COF 28

 It was not that difficult for Freya to locate the missing Lucian. The Goddess merely followed the sounds, the muted cursing, and thwacking of something striking wood hard, growing louder and louder as she drew near. His voice was grief stricken, a rage filled “Damn it!” assaulting her ears as she flew past the thicket, speeding towards him. She almost overshot his location in her haste to reach him. If possible, she skidded to a halt in midair, blonde hair pooling forward to obscure her face.

“Lucian?” She called softly, combing back her hair with her hands. He did not reply, causing her to frown. Surely the boy was aware of her presence, the rustling of leaves and branches stirred up in her wake. But he kept his back to her, facing a maple tree, his hand slamming into the bark, over and over again. Freya watched him silently, listening to the torrent of swear words he let out, aghast at the language Lucian unveiled to her delicate ears.

Back his arm pulled, bent at the elbow, aimed at a spot on the tree that was even with his head. With a wordless cry, his fist was coming forth, pounding into the wood, then being drawn back again. He got in three more punches before Freya was on the move, reaching forward to grab at his arm. A lesser female, a mortal, would have been drawn forward with the force of his thrown fist, but she was no human. Freya was able to hold him still, even as she felt Lucian fight her, the tension in his muscles showing the strain he exerted.

“Lucian stop!” Her grip was tight on his arm, just short of cracking the metal armor beneath her fingers. But still he fought her, intent on his senseless task of beating a tree.

“Let me go Freya!” At last he acknowledged her, struggling to get his arm free, but she would not budge.

“Not until you promise to stop this madness!” She implored, green eyes narrowed as she stared down the length of his arm. It was hard to tell with the red of the metal, but was that blood leaking out among his knuckles? “You’re only hurting yourself!” She added, nostrils flaring as she scented the air. His blood assaulted her nose, further proof Lucian had injured himself.

“It doesn’t hurt…” Lucian let out a bitter laugh. “Nothing can hurt me now…nothing but her…”

“You speak of Lenneth…” Freya noted. “I don’t know what has gone on between you two…”

“She doesn’t want me…” He interjected, and at last his arm relaxed. “Not anymore…perhaps not ever…” Cautiously Freya released her hold on the warrior, quick to make a move lest he try to attack the tree once again. Lucian straightened out his arm, leaving it hanging limply by his side, though he did not unclench his fist.

“You know what she told me?” He asked, then continued on without waiting for the Goddess to answer. “That she has never been in love. That she didn’t know what it was to be in love…” He shook his head. “I suppose she thinks Lezard has shown her the true meaning of the word!”

“I’m such a fool…” Lucian was suddenly slumping forward, resting the brow of his forehead against the tree. The set of his shoulders read as dejected, his fist still clenched together. “To think I could hold the love of a Goddess…” He let out a wistful sigh.

“Lucian…” Freya did not know what to say, did not know how to comfort him. Her hands hovered over his shoulders, wanting to offer him some solace through touch. But she held back, unsure of how he would react to such a gesture. His defeated stance succeeded in deceiving her, his fist suddenly striking the tree once again. Lucian stumbled backwards, a cry of pain issuing from his lips, his good hand cradling his injured one to his chest.

“I told you to stop that!” The Goddess admonished, exasperation on her face. “Now let me see.” It was an order, and Lucian obeyed, holding out his fist to her. Blood dripped off the knuckles, and the metal plating was cracked, the red paint peeling off in flakes. “Can you unfurl your fist?” She asked, and saw him shake his head no. Freya tsked, and gently took hold of his abused hand. Lucian let out a hiss of pain as her fingers prodded his, a frown on her face. “You’re lucky you haven’t completely broken it…” She was inching his fingers apart, one by one, listening as Lucian bit back whimpers.

Caressing his fingers, she silently said a blessing over his hand, glad she could soothe him in this regard. A golden light spread across his palm, spreading outwards, all the way to the very tips of his fingers, healing him as best as she could. “I’m no Eir so this is the best I can manage.” Freya told him. “You’ll have to be careful with how you treat that hand until we can get you some ambrosia.” It had never occurred to the Goddess to carry some with her, and now she cursed herself for her lack of foresight.

“Thank you Freya.” He said gruffly, pulling his hand free of hers. She watched as he flexed his fingers, relieved to see them move of their own accord. “I…I’m not thinking straight.”

“Well that’s obvious.” A wry twist of the Goddess’ lips.

“Do you think it could be the same with Lenneth?” There was no hope in his voice, the boy asking the question dull and almost unattached from reality.

“I truthfully don’t know what to think.”

“You saw her with your own eyes Freya. Defending that wizard against me! Would the Lenneth you know stop me from harming a defiler of souls?” asked Lucian. The Goddess was quiet, thinking over his words, thinking back on the scene she had witnessed. “Once I would have said no with absolute certainty, but now?” She let out a sigh. “I haven”t the foggiest.”

