Akane no Mai

by Kanius

A man from the world of Vein drops into a world of Thieves. He meets a pragmatic woman. She greets him with a calm smile. "My name is Togo Hifumi." Following the fateful encounter, a host of monsters arrive, disrupting the peace. The Thieves return to confront these entities outside their realm and ultimately cross paths with the Revenant man.

63. Prelude to Ragnarök

Book III: Fictional Edification

Chapter VIII: Prelude to Ragnarök

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Dimension: Akane-no-Mai/Yggdrasil/Urðarbrunnr

Akechi, Aslaug, Tori, and Hiroshi returned to listen to Sága's long tale. Upon seeing them return, Makoto confronted Akechi first.

"Tell me everything went ok?" Makoto directly asked him without hesitation.

"Yes, quite well. As you can see, Aslaug has come back safely," Akechi reassured her.

"It's cool, Makoto. He didn't cross any lines," Hiroshi replied, finding himself unintentionally defending the former detective.

"Is this true?" Makoto asked Tori, who nodded.

"Yeah, it's ok. Right, Aslaug?" Tori asked the young Valkyrie.

"Yep, I just want to hear the rest of the story now," Aslaug replied as she sat next to Blue, Cheza, and Fang.

"We're sorry for interrupting the story," Hiroshi and Tori addressed Sága.

"No, it is ok. It is a long story to tell and the children needed a break," Sága said.

"That's true. Some of us do have shorter attention spans," Ann chuckled.

"Are ya talking about me?" Ryuji remarked.

"Nah, she's talking about us," Baldr II said. "Although, I can handle listening to long-form tales."

"Say, I got a question. How are you able to speak modern English, unlike the rest of your family and friends?" Skyler asked Baldr II.

"I have no idea. It suddenly just came to me after reading texts from modern Midgard," Baldr II replied.

"And thou didn't bother to share that with us, Baldr?" Blue queried.

"Heh, because you didn't ask," Baldr II smirked nonchalantly.

"Oh, do not worry. These newcomers have already been teaching us this modern dialect," Cheza demonstrated her newly learned dialect.

"Anyway, I think we're ready to hear the rest of the story," Leonard said.

"Yes, let us resume. Speaking of Baldr II, we art about to get into the original Baldr's story and his fate," Sága said, shifting her saddened gaze toward Baldr II.

Nodding, Baldr II responded. "I am ready to know."

---

Dimension: Wulf-Edda/Asgard/Baldr's Funeral

Some time has passed since Brynhildr's exile and her recent death, the Asgardians were struck with the news of the tragic death of Baldr. Baldr's passing came as a horrific loss. The Allfather, too, was saddened by this passing. Many found it hard to imagine Baldr suddenly passing away, but when it was revealed he was murdered, the Asgardians demanded who was responsible.

When it was revealed to be Loki, the Allfather felt betrayed. First, Brynhildr, and now Loki. However, Loki's betrayal was more personal to Odin, who took in and adopted him as a brother. Rather than execute the trickster, he banished Loki to a cavern in a forest near Gálgviðr, located on Jötunheim. The Allfather decided Loki deserved a more slow punishment than a quick death. Loki was to be bound to a ceiling with a Hlaup Hooded Viper above him and with its mouth agape to let its venom fall on and burn the trickster's eyes.

The funeral proceedings went without delay. The atmosphere was tragic and somber matching the gray sky that covered Asgard.

Like any other honorary event for the dead, Baldr was carried on a pyre of wood. Despite his tragic death, Baldr looked in peace. His appearance is that of a man with a moderate build. He has shoulder-length, dark blonde hair, and a thick blonde beard. His funerary garb consisted of silver upper body armor, white leggings, a black loincloth, and brown-furred boots. The Asgardian had his sword sitting inside his left hand. He was once considered Baldr the Blessed, also Sága's husband and Skuld's father.

Among those present: Odin, Víðarr, Thor, Sif, Heimdallr, Sága, Skuld, Urðr, Verðandi, Harald, Haakon, Eric, Freyr, Týr, Gulltoppr, Geirskögul, Skaði, Vör, Jörð, Freyja, Sigrún, Helgi, Eir, Thrúd, Göndul, Skögul, Mist, Ölrún, and Geirdriful. Many other Asgardians and Homo Yggr were in attendance for Baldr's funeral.

Those closest to Baldr cried and mourned their friend and family member. Sága, Skuld, and Harald took Baldr's death the hardest.

Now Baldr's widow, Sága is an age-old Homo Yggr who despite her long lifespan managed to retain most of her youthful appearance. This tall Homo Yggr woman has a slightly darker complexion than her late husband's, and her skin tone appeared copper at a glance. The other Homo Yggr had similar dark and copper-skinned complexions. Sága has long, back-length midnight blue hair and dim gray eyes. The natural dimness in her eyes matched her somber and depressed mood. She wore a dark gray gown with Læraðr's Capra fur pelt covering her shoulders and going down her backside. Her legs and feet were inside black heeled ankle-length shoes. She also wore an ornately-designed necklace, golden earrings, and a headband with tufts of feathers on the sides. She had a pouch on a strap belt worn around her waist. In her right hand, Sága held a magical wooden staff forged from Yggdrasil's roots and bark. This was her trusted staff named Gambanteinn. Sága's occupation is the Homo Yggr's librarian, historical record keeper, and central protector of Yggdrasil. She was seen as the mother of the Homo Yggr.

Standing opposite Sága is her daughter Skuld. She was a younger and shorter woman and one of the three Norns along with Urðr and Verðandi. She has a lighter brown skin complexion with some copper tone. She has long, shoulder-length black hair and purple eyes. She wore a dark blue sleeveless top, a knee-length white dress, and yellow slip-on shoes. Concerning her father, she previously removed her ragged black cloak and hood to show her face.

Standing next to Skuld is her lover Harald, a taller, fair-skinned man with wavy neck-length dark brown hair and light brown eyes. He wore silver body armor and boots.

Haakon is another fair-skinned man with messy short blond hair and blue eyes. He wore his lavender body armor and armored boots.

Next to Haakon is his lover Urðr. Urðr was a unique woman based on her outward facial and skin appearance as if coming from a 'far east' land from Midgard. She had a mix of a slightly tan and white complexion, granting her a uniquely exotic appearance. She has long back-length cyan hair and yellow eyes. She wore an attractive long-sleeveless cerulean dress and white slip-on shoes. She also wore a clear veil adorning her shoulders and neck coupled with a golden headpiece with a blue gem, golden oval-shaped earrings, and a golden necklace.

Eric is another fair-skinned man with rigid short black hair and reddish brown eyes. He was garbed in blue body armor and armored boots.

Opposite Eric is his lover Verðandi. Verðandi was very much like Urðr in regards to her fantastical beauty not commonly found in and near Asgard. Her facial and skin appearance was not much different. Verðandi has neck-length red hair and blue eyes. She wore a light sleeveless purple dress and black slip-on shoes. A black feathered veil was worn over her shoulders and neck. She wore a golden forehead headpiece with a purple gem centered, golden oval-shaped earrings, and a golden necklace.

Freyr, a tall man with a decent broad build, has neck-length honey-blond hair and brown eyes. He wore dark red body armor, a dark blue cape, and a basic helmet with no horns or wings.

Týr, a larger individual, has long, shoulder-length brown hair and blue eyes. He wore silver armor and boots covered with Slíðrugtanni fur and hide, and a horned helmet.

Next to Heimdallr is his trusted steed, Gulltoppr, a beautifully bronze horse with green eyes and a golden mane & tail.

Opposite Heimdallr is Skögul's sister Geirskögul. While not as elegantly beautiful as her sister, Geirskögul had moderate beauty. Nearly as tall as her sister, Geirskögul has long, wavy shoulder-length violet hair and blue eyes. Her skin complexion is the same as her sister's. She wore a lavender sleeveless long dress. For this occasion, she wore sandals instead of being barefooted. She also wore a clear veil adorning her neck and shoulders, a bronze necklace, and bronze earrings.

Standing with Freyja were the three other members of the First Generation Valkyries. All four came garbed in their Valkyrie armor.

The first of the three, Skaði the Frost Valkyrie, is a woman with shoulder-length frost blue hair worn in a short ponytail. Her eyes are frost blue. Her Valkyrie wear consisted of white body armor, armored gloves, and boots. She carried her frost blue helmet covered with icicles in her right hand.

Vör the Beast-tamer Valkyrie was a tall muscularly-built woman with long back-length dark red hair now worn in a ponytail. Like Sága and Skuld, she is a Homo Yggr. She has blue eyes. Her Valkyrie garb consisted of her bronze body armor and armored boots. In her left hand, the Valkyrie carried her horned helmet.

Jörð the Earthshaker Valkyrie was a massive woman of toned build with short, neck-length dirty blonde hair. She has brown eyes. Her Valkyrie garb was a revealing red battle armor coupled with silver shoulder armor wear. She has on a helmet fashioned like a facial mask. Her footwear is burgundy gladiator-styled armored sandals. She is Víðarr's mother and Göndul's earthbending teacher.

Standing next to Sigrún is her husband Helgi, a tall, fair-skinned man with neck-length light blue hair worn in a ponytail. His eyes are green. He wore light gray body armor with purple clothing and armored boots.

Having resigned from her Valkyrie position, Sigrún left Asgard after disagreements with Odin over Brynhildr's exile. Couple that with constantly being harassed by Göndul and Skögul, the former Valkyrie couldn't bear the thought of leading two ingrates who would just disparage her. She gracefully left and gave Eir her blessing to lead the Valkyries. With Brynhildr and Sigrún out, the Valkyries's morale deteriorated. Sigrún was considered the heart of the team that kept them together, but with her gone and Eir leading, the arrogance and pettiness from the other Valkyries, sans Thrúd, intensified.

As for Sigrún, she ventured into Midgard to search for her friend Brynhildr. With no luck in finding the Blood Valkyrie, Sigrún met Helgi in a local town and enjoyed a conversation with him. They ended up married and had several children. The former Valkyrie greatly enjoyed her retirement in peace, but when Eir came to her about Baldr's passing, Sigrún agreed to return with her husband for the funeral.

For this occasion, Freyja the Love Valkyrie came garbed in rose and white body armor, rose armored gloves & boots, and a rose helmet. The carapace sides of her helmet have rose and white feathers jutting outward.

As Baldr was placed on a raft, the raft was pushed up a stream pouring into a massive lake. Ölrún and a group of archers launched a barrage of arrows lit with fire. The fiery arrows hit the raft where Baldr's body remained afloat. The flames engulfed the raft and burned Baldr's body.

Nearly everyone Asgardian and Homo Yggr present bowed their heads paying respect to Baldr the Blessed.

All but two individuals.

There was mocking haughty laughter from Göndul and Skögul.

"Ohoho, Baldr the Blessed? More like Baldr the Fool," Skögul remarked, twirling a lock from one of her princess curls.

"If he got himself killed by Loki, then that shows how weak he is," Göndul scoffed.

Various faces from Asgardians and Homo Yggr alike pivoted toward the Valkyrie couple disparaging the deceased in his own funeral. It was the most appalling thing they had ever heard and seen.

"What? It is true. He died a fool at the hands of that loathsome trickster," Göndul remarked. "What dost thou sayeth, my love?"

"Oh, I am in complete agreement!" Skögul answered as she grasped her masculine lover's hand. "This funeral is so devoid of extravagance. It is drab. Our beauty and pureness transcend Baldr the Fool!"

Having heard enough of their disparaging remarks, Sága and Skuld quickly confronted the two arrogant Valkyries.

"Be silent! Thou two loathsome cretins!" Sága angrily berated the two Valkyries. "Is this how thou honor the dead?! Thou art disparaging my husband!"

"And he was my father!" Skuld snapped at the two Valkyries.

Göndul quickly stood in Skuld's way. "And what art thou going to dost about it? I can crush thee here."

"I may not hast the strength thee hast, but dost not underestimate me!" Skuld stood up to the Masculine Valkyrie. Harald quickly intervened and moved Skuld away, preventing any escalating conflicts.

