Shin walked steadily through the dense woods, the crisp Asgardian air brushing against his face as the sunlight filtered through the canopy above. The faint crunch of leaves beneath their feet filled the silence as Kari trotted alongside him, her silver hair catching the light with each step. Her wide blue eyes darted curiously around their surroundings, her small hands gripping the wooden sword she carried.
After a moment, she tilted her head up to look at Shin, her voice breaking the quiet. "What are we doing walking all the way out here, Shin?"
Shin smirked, glancing down at her. "We're going to train," he said simply.
Kari's ears perked up at the word, her expression lighting up. "Train? Really?"
Shin nodded, his pace unwavering. "You still want to become a Valkyrie, don't you?"
Kari stopped mid-step, her wide eyes locking onto his with a spark of determination. She clutched the wooden sword tighter and nodded fervently. "More than anything!"
Shin chuckled, ruffling her hair as he walked past. "Good," he said, his tone steady but encouraging. "Then it's time to start taking it seriously. Out here, there are no distractions, no excuses. Just you, me, and the work it takes to get there."
Kari's face shifted into a mix of excitement and nervousness, her footsteps quickening as she tried to match his stride. "I'm ready, Shin," she said confidently, though her voice wavered slightly. "I'll do whatever it takes!"
Shin glanced down at her again, his smirk softening into a proud smile. "That's what I like to hear," he said. "Now, let's see if you mean it."
As they continued deeper into the woods, the path grew quieter, the air heavy with anticipation.
In time, the dense woods gave way to an open clearing, the towering trees halting abruptly to reveal a breathtaking expanse of green grass bathed in sunlight. The air seemed lighter here, carrying the gentle sound of running water from a small waterfall up ahead. The waterfall cascaded gracefully over smooth rocks, feeding into a clear river that wound its way lazily through the woods, its surface glimmering like liquid glass.
Kari stopped in her tracks, her eyes wide as she took in the serene beauty of the clearing. "Wow," she murmured, clutching her wooden sword tightly. "It's so pretty…"
Shin stepped forward, his boots crunching softly against the grass as he surveyed the area with a calm, approving expression. "This is where we're going to train," he said, his voice steady but carrying a faint warmth.
Kari turned to look at him, curiosity flickering in her gaze. "Why here?"
Shin smiled, crossing his arms as he gestured toward the clearing and the river beyond. "Because places like this—serene, quiet, and untouched—they're the best places to train. No distractions, no chaos. Just you, the earth beneath your feet, and the sound of your own focus."
Kari nodded slowly, glancing back at the waterfall and the river. The soft sound of the water seemed to calm her nerves, and she felt a small spark of excitement bubbling inside her.
"It feels… peaceful," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Exactly," Shin replied, his crimson eyes gleaming with approval. "Out here, it's just you and your determination. Now," he said, motioning toward an open patch of grass near the river, "let's get started. Show me what you've got."
Kari straightened up, gripping her wooden sword tightly as she moved to stand where Shin had pointed, her heart racing with a mix of nerves and determination.
Shin stood in the clearing, watching Kari with a critical yet encouraging gaze as she took her stance. Her feet were already planted firmly, her knees bent just enough to give her balance. The wooden sword in her hands moved with a confidence that spoke of more than a few training sessions.
"Alright," Shin said, his crimson eyes steady on her. "Show me where we left off. Overhead strikes. Clean arcs, follow through with your hips. Go."
Kari nodded sharply, raising her wooden sword with practiced ease. She brought it down in a smooth arc, her entire body moving with the strike. The motion was far from perfect, but it was a marked improvement from when they had first started.
"Good," Shin said, stepping to the side to observe her angle. "Now again. Tighten that follow-through. You're losing momentum at the bottom."
"Yes!" Kari replied, adjusting her grip and swinging again, her silver hair bouncing with the motion.
The crack of wood meeting wood filled the clearing as Shin blocked her strike with his own wooden sword, testing her focus. Kari flinched but recovered quickly, stepping back into her stance.
"Better," Shin said with a faint smirk. "But don't get comfortable. Always expect the counter."
Kari nodded, her blue eyes narrowing with determination. She shifted her weight slightly, bracing herself. When Shin suddenly swung at her from the side, she deflected it with a clean block, the clash of their swords ringing out sharply.
Shin raised an eyebrow, clearly impressed. "Not bad," he said, stepping back. "You're starting to read me. Now let's see how well you keep up."
Without warning, Shin lunged forward, his strikes coming faster and with more intensity. Kari met each one with a mixture of instinct and practiced movements, her blocks steady but her breathing growing heavier with each clash.
After a particularly forceful strike, Shin's wooden sword slid along hers, pushing her off balance. She stumbled but quickly recovered, spinning to face him again.
"Nice recovery," Shin said, his smirk widening. "But you left your side open. If this were a real fight, you'd be eating dirt right now."
Kari huffed, frustration flickering across her face as she tightened her grip on her sword. "I won't let it happen again!"
"Good," Shin replied, his tone even. "Because the next time I see that opening, I'm taking it."
They continued their sparring, each movement refining Kari's form and sharpening her instincts. Sweat dripped down her brow, but she didn't falter, meeting Shin's relentless attacks with everything she had.
By the time they paused, the sun was dipping lower in the sky, and Kari was panting heavily, her sword still gripped tightly in her hands.