He echoed her sigh, staring down at his feet. “It seems neither of us knew Lenneth as well as we thought.”

“Yes.” agreed Freya. “But just because her current actions disappoint us, doesn’t mean we should abandon her now in her time of need.”

“I don’t think she really wants us…well wants me around.” conceeded Lucian. “She has Lezard now.” He added the next bitterly.

“All the more reason we should return to her side! Who knows what that foul necromancer plots behind Lenneth’s back!” Freya said urgently. “Surely you don’t believe he would allow her to return to Asgard, not alone, not when he’s gone through such lengths to bring her to him.”

“You think he’s after the apples?” Lucian felt panicked at the thought of Lezard becoming a God. Who knew what twisted things he would do once he had limitless divine energy at his grasp. “You don’t think Lenneth would give one to him?!”

“Anything is possible at this point, and it’s a risk I’d rather not take!” replied Freya.

“Let’s go then!” Lucian said, turning to break into a run. Freya flew by his side, and in the distance she thought she could make out the faint sound of a scream. “Hurry Lucian, hurry!” She advised, speeding on ahead of him. She strained her ears, but the forest was quiet once more, leaving her to wonder if she had imagined the yell.

—————————————————————————————————————————————————————————

Andais’ scream was still ringing in his ears, long after she fell silent, and Lezard grimaced, his hands placed over his ears. “Only an elf can scream like that.” He muttered, speaking from personal experience. They had the loudest, shrillest cries, able to be heard from miles around. If it wasn’t for the enchanted trees of Idunn’s garden, other elves, the warrior elite would descend on their location, intent on rescuing their distressed sister. What was once a curse, would now be a blessing, a rescue desperately needed, he thought, eyes fixated on the petite form of Idunn.

Lenneth dangled from her fist, legs bent and pumping frantically as she swayed in place, trying to get free. Her face was turning red, and she was gasping for air, even as Idunn laughed, a masculine sound that did not match the lovely frame of the Goddess. “Lenneth Valkyrie…” The voice huskily whispered her name, dark satisfaction in it’s tone. “To think of all the trouble you caused me…”

The form of Idunn was twisting, changing before their very eyes. She grew in height, her blonde hair spreading about her as it changed into a sienna colored cape. Her clothing stretched, sleeves forming on the arms, the gown changing into a form fitting gray suit. The breasts flattened out, a broad chest appearing in their place, even as the face shimmered, jaw line becoming harsher, nose elongating, eyes turning gray.

“Odin!” cried Mystina fearfully, and in her hands a wooden stave appeared. She gripped it tightly, looking as though the blood had drained out of her face. Lezard was quiet, gazing at the Elder God. So this was the half elf who had managed to obtain the power of creation, long before his Lenneth ever had. “I did not expect to face a God today.” Lezard trying to sound calm, as he nervously slid his glasses back up his nose.

Odin ignored the two mages, keeping his attention locked on Lenneth. “I should have known you troublemakers would find your way here!”

“Tr…trouble?” Lenneth gagged on the bile in her throat, unable to swallow it back down. If only he would loosen his grip, even for a second! “Wh…what?” Odin’s eyes narrowed, and he squeezed tighter, causing the Valkyrie to fall silent.

“Let her go!” Lezard ordered, rage coloring his vision. He took a step forward, hands raised up in preparation to cast a spell. Unlike Mystina he had no need for staffs, being able to channel raw power through his hands.

Odin let out a robust laugh. “Or you’ll do what?” Now he focused his attention on Lezard, a spiteful smile on his face. “What can you, a mere mortal do against me?!”

“I have a few tricks up my sleeve…” Lezard replied, locking eyes with the Elder God. “Ask your friend Hel about it sometime.”

“Ah yes…you did give Hel quite a bit of trouble…” Odin admitted, Lenneth gasping in the background. She swung her leg out, trying to kick him in the groin. She lacked the momentum to get any real force behind the attack, her foot rebounding harmlessly off of Odin. “But you’ll find me quite a different story.”

“Can’t know until one tries…” Lezard retorted, already thrusting out his hands in Odin’s direction. In one breathe, barely pausing between the words, he began shouting out a spell. “As the harmoniums of Asgard sound, their very melodies stir the ancient lightning to wake!” A sizzle was heard in the air, storm clouds gathering over the green house roof.

“What are you doing?!” Mystina gasped. “You’ll hit Lenneth!”