"Dost not push it. We will not stand for it!" Harald warned the two Valkyries.

Chortling, Skögul interjected. "My lover and I will hast to put thee in thy place."

"I thinkest not, arrogant fools," Sága brandished Gambanteinn and pointed it at the two Valkyries. She turned and addressed Skögul. "And dost not thinkest I hast forgotten when thee and thy lover disrespected my library. Thou both remain banned from setting foot near my library and our people's historical grounds. Thou two will one day suffer a fate worse than death for the lack of respect for thy ancestors and spirits that protect nature!"

The Valkyrie couple scoffed in response. Before they can retort, Eir suddenly becomes upset with the two disrespecting Baldr. Although unaware she is Frigg's reincarnation and Baldr is Frigg's son, Eir felt a strong bond when she watched Baldr's body being carried out.

Geirskögul and Heimdallr confronted Skögul. The Feminine Valkyrie gave a condescending retort.

"Oh, look who hast come to lecture me. Thou two art wasting thy time," Skögul turned her back to her father and sister.

"That was truly revolting what thou and Göndul didst! How couldst thou sayeth that?!" Geirskögul chastised her sister.

"Baldr hath no meaning to me and my love. If he dies, he dies. Likewise with anyone here. I dost not care as long as my love and I art together," Skögul blew a kiss to Göndul.

"Then, thou hast forsaken thy family," Heimdallr acknowledged.

"Of course, I hast. Thou two art dead to me." The Feminine Valkyrie arrogantly replied, giving a haughty laugh at their expense.

Many others showed disdain for the highfalutin couple. Some, including Jörð, shook their heads in shame over their horrible behaviors.

Having heard enough from the pompous duo disparaging Baldr, Sigrún pulled away from Helgi and walked over to Skögul. She clapped the Feminine Valkyrie's shoulder, causing her to whip around. Sigrún quickly landed a quick slap to Skögul's face. Skögul fell back with a bruised mark on her left cheek.

"Dost not think I hast not forgotten all the remarks about me!" Sigrún snapped. She then tried to grab the Feminine Valkyrie, but Göndul stormed over to save her lover. However, Sigrún managed to tear off a lock of a princess curl from the Feminine Valkyrie.

Realizing just one of her princess curls was yanked off, Skögul screamed with fury. "THOU BIKKJE!" As she rushed at Sigrún, Göndul stopped her lover from escalating the scene.

"This is for all the times thou harassed me!" Sigrún shouted, waving around Skögul's hair curl. "And this is for Baldr!"

"THOU WILL DIE, BIKKJE!" Skögul roared with fury.

Göndul quickly restrained her furious lover. "Easy! Sigrún is no longer one of us! She stepped down to become a lowly mortal and birthed half-Gulon children with a Midgardian! She is not a threat to us with her divine powers gone."

Having realized this, Skögul gave a haughty chortle. "Oh yes, she is but a mere mortal now. Sigrún, how pathetic thou relinquished divinity to be with a Midgardian man. Thou couldst hast all the benefits to lead us, but thou squandered it. What a shame."

As Helgi walked beside his wife Sigrún, the former Radiance Valkyrie retorted. "I may hast not found Brynhildr and given up my divinity rights, but I still have my integrity unlike thou two cretins."

Before the couple could respond, a powerful blast exploded in front of Göndul and Skögul. The charged blast came from Odin, who had his spear raised. With a menacing glare, Odin quickly silenced the two Valkyries and put them in their place. He minced no words with Göndul and Skögul, instead choosing to pay his respects to Baldr. Although he didn't harbor as much hate toward them as he did with Brynhildr, he wished for a karmic fate worse than death for the two.

The Allfather stared off in the distance where the fires that burned the pyre and Baldr's body died down. He noted the winter patterns have extended and become more prominent. He considered this along with Baldr's death as a sign of worse events to come.

---

Yggdrasil/Urðarbrunnr

"Odin, it hast been a long time, old friend," Sága addressed the Allfather, who arrived with Sleipnir.

Leaving his noble steed outside, Odin walked in with Sága. They descended beneath Yggdrasil to meet with the Norns - Skuld, Urðr, and Verðandi. The Norns showed three wells which Odin recognized. These wells were Urðarbrunnr, Hvergelmir, and Mímisbrunnr.

"Dost thou remember this well? Thou sacrificed thy eye for a drink."

Odin nodded. "I remember if it was yesterday, Sága. And thou hast aged better than I."

Sága eyed the Allfather worryingly. "Thou look very tired, Odin."

"If thou knew of all the hardships and betrayals I hast been through, thy heart would grow cold like mine."

The Homo Yggr woman responded with a pitiful smile. "I couldst relate, but I hast not met with betrayals."

Skuld spoke up. "Mother, we art ready."

"So, what hast thou summoned me here for?" Odin addressed the Norns.

Skuld calmly replied. "We hast determined a cluster of a dark outside force manifesting outside the Tíu Heimar. It is nothing like we hast sensed before."

Urðr added. "It is festering at a rapid rate. What is causing this might be linked to the escalating violence across the realms."

Verðandi nodded. "Midgard hast seen an increased number of wars. Violence among the Midgardians hast escalated. Greater numbers being lost to famine and disease."

Pointing to the wells, Skuld then showed Odin horrific images of warfare, famine, and plagues spreading over Midgard. She then shifted to the other realms, including Asgard.

"Dost thou not notice the Fimbulwinter ravaging most of the realms? Dost thou not see the endless winter patterns in thy kingdom?" Skuld queried the Allfather. "Thy kingdom has been in decline for quite some time. These extended winters will make matters worse."

Not one to handle the harsh truths regarding his rulership and kingdom's status, Odin tightened his grip on his spear. Sága cautiously stared over him.

"Odin, please reserve thy anger," Sága cautioned him.

"And how dost this relate to the dark force? Is it related to the forthcoming Ragnarök?" The Allfather inquired to the Norns.

"The dark force may accelerate Ragnarök's approach," Skuld warned him.

"Consider the recent passing of Baldr and the betrayal from Loki variables of the anomalous entities affecting the natural order," Urðr stated.

"These dark forces appear drawn to negative emotions and when violence is triggered," Verðandi added.

"And the levels of violence hast escalated with these wars," Sága warned Odin. "Allfather, as a friend to another, I implore thee to warn thy people. Thou must avert this coming apocalypse. Whether it is this dark force or Ragnarök, thou hast to be careful. Move thy people if thou must! Even thou dost not hast the power to stop this apocalypse. Not in thy current condition!"

Furrowing his brows, Odin growled. "Who art thou to lecture me on how to rule my kingdom?"

"I am only giving thou a warning as a friend."

"I hast heard enough!" Odin bellowed as he turned away, not looking at Sága and the Norns. "Thou hast the nerve to sayeth Baldr's death was the result of the dark matter possibly influencing Loki! I knew coming here was a mistake. I shouldst not be listening to thee and thy witches, Sága!"

"Odin!" Sága called to him.

The Allfather walked off and headed out to depart with Sleipnir.

"Mother, leave him," Skuld sighed out of exasperation. "Baldr's death hath taken a toll on him. His mental and physical conditions deteriorate as time passes. Nothing we sayeth will change his mind. He is set in his ways."

Sága watched Odin leave through a well. A saddened look appeared on her face. "I pity that man. He remains set to die on his throne, but I hast foreseen he will pick a successor. Hopefully, it will not be too little too late. After all, it is what Sigrdrífa wouldst hast wanted."

---

Jötunheim/Gálgviðr/Cavern/Loki's Prison

Deep in a cavern and sealed off from the endless winter, an exiled trickster was placed in seclusion following Baldr's murder.

Suspended high near the cavern's ceiling, Loki was bound to three stones by 'human entrails turned to iron'. These entrails once belonged to Narfi, one of Loki's sons. Narfi was killed and eviscerated by his own brother Váli, who was turned into a Werewarg by the gods. These entrails were then removed from Narfi's corpse and used to hold Loki. Odin decided not only would Loki be punished, but his closest family would suffer the consequences. They were 'guilty by association' with the trickster.

He was beneath what appeared to be a woman turned to stone. This woman was Loki's wife Sigyn. The stone woman held a basin that contained and filled with a Hlaup Hooded Viper's venom. The serpent was suspended high into the ceiling. The venomous viper's mouth was agape. Its fangs were exposed, which secreted the venom to fall on the basin. Loki's eyes were forced open thanks to Odin's magic.

For some time after Baldr's death, Loki was banished to this specific cavern by Odin. Every couple of hours, the viper's venom dripped onto Loki's eyes and burned them. Though Loki, like many deities, can self-regenerate from a simple viper's venom, it still didn't spare him from the excruciatingly burning pains he's had to endure. His blood-curdling wails, which shook the earth, filled the cavern with horror and trepidation for anyone who stepped foot inside this cavern.

But, not this one visitor who just happened to walk into the cavern.

A hooded figure walked in after passing through the harsh winters. The individual knew exactly where to find the trickster. Then, when the figure appeared before Loki, she undid her hood and revealed herself to him.

Kriemhild gave a calm and pleasant smile.

"At last, I've found you, trickster. It has been a long journey to get here, but the payoff was worth it."

Upon seeing Kriemhild, Loki muttered. "...who… art thou…?"

"Someone who's going to grant you freedom," Kriemhild said as she threw a green and purple fireball that blasted the stone woman and the basin into pieces. With a flick of her finger, she formed a lime green whip-like projectile and cut the entrails binding the trickster.

The viper from the ceiling fell and crawled away someplace warm in the cavern.

Taking a few deep breaths, Loki closed his eyes and reopened them repeatedly. He crawled over to the nearest water hole and splashed a handful to moisten his eyes. Relieved he was still able to see, Loki turned and met Kriemhild's gaze.

Although cautious of her presence, Loki bowed. "T-Thank thee. I dost not know how thou found me, but I am grateful to thee."

Kriemhild gave a malignant giggle. "It's nothing, Loki."

The trickster was confounded that she already knew his name. "And h-how didst thou know…"

"Who doesn't know you? When I heard Odin banished you, I was mortified. How could the Allfather do that to his own brother?!"

"H-He hadst a reason to. I killed one of his sons."

Kriemhild gave a half-hearted gasp. "You did?! That's awful!"

Loki sat on a stone and recounted the proceedings leading to his imprisonment. "If thou knew me, thou wouldst know I am a trickster god. I often played pranks with the other gods. Well, one prank went wrong. And it ended up costing Baldr's life."

Kriemhild listened with intrigue. "Do go on. I'd like to know what caused this."

"The gods didst not take my pranks seriously and told me to 'try harder if thou want our attention'. Well, being the master of trickery, I hadst to go further. I desired to get the attention of the Allfather, his sons, and his subjects. No one was taking me seriously anymore!"

"Yes, I can see how you'd want to vie for their attention. You were being ignored."

"We barely just met and yet thou understand me."

Kriemhild added. "I am a good listener. Now, go on. I want to know what happened with Baldr."

Loki glared at the odd woman suspiciously. He wondered if Odin sent her as a spy to observe and extract information from him to reveal why he killed Baldr. However, he sensed a strange malevolent essence, unlike anything he'd felt before. There was no possible way Odin would employ this woman to carry out a task.

Nonetheless, Loki continued. "This is going to sound strange, but when I fell into a depressive state, I felt something akin to a dark force manipulating my heart. It was like a voice in my head telling me to show up the Allfather and his subjects. It told me to play the cruelest prank on Baldr."

Upon hearing this, the mere mention of the 'dark force' brought a cruel smile to Kriemhild's face.

"Then, I let this dark force blacken my heart. I resolved to show Odin and his subjects I wouldst appreciate it! Odin even dared send me out to help slay my own grandchildren! I decided to get back at Odin, I wouldst play the cruelest trick on one of his sons. Víðarr and Thor were out of the question. So, I opted to choose Baldr. Baldr was on a down period, making him easier to exploit."

Kriemhild rubbed her hands together. "Oooh, this is going to get good."

