The horizon was painted in hues of deep blue and gold, the remnants of the storm clouds casting long shadows over the expanse of Asgard. Shin stood at the edge of the cliff, his crimson eyes fixed on the distant edge of the world. The wind carried a faint chill, but he didn't feel it. The boat carrying Kari was long gone, her soul now entrusted to the ancestors, her life a memory etched into his heart.
Most of the mourners had already left the riverbank, returning to their homes to grieve in private. The echoes of the horns had faded, leaving only the soft rustle of the wind and the occasional crackle of a lingering lantern flame.
Shin's face was set in a dark expression, his jaw clenched as his hands rested on the hilt of a sword that was planted in the ground before him. His shoulders were stiff, his entire body radiating a quiet intensity that spoke louder than any words could.
Behind him, heavy footsteps approached, their familiar weight unmistakable. Thor came to a stop a few feet away, his presence as large as the sky above. The Thunder God's red cape fluttered in the breeze, and his face was a mixture of somber grief and seething fury.
"They will pay for this," Thor said, his voice low but firm. It was more than a statement—it was a promise. His blue eyes burned with righteous anger as he gazed out at the horizon. "Whoever did this… we'll find them. And when we do, they'll regret ever stepping foot in Asgard."
Shin didn't respond. His crimson gaze remained locked on the horizon, unblinking and unyielding.
Thor stepped closer, resting a heavy hand on Shin's shoulder. The weight of it was grounding, a silent reminder that he wasn't alone in his grief.
"Don't blame yourself, Shin," Thor said, his tone softer now but no less resolute. "It's not your fault. Blame the person who did this. Let that anger fuel you. Let it drive you to avenge her."
Shin's jaw tightened further, his fingers gripping the hilt of the sword as his knuckles turned white. The red lightning that so often crackled around him was absent, replaced by an unsettling stillness that mirrored the storm brewing inside him.
He exhaled slowly, his breath visible in the cool air, but still, he didn't speak.
Thor stepped back slightly, his own expression darkening as he crossed his arms. He knew Shin's silence well—it wasn't a retreat, but the precursor to something far more dangerous.
Finally, Shin moved. He straightened, pulling the sword from the ground in one swift motion before slinging it over his shoulder. His crimson eyes flicked to Thor, the fire within them muted but far from extinguished.
"They'll pay," Shin said, his voice low and measured. "Not just for Kari, but for everything."
Thor nodded, the corners of his mouth twitching into a grim smirk. "Good," he said. "Because I'll be right there with you when we make them pay."
Shin's steps faltered as Thor followed behind him, their shared grief weighing heavily in the air. He stopped and turned slightly, his crimson eyes meeting Thor's with a rare softness, but they were heavy with an unyielding resolve.
"No," Shin said quietly, his voice steady but filled with sorrow. "I'm sorry, Thor. But this is something I have to do alone. I can't let anyone else get hurt."
Thor frowned, his hands clenching into fists at his sides. "That's not up to you," he said firmly, stepping closer. His blue eyes burned with determination, his tone both somber and sharp. "It's not your job to look after me, Shin. I've been alive for centuries. I've seen loss. I've seen tragedy. I've seen it all. And I've survived it. Don't think for a second I'm going to let you walk into this alone."
Shin shook his head, his expression hardening. "No, you don't understand," he said, his voice tinged with desperation. "This person… he's strong. Too strong. If I don't come back in a day or two, send a search party."
Thor's brows furrowed in confusion, his grip tightening on Mjolnir as he stepped even closer. "What do you mean?" he demanded, his voice rising. "Don't tell me…" His eyes widened as realization struck him. "You already know where the bastard who did this is, don't you?"
Shin's silence was answer enough.
Thor stared at him, his jaw tightening as his anger flared. "Shin," he said, his voice low and dangerous. "Don't you dare hold out on me."
Finally, Shin nodded, his gaze dropping for a moment before returning to Thor's. "I marked him," he admitted quietly. "It's still there, which means he wants me to come for him."
Thor's expression darkened further, his grip on Mjolnir so tight that the air around it crackled faintly with electricity. "You mean to tell me you've been sitting on this? Why the hell didn't you say anything sooner?"
Shin's lips pressed into a thin line. "Because I know what this means," he said firmly. "Someone of that guy's skill level—there's no way he doesn't know about the mark I left on him. He left it there on purpose, Thor. He's waiting for me."
Thor's eyes narrowed, his voice sharp. "Then you're walking right into a trap."
"I know," Shin replied, his tone calm despite the storm brewing inside him. "And that's why I need to go alone. If I take anyone with me, they'll be at risk. I won't let anyone else die because of me."
Thor stepped closer, his towering frame radiating barely restrained fury. "And what happens if you don't come back, huh? What happens then?"
Shin exhaled deeply, his crimson eyes steady. "Then send a search party," he said simply. "But give me a day or two. That's all I ask."
Thor's gaze bore into him, his jaw clenched as his mind raced. Finally, he let out a frustrated growl, taking a step back and pointing a finger at Shin. "You're a damn fool, Shin Hyoudou," he said, his voice filled with both anger and sorrow. "But if you're going to do this, you'd better make sure you come back alive. Because if you don't, I swear to the ancestors, I'll bring you back just to beat some sense into you myself."
Shin's lips curved into a faint, bitter smirk. "I'll do my best."
Thor's steps halted, his blue eyes blazing with intensity as he turned back toward Shin. His voice boomed, filled with both anger and desperation. "No, Shin," he said firmly. "You will not go out there thinking you might not return. You will come back alive."
Shin opened his mouth to respond, but Thor didn't let him. He stepped closer, towering over Shin as his voice grew even more resolute. "I don't care what you have to do or what you have to sacrifice. You've got a child on the way, Shin. Asia needs you. Freya needs you. And I—" Thor's voice cracked slightly, but he pushed through. "You are my brother, Shin. You will come back alive. Promise me you'll come back alive."
The weight of Thor's words struck Shin like a hammer to the chest, leaving him silent for a moment. His crimson eyes lowered, staring at the ground as his mind raced.
