COF 30

 Nausea and dizziness competed with each other, firmly griping hold of her body. Lenneth kept her eyes shut tightly, not wanting to see the sights she knew were waiting to assault her eyes. She didn’t dare open her eyes, not until she felt all movement had stopped. Last time she had risked a peek up at Lezard, she had seen them floating in the sky, the world seeming upside down to her, blurring by so fast she was almost ill on his shirt.

Lenneth hated how she clinged to the necromancer, fingers digging into his blouse, her head buried on his shoulder. She didn’t like the way she quivered as his one hand stroked the back of her hair, his other arm around her waist, holding her tightly to him. He touched her almost absentmindedly, intense concentration on his mind as he tried to get the hang of divine teleportation. It would have been better if he had stuck to what he knew, less troublesome, less time consuming, and certainly he would not have been inflicting sights that left Lenneth terrified as they skipped all around the nine realms.

Lenneth spared a thought to wonder if he was trying to throw off potential pursuers. She choked back a bitter laugh. As if there would be any, not while Odin still had Freya to deal with! But the muted mutterings in her ear told her Lezard simply was not ending up where he desired. She listened to the bells ringing, as once again he made the astral jump, dragging her along for the ride.

Air was replaced with solid ground beneath her heels, and she felt grateful to be able to stand up on her own two feet. Lezard let out a pleased sound, his fingers still entwined in her hair, still fussing with her braid. Cautiously Lenneth opened her eyes, stone walls filling her vision for the moment. It reminded her of a prison, and she slowly raised her head from Lezard’s shoulder. Lenneth blinked, taking in the room, seeing the familiar bed, the delicate furniture meant to be appeasing to a female’s eye. She turned, catching sight of the quilt on the wall, with it’s alchemic symbols sewn into the corners, the Valeth family crest positioned in it’s center.

She despaired to see it, knowing there was no mistaking where they were, where Lezard had brought her. Lenneth had spent far too much time confined to this hated room to mistake it as anywhere else. They were back in his tower, back in the bedroom he had prepared for her. Her lips curled up in distaste, body shaking. “Shhh…” She heard Lezard, his voice trying to soothe her with it’s low timber. “It’s all right Lenneth, you’re safe now.”

“No…” Her voice wavered, and she shook her head, bangs brushing across his chin. “NO!” She was jerking away, or at least Lenneth attempted to, Lezard’s hands on her body were like a steel vise, unbreakable by her mere mortal frame. “Why did you bring me here…” She whispered, falling still against him.

Lezard was quiet for moment, just holding her as he considered his words. He bowed his face against hers, lips brushing her forehead as he sighed. “I wanted to talk to you.”

“I have nothing to say to you.” Lenneth retorted, eyes lowered so that she stared down into his chest.

“Then just listen.” Lezard begged.

“No…! Everything you say is a lie, your own twisted version of truth!” snapped Lenneth. She began moving in his arms again. “Take me back!”

“No!”

“Damn it Lezard, take me back!” Lenneth was thrashing about, Lezard grabbing at her, trying to hold her still. His hands slid all over her body, touching her in places that left her fuming, wondering if his hands accidentally or purposefully chose to brush across such parts. Knowing him, he’s doing it on purpose! She thought, her eyes narrowing into a glare.

Lenneth twisted about in his arms, managing to turn her back to him, pushing against his groping hands. “I won’t stay here with you!” She was shouting, voice getting louder and louder, almost hysterical. “I’ll die before I become your captive again!”

“Don’t say that!” Lezard was hugging her from behind, and her cheeks flamed. “Lenneth I know you’re upset but…”

“Upset?!” She let out a bitter laugh. “That word doesn’t even begin to describe what I’m feeling right now! Upset!” She scoffed, mocking him. She gave one last hard tug, and nearly fell down as his arms suddenly released her. She stumbled, catching her footing, and whirled around to face him, blue eyes blazing. “Fool…” She whispered, Lezard unsure of who she referred to.

“How could I have been so trusting, so naive…” Lenneth continued, staring sadly at Lezard. “They tried to warn me, and I didn’t listen! Her anger flared up again. “I didn’t listen! I tried to defend you!”

