I'm Sure many of you have questions as to why a Dark Elf appeared at the end of the last chapter. Well that will be revealed in this chapter. If we are to learn who he is why he's here then we must return our attention to Thor and what his companions were doing. I saw someone say Malekith, that dark Elf in Thor The Dark Word, is the guy, no he is not. This is an original DxD oc villain.
Now on to review replies.
Optimus470: Only 5016? Ha! I'd say I'm halfway there!
Maltazar: As I said in my author note, not it is not Malekith, I am not using mythological characters made up by Marvel, only those known to be within the mythology and my own name.
Nazgul60: No to both theories. No Marvel or JRR Tolkien characters.
Century: thank you.
Babylon5: Let's hope so.
Last Knight: You're right, no Fire Drakes at Helms Deep. I just had some references to the battle like Havarti jumping off the wall into the enemy to save Akeno.
Vulcan: Not exactly…
Feral: They will happen when they happen and some will never happen.
ArguableReader: Rias can kill but only if they're weaker than her? Um...isn't that pretty much for everybody? You don't seem to like Rias do you? Being the king of her peerage was why Ylva asked Rias to help lead the defense and she is a quick learner. As for killing people, in case you forgot everyone in her Peerage, save for Asia, has killed.
Thor x Rose fan: I guess we shall see what happens for our God of Thunder and silver geinus.
Salazar: I never read the novels but some arcs from the novels will happen
It was mid day when Thor, Rossweisse, Sigrun, Bikou, and Vandill left the kingdom in search for any signs of The Horde as proof of their existence to King Oalf. Being the huntsman he knew, Thor advised the Jotun to lead them to wherever The Horde is gathered. For five hours they followed the Vandill around the forest going north, south, west, and currently east were at last unusual signs were spotted far twenty miles from the kingdom. Trees were overturned with not a single animal in sight making the surroundings eerily silent save for crunch of leaves their boots fell on. Suddenly Vandill waved his hand to his friends to come over and showed them many footprints belonging to bare feet leading eastward.
"I have seen these footprints before." Vandill muttered as he traced the prints outline. I think we are on the right track."
"Then from here on out we must be on guard." Said Sigrun, her sword ready to be summoned for battle.
"Why don't you just let me fly around to find them?"
"Because you would be easily spotted and The Horde most likely have a barrier concealing their numbers." Rossweisse answered Bikou.
No words were needed to decide their next decision, the five warriors followed the footprints deeper into the forest but before that they sat by a fallen tree to eat snacks Akeno was kind enough to prepare for them. When they finished they continued trekking into the woods while the shadows shifted and grew longer by the hours. The further they went the more tracks could be seen joining the pair they found, some smaller, others as large as a whole body, some looked to have claws while others had boots or the shape of a foot bone which made Vandill concerned.
"Skeletons don't walk unless they are undead like a Draugr. Which means The Horde will have them."
"Lots of them." Added Sigrun, taking notice of more skeleton shaped footprints, some overlapping one another.
The hunt continued for another hour that ended with the tracks just ending. This surprised Vandill but not Rossweisse who suggested either The Horde teleported or a massive barrier was concealing them, the latter being the most likely. By this time the sun had begun to set, bathing the forest in an orange tint.
Thor's fists tightened in anticipation to confront The Horde and stop them before they attacked Ylva's kingdom. Nodding to Rossweisse she started casting seals, not to break the barrier but to allow them to slip in undetected. One by one each warrior stepped through, all on high alert for any sign of an attack or security but nothing happened. Suddenly Bikou motioned for the others to follow him saying he could hear something.
"I hear it now too." Said Thor taking notice of someone yelling, actually the closer he got the more it sounded like a speech.
"You have all been ashamed and hunted like us! We are all hated by the human and the mythological world for what we are! Monsters!
"That doesn't sound good." Said Sigrun after a great cheer, or rather, a roar went up.
They drew closer before Bikou managed to find a spot where they could finally see what the commotion was. Vandill let out a number of swears at all the monsters gathered within the clearing; monsters of all shapes and sizes, Draugr's, Orcs, Ogres, Trolls, Giants, and Fire Drakes all starred in the same direction toward the one who was speaking. He had blue hair combed back, silver eyes that swept over the army, and wore violet robes similar to Odin while the strangers standing in a straight line behind the speaker wore heavy black armor with spiked pauldrons, their faces concealed by masked helmets.
"For so long we have hid from those who destroyed our vast empire! Our empire that we ruled from within the shadows! Those same shadows were used to hide us from the light that burned our empire, our people, our glory! The light has burned and shamed all of us for we are what make Gods and humans go bump in the night! We are hated and hunted for what we do but now, with your aid, we will exact our vengeance and once done Svartalfheim will rise once more and cover the Nine Realms in a second darkness!"
Bikou noticed the physical reaction the Norse people made at the mention of Svartalfheim, he heard Alfheim said in that word and wasn't that the land were hot Elf ladies lived? Of course it was but what that guy said was Svartalfheim not Alfheim. Turning to Rossweisse he asked, "What is Svartalfheim?"
