Welcome back everybody. Now we come to Thor's first day at school. Lets see what changes this redux chapter has in store for us.
Optimus470: Glad you are enjoying it
Rebelion: Thank you
Tachion: Will see how that combo works when he uses it in combat.
Some1call4MR-E: I think you did not read my notes about this redux. Im redoing the entire first arc for this story with some minor changes. When we get to Olympus everything will be the same except for some characters names and goals.
Obsidian Fury: That prophecy could mean anything but let's see what happens.
Chapter 3
Valhalla
Thor was speechless, he had read that Valhalla was the palace Odin dwelled in with the Einherjar, fallen warriors sent to Asgard. That however, was not true. It wasn't Odin's home, nor a hall for eternal feasting. It was a school!
"Valhalla has always been a place of training the body, mind and soul." Said Rossweisse, parking the car, "It is where your brothers learned from and so will you. Training here will help you control your powers and grow your mental skills. I can assure you that you will learn much in the halls of Valhalla."
Thor pondered the words, would he like being here? This would be something new to experience since he never went to school. When he was with the Church he was given a normal education, along with how to fight against the forces of darkness. Valhalla would educate him on science, math, and history. Those, however, would be a second priority, here he would learn magic and combat.
When they exited the car the great oak doors opened and out strolled an elderly man who looked nearly identical to Odin. Unlike Odin, his white hair was short and neatly combed, clean-shaven, and had two eyes that were golden. He was dressed in violet robes that swept across the ground as he approached with arms spread wide and a smile upon his face.
"There's Valhalla's greatest studenta!" He cried with joy.
"Vili!" Rossweisse greeted, "It feels so long since we last talked!"
"Not since you graduated and become my brother's bodyguard." The man called Vili laughed before he turned his attention to the red-haired boy and smiled, "Ah. You must be the one Odin told me about. Imagine my surprise to hear who you are. I nearly had a heart attack over it. I am Vili, headmaster of Valhalla Academy, Odin's first younger brother, and your uncle from your father's side." He introduced while putting his hand out to shake.
Thor was shocked once again, he never heard of Odin having siblings in what the Church had him read. Nevertheless, it pleased him to know he had more family.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Lord Vili."
"I prefer headmaster," The Aesir corrected with a smile. "You're time here in Valhalla Academy will not be wasted, my nephew. For you will learn many things aside from magic and fighting. You could go into the studies of our history, strive to be among Asgard's greatest chefs, or as the original Thor did and I'm sure you will as well, become a hero who protects the Nine Realms. Your enrollment into the third-year semester is a bit late but I'm certified Lady Rossweisse will catch you up on what you haven't learned very quickly. Come let me give you a tour."
Valhalla halls...
When the students of Valhalla Academy saw their headmaster accompanying the Allfather's bodyguard and an unknown face. The newcomer was tall, handsome, red haired reaching to the middle of his back, and deep blue eyes that looked around in wonder at the academy. Questions began to be passed around about the stranger.
"He's cute."
"Wonder if he's from Vanaheim."
"He might be a new Einherjar."
"If he is, how do you think he died?"
"He must have done something very brave to have a Rossweisse resurrect him as an Einherjar."
"I suggest you hurry to class instead of staring!" Vili said aloud with a kind smile.
His words sent the students moving once more and when the last student left, Thor looked around and was in awe. If Valhalla was beautiful on the outside, its interior was gorgeous. The floor, ceiling, and walls were all made of stone, with thousands of doors, staircases, and hallways everywhere. On the upper walls were stained glass windows each depicting one of the Aesir, the Nine Realms or a battle from ages long ago. Smaller windows aligned the hallways, allowing large rays of sunlight in and giving a view outside that was so breathtaking you could not take your eyes away from it. You could even see Hlidskjalf off in the distance, the very top looked to be touching the clouds. High above all of this hanging from the ceiling was a massive chandler, its lights shifting through the colors of the rainbow.
