. While I did not know you for long, your sacrifice to protect the children of Olympus will never be forgotten." Artemis said.
"Farewell Rota, warrior-maiden of Asgard. May your soul find peace in your afterlife." Jason said, raising his sword high to honor the girl.
"G-g-g-goodbye Rota." Whimpered Herja, unable to keep the tears from streaming down her face.
The others gave their farewells until it was Andrews's turn. Grief swelled within the Einherjar as he stepped forward and looked at the corpse wrapped in his silk. Beneath it was the girl who had opened up to him and promised to visit Greece with him, a promise that will never happen now that she's dead. Dead because she gave her life to protect the children of Olympus, a sacrifice he knew was not in vain for they would live on and remember the Valkyrie-maiden who saved them. Rota said he was given a second chance by becoming an Einherjar and he would use it to be better towards Asgard and help protect it.
Kneeling down he planted a gentle kiss upon her brow and said, "Farwell Rota. I will never forget the friendship you gave me. I promise I will be better, for you."
He stepped back and departed the ship, Artemis readied a flaming arrow to burn the ship. As soon as the Einherjar joined the others, Poseidon commanded the tide to pull the ship out to sea while Artemis knocked the arrow, took aim, and fired. They watched as the fire arrow sailed through the sky and landed on the ship, Rota's corpse was set alight, flames spread around the ship, and embers flew into the dark sky. The minutes went by slowly as the ship continued to burn until at last the funeral ship sank beneath the waves, leaving all in darkness. All through the funeral, Herja was the only Valkyrie who couldn't cease her crying; she was in the same class as Rota and was a close friend to her.
As they prepared to return to Olympus, Thor spoke, "Rossweisse, may I have a word?"
"Please, Thor, we just had Rota's funeral. Will talk when we return to Asgard."
When they returned to Olympus, Desponia brought news to Asgardians.
"It seems Olympus wasn't the only place attacked." She said a sense of dread filled the guest from Asgard, "Themyscira was also attacked. The whole city was raised. The Amazonian's, Ares daughter's, were completely wiped out. Ares had no knowledge of this. He returned an hour ago in a rage, I've never seen him so angry before. He declared war on the Khaos Brigade and left in search of them."
The warriors of Asgard exchanged looks with one another, the Khaos Brigade managed to wipe out a whole race? If they could destroy the Daughters of Aresthen they truly were a threat to the Supernatural world. They knew Ares was the God of War in the Greek Pantheon but one God alone could not take on this group, they didn't know how large it was or who else was part of it. Could Kokabiel perhaps have fallen in league with them as well, was he giving them information about Grigori and Asgard right now? The knowledge and power of one of the Fallen Angel leaders was a boon this Khaos Brigade would benefit greatly from.
"I doubt Ares will achieve anything in his one-man war against them." Brynhildr said with a sigh, "Heracles and Eris may not be the only Gods within this organization and we don't even know where they are? They could have a hidden base anywhere around the world or multiple bases."
Suddenly Thor remembered something and needed to share it, "Back in Asgard, Rossweisse told me Azazel heard whispers about a plot to assassinate the leaders of each Mythology. This Khaos Brigade definitely has to be the one Azazel heard about, what they did here today was proof."
"We can talk more about this later." Poseidon said, "We have just won a victory and buried our dead. Let us sleep and focus on the future tomorrow."
The warriors complied and departed for their rooms.
Morning came and when Thor dressed himself he was met by Sigrun outside his quarters. He heard from Andrew how Heracles was defeated by cutting the Valkyrie hair to free her and deliver the killing blow on the human. It had been a tangled mess the day before but now after having it groomed she looked great.
"I heard about Eris. I can't believe Zeus bedded a Fallen Angel? Although Heimdall did say they loved to party and make love. Still, it's kinda tragedy when you think about it. All her life she thought she was Goddess but learned she had a Fallen Angel for a mother."
"And that it was Kokabeil who told her about it," Thor added with a frown.
"Kokabiel? That Fallen Angel Loki always says is ranting about war?"
"The very same. I've met him but he sounds like someone who would have loved to join the attack yesterday. I fear he may be plotting something as we speak."