“Yes!” Odin threw back his head and laughed. “You’ll hit your precious Lenneth!” He threw out his free arm, gesturing for the mage to hit him with all he was worth. Lezard’s eyes narrowed, and to Mystina’s horror, he shouted out the final words to invoke the magic lightning. “Dragon Bolt!” Thunder rumbled, lightning flashing in the sky, crackling it’s way down towards the God and his captive. Even as the cry was torn from the necromancer’s lips, Lezard was rushing forward, hand reaching out to Lenneth. “Guard Reinforce!” He belted it out as though he was praying, fingers touching the Valkyrie’s limp hands. He tightened his fist around her wrist, adding another spell around her body. “Reflect Sorcery!”

He made it just in time, the spell striking Odin’s body with all it’s might. Odin let out a shocked sound, his grip loosening on Lenneth. She dropped harmlessly to the ground, the spell bouncing off her body and onto Lezard’s. He screamed in pain, stumbling backwards, just missing falling into the pool of water. Every nerve in his body felt like it was on fire, pain smoldering up and down his spine, his head pounding. He coughed, not surprised to see blood come up, and he stumbled down to his knees.

“You’re a damn bloody fool!” commented Mystina, rushing to his and Lenneth’s side. She was amazed at the depths of Lezard devotion to Lenneth, the wizard willing to take the blast of his own spell to save her. I guess he really does love her. She mused to herself, as she bent over the Valkyrie. She glanced up Lezard and her eyes widened, taking in the blood dribbling out the sides of his mouth. “Oh Lezard…!”

His palms slammed into the ground, the wizard coughing up more blood, seeing it stain the white tile underneath his hands. “M…Mysty…I…can’t use healing magic…don’t have the strength…”

Her eyes softened in understanding. “You always did skip first aid class back when we were in school together.” She held out her stave, holding it between Lezard and Lenneth’s body. “Heal!” The magic twirled up and down her stave, the unicorn’s horn glowing with a blazing bright light of the purest white color. She circled the wand over the pair’s head, the magic spiraling down to encircle their bodies.

Healing light traveled into Lezard’s mouth, easing down his throat, a soothing mist that stopped the errant blood from coming up. He looked up, watching as that same light caressed Lenneth’s throat, curing her of all bruises. The redness of her face lessened until she was merely flushed, her eyes fluttering open, the Valkyrie looking dazed and confused. “What just happened?” She asked curiously.

Lezard felt a sigh of relief, to hear her sweet voice once again. Gratitude shown in his eyes, he couldn’t even muster up any bits of jealousy at Mystina’s obviously superior prowess at the healing arts.

“Lezard just saved you!” Mystina was answering the Valkyrie, a grin on her face. “Almost at the cost of his own life!” Lenneth turned to look at him, worry in her blue eyes. “No need for thanks.” Lezard said, knowing she was worried about his health. “I’m fine…thanks to Mystina.”

“Well…” Mystina frowned, not sure if she should be pleased that she had just saved her murderer’s life. “Just remember, you owe me one!”

“I’m sure you’ll be collecting on that debt all too soon…” muttered Lezard, gazing in the direction of Odin. The God was rising up to his feet, clothes smoking, his cape burnt to a crisp. His hair was standing up on ends, with blue lightning still crackling up and down his body. Every once in a while he twitched, his body spasming from the after shocks of the Dragon Bolt spell.

“I…I underestimated you.” Odin’s eyes were filled with hate, rage in his voice. “I won’t make that mistake again.”

“Mysty, why don’t you go check on Andais…” Lezard suggested, eyes locked on Odin. “Make sure it isn’t too late for her…”

“The elf!” Mystina bit back a swear. She had completely forgotten about the sage. She guiltily looked to where Andais laid, head still in the water. Was it too late for her healing magic to work? “GO!!” commanded Lezard. “I’ll cover you!”

“You mean we’ll cover you.” Lenneth said, touching his hand, a grim smile on her face. Lezard wanted to protest, but fell silent at the hard determination in her eyes. He nodded instead, mind turning to the spells he needed to cast.

Still holding Lenneth’s hand, the unlikely couple rose to their feet, turning to look at Odin. He was just standing there, watching them. “What are you waiting for?!” demanded Lenneth.

“Oh do pardon me…” His voice was sardonic. “It was just you two were having such a sweet moment, I didn’t want to interrupt.” He gave a shrug of his shoulders. “Especially when it’ll be your last!”

“We’ll see about that!” snapped Lezard, and he began shouting spell after spell. “Might Reinforce! Guard Reinforce!” The magic passed from him into Lenneth, traveling through the connection of their hands. “Shield Critical! Reflect Sorcery!”

Odin threw back his head, a full belly laugh emitting from him. “Do you really think your puny magic will make any difference?!”

“We won’t know until we try!” retorted Lenneth, squeezing Lezard’s hand.