Shin lowered his sword, watching her with an approving nod. "You've come a long way," he said, his voice calm but firm. "A few months ago, you'd have dropped that sword after the first ten minutes. Now look at you. Holding your own against me."
Kari's lips curved into a small but proud smile as she wiped sweat from her forehead. "Do you really mean it?" she asked, her voice a mix of exhaustion and hope.
Shin smirked, ruffling her silver hair. "Yeah, I mean it. You're not there yet, but you're on your way. Keep this up, and you'll make a hell of a Valkyrie."
Kari beamed, her tired frame practically glowing with pride. "I won't let you down, Shin!"
"I know you won't," he replied, his tone softening slightly. "Now, let's head back. You've earned a break."
As Kari followed Shin through the woods, she looked up at him, her wide blue eyes sparkling with curiosity. "Shin," she began, her voice soft but eager, "how's big brother Issei doing?"
Shin smiled, glancing down at her. "He's doing good," he said, his tone light. "Last I heard, he's enjoying his school trip to Kyoto."
Kari nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. "That sounds fun!"
"It is," Shin said with a chuckle. "Though, from what I hear, some trouble has broken out. Azazel's been keeping me up to date."
Kari's smile faded, replaced by a look of concern. "Trouble? Are they in danger? Should we go help?"
Shin stopped, turning toward her with a smirk as he crouched slightly to meet her gaze. "I admire your willingness to offer help," he said, his tone carrying a touch of pride. "But they're fine for the moment. Your other big brother is quite strong too, you know?"
Kari tilted her head, her concern still evident. "But are you sure? Issei's strong, but…"
Shin laughed, cutting her off. "He's got a Sacred Gear even more powerful than mine," he said, a teasing note slipping into his voice.
Kari blinked, her eyes widening in shock. "Really?! But you're so strong, Shin!"
"I know, I know," Shin replied with a mock sigh, shaking his head. "But his Sacred Gear is just… broken, honestly. There's eventually going to be a cap to my power—a point I'll never be able to get past, no matter how hard I try."
Kari frowned, clearly struggling to process the idea. "A cap? What do you mean?"
Shin smiled faintly, his expression softening. "It's just how my Sacred Gear works," he explained. "Even with all its power, it has its limits. But Issei? He doesn't have that cap. His Boosted Gear allows him to keep growing stronger… forever."
Kari's jaw dropped, her shock written all over her face. "Forever?!"
"Yep," Shin said with a chuckle, ruffling her silver hair. "It's why he's such a big deal. Don't let his goofy personality fool you—he's destined for greatness, just like the rest of us."
Kari nodded slowly, her awe evident. "Wow… I didn't know."
Shin straightened, his smirk returning as he began walking again. "Don't worry, kiddo. You'll get to see him in action soon enough. And when you do, you'll understand just how incredible your other big brother really is."
Shin's mind drifted as he walked beside Kari, her small footsteps crunching lightly on the ground next to his. His thoughts were miles away, centered on Issei. He couldn't help but wonder how his brother was truly doing.
He knew what lay in store for him in Kyoto—the enemies he'd face, the trials that would test not just his strength but his resolve. Shin had been confident in Issei's progress, knowing his brother had taken his training more seriously now than ever before. But still, a sliver of doubt crept into his mind.
Would he be strong enough?
Shin frowned slightly, his crimson eyes staring ahead but unfocused. Maybe he should drop by. Tag along, just in case. The idea lingered, weighing heavily in his mind. It wasn't that he didn't trust Issei—it was that the stakes were simply too high to leave to chance.
His train of thought shattered when he heard Kari's voice.
"Sh... Shin…" Her words were faint, strained.
Shin's head snapped toward her, his brows furrowing in confusion. "Kari?"
"H… He…" Her voice cracked, followed by a sickening, liquidy cough that sent a chill racing down Shin's spine.
Then, a whispered plea. "Help…"
Shin's eyes widened in alarm, his breath catching in his throat. He spun around, the world seeming to slow as his gaze locked on her.
"No!" he shouted, his voice breaking with raw panic.
Kari stood frozen, her silver hair glinting in the fading sunlight, her wide blue eyes filled with pain and disbelief. Blood trickled from her mouth, running down her chin and staining her pale cheeks. Below her trembling form, a dark blade jutted through her chest, its surface wreathed in black flames that licked hungrily at the air.
The scene burned itself into Shin's mind in an instant. The sword's black flames flickered, casting eerie shadows across the ground, their malicious energy palpable even from where he stood.
"Kari…" he whispered, his voice barely audible, caught between shock and disbelief.
But his horror quickly turned to rage as his crimson eyes flicked past her to the figure standing just behind.
The one responsible.
The man stood calmly, his posture relaxed as though this was nothing more than a casual act. He wore black clothing, dark as midnight, that seemed to blend with the shadows around him. His face was strikingly handsome, unnervingly so, with blonde hair that framed his features perfectly. But it was his eyes that froze Shin in place—pitch-black voids, utterly devoid of light or humanity.
The man tilted his head slightly, his expression unreadable as he met Shin's gaze. The black flames on his sword crackled, their sinister glow matching the darkness in his eyes.
Shin's breath hitched, the rage inside him boiling over, his fists trembling as every nerve in his body screamed for action.
"Kari!" he shouted again, his voice a mix of fury and desperation.