He thought of Asia, the warmth of her smile and the love she had always shown him. He thought of his brother Issei, the bond they shared, and the faith Issei always placed in him. He thought of Sirzechs, his mentor and confidant, and the countless people who had come to rely on him.
But most of all, he thought of Freya. The goddess who had claimed his heart, the woman he held every night, the one carrying his child—his child. A small life growing inside her, a part of him, depending on him to return.
Shin's jaw tightened, his fists clenching at his sides as he looked back up. His gaze met Thor's, fierce and unwavering. "I will come back," he said, his voice low but filled with unshakable determination. "Alive. I promise you."
Thor studied him for a moment, his own expression softening slightly as he placed a heavy hand on Shin's shoulder. "Good," he said, his tone quieter but no less firm. "Because if you don't, I swear to the ancestors I'll find a way to drag you back myself. And trust me, you won't enjoy it."
Shin smirked faintly, though the intensity in his eyes didn't waver. "You won't have to."
Thor nodded, stepping back and releasing his grip. "Then go," he said, his voice steady. "Do what you have to do. And remember—Asgard stands with you."
Shin gave a single nod, the weight of his promise settling over him as he turned away, his steps deliberate as he walked toward the horizon.
Shin stood still, his crimson eyes fixed on the horizon, the dark skies seeming to stretch endlessly before him. The weight of his promise lingered in the air, heavy and unyielding. He took a deep breath, letting the cool wind brush against his face one last time.
Thor watched him in silence, his blue eyes filled with a mixture of frustration, sorrow, and unshakable faith in his brother.
Without a word, red lightning crackled to life around Shin, arcing violently as the air grew charged with his energy. In the blink of an eye, he disappeared, leaving only a faint scorch mark on the ground where he had stood.
Thor remained rooted to the spot, staring at the empty space where Shin had been. The winds picked up slightly, rustling his cape as he clenched his fists. The faint rumble of thunder echoed in the distance, as if the heavens shared in his unease.
"You'd better keep that promise, brother," Thor muttered under his breath, his voice low but filled with conviction. He turned back toward the fading light of the funeral lanterns, his expression grim as he walked away, leaving the cliffside behind.
(Scene Break)
The scene shifted to the frozen expanse of Jotunheim, where the biting winds howled through the mountains. Snow blanketed the jagged cliffs and rocky outcrops, the landscape a harsh and unrelenting white that stretched as far as the eye could see.
Atop one of the highest peaks, the man clad in black stood motionless, his pitch-black eyes staring out over the endless expanse of ice and snow. The faint glow of the aurora danced across the sky, but it did little to soften the ominous presence of the figure.
His expression was unreadable, his blonde hair fluttering in the frigid wind as his gaze lingered on the cliff below him. He stood tall, his black clothing blending with the shadows, the only light coming from the faint flicker of black flames that seemed to emanate from his very being.
Suddenly, his head perked up, his eyes narrowing slightly. He turned his head just enough to glance over his shoulder. His lips curled into a faint smirk as he reached for his sword.
In one fluid motion, he drew the weapon, the black flames engulfing the blade and casting an eerie glow across the snow around him. The flames crackled and hissed, their heat defying the frozen landscape as he brought the sword up in front of him.
A split second later, a flash of red lightning tore through the air, crackling with violent intensity as it collided with his blade. The sound of clashing swords rang out like thunder, sending shockwaves through the icy cliffside.
The man's smirk widened as he stared into the crimson eyes of his opponent, their faces mere inches apart.
"I knew you'd be back, Shin Hyoudou," he said, his voice smooth and filled with dark amusement.
Shin pushed against the blade with his own, his face set in a grim expression as red lightning crackled around him, illuminating the icy peak in a furious glow.
The red lightning crackled violently around Shin as he pushed harder against the black-flamed blade, his crimson eyes blazing with fury. His voice tore through the icy winds, raw and filled with anguish.
"Why?!" Shin roared, his grip tightening on his sword. "She was innocent! She never did anything to anyone!"
The man's smirk widened, his pitch-black eyes gleaming with sadistic delight. He tilted his head slightly, his blonde hair catching the faint glow of the clashing blades as he twisted the blade slightly against Shin's.
"Oh, the pain in your voice," the man said mockingly, his tone dripping with amusement. "It brings me such… pleasure."
Shin's teeth clenched, his rage threatening to boil over, but the man continued before he could speak again.
"If you want someone to blame," the man said, his smirk twisting into something darker, "blame yourself. If she had never met you, she'd still be alive. You dragged her into your world, Shin Hyoudou. And I killed her because I knew it would hurt you."
The words struck Shin like a hammer, each syllable driving deeper into his heart. His crimson eyes widened slightly before narrowing into slits, his grip trembling with the force of his anger.
The man leaned closer, his voice dropping to a venomous whisper. "This is only just the beginning, Shin Hyoudou. You have no idea what's coming."
Shin let out a guttural growl, his red lightning exploding outward in a violent surge as he forced the man back, their swords breaking apart with a deafening crack.
"I'll make you pay for this," Shin spat, his voice low and filled with deadly intent. "Every word, every action—you'll regret all of it."
The man simply laughed, a cold, chilling sound that echoed across the snowy expanse. His black flames flared brighter, the shadows around him deepening as he stepped back into a ready stance.
"Then come," he said, his tone light and mocking. "Let's see if your anger can do more than just make promises."
The clash of steel rang out across the icy peak, reverberating through the frozen expanse of Jotunheim. Red lightning crackled around Shin, carving jagged scars into the snow-covered ground as he moved with blinding speed, his sword a streak of crimson energy.
The man in black, his dark flames licking hungrily at the blade of his sword, met every strike with equal precision. Sparks flew as their blades collided again and again, the raw energy of their clash sending shockwaves through the air. The snow at their feet melted away, revealing the jagged rock below, as the sheer heat of their battle consumed the frozen ground.
Shin vanished in a flash of red lightning, appearing behind the man with his sword raised for a devastating strike. The man's smirk didn't falter. His blade swept up, blocking Shin's attack with unnatural ease, the black flames flaring outward from the impact.