“I’m glad you did…” He answered honestly, but she wouldn’t have any of it. “How you must have been laughing on the inside, how thrilled you must be that your deceit so fully convinced me.” She paused, a horrible thought occurring to her. “Was it all just an act? A farce you set up with Hel to get me to believe in you?!”

“No Lenneth no!” Lezard was coming forward, unable to keep from her touching her. She tried to push his hands away, and he grabbed at her wrists, holding them still. “The danger was real, as is my love for you!”

“You have no love!” She informed him coldly. “Your heart is as black as your wings!”

“It is not…” Lezard whispered, stricken. “It’s real and beats, existing for you alone!” Unspoken were the words that with one word, one angry look she could crush his heart as easily as she could crush a flower in her lily white fist.

Lenneth was shaking her head, eyes closed to avoid seeing the pained look on his face. “You don’t love me…” She insisted once again. “You merely seek to…to possess me! That’s all I am to you, something you can claim, something you can call your own!”

“No…I would have you be mine because I love you!” He grabbed at her face, trying to be as gentle as possible as he stopped it’s shaking. “Lenneth, look at me!”

“No!”

“Look at me!” He yelled, the force of his breath blowing back her braid. Lenneth reluctantly opened her eyes, and saw Lezard brush his lips against hers. “I love you.” He repeated, butterfly soft kisses on her face.

“You sicken me…” She retorted, staring over his shoulder as he kissed along her jaw line. His hand was finding it’s way back into her hair, holding her head trapped against his mouth. “You don’t mean that…”

“Yes I do.” A sob was caught in her throat, anger with herself for ever allowing him to touch her.

“No you don’t.” insisted Lezard, pausing in his attempts to kiss her. “You’re just upset, but once you calm down…then you’ll…”

“I’ll what?!” demanded Lenneth, arching one delicate eye brow. Lezard mouth opened and closed, the new God at a lost for words. He nervously massaged her scalp with his fingers, trying to calm himself as much as her. Lenneth was shifting uncomfortable with the gesture, ill at ease with his hands on her. Her body wanted to lean into that touch, wanting to be soothed and lied to.

“Stop it…” She whispered out loud, meaning her traitorous body’s reaction to him. She was surprised when his hands pulled away, the wizard thinking she had spoken to him.

“Why couldn’t you have…”

“Why couldn’t I have what?” Lezard asked when she didn’t offer him anymore. He watched as she closed her eyes for one brief second, nervously licking her lower lip. “Why couldn’t you have been someone else…”

“I’m sorry?” He was confused.

“Why couldn’t you have proven to be the better man…to be something other than power hungry!” Anger was in her eyes, but pain fought with it, trying to be the dominant emotion in her cerulean gaze. “Why?” Her voice dropped down low. “Why, why, why?!” She started beating her fists against his chest, and he let her, the blows being as insignificant as raindrops to him.

“Lenneth…”

“Necromancer! Defiler of Souls! Betrayer!” She hurled those words at him in accusation, causing Lezard’s shoulders to droop, his wings sagging down so that the tips of them brushed against the floor. “And after all this…” Lenneth’s breath caught in her throat. “I am the fool.”

“No you’re not.” He said, trying to reassure her with his words.

“Yes I am!” insisted Lenneth heatedly. “Because…even after all of that…all of your crimes…I still…” She let out a shaky, shuddery breath of air. “I still love you.”

Lezard was staring down at the floor, not prepared for those words. I hate you yes, but not those particular, wonderful words! “You what…?” He raised his eyes to her, not wanting to get his hopes up. Lenneth was staring at him, her eyes having a wet sheen to them, as she struggled not to cry out her pain. “I love you!”

“You love me?” Lezard repeated, his heart skipping a beat at her confession.

“Yes…” Lenneth whispered, seeming to have just realized it herself. He watched as she backed away from him, all the while staring him in the eyes. Lenneth gave a start of fright as her back hit the wall, her tears threatening to fall. She let out a deep sigh, seeming close to fainting, and slowly sank down to her knees. She wrapped her arms around her body, and gave in to the cries, sobbing her heart out.

