I am back! It took a long time to figure out this chapter but at last I was able to come up with something. It isn't long and mostly focuses on the Valkyries as you can tell by the chapters title but I hope it nevertheless will be entertaining to see the points of views of our warrior maidens.
Lycans: Thank you. Making the Exorcist be named after the worst Roman Emperors was a fun idea but like in the first story, one has already died.
Blue dragon Hopefully this one will be good as well
Geyser: I don't think Euclid will be a foe Thor faces. He could still face Issei or even Rossweisse. Who knows.
Valtazar: Agreed. Considering what Thor went through before coming to Asgard he would not want to help the Biblical Faction. But since Asgard is allies with Grigori he may have to help them someday when the time comes.
Some1call4MR-E: I'm glad you are enjoying it. I don't know what will happen in the future with DxD but if another season comes out then good for the show watchers.
Battlefield: What do you mean Thor will call upon an army of the dead? LMAO. No way. I have a big BIG plan set up for Hrotti and it will not involve Thor.
Another day finishing homework. Though Rota as she glided out of class to lunch.
The green haired girl was a simple person, born in Asgard, raised by loving parents, and, like many girls, idolized the Valkyries. Many women of Asgard and Vanaheim dream of joining the elite warrior maiden's but very few meet the expectations of the no nonsense battle hardened commander, Brynhildr. To gain her respect a woman had to show determination to become a Valkyrie and it was not easy to impress her. It baffled the green haired girl how Alruna was able to become a Valkyrie in training when half the time she was thinking about boys and how to show her body to them. Alruna was a kind girl but her heart was not into the commitment like Herja and Sigrun, the latter putting everything she got into each day of Valkyrie class.
The reason for such hard work was because of Rossweisse graduating before all of them. It wasn't out of jealousy but admiration for putting work before boys. An admiration shared by Brynhildr for she too was a hard worker saying time and time again that many of the new generation of warrior maidens had grown soft and showed little dedication to training which unfortunately was very true. Out of the four hundred girls in this year's Valkyrie class, forty percent showed true dedication to the training to become one. Ten were even dropped and banned from the class for putting more effort in hooking up with boys. One of the more serious students confided in Rota how humiliating it was to be in the same class as those slackers.
It was humiliating for Rota too, all her childhood she was told stories by her grandparents how powerful and respected the Valkyries were in the old days. Now they were just seen as a way for a girl to become popular in Valhalla hence why so few became a warrior maiden. They did not take the responsibility of protecting Asgard and Vanaheim and guiding the dead to Valhalla seriously. Guiding the dead to Valhalla was supposed to be a rite of passage in the old days but with so few dying in this modern world guiding one who died in battle had become scarce. The newest addition to the ranks of the Einherjar was the boy from Greece, Cadmus.
Rota frowned slightly, since losing to Thor in his duel Cadmus had locked himself in his room at Valhalla were he only ever came out to grab food. He never spoke to anyone nor showered by what she heard from the Einherjar. His defeat at Thor's hand had left him humiliated in front of thousands, including the king of Asgard and the woman he bullied that caused the duel. He was given a second chance to live and repaid it with bullying. Despite feeling pity for Cadmus, he brought it on himself and is now suffering the consequences.
That doesn't mean he can still be shown kindness. If she could give him a second chance maybe he will open up and tell her about himself and more importantly how he became an Einherjar. She didn't know how he died but in the Norse world to join Valhalla one must die in battle and Cadmus had done just that.
After grabbing two platters of lunch from the cafeteria, the Valkyrie in training strolled through the academy to the halls were the Einherjar lived. As always it was filled with activity; some played games, others talked amongst themselves, and some just sat alone eating, reading, or sleeping. Many Einherjar turned to greet Rota and one particular burly Einherjar stepped in her path.
"Hello, Valkyrie Rota." The giant man boomed.
"Hello, Halfdan Ragnarsson." She greeted in return.
"I see two plates in your hands. Who is the Einherjar that will join you for lunch?"
"Cadmus."
The biggest son of Ragnar sniffed, "Cadmus? That Greek boy Thor humbled? Why him?"
"Why? Because I wish to give him a second chance."