"Valhalla Academy's education system ranges from preschool to college level. While Aesir, Vanir, and Einherjar are co-ed, Valkyrie Education is strictly all female and the hardest class for any woman striving to become one of the elite warriors." Vili explained as he led the teens up the nearest staircase.
"Can Einherjar become Valkyries too?"
"Any woman can join the Rapid Response Corps but it's not easy. For a woman to become a Valkyrie she must be strong-willed, show no fear in the face of overwhelming odds, and be ready to lay down their life for Asgard if need be. Those were Lady Freya's words after peace was made between the Aesir and Vanir. It breaks my heart to see a woman cry at having her dreams of being a Valkyrie get crushed. If you wish for more information on them feel free to look up their history in the library. Now, I believe we have arrived at your room." Vili said, stopping at a door on the third-floor number 247. "I've already informed Mr. Hildsvini, you'll be in his history class but Ms. Rossweisse and I need to figure out your schedule for the semester. Now go on, study hard, make friends, and, as your uncle, make me and all of Asgard proud."
"I'll meet you at the training areas between the field and hall after this class." Said Rossweisse following the headmaster to his office.
Thor waved farewell then stared at the door of room 247, in this room, beyond this door, was Hildisvini and his students. He knew the moment he entered this room he would start school. As he reached for the knob he gave pause at recalling the name Vili mentioned.
Isn't Hildsvini supposed to be a boar Freya takes care of?
His question was answered when the door opened to reveal a tall fair skinned man in a forest green suit. His hair was brown flecked with gray and blue-green eyes twinkling behind round glasses. Behind him a few students could be seen staring in confusion at why their teacher went to the door.
Despite the imposing form Hildsivini displayed, his face showed kindness and eagerness to share knowledge to a new student.
"Ah, so you are my latest student. Vili and Odin told me who you are and you have been told who I am. Welcome to class 247. I'm the history teacher for the third year students. Speaking of which," Taking him by the shoulder gently he led Thor into the room, eyes darting around at the many faces who stared back at him in wonder and awe. "As you are all aware of the class, the Allfather has graced us with a last minute student to join us just as spring arrives. Now, go on and tell us who you are." The Vanir God encouraged with a smile.
Thor looked at the class, a sense of nervousness filling him as a memory flashed through his mind. In the memory he stood in a room full of people who studied and examined him. People wearing crosses…
"Don't be afraid, son."
Thor glanced back at the teacher a second time. His name and family… He calmed himself as best he could before speaking loudly for the whole class to hear.
"My name is Thor."
Hildisvini knew his students would gasp, scream, shout, jump and or freeze when hearing it was Thor. Their reactions nevertheless made the old God chuckle. How the rest of Asgard would feel about this boy would depend on them. These kids, this new generation would get along with him just fine.
"Settle down. Settle down. I know you're eager to speak with Thor, but you are still in class so wait till it is over. Now Thor, why don't you take your seat next…let's see…." He paused as he scanned the class for an open seat, "Hmm. Well that is alright you may sit at my desk!" When Odin's son sat at his desk he cleared his throat to continue his lesson, "As I was saying; with the death of Thrym the Conqueror at the hands of Prince Odin, the Jotun army fled back to Jotunheim, thus ending the Aesir-Jotun war. After Thrym's demise, his siblings, advisors and children all fought for the throne which led to civil war and the fall of the Jotun Empire. Resulting in the Giants living as tribes scattered throughout their world fighting to claim territories over one another."
Thor couldn't believe what he was hearing, a war between the Aesir and Giants who had a great empire!? The Mythology books never spoke of anything like this. Then again, humans knew nothing of the Supernatural world. It wasn't long till the bell finally rang for class to end with the Vanir God reminding students to study for their test next week.
"Now, listen." Hildisvini said, "Please do not overwhelm the Allfather's son with questions. He just returned to us two days ago."
Either they didn't hear the history teacher or ignored him but like a great army attacking a castle they rushed Thor. The God of Thunder had tried to get out of the class but was surrounded too quickly by the excited students.