Lenneth didn’t even look up at the sound of his footsteps approaching her, her heart trying to break apart. It would have been better if Odin had killed me. She thought. Then to go through this agony…this pain of loving him.

“Lenneth…” He was kneeling down next to her, wings bending uncomfortably on the floor. He gently reached out to her, tilting her chin up to stare into her eyes. His other hand went to caress her face, thumb stroking her tears away. “Do not weep.” Her tears continued, making him feel helpless. This was not how he had imagined a proclamation of love would occur between them!

“Please my love…” A loud sob at that. “Just hear me out.” Lezard said, his voice soft and begging.

Lenneth shook her head stubbornly. “No.”

“Please…it won’t cost you anything to hear my words and…and…” He hesitated over the next words, but knew they had to be said. “If you’re not satisfied with what I tell you…then…I’ll take you back.”

“Wh…what?” She stumbled over the word, not daring to believe.

“I give you my word I will take you back…to Lucian and Freya…” It hurt him to say this, to make this bargain with her.

“How can I believe you will do what you say?” asked Lenneth suspiciously.

“You’ll just have to trust in me…” Lenneth let out a strangled sound at that, and Lezard realized it was a laugh she had choked on.

“Trust! You?!” But she sighed, leaning her head back against the wall. “All right…I’ll listen.”

“Thank you.” A brief smile crossed Lezard’s face. “It’s true I made that deal with Hel…and it’s true I would do it all over again…”

“You can’t…won’t even deny it?!” demanded Lenneth, letting out that bitter sounding laugh.

“I am not ashamed to admit my weakness!” He raised his voice over her laughter, and he saw her cringe back, finding his voice too loud. “I would do it all again, so that I could be with you.”

“Are you done?” She asked dully, starting to stand.

“No!” He gently pushed her back to the floor. “Oh Lenneth…if only you could know the depths of my desire for you…understand how much I loved you even then, before getting to know you. It truly was love at first sight for me, and I would do anything to have you!” She was staring at him, seemingly unmoved by his words.

“It was after my latest failure with my homunculus that Hel appeared to me.” continued Lezard. “I had no idea of her alliance with Odin, of their plans! You have to believe me! The politics of Asgard mean little to me, you were all that mattered…still matter.” He sighed. “She approached me asking me for a favor, purposing a one time alliance. I was doubtful of her intentions, but all that ceased to matter when she told me your very life was at stake.”

“My…my life?” asked Lenneth.

“Yes…Hel said she wanted to get rid of you, her rival. That she would do it with or without my help. I couldn’t bear the thought of you dead, and the alternative was all too attractive.” Lezard sighed. “I don’t expect you to be grateful but…at least try to understand. It was a seductive thing to think I could make my spell work…to meet you at last, to hold you in my arms. And if I could be your savior in the process well…” He gave a shrug of his shoulders, feathers rustling.

“Why didn’t you tell me from the start?” She demanded.

“Truthfully I didn’t think it would matter. Wouldn’t make a difference in your feelings for me.” A fond look was in his eyes. “You were so angry! So stubborn and proud, refusing to accept your mortality. It even made me doubt we would ever come to a point where you could care for me.”

“I…did not think I could come to love my kidnapper either.” She blushed, looking away from his eyes. “Why didn’t you tell me the truth when Hel started her attacks on us?”

“By then I thought it was too late. I couldn’t help but think you would blame me, for making it easier for the Goddess to harm you!” Lezard replied.

“Perhaps…Lezard…” She was looking at him carefully. “I have one more thing to ask you. From what point did you start lusting for the apples?”

Now it was his turn to look away, ashamed. “I must admit…I wanted one the minute I heard about them. But! It was only so I could remain by your side! I realized that not only could we stay together, but that I could have the power to protect you from whatever Hel threw at us!”

“So I am to believe your ulterior motives were born out of noble intentions?” Lenneth said this a tad sarcastically

“…yes…” He let out a helpless sigh. “Yes I wanted the apples, yes I am a selfish, twisted excuse for a man, but everything I have done has been for you! I held back my desires, fought with myself every inch of the way in regards to stealing one of those apples.”