"You're fast, I'll give you that," the man said, his voice calm but mocking as he shoved Shin back with a powerful push. "But speed alone won't save you."
He slashed his blade downward, sending a wave of black fire roaring toward Shin. The flames surged like a tidal wave, the air around them warping from their heat.
Shin reacted instantly, thrusting his free hand forward as a barrier of red lightning exploded into existence, splitting the flames apart. The force of the collision sent snow and debris flying in all directions, leaving the ground scorched and steaming.
"I've got more than speed," Shin growled, his crimson eyes blazing.
He lunged forward, his sword carving an arc of red energy through the air. The man dodged with fluid precision, twisting his body to avoid the strike and countering with a quick slash aimed at Shin's ribs. Shin deflected it with a sharp parry, the clash of their blades sending sparks flying.
The man stepped back, raising his free hand as black flames surged from his palm. The fire gathered into a pulsating orb, and with a flick of his wrist, he hurled it at Shin.
Shin's eyes narrowed, and he extended his hand. The orb of black flames slowed mid-air, crackling and writhing as it fought against the invisible force holding it back. With a snap of his fingers, Shin unleashed a torrent of red lightning that detonated the orb, sending waves of energy cascading through the air.
The man laughed, his pitch-black eyes glinting with malice as he swung his blade in a wide arc. A crescent of black fire tore through the air, racing toward Shin.
Shin leapt into the air, twisting his body mid-flight as he thrust his hand downward. A massive fireball, wreathed in red lightning, formed instantly and plummeted toward the man like a meteor.
The man crossed his arms, and a dome of black fire erupted around him, absorbing the impact of the fireball. The explosion sent waves of heat and energy rolling across the battlefield, but when the smoke cleared, the man stood unharmed, his flames still licking at the edges of his blade.
"You'll have to try harder than that," he taunted, his smirk widening.
Shin landed gracefully, his sword at the ready. "Don't worry," he said, his tone sharp. "I plan to."
He raised his free hand, and the air around him crackled with energy. A glowing sphere of pure destructive magic formed in his palm, swirling with a chaotic mixture of red lightning and the Power of Destruction. With a flick of his wrist, he launched it at the man, the sheer force of the attack warping the space around it.
The man met it head-on, raising his sword as the black flames surged along its length. He slashed downward, splitting the destructive sphere in two and sending shards of energy exploding outward.
As the battlefield erupted in chaos, Shin was already moving, his speed carrying him forward in a blur of crimson light. He appeared behind the man, his sword aimed for a decisive strike.
But the man anticipated it, twisting his body unnaturally as his blade intercepted Shin's once again. Their eyes met, black against crimson, as they pushed against each other, their power radiating outward in waves that shook the mountain beneath their feet.
"Impressive," the man said, his voice steady despite the effort. "You're not like the others. But let's see how long you can keep this up."
Shin didn't respond. His focus was absolute as he poured his energy into the clash, the storm of red lightning and black fire consuming the battlefield around them.
The mountain trembled under the unrelenting force of their battle. Each strike, each clash of their blades, sent shockwaves rippling through the frozen expanse of Jotunheim. Shin's red lightning crackled fiercely around him, growing more intense with each passing moment. His crimson eyes, once sharp and focused, now glowed as pure manifestations of red lightning, the storm within him spilling out in raw power.
Across from him, the man in black burned with equal ferocity. His black flames roared higher, consuming the icy ground around him and twisting the air with their oppressive heat. His pitch-black eyes, now swirling with tendrils of flame, locked onto Shin with a hatred that burned brighter than his weapon.
Shin vanished in a blur of speed, reappearing behind the man in an instant. His sword came down with crushing force, arcs of red lightning trailing behind it. The man twisted, raising his flaming blade just in time to meet Shin's strike. The impact shattered the ground beneath them, sending shards of ice and rock flying in all directions.
"What did I ever do to you?!" Shin roared, his voice resonating like thunder as his blade pressed against the man's. "Why do you hate me so much?!"
The man smirked, his voice low and venomous. "You took everything from me," he hissed, pushing Shin back with a surge of black fire. His blade swung in a vicious arc, flames trailing through the air as Shin ducked beneath the strike. "Yet you don't even know who I am."
Shin dodged to the side, thrusting his hand forward as a torrent of red lightning shot out, ripping through the air toward his opponent. The man countered with a wave of black fire, the two forces colliding mid-air and creating a fiery explosion that illuminated the icy battlefield.
The man stepped through the flames, his smirk twisting into something darker. "I am only returning the favor," he said, his voice calm yet dripping with malice. "One person at a time. One by one, I will take everything—and everyone—you care about."
Shin's jaw clenched, his crimson eyes burning brighter as he lunged forward again. His blade was a blur, his strikes faster and more ferocious than before. He attacked from every angle, his speed turning him into a storm of red light, each strike powered by the rage building within him.
The man met him blow for blow, his black flames surging with each swing of his sword. He deflected Shin's attacks with calculated precision, his movements fluid and unrelenting.
Shin's creativity began to show. As he clashed with the man, he raised his free hand, summoning a fiery dragon wreathed in red lightning that roared to life beside him. The dragon lunged toward the man, its massive jaws snapping as it erupted into a torrent of energy upon contact.
The man staggered back, the flames around him dimming momentarily before flaring back to life. "Impressive," he said, his voice laced with mockery. "But not enough."
He raised his free hand, black flames surging from his palm and coiling into the shape of a serpent. The fiery serpent shot toward Shin, its fangs bared as it collided with him in a burst of fire and lightning.
Shin emerged from the flames unscathed, his red lightning forming a shield around him. His eyes burned brighter, and the intensity of his energy grew as he lifted both hands. A massive sphere of destructive energy formed above him, swirling with crimson fire, lightning, and raw magic.
He hurled it toward the man, the sheer force of the attack tearing through the icy ground as it raced toward its target.
The man raised his sword, his black flames surging upward as he met the attack head-on. The explosion that followed shook the mountain to its core, the resulting shockwave visible for miles as snow and ice were blown away in every direction.