"Initially I never intended to kill Baldr. All I wanted to do was play the cruelest trick on him, but that dark force… coerced me to kill Baldr to avenge my grandchildren. But, I thought, 'How couldst I possibly kill Baldr?' Then, it hit me. I recalled ages ago when Frigg was still alive. I remember I considered playing a prank on Baldr a long time ago. I recalled Baldr had a strange fear of arrows and spears from dreams he hadst. Under the guise of a beggar woman, I asked for a meal from Frigg. When she granted me one, I asked her, 'Didst all things swear oaths to spare Baldur from harm?' Frigg wouldst then reply, 'Oh, yes. Everything except the mistletoe. But this mistletoe is so tiny and innocent a thing that I felt superfluous to ask it for an oath. What harm couldst it do to my son?' Having realized this, I left and considered crafting an arrow made out of mistletoe… but, having realized I was given a home within Asgard. I couldst not do it and thought killing Baldr was most cruel."

"Until the Allfather forced you to help his sons and Valkyries slay your grandchildren."

Loki maintained his suspicious glare, finding himself disturbed by Kriemhild's nonchalant and all-knowing response. "...yes. That was the catalyst that gave me the incentive to carry out my cruelest prank. It was years later after Frigg's passing and Baldr hadst grown into a man. He ended up in love with Yggdrasil's guardian, Sága, and together they birthed their daughter Skuld. Everyone loved Baldr. Both Asgardians and Homo Yggr alike! But, not I! I abhorred all the attention Baldr received! So, the dark force sensed the hatred in my heart and pushed me to carry out what I shouldst hast done!"

"Now, we're getting to the good part?"

"Recently, Baldr came to visit Asgard. Under the guise of an archer, I prepared to hit Baldr with an arrow forged from mistletoe. Then, I saw children approach him and the other gods for their favorite game. With so many brats in the way, I wouldst potentially miss my target. Then, I saw the blind god Höðr."

"We're getting somewhere."

"Thou see, Höðr was always left out of the gods's games due to his blind handicap. So, I approached the poor fool and asked, 'Thou must feel left out, having to sit back from engaging in the merriment. Thou not allowed to show Baldr the honor of proving his invincibility.' The blind one agreed with what I said. Then, I offered him the shaft and sayeth, 'Here. I will point thy hand in the direction where Baldr stands and thou throw this branch at him.' Höðr went through with it and shot the mistletoe. It pierced Baldr straight through, and he fell dead."

Kriemhild gleefully responded. "Yes! Finally!"

Realizing Kriemhild was celebrating someone's death, Loki was flabbergasted. "...thou think this is funny?"

"So, sorry. Do go on. You are not finished, correct?"

The trickster sighed and continued. "When the gods realized what hadst happened, a great sadness and anger shook the foundation of Asgard. The shot and the collapse of Baldr were heard across Asgardian halls. There were audible gasps and then a moment of silence. Everyone gathered near Baldr. Höðr was horrified at what he hadst done. He killed Baldr for me. It worked out as I wanted. Angst over the death of Baldr spread over Asgard. The news reached Yggdrasil where Sága and Skuld were mortified. Initially, Höðr was accused and he was exiled out of Asgard."

Kriemhild hummed and asked. "And how long did it take for Allfather and the gods to determine you were responsible?"

"Not long. Víðarr sent Höðr to see Hel, the ruler of Helheim and whose body is half disfigured… even I fear her."

"Hel is your daughter, I presume?"

The trickster had a dreadfully panicked look. "Yes, and the most terrifying one of my offspring."

Kriemhild giggled darkly. "I'd like to meet her. Wait, I think we can!"

"What?"

"Nevermind. Hold that thought. Don't you have a story to finish?"

"Yes, well…" Loki recounted the remaining events up to his imprisonment. "I hadst not anticipated them to meet with Hel. But, I did anticipate Odin sending messengers from all over the realms to find clues related to the death of Baldr. He wanted the true murderer to be brought to justice. It didst not take long for a messenger to find me. I couldst not escape Odin's messengers and they secured me. Once word spread all over that I murdered Baldr, almost everyone demanded my head. Odin, who still couldst not bring himself to execute me, viewed me like a blood brother and instead sentenced me here."

Kriemhild picked up the pieces of Sigyn and eyed the iron entrails belonging to Narfi. "And I presume these were used to bind you?"

"They were once my family. The woman in stone was my wife, Sigyn, and those entrails once belonged to my son Narfi. Allfather hadst me bound to the ceiling by my own son's entrails. Thou see, my other son, Váli, was turned into a Werewarg and killed his brother, ripping out his entrails. Sigyn was turned to stone and used to hold a bowl over my head to keep the venom of a viper from falling into my eyes." The trickster then scowled and conveyed his disdain for the gods. "This was my darkest period. The worst punishment a god such as I could receive."

Having heard Loki's story, Kriemhild clapped her hands, drawing Loki's attention to her. "What a touching story for a fallen god such as yourself! I almost wept!"

Loki frowned. "Clearly, thou didst not weep."

"It doesn't matter how I feel. What's most important is how do you feel about getting revenge on Allfather and Asgard for discarding you in this manner?"

"But, I sort of deserved…"

Kriemhild closed his mouth. "No, that's not a good enough reason for them to exile you! You deserve recognition! They didn't take you seriously anymore. You wanted to show them up and get their attention. So, you killed one of Allfather's blessed sons? Who cares? Baldr's dead and is not coming back!" She squeezed Loki's shoulders. "But, you're still here. And with my help, I can grant you the revenge you desire."

"Yes, but that is easier said than done."

"Question, Loki. You mentioned a dark force manipulating you?"

"Yes. I was down in the dumps and fell into a depression. Then, this dark force came to me in the form of some voice. It compelled me to kill Baldr."

Kriemhild smiled darkly. "I, too, have been in contact with these anomalous forces at work. I've been in contact far longer. The dark matter and I became drawn to each other. And it gave me the power I now wield. Also, thanks to the dark forces, I was led to this." With that, she showed Andvaranaut on her finger.

Loki's eyes widened at the sight of the ring he took from Andvari. He closely examined Andvaranaut and confirmed it was the same ring.

"I-I cannot believe it! It truly is Andvaranaut! But, the last time I hadst it I gave…"

"Gave it to King Hreiðmarr in Svartalfheim. Then, as a result, his son, Fáfnir, became consumed with greed. He killed his father and made off with the ring. Their dominion was met with great misfortune. Anyone who wields this ring is met with untold death and destruction. The wearers either become cursed or die. Loki, you were smart enough to get rid of this ring." Kriemhild explained while the trickster remembered relinquishing the ring in exchange for being spared for killing Hreiðmarr's son Ótr. "Sometime after, the ring's curse turned Fáfnir into a dragon. Then, one day, a valiant young warrior named Sigurd slayed the dragon and took the ring. During his later journeys, he happened across a sleeping maiden. He climbed the burning castle and awoke the maiden, who happened to be a Valkyrie beast named Brynhildr."

As Kriemhild continued, Loki saw Brynhildr's soul screaming inside the ring. He was rattled by the Blood Valkyrie's horrid and ghostly wails.

"B-Brynhildr?! Didst thou just sayeth Brynhildr? The Blood Valkyrie?"

"Yes! She was quite a troublesome beast, but wait until I get to our meeting. Unable to take Brynhildr out of the castle, she and Sigurd realized there was a barrier sealing her from leaving. So, Sigurd decided to leave to find a powerful sorcerer who could help him bring down Allfather's barrier. He found a nearby kingdom where a king and his sister reigned. He asked this king named Gunnar to help craft a spell for him to bring down the barrier. Then, the princess, Gudrun, also offered her services. Tired from his journey, Sigurd was asked to stay." Kriemhild forged a purple-flamed orb in her right hand. It replayed Gudrun using her paralysis magic to bind Sigurd and extract his memories regarding Brynhildr. "When Gudrun extracted information from Sigurd during his sleep, she gave the information about Brynhildr to her brother. Gunnar used this information and turned himself into Sigurd. Once he brought down the barrier, Gunnar brought Brynhildr to his castle. From there, he taught the beast some magic while Gudrun had her way with Sigurd."

"So, that is where Brynhildr hath been this whole time?"

"Brynhildr caught Gudrun raping poor Sigurd and stealing his virginity away. Gunnar intervened and he made the mistake of trying to rape the Valkyrie beast. Once Brynhildr killed Gunnar, it was revealed 'he' was an illusion everything about the castle and the kingdom was an illusion. The horrible truth came out. The kingdom had been a haven for the undead for quite some time."

Kriemhild showed the sequence of events play out like a film to Loki. The trickster found himself unnerved by the people revealing to be Proto-Draugar.

"Brynhildr and Sigurd managed to escape on Grani, but they wouldn't get far. First, there was one loose end to get rid of. Gudrun went into the dungeon and there she visited her dearest brother, who was chained up as her personal prisoner. He pleaded with Gudrun to free him, but sadly there was no room for failure. So, Gudrun cut off ties with Gunnar and left him to be eaten by the undead."

Upon seeing the Proto-Draugar devouring Gunnar, the trickster nearly wanted to vomit. Even if he wasn't able to spell the horrid stench, he could just imagine the disgusting fate Gunnar endured in the final moments of his life.

"Wasting no time, Gudrun left and confronted the remaining loose ends. She caught the beast and her man having intercourse, but this wouldn't end on a happy note. No, no, no. Gudrun quickly disposed of the three. First, Grani. Then, Sigurd. And then she wounded Brynhildr and took this ring she wore. She put them together inside a horse pyre and set them all ablaze in a scorching inferno. I can recall the blood-curdling screams while Brynhildr burned alive."

Loki watched Brynhildr's final moments as the glowing fire showed Gudrun's transformation into Kriemhild. "Thou art the one who killed Brynhildr?!"

"Yes, and this ring was once hers. Now, she like many others died as a result of the ring's curse."

"But, now that thou wear that ring… that means thou will be cursed, too!"

Kriemhild giggled malignantly. "I wouldn't worry. You see, the ring and I have established a bond no other wearer has had. I've even conversed with the ring. Both of us have communicated with the dark matter that's changing the shape of the realms."

"Changing the shape of the realms? Between the Fimbulwinter and the rising conflicts throughout the realms, Allfather was forewarned of Ragnarök."

"Yes! And we're going to bring Ragnarök to Asgard."

"We?"

"What do you say, Loki? God of Mischief? Will you let me help you stage war with Asgard? I have already decided plans to go to each realm and recruit an army large enough to match Asgard's forces. Well?" Kriemhild extended a hand to Loki. "With the ring's power, we cannot lose."

Loki took a deep breath and stared at the ring. He resolved and firmly shook Kriemhild's hand.

"So, I didst not get thy name. Thou art clearly not Gudrun anymore?"

"Correct. You may call me Kriemhild the Unmoralisch Harlequin. I am also referred to as the Agent of the Unmoralisch."

"So, that soul in thy ring really is…?"

"It is Brynhildr. The ring took her soul after I burned her. Here, allow me to show you proof." With that, Kriemhild invoked the ring's power as it glowed and summoned the familiar shape of Brynhildr.

The Blood Valkyrie physically appeared before Loki. The trickster quickly took on a defensive stance. Kriemhild giggled and tapped Brynhildr's shoulder.

"You may relax. This is but a mere illusion created from my Illusion's Touch. All I did was create a copy based on Brynhildr's original appearance. I've made sure to seal away any memories she has about me. Brynhildr's soul is subject to my will."

"Well, that is a good thing. So, art thou going to use this illusion to help us in the war?"

"Indeed. Wait until Allfather sees the Blood Valkyrie return leading the other realms against Asgard. Allfather is in for quite a shock."

"So, where to first, Kriemhild?"

She walked outside with Loki and the Brynhildr illusion. "Since we're in Jötunheim, we can visit Hrym. Let's see how he feels about joining us on our crusade against the Allfather."