“A battle you lost.” pointed out Lenneth.

“I had no choice. You were in danger!” His eyes blazed with the urgency he had felt in that moment. “I had to do something…even if it meant losing you in a far different way. Lenneth…” He bowed his head, resting his forehead against hers. “Please tell me I haven’t lost you…”

“I…”

“Please!” He cried out desperately.

“I don’t know!” Lenneth shouted, eyes looking lost and confused. “I don’t know what to think…everything is going wrong…you, me…my heart…”

“Tell me how I can fix it…” Lezard whispered.

“I just don’t know…” She sighed. This time she was the one to touch him, fingering the silken strands of his hair. “I do love you…that is a fact, though my mind protests it as wrong.”

“It’s not wrong…love is never wrong!” insisted Lezard.

“Perhaps.”

“Lenneth…” He briefly closed his eyes. “There’s something else I withheld from you.”

“What now?” She asked warily. She was so tired of the lies, of his deceit. Lenneth watched as he reached into his pocket, searching for something. He slowly removed his hand, holding the object in a way that it was hidden from her. “Perhaps…this will convince you of my sincerity.” He lifted his hand to her face, Lenneth’s eyes widening as his hand unfurled, shocked to see what he held in the palm of his hand.

“Lezard…” Her blue eyes were soft with wonder, her lips parting to gasp out his name.

“I saved it for you.” He watched as Lenneth looked down at the golden treasure in his hand, seeing the single, solitary bite taken out of the small apple. “So that we could be together…for all eternity.”

“You didn’t eat it all…” She gasped, not daring to believe what she saw before her face. “You saved some for me…” She felt her eyes tear up, hot and wet, pleased tears that wanted to fall.

“Eat Lenneth…eat…” urged Lezard. “And then…we will go help the others.” He took hold of her hands, placing the apple into her trembling grip. She made no move, still staring at him with that unreadable expression on her face. “Lezard I…”

“Shhh…” He placed a finger against her lips. “There’s no time.”

“Yes…” agreed Lenneth, and slowly she raised the apple to her mouth, a shiver of anticipation running through her. She kept her gaze locked onto Lezard’s, staring almost dreamily into his eyes as she bit down on the apple. It tasted like the sweetest of ambrosia, and she let out a moan not having realized how much she had missed the food of the Gods.

Some of the apple’s juices leaked down the side of her mouth and she watched as Lezard leaned into her, taking hold of her face. She squirmed as his tongue darted out, licking across her chin, lapping up the stray juice. She was swallowing as he licked up to her mouth, his lips parting to kiss her possessively. Lenneth kissed him back, not bothering to hide her eagerness. She wound a hand into his hair even as she felt the apple travel down her throat, felt it settle deep down in her stomach.

Lenneth didn’t know what to expect, but she certainly didn’t anticipate the pleasure that rolled through her body. She let out a wanton moan, Lezard eagerly drinking it down as he kissed her. His arm was on her, pulling her into his lap, one hand pressing against her lower back. She wiggled and she squirmed as she straddled his legs, enjoying the feel of him rubbing against her, heightening the pleasure she felt.

Lezard pulled back from kissing Lenneth, brushing back the hair from her eyes. He watched as the blue of her eyes clouded over with desire, listened to the gasping and moaning she was doing, knowing she was caught in the first, pleasurable throes of the apple’s toxins. She arched against him, one more cry before she was slumping down weakly in his arms, breathing heavily.

He kissed her again, knowing what was coming, desperately wishing he could spare her the coming pain. Her body was racked with a vicious shake, and her breath became shuddery. Suddenly her eyes were flying open, and she tried to scramble out of his arms, screaming wildly in his face. “Le…Lezard!” Lenneth cried out. “It…It hurts!”

“Shhh…I know my love, I know.” He said helplessly. “It’ll be over soon enough.” But he knew she would wish to die before the apple was done with her. He watched as she gripped her arms, fingers curling into claws. Her nails scratched along her skin, drawing blood. Lezard grabbed at her wrists, pulling her hands away before she could inflict any more damage on her skin.