The man's lips curved into a faint smile, cold and devoid of emotion, as if daring Shin to make his move.
Red lightning erupted from Shin in a violent storm, crackling and tearing through the clearing with unrelenting ferocity. The ground split beneath his feet, trees shattered, and the air itself seemed to burn as the sheer force of his power lashed out in every direction. His body moved before his mind could catch up, pure instinct driving him toward Kari and the man behind her.
The man smirked coldly, his pitch-black eyes glinting with malice as he placed a boot against Kari's small back. With a callous shove, he kicked her off his blade, the sickening sound of her body slipping free echoing in Shin's ears like a nightmare made real.
"Kari!" Shin roared, his voice breaking as he surged forward, catching her before she could hit the ground.
He cradled her in his arms, his crimson eyes frantically scanning her face. Her wide blue eyes, once so vibrant with life, were fading fast, their color dimming with every agonizing second. Blood stained her silver hair and pale cheeks, her breaths shallow and weak.
"Kari, hey," Shin said, his voice trembling as tears began streaming down his face. "Stay with me, okay? Just… just wait here for a second. I'm going to take care of this guy, and then we'll fix this. I promise."
Tears dripped from his cheeks, splashing onto Kari's face, each drop carrying the potent healing properties of the Phoenix bloodline he had absorbed. But nothing happened. The wound remained, gaping and merciless, as if mocking his efforts.
The realization hit Shin like a thunderbolt—his tears weren't working. The healing power that had saved so many others meant nothing here.
"No… no, no, no," Shin whispered, his voice cracking as panic clawed at him.
But Kari didn't respond, her eyelids fluttering as her strength waned further.
Shin's teeth clenched, his vision blurring with tears as he gently lowered her onto the soft grass. His hand lingered on her cheek for a moment, trembling as he whispered, "I'll be right back. Just hold on."
The sorrow in his heart turned to pure, unbridled rage. He stood slowly, his body trembling with the force of the storm building inside him. Red lightning surged around him, the violent arcs scorching the ground as he turned to face the man who had done this.
Shin's crimson eyes burned with insurmountable rage, his voice a low growl that resonated like thunder. "You're going to pay for this," he said, his tone calm but laced with lethal intent.
The man stood still, his blade still alight with black flames, a faint smile tugging at his lips. He said nothing, his cold black eyes watching Shin with a mixture of curiosity and disdain.
Shin took a step forward, the storm of his power roaring in response. He was no longer thinking—there was no strategy, no restraint. There was only rage.
The clearing erupted into chaos as Shin launched himself forward, red lightning tearing through the air in jagged arcs around him. His crimson eyes burned with singular focus—he didn't need to overpower this guy. He just needed to get close enough to touch him.
The blonde man moved with an unsettling calm, his black-flamed sword slicing through the air as he sidestepped Shin's first charge. Shin's fist slammed into the ground where the man had stood, sending a crackling wave of electricity surging through the earth.
But the man was already gone, his pitch-black eyes watching Shin with an almost bored expression as he appeared several feet away, untouched by the devastation around him.
Shin didn't give him a chance to breathe. He shot forward again, faster this time, his body a blur of motion as he closed the gap. His hand lashed out, fingertips sparking with red lightning as they reached for the man's shoulder.
The man moved like a shadow, his body twisting unnaturally to avoid Shin's grasp. He swung his sword upward in a calculated arc, forcing Shin to spin away at the last second to avoid the black flames licking at the blade.
"Damn it," Shin hissed under his breath, his boots skidding against the grass as he landed a few feet away.
The man didn't press the attack, his posture unnervingly casual as he pointed his blade toward Shin. "You're fast," he said, his voice low and almost mocking. "But not fast enough."
Shin growled, the storm around him intensifying as he darted in again, his body a blur of red and black. He threw a feint with his right hand, a jagged arc of lightning following the motion, and then spun low, aiming a kick at the man's legs.
The man leapt effortlessly over the strike, twisting mid-air to bring his flaming sword down toward Shin. Shin rolled to the side, the blade carving into the ground where he'd been a moment before, sending sparks and smoke into the air.
Shin used the opening to close the gap again, his left hand snapping forward with all the speed he could muster. The man tilted his head slightly, avoiding the touch by mere inches before stepping back, his black eyes gleaming with amusement.
"Persistent," the man said, his lips curling into a faint smirk. "But still too slow."
Shin gritted his teeth, his mind racing. This guy was stronger than he'd anticipated—probably stronger than Shin himself. Every move, every strike, was being read and countered with precision.
But Shin wasn't going to stop. He couldn't.
His thoughts flashed to Kari, lying on the grass behind him, her life slipping away with every passing second. He needed to end this now.
With a roar, Shin surged forward again, pushing his speed to the limit. The ground cracked beneath his feet as he moved, his body a blur of red lightning as he zigzagged unpredictably toward the man. This time, he mixed in bursts of electricity with his movements, each one aimed at disrupting the man's balance.
The man's black-flamed sword flickered as he moved to counter, deflecting the lightning strikes with surgical precision. Shin ducked under a slash, his hand snapping out toward the man's chest.
Their eyes locked for a brief moment—crimson against void-black.
Shin's fingertips brushed the man's shirt, electricity crackling between them. But before he could fully connect, the man twisted sharply, bringing his knee up into Shin's ribs with bone-crushing force.