"A year after the Aesir-Vanir War, word reached Asgard of the Elven Civil War. As the name implies it is a war waged between the Light Elves of Alfheim and Dark Elves of Svartalfheim, masters of black magic. The wood and sea Elves take no sides in the war for they dwell in Midgard. When Huginn and Muninn brought word that the Dark Elves were winning through the use of magic and slavery of Dwarves who built weapons for them and plans to invade the other realms, Asgard and Vanaheim aided the Light Elves in a powerful push that drove the Dark Elves back to Svartalfheim and freeing the Dwarves in the process. Midway through the war, the Gods capture a large foundry where the Dwarves create Gungnir and Mjolnir for Odin and Thor to use; with the spear and hammer, they won every battle they partook in. When the war was won Freyr brokered peace between light and dark elves and for the dwarfs to be free of slavery. The Dark Elves who remained were exiled to Midgard. Unfortunately some Dwarves, dissatisfied with the Dark Elves punishment, begin a mass purge to kill those who enslaved them. After the war, the Dwarves made more gifts for the Gods. For Odin, the ring Draupnir, and Freyr, after being named governor of Alfheim, the great ship Skidbladnir and golden boar, Gullinbursti."
"So the Dark Elves were thought to have been wiped out." Said Bikou.
"But they weren't. Some survived and now want revenge." Said Thor with clenched fists, the history of the Dark Elves had piqued his curiosity when Freyr didn't answer his question about them prompting the God of Thunder to go in search for knowledge about them in the library. What he learned appalled him; they broke oaths, committed mass executions of prisoners, and slavery, the latter act performed by Asgard until Freya abolished it when marrying Odin. One paragraph stated the cruelty inflicted upon the Dwarves was so grievous to look upon Freyr shed tears. Said cruelty was the reason the Dwarves commenced their purge of the Dark Elves which in and of itself was an evil, but understandable, action.
"When Oalf and his kingdom are gone we will crush and enslave those disgusting Dwarves for defiling Svartalfheim! I, Morkosvaldr, the leader of the Dark Elf remnants shall lead The Horde to victory!"
"Morkosvaldr! Morkosvaldr! Morkosvaldr! The Horde chanted while the Fire Drakes spout flames into the sky.
Thor exchanged looks with Rossweisse and others, Ylva was right about The Horde being real but knew nothing about the Dark Elves being the ones behind its creation. He sure was lucky the Khaos Brigade didn't ally with them otherwise the Boreal Kingdom would be in more trouble. Thor knew Ylva had to be warned of the attack but they couldn't let the whole army attack; they would have to stall the enemy as long as possible before they reached the Elven kingdom. Whispering as low as he could he talked about the plan forming in his head to his friends.
"You're gonna fight a whole army alone!?" Vandill hissed, he admired Thor but at his current strength he couldn't perform the task, not when he wasn't in the Top Ten yet, not without Mjolnir, "We aren't leaving you alone! Send the Valkyries, they are faster and can warn the kingdom sooner."
"I'm his bodyguard, it's my duty to protect him." Rossweisse protested.
"And I'm not going to leave my best friend." Sigrun added.
"You are out voted, Vandill, and my decision is final. Now-"
"First before we start!" Morkosvaldr said, his voice louder now, "We must greet our unwelcome guest! It seems Oalf's warriors have found us at last! Come now! Step forward so we may see who he has sent to spy on our little gathering!"
Thor swore under his breath, they had been spotted or, most likely, sensed. There must be someone with sensor skills among The Horde, probably one of the Dark Elves. Thor looked to his friends to see them all wear grim but determined faces, they all knew this would be a losing battle but they could delay The Horde as much as they could.
"Vandill, Bikou, when I fire a bolt of lightning in the sky that will be my warning signaling to the kingdom and for the both of you to get back to them as fast as you can. Do you understand my orders?" Said Thor sternly, he saw the Giant and Youkai nodded simultaneously. They didn't want to leave the God of Thunder and Valkyries alone but the prince gave his orders they would follow them to the letter. The five young adults sprang out of their hiding spot charging head long into The Horde, the action caughting the army of monsters unprepared.
"It's Giantsbane!" A Jotun yelled, his voice a mixture of anger and fear.
The sight of Thor Odinson coming right at them made The Horde shrink back in terror as axe, hammer, sword, staff, and magic smashed into their lines. Despite being surrounded Thor swung Jarnbjorn left and right, removing limbs and heads or erasing them from existence with blasts of lightning. While brief in his training with Baraqiel and Akeno, the God of Thunder's strength and power had grown significantly making this battle seem more like a training exercise. At least until the enemy's morale returned, now he was blocked, dodging, and tanked attacks from all sides but he did not waver against the onslaught set upon him. He was Odin's son and he would show these monsters why he was Asgard's strongest warrior.
Gathering up the power of lightning, Thor slammed the head of his axe into the earth unleashing a shock blast at a charging troll. The electricity that hit the Troll moved like snakes slithering up a tree while other bolts splintered off to stab like spears at other monsters. A Draugr lost its head, an ogre was sliced in half, and an orc had its stomach cut open letting blood and guts spill out. Sparing a quick glance, he saw Vandill take a blow to the head that would have cracked his skull if not for the helmet, he had to remind himself to get one to protect his head. It had been 45 minutes since attacking and the sun was setting, now was the time to warm Ylva.
