COF 35

 It happened in an instant, vampires charging forward, swarming like ants around the two Valkyrie sisters. They pressed in all around the pair, a wall of undead flesh that sought to obscure the sight of the women from the rest of their party. Claws slashing, fangs bared, both appendages eager to sink into divine flesh, rend the two battle maidens limb from limb.

Hrist and Lenneth stood back to back, swords at the ready, ever moving, ever twirling. Lenneth held up her left hand, ether swirling around her fingers, lobbing energy into the heart of the angry mob. It made little difference, there was too many of them, pressing in, grabbing at her hair, trying to yank her sword free. Lenneth could hear her name being called out, Lezard and Lucian, both men sounding panic stricken. But she didn’t have time to comfort them, didn’t have the chance to spare the breath to call out in reply. Too focused was she on keeping the vampires off her and her sister, vaguely aware of Hrist’s movements out of the corner of her eye.

“Fire storm!” There was Lezard again, shouting out his spells, doing his best to reach her. “Explosion!” Bodies lifting into the air, torn to pieces from the force of the deadly spell, showering parts down onto the vampires.

“Ether Strike!” Freya was doing her part as well, lobbing ether balls, picking off the vampires that skirted the outside of the pack. Lenneth had no doubt that Lucian’s sword was busy stabbing into the fiends, the blonde haired youth sounding desperate to reach her.

Brahms had fallen silent, leaning against a pillar, feeling his blood start to slow as his body began the process of healing. He sighed, a deep huff of air, just watching as his minions eagerly did battle. He occasionally glanced at Silmeria’s crystal, wondering if she was aware of what was going on, and if she wept at the sight of her sisters doing battle.

Hrist was snarling, desperately hanging onto her sanity, not wanting to lose herself to the blood lust of the beserker. Blood was everywhere, her sword causing it to shoot up in wide arcs as she slashed, drenching her front with the dark red liquid. She couldn’t keep from letting out a laugh, wild and vicious, stabbing her right arm forward, watching with cool eyes as her arm pierced right through the back of the vampire’s chest. She brought up her leg, planting her foot against his stomach, using it as leverage to free her blade from the mess that was his torso.

“Lenneth!” The Goddess risked a look upwards, seeing Lezard had taken to the air, black wings flapping as he flew close to the ceiling, seeking her out. A female vampire took advantage of her distraction to slice open her cheek with her claws, Lenneth letting out a gasp as she saw her blood sprinkle onto the floor. The vampiress smirked, lifting bloodied fingers to her mouth, tasting Lenneth’s blood, moaning in approval. Other vampires noticed the treat, and turned on their comrade, attacking her viciously, one ripping her hand clean off to lick at her fingers.

Lenneth watched this display in disgust, seeing as vampires fell to their knees like dogs, licking at the blood on the floor. With a snarl, Lenneth kicked out her leg, knocking a vampire away from her, embedding her sword tip into the head of another. Her cheek was already healing, these vampire weaklings lacking the magic and strength to do permanent harm to the Creator.

Lezard circled over head, wanting to land next to Lenneth, but the vampires crowded in so close there wasn’t enough room for him to squeeze in. He swooped down low, buzzing at the vampires, grabbing at them, lifting them up by their shoulders one by one, flinging them away from Lenneth. They flew back with a screech, Lucian ready and waiting, the blonde leaping into the air, slashing his sword across their bodies.

“Explosion!” shouted Lezard once again, setting off the spell as close to Lenneth as he dared. He heard a sound, glancing over his shoulder to see Freya had joined him in the air. Her face was angry, eyes narrowed as she tossed down her ethereal energy at the vampires.

“This is a delaying tactic!” Freya shouted at him, even as she thrust her hand forward, incinerating a trio of vampires. “Brahms hopes to keep us here until morning comes!”

“How can you be sure?” asked Lezard, smacking at a vampire who was clawing at his feet, trying to get a firm hold on his leg.