The impact sent Shin flying backward, his body skidding across the ground before he caught himself, sliding to a stop in a crouch. He clutched his side, his teeth gritted in pain, but his crimson eyes burned brighter than ever.
The man lowered his sword slightly, his cold black eyes watching Shin with a mixture of amusement and interest. "You're persistent," he said again, his tone almost taunting. "But persistence alone won't save her."
Shin's grip on the ground tightened, red lightning crackling around his clenched fists. His breathing was heavy, his body aching from the repeated failed attempts, but his determination was unshaken.
"You're not walking away from this," Shin growled, his voice low and filled with venom.
The man tilted his head, his smirk deepening. "Then come and prove it."
With another surge of lightning, Shin launched himself forward, his mind racing as he planned his next move. He wouldn't stop—not until this bastard was out of here, far away from Kari, and left with no chance to hurt anyone else.
Shin narrowed his crimson eyes, his resolve hardening as the storm of red lightning intensified around him. Enough was enough. He couldn't waste any more time. Kari didn't have any to spare.
He darted forward again, his movements deliberate this time, positioning himself to force the man into a forward stab. The blonde man reacted as Shin anticipated, his black-flamed sword thrusting forward with lethal precision.
Shin didn't flinch. He raised his hand to meet the attack, the blade piercing through his palm with a sickening sound. Pain exploded through his arm, but he gritted his teeth, his smirk growing as he continued pressing forward.
The man's black eyes widened slightly, the faintest flicker of surprise breaking through his composed exterior as Shin pushed himself further onto the blade, forcing the man to step back.
"Gotcha," Shin growled, his voice dripping with venom as his bloodied hand reached out and clamped onto the man's shoulder.
The man's expression darkened, but before he could react, the clearing around them vanished in a flash of red lightning.
The frigid cold of Jotunheim hit them like a wall, the bitter wind howling across the endless expanse of ice and snow. The ground beneath them was frozen solid, the biting chill stinging Shin's exposed skin.
Without hesitation, Shin kicked off the man, the force sending them both sliding across the icy terrain. His hand tore free from the sword with a sickening squelch, the blade leaving a jagged wound behind as blood dripped onto the frost-covered ground.
Shin grunted in pain but didn't waste a second. As he pushed away, his fingers brushed against the man's clothing, leaving a faint crimson mark—his teleportation anchor.
The man recovered quickly, his pitch-black eyes narrowing as he turned toward Shin, but by the time he did, Shin was already gone, disappearing in a flash of red lightning.
In the blink of an eye, Shin was back in the clearing, his heart racing as his crimson gaze fell on Kari. She was still lying on the grass where he'd left her, her breaths shallow and her silver hair stained with blood.
"Kari," Shin said, his voice cracking as he knelt beside her, his hands trembling. "I'm here. Hold on, kiddo. I've got you."
Without wasting a moment, he activated the teleportation mark he had left on Asia. They vanished from the clearing, Shin's thoughts laser-focused on getting Kari to Asia before it was too late.
(Scene Break)
The grand hall of Valhalla castle was alive with the chatter and laughter of gods enjoying their morning meal. Asia sat among them, her radiant smile brightening the table as she exchanged pleasantries and sipped from a delicate cup of tea. The gods around her spoke warmly of Shin, praising his strength and leadership.
Suddenly, the room fell silent. A familiar, crackling burst of red lightning erupted in the center of the hall, sending sparks dancing across the polished stone floor. Heads turned, smiles lighting up the faces of those present, ready to greet Shin with open arms.
But those smiles quickly twisted into expressions of horror.
Shin stood there, his normally imposing frame slumped and covered in blood. His crimson eyes burned with desperation, his chest heaving as he struggled to catch his breath. But the worst was what he held in his arms—Kari.
The girl's small body was limp, her silver hair stained with blood. Her breaths were shallow, and her chest bore a gaping wound that continued to bleed profusely.
"Asia!" Shin screamed, his voice cracking as he stumbled forward. "It's Kari! She needs help, NOW!"
Asia's heart plummeted, her emerald eyes locking onto Kari. The sight of the little girl she had come to see as a daughter lying there, choking on her own blood, was like a dagger to her heart. She froze, her breath catching as panic gripped her.
Shin, his own panic threatening to overwhelm him, didn't wait. He stepped in front of Asia, dropping to his knees as he clutched her cheeks with both hands, the sound of his bloodied palms slapping against her skin echoing in the now-silent hall.
"Asia!" Shin shouted, his voice shaking but fierce. "I know it's Kari! I know you're panicking—but if you don't do something NOW, she's going to DIE!"
Asia blinked, his words cutting through her shock like a blade. Her trembling hands steadied as she nodded, her divine powers flickering to life around her. "I-I'm on it," she stammered, her voice still shaky but gaining strength.
She knelt beside Kari, her sacred gear glowing with an ethereal light. The golden aura of Twilight Healing spread over Kari's small frame as Asia placed her hands over the gaping wound in the girl's chest. Divine energy flowed through her fingertips, weaving itself into the torn flesh and broken body beneath her touch.
The gods around them watched in stunned silence, their expressions a mix of sorrow and hope as Asia worked. Shin sat back, his fists clenched so tightly his knuckles turned white, his crimson eyes locked on Kari's face.
"Come on," he muttered under his breath, his voice barely audible. "Come on, Asia. You can do this. Save her."