“Well then…” Odin smiled. “This should prove amusing!” He raised up his hand, and now the storm clouds responded to him, sending down silver white ether. It pooled in the palm of his hand, forming a tiny ball of energy. With a vicious yell, he was hurling the ether ball at the couple, Lezard and Lenneth letting go of each other to dive in opposite directions.

Mystina was on the move, unnoticed or ignored by the Elder God. She waded down into the pool, splashing about as she half walked, half swam towards Andais’ side. Upon reaching the elf, she placed her hands on her shoulders, turning the sage onto her back. The elf’s face was pale, her lips blue, and her skin icy cold. “Please don’t die…” begged Mystina, and once again she cast a healing spell. “Heal!” She cried again and again.

Even as the magic circled around the elf, Odin was tossing ether ball after ether ball. Lezard and Lenneth were running about in circles, trying to avoid the ether attacks. “Yes! Run like the mice you are!” laughed Odin. “Where are your spells now?! Where is your false bravado? Huh?!”

“This isn’t working…” Lenneth said, frustrated. “You can’t cast your magic and avoid his attacks at the same time!”

“Is that a complaint my love?” called out Lezard breezily, just being missed by one of the ether balls.

“Hardly!” Lenneth retorted. “Just be ready…”

“What are you going to do…?” But she was already running forward, drawing Odin’s attention away from Lezard. “Lenneth don’t!”

“Ah Lenneth! So eager to die, are we?!” Odin smirked, gesturing her closer.

“Shit!” Lezard cursed out loud, coming to a stop. He quickly thrust his hands out in Odin’s direction, shouting out the first spell that came to mind. “Prismatic Missile!” The sparkling lights were like that of a fireworks display, torpedoing towards Odin, to crash into his back. Odin started laughing. “That tickled!” This time he was the one thrusting out his hand, fingers splayed wide as lightning shot out of them towards Lenneth. She neatly flipped to the side, the ends of her hair being singed by his power.

“I see you still retain some of your warrior prowess.” commented Odin cooly. “But it won’t be enough to save you!” He was shooting more lightning out at her, causing her to back flip away from the deadly energy. Odin let out a near hysterical laugh, eagerly hurling more power at the Valkyrie. From behind came Lezard’s voice, shouting out a spell. “If minor magic won’t hurt you, let’s see how you handle one of the great spells!”

“No mercy for the damned!” He swirled his hands in front of him, casting about in the air, a pattern of ancient runes. “Thus thou has no escape from the grasp of catastrophe!” The sky rumbled, the clouds swirling together to form a spinning vortex up over their heads. “Meteor Swarm!” Large chunks of rock sunk through the clouds, their brown surface lit on fire. Odin threw up his hand for protection, forming an ether shield over his body. The flaming rocks crashed into it, breaking apart harmlessly to scatter on the ground.

“Now it’s my turn!” It was Mystina, her voice wavering as she tried to sound brave in the face of a God’s power. “If ye shall accept the benedictions of beauty…” Lezard hid a smile. That had always been the blonde’s favorite spell. “Then yea! Let these chains of aster surround thee!” The water from the pool leapt up into the air, swirling towards Odin, ice forming on the tip. “Absolute Zero!” The ice slammed into Odin, forming about his arms and legs chains made of solid ice. They pulled at his body, forcing his limbs into a spread eagle pattern.

“Bitch!” Odin screamed, struggling against the ice. Mystina’s eyes narrowed at the insult. “No one gets away with calling me that!” She pointed her stave at Odin, one hand on her hip. “Ye of detestable name and virtue! False Apostle! Thou art bayed back to the abyss!” The sky darkened, a stark contrast to the bolts of light that would soon rain down. “Seraphic Law!”

Burning beams of hot white light struck all around Odin, even as he strained against the chains. He howled in pain as one especially large beam hit him dead on. His body bowed back from the force of the blow, only the icicle chains held him upright. “Nice job Mysty!” Lezard said, feeling proud of her.

“Thanks.” She smiled widely, not bothering to protest the nickname.

Odin’s voice rasped out. “Fools! I am a God!” He gave a hard jerk on the chains, cracks starting to form in the ice. “Do you really think you can win against me?!”

“We don’t have to.” smirked Mystina. “We just needed to provide a distraction!”

“WHAT?!” roared Odin, and he heard the snap of twigs behind him. He was turning his head frantically, realizing he had forgotten to keep track of Lenneth. “No!!’ He shouted, seeing her attempting to climb the sacred tree. Her feet were firmly placed on branches, and she was reaching forward, stretching to her full length towards an apple on the nearest branch. She was so close she could almost taste the apple, her fingers were straining, grazing against it’s golden surface. Almost there. She thought, lifting a leg, trying to scramble up higher.