"Where have you been all this time!?"
"How did you come back!?"
"Do you have Mjolnir!?
"Can I touch your muscles!?
"Can I touch you all over!?"
"Will you go on a date with me!?"
Thor shut his eyes at the constant questions being thrown his way. He wanted them to stop talking and let him go! He had to get to Rossweisse to train him!
"Give our prince some space!" The booming voice made Thor open his eyes to find a very tall boy, around seven feet, tower above him. His body was brimming with muscles that looked as if they would obliterate his clothes if he flexed. Like Freyr he had his brown hair tied into a back length braid but the sides were shaved and like Hildisvini, his gray eyes glared about the whole group who stepped back in fear of what he may do to them. The tall boy extended a hand as big as a ham to help Thor to his feet andie lead him out of the room.
"Thanks," Sighed Thor, glad to be free from the situation.
"No worries. Although I myself have many questions but wont badger you with them." His ham sized hand extended again for Thor to shake, "Welcome back to Asgard, Lord Thor. I'm Vetr, son of Vindsvalr."
"Pleased to meet you. Is Hildisvini gonna make me do homework for the test?"
"I doubt it. You just enrolled so anything you missed will have to be done during spring break. If you don't waste your spring break spending time with girls you'll be caught up to us in no time."
"I'll do that." Thor nodded, "So are you an Aesir or Vanir?" Asked Thor.
"Neither. I'm a Jotun!" Vetr said, throwing out his chest proudly.
Rossweisse did mention some Giants were friends with Asgard. So this Vetr and his father are two of those friendly Giants.
"I sure am glad you came back now. I've always wanted to meet my biggest idol."
Thor blinked, "Idol?"
The Jotun nodded, excitement shining in his eyes once more. "You have always been my idol. The adventures about the God of Thunder always excited me as a kid and they still do! I have devoted myself to be just like you...a hero!"
"Really?"
"That's right. I may not have talent in the art of magic, but I am super strong, just like you and use a war-hammer as a commemoration Mjolnir. I even named it Benbryter. Bone Breaker and he has broken many of them. Anyway, were are you heading to now?"
"Well I'm looking for the training grounds to begin magic training by Rossweisse."
Vetr did a double take at the God's words, "Magic training with Rossweisse!? The Allfather's bodyguard!? Oh of course you would. She is your dad's bodyguard and one of the greatest magic users."
One red eyebrow rose about Vetr's statement about Rossweisse, If someone is to be Odin's bodyguard one would have to be one of the greatest in any skill.
As he followed the Jotun through the hall he noticed more students, mostly girls, he passed gave the same looks he received in class, winking or waving. His response was a bashful smile and cheeks redder than his hair and they reacted with a giggle or smile.
"He's really cute. Do you think he's single?"
"If he is there's no way I'm gonna let you take him. He's mine."
"I wonder if he's good beneath the sheets."
Thor hurried along, not wanting to imagine himself in that particular scene while Vetr laughed.
Valhalla training field
"Here we are. Behind these doors are were you need to be."
"Thank you, Vetr Vindsvalrsson, I shall not forget your assistance." Thor smiled and put his hand out for Vetr to shake, which he did enthusiastically.
"It was no problem to help the Son of Odin. I would keep helping but I must hurry to my next class. Till next time."
Thor waved to the Jotun as he hurried off to his next class, leaving him to journey alone. He opened the door and stepped outside to the training field and it was massive, able to fit hundreds of people on it. At one end of the field was a large open top building and at the other an even bigger hall that must be Valhalla were Einherjar lived waiting for Ragnarok. Students could be seen doing push ups, sit ups, jogging, and other exercises. Some had stopped their training and looked at him. No doubt word had spread about him attending.
"You lost?"
Thor turned to the girl, it was a girl by the sound of her voice. She, like Vandil, was strong by how toned she looked. Her violet hair was straight and reached her knees with the rest styled in a crown braid and two low braids framing the side of her face that ended just above her chest, which was very large and exposed a lot of cleavage from the tank top she wore.