The golden glow of Asia's powers intensified, her brow furrowing with concentration as she poured every ounce of her strength into healing Kari.
Asia's golden aura wavered, flickering like a candle struggling against the wind. Her hands trembled as they hovered over Kari's broken body, her emerald eyes widening in abject horror. The light of her Sacred Gear dimmed, faltering as despair took hold.
Shin saw it—the shift in her expression—and his heart sank. He didn't need to hear her say it. He already knew.
His crimson eyes dropped to his own palm, where the blade had pierced straight through during his earlier fight. The wound was still there, blood dripping steadily onto the floor. His healing factor, which had always been a constant, wasn't working. No regeneration. No closing of the flesh. Nothing.
Tears blurred his vision as the realization hit him like a hammer to the chest. His tears hadn't worked for a reason. Asia's powers weren't working for a reason.
There was nothing they could do.
Kari couldn't be saved.
"Shin," Asia whispered, her voice barely audible as tears streamed down her cheeks. Her hands fell to her lap, trembling as she looked at him, her face twisted in sorrow.
Shin didn't respond. He couldn't. He knelt down beside Kari, his hands shaking as he gently grabbed hers, holding it tightly in his bloodied fingers. The little girl's hand was cold, far too cold.
"Shin?" Kari's voice was weak, barely more than a whisper, but it was there. The sound of it shattered him further.
Her eyes fluttered slightly, unfocused and dull, and she couldn't even lift her head to look at him. "Is that you?" she asked faintly, her breaths shallow and uneven.
Shin's tears fell freely now, streaking down his cheeks as he leaned closer to her. "Yeah," he said, his voice breaking. "It's me, kiddo. I'm here. I'm here for you, Kari."
He squeezed her hand gently, his grip firm but filled with trembling desperation, as if holding her tightly enough might keep her with him. The gods around them remained silent, their faces heavy with sorrow, their divine powers unable to intervene.
Kari's lips curled into the faintest hint of a smile, though it was strained and fleeting. "I'm… glad," she murmured weakly, her words trailing off as her energy waned further.
Shin bit down on his lip, trying to hold back the sob threatening to escape his throat. "I'm here," he repeated softly, his voice cracking. "I won't leave you, Kari. Not for a second."
Kari's voice came again, soft and trembling, barely audible over the pounding in Shin's ears. "Shin… am I… am I going to die?"
Shin's chest tightened, his breath catching as he choked down a sob. The words hit him like a physical blow, tearing through him with a pain that rivaled any wound he had ever endured. His crimson eyes closed tightly, tears streaming down his face as he struggled to find his voice.
He swallowed hard, forcing himself to meet her fading gaze. "Yes, kiddo," he said, his voice cracking as he mustered every ounce of strength he had. "Y-you're… yes."
Kari's small body trembled, and tears began to trail down her bloodstained cheeks. "That… sucks," she whispered, her voice filled with quiet devastation. "I don't want to die. I… I was just… beginning to be… happy again."
Her words shattered what little composure Shin had left. He clenched his jaw, his tears falling faster as his grip on her small hand tightened. "I know," he said softly, his voice breaking. "I know, Kari. It's not fair."
Kari's lips quivered, and her breath hitched as she tried to speak again. But her strength was fading fast, her words coming slower and weaker.
Shin leaned closer, his forehead gently pressing against hers as he whispered, "I'm here, Kari. I've got you. You're not alone."
Kari's breaths were shallow, her voice barely a whisper as she mustered the last of her strength. Her eyes fluttered weakly, struggling to stay open as she called out, "Asia… please… will you… sing me that lullaby… the one you sang… when Shin… first brought me in…"
Asia, kneeling nearby, was a complete mess. Tears streamed down her face, her body trembling as she clutched her hands to her chest. But at Kari's request, she swallowed her overwhelming grief, forcing herself to be strong for the girl she loved as her own.
"Of course, Kari," Asia whispered, her voice trembling but resolute. "Of course, I will."
Shin, sitting beside Kari, gently lifted her head and placed it in his lap. His hands cradled her small frame, trembling as he brushed her silver hair back from her face. Tears continued to fall down his cheeks, dropping onto her pale skin. If she was going to die, he would make sure she knew she was loved before she passed.
The gods who had been silently watching stepped forward, their expressions solemn. Thor, Odin, Freya—they all gathered around Kari, their presence a silent reassurance that she was not alone. The room fell into a deep, respectful hush, the weight of the moment pressing on everyone present.
Asia took a steadying breath, her voice breaking as she began to sing the lullaby. It was the same one she had sung the first night Shin brought Kari into their lives, after saving her from the horrors she had endured.
Her voice, soft and melodic, filled the room with a bittersweet warmth.
"Sleep now, little one, rest your weary eyes,
The stars will guide your dreams tonight, beneath the endless skies.
Safe within our arms, you'll never be alone,
A world of love surrounds you, this will always be your home."
Kari's lips curved into the faintest hint of a smile, her tears mingling with Shin's as the lullaby wrapped around her like a comforting embrace.
Shin leaned closer, his voice trembling as he whispered, "We're here, Kari. All of us. We love you."
The gods nodded solemnly, their presence a silent but powerful testament to the love and care they felt for the young girl.
Asia continued to sing, her voice steadying as she poured all her love and warmth into the melody, her tears falling freely as she gave Kari the comfort she needed.