Lenneth thrashed about in Lezard’s arm, her tears flowing freely at the immense pain she was feeling. Traitorous sensations tingled up and down her body, her every nerve feeling as though it was on fire. She wasn’t even aware of scratching at her own skin, didn’t even feel the pain as her blood welled to the surface. She wailed again and again, unseeing as Lezard lowered her flat to the floor, unaware of the pain in his eyes as he held her down.

Writhing against him, trying to break free, Lenneth screamed as her back came alive. Knives stabbed into her skin, and she heard a ripping sound. She realized in horror it was coming from her, her shoulder blades tearing apart to release something. It flowed out of her brushing against the floor, burning hot and oh so large. It tore through the back of her tunic, needing to be free.

Lezard hovered over Lenneth, keeping her pinned down to the floor. He watched as feathers flowed out from under her back, her beautiful white wings returned to her at last. He breathed all the better to know the pain would not last much longer, that her transformation was nearing it’s end. He watched as the bloody welts on her arms ceased dripping, watched as the skin healed over, unbroken and smooth once again.

He saw Lenneth’s aura change, the white of her soul becoming purple like his. With his divine eyes he watched as she became more beautiful, more breath taking in a way he could not explain. It was small changes to her appearance he witnessed, making her more exotic, an alien beauty that was not possible for man’s hands to recreate. He hadn’t even realized he had gotten the details wrong, and he laughed to think he could have ever hoped to match a Goddess’ beauty with mortal means.

Lenneth fell still, her eyes slowly opening, staring up at Lezard. She didn’t speak, just thought of what she had gone through, of the pain that was still running it’s course through her body, even as it receded in strength. It was something she hoped to never experience again, she thought with a shudder.

“Lenneth?” Lezard asked cautiously, his hands still on her. “Is it over…?” She was staring at him, looking as though she had never seen him before. Suddenly she smiled, and she shifted, trying to get her arms free. Lezard released his grip on her, and she lifted a hand to his face, touching him with just her fingertips. “Thank you.” She pushed up on her elbow, one hand still stretched out to his face. She was studying his features, taking in everything about him with her new sight, noticing things her mortal eyes could not ever hope to see.

Lenneth felt her smile widen, and she leaned in towards Lezard. She wanted to kiss him, and she did not hold back that urge, pressing her lips against his surprised mouth. Explosions of sensation flooded her, the Valkyrie thrilling to the touch of him. She pulled back, letting out a joyful laugh, realizing even as a God she still loved him. Lezard gazed into her face, his eyes searching hers for answers. “Lenneth?”

She shook her head. “Now is not the time. The others…”

“Yes…” He agreed, but with a hint of disappointment to his tone. “We really should go help them.” She was touching his shoulders, skirting her hands down the length of his arms to take hold of his hands. She tugged on his hands, wanting him to rise up with her. Together they stood, and she did not let go of him, still smiling mysteriously as she looked at him.

Lezard watched as her eyes fluttered closed, a look of intense concentration passing over her face. He saw the barest of movement by her wings, watched as she lit up with a white light, and the wings just seem to scatter into a shower of sparkles. “How did you do that?” He asked in wonder.

“I’ll teach you.” She promised, thinking of all the things she had to show him, of the new world she could introduce him to. Lenneth realized she was looking forward to it, realizing that she could rediscover the joys of divinity with him by her side. She was lifting up her hand to touch him again, sighing at how silky smooth his cheek felt to her now. She had been limited as a mortal, all her senses bound in restrictions, but now what she…what they could experience was limitless in possibility. And they had an eternity to explore it, together.

————————————————————————————————————————————————–

Lucian let out a cry as he slammed into the gazebo’s column. He slumped down to his knees, breathing heavily. He looked up at the sound of heels clicking to a stop before him, an angry look in his eyes. Hel stood before him, hands on her hips. “You disappoint me Lucian!” She said, and raised a manicured hand to her lips. She pretended to stifle a yawn. “I thought you’d put up a better fight than this!”