"Y-yes." He said, trying his best to keep his eyes from moving down, which was proving to be quite a challenge. "I came here searching for my magic teacher but wasn't told who it was."
"Is that so? Well you're in the wrong area, my friend. Head to the training arena's where you will find your teacher." She said pointing to the left.
"Thanks for your help." Thor said before jogging off to the arenas.
As he drew closer he saw Rossweisse waiting for him. The Valkyrie then led him inside were hundreds of open roofed rooms of different shapes and sizes filled with either one, two, or more people casting spells, swinging weapons or throwing fists and kicks. After searching for what felt like forever they found a room were dummies were set up at the other end of the room.
"Are you ready?"
"I am!"
"Then let's get started!" The Valkyrie declared before a light engulfed her.
Thor shielded his eyes from the light and when it faded he saw she was clad a white chest plate with gold and pale blue accents and matching, fingerless gauntlets, boots, hip guards, and wing-shaped hair clips. Black thigh-high stockings, and a pale blue cloth wrap underneath her hip guards, all of which was clad with pink lacing along with her hair clips. Beneath all that armor was a simple black leotard. Only her chest, forearms, lower legs, and hips were protected. The rest of her limbs and midriff were unguarded meaning she could get hit in those areas. Thor was taken aback at such an outfit, how could something like this be called armor? If Rossweisse wasn't wearing such revealing armor he'd be focused more on her face, which had a mix of embarrassment and annoyance.
"My eyes are up here." The silver haired maiden growled.
"I'm sorry!" Thor blustered, turning away to hide his blush, "How can you call that armor? Your body is unprotected from attacks."
Rossweisse shook her head, he was raised in the Church so she should have known he'd react this way when seeing her armor, "The Valkyrie armor is created for mobility! Lady Freya was said to be the fastest female warrior in all of Asgard and that was due to her light armor! It was copied and mass produced for us so we can act as a first response force to enemy attacks or hit and run missions! Plus there are magical defenses to keep the open parts protected."
That sounded more like an excuse than a description to the God of Thunder. She should have armor covering her entire body. If she was hit in any of her unguarded areas, either by a physical or magical attack too powerful to withstand then she would be grievously wounded or die.
He bit his lower lip at the last thought. Rossweisse wouldn't die. She was the Allfather's bodyguard so she had to be made of sterner stuff.
Clearing her throat the Valkyrie began speaking again, "Before joining with Vanaheim, all Asgard knew was how to swing a weapon. It was after the Aesir-Vanir War that Asgard began using magic. I'm not sure if the Church taught you the difference between magic and demonic powers but I'll still explain it since I'm training you. Demonic powers require imagination, while Holy requires faith in their God and service to Heaven. Magic, all magic, requires mathematics and pattern recognition to wield correctly."
She put her hand out and from it appeared a magic circle with Nordic symbols that fired a beam of pure magic at the stuffed dummy at the far end of the arena obliterating it to pieces.
"Now you try."
Stepping forward he inhaled a deep breath and let his worries go to focus on casting the spell. He looked back to Rossweisse who nodded for him to give it a try. Obeying like a soldier, he raised his hands and stared ahead, trying to formulate patterns and calculations to try a spell, specifically a thunder one. He was the God of Thunder and had to master the elements of thunder and lightning.
"You're calculations do not need to be so complicated. Try a simple calculation, form it in your head and let your magic flow into your hands."
Simple calculation…
One plus four…
Flow the magic into the hands…
He looked to his hands and saw something flicker in front of them briefly. Excitement began to fill him. He almost had it. He just needs to put some more magic into it. Soon a magic circle appeared in front of him.
Boom!
Only to explode and send him crashing to the floor.
"Are you alright!?" Rossweisse asked, rushing over to see if he was hurt.
"I'm fine." Thor coughed as he waved the smoke away from his face. What the hell went wrong? He had the spell only to have it backfire on him! He looked to the Valkyrie for answers.