“No!” wailed Odin, and with an increased surge of strength he burst free of Mystina’s icy prison. “Lenneth look out!” cried out Mystina and Lezard in unison, as Odin shimmered. He disappeared only to reappear in front of Lenneth, floating in the air between her and the apple. She felt a shot of static electricity as she accidentally touched the Elder God, her blue eyes widening in fright.

“These are not for you!” He told her, and his hand was coming forward, speeding towards her lightning fast. Lenneth let out a scream as he backhanded her across her face, her body flying away from the tree.

“Lenneth!” Lezard cried out, running towards her.

“Lady Valkrie!” gasped Mystina, also making a move in the former Goddess’ direction.

Lenneth roughly landed on the ground, her body bouncing several times. If she survived this fight, she would be sorely bruised the next morning. “Uh…” She murmured, lifting her head up weakly. “Lenneth…” Lezard was before her, a double image super imposed on his form. Lenneth shook her head, trying to clear the sight of two Lezards. He was kneeling down, tilting her face towards his brusquely, no time for gentle caresses now. He was gazing into her eyes, trying to see if she had a concussion.

“I’m fine!” Lenneth insisted, raising a hand up to brush his away. They didn’t have time to waste on her, not with Odin on the rampage. “Uh oh…we’ve got trouble…” She heard Mystina softly say. Odin was alight with power, his aura raising up off his body, glowing a faint purple. His eyes were lost, pure white orbs that looked demonic. He smiled, and it was all teeth, glinting dangerously in the sunlight.

“Playtime is over.” With a rage fueled screamed, he threw up his arms, power shooting off him in all directions. Lezard and Mystina desperately threw up magic shields, screaming out “Reflect Sorcery!” over and over again. The power bounced off their shields, but it staggered the two mages, causing them to drop down to the ground. “Urgh…Got to keep going…” muttered Mystina, holding her hands up over her head.

“Ngh…” Sweat was on Lezard’s brow, his eyes crossing with the intense concentration it took to support his shield. He could feel liquid bubbling up in his throat, bile burning it’s way towards his mouth. Musn’t pass out. He thought weakly.

“Odin stop!” Lenneth cried out, horror in her voice. His power was rebounding all along the glass house, passing harmlessly through his body. Past him it went, slamming into the sacred tree, chipping holes in it’s bark. “The tree!”

“Ah yes…the tree.” He turned to look at it consideringly. “All your hopes lay on it…your dreams…your ambitions…” He reached forward, easily plucking an apple from it’s wooden limbs. “Such a small thing.” He marveled, holding up the apple before his face. He turned it this way and that, seeing his reflection in the shiny surface. “To think it holds the power to make one a God.” His eyes shifted towards Lezard. “Would you like a bite little man?”

Lezard’s eyebrows arched together, a confused look on his face. “Is it not what you’re really here for?” Odin smirked. “Catch!” He tossed the apple towards Lezard, but the mage made no move towards it.

“I’ll take it!” Mystina called out, eager to get an apple for the Valkyrie. She lowered her shield, reaching out to catch the fruit in her hands. Suddenly it exploded, the backlash sending her stumbling down to her knees.

“Just kidding.” laughed Odin. “As if I would share the apples with any of you! No!!” He turned back to the tree, sizing it up. “Such a thing is not meant for mortal’s lips…” He gave a shake of his head. “Humans shouldn’t seek to slip by the boundaries of their bodies. Idunn should have never created such an abomination.” His lips curled back in a snarl. “It’s time I rid Midgard of their foul stench!” He clasped his hands together, golden energy forming around them. He concentrated, the hum of power filling the air. The mortals found it hard to breathe, choking down on the suddenly arid atmosphere.

“To my side…” He commanded, pulling apart his hands. “Gungnir!” The energy swirled in a line between his hands, taking shape before him. A wicked, double edge spear blurred into focus, made of pure silver. “No…” Lenneth said fearfully.

“Yes!” He blazed with power, shimmering out of existence, only to appear a moment later directly above the tree.

“What is he doing?” choked out Lezard.

“He’s going to destroy the tree!” cried out Lenneth.

“Can he do that?!” gasped out Mystina.

“It’s one of the sacred treasures…” Lenneth whispered. “He can do almost anything with Gungnir.”

Helplessly they watched as he floated above the tree, feet brushing against the tallest shrubs. Gungnir hummed with power, a high pitch whine that caused the mortals to clap their hands over their ears, desperate to drown it out. They watched as Odin slowly pulled back his arm, twisting his body to the side. He spun in place, releasing Gungnir, the divine lance barreling towards the tree.

It split it down the center, and for a second all was quiet. “That’s it?” asked Lezard a moment before an explosion occurred, the tree being blown away, mere ash on the wind, except for a few stray twigs that rained down on the gazebo. “It is done!” Odin said triumphantly, slowly coming to land on the white tile. He toed at the black stain, grounding his boot into the dirt with grim satisfaction.