"Bikou, get Vandill and get back to the king now!" Thor called into a magic circle to stay in contact with his allies. While giving the command he gathered storm clouds overhead that let loose hundreds of thunderbolts on the enemy that allowed the Monkey King to scoop up the Giant onto his magic cloud and fly back to the kingdom. Hopefully that attack was big enough to alert the kingdom of the coming threat…
"Were clear!" Vandill's voice came through the magic circle, "But we got a problem. The rest of The Horde is marching out towards the kingdom to lay siege to it."
"We can't delay the whole army but will do what we can." Rossweisse replied.
Far from the battle
Upon the stone he gave his speech Morkosvladr watched the battle unfold, he heard stories about the God of Thunder dying and returning and now here he was fighting to delay reinforcements from joining the coming siege. He looked like the God of Thunder and fought like the God of Thunder yet he looked younger and was using an axe not Mjolnir, was this really him or a phony?
Above the Aesir a Valkyrie flew firing magic all about like a gun with unlimited ammo. The more Morkosvaldr stared at her the more she reminded him of another silver haired Valkyrie he saw at the Siege of Svartalfheim. She must have used magic to keep herself looking youthful since Idumn's apples were lost in Surtr's Invasion.
"Well done, Rossweisse!"
Rossweisse? That's what he heard Thor call her. So it wasn't Gondul but someone related to her. Thor and Rossweisse…what interesting people.
"Morkosvaldr, what shall we do?" A Dark Elf asked.
"Let our friends wear them down." Morkosvaldr said coolly.
The minutes passed and still Thor Odinson and his Valkyries fought on, the teamwork they displayed was incredible. Each one covering one another, they were nearly unstoppable, nearly. They have skill but were outnumbered and soon would run out of stamina. Thor let loose a loud cry as he decapitated an Ogre bearing down on the Valkyrie in emerald armor who was dealing with a trio of Draugr's. More lightning was let loose leading to more monsters dying, slowly but surely the forces staying behind to deal with the Aesir and Valkyries grew smaller and smaller in numbers showing the Dark Elves this red haired boy was indeed the God of Thunder revivied.
"I think," Said Morkosvladr watching another Giant be slain, "We should properly introduce ourselves."
Back at the battle
Rossweisse cast spell after spell at every monster within her field of vision, sealing Giants, Trolls, and Ogres for Thor and Sigrun to take out and erasing the smaller monsters from existence with elemental spells. The enemy just kept coming and soon they may eventually get overwhelmed but before that happens she would make sure to kill as many as she could. Spreading her arms wide she let loose another bombardment of spells on The Horde leaving whole spaces empty of life before more monsters came to fill those gaps.
"Enough!"
That word caused The Horde to cease their assault allowing Rossweisse to float closer to her friends whose weapons were dripping with the blood of the enemy. Her eyes narrowed as the enemy parted to allow the Dark Elves to step forward and give the genius Valkyrie a good look at them. Yes, they looked exactly how they were depicted within the history books. If they were as powerful as the stories said they were then this would not be an easy fight especially with the rest of The Horde surrounding them.
"Your Morkosvaldr." Sigrun stated, shifting her stance slowly.
The Dark Elf nodded, "I am. I don't know you but you two…" His gaze shifted to Thor and Rossweisse, "You must be related to Gondul and you…are the formerly dead Son of Odin."
Rossweisse exchanged looks with Thor, her grandma never mentioned fighting in the war against the Dark Elves. She'd have to ask her when they survive the battle. If they survive….
"I am honored to meet you both. Unfortunately, none of you will be leaving here alive. Oh yes, your friends escaped but they were allowed to warn Olaf. I want to see the kingdom littered with corpses of that foolish king's useless defense."
"Why go after a lone Wood Elf kingdom first? Why not strike Nidavellir first?"
Morkosvaldr smirked evilly, "You must know the answers to that, Thor Odinson."
When the Dark Elf did not provide the answer Rossweisse spoke of, "You chose this kingdom to test The Horde's fighting capability."
"You are correct, Rossweisse." The Valkyrie shifted at having her name said so casually by the enemy, "When we crush the kingdom we will give those who remain the choice to serve the Dark Empire or die."
Sigrun sneered, "I'm pretty sure everyone will die rather than join you. Your Empire was without a doubt the worst kingdom among the Nine Realms. Worse even than the Jotun Empire."
"Enough talk. Let's kill them and be done with it." A female Dark Elf hissed as she gathered dark magic within her hands.
Rossweisse flared her magic, Sigrun coated her sword in flames, and Thor tightened the grip on his axe. The three warriors waited for the battle to continue and it did; Morkosvladr waved his hand and The Horde rushed them. The battle would have restarted right then and there but Thor was a split second faster, throwing his axe hard into the forest he grabbed the Valkyries and teleported them out of the enclosure. The God of Thunder leaned against a tree after releasing his friends, Eris and Kokabiel put him through the ringer through power and skill but The Horde was wearing him down via overwhelming numbers.