"You poured too much magic into your spell." She simply said as she helped him up. "As I said, Norse magic requires mathematics and pattern recognition to wield correctly, which makes them incredibly complicated to perform. Try it again but there will be less magic."
Standing clear for him to practice once more, the bodyguard of Odin watched the red-head carefully. His body was relaxed, his stance was correct, now to see if he can correctly cast a spell this time. Her eyes flickered to his hands and saw another magic circle flicker like before but had sparks flash within the center.
"Keep those calculations correct. You're almost there." Rossweisse encouraged but no matter how much Thor tried the magic seal wouldn't stabilize or send one bolt of lightning. Thor hummed in disappointment at his failure but the Valkyrie wasn't upset. She didn't know what the Church taught him but it seemed magic wasn't one of them. Yes humans could use magic but it was rare among the Excalibur's of the Church. Either way, she was ordered to train him and she would deliver on that task. "Let's take a break."
"No." Thor said, determination flashing in his eyes, "I have to get it."
"It's your first day learning magic."
"I-" He was cut short as the magic seal appeared and exploded in his face again, this time sending lightning bolts in all directions.
"I think that's enough." Rossweisse said sternly as the Aesir prince coughed at the smoke filling his nose and lungs, "You keep pushing yourself, you're going to hurt yourself with one of those uncontrollable spells and end up in the hospital and I will not allow that to happen under my care."
"But-"
"You also should look for your next class." Said Rossweisse changing back to her gray suit and handing Thor a piece and packback stuffed with school supplies, "We can continue training tomorrow."
Later that day…
The last class for today was physical exercises which Thor was well acquainted with since he was put through so much of it when being the Church's test subject. Entering the locker room with the gym clothes provided by Rossweisse he found it empty and filled with a fragrant scent. No doubt he was the first one there and the scent was to keep the building from reeking of body odor. Unwilling to let other guys see him dressing he made haste to the locker he was assigned, changed clothes, and relocked his stuff just as the sound of voices could be heard approaching, voices that sounded high pitched and feminine.
…Uh oh…
So focusing on looking for the gym he had entered the girls side hence the flowery scent! Not wanting to be caught in the women's side he tried looking for another exit and took two steps before spinning around and fiddling with the lock to grab his stuff! Panic filled him as the voices grew closer.
Open damn it! Open! Just as the last number was about to be set the door opened and the laughter and gossip, which he realized was about him, could be heard around the corner. Uncaring that he would get in trouble, the God of Thunder punched a hole into the locker breaking the lock as if it was a toothpick.
"What was that noise!?"
Rushing footsteps.
"Odin's beard!"
Fist still in the hole he made, Thor slowly turned his head to the speaker and found three beautiful girls standing before him with confused looks. Each was a different height, body shapes, hair, and eye color, but what all three had was a crown braid.
The tallest had pink shoulder length hair, brown eyes, and a very voluptuous figure that would make many boys in Asgard turn her way when passing by. Those curves of her she must be proud of by the way she cocked her wide hips and the tight clothes she wore to show them. The shortest, on the other hand, had fewer curves but more muscles, and she too wore her white hair in a crown braid and let the rest fall freely to her upper back with bangs framing the side of her shapely face and ending above her shoulders. Her intimidating form was a huge contrast to the surprised green eyes. The last one Thor recognized, she was the one who pointed him in the direction to the training arena's; straight violet hair ending at her knees with two braids framing her face and curious amber eyes.
"It's you." The violet haired girl said.
"Yes. It's me. Hello." Said Thor sheepishly.
"Why are you punching the locker?" Asked white hair.
"And why are you in the girls locker room?" Pink hair added.
Thor explained the situation and the girls just laughed.
"Well just be aware of your surroundings, Lord Thor." Violet said, making Thor and the other two gasp, "I did not know who you were when we first met until I heard the gossip around Valhalla that the God of Thunder returned." She stepped forward and helped pull his hand free and open the locker to grab his belongings, "I'm Sigrun."