---

Jötunheim/Útgarðar/Hrym's Throne

Not too long after their conversation, Kriemhild and Loki arrived at the capital of the realm. Once they were granted an appointment with King Hrym, Kriemhild and Loki appeared before the Jötnar ruler. Loki slightly cowered before Hrym, recognizing his feared reputation. Kriemhild showed no concern and maintained her composure. Both sides, mostly Kriemhild and Hrym exchanging dialogue, discussed joining them in a joint effort to wage war against Asgard. Kriemhild alluded to Ragnarök, which garnered Hrym's immediate attention.

Loki scanned Hrym's royal chamber and noted a mural hanging behind Hrym's chair. This mural depicted pictures of four Jötnar. There were three smaller Jötnar centered on the bottom with a larger Jötnunn above them. On the left is Kári, a Wind Jötunn, also known as a Vindthursar, who resembled a green-armor-bodied golem with thin arms and enlarged forearms. On the right is Ægir, a Sea Jötunn, also known as a Sjórisar, who was a blue-armor-bodied golem with a demonic visage and short-armed claws. Sitting upright in the middle is Logi, a Fire Jötunn, also known as an Eldjötunn, who was depicted as a bright orange-armor-bodied golem with a round form and orange armor adorning its shoulders. The large Jötunn is Fornjót is depicted as a giant whose body is comprised of the three aforementioned Jötnar. Fornjót is the father of the three Jötnar.

Sitting on his throne chair called Jötskjálf, Hrym's massive frame towered over Kriemhild and Loki. When he stood from his chair, the half-Frost, and Mountain Jötunn was a 9'0 feet tall behemoth with long, shoulder-length white hair, a white beard, and brown eyes. Hrym wore a dark gray shirt, black baggy pants, and dark gray armored thigh-length boots. A single piece of dark gray armor adorned his right shoulder. He wore black armored elbow-length gloves. He wore a grass-green cape and a rusted gray helmet.

As his kingdom's acting Skrýmir, Hrym is the current and third ruler of Jötunheim in a succession of his bloodline. Before his older brother, Thrym, ruled before him. And before him was their father Útgarða-Loki, a Frost Jötunn whose wife was a Mountain Jötunn. Hrym also had a sister named Leikn. Útgarða-Loki and his sons each ruled as ruthless kings, but Útgarða-Loki was the cruelest of them all. Jötunheim and Asgard's antagonistic rivalry started with him and continued with Thrym's feud with Thor. Thor ended up killing Thrym and Leikn, giving Hrym enough drive to avenge his brother and sister.

Speaking in an unrestrained and deep tone, the half-Frost and Mountain Jötunn addressed Kriemhild's proposition. "A chance to settle the feud with Asgard once and for all? My chance to avenge my fallen siblings? Thou shalt allow me to spill Asgardian blood?"

Kriemhild smiled. "So, what do you say, King Hrym? You sound enticed enough."

"Indeed, I shalt lend my armies to aid thee against Asgard. As this realm's Skrýmir, I will see to it the Allfather falls!"

Glancing past her right shoulder, Kriemhild whispered to Loki. "And that is how you conduct a successful negotiation, trickster."

Loki sighed. "Thou art better than I when using a snake's tongue, Kriemhild."

"Just wait until we meet with the other realm's rulers."

---

Muspelheim/Múspell/Surtr's Throne

Using the ring, Kriemhild teleported herself and Loki to the World of Fire. Much like with Hrym, they were granted a meeting with Surtr, the ruler of Muspelheim's capital Múspell.

Staring down over Kriemhild and Loki, Surtr sat up from his fiery throne named Muspelskjálf. Surtr was a slightly larger being than Hrym, standing 9'2 feet tall. He was a being with a darkened molten layered body. Underneath the molten rock skin was fiery lava pumping through him like blood. A pair of yellowish-orange horns protruded from the sides of his skull. His visage resembled a demonic skull coupled with fiery yellow eyes. He wore a flaming yellow and orange beard coupled with a reddish-orange mane. Surtr had on obsidian armor trimmed with red resembling his own molten rock body. A red circular emblem filled the centerpiece of his upper body armor. Silver metal spikes protruded over his back armor.

A couple of Surtr's guards, fire dämonen, hissed and expelled fire at Loki, who quickly cowered before Surtr.

"L-L-Lord S-S-urtr, it is an honor to be in thy presence! We…!"

Surtr growled, blowing fire from his nostrils. "Get to the point, trickster. Least thou wish to be a chew toy for my denizens." He cast his eyes on his subjects inching toward Loki.

"Ahh! Kriemhild, now wouldst be a great time to work thy negotiation skills!"

Chortling, Kriemhild walked up and addressed Surtr. "As the trickster says, we're here because we're looking for recruits to wage war on Asgard. We've so far acquired the help and services of Hrym."

"Hrym of Jötunheim?"

"Correct. Lord Surtr, we'd be honored if you'd lend your forces to us. And perhaps you as well since Hrym has agreed to join us."

Surtr growled. "Why shouldst I, woman?"

"It'd be in your great interest, Lord Surtr." She said without so much of batting an eye.

As Surtr eyed Kriemhild, he noticed the fearless vibe she seemed to give off. Even the mightiest of beings he's slain have cowered before their lives were extinguished. However, Kriemhild didn't show any fear. That is until Surtr sensed something 'off' about Kriemhild. His demonic visage conveyed dread when he felt her hidden powers. He sensed the dark matter exuding from the woman, causing his molten blood to cool.

"Lord Surtr, is something wrong?" A subject of his queried to his horrified ruler.

The Muspelheim ruler stammered. "Wh-What art thou, woman? Thou art not a simple Midgardian… but some kind of creature not from any realm."

Kriemhild responded calmly. "I ask again. Would you like to join us to bring down Asgard? Together, we can ensure Ragnarök goes as preordained." She gave a calm and menacing smirk." She put a hand out. "It would be in your best interest and I'm sure you'd love nothing more than to witness the Allfather's demise."

As he sat down on his throne, Surtr cackled. "Who wouldst not want to see that arrogant Asgardian and his people die by my sword Muspelbrandr."

"Then, you will help us?"

"I will, but permit me to inquire. What name hast thou decided on?"

Loki was befuddled. "Name?"

"The name of our alliance."

Kriemhild answered. "Loki, do you remember the name we suggested?"

"Yes, but I thought it too obvious since it is named after me ever slightly?"

She smirked. "No, it has grown on me. Lord Surtr, we shall be known as the Lokar."

---

Svartalfheim/Niðavellir/Caverns

After acquiring Hrym and Surtr's services, Kriemhild and Loki arrived in the cavern lair of the Dwarven brothers Brokkr and Eitri. The brothers negotiated with the Lokar head members.

Brokkr and Eitri are twin brothers but have distinguishing characteristics that set them apart. Both shared the same height at 8'0 feet tall.

Brokkr had long back-length reddish brown hair and a thick reddish beard with some signs of gray due to aging. He has green eyes. He was garbed in a dark blue shirt and dark brown baggy pants. He also wore black armored knee-length boots & elbow-length gloves, a dark gray upper body armor, a red cape hanging on his back, and a rusted twin-horned helmet.

Eitri had a similar length of hair to his brother's, but his hair was dark brown. He has a thick dark brown beard with similar grays showing. He was seen wearing a dark gray shirt and dark gray baggy pants. He also wore silver armored knee-length boots & elbow-length gloves, dark purple upper body armor, a yellow cape fluttering on his back, and a rusted one-horned helmet. The left horn of the helmet remained intact while the right horn was broken off as a result of years of fighting.

"So, what do you say, Dwarven brothers? Are we in agreement?" Kriemhild asked. "But, remember. The choice is yours."

Brokkr and Eitri turned to each other and huddled whispering.

"What dost think, brother?" Eitri asked him.

"I dost not trust this woman, but…"

"What is it, Brokkr?"

"I sense a mysterious dark vibe surrounding her. I cannot explain it, but it troubles me. As if she couldst kill us now if she wants to."

Eitri glanced toward Kriemhild and narrowed his eyes. "I can see why she hath thee disturbed, Brokkr. What now?"

Brokkr rubbed his thick beard. "We do have similar interests. We both want Asgard to fall and the Allfather to be humbled. He and those wretched Asgardians hast slain enough of our people."

Eitri growled. "Yes, consider this our last chance at retribution."

As the Dwarven brothers approached Kriemhild, they accepted their alliance with the Lokar.

---

Alfheim/Midwinter Palace

Arriving in the Unseelie stronghold, the Midwinter Palace, Kriemhild and Loki met with Byggvir and Beyla. Alfheim, the Home of the Light Elves, was divided into two clans: the Seelie and Unseelie. Byggvir and Beyla, also known as Puck and Mab, established the Unseelie and populated their clans in direct conflict with the Seelie.

At 5'10 feet tall, Byggvir is a moderately built, middle-aged, gray-skinned Elven man with long back-length white hair with braided hair in the middle. He has honey-yellow eyes. He wore a silver and blue robe. He had on black body armor fitted underneath this robe. He wore a black crown coupled with a lilac inside the centerpiece of his crown. A pair of silver earrings adorned his earlobes and a pair of clear wings folded on his back.

Opposite Byggvir is Beyla, an alluring and youthful gray-skinned Elven woman with long back-length lilac hair and red eyes. She wore an olive green full-bodied battle armor and a white war dress. Adorning her head is a similar black crown. A lilac gem gleamed on the centerpiece of her crown. She, too, wore silver earrings but had green mantis wings.

"Lords of the Unseelie, would you lend us your support in the coming war against Asgard?" Kriemhild asked of them. "I promise by aligning with the Lokar, there won't be anything to stop us. Not even the Seelie will make a difference."

Byggvir and Beyla had a brief debate about joining the Lokar's cause. At first, they were despondent as they were hesitant to cross the Allfather, but they had seen enough of Asgard's pompous and elitist attitudes demeaning every other realm.

"Yes, we agree to join thy cause," Beyla addressed the two Lokar head members.

"But, Loki, we hast our eyes on thee," Byggvir cast a glare at the trickster. "No treachery from thyself!"

Loki shuddered. "Why must everyone disparage me?"

Kriemhild giggled. "Don't take it personally, Loki. You were responsible for Baldr's death. Is it a wonder barely anyone trusts you? Why do you think I suggested I'd make the negotiations?"

The trickster sighed. "Well, thou art better at it than I could at this point."

"Don't worry. Just a few more realms to go."

Unbeknownst to them, a white butterfly on a side wall was observed and doubled as a witness, recording visual images of the negotiations, and transmitting the footage to the Seelie rulers.

---

Alfheim/Midsummer Palace

Watching closely from their royal chamber, the Seelie leaders, Yngvi and Yngva, witnessed their Unseelie counterparts allying with the Lokar.

Also known as Oberon, Yngvi was a tall middle-aged, pearl-skinned Elven man with long, back-length white hair with a braided section in the middle. He has honey-yellow eyes. He wore a white royal shirt with white armor trimmed with green and gold. He wore matching white pants. A shimmering silver cape cascaded over his back. Adorning his forehead is a white crown coupled with a green gem inside the crown's centerpiece. He has a pair of clear wings on his back but were folded until he was ready for flight.

Known to her people as Titania, Yngva was an alluring, and youthful pearl-skinned woman with long back-length ginger hair. She has green eyes. She wore a royal lime dress with white armor trimmed with gold and green, and elbow-length gloves made of linen fabric. A similar white crown adorned her forehead. This crown also has a green gem on the centerpiece. She wore golden earrings and olive green wings.

Yngvi and Yngva exchanged worried looks.

"Byggvir and Beyla hast forged an alliance," Yngvi muttered.

"We must warn our people. This news must be made known," Yngva added.

---

Helheim/Gnipahellir

Appearing in the Land of the Dishonored Dead, Kriemhild and Loki walked through an obscured mist, which seemed to run on endlessly. Then, they stumbled on a pair of massive gates. These gates are obsidian and resemble flayed body parts. These gates are known as Helgrind.

Guarding these gates is a large canine covered with dark gray fur. Its gleaming yellow eyes cast a terrifying gaze on the newcomers. Loki noticed the orange pupils upon a closer look at the gate guardian. Up to its legs, it stood 5'5 feet tall, but Garmr's real height was 6'4 in height and had an overly imposing body length.