“What have you done?!” A new voice entered the scene, horrified beyond all belief. Everyone, even Odin, turned to see this new player on the field. “Freya!” Odin said, sounding chagrined. The blonde Goddess was floating before the shattered walls of the greenhouse, face twisted in anguish. She brought up her hands to her face, dully sinking down to the ground. Her hair swayed behind her as she dropped to her knees, dismayed to see the destruction of the sacred tree.

Behind her was Lucian, his sword reclaimed and held tightly in his fist. His eyes were wide, and he looked shocked to see Odin. He quickly got over it, face turning serious. “Lenneth?” He called out, keeping his eyes locked on Odin.

“I’m here!” She called out, relieved to see the pair.

“We’re fine too.” Lezard added, sarcasm dripping in his voice. “Thanks for asking!”

“How could you?!” Freya demanded, green eyes staring at Odin.

“Freya…” repeated Odin. He seemed almost at a loss for words. “Let me explain…”

“No thanks.” It was Lucian speaking up for the Goddess. “I think your actions speak for themselves.”

“SIlence mortal!” roared Odin. “This is not your affair!”

“The Hel it is not!” protested Lucian. “I’m making it my business!”

“Then you’ll die along with the rest of these fools!” retorted Odin, fingers spread wide, shooting out lightning at the warrior. Lucian bravely stood his ground, raising his sword up so that the flat of his blade was before his face. It caught the lightning, and he swung his sword forward, screaming out, “Shining Bolt!” It arced away from him, speeding towards Odin.

The God merely smirked, holding up his hand. The energy crashed into his palm, being absorbed back into his body. “If that’s the best you can do, no wonder Lenneth looks to the wizard to protect her.” taunted the Elder God.

“You…” Lucian sputtered impotently. He went to take a step forward, intent on engaging Odin in physical combat. “Lucian no!” It was Freya speaking, rising to her feet. “This is my battle.”

“But…” He hesitated, looking doubtfully at the Goddess. “Can you really face him and win?”

“Right now I’m the only one who can.” She was lifting up into the air, not bothering to look at the warrior. “Go to Lenneth’s side…protect her.” He was opening his mouth to protest, but already Freya had disappeared. His blue eyes turned to Odin, seeing the air shimmer behind him. The green clad Goddess reappeared, golden globes of ether in both her hands. She was positioned slightly higher than Odin, her eyes sad as her clear voice rang out. “Ariel Burst!”

Gungnir flew up to intercept her attack, the ether being absorbed into the blade. Odin let out a heavy sigh, turning to face the beautiful Goddess. “Freya…” His eyes were turning back to normal, warmth appearing in the gray pupils. “Don’t do this…come back to me…come back to us…” He smiled charmingly, trying to ingratiate himself into her heart.

“Us?” She arched an eyebrow. “What about Hel?” Her voice asked tartly.

“Hel?” Odin looked surprised. “Is that why you left me?” He gave a short bark of laughter. “She means nothing to me!” He ran a hand through his hair, smoothing it back.

“I saw you two together! It looked a lot more than nothing to me!”

“You’re jealous!” He was amused. His smile enraged Freya, and she screamed out her anger, throwing more ether at him. “Ariel Burst!” Odin moved, faster than a human’s eyes could follow, appearing behind Freya. He grabbed at her wrists, holding her still against him. “Now now…” he purred, sounding seductive in her ear. “There’s no need to be…you know I’ve always liked you best…” He was whispering in her ear, lips brushing against her cheek. Freya struggled in his grip, trying to break free.

“Don’t you know?” He continued, ignoring her attempts to get free. “I’ve always cared for you…always…loved you…”

“LIES!!” screamed Freya, and her aura lit up her body. She screamed out an attack, “Critical Flare!” Odin let out a scream as lasers flew out of her body, the God too close to dodge. He was forced to let go of her, staggering back as her power slammed into him. “Freya!” His eyes were hard, angry. “Don’t do this! You’re making a mistake!”

“The only one making a mistake is you!” Her eyes gleamed with unshed tears. “How could you align yourself with the bitch of Nifleheim?!”

“That bitch is the one who saved me after you left me for dead!” He retorted, trying to keep a lid on his temper. “Is it any wonder I feel gratitude towards her?”

“I can accept your gratitude, but I cannot accept your deceit!” Freya shouted, floating nearer to him. “You would hand Asgard over to her on a silver platter! You sent her to kill Lenneth! You have not only betrayed everyone who has ever looked up to you…but also…you have betrayed yourself!”

“I have done nothing but secure my power base in Asgard!!” yelled Odin.