The song carried on, wrapping Kari in the love and care of everyone present. And in that moment, despite the overwhelming sorrow, she knew—she was deeply, truly loved.
As Asia's lullaby came to its gentle conclusion, the room fell into a profound silence, broken only by Kari's shallow, labored breaths. Her chest rose and fell one final time, then went still.
Her small body went slack in Shin's arms, her head tilting slightly as the last spark of life left her fading eyes.
For a moment, the world seemed to freeze. Everyone present was struck motionless, the reality of her passing sinking in like a crushing weight. The silence that followed was deafening, filled with a grief so profound it felt almost tangible.
Shin stared down at her, his tears falling freely as he held her lifeless body close. His heart shattered into a thousand pieces, each breath a struggle as he tried to keep himself together. But it was futile. A broken sob tore from his throat, raw and filled with pain.
The emotions everyone had been holding back for Kari's sake erupted like a dam bursting. Asia wailed, her grief pouring out of her in anguished cries as she collapsed onto Kari's small frame, clutching her tightly. "No! No, no, no!" she cried, her voice trembling as her tears soaked Kari's bloodstained clothing.
Freya knelt beside Asia, her own sobs uncontrollable as she wrapped her arms around the grieving healer. "It's not fair," she whispered through her tears, her voice breaking. "It's not fair…"
Thor's massive frame trembled as he knelt, his head bowed low in silent mourning. His hands clenched into fists, the mighty Thunder God rendered powerless against the injustice of the moment.
Odin, his usual composure cracked, closed his eyes and muttered a solemn prayer under his breath, his voice heavy with sorrow.
Shin, his hands trembling, cradled Kari closer, his tears dripping onto her face. He had promised her she wasn't alone, and now, he couldn't save her. His voice broke as he whispered, "I'm sorry, kiddo. I'm so sorry…"
The room was filled with the sound of mourning—anguished cries and the deep, hollow sobs of those who knew they had lost someone far too young, far too innocent. Kari's life had been one of struggle and pain, and just when she had begun to find happiness, it was cruelly taken away.
Asia's cries grew quieter but no less heart-wrenching as she pressed her forehead to Kari's, her shoulders shaking. "She didn't deserve this," Asia whispered, her voice hoarse. "She didn't deserve any of it…"
Freya tightened her hold on Asia, her own tears streaming down her cheeks as she nodded silently.
The gods gathered around, their hearts heavy with sorrow, mourning not just the loss of Kari but the injustice of a world where such an innocent soul could meet such a cruel end.
Shin's trembling hands moved instinctively, his desperation forcing him into one final, desperate attempt. Reaching into his pocket, he summoned his set of Evil Pieces, their crimson glow faint against the overwhelming sorrow that filled the room. His heart pounded as he pulled out his strongest piece—the Queen.
The room fell silent, all eyes on Shin as he knelt over Kari's lifeless body, his crimson eyes shining with tears. Everyone present held their breath, clinging to a sliver of hope, no matter how fragile it was.
"Come on," Shin whispered, his voice breaking as he pressed the glowing Queen piece against Kari's chest. His hand trembled as he poured every ounce of his will into the piece, silently begging for even the faintest flicker of a reaction.
But nothing happened.
The Queen remained still, its light dim and unmoving, as if the piece itself understood the futility of the attempt. No spark. No flicker. No life.
Shin gritted his teeth, his breath hitching as he pressed harder, willing the piece to work. "Come on," he whispered again, his voice barely audible. "Please…"
The gods around him watched in tense silence, their hope slowly fading as the Queen continued to do nothing. Asia's trembling hands clutched at Freya's arm, her emerald eyes fixed on Kari's chest, silently praying for a miracle.
But the truth became undeniable.
The Queen was powerless.
Whatever that man had done—whatever dark power his sword wielded—it was beyond anything they had encountered. It hadn't just prevented healing. It had severed something deeper, something no Evil Piece could touch.
Shin's hand fell away, the Queen clattering to the ground as the crimson glow finally faded. He stared at Kari, his tears falling freely now as the weight of the realization crushed him.
She was gone.
"Damn it…" Shin muttered, his voice shaking as he clenched his fists against the grass. "Damn it!"
Asia's wails began anew, her body shaking as she buried her face in Freya's shoulder. Freya herself held Asia tightly, her own tears streaming down her cheeks as she whispered words of comfort that felt hollow even to herself.
Thor let out a low, guttural growl of frustration, his hands gripping Mjolnir so tightly that the air around him crackled with faint electricity. His sorrow reverberated through the heavens, the skies responding in kind. Dark clouds rolled in above Valhalla, and thunder rumbled like a grieving heart. A torrential downpour began, the rain cascading as if the sky itself were crying out with Thor, mourning the loss of Kari.
Even Odin, who had faced countless losses in his long life, stood motionless, his face pale as he quietly accepted the grim truth.
Shin knelt there, his shoulders trembling as he reached out to gently touch Kari's face. His fingers brushed against her cheek, still warm but lifeless, and he whispered, "I'm so sorry, Kari. I tried. I tried everything…" His voice cracked, breaking into a whisper as his tears mixed with the rain falling around them.
The gods who were not as close to Kari but still present moved solemnly, adhering to the sacred traditions of Asgard when one of their own passed. Horns were brought forth, their ornate designs reflecting the gravity of the moment. One by one, they raised the horns to their lips and blew into them, the deep, mournful notes echoing through the grand hall.