Garmr snarled, baring his sharp teeth at the Lokar head members. "Who dares trespass near these gates?! I am Garmr, sworn guardian of the Helgrind gates! State thy business here!"

Slightly cowering, Loki stuttered. "Hello, Garmr! I-It is I, Loki! W-We came to see the Helheim ruler. We came to see Hel… my daughter!"

Garmr poked his face in front of Loki and puffed in his face. "Thou daughter hath disowned thee. Thou art nothing but a petty man to Lady Hel."

"See what I mean, Kriemhild? My own daughter hath forsaken me!"

Chortling, Kriemhild approached Garmr and placed a handout. Initially ready to attack the woman, Garmr paused and sensed the dark matter's presence emanating from Kriemhild. Garmr withdrew his jaws.

"We've come to conduct business with your ruler, Garmr. Please grant us entry."

Garmr's face conveyed fear. "O-Of course… right this way." He opened the gates for them.

Loki let out a relieved sigh. "Just how dost thou do it?"

Kriemhild smirked. "I have been tempted with forces more terrifying than an overgrown puppy."

---

Helheim/Helreginn/Hel's Throne

"So, thou decided to show thyself before me, trickster?" A whispering and frightening tone addressed Loki, who was already down on both knees. She cast her gaze toward Garmr and snarled. "Thou art dismissed, Garmr. Return to thy post."

Garmr bowed and left.

"Daughter, please I can explain…"

"I know thou hast come here for a reason, trickster. And thou hath brought a woman here, but I sense something peculiar about her." The Helheim figurehead stood and floated off her throne chair Helskjálf.

"It is an honor to meet you, Hel, ruler of Helheim," Kriemhild politely addressed her.

Hel can be described as a neutral figurehead regarding the concerns of the other realms. She was also an individual noted for her half-beauty and half-monstrosity. The right side of her face is relatively normal and maintains her beauty; the left side is corpse-like and disfigured with her eye almost like it were ready to pop out. She has long back-length carmine hair. Complementing her two-faced appearance, she has a heterochromatic look; her left eye is yellow and her eighth eye is emerald. She wore a black dress revealing her bare shoulders, collarbone & upper bosom area, and back. She wore a silver necklace. Her eyeshadows consisted of a mixture of black and dark purple shades. A black crown adorned her head and doubled like a headdress.

"Thou hast a strange aura exuding from thy presence. State thy name."

"I am Kriemhild and I like your throne room. You have exquisite taste in decorum."

Hel frowned. "Get to the point, Kriemhild. What is it thou art here for?"

"Of course, your father and I are here to recruit you to wage war against Asgard."

"War against Asgard?" The Helheim ruler suspiciously gazed at them. "Thou wish to accelerate the process leading into Ragnarök?"

"We are going to end Asgard's reign. The Allfather is aging and his kingdom's morale is at its low point. The Asgardians question whether Asgard has much time left. Even its people have grown weary of Odin's tyrannical rule."

Hearing this, Hel's face was neutral. She had a previous history with Asgard. She was once a part of the First Generation Valkyries and an old friend of Frigg. However, following Frigg's passing and reincarnation into Eir, Hel departed and returned to her realm. Since then, she's formed doubts about Asgard's political leadership under Odin and became bothered by the kingdom's grandiose reputation.

"Hmm, do you need a little time to think about my proposal, Hel?" Kriemhild queried.

"I once considered Asgard a place I could call my own. Thou probably never knew this, but I was once one of Asgard's Valkyries."

"Interesting. This is news to me."

Loki smiled proudly. "And thou were a beautiful and powerful Valkyrie, Hel. Thou were called the Underworld Valkyrie."

"And I knew someone who I regarded as a dear friend. She was the leader of our Valkyrie unit. Her name was Frigg."

"Yes, the late wife of Odin. I recall she sacrificed herself," Kriemhild pointed out.

"She sacrificed herself for us and another Valkyrie unit. It took our combined might to defeat our common foe."

Hearing this, Kriemhild smirked. "And who might that foe be if I may ask?"

Clenching her right hand, Hel gritted. "She was known as Grímhildr the Unmoralisch, a truly despicable being."

"Very interesting, but she's gone, isn't she?"

"Yes, and it took the sacrifice of two of our own Valkyries, including Frigg. After that, I left after I noticed Odin's change in his stance on many subjects. Losing Frigg turned the Allfather into a vengeful, power-mad, and paranoid individual. Nowadays, the Allfather is a petty shell of his former self. I dost not agree where Asgard hath gone since my departure. I cannot even show it much reverence. If I couldst, I couldst destroy it and restart it anew."

Kriemhild smirked darkly. "Well, that is the purpose of Ragnarök. We can destroy Asgard and create something new in its place. Like any cycle of death and reincarnation, the former Asgard can die and a new kingdom can rise from its ashes." She extended a hand to Hel. "We can make it happen, Lady Hel. Join us, The Lokar, and we can make anything happen."

Hel mulled her decision. She turned to her father and then back to Kriemhild.

"Fine. Thou hast convinced me. Let us destroy Asgard and allow for a better kingdom to rise in its place," the Helheim ruler shook Kriemhild's hand, forging her alliance with The Lokar.

---

Helheim/Náströnd

Hel took Loki and Kriemhild to the space occupied by a fearsome beast. Upon seeing the massive beast, Loki was flabbergasted. Kriemhild became enamored by its presence.

"The trickster is already aware of this monster. However, Kriemhild, allow me to introduce to thee, Níðhöggr the Primordial Dreki."

"Magnificent," Kriemhild whispered.

The Primordial Dreki awoke from his long slumber. It had a length of 1,900 feet and towered at a staggering 1,500 feet tall. Níðhöggr's body was covered in dark gray scales. When he opened his orange eyes, he stared at Hel, Loki, and Kriemhild. This behemoth lacked wings, but considering his gargantuan size, he did not need flight. He stood on all fours. His long neck gave him an impressive physique. His head was long, narrow, and rigid with a mouth lined up with bone-crushing teeth. His forehead lacked any horns and bony protrusions, but there are small scale-like spikes normally found on Midgardian crocodilians.

"Níðhöggr is the avatar of Ginnungagap. Kriemhild, we shouldst be honored to…" Loki stopped as he watched her approach Níðhöggr.

Níðhöggr lowered his head to meet Kriemhild. Without even opening its mouth, the Primordial Dreki let out a low haunting roar. Unfazed by Ginnungagap's avatar, Kriemhild put her hand on the beast's snout, causing Loki to flinch. Hel was more or less intrigued about where this was going to lead.

"Níðhöggr, how would you like to us not only destroy Asgard but reshape the entire cosmic tree? Yes, I'm sure you're well aware of Yggdrasil," Kriemhild whispered as she caressed Níðhöggr's snout. "You may have your fill devouring the World Tree. What do you say, avatar of Ginnungagap?"

Níðhöggr picked his head up and let out a screeching roar at the endless space.

"It appears that's a yes," Kriemhild confirmed. "Yes, he shall feast on the World Tree."

"This will upset the balance," Hel warned.

Kriemhild smirked. "A risk worth taking to bring Asgard and its closest allies down. Fear not, we will restart everything anew as you wanted, Hel."

"Right as thou sayeth."

Loki eyed his daughter before Kriemhild beckoned him.

"Come, Loki. Let us depart to the next realm."

The trickster replied. "The World of Ice is our next stop."

---

Niflheim/Hvergelmir

Kriemhild and Loki convened a meeting with a malevolent trio of sisters called the Élivádísir coupled with their beasts Sköll and Hati. It didn't take much to convince the five individuals to join The Lokar.

The leader of the Élivádísir, Gjölldís, lay on a soft padded bed with her sisters lying opposite her. Both sisters, Slidís and Leipdís, lovingly reclined across Gjölldís's body.

"We wouldst gladly join thee," Gjölldís answered Kriemhild.

Wearing a dark seductive look, Gjölldís emerged from the dark corner, revealing herself to Kriemhild. She has long, straight back-length dark blonde hair and cold, lifeless brown eyes with tiny black irises, and barefooted. Her skin has a light brown mixed but with shades of a fair complexion. Standing upright, this Élivádís wore a dark blue sleeveless dress and a light blue veil adorning her neck & shoulders. Her accessories included a spiked crown with a green gem on the centerpiece, dark blue oval-shaped earrings, and a silver necklace.

Slidís has a similar skin complexion to her sister. She has shoulder-length black hair tied into a ponytail and gray eyes and walked barefooted. She wore a black sleeveless dress and a dark purple veil over her shoulders & neck. The Élivádís's accessories included a spiked crown with a yellow gem centered on it, red oval-shaped earrings, and a silver necklace.

As she stood, Leipdís's skin complexion was notably paler than her sisters'. She has a rigid-styled, shoulder-length reddish brown hair and green eyes. She has a moss green sleeveless dress and a dark yellow veil over her neck & shoulders. Her accessories included a spiked crown with a red gem centered on it, purple oval-shaped earrings, and a silver necklace. She was also barefooted.

The sound of wolf snarls came from Sköll and Hati. Both bowed their heads like loyal dogs.

"And we will join The Lokar and see to it Asgard falls!" Sköll and Hati both declared.

The large wolves were covered in ash-gray fur. Despite their similar appearances, they are distinguished by their eye colors. Sköll has blue eyes with ivory pupils. Hati has red eyes with ebony pupils.

Sköll snarled. "Grant us permission to devour Sól and Máni."

Kriemhild gladly granted. "Done. I hope you enjoy your fills!"

Gjölldís and her sisters then declared. "And we shalt direct Níðhöggr t'ward the World Tree as thee suggest!"

Kriemhild clapped once. "Wonderful! So, we have the Yggdrasil front covered."

Loki added. "Now to free my sons. First, Fenrir."

---

Midgard/Amsvartnir/Lyngvi

Upon landing on the island Lyngvi in the middle of Amsvartnir Lake, Kriemhild once again summoned her Brynhildr illusion to assist her in locating Fenrir. They along with Loki happened upon the large wolf bound by Gleipnir. Kriemhild and Brynhildr worked together by wiping out Gleipnir, freeing Fenrir.

Howling for his freedom, Fenrir quickly recognized Loki. Fenrir is a massive black-furred wolf. His yellow eyes have crimson pupils, which he used to scan Loki.

"Fenrir, my son. I am glad to see thee!" Loki called to him.

"Father, I thank thee, but who art this woman and…" Fenrir sighted Brynhildr. "Brynhildr? Her scent seems different."

Kriemhild addressed the wolf. "Fear not. She's with us. Your father suggested we free you and your other brother."

Fenrir growled. "The World Snake."

"Yes! And we've already visited your sister. She has agreed to join our cause."

"For what? Father, what art we fighting against?"

Loki answered. "We art going to war against Asgard, my son."

"Asgard?"

"Will thou help us, my son?"

Fenrir closed his mouth and nodded. "An enemy of my father is an enemy of mine. I shalt fight with thee and help destroy Asgard. After all, they art responsible for binding me here!"

"Now, let us meet the World Snake!" Kriemhild declared.

---

Midgard/Kattegat

Amassed on a shore, Kriemhild, Loki, Brynhildr, and Fenrir watched as the still waters of the Kattegat shook hard. Kriemhild, Loki, and Brynhildr used their combined power to undo the seal of Jörmungandr.

A massive serpentine body emerged from the sea's depths. Everyone paused as a tidal wave headed their way, but all it took was Kriemhild to stop the wave with magic, sending the wave to crash into the still waters. When the World Snake was revealed, he was a giant whose length covered the entire planet. His body was covered entirely in dark green scales with black stripes spread over the body. He resembled a snake similar to a constrictor snake like an anaconda and the reticulated python. His head and massive bulk were akin to a Titanoboa. When he lowered his head, Jörmungandr's orange eyes stared over Loki.

Jörmungandr spoke with a long, black forked tongue sticking out. "Thank thee, father. I am thrilled to be free."

"I hast freed thy brother, Fenrir, and met with thy sister, Hel. We art going to take revenge on Asgard. Will thou join us, Jörmungandr?" Loki asked the World Serpent.