"And I'm Alruna, your grace." Pink hair added in a sultry tone, brown orbs twinkling.
White hair stepped forward scooting Alruna away, "Don't mind Alruna, she's always flirty. Anyway, you can call me Herja."
"Pleased to meet you all," Said Thor, "It seems we will be in P.E together."
"Seems so. Now, unless you wanna get in trouble on your first day you'd best get out." Sigrun said before heading to her own locker.
"Or you can stay and watch us get dressed." Alruna purred before being pulled away by Herja to their lockers.
Thor made haste to the boy's side which also had a fragrant scent but instead of flowers it was pine trees and when the other students arrived they, like Sigrun and her friends, stopped and stared when seeing the God of Thunder.
"Hey look, it's the new guy!" Said one guy.
"That new guy is Thor Odinson!" A familiar voice boomed before the hulking shape Vetr rounded the corner, "And instead of staring at him as if he was a statue you'd best get dressed. You know how Mr. Thorkell is."
The Jotun's words had all the boys scurrying toward their lockers and quickly changing into their P.E uniforms. Being surrounded by so many guys Thor got a good look at what type of bodies each had; some were ectomorph, some were like Thor, mesomorph and others were like Vetr, endomorph. He also saw some had one or more tattoos on their arms, chest or back. Vetr was not among those who had a tattoo. While changing Thor caught snippets of conversation and they were all about him.
"How did Thor come back!?"
"I heard the gossip about him returning but I didn't believe it until I saw him!"
"Do you think Alruna will try to make a move on him?"
"You can bet she definitely will try!"
"How did he turn into a teenager?"
"Beats me! Maybe he was de-aged by a spell Surtr used!"
"But Thor died centuries ago! How can he be alive as a teen!?"
"Like I said, I don't know but do you think he even remembers that or the other deeds he performed?"
Feeling a headache start pounding in his head at the questions asked about him, Thor got up and left the locker room only to find Sigrun, Alruna, Herja, and a few other girls already outside gossiping about him.
"They're he is!" Alruna shouted.
Thor froze, Uh oh!
"He's handsome!" Said a girl with short sky blue hair.
"He's sexy!" Another girl added, she was dark haired, tall, and broad.
"Thor, go on a date with me!" Alruna purred.
Soon the rest of the students came out of the locker room and they all were still talking about Thor making the headache pound even harder.
Allfather help me!
As if in answer to his plea, a door was thrown open followed by a loud whistle blast causing every student to close their mouth and stand at attention. Thor was saved from the headache and any questions by the tallest man he had ever seen; eight feet in height, cropped blonde hair, clean shaven, and stern green eyes sweeping over the students for any misbehavior. His purple t-shirt and black shorts looked as if they would explode off his body if he flexed, making Thor swallow the lump in his throat thinking Valhalla's physical exercise was very, very, different to the Churches.
Inhaling a deep breath the tall man opened his mouth and said in a voice so loud it sounded like a train horn, "Alright kiddies, listen up! I hear we have ourselves a new student! A student I heard you all talking about! And before any of you say anything, no I will not point him out to have you all stare at him as if he was the most delicious turkey you ever saw!" His last words had many of the girls stare at Thor, some even drooling and others winking at him, "I said NO STARING!"
They flinched and focused on the P.E teacher.
"Better. Now, you all know me but our new student does not, so let me introduce myself. I am Thorkell the Tall! An Einherjar of Valhalla and the co-ed physical education teacher! Alright everyone you know the drill! Get ready to do your stretches then the half-mile run, and to the gym! LET'S GO! JUMPING JACKS! ONE! TWO THREE!"
Fifty jumping jacks, fifty jack-knives, and fifty push ups, later Thor was running the half-mile drenched in sweat. He was right, the students at Valhalla were trained very differently than the Church which of course they would be since the Norse people were warriors and had to be in fighting shape to face any foe they met. As he ran he soon found himself flanked either side by Vetr and Sigrun. Alruna and Herja were struggling to catch up but to no avail.