"I think we've stalled them long enough. We should get back to the others." Sigrun suggested.
"And let the Dark Elves escape?"
"They won't escape, Thor. Morkosvaldr wants to see the kingdom burn personally. I'm certain he will send his Dark Elves in after breaching the wall."
"We need to decide now." Rossweisse said taking the time to regain energy to continue the fight, "But I do agree with, Sigrun, we need to get back and-"
"You go. I'm staying to continue stalling them." Said Thor as he retrieved Jarnbjorn.
Sigrun's brow formed a v, "Are you crazy? You aren't in the Top Ten, Thor. You can't take them by yourself!"
"And if we run back to the kingdom more monsters will join the battle and will be overrun. One of us needs to stay behind to stall them," Countered Thor, he knew this was a foolish idea to fight them alone but someone had to stay behind to stall reinforcements and he wanted to test his skills against the Dark Elves but he wouldn't tell his friends that.
Sigrun turned to Rossweisse, "Help."
Before Rossweisse's movement could be seen further within the trees, The Horde was on the move to the Boreal Kingdom and probably looking for them. They had to decide now; run back to the kingdom or stay and stall the enemy. Thor decided for them, inhaling a deep breath he took off at a run towards the enemy ignoring Sigrun's protest. Rossweisse felt her feet moving on their own, her duty to protect the Prince of Asgard burned brightly but he was already far ahead of her and Sigrun was trying to hold her back, the violet haired girl's face grim.
"Rose, he's made his choice. He wants to stall the enemy then let him. We have to go help Ylva and the others at the kingdom."
"But-" The silver haired Valkyries words were cut off by the roar of thunder and flashing of lightning from Thor attacking The Horde with the fury he was known for. Reluctantly she turned away still wishing to help her friend.
Thor swung left, then right cutting a bloody swath through The Horde, using trees as cover he bobbed and weaved between them while casting lightning and ice spells whenever he could. He could cut down a tree or two to crush some monsters but that may anger the Elves and he too had a love for forests. Grunting from a punch by a Troll, the God of Thunder responded in kind by removing its head before throwing the axe at a Troll, forcing him to send swift lightning infused punches with such force it sent enemies with shattered bones. Before turning to another foe he felt himself get hit from behind sending him stumbling forward. Looking for the attacker he saw it was one of the Dark Elves, their hands covered in magic, dark magic.
"He's mine!" The Dark Elf shouted, her voice muffled by the helmet.
Dark Magic…I don't recall ever seeing Rossweisse use it… Thor feinted to the left before going right firing a lightning bolt to counter the next black projectile by the Dark Elf. While not pure light magic, lightning was the second best thing.
The two spells collided causing a blinding explosion that Thor took advantage to call Jarnbjorn back and throw it at the Dark Elf who was split second faster by erecting a defense spell to block the weapon. Even though he showed his ability to teleport via runes on Jarnbjorn, the God of Thunder nevertheless used it to close the distance and, coating his right arm in thunder and lightning, threw his fist forward shattering the defense spell like glass and slamming into the Elf's masked face sending their head snapping backwards and his or her body flying through three trees. As powerful as that punch was Thor continued his assault by calling down more lightning on the Elf sending the armored warrior crashing into the earth before delivering a great swing of the axe to sever the head from the body. Dead at last…but his victory was short-lived when large dark spears along with other elemental spells came flying towards the God of Thunder forcing him to jump high into the air and float there with flight magic.
"Your strength and bravery are noted, Son of Odin." Morkosvaldr commented, "But can you really take us all by yourself?" Following him were his fellow Dark Elf warriors and monsters of The Horde.
Shit! Maybe this wasn't such a good idea but there's no turning back now. At least they are focusing on me instead of the kingdom. Hopefully I can take at least one Elf out. Tensing his muscles the red haired warrior readied himself for their attacks.
"Go, my warriors! Crush the Boreal kingdom, break their walls. Leave none alive!" Morkosvaldr commanded. While The Horde marched off to aid their fellow monsters in the onslaught on Ylva's home, the Dark Elves unleashed attack after attack on the God of Thunder.
For every dodge or defense spell Thor performed that saved him from an attack two others would connect. A stream of fire, a spear of darkness, pelting by magic bullets, and many more came at the Aesir who grew madder and madder at each spell hitting dodging a hail of ice spikes he noticed not a single lightning spell was cast meaning they must know he could use their own lightning spells empower himself and recharge his energy a feat only Gods affiliated to thunder could do. They definitely were playing it safe that way which made it much harder for him. From the corner of his eye he saw a water spell coming at him and that gave him an idea, turning to face the spell he cleaved the spell in half with his lightning-enhanced axe causing the water to conducts the electricity and the Elf who fired it react to slow to the God of Thunder's counterattack.
As sparks danced around the Dark Elf's body her scream of pain echoed around the forest before going silent and collapsing to the floor dead. Thor smiled with satisfaction that one was finally dead but this fight was far from over and his foes knew it as well. They doubled there efforts firing more spells, some even drawing weapons of their own, swords or axes, to meet him in melee combat, a grave mistake. Deflecting a swing by a sword he blocked an axe with the haft of his own before kicking the opponent away to return his attention to the sword wielder and exchange attacks and blocks before hooking the blade and pulling it away and following up with a powerful swing that bisected the Dark Elf.