“I’ve only just started…” panted Lucian. “Give me a break…”

“Oh I’ll give you a break…” She laughed, coming closer. “In fact several!” She rushed forward to grab hold of his injured hand, squeezing down on the bone with all her might. Lucian let out an agonized scream, hearing the bone crack. “Yes, more…scream louder and harder!” She was swinging him forward, throwing him again. He flew through the air, landing amidst the carefully tended greenery, flowers and pots smashing underneath his armored form.

With a groan he struggled to sit up, knowing the Goddess was only toying with him, much like a cat with a mouse. He watched her approach, seeing his sword in her hands. “Get up.” She ordered, throwing his sword down. It landed point down between his legs, just missing stabbing his tender flesh. “Let me see the technique of one of the fabled warrior spirits of Valhalla!”

Keeping his blue eyes fixed on the Goddess, he cautiously reached forward with his good hand. Grasping hold of his blade’s handle, he yanked it out of the ground. Hel backed up a step, gesturing at him to strike her with all his might. He slowly stood up, contemplating her form. With a cry, he ran at her, stepping in close to her body. She sidestepped him, moving from left to right, avoiding his wild swings. Suddenly she gasped, glancing down to see his sword stuck in her stomach. Her features twisted into rage, and she backhanded him away from her.

He left his sword behind, still buried in her middle. Divine blood coated the blade, and with a pained cry she grabbed at the sword. She gave a vicious yank, pulling the blade free in one quick move. “That hurt.” Hel said through gritted teeth. The sword clattered to the ground.

“I’m glad…” Lucian said, dizzily getting to his feet.

“Enjoy it while you can.” She said, and pointed in his direction. “Ifrit’s Caress!”

Lucian screamed as the fires caressed his body from head to toe. His flesh blistered underneath his armor, slowly roasting him alive. He dropped to the sand, rolling about, trying to put out the flames. The sound of Hel’s sadistic laughter filled his ears, as did his own screams.

“Lucian!” It was Freya, her voice ringing out with alarm. “Ether Strike!” A scream from Hel, bells ringing in the air. “Oh Lucian…” Dimly he was aware of hands touching him, gently turning him over. The tender touch soothed back his hair, stroking his face with a care that surprised him.

“Freya!” Odin had been surprised when she had suddenly abandoned the fight with him. Astonishment colored his eyes as he saw her teleport to the side of the crimson colored warrior. Jealousy surged as he watched her smile down at the human boy. “Freya!” He called again, watching as she looked up in acknowledgment. “Leave that worthless mortal alone!”

“He’s not worthless!” retorted the golden haired Goddess. “He’s brave and he’s kind…and he’s worth ten of you!”

Odin blinked, taken back by her words. Did she have feelings for the whelp? His expression hardened. “Step away from him.”

“No!”

“Do not make me ask you again!” snarled Odin, fist clenching on Gungnir’s handle.

“Ether Strike!” She said in reply, flinging her hands in his direction. Odin grimaced, holding up the sacred lance, absorbing the attack. “Cease this useless resistance at once!” He ordered. “I don’t want to have to hurt you.”

“It’s far too late for that!” Freya said, standing up.

“I keep telling you…” Odin began. “Things can go back to the way they were between us. We needn’t be at each other’s throats.”

“Oh really?” Freya arched an eyebrow, hands on hips. “Then what about Hel?”

“What about her?” He asked softly, taking a step towards Freya. She watched him warily, listening as his voice turned low, seductive. “You’re the one I care about, the one I want to be my Queen.”

“You share your throne with no one!” Freya retorted.

“That was true once…” He agreed. “But death has changed me, allowed me to see the bigger picture.” Odin was in front of her, hand stretching out to touch her face. Her eyes fell close, a shaky sigh emitting from her lips. As much as Freya tried to deny it, she still cared for Odin, and missed his touch.