The sound reached out beyond the castle walls, a call of grief carried by the wind. Per Asgardian tradition, those who heard the horn stopped immediately, raising their own horns and joining the lament.
The sorrowful melody grew, cascading across Asgard like a wave of collective mourning. One horn reached another, and another, until the entirety of Asgard was awash with the solemn sound of mourning horns. The haunting notes carried the weight of loss, reverberating through the mountains, valleys, and skies, ensuring that all who heard knew an innocent life had been taken too soon.
Kari was gone.
(Scene Break)
The skies above Asgard were heavy with dark clouds, reflecting the collective grief of the realm. The air was thick with sorrow, and the soft crackle of lanterns being lit punctuated the silence. Thousands of Asgardians lined the banks of the great river that flowed through the heart of their world. Gods and mortals alike stood shoulder to shoulder, their faces illuminated by the flickering light of the countless lanterns they held. The glow cast an ethereal warmth over the somber scene, a stark contrast to the cold reality of loss that hung over them all.
At the river's edge, a beautifully crafted wooden boat rested on the calm water, its design simple yet elegant. Kari's small frame lay within, her silver hair carefully arranged around her head like a halo. Her body was wrapped in a shroud of pristine white, her arms crossed gently over her chest. A wreath of wildflowers, their colors subdued yet beautiful, adorned her head—a symbol of innocence, purity, and a life unjustly cut short.
The boat was lined with offerings: flowers, ribbons, and small trinkets left by those who had loved her and those who had come to honor her. Around the edge of the vessel, faintly glowing runes shimmered, etched into the wood as part of the Asgardian tradition, ensuring Kari's journey to the afterlife would be protected and peaceful.
Shin stood at the forefront of the gathered crowd, directly beside the boat. His crimson eyes, so often alight with determination or defiance, now glistened with unspoken pain. His shoulders were stiff, his hands clenched into trembling fists at his sides. He had spent the hours leading up to this moment in silence, his grief festering into a storm within him.
Beside him, Asia held a small lantern close to her chest. Her emerald eyes were swollen and red, her cheeks streaked with tears that hadn't stopped falling since Kari had passed. Her body trembled as she struggled to maintain her composure, her breathing uneven as waves of grief threatened to overwhelm her again.
The riverbank was silent save for the faint rustle of the wind through the trees and the occasional murmur of a distant lantern being lit. The gods of Asgard stood among the crowd—Thor, his hammer resting heavily in his hand, his head bowed low in mourning; Freya, her normally radiant beauty dulled by the anguish etched into her features; and Odin, standing tall and silent, his one eye filled with sorrow.
Shin stepped closer to the boat, his boots crunching softly against the grass. He stopped just beside Kari, his trembling hand reaching out to rest lightly on the edge of the boat. For a moment, he simply stared at her, his chest rising and falling with uneven breaths. Then, in a voice thick with grief, he began to speak.
"Kari…" he started, his words catching in his throat. He swallowed hard, blinking away the tears that blurred his vision. "Kari, I'm so sorry. I failed you."
His voice cracked, and he looked down, his crimson eyes filled with a mixture of guilt and sorrow. "I promised you'd be safe. I promised you'd have a life filled with love and happiness, away from all the pain you endured. And I couldn't keep that promise."
Tears streamed down his face, his hands gripping the edge of the boat as he knelt down beside her. "I should've been stronger. Faster. I should've stopped him before he ever got near you. This… this wasn't supposed to happen."
His voice grew softer, almost a whisper. "You deserved better. So much better." His lips quivered as he forced out the words, "I'm sorry, kiddo. I'm so sorry."
Asia stepped forward, her hands trembling as she placed her lantern gently beside Kari. The soft glow illuminated Kari's pale face, and Asia knelt down, brushing a strand of silver hair from her forehead with trembling fingers.
"Kari," she said, her voice breaking as fresh tears spilled down her cheeks. "You… you brought so much light into our lives. When Shin brought you home, you gave us hope when we needed it most. You gave us love." Her hands pressed against the side of the boat, her head bowing as sobs wracked her body.
"You became my daughter," Asia whispered, her voice cracking with anguish. "And I… I'm so sorry I couldn't save you. I would've given anything. I would've taken your place if I could have. I love you, Kari. I always will. I'll never forget you."
She pressed her forehead gently to Kari's, her tears soaking into the shroud as Freya stepped forward, kneeling beside Asia and wrapping her arms around her trembling frame. Freya, too, wept openly, her grief mixing with Asia's as she whispered words of comfort that felt hollow even to herself.
The other gods followed suit, stepping forward one by one to place their lanterns in the boat. Each one carried a silent prayer, their faces solemn and etched with sorrow. The crowd watched in silence, their own lanterns raised high as the ritual progressed.
Odin finally stepped forward, his heavy presence commanding the attention of all. He raised his hand, and with it, the horns of Asgard were brought forth. The mourners around the riverbank lifted the ceremonial horns to their lips, and a deep, resonant note filled the air.
The sound traveled, spreading outward like a wave of sorrow, its mournful tone reaching every corner of Asgard. As the call echoed, more horns joined in, their notes carrying the grief of an entire realm. Within minutes, all of Asgard was united in mourning, the haunting sound cascading through mountains and valleys, across rivers and forests.