“I have heard rumors that in the abyss, Brahms is unstoppable!” Freya replied. “It must be what he is waiting for…”

“We cannot allow that to happen!” decided Lezard, and he was off, flying towards the Vampire Lord with an angry cry.

“Lezard!” Freya was fast on his heels, floating after him, golden ether curling around her hands. “Yah!” She flung out her arms, fingers splayed wide, ether beams shooting out towards the vampires that stood guard near their master.

“Ifrit Caress!” commanded Lezard, casting his fingers towards Brahms. The flames licked up and down his body, harmless fire that merely made the Vampire Lord laugh. Lezard let out annoyed growl, trying out another spell. “Explosion!” The pillar the vampire leaned against crumbled to pieces, Brahms straightening up in the dust cloud that was kicked up in the wake of the spell.

“Prepare to be cleansed!” Freya shouted, teleporting closer to Brahms. “Divine Assualt…” Her hands were up over her head, an immense ball of energy forming. “Ether Strike!” She flung her arms downwards, aiming the ball of golden ether at the Vampire Lord. That caused him to groan, taking a step back.

“Magic won’t work against Brahms…” Freya explained. “Only the divine energies or specially prepared weapons can damaged the Lord of all the undead.”

“Now you tell me!” muttered Lezard, a scowl on his face. He concentrated, trying to bring forth the ether his divine body naturally produced. It sputtered around his fingers, impotent little puffs of energy that wouldn’t harm even a kitten.

“You are still learning…” Freya said with a shake of her head. “It will take time to master your powers…”

“Time we do not have!” protested Lezard, anxiety written on his face.

“Freya…” snarled Brahms, having recovered from her attack. “I did not think you would dare face me in battle…”

“It is a day of surprises, undead monster!” She retorted, gathering more ether in her hands.

“So it is!” Brahms laughed. “Then come down and face me if you dare!”

With a cry she was flying towards him, shooting ether at his face, blinding him. She got in close, the divine energy pooled around her fist as she punched him, shoving some of it into his gaping mouth. Brahms choked on her energy, swiping blindly with his claws. She floated out of reach, already shooting more ether beams at him.

“Get to Lenneth!” ordered Freya, even as Brahms’ claws snagged her by the hair. She screamed, feeling him rip out some of the blonde strands, lashing out with her leg into his chest.

“Freya!” Lucian was torn, unsure of whose side to run to. He kept on battling, trying to get closer to Lenneth, but it was a hopeless cause for one without the gift of flight. With a curse, he was turning, stabbing his sword into foes’ flesh as he ran, battling to reach the Fertility Goddess’ side.

Lezard flew past him, lobbing more fire spells into the crowd, the nauseating smell of roasting flesh filling the room. Lenneth and Hrist were still at the center of the mob, swords on a constant move, hacking away at the vampires that fought so determinedly to reach them.

“We’ve got to move…” Lenneth said to her sister, having lost count of how many vampires she had downed.

“Move where?!” demanded Hrist with an annoyed snort. “I barely have room to swing my sword!”

“Turn with me!” Lenneth said, not answering her question. They stayed back to back, shifting, and Lenneth stabbed her sword forward. “Stick close by, and follow…I’m going to clear us a path…”

“A path to what?!” wondered Hrist.

“Silmeria…” Lenneth answered, and she dropped her sword, hands held up before her chest. They glowed, shining with a pure white light. She heard Lezard screaming out spells, shooting out fire lance towards the vampires who lunged at the weaponless Valkyrie. She stifled back a smile, trusting in her lover to keep her from harm, knowing he would not willingly allow any of these undead fiends to lay one finger on her.

With a wordless scream, Lenneth thrust out her hands, shooting ether out of her palms. A wide arc of light came forth, disintegrating a path through the vampires that was six feet deep. She was moving, covering ground, inch by inch, feeling Hrist’s back against hers, her sister quick to stay pressed up against her. Even as they moved, more vampires filled the gap, forcing Lenneth to expend more energy. Again the way was clear, the two moving forward, only to once again be stopped by the vampires. They made slow progress, but little by little ground was being covered, easing the two sisters closer to the throne.