Shin didn't relent. As the dust cleared, he appeared behind the man again, his blade swinging in a vicious arc. The man spun around, their swords colliding once more as the battlefield erupted in flames and lightning.
Their battle raged on, each blow more powerful than the last, their powers growing in intensity as the fight escalated. The mountain groaned under their weight, cracks forming along the cliffs as the frozen landscape gave way to the overwhelming force of their clash.
Shin's voice cut through the chaos, filled with rage and determination. "You won't win," he growled, his crimson eyes locking onto the man's fiery gaze. "You won't take anyone else from me."
The man laughed, a cold and chilling sound that echoed across the expanse. "You don't understand, Shin Hyoudou," he said, his voice filled with dark amusement. "I've already won. This is just the beginning."
The clash of red lightning and black flames continued to tear through the frozen expanse of Jotunheim, each strike from Shin and the man unleashing devastating waves of energy. The once-pristine mountain was now a crumbling ruin, its icy peaks shattered, and the ground beneath them split apart. Snow melted into steaming rivers, the battlefield consumed by the sheer force of their fight.
Shin's crimson eyes burned brighter, his red lightning surging around him like a violent storm. He lunged forward, his blade cutting through the air as arcs of energy trailed behind it. The man met the strike head-on, his black-flamed sword roaring as it clashed with Shin's, the impact sending shockwaves that rattled the crumbling mountain.
The man's smirk didn't falter, even as he was pushed back by Shin's relentless assault. "You still don't understand, do you?" he said, his voice cold and filled with venom. "This isn't just about revenge. It's about justice."
Shin gritted his teeth, his blade striking again with a burst of lightning. "Justice?" he spat, his voice laced with fury. "You call killing an innocent girl justice?!"
The man deflected Shin's strike with a calculated movement, his black flames flaring as he stepped back. "When you took my son from me," he said, his voice low but growing in intensity, "I was left broken. A shell of the man I once was."
Shin froze momentarily, confusion flashing in his crimson eyes. "Your son?" he asked, his voice sharp. "What are you talking about?"
The man pressed forward, his sword carving through the air with deadly precision as Shin barely managed to block. "You don't even remember," the man snarled, his black flames surging outward. "Of course you don't. Why would you? To you, he was just another casualty. Another life lost in your endless battles."
Shin's jaw tightened as he parried another strike, his mind racing even as his body reacted on instinct. "I don't know what you're talking about!" he shouted, red lightning flaring around him as he pushed the man back.
The man's laughter echoed through the battlefield, hollow and filled with malice. "But I remember," he hissed. "Every moment. Every second. That pain, that despair—it consumed me. But one day, that depression faded. And it morphed into something else."
He swung his blade, sending a wave of black fire roaring toward Shin. Shin leapt into the air, the flames narrowly missing him as they tore through the crumbling mountain, leaving molten rock in their wake.
"Hatred," the man growled, his pitch-black eyes blazing with fury. "I cast aside everything—my sanity, my empathy, my happiness. I sacrificed it all for one purpose."
Shin charged forward, his sword slashing with blinding speed, but the man caught the blade with his own, their faces inches apart as their energies collided.
"I became something more," the man hissed, his voice rising. "Something that you will never defeat. These flames—" he gestured to the black fire consuming his blade, "—they are a representation of what I've become. YOU created me, Shin Hyoudou. These flames of hatred? You are responsible for them. I became the embodiment of hatred because of YOU!"
Shin growled, forcing the man back with a surge of red lightning that shattered the ground beneath them. The mountain, unable to withstand the ferocity of their battle, crumbled entirely, massive chunks of rock plummeting into the abyss below.
The two combatants rose into the air, their powers carrying them as they continued their fight above the collapsing peak. The sky itself seemed to tremble under the weight of their clash, lightning and fire tearing through the clouds as they traded blow after blow.
"I don't know what you're talking about!" Shin shouted, his voice raw with frustration and rage as he summoned a massive sphere of destructive magic in his free hand. "But I won't let anyone else be taken from me!"
The man smirked, his sword ablaze as he raised it high. "You'll lose them all, one by one," he said darkly. "Just like you took everything from me. And there's nothing you can do to stop it."
The clash of their swords sent sparks flying as Shin and the man in black locked blades once again, their faces mere inches apart. The storm of their energies swirled violently around them.
The clash of their swords sent sparks flying as Shin and the man in black locked blades once again, their faces mere inches apart. The storm of their energies swirled violently around them, tearing through the air as the crumbled remnants of the mountain fell away beneath their feet.
The man's pitch-black eyes burned with malice as his lips twisted into a mocking grin. "Good," he said, his voice low and taunting, yet resonating with power. "Hate me, Shin Hyoudou. That's exactly what I want."
Shin gritted his teeth, his crimson eyes blazing with fury as he pushed harder against the man's blade.
The man laughed, the sound cold and hollow as his black flames flared brighter, licking hungrily at the edges of his sword. "The more you hate me, the more pain I cause, the stronger I become," he continued, his voice rising with dark glee. "Don't you understand how helpless you are?! You can't win this."
Shin's jaw tightened, his grip on his blade unyielding, but the man's words struck a nerve.
"I made a vow," the man said, his smirk growing darker. "A vow with magic itself, and it responded in kind. That was the day these flames were born."
Shin's eyes narrowed, his crimson aura flaring in response to his rising anger.
"I will always be just one step ahead of you, Shin Hyoudou," the man hissed, his black eyes gleaming with malice. "Hatred fuels me. And I do not mean it metaphorically when I say I have become the embodiment of hatred."
Their blades separated in an explosion of magic, the force of the blast splitting the air with a deafening crack and sending shockwaves rippling outward. Both Shin and the man were propelled backward, their bodies surrounded by their respective powers as they hovered in place, floating in the night sky above the broken mountain.
Shin's aura exploded outward, his crimson magic swirling violently around him like a raging tempest. The raw energy burned brightly against the dark backdrop of the Jotunheim night, its intensity a visible manifestation of his inner turmoil. His eyes, glowing with pure red lightning, locked onto the man with unrelenting hatred.