"You may want to reconsider that idea, little one." Another Einherjar said nearby, "He won't talk to anyone. He may even try to hit you like he did with Odin's bodyguard."
"Then that is a risk I shall take." She said and slipped past Halfdan before he could stop her. Seeing she would not listen, Valkyrie was directed to the Greek boys room where, as she guessed rightly, was locked. Knocking on the door she spoke loudly for him to hear, "Cadmus. It's Rota. I brought you some lunch if you are hungry."
No response came from within.
"I know you did some bad things but I'm willing to give you a second chance."
Still no response but Rota stayed at the door eating her own lunch until it was time to return to class. It may take some time for Cadmus to open up but she was willing to wait even after graduating. Grabbing her platter she made her way back to the academy unaware of the door opening and pulling the food inside.
Inside Valhalla Academy
Herja sighed with annoyance at Alruna giving her seventh -no- thirteen alluring look to another boy in the gym. Since childhood the three girls had been friends and always partook in activities together but when they reached high school level in Valhalla, Alruna put more effort in flirting and seducing instead of training. This in turn led to the pink haired bombshell skills in physical and magical prowess to be above average and struggle in P.E and Valkyrie class. Herja wondered if the only reason the pink haired girl joined the Valkyrie Corps was to keep her friendship with her and Sigrun. Of course Alruna would always be Herja's friend but honestly Alruna should have pursued a career as a model not a warrior maiden.
Not all women can become Valkyrie's. If she doesn't pick up the pace Brynhildr will kick her out for sure. The white haired girl thought, grunting with purpose as she performed her twentieth barbell curl. Herja knew it wasn't easy to become a Valkyrie and would never be as good as Sigrun or Rossweisse in the art of magic or swordsmanship but she would work as hard as she could to become a warrior maiden like her deceased aunt.
"Mind if I join you?"
Herja's eyes flickered to the left and saw the God of Thunder take the barbell from the rack and join her on the mat, his muscles flexing with each curl. Herja was not like Alruna in flirting with boys but she wouldn't deny that Odin's son was without a doubt quite handsome to look at. Accepting his offer she took two steps aside to give him space.
"Congratulations on passing the test. I'm certain Heimdall will be sending you out more often to stop any trouble the Giants make." Said Herja.
"Or Fallen Angels."
Herja nodded. Like many others in Asgard she questioned the Allfathers decision to make an alliance with the Fallen Angels to coexist in peace. The Fallen Angels obviously didn't like the idea of peace hence the schism happening. Because of those events the Allfather has ordered Gods and Valkyries alike to aid in stopping any rogue Fallen Angels or talk them back into returning. Discomforting as the order was, the Allfather's word was law and she would obey if she was sent to deal with them.
After passing my test of course!
After reaching her fifth curl Herja placed the barbell back on the rack and pondered what she should do next when Sigrun cried out from across the way, "Thor Odinson! How would you fare in a three on one duel!?"
The white haired Valkyrie's head turned in Sigrun's direction, one white brow raised in curiosity. Sigrun wanted to face Thor with Herja and Alruna? Either she was overconfident in their skills or wanted to see how far they could get until Thor defeated them. Whatever the reason she would gladly join in her friend's request.
Glancing between Sigrun and Herja the red head Aesir accepted and made his way to the dueling mat where a crowd was already gathered. Many were eager to see what Thor could do against three Valkyries instead of one. They watched him study the weapon rack before taking an axe and a sword and stepping onto the mat.
All Valkyries were required to learn how to use melee weapons but some, however, like Rossweisse, opted to focus on magic and that was the route Herja chose but since this was a duel only melee weapons were allowed. Knowing her melee skills were not sharp like Sigrun, who chose a two handed longsword, the white haired girl took a mace and shield while Alruna chose a spear and shield. Together they stepped onto the dueling mat, ready to face the Son of Odin. Thor had already shifted into a fighting stance, eyes darting between the three warrior maidens with alertness. For a moment Herja had second thoughts of facing Thor but she was certain she would face foes far worse and this was a friendly duel, not a fight to the dhe'll.
And yet that look in Thor's eyes said he thought of this duel as if his life depended on it. That look, Herja realized, was the same he wore facing Sgrun and Cadmus. Despite his intense look she knew Thor would not purposely hurt them. This was a friendly spar not a real duel like with Cadmus and even then he did not try to kill him, merely hurt him enough to surrender.