Brahms had no idea what was going on, too busy fighting with Freya. “Deadly Raid!” He shouted, his fist slamming into her chin, knocking her to the ground. He smirked, bending over her, clawed fingers touching the collar of her green tunic, tearing it open to expose her throat. “I could use a drink…” He purred, tapping a nail against the vein in her neck.

“Air Slash!” Lucian sliced open the Vampire Lord’s back, hearing Brahms let out a scream that was more annoyance than pain. He whirled around, eyes dark, teeth flashing as he sneered at the blonde.

“What do you think a mere whelp like you can do?!” He demanded.

“Plenty!” retorted Lucian, confidant as he held his sword up before him.

“Thunder Sword!” Freya cried out, ether slamming into Brahm’s back. Lucian laughed, mirroring Brahms’ smirk, rushing forward to slash at his chest.

“Cockroach!” snarled Brahms, large hand slamming into Lucian’s face, lifting him up off the ground. He turned and flung him over his shoulder, watching as the boy slammed into a hovering Freya. She floated backwards, arms encircling around Lucian’s waist, slowing to a halt. She gently set him on the floor, eyes glaring at Brahms.

“Feel the power of darkness!” Brahms was laughing, his aura glowing as he made a fist. “Finishing Strike!” He slammed his fist into the ground, sending up three waves of blood red energy. “Bloody Curse!”

Lucian dove to the left, and Freya flew straight up, both of them avoiding the vampire’s attack. Freya countered with her own attack, shooting down more ether at the Vampire Lord, watching as he held up a hand to cover his eyes. He cautiously lowered his hand, glaring up at Freya in annoyance. “I grow tired of this…” He muttered under his breath.

“Brahms!” A new voice was shouting out his name, an angry snarl as feet ran forward.

“Vestigan?!”

“Cease this foolishness at once!” begged the magenta haired vampire. “Our people are dying…their lives thrown away…and for what?!”

“You know why I do this…” Brahms said, keeping his eyes on Freya. “I will not give up Silmeria.”

“No…I know that…and this is why you must die!” Vestigan screeched out, lunging forward. He landed on Brahms back, sinking his fangs into the Vampire Lord’s neck, greedily sucking at his blood. Freya and Lucian gaped, shock apparent on their face, watching as Vestigan tried to drink down his master’s blood.

“Traitor!” Brahms screamed, hands scrabbling to get a grip on Vestigan’s body. With a tearing sound, he wrenched the vampire off of him, blood flying in a crimson arc from his neck. He slammed the magenta haired vampire into the floor, glowering down at him. Vestigan coughed, lips a bright red, eyes looking dreamy as he rode the high from the master vampire’s blood. “You are a fool.” Brahms said, disgust in his voice.

“Maybe, but no more than you!” retorted Vestigan, his words final as Brahms let out an angry roar and drove his claws right into the vampire’s chest. They curled into skin, digging out his heart, dragging it free with a wet squelching sound. Vestigan let out a scream, even as his body turned to dust, crumbling away, his heart still beating in Brahm’s fist.

“Ether Strike!” Freya screamed, seeing her chance. Brahms dropped the heart as the divine energy slammed into him, causing him to fall to his knees, still weakened by Vestigan’s attack.

“Now you die!” Lucian shouted, lunging forward, intending to bring his sword down on Brahms’ neck. The vampire growled, smacking the boy away from him, Lucian falling backwards.

Brahms straightened, glaring, seeing his vampires had abandoned him, none daring to come near him, none wanting to defend him against his attackers. “You will all pay!” He shouted, hands clenching into fists.

“It seems you are on the verge of mutiny…” taunted Freya. “Perhaps you should have surrendered Silmeria when you had the chance.” Brahms snarled, wordless rage, lunging at the Goddess. His fists moved, punching air, over and over, attempting to pummel her. She nimbly floated out of reach, laughing at him increasing his rage as his hands continued to swipe harmlessly before her.