The man, surrounded by his black flames, smirked as his own aura surged in response. His power grew, matching Shin's strength and pushing just slightly further. The flames around him twisted and writhed, their darkness swallowing the light of the stars above.
The sheer magnitude of their combined power illuminated the frozen expanse of Jotunheim, banishing the shadows and casting the desolate landscape in a blinding glow. The ground below them trembled under the weight of their energies, and the broken mountain continued to crumble, its remnants scattering across the icy plains.
Above them, the sky began to rumble ominously, thunder rolling across the heavens like a drumbeat of war. Red lightning streaked through the clouds, striking the ground all across Jotunheim in a chaotic display of power, each bolt a response to Shin's surging magic.
The two combatants stared at each other, their auras clashing in mid-air like two opposing storms. The tension between them was palpable, their hatred fueling the intensity of the battle.
The man spread his arms, his black flames roaring to life around him as he laughed again, his voice echoing across the frozen landscape. "Do you feel it, Shin?" he taunted, his tone dripping with mockery. "The futility of it all? I will always be stronger, always one step ahead. Your hatred, your anger—it only makes me more powerful!"
Shin raised his sword, his red lightning crackling with a renewed ferocity as he pointed the blade toward his opponent. "I don't care what you've become," he growled, his voice low but filled with unshakable resolve. "I won't let you take anyone else. Not Asia. Not Freya. No one."
The man smirked, raising his own blade as his black flames surged higher. "Then come, Shin Hyoudou," he said darkly. "Let's see how long that resolve of yours lasts."
The two storms collided again as they charged at each other, their powers illuminating the skies of Jotunheim, their battle raging with an intensity that shook the very heavens.
The battle raged on with unrelenting ferocity, each clash of their blades erupting into a violent explosion of red lightning and black flames. The sky above Jotunheim was painted with their raw magic, the chaotic storm illuminating the dark night like an unholy aurora. Every strike, every collision, sent shockwaves rippling outward, reshaping the frozen expanse below.
The excess magic pouring from their bodies leaked uncontrollably into the world around them. Bolts of red lightning struck the ground in wild, uncontrolled arcs, carving deep scars into the icy plains. Black flames rained down like meteors, consuming the snow and leaving molten craters in their wake.
The once-pristine landscape of Jotunheim was transformed into a battlefield of destruction. Entire cliffs crumbled, their foundations shattered by the sheer force of the combatants' power. Valleys split open, rivers of melted snow cascading into the crevices as the frozen ground gave way to the unrelenting heat of their battle.
Shin swung his sword with blinding speed, arcs of crimson energy trailing behind it. The man countered with a slash of his own, the black flames roaring to meet Shin's attack. The resulting explosion sent both combatants flying backward, their auras flaring as they steadied themselves mid-air.
"Look at what we've done!" the man taunted, his voice carrying over the chaos as he gestured to the melting snow and scarred earth below. "Even the land itself can't withstand us. This is what true power looks like, Shin Hyoudou! This is what hatred can do!"
Shin gritted his teeth, his crimson eyes glowing brighter as he charged forward again. "This isn't power—it's destruction!" he roared, his red lightning crackling violently as he brought his sword down with devastating force.
Their blades collided once more, the resulting explosion sending a shockwave through the air that rippled across the entirety of Jotunheim. Snow and ice vaporized instantly, replaced by steaming rivers that flowed through the scorched earth. The heat of their battle was palpable, turning the frozen expanse into a sweltering wasteland.
Far below, the once-immovable glaciers cracked and groaned, the ancient ice melting under the relentless onslaught of energy raining from the sky. Entire regions of Jotunheim's tundra were transformed, the snow receding to reveal jagged rock and steaming pools.
Shin's red lightning surged outward, splitting the air as he raised his free hand. A storm of crimson fireballs materialized around him, each one wreathed in destructive energy. With a sharp motion, he sent them hurtling toward the man, their combined force trailing streaks of light through the darkened sky.
The man smirked, raising his sword as the black flames around him coiled into a massive barrier. The fireballs struck, detonating in a series of violent explosions that lit up the battlefield like a supernova. The force of the blast sent debris raining down on the shattered landscape below, further altering the terrain.
When the smoke cleared, the man emerged unscathed, his black flames roaring brighter than ever. "Is that all you've got?" he sneered, his pitch-black eyes glinting with malice. "I expected more from the so-called Protector of Asgard."
Shin's magic surged again, his crimson aura intensifying as the sky above him rumbled with thunder. Red lightning arced across the heavens, striking the ground in wild, unpredictable bursts. The raw energy of his emotions poured out of him, his very presence changing the world around him.
"You talk too much," Shin growled, his voice low and filled with venom. "Let's see if your flames can handle this."
With a roar, he launched himself forward, his sword blazing with crimson energy as the battle resumed. Each strike sent ripples of magic cascading outward, their combined power reshaping Jotunheim with every clash. The climate itself shifted under the intensity of their fight, the once-frozen world now a land of fire, lightning, and molten chaos.
(Scene Break)
The air in the throne room of the Asgardian palace was heavy with tension. Thor stood near the center, his hands clenched into fists, his expression dark as he replayed Shin's parting words in his mind. Asia and Freya were nearby, their faces pale, their unease growing with every passing second. The gathered gods and warriors waited in silence, their breaths held, their thoughts consumed by the fate of Shin Hyoudou.
Odin sat on his throne, his face carved from stone as he focused on the task before him. His single eye glowed faintly, the power of his all-seeing vision searching the realms for any sign of Shin. The room was silent save for the faint crackle of torches and the occasional rustle of armor as the gathered warriors shifted uncomfortably.
Suddenly, Odin's eye flared brighter, and his expression darkened. His grip on Gungnir tightened, the ancient spear held firmly in his hand as a low growl escaped his throat.
"What is it, Father?" Thor asked, stepping forward, his voice tinged with worry.