The Valkyries charged, Herja choosing to attack from the left but instead of preparing a defense, Thor chose to attack targeting Alruna who hesitated at the speed the Aesir price displayed. Herja watched her friend raise her shield and thrust the spear only to have the prince dodge and break the shaft; he would have followed up by hooking the shield with his axe to pull it away if not for Sigrun barreling into him. The force of the blow sent Thor stumbling back but he was quick to recover and counter Sigrun's swing. While all this happened, Herja continued her charge toward the God of Thunder until she was close enough to bring her mace down to land a hit and win the duel. One good hit was enough to win the duel but such hope was dashed by a simple twist of the wrist to bring the axe up to parry her weapon.
Before Herja could try a second time, Thor kicked his leg out, sending her staggering backwards allowing him to redouble his efforts on Sigrun. Sword and axe hacked and slashed but each strike was parried, dodged, or blocked by the Emerald Valkyrie. Herja spared a glance at Alruna who grabbed another spear before rushing back to help however she could. A quick glance at the clock said two minutes passed since the duel began and already they were struggling.
Of course we are struggling. Thor's skills are unmatched by all in Asgard. It is why he is our greatest warrior and among the top ten strongest. Still, even if we can't win at least we can show him we are no pushovers!
Once again she charged and tried to land a blow with her mace and once again she failed but this time the axe swung much harder to hook the mace's shaft and pull it free from Herja's grip leaving her wide open for the axe to lightly tap her on the shoulder. Herja huffed, she had been hit and was now out of the duel. Hurriedly she grabbed the fallen mace before returning her mace and shield to the weapon rack before watching Sigrun and Thor continue their duel neither giving or gaining, both were evenly matched. She watched Sigrun duck under a swing by the axe while raising her shield to block a stab from the sword before trying a stab of her own that Thor backpedaled away from. She noticed their duel was gaining more and more attention, some even cheering for Thor or Sigrun to win.
When their weapons crossed and they struggled to overpower one another Thor said, "You've gotten better since our last duel."
"I practice everyday so that I may not mess up like before. Our duel showed me that I need a lot more training to defeat you!"
A smile flashed across Thor's lips, "Then let's see if you can prove it!"
From the corner of her eye Herja saw Alruna throw her spear at Thor, hoping it would make its mark and win them the duel. However Thor was aware of her and, tensing his muscles, pushed Sigrun away far enough to let him kick her shield to make a gap big enough to give him time to sheath his axe, catch the spear, and send it back to Alruna who stood rooted to the floor too stupefied at Thor's swift response. Realizing Alruna would be run through by the spear, Herja rushed onto the mat tackling Alruna to the floor just as the projectile flew over to stick halfway into the wall.
Did Thor not realize the force he put in throwing the weapon back at her? She wondered as she hastily got Alruna off the mat. It was obvious that Alruna would no longer participate in the duel after that incident, leaving Sigrun alone again to face the Son of Odin. Hopefully she will win.
The combatants traded attacks at rapid speed making it difficult for some of the spectators to keep up and others saying it looked like Thor and Sigrun had multiple arms. Herja stirred with concern if lust for battle overcame the duelists and Thorkell would have to stop the duel. The thought was cast aside when the bell ending school rang ceasing any further attack leaving the two panting heavily with sweat on their brows.
"Did they lose track of time in the duel?" Alruna whispered.
"I think everyone did." Herja answered, the duel between the Emerald Valkyrie and God of Thunder was going to be spread across Valhalla after today.
The next day at Hlidskjalf
Rossweisse stood by the stables waiting for Thor to return from a morning ride with Tanngrisnir, the Allfather had called him back to the palace and sent her to bring him. Even though she no longer oversaw his training, the tales she heard coming out of Valhalla about his achievements made her proud. His duel against Sigrun in P.E was told to her by Thor during dinner that same day and it left her in awe that the Emerald Valkyrie managed to hold her own against Odin's son again. Sigrun would become a great Valkyrie someday.