A sound filled the room, a low humming, the taste of divine energy being exerted. “No…” whispered Brahms, still swinging his arms at Freya. “No, NO!” His anger made him faster, blows landing on her stomach, causing the Goddess to let out grunts of pain. “Silmeria!”

The two Valkyries had reached the throne, Lenneth climbing on top of the chair, hands reaching out towards the crystal. She concentrated, body glowing with white light, transferring from her to the crystal. Hrist valiantly defended her back, just barely holding the vampires at bay. Lezard hovered nearby, hands on a constant move, shooting fire at the undead fiends.

Cracks were beginning to appear on the crystal, long lines that made an ominous crinkling sound. Silmeria seemed to move inside the crystal, body twitching as though reacting to the energy Lenneth poured inside her prison. Deeper, jagged lines gouged open in the crystal surface, a golden light pouring out, equal in shine to Lenneth’s white light. The vampires screamed, milling about nervously, unsure of what to do.

Brahms slammed his hand into Freya’s face, knocking the Goddess down. But he didn’t pause, running forward, tossing vampires aside, desperate to reach the crystal, screaming out Silmeria’s name over and over again. He didn’t get far, before the crystal exploded, and the vampires howled in pain, dropping to the floor, shielding their eyes. Only Brahms still stood, staring, his face filled with pain as he stared at his throne.

Silmeria floated in the air, slowly opening her eyes, baby blue orbs looking around in confusion. Her eyes landed on her sisters, and a small smile curved her lips upwards, the young Valkyrie happy to see them. “Lenneth…” She said, slowly lowering to the ground. “Hrist…You came…”

A flap of wings sounded, Lezard landed next to the three Valkyrie’s, elbowing past Hrist to get close to Lenneth. Hrist rolled her eyes in annoyance, determined to not let Lezard ruin this reunion. Silmeria cast a curious glance at Lezard before returning her gaze to her sisters. She was stepping forward, reaching out to touch Lenneth’s shoulder, giving her a squeeze as though she did not believe her sister was really there.

“I’m here…” Lenneth said, leaping off the throne. She pulled Silmeria into a quick hug, smiling in relief. “You’re safe now…”

“Yes…” SIlmeria said, pulling free of Lenneth’s embrace. She moved towards Hrist, but the Dark Valkyrie was already moving, turning her back on her sisters.

“Let’s get you home.” Hrist said gruffly, not one for warm fuzzy moments.

“Still the same as ever I see…” Silmeria said with a fond smile.

“Silmeria…” Brahms was approaching, stepping over the cowering vampires, ignoring Lucian and Freya who were in hot pursuit of him. Hrist let out a sound, bringing up her sword, pointing it at him.

“Stay your feet vampire!” Hrist hissed. “You’ll not get near Silmeria again!”

Still Brahms pressed forward, ignoring the threat Hrist posed. “Brahms…” Silmeria let out a sigh, passing by Hrist, hearing her sister gasp out her name. “Brahms…” She repeated, reaching up to touch his face. He stilled at her touch, closing his eyes as she caressed his cheek. “It is over…you have lost…”

“But…”

“Shh…” She said, placing her fingers against his lips. “You must accept it…else you have no chance of surviving otherwise…”

His face turned stony at her words, and Brahms jerked away from her touch, nodding his head. “Fine…I have lost…”

“Is it really over?” Lezard asked, surprised.

“Yes…” Lenneth said, a simple answer for a complex question.

“Hmph…” With a frown Lezard crossed his arms over his chest. “I wouldn’t have given up no matter what…”

“I’m glad.” Lenneth smiled. “You wouldn’t be you, if you did otherwise…”

The four of them walked past Brahms, Silmeria confident, with one last glance at the man who had kept her captive for so long. Hrist was cautious, keeping her blade trained on the sullen vampire, gesturing for Lenneth to go on ahead of her. Lezard was quick behind her, hiding a smirk as he passed by the vampire Lord.

“What will you do now Brahms?” demanded Hrist, still not moving.