"Since thou freed me from my seal, I shalt! But, tell me who is this woman and why is Brynhildr here?"

Kriemhild reassured the World Serpent. "Brynhildr is with us now. And I will be aiding you in the war against Asgard. I have recruited many from the other realms. We'd be happy to have you join us."

Jörmungandr nodded. "Then, I pledge to witness the downfall of Asgard!"

"We have one more place to visit, Loki," Kriemhild said.

"Where wouldst that be?"

"You know where. We're going to the one who gave you this ring," she showed him Andvaranaut.

"Then, thou mean…"

---

Svartalfheim/Myrkheim/Andvari's Home

Andvari heard the sound of a blast outside his home. He woke up with a start and stormed out. He bolted past the waterfall obscuring his home. He saw Loki and Kriemhild awaiting him.

"Loki?! What art thou doing back?!" Andvari berated him. "I told thee never to return!" He looked away from the trickster as his eyes settled on Kriemhild. His eyes and mouth widened at Kriemhild's sight. Based on his reaction, he looked like he had just seen a ghost from his past. "I-It is thee… how can this be?"

"Look, apologies for my intrusions, but Andvari…"

"Forget thee, trickster! How is she still alive?!" Andvari pointed to Kriemhild. "I saw this woman die ages ago!"

"Thou hast lost me, Andvari. But, this is Kriemhild. We hast been recruiting allies from all the realms to wage war on Asgard. We were here not too long ago to recruit Brokkr and Eitri."

"The Dwarven brothers? Aye, they art strong bruisers, but… that is beside the point, trickster! If this is not Lady Grímhildr, who is she? She bears a resemblance to Lady Grímhildr!"

"Thou hast heard that name from thee before. And I heard Hel mention her. Kriemhild, what dost thou know?" Loki asked Kriemhild, who calmly smirked and walked over to Andvari.

"You must be, Andvari. Are you the one who gave Loki this ring?" She showed him Andvaranaut, which the Dwarf recognized.

"Y-Yes, I gave him this ring. But, how didst thou end up with it? Loki, didst thou…?"

Kriemhild nodded dismissively. "No, I took the ring from a Valkyrie named Brynhildr. Before her, a man named Sigurd possessed. And before him, Fáfnir had it, turning him into a dragon. And before him, King Hreiðmarr had it. And do you know who gave the king that ring?"

Andvari frowned and gave Loki a piercing gaze. "I see. So, thou ended up passing the curse to others."

Loki looked away, whistling. "I dost not know what thou art talking about!"

Andvari growled. "I knew I couldst not trust thee!"

Kriemhild cleared her throat, garnering Andvari's attention. "Anyway, Andvari. We wish to recruit you."

"Sorry, but my fighting days art behind me. I wish to stay reclusive."

"That's a shame, because I doubt Lady Grímhildr would be pleased you turned down her successor."

Hearing this, Andvari blinked. "...thou art her successor?"

"More like her daughter," Kriemhild revealed. "I was born Gudrun, but with the power of this ring, I've become reborn as Kriemhild."

Both Andvari and Loki were shocked to learn this. However, Loki is more so surprised since he has been traveling with Kriemhild and has gotten acquainted with her. The whole notion of Lady Grímhildr went over his head after Odin and the Valkyries slain her ages ago. When looking over Kriemhild, he noted distinct characteristics that reminded him of Grímhildr. He then remembered Hel, who was one of the Valkyries who fought Grímhildr, had made a pact with Kriemhild. He wondered how he and Hel weren't able to discern Kriemhild and compare her life force to Grímhildr.

Andvari walked over and examined Kriemhild. "Thou look like thy mother. Thou even have a name similar to hers. Grímhildr. Kriemhild. Yes, I see it now."

"I know you are the last survivor of Lady Grímhildr's former army. That makes you a relic of my mother's forces. And as I understand it, you can turn into a dragon. So, I am going to make you a steed I can ride into battle against Asgard." Kriemhild extended a hand to Andvari. "How would you like to join me? Together we'll destroy Asgard. You'll be reliving your glory and make my mother proud."

Andvari stared over Kriemhild's hand and mulled over her offer. Learning this woman is Grímhildr's daughter turned his worldview upside down. Now, his former master's spawn has offered him a place in her Lokar rankings. He wasn't sure what to think. However, despite having been in seclusion, Andvari's loyalty remained firm with Grímhildr.

Andvari answered with a handshake and took a bow to her.

"I pledge my loyalty as if thou were Lady Grímhildr herself."

"Rise, Andvari. You are the last recruit we need... " Kriemhild then paused. "No, on second thought. We could use one more."

"One more? Who dost hast in mind?" Loki inquired.

Walking away, Kriemhild communicated with the dark forces that she had been communicating with. She looked like she was staring off into space and cupped an ear.

"What? Do you want me to recruit a Valkyrie? You mean that one?" Kriemhild asked the dark force.

Andvari turned to Loki. "Who is she speaking to?"

Loki sighed. "She often calls it the dark force, dark matter, and anomalous entities. I hast no clue. She is quite odd, but whenever she is communicating with this dark force, oftentimes it hath helped her locate people she wants to find and utilize powers beyond my comprehension."

Kriemhild looked at her ring and whispered to Brynhildr's soul. "Do you hear that? We are going to recruit someone from your former Valkyrie team. Won't this be fun? And yes, I could use your help." She turned to gather Loki. "Time for us to go, Loki. Andvari, we will return here to get you once Ragnarök is near us."

Andvari slightly bowed. "As thou sayeth, Lady Kriemhild."

"Come, Loki. We're making a quick stop on Asgard."

Hearing this, Loki gulped. "A-Asgard?"

---

Outside Asgard

Another humiliating day in the life of Mist. The Shroud Valkyrie took a brief leave from Asgard to vent her frustrations. She was once again verbally insulted by Göndul and Skögul. They mocked her for her small breast size, which normally is a petty insecurity to have, but this greatly affected Mist's self-esteem. On top of that, Mist was upset that she wasn't picked to be the leader. Odin had favored Eir to lead the Valkyries.

As she fumed angrily, Mist's focus became off-kilter. She tried training in solitude, but she kept messing up. She tossed seax at blocks of wood. She hit one but missed another.

Mist panted hard and hissed. "So, I am not good enough to be the leader?! What dost Eir hast that I dost not?!" She then covered her chest, exhibiting her insecure nature. "And so what if I am not well developed like the rest of thee! I dost not need a large chest, a strong body, or a goddess-like figure to be a great Valkyrie! I am fine as I am!"

She flew over and threw another seax to knock over another block of wood.

"I must get strong. I will get strong enough to surpass thee, Eir!"

Suddenly, Mist heard a low chuckle emanate out of nowhere. This disturbance quickly alarmed the Shroud Valkyrie. She reproduced another seax in her hand.

"Who is there?! Who dares cackle at me?!" Mist hissed defensively. "Göndul?! Skögul?! Is it thee two cretins?! Or, is it thee, Eir?! Mock me all thou want! I will not be looked down on!" She threw the seax at a tree.

As Mist heard the laughter move behind her, she instinctively turned and saw nobody. Her heart pounded.

"Ok, this is not funny anymore. Come out!"

Mist walked backward and bumped into a wall. She whipped around expecting to meet a wall, but came face to face with Brynhildr. Their gazes met. Brynhildr smiled in her face.

"Hello, Mist."

"B-Brynhildr?!" She gasped and fell back as if she had seen a ghost. "B-But, thou art here?! How?! The Allfather exiled thee!"

The Blood Valkyrie chuckled. "Thou art still a hopeless child, Mist. And no, I hast been freed from being trapped in that flaming castle. Someone saved me. I wouldst like thou to meet her."

"Who is it?"

Brynhildr walked up and whispered in her ear. "Follow me." She turned and ran off into the forest.

"Wait, Brynhildr!" Mist called after her. As she raced off into the forest, the Shroud Valkyrie pursued Brynhildr. "Who is it thou want me to meet?! Can she make me strong?!"

"Perhaps, but thou need to hurry!"

"Thou art acting a little too friendlier than usual, Brynhildr," Mist noted. "Maybe the time away has changed thee for the better?"

As the chase stopped, Mist happened upon a small frozen pond. However, she lost Brynhildr completely.

"Brynhildr! Art thou here?!"

"Behind thee."

As Mist turned around, she expected Brynhildr, but instead found Kriemhild, who used Brynhildr's voice.

Kriemhild addressed her. "Expecting somebody?"

"Where is Brynhildr?"

"Right here," Kriemhild stepped aside as Brynhildr emerged from behind a large rock.

Sensing something off about Brynhildr, Mist dropped into a defensive stance. She glared over to Kriemhild.

"Drop your guard. I don't wish to fight you, Mist."

"How dost thou know my name? Did Brynhildr tell thee?"

"Of course, but then again, I don't need to as long as I have this ring," Kriemhild smirked evilly, showing off Andvaranaut.

"What is that ring?!"

"Keep an eye on the ring, sweetie," Kriemhild giggled as the ring glowed, sending a bright flash of golden light.

Finding herself entranced by the glowing ring, Mist's eyes glazed over. She seemingly fell under the ring's mystic effects. Kriemhild was able to probe Mist's mind and find out her insecurities.

"I see, your pettiest insecurities are jealousy over another Valkyrie taking the leadership reigns. You lost out to a vast majority and that eats you alive."

Mist scowled. "Stop it."

"Oh, and here's a juicy detail! You have an insecurity over your flat chest!"

The Shroud Valkyrie folded her arms around her chest area. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't hide her blush. Kriemhild giggled incessantly over this.

"Oh, you poor thing!" Kriemhild lowered her ring as Mist came to.

Suddenly, Mist saw Kriemhild got behind her and pat her chest, causing the Shroud Valkyrie to freak out and whip around to attack.

"Hands off!" Mist warned.

"Heheh, don't feel bad. Even with a flat chest, you're a cutie," Krimehild beamed with joy. "Everything about you is adorable. That's why I want you to join me."

"Join thee? For what purpose?"

The witch's genuinely happy smile was replaced with a malevolent expression. "To wage war against and destroy Asgard."

Before Mist could protest, Brynhildr got behind Mist and held her.

"Brynhildr! Let me go! She is an enemy!"

"She can't hear you, sweet thing! This Brynhildr is but a mere reflection of the real one!"

"What dost thou mean?!"

"I mean, the real Brynhildr is dead. She has been for quite some time. Do you want to know who killed her?" The witch then pointed to herself. "Why, it was I!"

Realizing this, Mist's eyes shot open. "...no, it cannot be."

"This Brynhildr is an illusion. The real one's soul is contained in this ring. And guess what? I was able to kill another former Valkyrie and took her soul, too. I believe her name was Sigrún."

"Thou killed Sigrún, too?! Thou monster!" Mist scornfully yelled at her. "Thou art not going to get away with this!"

Kriemhild flipped locks of her hair and smirked. "That's exactly what Sigrún said just before I killed her and her entire family. Then, I flayed Sigrún before the ring absorbed her soul." She showed Andvaranaut again, revealing the ghostly spirits of Brynhildr and Sigrún screaming haunting cries.

Seeing her former colleagues crying out to her, Mist's face paled with fright. She wondered if she was going to suffer the same fate.

"But, you needn't worry about me killing you and taking your soul. No, I have a much better use for you, Mist."

"What couldst be worse than death?!"

"That you become my puppet against your will. Now watch, dear." Kriemhild laughed as she manipulated the ring's power, using it to place Mist under her control.

The Shroud Valkyrie did her best to resist the ring's power, but her will was not strong enough. She felt her mind shut down and become mind-controlled. Mist's eyes turned cold and lifeless like a puppet.

"How may I serve thee, Lady Kriemhild?" Mist bowed to her.

"You are subject to my will, Mist," the witch chortled. "And with that, we have all the recruits we need. Now let us leave, you two."