Odin didn't answer immediately. His gaze was fixed on the image only he could see, his features growing graver with each passing moment. Finally, he exhaled deeply, his voice cutting through the silence like a blade.
"Jotunheim…" Odin said, his tone heavy.
Thor frowned, his worry deepening. "What about it?"
Odin's eye dimmed as he lowered his gaze, his face a mixture of sorrow and fury. "It is consumed," he said, his voice echoing through the throne room. "Red lightning and black flames have swallowed the land. The snow is melting, and rivers are turning into tsunamis, sweeping across the realm."
The room erupted in murmurs of shock and fear, the gathered gods and warriors exchanging uneasy glances. Asia's hand shot to her mouth, her emerald eyes wide with horror as she clutched Freya's arm for support.
"It's Shin," Odin continued, his voice steady but filled with an edge of grim finality. "The battle has begun."
Thor's fists tightened, his knuckles white as he growled, "He's going to destroy Jotunheim."
Odin nodded solemnly, his voice rising with authority. "Gather everyone—immediately!" he commanded, his gaze sweeping across the room. "Send word to the Underworld. We need Sirzechs Lucifer and Ajuka Beelzebub. Prepare containment spells and stabilization magic. If this continues, Jotunheim will fall—and Shin with it."
Thor didn't wait for further orders. He turned sharply, already heading for the exit as he barked at the nearby warriors, "Ready the Bifrost! We move now!"
Freya stepped forward, her voice calm but urgent. "Odin, what if we're already too late? The damage could be beyond repair."
Odin's gaze softened briefly before hardening again. "We cannot give up. If there is even a chance, we must act. Thor knows what to do."
Asia stepped forward hesitantly, her voice trembling. "Please… bring him back," she pleaded, her tears threatening to spill over. "Don't let him destroy himself."
Thor paused at the doorway, turning back to meet her tear-filled gaze. His expression softened, though his voice remained firm. "We'll bring him back," he said. "No matter what it takes."
With that, he disappeared through the doors, the weight of Odin's words driving him forward. The room remained tense, the flickering torchlight casting long shadows on the faces of those who stayed behind, their hope flickering just as precariously.
(Scene Break)
The battle between Shin and the man reached levels of destruction that shook the supernatural world to its core. Each clash of their blades sent rippling waves of energy across Jotunheim, reshaping the frozen landscape with every strike. Their magic tore through the air, illuminating the darkened sky with bursts of red lightning and roaring black flames. The ground below was unrecognizable—melted snow created raging rivers, shattered cliffs gave way to gaping chasms, and entire glaciers crumbled into the sea.
The intensity of their fight was unparalleled in recent memory, rivaling the legendary battles of Ddraig and Albion. Though not nearly as apocalyptic as the clashes of the Heavenly Dragons, the sheer force of this battle was enough to send shockwaves through the realms, drawing the attention of gods, devils, and supernatural beings alike.
The man in black floated above the battlefield, his smirk widening as he looked down at the devastation they had wrought. His black flames roared around him, their oppressive heat distorting the air as they fed on the chaos.
"Look at it, Shin Hyoudou," he said, his voice calm but dripping with mockery. He gestured with his flaming sword to the carnage below. "Look at the destruction we've caused. Is this what Kari would have wanted?"
Shin froze mid-charge, his crimson eyes narrowing as his breath hitched. His red lightning crackled violently around him, the storm within him growing fiercer as the man's words struck a nerve.
The man chuckled darkly, his pitch-black eyes gleaming with malice as he continued. "All of this—thousands, perhaps millions of Jotunheim's citizens, killed in the aftermath of our battle. Innocents swept away in tsunamis, buried under molten rock, or consumed by our power. Tell me, Shin—would Kari have wanted this?"
Shin's body trembled, his sword quivering in his grip as his crimson aura flared uncontrollably. His eyes, glowing with pure red lightning, locked onto the man's with a hatred so fierce it seemed to radiate from his very soul.
"Don't you dare say her name!" Shin roared, his voice thunderous and filled with anguish. His magic erupted outward in a violent surge, the red lightning swirling around him like a raging hurricane. The sheer force of his power split the sky above, the thunderclouds crackling with electricity as bolts of crimson lightning struck the ground in wild, unpredictable bursts.
The man's smirk deepened as he took a step forward, his black flames matching Shin's intensity. "Oh, but why not?" he asked, his tone mocking and cruel. "Her death is what brought us here, isn't it? This destruction, this chaos—it's all because of you. Because of the hatred you've fueled within me."
Shin didn't respond with words. Instead, he lunged forward, his speed tearing through the air as he closed the distance between them in the blink of an eye. His blade, now wreathed in red lightning and destructive magic, came down with the force of an avalanche.
The man raised his flaming sword to meet the strike, the impact creating an explosion so massive it obliterated what remained of the mountain they had once fought on. The shockwave rippled across the land, sending chunks of rock and streams of molten snow flying in every direction.
The two combatants separated briefly, both hovering in the air as they stared each other down. Shin's aura burned brighter than ever, a tempest of crimson light that seemed to pulsate with his every breath. The man's black flames roared higher, their oppressive heat warping the air around him as his laughter echoed across the battlefield.
"Your rage makes you strong, Shin Hyoudou," the man said, his voice carrying over the chaos. "But it also makes you predictable. That's why you'll never defeat me."
Shin growled, his crimson eyes glowing like twin stars as his magic surged once more. "I don't care how strong you think you've become," he snarled. "You won't say her name again. You won't take anyone else from me. I'll make sure of it."
The man's smirk widened, his sword raised as he readied himself for the next clash. "Then come, Shin," he said darkly, his black flames crackling with anticipation. "Show me what your hatred can do."
As Shin and the man prepared to clash once more, their energies surged to a fever pitch. Red lightning crackled wildly around Shin, illuminating the sky with violent arcs, while the man's black flames twisted and roared, swallowing the space around him in oppressive heat. They launched toward each other, their blades poised to collide in another devastating explosion.
But before their swords could meet, the sky suddenly lit up with a blinding white light, its brilliance washing over the battlefield and momentarily halting both combatants. A beam of pure light shot down from the heavens, slamming into the ground between them with such force that it shook the entire expanse of Jotunheim.