“You needn’t have gone so far!”

“You know nothing!” He screamed, voice booming, shattering the remaining panes of glass in the greenhouse. “Nothing of what I went through! Not of the pain, the torture, the drain Lenneth was on my powers!”

“What about what I’ve gone through?!” demanded Freya. “I cried for you!” Angry tears threatened to fall from her eyes, blurring her vision. She blinked them back, not wanting to shed any more for the Elder God. “I mourned you…my heart broke when you died…and was reborn when you returned!”

“Freya…” He softened for a second, seeming at a loss for words. He stretched out his hand, beckoning her to him.

“No…” She weakly shook her head, refusing to touch him. Her mouth parted, a heavy sigh slipping past her lips. She started to say something, but it was lost to the sudden chanting of the mages. Their voices ringing out loud and clear, focusing all their energy together. Lezard stood behind Mystina, arms placed around her body, hands holding onto her stave. Her hands were just above his, a white knuckle grip on the unicorn’s horn. They spoke as though they had one voice, lifting up to the heavens their plea.

“If ye trust that thy eternal bonds shall be broken, then let our words be as a vengeful blade upon thee! Cosmic Spear!”

Their prayers went answered, a golden spear falling down from the sky, arching straight towards Odin. Gungnir came up, desperate to deflect the attack. The spear struck, and away the sacred treasure spun, embedding itself into the center of the pool. Odin let out an annoyed growl. “I see we will have to continue this conversation later…when they aren’t so many loose ends running about…”

“There will be no later!” hissed Freya, rushing towards him, fingers curled into claws.

Odin gave her a faint smile. “We will see.” He slapped her, and she let out a shocked cry, disbelieving that he had laid hands on her. “Freya!” She ignored Lenneth’s voice, floating in the air, a hand to her cheek as she stared at him. “It’s time to even up the odds…” Odin smirked. His voice took on an echoing quality, ringing out commandingly. “Hel, I have need of you!” He clapped and a burst of power shot out of him, the blinding light causing the mortals to look away.

“No!” gasped Freya, recovering from her shock. She zipped forward, hand stretched out to stop the God, but it was too late. A voluptuous form shimmered into view, an annoyed expression on her face. “How dare you just drag me down here without even asking!” Hel exclaimed, hands on her hips. She glanced around, doing a double take as she took in the situation she found herself in.

“I was…desperate.” admitted Odin. “I have need of your help.”

She was quiet only for a second, lips twisting up into a wicked smile. “What would you ever do without me?” She questioned, even as she turned to attack Freya. “Thunder Sword!” Freya cried out, hands spread out in Hel’s direction.

“Don’t hurt her too badly.” advised Odin, causing Hel’s eyes to flare with jealousy. “I have…uses for her still.”

“I’ll bet.” sneered Hel, moving out of the way of Freya’s attack. “Bloody fertility Goddesses!” She threw a spell at the blonde, shouting out, “Fire Lance!”

Slowly floating to the ground, a malicious look to his eyes, Odin held out his hand. Gungnir sang, responding to it’s master’s call, lifting out of the water. Dripping wet, it sped towards Odin’s outstretched hand, eager to be held once again. He smiled, holding it up before his face. “With this I am unbeatable!” He boasted, his feet touching down on the sand.

“Is that why you called for backup?” asked Lezard snidely.

“Freya is…confused.” Odin said, feeling the need to explain himself. “She just needs to come to her senses…”

“Sounds familiar…” muttered Lucian.

“Hel will keep her busy while I finish off you insects.” continued Odin, and with a cry he swung Gungnir forward, slicing through the air, ether energy arcs coming off the sharp blade. The four mortals all scattered, desperate to avoid being hit. Odin scowled. “Why do you resist me so?! Your fate is locked on! You will die…it is inevitable!”

“Sorry but I make my own fate!” shouted Lezard.

“Destiny is overrated.” agreed Mystina with a graceful shrug of her shoulders. “I rather forge my own.”

“Ever think it is your destiny to die here today?” questioned Lucian.

“You won’t win.” Lenneth said quietly. “We will stop you somehow.”

Odin laughed. “How delightfully naive your mortals are! It’s over! You have already lost! The apples are no more!”

“What have you done to Idunn?!” demanded Lucian. “Where is she?!”

“Heh…that would be telling.” Odin smirked. “I’ll make sure she never grows apples again!” His knees bent, Lucian let out an outraged cry moments before he sprang forward. His greves clanged loudly as he ran, his sword held low by his side. “Air Slash!” He shouted, twisting his body upwards. Odin brought down Gungnir, the spear sending up sparks as it clashed with Lucian’s sword.

“Ya!” Lucian was rebounding off the spear, spinning around to drive his sword point into Odin’s unprotected stomach.