Another one dead! Now- Thor suddenly felt himself be frozen in place as multiple seals appeared around him. This wasn't good, he was caught in a sealing -no- multiple sealing spells leaving him wide open to attack. His scream was drowned out as fire, water, ice, wind, light, and darkness magic slammed into him nonstop.
Hours later Boreal kingdom
Morkosvaldr looked upon the Boreal kingdom as thousands of monsters lay dead in and outside the kingdom but their ruthless assault had done what he hoped for; overwhelm the enemy and surround them at their last bastion. The defenders put up a good fight, especially the Christians. The rumors about the Biblical Faction making peace and allying with Asgard were true indeed yet it still surprised him to see Devils, Angels, and a Fallen Angel standing side by side with Elves. Nevertheless, their defense was futile and would come to an end very shortly.
"Greetings!" He said giving a low mock bow, "I am Morkosvaldr, leader of the Dark Elf Empire and you're soon to be new ruler if of course any of you wish to submit to my rule that is."
No response.
"You have all fought gallantly but now the end is near and you have the choice to surrender or die."
Again no response, at least not to him. He could see the defenders on the walla talking among each other trying to figure out how and why Dark Elves still survived.
On the wall, Ylva spoke with her Christina allies who were puzzled at the appearance of a Dark Elf. They had heard about them but did not know they were extinct until now. Their sudden return was, as Ylva put it, a great shock and threat to the boreal Kingdom. This was also what Thor was busy dealing with and speaking of the God of Thunder, the fact Morkosvaldr was here meant Thor failed in delaying the enemy so where was he? The unspoken question was answered when Morkosvaldr said something about presenting a gift to them and signaling to the portal were more Dark Elves clad in armor stepped out two dragging along a bound and beaten Thor. The state he was in was terrible; his armor rent, his eyes swollen shut, a nasty head wound poured blood, and his left hand appeared to be broken.
The reactions were just as the Dark Elf predicted; they were shocked, horrified, and Sigrun was struggling to hold Rossweisse back from rushing down to save the Prince of Asgard. Clearing his throat he said, "Thor Odinson is beaten! Not even the God of Thunder could stand against the resurgence of the Dark Empire! Now make your choice; join us or die!"
"To hell with your offer, Morkoslvadr!" Ylva shouted, "You won't survive the night for your actions!"
The Dark Elf snorted before gathering magic into his hands, if that was their answer then so be it. More and more magic gathered about him as he prepared to unleash the full might of his Darkness magic upon these fools! Just then there came the blast of a horn atop the kingdom and its noise carried on into the forest, its sound so great it halted The Horde in their tracks, some looking in terror at what the sound meant. Then the gates to the palace were flung open and from it came dozens of Elves all armed to the teeth and leading them atop a large white reindeer was Oalf; a long spear was in his right hand and in the other a shield that glistened in the moon's light. From head to toe he was covered in golden armor like his daughter but wore a mask to protect his face but the fire to drive these invaders from his land burned as bright as the flames of Muspelheim.
"On, Guardians of Boreal!" The king shouted, "We fight to victory or death!"
"Victory or death!" The cry was echoed and soon arrows and spells were hurtled at The Horde who was left stupefied at the King leading the counterattack. As more and more monsters fell the king ordered the gate opened allowing him to ride out and lead the charge. Elves left and right slammed into the enemy hacking and stabbing with just as much grace as Ylva did.
"Well…I was not expecting this." Said Vandill, relieved to see the kingdom finally do something aside from complaining.
"What made him see sense?" The Red Dragon's Emperor's host asked what everyone was thinking.
"He just needed a bit of convincing."
"President!" Gliding down with her Queen and Havarti was indeed Rias Gremory, unharmed and looking as confident as usual. Issei felt the urge to hug her and never let go but such thoughts couldn't be done now. Not when a battle was happening. "How…?"
Havarti cleared his throat, "Before the barrier broke I teleported her at the last minute. Unfortunately the flames still hit her and she was gravely injured so Asia healed her. After that all I could do was get Akeno to safety."
"And for that you have our utmost gratitude for saving us. Now come, let us send these foul beasts into the abyss!"
They joined the battle, hammer, swords, glaive, spears, fists, and magic, met their mark. A Fire Drakes attempt to break the wall was thwarted by Vandill's hammer and Rossweisse seals, the Valkyrie was like a silver bullet zipping through the enemy ranks casting sealing spell after sealing spell to trap monsters for wide open attack. The king himself drove deep into the heart of the enemy ranks slaying any monster his sword could reach while his reindeer trampled and skewed others. So focused on the foes before he did not see the Troll rushing him from the side, Ylva's scream was drowned out by the battle as she watched her father and his reindeer go tumbling deeper into The Horde's ranks. Fearing for her father, the Elven Warrior Princess rallied the soldiers around her shouting over and over to save the king while cutting her way through the enemy to reach Olaf.
"Were coming, Thor! Hold on!" Vandill roared crashing through the enemy ranks in giant form swinging his hammer like a madman to clear a path but even he was having difficulty reaching the bound prince.