Suddenly over the horizon she could see a shape moving rapidly toward her. When it was closer she saw it was Tanngrisnir who, after his rider tugged on the reins, came to a halt in front of Rossweisse, panting breath sweeping over her like a summer wind. Atop the saddle Thor patted the side of his pet praising the large goat's performance.
"Hello, Rossweisse." Thor greeted with a smile, sliding off the saddle and leading the goat to his stable.
"Hello Thor." Said Rossweisse, "I see you got the Allfathers message."
"I did. What does he want?"
Rossweisse pressed her lips together in annoyance at being left to explain the situation but kept herself composed, "You are to attend a Council of the Gods."
"A Council of the Gods?" Repeated Thor.
Rossweisse nodded, "Today Odin called for a council to hear the knowledge of the Nine Realms. Odin may be all-knowing and Heimdall all-seeing but even they do not know everything. Sometimes the wisest person can miss the smallest details."
The doors opened into a large windowless room were a rectangular table stood with ten chairs. Eight of those chairs were occupied by Odin, Vidar, Njord, Freyr, Heimdall, Hildisvini, Loki, and a tall beautiful woman with long light blue hair, stern blue eyes, and wearing a black suit. Heimdall and Freyr were holograms due to their duties preventing them from attending the council in person.
"Lord Thor, welcome." The blue haired woman greeted with a bow of her head, "I am Brynhildr, Commander of the Valkyrie Corps and replacement for the Queen."
As Odin gestured for Thor to sit next to Vidar, Rossweisse took her place beside him before the king said,"Let this council begin."
Rossweisse listened carefully to each subject shared among the Gods, storing them in her precise memory so that they may be brought up again for another time. For now all seemed as usual; trade with Vanaheim and Midgard flourished while the drama revolving around the rogue Fallen Angels was slowly being solved, and the Elves of Alfheim still protested to form a ruling council. Of course with each topic a side comment by Loki was made like the Fallen Angels not being Asgard's problem and the Light Elves should know their place among the Norse World.
"After all, where would Alfheim be without us?" Loki said, spreading his arms, "We helped them and the other Realms."
Rossweisse frowned at Loki, she detested Odin's perverted nature but Loki's cruel options always left a bad taste in her mouth. Asgard would never be cruel like the Jotun Empire; they were a kingdom of peace and unity.
"We will do no such thing." Freyr said, "Our alliance with Grigori is the first step to change. Maybe it's time for Alfheim's rule to change from a Vanir to an Elven Council."
Odin raised a brow, "Does this mean you will relinquish rule to them?"
Freyr sighed, "A part of me says yes but my heart says otherwise. I feel I am still needed to lead them. Plus, those who protest wish to no longer be allies with Asgard."
Loki scoffed, "So they want to follow in Nidavillir's steps and deal with problems on their own."
"Speaking of Nidavillir." Said Thor before Freyr or Heimdall could speak, "Perhaps if we can reforge the alliance with the Dwarves maybe Alfheim will not wish to break away."
Again Loki scoffed, "Hardly. They broke ties because our wise Queen left us in debt to them. What could possibly make them change their mind to cancel our debt to them?"
"Where there's a will there's a way." Thor replied,
"They will not answer us." Loki retorted.
"They will not answer you, Loki." Thor said, "But they will answer to me."
Sif's brow lifted, "To you?"
"Why not? I can try to rekindle our friendship with them and maybe Alfheim. Let me talk to the Dwarves, I may find a way to regain their trust with us and a solution to our debt." Thor turned his gaze to Heimdall, "What do you see, Heimdall?"
The Guardian of the Bifrost stared at Thor then a twinkle came into his eyes, "I cannot see all but your words speak true. For better or worse something will come of your journey to Nidavillir."
Rossweisse kept herself composed in front of the Gods but her excitement was swelling within her. She remembered his words back in the pavilion how his death caused the Norse World to fracture and that his return might fix it. Now he was taking those first steps to seeing the Nine Realms united again.
"I'm going to Nidavellir!" Thor said standing up as his gaze swept over the room before falling onto Rossweisse, "And I will not be going alone."
Phew! At last I have finished the chapter. God it took forever with the writer's blocks but at last I have it done! Next up will be going to the world of the Dwarves. I shall see you all in the next post!