Shin knelt beside the boat as the horns played, his head bowed low as fresh tears fell onto the wooden planks. He stayed there, unmoving, even as the river began to pull the boat away. Asia clutched his arm, her sobs quiet now, her lantern one of the last to remain on the shore.
As the boat drifted further into the water, its light growing fainter with each passing moment, Shin whispered one final goodbye. "I'm so sorry, Kari. I love you."
As the boat drifted further down the calm river, the time-honored tradition of the Asgardian funeral reached its final act. The air grew still, the faint crackling of lanterns the only sound breaking the heavy silence.
At the forefront of the gathered mourners, Odin raised his hand high, his presence commanding as his deep voice cracked out over the crowd. "Asgardians! Ready your bows!"
The archers, lined along the riverbanks, moved in unison. Their movements were practiced, almost ceremonial, as they drew their flaming arrows from their quivers. Each arrow tip burned with a golden flame, its light reflecting off the faces of the gathered mourners. The archers nocked their arrows and raised their bows, their aim precise as they pointed toward the heavens.
Shin, Asia, and Freya stood together at the river's edge, their heads bowed as the final moments of the ceremony began. Asia clutched Shin's arm tightly, her fingers trembling as fresh tears spilled down her cheeks. Freya placed a comforting hand on Asia's shoulder, her own face streaked with tears as she whispered a soft prayer. Shin stood rigid, his crimson eyes fixed on the boat, his hands clenched into fists as he tried to hold himself together.
Odin's voice rang out again, clear and steady despite the sorrow weighing on him. "Fire!"
The archers released their arrows in perfect unison. The sound of bowstrings snapping echoed like a ripple through the silence, and the flaming arrows shot high into the air, their golden flames trailing behind them like falling stars.
The crowd watched as the arrows arced gracefully across the sky, their flames painting streaks of light against the darkened clouds. The boat, drifting steadily down the river, was the sole focus of their aim.
The arrows descended, every one hitting its mark with flawless precision. The boat's outer surface caught fire immediately, the golden flames licking at the edges of the wood. The crowd gasped softly, the flickering light illuminating the solemn faces of the mourners.
Inside the boat, Kari's small form remained untouched, the protective runes glowing faintly as they shielded her from the flames. The fire grew, consuming the outside of the vessel as it continued its journey down the river, carried gently by the current.
Odin lowered his hand, signaling the next phase of the ceremony. Around him, the mourners began to lift their lanterns, the flames within glowing softly. The gods, the warriors, and the civilians all released their lanterns into the sky. One by one, the golden lights began to rise, carried upward by the winds as they ascended into the heavens.
Shin, Asia, and Freya each released a lantern of their own, their eyes following the gentle ascent as the lights joined the thousands already climbing into the darkened sky. The scene was breathtaking, the lanterns forming a sea of golden stars that shimmered against the backdrop of the night.
The flaming boat drifted further, the fire growing brighter as it illuminated the river's path. The horns of Asgard sounded once more, their mournful tones carrying through the air as the boat disappeared into the horizon.
Shin stood motionless, his crimson eyes fixed on the fading glow of the boat, his chest tight with unrelenting sorrow. The weight of the moment pressed heavily on him, and he felt the gaze of the entire crowd on his back. As much as he wanted to remain silent, to retreat into his grief, he knew this wasn't just about his pain—it was about honoring Kari, about giving her the send-off she deserved.
Taking a deep breath, Shin stepped forward, closer to the water's edge. The flames of the boat reflected in his eyes as he straightened, the crackling fire mingling with the mournful sound of the horns.
He raised his head, his voice steady but low as he began to speak an Asgardian prayer he had heard many times but had never recited himself. The words felt foreign yet natural on his tongue, each syllable resonating with the solemnity of the moment.
"Ancestors of Asgard," he began, his voice growing stronger, "hear my prayer. A soul has joined your company this day, a soul innocent and pure. I ask you to welcome her into your halls, to guide her on her journey to the afterlife."
The crowd listened intently, the lanterns in their hands casting a golden glow on their somber faces. Asia's quiet sobs stilled for a moment as she looked up at Shin, her tear-filled eyes reflecting a glimmer of hope.
"Care for her as we could not," Shin continued, his voice trembling slightly but steady. "Protect her, keep her safe, and grant her the peace she so desperately deserved in life. May your halls be warmed by her light, and may your spirits be strengthened by her courage."
The sky above seemed to respond, the clouds parting slightly as moonlight poured down on the river, illuminating the flaming boat as it drifted further away.
Shin's hands trembled as he clasped them together, his head bowing slightly. "Kari," he said, his voice soft but filled with emotion, "I entrust you to those who came before us. You will never be forgotten. You will always be loved."
The crowd murmured softly, many bowing their heads in respect as Shin stepped back, his shoulders heavy with the weight of his words. Asia reached out, her hand grasping his arm tightly as tears streamed down her face. Freya placed her other hand on Shin's shoulder, her own expression filled with sorrow and admiration for his strength.
The horns sounded again, the mournful cry resonating through the air as the lanterns continued their ascent, a sea of golden lights carrying the collective grief and prayers of Asgard to the heavens.
Shin watched the boat's flames fade into the distance, the last vestiges of light disappearing into the horizon. His voice broke in a whisper, barely audible but carried by the stillness around him.
"Goodbye, Kari. May you find peace in their arms."
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