In the air zipping passed the Giant like bolts of lightning Rossweisse and Sigrun flew toward the down king. Miraculously despite a dead reindeer, a cloven shield, and dented armor the Elven King still stood fighting off as many monsters as he could with his sword. Together they warrior dove reaching the king just as a giant was about to bring its fists down upon him. Stabbing her sword into the earth, large pillars of ice sprouted out like plants to protect the king, some managing to stab the Giant's fist. With a fortress of solid ice protecting them, Rossweisse began forming layered barriers around them to double the defenses.
"Since when did you learn defense seals?" Sigrun asked, checking on Olaf's condition. In their mad dash to get to the king he had suffered a deep slash on the right arm, two stab marks on the back of his armor, and a possible blunt weapon to the head by the dent of the helmet and blood trickling down the right side of his face.
"With Rias and Havarti in the Library," Said Rossweisse, grunting at the struggle to hold the seals, "I just hope it holds!"
No sooner had she said that the ice pillars began melting from a burst of flames by a Fire Drake, or rather, the last Fire Drake, its body covered in arrows and spears. It let loose a roar of fury that the king and Valkyries were still alive and would have sent another stream of fire if not for the combined attack by Rias and Akeno, the two Devils zooming about like flies harassing a human. As soon as the king was supported by Sigrun, Rossweisse dropped the barrier and the Emerald Valkyrie flew as fast as she could back to the palace to let Asia heal him while Rossweisse joined the Devils in their battle against the Fire Drake firing spell after spell at the monster. The onslaught of attacks by Rossweisse, Rias, and Akeno made the Fire Drake step back a pace allowing the Valkyrie to fly beneath its four large legs casting sealing seals over each other on each foot leaving it immobile for the three women to bombard it. Gathering up all their power the Valkyrie and Devils unleashed a three way attack that finally brought the last Fire Drake to an end, what remained of the monster was a smoking chard corpse missing bits and pieces. A great roar went up among the Elves and they pushed their attack on The Horde, the last of the Fire Drake soured their morale for victory, they could do this, they could win!
Meanwhile, Sigrun flew as fast as she could but the wounded king's weight slowed her greatly leaving her wide open for attacks which happened immediately; a Giant charged toward them with arms outstretched to grab them like a child chasing a toy. Unable to wield her sword due to the use of both hands to hold the king, The Emerald Valkyrie tried to dive but the Giant was faster, both the king and Valkyrie screamed when the Jotun caught them and began squeezing the life out of them. The Giant's laugh rang in their ears but it was short lived as Bikou's pole slammed into the Giant's head forcing him to release his prey and be rescued by the Monkey King's magic cloud.
"Take me to Ylva. I wish to see her." The Elven King said, his voice barely heard over the sounds of battle. Exchanging looks with the Valkyrie, the Monkey King complied to Olaf's wish flying straight to Ylva who was surrounded by a ring of soldiers.
"Father!" Cried the Elven warrior princess, casting her weapon aside to grasp the king's hands in her, "Asia can save you!"
Olaf shook his head, "It's too late. I won't make it. My body is broken. It is your time now, my daughter. Hail, Queen of the Boreal Kingdom! Rule well, Ylva."
With a shaky breath Olaf's grip slackened and he moved no more. As one the Elfs wept for their fallen king but Ylva raised her hand for silence.
"Our king has fallen…but your princess still stands! We will mourn for him and those who also have fallen tonight. They will feel the wrath of the Boreal Kingdom! Death to the Horde!"
"Death to the Horde!"
While the Elves followed their new queen into battle the Emerald Valkyrie and Monkey King turned their attention to helping their friends and, more importantly; save the Prince of Asgard.
Magic of every type of element combined with Holy Lightning and Power of Destruction erased monster after monster that stood between The Heir of the Gremory clan, Priestess of Thunder, and Silver haired genius, and the God of Thunder. Never in all her life had Rossweisse felt this angry before; sure the Allfather's perverted antics would annoy her but to see someone she cares about -no- someone she loved, be shown like a prize after a hunt made her blood boil. Exhausted as she was, the desire to save Thor and let loose her anger upon the enemy drove her on. The assistance of Rias and Akeno was greatly appreciated by the Valkyrie; it would make saving Thor quicker.
"It looks like we aren't the only ones trying to save him." Said Rias.
Rossweisse followed the Devil's gaze and felt hope swell within her at seeing Vandill, Bikou, and Sigrun fighting their way towards Thor, between the six of them they may be able to reach the prince. That hope however was quickly dashed as great tendrils of shadow came flying out of the chaos towards the three women. Faster than Rossweisse had ever reacted she weaved her hands about to erect defense barriers while simultaneously casting Light magic to counter the dark, not a single spell reached her or the Devils. Their attack was Morkosvaldr flanked by two Dark Elves, his hands full of Darkness magic, his face calm.
Morkosvaldr smirked, "Rossweisse. How lovely to see you again. Your skill with magic is on par with Gondul."