Both Shin and the man stopped mid-flight, their auras flickering slightly as they turned their attention to the beam of light. It radiated divine energy, its presence undeniable.
The man's smirk returned, his pitch-black eyes narrowing as he lowered his sword slightly. "I suppose our battle is being cut short," he said with a mocking tone, though a faint edge of annoyance crept into his voice.
Before Shin could fully process the sudden appearance of the beam, another surge of magic erupted behind him. He turned his head just in time to see a massive magic circle materialize, glowing with intricate runes that radiated power.
"Wha—?" Shin began, but his words were cut off as two figures stepped through the circle.
Before he could react, his arms were restrained on either side, each held firmly by one of the individuals. Their grips were ironclad, and despite his strength, Shin found himself unable to break free. He struggled, his red lightning crackling around him as he tried to pull away, but their power was undeniable.
"Let me go!" Shin growled, his crimson eyes burning as he thrashed against their hold.
The two figures remained silent, their stoic expressions unyielding as they restrained him.
The beam of light between Shin and the man dissipated, fading into the ground and leaving behind three figures: Odin, Thor, and a contingent of Asgardian warriors clad in shimmering armor, their weapons at the ready.
Odin stepped forward, his single eye glowing with power and authority as he surveyed the battlefield. His expression was grim, his presence commanding as he took in the devastation around them.
Thor stood at his side, Mjolnir gripped tightly in his hand, his blue eyes fixed on Shin with a mixture of frustration and concern. The Asgardian warriors behind them fanned out, their weapons raised as they formed a protective wall around their leaders.
"Enough," Odin's voice rang out, cutting through the chaos like a blade. His tone was calm but carried the weight of absolute authority, leaving no room for argument.
Shin's struggles ceased momentarily as he looked at Odin, his breathing heavy and his crimson eyes still blazing with residual rage. The man in black hovered silently across from them, his smirk now replaced with a calculating expression as he watched the scene unfold.
Thor stepped forward, his gaze locking onto Shin. "Brother," he said, his voice low but firm, "you need to stop."
Shin's jaw tightened, his crimson eyes flicking between Thor, Odin, and the man. "He killed her," Shin growled, his voice filled with venom. "You expect me to just stop?"
Odin raised a hand, silencing the rising tension in the air. "This is not the time for vengeance, Shin Hyoudou," he said firmly. "If this battle continues, Jotunheim will be destroyed, and countless lives will be lost. We cannot allow that to happen."
The man in black laughed softly, his voice dripping with amusement. "Seems like your protectors have arrived to save the day, Shin," he said mockingly. "How convenient."
Shin thrashed against his restraints again, his crimson aura flaring. "Let me go! This isn't over!"
Shin's crimson aura flared violently, his rage and magic boiling over as he thrashed against the restraints holding him in place. His crimson eyes burned with unyielding fury, his gaze fixed on the man across from him.
But then, amidst the chaos, a familiar voice broke through the storm in his mind.
"Shin, please," the voice said, filled with urgency and sorrow. "Stop. I don't wish to hurt you, brother."
Shin froze for a moment, the weight of the voice cutting through his anger like a blade. He turned his head slightly, his glowing eyes narrowing as they met the calm yet pleading gaze of Sirzechs Lucifer, who stood restraining his right arm.
Shin's breath hitched. "Sirzechs?" he whispered, his voice caught between shock and confusion.
On his other side, Ajuka Beelzebub held his left arm firmly, his green eyes sharp and unwavering. Between the two of them, Shin's formidable strength and red lightning were held in check, but it was Sirzechs' words that truly shook him.
"Don't make me do this," Sirzechs continued, his tone heavy with emotion. "I don't want to fight you, Shin. Not after everything. You've become like a brother to me."
Shin's crimson eyes flickered, his aura faltering slightly as Sirzechs' words reached him. His body trembled as the storm inside him wavered, caught between the pull of his rage and the weight of his connection to Sirzechs.
Across from them, the man in black hovered with his arms crossed, a mocking smirk spreading across his face as he watched the scene unfold.
"How heartwarming," the man sneered, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "The great Sirzechs Lucifer, begging for mercy on behalf of his so-called brother. Truly touching."
Sirzechs' gaze snapped to the man, his calm demeanor giving way to a sharp glare. His voice was steady but carried an unmistakable edge of anger. "Prometheus," he said, his tone laced with a mixture of disbelief and disdain. "You have changed."
The name struck Shin like a bolt of lightning, his wide eyes snapping back to the man. His breath caught in his throat as recognition flickered in his gaze.
Prometheus' smirk widened as he took in Shin's reaction, his pitch-black eyes glinting with malice. "Ah," he said smoothly, his voice filled with satisfaction. "I see it now. You remember."
Shin's jaw tightened, his fists clenching as his mind raced. "Prometheus," he said slowly, the name heavy on his tongue as the realization dawned on him.
"Good," Prometheus said, his voice low and mocking. "Now we're getting somewhere."
Sirzechs tightened his grip on Shin's arm, his gaze never leaving Prometheus. "You've become something far worse than I imagined," he said, his voice filled with sorrow. "This path you've chosen—it's not justice. It's destruction."
Prometheus laughed coldly, his black flames flaring as he gestured to the ruined landscape around them. "Destruction?" he echoed mockingly. "That's the point, Lucifer. You, of all people, should understand."
Shin remained silent, his crimson eyes locked onto Prometheus as the memories came rushing back, pieces of the puzzle falling into place.
Prometheus floated in the air, his smirk growing wider as he took in the seething rage radiating from Shin and the silent fury in the eyes of Sirzechs, Ajuka, and the others. His black flames roared brighter, their oppressive heat making the air around him shimmer.
"Oh well," Prometheus said casually, his tone dripping with mockery. "What I wanted has been accomplished."
He turned his pitch-black eyes back to Shin, the malice in his gaze sharp enough to cut through the tension in the air. "Like I said, Shin Hyoudou, this is just the beginning."