“Don’t…”

Odin pressed on. “I want…no I need you by my side. Together we are unstoppable…the nine realms would be laid at our feet…”

“You’ve turned bloodthirsty conqueror since dying.” noted Freya, but she didn’t step away from his caressing hand. He was smiling at her like he had in the old days, warmth in his gray eyes, the God leaning in closer to her, pressing his body against hers. Her head was tilting upwards, almost as though she couldn’t stop it, and Freya feared that if he wanted to kiss her, she’d let him.

“Muspelheim Maelstrom!” Hel’s voice rang out, the powerful magic attack crashing into both Gods’ bodies. Screams intermingling together, Odin and Freya fell apart, smashing into the sandy floor.

“Odin!” hissed Hel, seething with jealousy. “What do you think you are doing?!” She couldn’t believe her eyes upon regaining consciousness from Freya’s last attack. Seeing her lover looking very much like he wanted to kiss the damn Fertility Goddess!

“Ugh…” groaned Odin, seeing stars. “Just trying a different tactic my love.” The lie slipped easily enough from his tongue. “One that was working.” He added pointedly.

“Well don’t do it again!” snapped Hel, hands on hips. “Or else I might accidentally unleash my magic on you!”

Freya was pushing herself up off the ground, shaking her head, trying to clear her ears of the buzzing sound she heard. Emerald eyes gazed in the direction of the two squabbling Gods, and she wondered how she was supposed to win against both Odin and Hel with only two mortals to back her up. She feared the situation was hopeless, and wondered if she should just give up. Lenneth was lost, stolen away by Lezard, and the apples destroyed. She didn’t even know what had happened to Idunn, Odin being surprisingly tightlipped about the Goddess’ ultimate fate.

Freya let out a world weary sigh, body and spirit emotionally exhausted. Her hands went to her head, adjusting her helmet, brushing the hair out of her face. She smoothed her hands down her dress, brushing the sand off the green material. Preparation done, she hardened her eyes, lifting up her voice in stern disapproval. “Odin! Hel!” She called out her challenge. “Prepare to be cleansed!”

She began her teleportation attack, shifting from spot to spot in order to leave her prey disorientated. “Divine Assault…” She called out from above them, watching as they both spun around, frantic to locate her. She was already fading away, even as Hel caught a brief glance of her eyes. “Ether Eruption!”

The golden ether was eager to escape from her hands, a globe of it that quickly grew in size, rapidly barreling down towards the two Gods. She watched as it grew larger and larger, becoming big enough to dwarf several people in it’s mass. It touched down on the ground, and there was a pause, silence except for crickets in the garden. Everything hung on the whisper of power, waiting for the explosion. It did not disappoint, chunks of ground as well as bodies lifting up into the air, hurtling to slam back down.

Freya was surprised to feel she was panting, finding the attack had left her incredibly weakened. She floated down to the ground, feeling as though she was ready to drop out of the air from tiredness. She glanced around the battlefield, seeing Mystina cautiously approach Lucian’s body. The female mage knelt down, hands carefully touching his shoulders. Lucian cried out in pain, the blonde positioning him so that his head lay cushioned in her lap.

It was a shaky hand that she raised, the stave placed to Lucian’s forehead. “Heal!” Nothing happened. “Heal!” Mystina cried out again, desperately weak from having been drained by Lezard. “Damn it heal!” Her eyes welled with tears, helpless frustration at her inability to cast even the simplest of spells. “Damn you Lezard!” She cried out, the tears dripping onto Lucian’s face.

His eyes open, a pure blue that gazed up into her own eyes. “Don’t cry Mysty…Mystina…” Lucian said, offering her a weak smile. His attempts at comforting her only made her tears worse, and she bent over him, wailing out her grief.

The dust settled, pebbles of rock sliding down into the gaping hole in the middle of the greenhouse. Hel lay bleeding in the center of it, clutching at her stomach. Her hands were slick with her blood, the Goddess of Nifleheim desperate to stop it’s flow. She lifted her head in Freya’s direction, pure hatred in her eyes, as she started to pass out from pain. Freya ignored her, desperately casting about for Odin.

“Looking for me?” The Elder God said from behind her. Freya let out a gasp, whirling around to face him. He sneered, all traces of warmth gone from his face. “I’ll accept this as your resignation.” He informed her. “Now come…accept your severance package!”