"Will worry about that another time, Thor. For now, we must finish our talks with Olympus. Demeter said a feast is being planned after the talks. I'm certain after yesterday Olympus will be our allies."
"I couldn't stop her, you know? I couldn't bring myself to harm Eris. I shouldn't have held back… otherwise I may have not been wounded so much." He winced at where the spear had stabbed him. The wound was fully healed and luckily hadn't left a scar.
"Eris was someone you cared about, Thor. A friend you wanted to save but she chose to join the Khaos Brigade."
"How is Zeus?" Thor asked, recalling the look of defeat on his face.
"Hera said he is still devastated by Eris's betrayal but says he will stay strong for the talks."
They reached the conference hall where the Gods, the Heros, Rossweisse, and Brynhild sat waiting for them. Thor noticed Zeus and couldn't help but sympathize with him, the King of the Gods looked as if he hadn't slept the entire night. When he took his seat he awaited for Zeus to speak.
Zeus looked around the table, then to his wife who nodded and squeezed his hand beneath the table, took a deep breath, and spoke, "We did not finish our talks yesterday due to our unexpected party crashers. However, I think we can all agree that no more talks are required. If anyone still has doubts speak now."
Nobody said a single word.
"Then from this day forth, Olympus will be allies to Asgard." He turned to the Asgardians and bowed his head, "Thank you. All of you. We are in your debt for saving our kingdom. Please join us for the feast before returning to Asgard."
When noon came the great hall of Olympus was full to the brim with food and drink. Servants, heroes, Gods, and Valkyries, mingled with one another sharing small talks, or in Thor's case, arm-wrestling. Currently, he was in a struggle to defeat Achilles, neither backing down from the challenge nor gaining the advantage.
"Come on, Achilles, show him why you are the Hero of the Trojan War!" Hector encouraged his friend.
"The God of Thunder is not one to be underestimated!" Grimgerde countered.
On the opposite side, Brynhildr, Rossweisse, Hestia, Demeter, and Athena were talking spiritually about future ideas between their Factions."
"Will Odin allow your Einherjar to help reform Olympus' army?" Athena asked after taking a sip from her goblet, "We need the army again after what happened. Some of these servants were warriors when they were humans. Your Einherjar is said to be capable warriors on the battlefield, having them re-create the army will be a boon to ensure Olympus is given a first-line defense. Although I'm sure the Gods, myself included, will play a more active role in protecting our kingdom."
"He will if we are allowed to examine your magic system. Odin is a man of knowledge and is always seeking it." Said Rossweisse.
"I hear Thor is the strongest warrior of Asgard." Demeter said, watching the God of Thunder overcome and defeat Achilles in the match, those around him cheering for his victory, "I heard he went toe-to-toe with Heracles the day before the talks. If he is as strong as the stories say he is… I would love to witness it first hand in the Olympic games. Of course, we will make a competition to see which Mythology is better, Olympus or Asgard."
"Thor would say Asgard. That we are warriors, we fight trouble whenever it appears on Midgard or Jotunheim. Our strength and stamina will show that when we partake in the games." Rossweisse said with a tiny smile.
Demeter chuckled at Aesir's enthusiasm, if he did compete she couldn't wait to watch the games.
Elsewhere near the back of the feasting, Sigrun sat alone slowly drinking from her cup at an empty table. Despite Asgard and Olympus becoming friends, she was not happy. Sigrun couldn't stop thinking about the easy defeat she suffered at the hands of Heracles, the brutish human had destroyed her sword and nearly killed her in one punch. She had always thought she was skillful enough to take on most opponents but today had shown there were still those with the strength to beat her without trying. Neither she nor Andrew had the skills to beat Heracles, that battle was won by pure luck and the Hero's overconfidence being his weakness.
If I'm going to be the commander of the Valkyries Corps and protect my friends, I need to get strong.
"You alright?"
Sigrun looked up, Andrew was standing before her with two plates full of food.
"I see you don't have food so I got you some."
Sigrun smiled, the offer was generous and she was feeling hungry. She accepted the plate and his company.