“…” Brahms slowly looked at her, eyes dark and mysterious. “I will…rebuild my kingdom.” His lips turned into a cruel smile. “My people have suffered many losses this night…and still more will be gone when I learn just who sided with Vestigan in his revolt…Fear not Valkyrie…it will take me some time to remake my army to the numbers you saw in this battle…”

“Hmph…” She did not sheathe her sword, but she went to move past him, Hrist confident he would not make a move to strike her. “When next we meet, one of us WILL die.”

“Count on it Lady Valkyrie…” Brahms called out to her, a dark chuckle in his tone.

————————————————————————————————————————————————————-

It was early morning, the sky beginning to lighten, the sun not yet showing it’s face over the horizon. Gods and einherjar crowded in among the entrance of the castle, controlled fires still burning all around them, though there was few vampires around to chase off with the light. It had been hours since the Creator and her small party of warriors had gone into the vampire’s nest, and still no word came from within.

Arguments had started, the Gods torn over what to do. They were split down the middle, wracked with indecision. Tyr of course wanted to lead a rescue party into the heart of the castle. Thor stood on the drawbridge, barking out commands, urging the einherjar to work harder, demanding they get the portcullis raised. Erda was against taking any action, content to let the small party suffer whatever fate might throw their way. Eir fretted over the possible injuries, wishing she and some of her priestesses had accompanied Lenneth into the castle.

“Put your backs into it!” shouted Thor, hands on his hips, an angry glower on his face. He watched the einherjar strain, pulling and tugging at the portcullis, trying to use brute strength to lift up the metal. Other soldiers were attempting to scale the walls of the castle, ropes trailing over the sides, feet planted firmly on the walls as they climbed.

“If they can get in, and find the controls to this blasted gate…” Tyr tossed a ball of ether at the portcullis, a scowl on his scarred face. “My men can get in and help the Creator!”

“That’s only if there is anything left of her to help…” Erda said, lips pressed tightly together in a frown.

“Lord Tyr!” Ull was approaching, in full battle gear, his arrow sack filled to overflowing with arrows. “Permission to come along sir?!”

Tyr nodded at the Boy God. “Splendid Ull. The more the merrier, eh!” He slapped the boy on his back, grinning broadly. “Those vampires won’t know what hit them when they face you and I on the battlefield!”

“Yes sir!” Ull said, relief in his eyes that his request had been granted.

“So young…and yet so eager for battle…” Eir murmured sadly.

“It is not for love of battle I do this…” Ull said, a hint of pink to his cheeks. “I would see Silmeria set free…”

“An admirable goal.” Thor spoke up, even as he snarled at the einherjar. “Must I do everything myself?!” He strode forward, pushing the soldiers out of the way, joining the line up of men against the gate. He gripped the metal, and began straining, a grunt emerging from his lips as he slowly forced the gate to move. “Come on…” He groaned, sweat beading on his brow, even as Tyr and Ull hurried forward to lend their strength. The gate rose an inch, and then was falling, slamming back into the ground.

“It’s enchanted metal Thor.” Erda sighed. “How many times must I tell you that? We will not be able to force it open using brute strength.” She gave a shake of her head. “It must be opened from the inside…”

“We’re wasting time.” protested Thor.

“But what else can we do?” asked Eir, the voice of sensibility. “We have little choice in the matter. Even now, the sun seeks to rise…soon the castle will fade away…”

“And then what will happen Eir?!” demanded Thor, eyes flashing with anger. “Will Lenneth and Freya be trapped in that pit of vipers?! We cannot allow that!”

“It is not a matter of allowing anything.” Eir answered. “We simply must wait and be patient…whatever the outcome…”

“Tch!” Thor was spitting, his disgust evident as he lobbed spit onto the ground. “Patience has never been my strong suit, and you know that Eir.”

“I know…” She sighed. “And I am just as worried as you are…”

Excited yells from the einherjar, the first of them reaching the top of the castle. They climb over the stone ledge, landing on the ramparts, cautious for signs of any attack. “All’s clear!” shouted Kashell, waving his long sword in the air. The soldiers still on the wall renewed their climb, hand over fist pulling themselves up quickly even as the blue haired warrior led his men towards one of the towers.