Freya gasped, blood spurting out her mouth as Odin slammed Gungnir into her face. She fell backwards with a cry, stumbling against a sapling. She raised a shaking hand to her face, fingering her swollen jaw, watching in despair as Odin drew near.

“We could have had everything together!” He shouted. “Untold power!”

“What about trust?” she demanded, and he slapped her across the face.

“Trust?! Who needs it! Not when you can crush any who stand in your way!” sneered Odin. “Including you Freya!” He raised Gungnir, pointing it at her. It crackled with power, splattered with dust and her blood. “You are a fool!” He announced in disgust. “I should have known you were too weak to be by my side.” He raised his hand, intending to finish her off once and for all.

Freya closed her eyes, cringing back as she awaited the final blow. It did not come, instead Gungnir slammed into the ground, Odin falling to his knees. “Ngh…” He muttered, grasping Gungnir in a two handed grip. Freya’s eyes widened. Was that sweat she saw on his brow.

“No…” He shivered. “It can’t be…” His aura wavered, and she saw a drain on his power, though she did not know what caused it. She didn’t stop to think on it long, using this opportunity to gather her strength, teleporting away from her would be killer.

Reappearing by the gazebo, she leaned against one it’s columns for support. I don’t know if I have the energy left for another attack. She watched as Odin slowly rose, swaying in place. He took a stumbling step forward, and then another, growing stronger. His lips twisted into a scowl, displeasure on his face. He cast about looking for Freya, his eyes falling on the two mortals.

He grinned, cruelty in his eyes, and strode forward. Mystina stared at his approach, fearful but unable to abandoned Lucian to the God. “I grow tired of this.” Odin told her. “What was fun sport now simple grows bothersome. It is time to put an end to your existence.” He brought his hand forward, palm aimed at the two blondes. “This means nothing to me.” He said conversationally. “You two are beneath my notice, mere bugs I seek to crush underneath my foot. Your deaths will be but a stain on my shoe, ultimately meaning nothing, changing nothing. All your struggles were for naught.” He laughed, charging up power in his hand, and suddenly he faltered. “No…” He murmured to himself, staring aghast at his arm. He gave a shake of his hand, and the power returned, flaring brighter than before.

“Die…” He said simply, and Mystina ducked her head, not wanting to watch the end come for her.

“Reflect Sorcery!” A voice called out, a bubble shield forming around the two mortal’s bodies. The attack backlashed into Odin’s body, sending him stumbling backwards. Mystina raised her head, her beautiful face streaked with tears. “Oh Mysty…” said the voice, sighing. “Don’t you know by now it’s always darkest before the dawn?” She frowned looking up at the night sky, seeing the moon still high in the air.

“Le…Lezard?” She said the name, unwilling to believe, not wanting to believe it was him. Her eyes widened as sparkles showered down from the sky, touching the ground. Upon touching the sand it flared up, twisting together to form a column of white light. It expanded, and she blinked against the brightness. She tried to watch the light, but was forced to turn away, missing as two shadows appeared in the center of it.

Freya was also watching, eyes growing wide as she saw two people embracing in the center of the light. Their features came into focus, the man darkly handsome with brown hair, clad in a white shirt and black leather pants. The woman, shorter than him was dressed in a gray tunic with blue sash, complimenting her weirdly colored hair of platinum blue. The wings on the man wasn’t the oddest thing about the pair, no…the thing that had Freya gaping in shock was the strong aura of Godliness about the pair, the strong, purple, pulsating light around the girl’s form.

“Le…Lenneth?” gasped out Freya, thinking she was hallucinating. She leaned heavily against the column, wanting to drop down to her knees. “Blessed be!” She cried out. The Valkyrie was a God once more!

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

So as much as I complain about the fight scenes, they were actually easier to write than some of the Lezard Lenneth scene in this chapter. Mainly the parts where Lenneth was angry at Lezard and he was trying to get her to listen to him. I stumbled and faltered, and sat here staring at the monitor, trying to find the words I wanted to say. Hope it reads all right.

—-Michelle