The feast continued on onto the evening until at last Zeus rose from his chair and clapped his hands to gain everyone's attention. When he had he spoke aloud, "Today we celebrate the union between Asgard and Olympus as friends and commemorate those who died in the attack on our kingdom. I wish now to reward those who saved our kingdom from being destroyed. Andreas Mandrapilias, Sigrun Hallbjorndotter, and Thor Odinson, please step forward."
The Valkyrie, Aesir, and Einherjar approached the King of Olympus. What would Zeus give them as rewards? Weapons? Information? All you can eat buffy?
"I can't thank you all enough for protecting my kingdom but you three went above and beyond in saving us. You, Sigrun and Andreas, not only protected Olympus Flame but managed to defeat my traitorous son Heracles as well. I will give you any reward you ask for so long as it is possible. Sigrun, you may go first."
The Emerald Valkyrie stepped forwards, "Your offer is generous, Lord Zeus. However, I do not wish for any reward. Only that the friendship between our two kingdoms will stay strong."
For the first time since today, Zeus felt a real smile spread across his old face, "Surely there is nothing you wish for? I heard you lost your sword in the battle against Heracles. Hephaestus can give you a new sword, a better sword."
Sigrun shook her head, "I must sincerely decline. I shouldn't deserve a reward. I may have landed the killing blow on Heracles but it was Andrew who made the choice to sacrifice himself to protect Olympus. He is more worthy of a reward than I."
Before Zeus could say anything she stepped back, motioning for one of the boys to step forward, Thor did so.
"Ah, the Son of Odin is next. What is it you want, God of Thunder."
Thor already had his answer ready, "Lord Zeus. The Dwarfs of Nidavillir are rebuilding the forges of their kingdom but they cannot keep their running without a proper fire. Is it possible for a portion for the Flame of Olympus to be sent to Nidavillir to keep the forges working forever?"
"Such a reward is in my power. You will be given a substantial amount of fire to take to the Dwarfs before you return to Asgard."
Lastly came the Einherjar, the warrior who had offered to give him life to allow Heracles to be stopped in order to save Olympus. The Greek turned into a warrior of Asgard, Zeus wondered what the boy would ask for. Sigrun asked for nothing and Thor requested fire from Olympus for the Dwarfs, whatever this boy asked for he would give it to him.
"Lord Zeus. There are a lot of things I could ask for. Armor, weapons, a harem, hell possibly even a place among the Gods of Olympus. However, I do not wish for any of that. Since joining Asgard there is only one thing I have wished for and that is to go to Greece to see my mitera and adelfi."
Zeus smiled softly, "Aphrodite told me about your desire to see your mother and sister again. You are more than welcome to see your family. I will send Hermes with you to find them. In fact, I may even talk with Odin to not only let you take a vacation to see your family."
Tears filled the Greek Einherjar's eyes at being allowed to see his family again, he had been wanting this to happen since arriving in Olympus and that goal was finally achieved.
As he stepped back, Sigrun clasped his shoulder and whispered, "Congratulations. I'm glad you managed to survive the battle. You showed the bravery of a true Einherjar yesterday. You must share your story in Valhalla."
"When I return to Asgard I will," Andrew said with a smile.
Hours later the feast ended and Thor was walking through the empty halls. The damage done to the kingdom was complete making it look as if a battle never occurred. Yet Thor couldn't get the image's out of his head, the dead bodies, the destruction of buildings, the raging fires. Never had he expected to take part in such a massive battle like this but he did and he survived, unlike Rota. Once Odin hears about what happened he will not be happy, he may even show remorse for Rota's death.
As he looked out towards the afternoon sky he realized he was not alone. Sparing a quick glance over his shoulder he saw Rossweisse standing there. His shoulders slumped as he turned away. He couldn't forget her reaction when discovering he revealed his affiliation with the Church to those who had betrayed them; Thor knew she was disappointed and hurt by his actions.
"If you've come to scold me we may as well get it over with." He said, refusing to look back at her.
"Why did you do it?"
"We were going to be Olympus allies. I thought they could be trusted. I didn't know Eris and Heracles would betray us."
"I told you to not tell anyone. Sigrun told me everything. How you let slip that you weren't the original Thor. If you think blaming Sigurn is the right idea it's not."