They disappeared from sight, pushing inside, the gathered crowd on the ground, watching and waiting. Minutes passed, and then there was the sound of gears turning. They groaned in protest, weathered metal that was rusted over, creaking loudly as the portcullis began to move. A cheer erupted from the watching einherjar, and Tyr leapt into action.

“Line up men! File into rank!” The War God ordered, gesturing with his sword. The einherjar in his platoon hurried to gather on the drawbridge, eyes narrowed with grim determination. Weapons were drawn, the soldiers ready to face the unknown as they watched the gate rise up. Footsteps were heard, and they tensed up, readying their attacks.

“Steady men…” advised Tyr, grinning as he gazed into the darkness of the castle. “Don’t rush forward without knowing who you fight…”

“Someone ready the torches!” shouted Thor, lightning bolts in hand. He pulled back his arm, ready to let loose his lightning, when a figure emerged from underneath the raised portcullis. It was a young man with corn colored hair, clad in crimson red armor who stepped out, blinking at the crowd in surprise. “Lucian?!” Thor lowered his arm, staring at the boy in surprise.

“It’s okay…” Lucian nodded, and turned to peer into the darkness. “It’s over…”

“But where are the others…?” wondered Eir out loud.

“Right here Eir…” Freya came floating through the entrance, coming to land on the drawbridge next to Lucian. More footsteps were heard, and cheers erupted as not one, but three Valkyries emerged from the castle.

“Silmeria!” Ull was pushing past the einherjar, running forward towards the pale blonde Goddess. She looked at him, eyes lighting up with joy, white teeth flashing in a dazzling smile. She was crying out his name, even as Ull swept her up into his arms, hugging her tightly.

“Ull…” She said his name warmly, seeing his cheeks redden in embarrassment, the Boy God quickly letting go of her, blushing.

“I’m sorry…” He said, avoiding her eyes. “I’m just so glad to see you…”

Silmeria laughed, and grabbed him, pulling him into a tight embrace. “I’m glad to see you too…” She confided, kissing him on the cheek.

Hrist strode forward, trying not to roll her eyes at the young lovers reunited. Only when she was out in the open, did she dare sheathe her sword, confident the vampires would not attack with the sun set to rise at any moment.

“Hrist!” Tyr was calling out her name, grinning at her. “You’re alive! Than that means Brahms is…”

“Still among us, I’m afraid.” Hrist sighed, brushing at the blood stains that coated her armor.

“Oh…” The War God was clearly surprised. “Well…next time you’ll kill him.”

“Yes.” Hrist smiled, all confidence in that expression. “I will.”

Lezard was the last to emerge, following on Lenneth’s heels, just holding back watching as the einherjar continued to cheer, waving their weapons into the air. Up on the ramparts, Kashell and his men had emerged, coming to see what the commotion was about. They added their voices to the cheers, hurrying to climb back down the walls, lest they end up trapped when the sun rose.

The weary but victorious party continued to move forward, stepping off the drawbridge, setting their feet on the stable ground of the forest. Silmeria could not help but breathe out a sigh of relief, finding herself out of the castle for the first time in centuries. She squeezed Ull’s hand, a hint of wetness to her eyes, but it was tears of happiness she shed.

With a smile she turned her head upwards just as the sun crested over the mountain tops, shining it’s rays down on her and the castle. She basked in the warmth of it’s rays, Silmeria closing her eyes with a happy smile. The castle behind her began it’s slow fade, piece by piece vanishing, disappearing between realities to that cold, dark place the vampires called home.

“The war is over.” announced Lenneth, and if the einherjar had been happy before hand, now they went practically wild, screaming out their approval at her words. “We go home!”

“Great…” groused Erda, rolling her eyes. “And I suppose we’ll be stuck with the brunt work of transporting all these mortals back to Valhalla.”