---

Asgard/Valaskjálf

The Allfather spent the rest of his time in solitude and was cut off from the rest of the Nine Realms. He no longer concerned himself with his people's daily lives. All he was concerned about was his own throne and the impending apocalypse in the form of Ragnarök. He knew it was coming. Based on Sága and the Norn's projections, it was drawing near. The activity of the mysterious dark matter was something else to be concerned with. The death of Baldr was the first sign of the end times.

However, despite the warnings and projections, he stubbornly dismissed all claims. He saw these as excuses to get him to relinquish his position.

For the Asgardians, it became clear as day that Asgard's glory days were gone. Now, it had descended into decadence. They saw its ruler as nothing but an outdated shell of his former self and completely out of touch with his people.

Walking away from his throne, Odin stared out his snow-covered window and observed the endless Fimbulwinter that had affected his kingdom.

Since Baldr's death, Odin has been conflicted about Ragnarök. He was desperate to maintain his throne and reputation, clinging to both with an iron grip. He wanted to prevent the impending apocalypse. But, realizing Ragnarök was inevitable, Odin was shown his fate by the Norns. He was going to be killed by Fenrir despite his great efforts.

Knowing a new world would rise following Asgard's demise, Odin decided Víðarr would be his future king. The reason being? Thor was also preordained to die during Ragnarök.

"Father," Víðarr spoke up as he entered the chamber with Thor. "So, I am to be the future king?"

"Based on the events of Ragnarök, yes. Art thou ready to take the throne in my place?"

Víðarr cast his eyes to the floor. "I-I dost not know."

Thor clapped his brother's shoulder. "Raise thy head high, brother. Thou will be a great king. If I am to die, then I wouldst rather die and know thou hath become the new king of Asgard."

"Thou art to rebuild Asgard after Ragnarök, Víðarr. This is what Sigrdrífa wouldst hast wanted. A progressive-minded king for a future Asgard."

Hearing this, Víðarr smiled with tears.

Odin glanced over to a painting of a woman who bore a resemblance to Brynhildr, but unlike the Blood Valkyrie, this woman had a kindred and gentle demeanor. She had the same dark hair and golden eyes as Brynhildr. This was Brynhildr's birth mother Sigrdrífa.

"I hath taken Sigrdrífa's words to heart and allowed for progressivism to shape the new Asgard. Knowing I will die during Ragnarök, I can die peacefully knowing thee will be my successor, Víðarr. And I will spend all my time in Helheim to reflect on my tyrannical and petty sins."

Thor then changed the subject. "I dost not mean to sour on thy reflections, Father, but there is still the matter of Brynhildr being freed from that castle."

Just the mere mention of the Blood Valkyrie was enough to make Odin tighten the grip on his spear. His teeth clenched. As if Baldr's death, the warnings of the 'dark outside force', and the recent news of Kriemhild and The Lokar being amassed for war was bad enough, Kriemhild and The Lokar freeing Brynhildr added more unwanted stress for the Allfather. These festering variables were becoming too much for Odin to bear.

"Yes, I realize that creature is free. No, thanks to Loki and this Kriemhild." Odin gritted and turned around. He roared and blasted his throne with a bolt from Gungnir. He grunted and snarled. "That will be Brynhildr when I see her! She hath become an enemy and a traitor to Asgard!"

"Why didst thou not kill Brynhildr? Thou hadst the chance to instead of exiling her." Víðarr asked him.

"Because I was concerned with how Asgard would respond. I didst not want to destroy the morale of the Valkyries. I picked Eir to take the leadership role. However, now that Brynhildr hath escaped and joined our enemy, we art in agreement that creature must perish. And I shalt be the one who ends her. For Asgard to hast a future, Brynhildr must die!"

---

Outside Asgard

In the days leading up to Ragnarök, another warning came in the form of a corpse discovered by Asgardian soldiers. Freyr was also present. They found the corpse of a large swine, but not just any swine. This was the golden boar that belonged to Freyr.

"Sire, dost this belong to thee?" A soldier queried Freyr.

Examining the snow-layered corpse, Freyr uncovered the giant golden-bristled boar.

"That is Gullinbursti," Freyr recognized his boar. He and the other soldiers nearly vomited from the horrific stench of the fly and maggot-filled corpse.

They also noticed something carved across Gullinbursti's mouth. When Freyr examined the flayed mouth flaps, he saw it was carved outward into a Glasgow smile mark. This was a blood warning sent by the enemy. Even if they didn't know who was the culprit, it was Kriemhild who butchered Gullinbursti in cold blood and carved his mouth open.

"Sire, look," a soldier pointed to more carvings.

There was a written message on Gullinbursti's left side. It read in blood: Am I pretty now?

"Who wouldst dost this vile act?" An Asgardian soldier asked with disgust.

"A sick-minded creature," Freyr remarked with disdain.

Just then, as their attention was on the written message, the golden boar's right leg seemingly twitched and moved. One soldier immediately noticed this.

"Everyone…!" The soldier was brushed away from a kick by the boar's leg.

As everyone turned, Gullinbursti sprang up back to life as a Proto-Draugr and roared, spewing blood and maggots from his mouth. Freyr and the soldiers took on the Proto-Draugr boar. It charged and headbutted another Asgardian soldier.

"Sire, two of our men art critically hurt!" One of the other soldiers shouted.

"Then, this must end!" Freyr declared.

Drawing out his sword, Freyr faced off with his former boar. The Proto-Draugr boar hollered a ghastly squeal and rushed at Freyr. Closing his eyes, Freyr prayed for peace for the boar and jumped out of the boar's way. He swiftly shoved his sword through Gullinbursti's head and gave him a mercy killing.

Once Gullinbursti collapsed in a heap, Freyr took this as a warning that the enemy forces were not to be taken lightly during Ragnarök.

---

Dimension: Akane-no-Mai/Yggdrasil/Urðarbrunnr

After watching the events play out leading to the apocalyptic conflict, the sage stopped the visual. The group went into another recess and discussed what they'd seen.

Having witnessed Baldr's funeral and the Valkyrie duo disparaging his good name, Baldr II went silent and this silence worried his friends.

"Baldr II, I am sorry. Thou shouldst not hast see that. Let me say that Baldr is a great man and warrior!" Cheza reassured Baldr II while calmly caressing his hands. Her soft touch helped calm Baldr II, who was heavily fazed by Baldr's treatment by the 'cretins' in the story.

"Thank you, Cheza. I'll be fine," Baldr II said, forcing himself to smile to not worry Cheza and his friends.

Sága and Skuld closely observed Baldr II's behavior, both knowing full well why Baldr II took Baldr's disrespect personally.

"So, Baldr isn't your father, correct?" Ren curiously asked Baldr II. The Phantom Thief received no response from Baldr II, who kept to himself.

"Gee, I thought the way he remained silent through the whole thing, you'd think he would be and he has Baldr's name," Ann muttered.

"Let's not pry, guys. Ok? Sometimes some of us don't want to get personal. I get if he's not ready to tell," Skyler said.

"You're not wrong about that, Skyler," Leonard added.

"Besides, I'm sure there's more we haven't learned about from this story," Hifumi said.

"Ok, guys. I think I've had just about enough of another zombified pig," Ann shuddered with disgust. "I feel bad for those poor things."

"Agreed, Lady Ann. Kriemhild's just plain cruel beyond words, even to animals," Morgana concurred with the model.

"Ugh, I don't think I can take more of those jumpscare sequences!" Cammy whined.

"Heh, c'mon you didn't expect that pig to wake up, Cammy?" Lance chuckled.

"It's not funny, Lance."

Samantha remarked. "Yes, well some of us don't handle horror elements well."

"Some of this stuff is more fucked up than any horror movie I've seen," Andrea said.

"That Krimehild lady upped the ante with the scary shit we've been seeing," Marty stated.

"Speaking of Kriemhild, she's totally playing Loki," Futaba pointed out Kriemhild's deception toward the trickster himself. "Hell, she's been more 'Loki' than Loki himself."

"Right, he's playing second fiddle to her at this point," Makoto stated.

"That'll be bad for him, but hey he can't cry when she decides to stab him in the back," Rachel shrugged.

Sumire nodded. "He's not exactly the smartest Loki. He should've been able to see through Kriemhild's deceit."

Akechi then added his own viewpoints on the fabled trickster. "I must say, this Loki is but a fool to trust Kriemhild. He should've known better."

"Clearing you'd know what it's like being a trickster and I'm not referring to your Persona either," Ren said, remembering Crow's betrayal toward the Phantom Thieves and revealing his true colors.

The former rookie detective managed a half-hearted chuckle. "Right, I'm not fond of my past transgression. Nonetheless, this Loki is even less of a trickster than myself. I do feel for him. He gets manipulated by some dark force and indirectly kills Baldr. Once his crime is exposed, he gets exiled to a cave in another world and who's there to free him? A fiend who's more disingenuous than himself."

"Aye, I see what thou mean, but Loki was not entirely innocent. He hath committed heinous tricks on anyone he saw fit to manipulate," Haakon said.

"Even if some dark force manipulated him, he still indirectly murdered Baldr the Blessed," Eric sighed.

Skuld turned to her mother and frowned. "We hast nothing more to say regarding that heinous trickster."

"We'll have to see where their relationship goes, but they've amassed quite several volunteers, including the likes of Surtr and Hrym," Leonard stated. "Of course, Loki had to free his sons, Jörmungandr and Fenrir, and meet his daughter, Hel."

"He has that many kids?" Hiroshi asked.

"Yep, and they're all different. It's one screwed-up-looking family," Tori said.

"Since we're on the subject, did you all see the size of Jörmungandr?" Skyler asked the other Revenants and Thieves.

"That thing was huge! You mean to say that big snake is Loki's son?!" Ryuji was aghast to learn this fact.

"And his other son is that big wolf, too," Kaito reminded him.

"And that lady with the half-grotesque body is his daughter," Haru said. "My, that is quite a unique family Loki has going."

"He also has another son. Did you know Odin's horse, Sleipnir, is Loki's other son?" Leonard asked his group of friends.

"What? Did he make love with various animals or something?" Ann was equally flabbergasted and disgusted to learn this.

"Whoa, someone can do that?" Aslaug asked with sheer fascination.

"Yeah, we call that beastiality, Aslaug," Tori muttered with disgust.

"Who are we to judge Loki's tastes?" Akechi shrugged.

"Well, it's not normal," Madeline remarked.

"And we're not?" Jacob referred to himself and the other Revenants' natures.

"By the way, the Jörmungandr we saw is not even the biggest he can get," Skyler said. "He can get the size of a planet. Hence why he's called the World Snake."

"Is this true?" Hifumi asked the Homo Yggr and their family.

"He can get bigger than a world? That's mind-boggling," Andrea said.

"What part of this whole story hasn't been mind-boggling?" Marty remarked.

Skuld nodded. "Yes, he couldst willfully grow and shrink his body accordingly."

"Geez, he's huge compared to all the other big snakes we've encountered," Futaba said.

"Speaking of large, what dost thou all think of Níðhöggr?" Harald asked the guests.

"Man, no comment. That thing made those Great Drekar look small in comparison," Kaito stated.

"Dude, that thing was a freaking Kaijū!" Ryuji rebuked.

"What's a Kaijū?" Aslaug asked Tori and Hiroshi.

"A giant monster," Hiroshi translated the meaning.

"Yeah, that one was bigger than any Kaijū from the movies!" Tori exclaimed.

"If anything, that monster reminds me of Bahamut from Shingeki no Bahamut," Leonard described in his thoughts on the monster.

"That primordial beast from Ginnungagap is the antithesis of Yggdrasil. It attacked us and the World Tree during the apocalyptic war. I'll never forgive it or those Sisters of Ginnungagap." Skuld said with a scowl.

"The Sisters of Ginnungagap? You're referring to those three women with the wolves?" Makoto asked the half-Homo Yggr Norn.

Nodding, Skuld replied. "Yes, Gjölldís, Slidís, and Leipdís. They art also known as the Élivádísir. They art the counterparts to me and my Norn sisters here."

Verðandi shared her disdain for the Élivádísir. "And thou all art about to see why we abhor those creatures so much!" The sudden anger in her tone startled some of the guests. She was consoled by Urðr.