"Well she is her granddaughter." Rias couldn't help gloating for the Valkyrie. Rossweisse's skill in magic far out classed herself and Akeno. She would have made an excellent Bishop if Gasper and Asia hadn't taken those pieces.
One black blue eyebrow rose slightly, "Indeed? That explains why she looks like her and possesses such talent in magic. I wonder if that skill truly can compare to mine."
The Dark Elf cast another spell of darkness but this time more magic seals appeared above him to send magic bullets, fire, and ice at the girls. Morkosvaldr watched carefully as they all cast a defense spell at the same time. The shield wall held firm against his attacks.
"Impressive." He commented, taking note of one of his Elves attacked from the left only to be countered by lighting from the black haired girl with the ponytail, "Most impressive. The three of you together are a great threat but just as greatly a challenge I revel to crush."
Rias exchanged looks with Akeno, the last time they battled a spellcaster was the Lich Queen who's skill in the art of magic was terrible to face. Now, as then, they would face a spellcaster, this time a Dark Elf but this time they would aid Rossweisse. Side by side they held their ground not wishing to let Rossweisse face these evil Elves alone, she was their friend, she protected their town twice, it was now time to return that favor by taking down Morkosvaldr together. Gathering her Power of Destruction the Crimson Ruin Princess made the first move sending her clan's power at the enemy who easily countered with a simple defense spell. The two Devi's spread their wings and took to the air with Rossweisse and began firing spell after spell at the Dark Elves who meet each spell with one of their own or another defense barrier, sometimes combining attack as Rias and Akeno did to double the damage.
While Rossweisse let loose a torrent of elemental magic, Rias took this time to examine the battlefield; it was utter chaos; she could not see all her servants but Vandill stood out the most due to his size increase and war cries as he sent monsters flying in all directions with his hammer as he attempted to reach Thor which, like Sigrun and Bikou, seemed futile with so many monsters between them and the captured Prince of Asgard. Hopefully the others were ok, no, they were ok, they were her friend, her servants, they had trained hard under Azazel's tutelage, they would survive this battle and all go home. Returning her attention back to the magic duel, she charged another spell within her hands and, after counting five seconds, cast it after Rossweisse and Akeno's combined ice and lightning attack. As before, the Elves countered with spells of their own but this time, were unaware of Rias adding her own spell to the mix and were too late triple their defense when her Power of Destruction collided with their barrier shattering it with easy after Rossweisse and Akeno's spells weakened it, Rias smirked with satisfaction to finally see them breach Dark Elves defense and, as a bonus, watch an Elf collapse to the floor missing a limb and chunk of their side.
She saw Morkosvaldr snarl in fury, perhaps he was not expecting to lose to a bunch of teeanger. He must have assumed himself superior to them due to his age giving him more power and skill, how foolish. Once she too thought herself skilled enough to take on anyone but after her battles against Riser, Kokabiel, and the Lich Queen showed she could not overestimate herself anymore.
"Akeno, Rossweisse. Shall we finish this?"
"Gladly." Rossweisse said while Akeno giggled with delight to see the Dark Elves suffer greatly for hurting her friends.
Morkosvaldr collected himself, yes he lost another Dark Elf, and was losing this battle but it was far from over. The Horde still outnumbered the Boreal kingdom and Thor was a prisoner meaning if they had to retreat they could take the Prince of Asgard with them. Yes it will invoke the wrath of Asgard but he would take that chance to have revenge for Svartalfheim. Suddenly a surge of power was felt above the battlefield, a great power that felt like…
"No!" The Dark Elf beside Morkosvaldr shouted as the Bifrost came crashing down followed by large golden teleportation seals inside and outside the battlefield. There was a flash of silver, too quick to see, as it zoomed about the battlefield causing monsters to fall left and right, missing limbs or heads. Before she could follow the mysterious object anymore, Morkosvladr alerted her of another attack by the Devils and Valkyrie. The reigniting of the battle drew the Elves attention away from the Bifrost just as Rossweisse planned which allowed, to Rias and Akeno's surprise, a large golden boar to come charging out onto the battlefield skewering the female Dark Elf upon its large tusks before being trampled to death under it's mighty hooves.
"Gullinbursti!" Morksvaldr yelled as his eyes narrowed more when seeing the rider, "And Freyr!"
Freyr Njordson was, as Issei would have put it, the male version of Freya; an attractive person in their early thirties with long blue tied in a braid reaching to the back and green eyes that glared at the Dark Elf. The twin brother of the Queen of the Valkyries was no pushover in combat or leadership, as soon as the horn was blown he summoned all of Alfheim to him to aid the Boreal kingdom with the simple tactic to surround the enemy. With all of Alfheim bearing down upon The Horde the tide had definitely turned.
He demanded as Gullibursti stomped his hooves, reading to charge again while his master glared green eyes at the Dark Elf saying, "Where is my nephew!?"
Morkosvladr looked between Freyr, Rossweisse, the Devils, and the battle, the losing battle. With Alfheim here the tide had turned in Boreal's favor and he was not stupid enough to go down fighting. He would have to escape and try again. Forming the calculations within his head the Dark Elf let loose a blinding flash of light magic allowing him to teleport to his remaining Dark Elves. Swiftly he gave the order to retreat and get Thor out of here as fast as they could.