“Oh please!” Odin rolled his eyes, annoyed. He smashed Gungnir into the crimson clad warrior’s face, and the boy fell backwards. “Lucian!” screamed Lenneth, wanting to rush to his side. Mystina grabbed at her arm, holding her back. “Let go of me!” Lenneth cried. “I have to go to him!”

“You do that and Odin wins!” snapped Mystina. “Tell her Lezard!”

Lezard was frowning, seeing green over Lenneth’s concern for the warrior. He looked away from Mystina, refusing to answer. Instead he brought his hand up to his face, sliding his glasses back up his nose.

“You’re finished!” Odin laughed triumphantly, pushing Gungnir’s pointed tip against Lucian’s throat. A trickle of blood appeared on his neck, the warrior gritting his teeth, refusing to show fear before the God.

“Prismatic Missile!” Lezard called out, trying the spell again. It exploded in Odin’s face, blinding him long enough for Lucian to roll out from underneath Gungnir. “Argh!” Odin howled, hand over his eyes. “I grow tired of you mages!” He thrust out his free hand, the lightning shooting out in all directions. There wasn’t enough time to throw up a shield, screams rang out as bodies tumbled backwards.

“Lezard!” Lenneth cried, looking around for him. He was some distance away, flat on the ground unmoving. She scrambled to her feet, intent on running towards him. A shadow appeared over her, and she whirled around, gasping to see Odin leering at her. “Time to face your maker!” He told her, hands reaching for her.

“Not today!” Lucian’s sword came swinging down between them, blade biting into Odin’s wrist. With a muted cry of intense concentration, muscles flexing, he pressed down on his blade, intending on cleaving off Odin’s hand. “Fool!” rallied Odin, throwing his arm up, Lucian flying back from the force. In the background Mystina was chanting, once again screaming out the words to Absolute Zero.

The ice chains formed on Odin, trapping him in place long enough for Lenneth to flee from him. He screamed and he raged, fighting against the ice, bit by bit breaking free. Lucian hurried to Lenneth’s side, stepping in front of her protectively. “I’ll die before I let you hurt her!” He bellowed his challenge at Odin.

Off to the side Lezard stirred. He coughed weakly, feeling the blood oozing out of his mouth. That last spell was a doozy. He thought to himself. He squinted, his vision blurred, realizing his glasses had fallen off in the scuffle. He shook his head, wishing he wasn’t so dependent on the gold frames for his sight. With a body shaking sigh, he rose up on his knees, crawling forward, trying to feel out the ground for his frames.

He listened to the background noise of the battle, knowing he was useless without his glasses. Ironically he found himself glad for Lucian’s presence, knowing the muscle clad buffoon would protect Lenneth to his last breath if need be. Mystina was also there, shouting out spell after spell, her voice sounding tired as she chanted. He had to find his glasses! He had to be there to lend his support.

Out of the corner of his eyes, something gold glinted, catching his attention. A smile was on his face, and he eagerly shuffled in that direction. His hand was reaching out, expecting to find the thin wire frames of his spectacles. What he felt instead was something perfectly round, with one long stem and a leaf attached to it’s center. What?! He thought, bringing the object before his face. He squinted, and it came into focus. He stifled his gasp, realizing it was an apple he held. And not just any apple, but a golden one!

If he could see, his eyes would have darted to Lenneth. Instead he remained staring at the apple, thoughts flooding his mind. This was an opportunity he had to consider very carefully. He held untold power in his hands, power that could tip the balance in their favor. Untapped potential waiting to be unlocked with a single bite. The power to become a God! It was what he had thought he had always wanted…but now he hesitated. What his heart truly desired was to keep Lenneth, now and forever by his side. He realized the apple could grant him that, give him an eternity with his beloved.

It twinkled at him, whispering seductively, urging him to take a bite. Power…immortality…love…could it offer him all these things? Did he dare find out? He heard Lenneth scream out in pain, and his gaze hardened. “I will protect you.” He whispered. “I’ll become more powerful than anyone for that purpose.” He was bringing the apple to his mouth, hand shaking. “So that I will never have to relinquish my hold on you…” His free hand grabbed his shaking one, trying to hold his wrist still. “So that we’ll be together…forever…” The apple was at his mouth, his lips parting to let his teeth nip at it’s surprisingly tender surface.

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Erg long chapter…Fight scenes are a mixed thing for me. They can be fun…but also can be aggravating to write. Triple argh since it looks like a lot more to be had before this story is over…I’ll probably be sick of writing ‘em! I was really tired by the end of this chapter, hope it doesn’t show…”passes out.” Gonna die from all the fighting…AHHHHH!! I also worry that this is a weak chapter writing wise…

T.B.C.

—–Michelle