"Alruna! Herja! What are you doing!?" Thorkell shouted running up alongside them, "If you wanna become Valkyries! You'd best try catching up to Sigrun! The same with the rest of you Valkyries in training! Push yourself to catch up with the Emerald Valkyrie!"
Wonder came into Thor's eyes, "You're learning to be a Valkyrie?"
"As many women do in Valhalla." Sigrun said through panting breaths, "To become a Valkyrie is a dream we wish to strive for. I love Alruna and Herja dearly but I fear they are not cut out to be warrior maidens. The training is not easy. We are to do physical training with Mr. Thorkell and magical training by Lady Brynhildr. Nevertheless, I will push myself until I break my limits to become a great Valkyrie like Brynhildr, Gondul, and Rossweisse!"
Vetr's brow lifted, "You wanna be like Rossweisse!?"
"Why not!? She was a straight A student at Valhalla allowing her to graduate Valkyrie class two years before us and even be handpicked by the Allfather to be his bodyguard." Sigrun said proudly.
"That's because she kept her nose buried in books." Alruna said catching up to her violet haired friend, her huge breasts bouncing all about despite being secured by a bra, "Hence why she is dubbed the Valkyrie who has never had a boyfriend! She could have studied and looked for a boyfriend at the same time like we are doing."
"And look were that got you. Struggling to catch up to me!" Sigrun said, increasing her speed to be two feet ahead of the pink haired youth who moaned in annoyance.
When the run was complete everyone, still sweating and breathing heavily, went to the gym to lift weights or do more stretches. Thor had chosen to lift weights with Vetr who was easily lifting a three-hundred and forty pound dumbbell in each hand making the Giant three times stronger than him. Thor's current weight lift was one-hundred and twenty meaning he had to push himself like Sigrun.
"I didn't know Sigrun admired Rossweisse." Vetr said after finishing his fiftieth lift, "Nobody really knew her since she always focused on studying."
"You and Alruna make it sound like a bad thing." Thor countered, "Strength alone does not win battles. Odin was said to win battles through smarts. Perhaps she admired Odin's wisdom and wanted to be like him."
Vetr shrugged, "Maybe but she should have used her time in Valhalla to find a guy."
Thor's brow knitted, "Or maybe YOU shouldn't judge her about how she wants to spend her life. She probably wanted to focus on her career as a Valkyrie before looking for love. Besides, not everyone ends up in a relationship in high school."
"You're right." Said the Giant, "My parents met long after graduating from Valhalla but you speak as if you have had experience which you have had since you dated Sif long after graduating Valhalla."
…Sif…
Vetr jumped when Thor suddenly dropped the weights in his hands causing everyone to look at the redhead in concern. Thor was hunched over, gritting his teeth, and clutching his head as if he was in pain. Did mentioning Sif trigger something in his mind?
"Are you alright?" Vetr asked, cautiously putting a hand out toward the Aesir but Thor relaxed and stood tall again.
"Yeah. I'm alright. I have just been having sudden headaches from time to time."
"Do you need to see Nurse Eir?"
Eir had once been a great Valkyrie with an incredible skill in healing magic. Now that she has passed her prime, the former warrior maiden chose to use those healing skills as Valhalla's nurse.
Thor waved him off, "No. No. I'm fine. I just need to rest a bit."
He was just about to do more dumbbells when he caught the sound of wood hitting against each other with grunts and shouts. Putting the weights away he followed the sound to find two boys in a small circular pit dueling, one had a sword and mace while his opponent a spear and shield. He wasn't surprised to see dueling was a part of P.E, warriors had to hone their skills. He watched fighter one swung his mace but had it blocked by fighter two's shield and almost hit by a thrust of the spear. They circled, dueled, and disengaged; and then circled, dueled, and disengaged again; and each time, like magnets facing together, they drew closer.
The spectators watched eagerly for which one would win. Their wait wasn't long for fighter two blocked, ducked, and drove the point of his spear into fighter one in the chest. Since the weapons were made of wood and blunt no blood was drawn but the impact still hurt hence the wince mace wielder gave.