"What of The Horde?" His right hand man, Boris, asked as he sent streams of fire magic at any Elf who came at him.
"They fight to the death! We have to get out of here and-"
"ROSSWEIIIIIIIIIIISSE!"
Morkosvladr swirled around to see Thor screaming at the top of his lungs for the silver haired Valkyrie, why didn't they seal his mouth shut!? Acting quickly Boris struck the God of Thunder hard to shut him up but all he did was send the red head crashing to the floor with blood oozing out of his head. Thor screamed louder than before, almost sounding like thunder, and it drew many Wood and Light Elves towards the Dark Elves, along with the Jotun turned Devil, Youkai, and Valkyrie Thor shouted for. The rage etched upon her face would have made the Allfather himself quake with no monster able to stem the tide of slaughter she brought unto The Horde; not even the two Dark Elves leaping forward to challenge the Valkyrie, their lives erased from existence by Rossweisse's power.
"Retreat!" Morkosvaldr ordered, his calm demeanor slipping away minute by minute.
This wasn't how it was supposed to be; The Horde was supposed to retake Svartalfheim but instead they failed in their first battle, a battle they were so close to winning before Alfheim showed up. It was time to teleport far away from this battlefield and hide the God of Thunder from his family and friends. Asgard could search all they wanted but the Dark Elves knew were to hide from the Allfather's ravens, they would keep Thor their prison until they got the information to crush the Aesir and Vanir then give his broken body to Asgard. Checking to see his Dark Elves still fighting to protect him, Morkosvladr prepared a teleportation circle.
"Morkosvaldr!"
That he quickly changed into a defense spell seconds before a glaive appearing from the left would have sliced him in half. The violet orbs of Ylva glared into Morkosvaldr's silver ones, she was hell bent on killing him for all the death and destruction he brought upon her kingdom tonight at least she would try. Flicking his fingers he formed a fire spell above the Wood Elf that would have burned her had she not spun away before the spell was cast. She was agile and fast, but she would fall just as her soldiers have, just as her father has. Yes, he knew Olaf had fallen due to her arrogance in believing he could lead a counter attack and break The Horde without Alfhiem's help and the consequence was death.
"You will join your father soon enough, Ylva."
"You are not allowed to use my name until I'm dead!"
The Dark Elf replied with more spells that she dodged with the grace of a dancer, leaping over a hail of magic bullets Ylva landed in a squat that the Wood Elf princess turned into a roll to bring herself close enough to sweep Morkosvaldr's legs out from under him with the pole of her glaive. Up on her feet before the Dark Elf returned to the ground she sent a palm strike that missed her foe by mere inches that she followed up with a flurry of slashes that sent Morkosvaldr backpedaling. As he stepped past Thor he saw for the briefest of seconds a smile flicker across Ylva's face, why she had smiled was answered when, after a thrust from the polearm that forced him to step back a few paces, she grab the God of Thunder and, with strength not thought possible for a girl so slim, threw him into the air to allow Rossweisse to catch him. Morkosvaldr had no time to swear or stop the Valkyrie as the Elven princess was on him seconds after tossing the God of Thunder. As Ylva pressed her attack a flicker of gold passed into Morkosvladr's peripheral vision which turned out to be Freyr charging through the chaos atop Gullinbursti who's large tusks were dripping blood, flying around Vanir was his magic sword capable of fighting on its own and it was doing a fantastic job at killing every monster that came near him.
Damn it! Damn them all! This was supposed to be Svartalfheim's time to be reclaimed! The Horde was supposed to crush these fools! This was a disaster greater than losing Svartalfheim.
Hearing Boris scream in pain he spared a quick glance to see his lieutenant be tossed high into the air by Gullinbursti before landing atop a forest of spears. Another Dark Elf screamed in fury while slashing his way to retrieve Boris' corpse. Seeing his right hand man fall was enough for Morkosvaldr to call it quits!
"We failed!" He yelled before unleashing a powerful blast of light magic that, while ineffective against Light Elves, still blinded most of the combatants to let him gather up his Dark Elves, including the corpses of Boris and other Dark Elves nearby, and teleport away.
Relief washed over Thor, The Horde failed to destroy the Boreal kingdom but the Dark Elves escaped. Perhaps now Olaf would have a change of heart after everything Thor and his friends did tonight. Thor's eyes turned upward to stare at her, the teamwork she and Ylva displayed in rescuing him was perfectly executed, the Elven Princess herself showed in her brief battle against the Dark Elf leader remarkable skills worthy of being shared in Valhalla. If the king didn't want Ylva to be the next ruler he'd have gladly asked for her to join his team. Exhaustion began to overtake the young Aesir, this had been a tough battle and all he wanted was to sleep…
The battle is won but the Dark Elves have escaped and the king has fallen in battle. Not all deaths are glorified. With Olaf gone it will be time for Ylva to rule. As for why Thor was defeated by the Dark Elves they not only outnumbered him but he was fighting long before engaging them and he hasn't reached bombastic power levels yet.
For a little triva; The Dark Elf leaders name, Morkosvaldr, translates to dark divine ruler.
See ya all next time!