"Of course it's not her fault, it's my own fault for saying that. Even so, the truth would have been revealed eventually, and have you forgotten when we first arrived Poseidon said Odin told them what happened to the original Thor."
"They were the rulers of Olympus. They had the right to know. However, what's done is done. I am not low enough to hold a grudge for breaking your word. What I hope is that you learn from this mistake to not share your secrets to those you just met."
Thor nodded but inwardly he was glad Rossweisse forgave him. He had been hoping beyond hope this wouldn't cause a rift to form in their friendship and luckily it didn't. The red-haired God would take her words to heart; he would no longer share anything vital about himself or his friends.
Sensing the tension lifting Thor turned to face the silver-haired maiden, "Well at least we finally got the solution for Nidavillir solved. The Dwarves will be pleased to know that."
"And with it, they can begin rebuilding the lower levels of Asgard. By the way, I think it's time to give you another braid."
But Thor shook his head, "I don't deserve it. I killed many foes but nobody important was slain by my hand. Enyo was killed by Posideon, Heracles by Sigrun, and Eris nearly killed me and escaped. Until I have accomplished something truly worthy I am sticking to one braid."
"Rossweisse said nothing about Thor's desire to wait for his next braid but joined him to enjoy the scenery. Brynhildr said they would be leaving tonight so this would be the last time she looked out at Greece's beauty until she came back, whenever that was.
"Rossweisse?"
"Hm?"
"Why did many have to die because Asgard and Olympus wanted to join together in harmony?"
Rossweisse sighed, she knew the answer and was sure Thor wanted to hear it. Inching closer to Odin's son she said, "Sometimes peace is obtained at a high price. There are those, like Enyo and Kokabiel, who love war."
"Do you think Odin's goal, my goal, is really going to succeed with people like that around?"
"You will succeed." Rossweisse reassured, taking his hand and looking at him with her face set with determination, "We will succeed."
Unknown location
"The attack was a failure I see?"
"Of course it was. You were watching the whole time. Had you helped us we wouldn't have lost Enyo or the Alchemist. All you did was bring back Heracles and he's already at death's door. You should have left him for dead."
Eris looked down upon the hulking body of Heracles with disgust, he was covered in burns and barely breathing. His fight atop Olympus summit made him look like burned bread. It should have been Enyo, she was a Goddess like her, a Goddess would have been more suitable in their plans, not a demi-god thinking himself more powerful than a God.
"I am aware of our failure but the Alchemist knew what he was doing. He performed his task perfectly and even showed that the project still needs improving. I will inform our allies about this. As for Enyo, well she is or was a Goddess of War, she loves war and got lost in the thrill of it that she accepted death rather than run." A shadowy figure said in a cool tone.
"How did you save Heracles? Why even him?" The Goddess' question was answered by the figure tapping a long spear that rested over his shoulder, "Of course. How you were chosen to wield that is a mystery I may never know. Surely you could have used it more than once."
"Unfortunately I can only teleport one person and I chose Heracles because he is one of my most loyal and trusted lieutenants. I was lucky to teleport him before the spell vaporized him. However, Heracles brought this upon himself for being overconfident. Had he been level-headed he could have accomplished his task but sadly he didn't."
"So what now? What is our next plan?"
"That is what we will learn very soon." The figure said as he heard footsteps approaching followed by what sounded like a little girl humming.
"You can tell me whatever the plan is later. I want to speak with Kokabiel."
"Oh, Kokabiel is gone, my dear Goddess. The Cadre left saying he had important business to take care of. Don't worry, I'm sure he will let you in on his plan. Now if you'll excuse me I have a meeting to attend," The figure leaned turned then tossed something to Eris who catch it and recognized it as something only a specific type of creature could create, "I will tell you how I obtained that and many more another time. Give that to Heracles and tell him if he wants revenge, he must unlock his Balance Breaker first."
And that concluded the Olympus arc! Back to Asgard and some downtime. They all deserved it. I know I probably will get mixed feelings about killing off Rota and before everything comes after me with torches and pitchforks I planned to have her die not from shock value but to be character development for Andrew or as I may start calling him by his Greek name Andreas, to grow as a character. Anyway, I'm going to start on the next chapter ta ta for now. Hope you all have a happy Halloween!