Shin's body trembled as his aura surged violently, red lightning crackling around him like a storm threatening to explode.
Prometheus leaned forward slightly, his voice dropping into a low, taunting tone. "You have so many you care about. Your brother, Issei. Your loves, Asia and Freya. Your familiar, Yuki. Your parents. The Gremory heir. The Sitri heir."
Prometheus smirked cruelly, watching the anger in Shin's eyes deepen with each name. "You couldn't possibly protect them all," he said, his voice cutting like a blade. "So, I leave you with this thought—which one am I going to decide to kill next?"
Shin's aura flared uncontrollably, the crimson energy swirling around him in a tempest of pure hatred. His crimson eyes glowed brighter than ever, his entire body trembling as Prometheus' words echoed in his mind.
Prometheus laughed—a cruel, sadistic sound that reverberated through the broken battlefield. The sight of Shin's fury and the silent, simmering rage of the others only seemed to fuel his amusement further. "Ah, the hatred," he said, his voice laced with twisted delight. "It's beautiful."
Before anyone could react, Prometheus was engulfed in a column of black flames that burned so intensely they seemed to swallow the light around them. The fire roared for a moment longer, then vanished abruptly, leaving no trace of him behind.
Shin's breathing was heavy, his red lightning crackling wildly around him as he stared at the spot where Prometheus had disappeared. The others remained silent, the weight of Prometheus' parting words settling over them like a suffocating shroud.
Sirzechs released his grip on Shin's arm, his expression grim as he turned to Ajuka, who nodded in silent agreement. Freya and Asia's names had been spoken, their lives placed in danger, and now the stakes were higher than ever.
Shin's fists clenched tightly, his jaw set as he whispered through gritted teeth, "I'll kill him."
Sirzechs stepped forward, his expression calm but serious, as he placed a firm hand on Shin's shoulder. The weight of his touch and the gravity in his crimson eyes seemed to steady the storm of red lightning swirling around Shin, if only slightly.
"It looks like you've made quite the enemy," Sirzechs said, his voice measured but carrying a note of concern. "If what Prometheus says is true, we need to act quickly. Everyone close to you will have to be placed under constant protection."
Shin's breathing slowed, his crimson eyes flickering back to their usual sharp focus as Sirzechs continued.
"Sona will return to the Sitri mansion, and Rias to the Gremory mansion," Sirzechs said, his tone brooking no argument. "We'll place your parents somewhere secure in the Underworld—somewhere no one, not even Prometheus, can find them."
Shin's jaw tightened, his fists clenching at his sides as the names of those closest to him echoed in his mind.
"I'd recommend bolstering Asgard's defenses as well," Sirzechs added, his gaze unwavering as he looked directly at Shin. "Prometheus isn't an enemy to underestimate. With his powers and his clear intent to target those you care about, we need to be prepared for anything."
He sighed heavily, running a hand through his crimson hair. "As if the Khaos Brigade wasn't enough trouble, now this." His lips curled into a faint, dry smirk as he added, "What a headache."
Shin remained silent for a moment, his crimson eyes staring at the scorched ground where Prometheus had disappeared. Finally, he nodded, his voice low but firm. "We'll do whatever it takes to protect them."
Sirzechs nodded approvingly. "Good," he said. "Because this isn't just about you, Shin. If Prometheus is willing to go this far, he's a threat to everyone in the supernatural world. We'll need to work together to stop him."
Ajuka stepped forward, his sharp green eyes studying Shin carefully. "And you'll need to be ready for whatever comes next. Prometheus is methodical. He won't make it easy for you—or for any of us."
Shin's fists tightened further, the red lightning around him crackling faintly as his resolve hardened. "I'll be ready," he said, his voice filled with quiet determination.
Sirzechs' hand remained on Shin's shoulder, but his expression darkened as his gaze shifted to the devastation surrounding them. Jotunheim, once a land of ice and snow, was now a hellscape of raging tsunamis, rivers of molten rock, and mountains that shifted and crumbled under the weight of the chaos unleashed. The air was thick with steam and ash, the land scarred and unrecognizable.
"This isn't all, though," Sirzechs said, his voice quieter but carrying an unmistakable edge. His crimson eyes locked onto Shin, filled with a mixture of disappointment and concern. "Look around you, Shin. Jotunheim is in ruins. Your fight with Prometheus has left the land in chaos—monster tsunamis, molten rivers, entire mountains destroyed."
Shin's jaw tightened, his crimson eyes flickering as he took in the destruction around him. The weight of Sirzechs' words settled heavily on his shoulders.
"Who knows how many lives were lost in the aftermath of your battle?" Sirzechs continued, his tone sharpening. "You'll have to answer for this, Shin. There's no excuse. No matter how justified your rage was, you should never have allowed your battle to have such drastic consequences."
Shin's fists clenched at his sides, his red lightning flaring faintly as his emotions threatened to boil over again. But he didn't speak. He couldn't.
Sirzechs sighed, his voice softening slightly as he continued. "As this is Jotunheim, however, it is not my place to pass judgment. Odin will oversee your punishment."
Shin's eyes widened slightly, though his expression remained grim. His gaze flicked toward Odin, who stood silently nearby, his single eye surveying the devastation with a heavy, unreadable expression.
Thor stepped forward, his blue eyes fixed on Shin as he spoke. "Father will be fair," he said, his voice steady but firm. "But you must face the consequences of your actions, Shin. What happened here cannot be ignored."
Shin's crimson eyes dropped to the ground, his voice low but filled with determination as he finally spoke. "I understand."
Sirzechs nodded, though his expression remained serious. "Good," he said. "Because this isn't just about Jotunheim—it's about what comes next. If you want to protect those you care about, you need to be better than this."
Odin finally stepped forward, his voice calm but heavy with authority. "There will be a reckoning for this, Shin Hyoudou," he said, his gaze unwavering. "But for now, let us focus on stabilizing Jotunheim and protecting those who remain."
The gravity of Odin's words hung in the air, the silence that followed filled only by the distant sounds of the ravaged landscape.
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