“Don’t complain Erda.” chided Eir.

“Hard not to…” muttered the Earth Goddess. “At least Freya will be here to lend a hand this time. Along with Lady Lenneth and Hrist. And the stranger…” She cast her glance at Lezard, eying him speculatively, watching as he placed a hand on Lenneth’s shoulder. She turned towards him, and couldn’t quite keep out the warm light that filled her eyes when she looked upon the necromancer. Lucian’s eyes turned steel cold at this, teeth grinding as he bit back an annoyed growl. The two stepped closer to each other, eyes shining with tenderness as they took hold of each other’s hands.

An excited cheer broke out from the crowd, the einherjar letting out loud whoops as they saw their Creator kissing Lezard, a passionate embrace that was really more suited for the privacy of the bedroom. Hrist and Freya were frowning, disapproval in their eyes as they watched the heated exchange, the two sharing a worried glance. Hrist merely shrugged, and looked away, pretending not to see her younger sister kissing her kidnapper.

Freya sighed deeply, her green eyes landing on Lucian who was still staring at Lenneth and Lezard. She could tell by the grief on his face that his heart was breaking, and it made her wonder. Wonder how Lenneth could so easily crush such a delicate soul, toss him aside for one as black as the necromancer’s. She continued to gaze on Lucian, watching as he slowly shook his head, shoulders sagging. He drew his gaze away from the embracing pair, turning to catch sight of Freya. His eyes widened in realization that the Goddess was watching him, and her cheeks turned red, Freya embarrassed to be caught so blatantly in the act.

She quickly turned her back on him, turning to sweep her gaze over the einherjar that crowded the landscape. Twigs crackled under foot, someone approaching her, and Freya inwardly prayed for it to be anyone but Lucian. “Uh hey…” said his familiar voice, her prayers going unanswered.

“Hello…” She said softly, risking a quick peek at him.

“Soooo…” Lucian began uncertainly. “What do we do now?”

“Now?” Freya arched an eyebrow, confused.

“I mean us…” He gestured, trying to grasp hold of the words he wanted to say. “The situation with Lezard…do we allow him to just win?”

“…There’s nothing we can do…” Freya sighed, lifting a hand to ease back a stray golden strand of hair that fell across her face. “So long as he is what Lenneth wants…what can we do…?”

“But there must be some way to break her free of the spell he cast upon her…!” protested Lucian anxiously.

“I wonder…” mused Freya, with a shake of her head. “Love’s grip is the strongest of all…it knows no boundaries or reasons…If it is love…”

“Which it is not!” Lucian said stubbornly.

“If it is love…” repeated Freya sadly. “Then it is fated to be. And no one, God or human can pull them apart.”

“I won’t accept that!” Lucian hissed, making a fist. “I can’t.”

“Maybe not yet…but someday…someday perhaps you will…” Freya turned to him, finding she felt nervous. “And when that day comes…perhaps your heart will be open to love once more…”

“No…” Lucian insisted. “Lenneth was it for me…she…Platina…is the only one I will ever love…”

“I’m sorry to hear that.” Freya said sadly. “You condemn yourself to a world of pain by going this route.”

“Maybe so…but what else can I do?” Lucian asked. Freya had no answer for him, and she sighed. He echoed the sound, turning to once again glance at Lenneth. She and Lezard had pulled apart, the man looking smug, the Goddess blushing, clearly regretting their public display of affection. The other Aesir slowly approached them, offering their congratulations for the victory. Their eyes were curious as they looked over Lezard, eager to learn just who he was, and how he had come into his power. The Gods fired off round after round of question, torpedo fast, leaving Lenneth and Lezard dazed as they struggled to come up with the answers.

Finally at the brink of his patience, Lezard turned, wrapping his arms around Lenneth’s waist. Without even a good-bye, he was casting ether about, Lenneth letting out a surprised squeal, hands gripping tightly his shoulders as he prepared to make the jump into teleportation. The Aesir’s voice rose in protest, seeing them disappear from the battlefield, their questions left unanswered.