"Winner, Sven!" Thorkell announced while the spectators applauded Sven, "Next up-"
"Me and Thor!" All eyes turned when Sigrun stepped forward, a two-handed practice sword already in hand. Alruna and Herja flanking her.
Thorkell stroked his chin in thought, "A spar between Odin's son and the Emerald Valkyrie? That sounds perfect! Come, Thor! Show Valhalla your skills against Sigrun!"
The redhead had no time to deny the challenge as he was led into the dueling ring by eager students who wanted to see who was better. When he was told where to stand, Sigrun entered, swapping her clothes for armor. Like Rossweisse, Sigrun wore the armor Thor called the kinky Halloween costume but instead of white it was the color emerald hence everyone calling her the Emerald Valkyrie.
"Catch." Sigrun called after taking a one handed training sword from the rack and tossing it to Thor which he caught easily and swung a few times.
"Ready?" Sigrun asked, blade raised for combat.
The moment Thor nodded Sigrun launched herself at the Thunder God. He dived to the side, barely dodging the strike sent by the violet haired warrior maiden. He rolled back onto his feet and blocked another strike but wasn't prepared for the sidekick. He felt the air leave his lungs as he went flying into a wall, the impact forming cracks along it. As he slid down the wall, Sigrun was upon him, blade pointed at his neck.
"Yield your grace, I-" Her sentence was cut off when Thor quickly batted away her sword and tackled her but Sigrun flung him off which allowed Thor to gain some distance and reposition himself to keep fighting. Sigrun grinned and charged again, excited that he still has some fight in him.
Thor moved his sword to parry Sigrun's first two strikes and jump over a sweep kick to knock him off his feet. He answered by swinging down on her and she replied with a roll to the left followed by a lunge toward Thor causing the God to back away and block her stab. Ducking another attack he countered with a knee strike but Sigrun surprised him by leaning back to not only dodge his attack but also to perform a backwards cartwheel that allowed her feet to kick him in the jaw. However her jaw strike didn't stun him as she hoped which meant he must have a strong durability. She lunged again but before the tip of her blade was in striking distance she pulled it back and did a front flip axe kick but her leg never made contact for Thor dodged by somersaulting under her. As her foot slammed into the earth she spun on her left foot to face Thor, blade pressed against the prince's neck.
"Got you."
"So do I."
The smirk Sigrun wore dropped at what he said. He had his back turned to her so how could he have hit her too? Looking down she saw his sword flipped in a backwards grip, its tip pointed at her abdomen.
"It's a draw!" Thorkell called as a smirk spread across his face, this boy may truly become something great. He clapped his big hands to gain their attention. "I think that's enough for today. Thor, you've shown you're capable of going toe to toe with Sigrun. Which in itself is quite impressive for someone your age considering she is the Second Strongest Valkyrie Youth."
"Second Strongest Valkyrie? Who is the first?"
Sigrun grinned, "Rossweisse, of course."
Thor blinked, So Rossweisse is the Strongest Valkyrie Youth? Oh wait, of course she is. Graduating early from Valhalla, becoming Odin's bodyguard, and training me would make her the best. At least from Sigrun's point of view.
"It was an honor crossing blades with you, your grace. I hope we can spar more often." Sigrun said with an excited grin.
"So do I, Sigrun, and please just call me Thor." The red head retorted with a grin of his own.
Did anyone see the changes? No? Then I'll point them out.
Vandill the Giant is now named Vetr, son of Vindsvalr. Both very minor Giants from the Norse myth. Sigrun is friends with Alruna and Herja and an admirer of Rossweisse for being a hard worker. Of course she doesn't know why but those of us who read the light novels do know why she works hard. Lastly; Gods and Einherjar as teachers. And yes, Thorkell the Tall was a real Viking. If you only know him from Vinland Saga, then go read a history book about Vikings.
As always, be sure to leave your feedback for the redux chapter.