Urðr whispered. "Easy, my sister. Calm thyself. Thou dost not want to release her now, do thee?"

Verðandi shamefully nodded. "I dost not want."

"Um, who's this her?" Ren asked.

Skuld interjected. "Disregard what she sayeth. Yes, they art known as the Sisters of Ginnungagap. Me and my Norn sisters are called the Sisters of Yggdrasil. We help protect and nurture the World Tree while those three seek to destroy it."

Sága then added to the conversation. "And didst thou all known the Sisters of Ginnungagap are Hel's daughters?"

"So, that means they're Loki's granddaughters?" Skyler picked up on this.

"Correct."

"Man, these family trees in mythologies are so messed up!" Ryuji's mind couldn't keep up with the outlandish lineages.

"Then, thou didst not know their father is Höðr," Skuld said.

"Isn't that the one Loki manipulated to kill Baldr?" Yusuke queried.

"Correct, and he was exiled from Asgard as a result. Loki was later apprehended and imprisoned in that cavern," Sága said.

"Baldr's death was a shock to us all, but besides Odin, none was more heartbroken than Lady Sága," Eric added.

"When it was discovered Höðr was the perpetrator, I knew something was off. It couldst not have been him. It hadst to be someone underhanded enough to pull such a cruel prank. Well, that prank ended my husband's life," Sága muttered with a tear in her eye.

"I hast since hated Loki for what he hath done for my father's death," Skuld scowled.

"I don't think he intended to kill Baldr though," Akechi tried to defend the trickster. "That darkness manipulated him to commit those acts."

Ann sighed at him. "Look, don't even try. Nothing you say will change their minds about Loki."

"Especially not me," Baldr II scoffed while sternly glaring at Akechi.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to slight you, dear boy," Akechi replied apologetically.

Makoto frowned. "If Loki killed either Haru-chan or Leonard, even indirectly, I'd never forgive him either."

Haru put an arm around Makoto. "But, that'll never happen, my Mako-chan."

Leonard scoffed. "I'd never let that guy try and kill me without a fight."

Ren then addressed an important detail. "Loki hinted at some dark force manipulating him to kill Baldr. He may have been seduced to end Baldr's life." He turned to Sága and the Norns. "Did any of you sense some form of darkness starting to take shape in your world?"

Upon hearing this, Sága and her daughters briefly conversed in private.

"Yes, we hast," Skuld replied to Ren's inquisitive suggestion. "My mother even felt a sinister darkness taking root and manipulating certain individuals."

"While Loki may hast wanted to play a prank on my husband, I dost not think that was his original intention," Sága stated. "I am defending what Loki hath done, but the fact he left himself open to be manipulated by this darkness is a strong possibility. It is the same darkness I felt was going to lead to Ragnarök. I even warned Odin about this."

"And we all saw how he took the news," Skyler referred to Odin's stubborn pride.

"That old bastard didn't want to admit the writing was on the wall for his reign. That's why he chose his successor," Jacob illustrated.

"Oh, and since we're on the subject of Baldr, what about those two ingrates disrespecting a man at his own funeral?" Haru referred to Göndul and Skögul's disparaging remarks about the late Baldr. As she mentioned Baldr again, Baldr II slightly gritted his teeth.

"Baldr?" Cheza whispered to Baldr II, who relaxed at the sound of her voice.

"I don't like those two Valkyries. They are mean," Aslaug frowned disapprovingly at Göndul and Skögul.

"Yeah, tell me about it. I might hate them more than Brynhildr," Tori shared her dislike for the Valkyrie duo.

"Can't say any of us are fond of them either," Hiroshi said.

"As if I hated those two already, they've hit my shit list," Makoto gritted.

"Yes, I don't care how much makeup she puts on, I'll never consider Skögul proper and lady-like. Not in the slightest. She exposed her true colors when Sigrún beat her senseless." Haru openly gave her view about the Feminine Valkyrie.

Nearly breaking her staff with a grip, Sága calmed down. "As grateful as I am for Sigrún humbling that cretin, I wouldst hast liked to teach Skögul and her lover a lesson they wouldst never forget. They disparaged my husband. For that, I shalt never forget what they hadst sayeth."

Skuld shared her mother's disdain for them. "Yes, and as Baldr's daughter, I was ready to defend his honor! I couldst hast placed a spell on them, but mother sayeth to let fate decide their outcomes."

Urðr added. "For those who art hoping those two get their comeuppance, thou patience shalt be rewarded later."

"I hope so. I hope to be satisfied when those two get what's coming to them. No one disrespects his and my name," Baldr II vented his dislike for the Valkyrie duo.

"I think I speak for all of us, we can't wait for it," Skyler said.

"No doubt," Makoto stated.

Just then, Nadia spoke up. "I know me and Anastasia aren't natives, but seeing the Seelie and Unseelie caught my attention. I couldn't help but notice Alfheim and Asgard were not on good terms."

Anastasia added with Nadia's concern. "We've known about the bad relations, but this is the first we've seen the relations play out as if they were in real-time."

"We art aware thou two art not native Elves. Thou two art created from Miss Io," Sága stated. "For a time, the Elves' relations with Asgard were so strained that Freyr was selected to rule Alfheim under Asgard's compromise. To keep the Seelie and Unseelie rulers under Asgard's iron fist, Freyr verbally abused the Elves. They were given derogatory slave names. Acting under Odin's orders, Freyr linked these slaves to Odin's magic indirectly and forced them to carry these slave names permanently with no way to remove them. As such, the Elves were stuck with these lowly slave names."

"As if I didn't already hate Asgard and it's fucking Allfather, and I'm not even a native elf!" Nadia angrily confessed her disdain for Odin and his sovereignty.

"I doubt any of you know, but the Elven race as a whole is known as the Álfar," Anastasia revealed to the Thieves and Revenants. "As a Light Elf myself relating to the Seelie, their kind are known as the Ljósálfar."

"And as a Dark Elf myself relating to the Unseelie, their kind is known Dökkálfar," Nadia plainly stated.

"What about those Dwarves? Are they opposed to Asgard?" Jacob asked the Homo Yggr and their family.

"They art known as the Svartálfar and yes they art opposed to Odin," Skuld said. "But besides Brokkr and Eitri, they chose not to participate in the war against Asgard. The Unseelie also didst not participate."

"The Unseelie and the Dwarves dost not appear in Asgard either. Instead, they opposed the Seelie, who declined to help Asgard in Ragnarök. Instead, they opted to defend their realm from the Unseelie and the Dwarves." Harald stated.

"The Seelie, the Unseelie, and the Dwarves equally despise Asgard's arrogance even more than Alfheim's own arrogance," Sága said.

"Just wait, we're going to see Odin and his kingdom get what's coming to them," Nadia conveyed her anticipated moment.

"Honestly, I'm glad to hear that not everyone sucked up and bowed to Odin," Samantha added. "These other races don't sound like they're willing to deal with him. Coming from one of many Indigenous tribes, I despise how much my country has whitewashed our people's relations with early settlers."

"You said it, Samantha. Odin and his cohorts aren't much different from the settlers," Huey said.

Aslaug added. "Allfather is very grumpy and he should apologize for mistreating others."

"Well said, young one," Samantha nodded. "That and more."

"Well, if we're being led to believe that Kriemhild's about to ignite this war," Ren said.

Skyler inferred. "She's freed Loki, recruited beings from the other Realms, placed Mist under the ring's spell, killed another Valkyrie & sealed her soul in that ring, and conjured a Brynhildr illusion. And there's no doubt that the invisible voice she's been talking to is the Yami Matter. I want to see how the Yami Matter's influence determined the outcome of this war. Bottom line, shit's about to hit the fan."

Ryuji whistled. "Damn dude, I think you might've called it."

"That's impressive you might've accurately predicted the outcome, senpai," Sumire said.

"Good deductions, dear Ren. Couldn't have predicted that better myself," Akechi said. "And the way everything's been falling apart in this tale, conflicts are rising and war is imminent."

Yusuke asserted. "It's still unclear how the result will be. Remember, Odin has chosen his successors. Víðarr and Eir might be deciding factors."

Futaba sighed. "I wish that were the case, Inari."

Ann sighed. "Either way, I don't like anyone's chances. Kriemhild is not someone without a backup plan."

Leonard turned to the sage. "If we can, may we proceed with the Ragnarök event?"

"Yeah, we want to know more!" Tori exclaimed.

"Just know what you're about to witness are horrific events," Io forewarned the group.

Hifumi grasped Io's hand. "After all we've been through, we're ready."

"Then, let us witness the events of Ragnarök unfold," Sága waved her staff, preparing the group to observe the proceedings leading toward the apocalyptic event.

---

Chapter Soundtrack
Odin Sphere Soundtrack - A Fate Accepted- Baldr's funeral.
Odin Sphere OST - Odin Sphere's Theme (Shanachie ver) - Sága and the Norns' warnings of an outside dark source (the Yami Matter), but Allfather dismisses it.
Game of Thrones Season 5 Soundtrack 03 - House of Black and White- Kriemhild frees Loki and gets acquainted. Loki tells the story of Baldr's death, while Kriemhild tells the story of her life as Gudrun alongside meeting (and killing) Brynhildr and Sigurd before gaining the ring. Both allies plan to recruit beings from other realms for Ragnarök. Unaware of the trickster god that Kriemhild is secretly manipulating behind the scenes.
Final Fantasy VIII OST - Succession of Witches - Kriemhild and Loki recruiting Surtr (and scaring him), Hrym, Brokkr & Eitri, and Byggvir & Beyla to join The Lokar for Ragnarök.
Bear McCreary - Helheim - God of War OST - Kriemhild and Loki meeting Garmr, Hel, Níðhöggr, Sköll and Hati, and the Élivádísir.
Two Steps From Hell - Salvation - Kriemhild meets Andvari. Kriemhild, Loki, and 'illusion Brynhildr' recruit Fenrir (in freeing the wolf) and Jörmungandr.
Final Fantasy XV OST Volume 2 - 11. Beckoned by Darkness- Kriemhild meets and controls Mist.
Final Fantasy XV OST - Somnus - Odin's recollections of Asgard's status and his historical actions. Asgard's discussions of Ragnarök, especially Brynhildr escaping and the majority declare that the Blood Valkyrie must die no matter the cost. Víðarr and Eir will become future rulers after the apocalypse.

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A/N: As far as the commentary is concerned, we do learn about the harsh relations between Asgard & Alfheim, the Sisters of Ginnungagap being Hel & Höðr's daughters, and the Revenants being compared to Draugar.

As if Kriemhild wasn't bad enough for you, not even the 'side of good' has nice people. Don't get me started on Göndul and Skögul. Disrespecting a good man at his funeral is beyond deplorable. And then there's Odin, who despite being given a heads up on his kingdom's untimely fate, he dismisses out of pure stubbornness. Though to Odin's credit, he finally conceded and gave the throne to his son Víðarr.

Also, the Thieves, the Revenants, and their friends wonder about Baldr II's link with Baldr and why he has been irritated over Baldr's mistreatment.

The recruitment segments allowed for me to explore the other Nine Realms and flesh out its inhabitants.

I also think it's safe to say what the 'dark force' Sága and the Norns allude to. You haven't been paying attention to this whole story if you don't. Additionally, the Sisters of Ginnungagap (the 'evil Norn counterparts') that were introduced in the story have been renamed the Élivádísir. Originally called the Evil Norns, it was decided to give them proper names and their individual names have been revamped to sound more Norse/Germanic/Icelandic: Gjölldís, Slidís, Leipdís. Their original names were too similar to the Sirens of Greek Mythology and having those crossover with Norse Myths doesn't sound right. So, this change was implemented to reflect the proper Norse Mythology setting. Their names are based on the rivers of Ginnungagap.

With that, we're almost at Ragnarök. More segments explore Gudrun/Kriemhild's origins before the war commences. And we'll get more reactions from the Thieves and Revenants.

That's all for now. The next chapter may take longer because there's more commentaries from the Thieves, Revenants, and the Wulf-Edda spirit survivors.