Boisterously, the Gods took their places in the chairs arranged in Valhalla's huge conference room. In the midst of the movement, the atmosphere didn't have a pleasant feeling; even with the noise there was a heavy silence.

About 1000 years have passed since the last conference they had, the one where the Valkyrie Brunhilde challenged them to fight in Ragnarok against humans. A millennium since...

Since the Gods suffered a humiliating defeat against their creations, with a score of 7 - 6 in favor of humanity. Despite having spent so much time, none of them were able to forget the things had happened in that tournament: the fact the humans were able to overcome them.

With the same thought in their minds, they all took their seats as they discussed what they'd talk about in the conference, which by the way would be the last one they'd hold in Valhalla.

At the same time, among the movement of the deities they could feel the absence of the Gods they lost: without the Loki's mocking and sarcastic words, Poseidon's menacing presence, Odin's noisy ravens, Hercules' gentle smile...

The only exception was Buddha, a figure that had caused controversy in the Heavens:

After surrendering and ceding his victory to Michel Nostradamus during their fight, many deities admired him and became his followers; on the contrary, others despised and hated him by cataloging him as the coward who preferred to lose than die.

Only a few hated him for knowing he was the one responsible for upsetting the tournament by helping the Valkyries through the "Lotus Flower" technique, in addition to other things never came to light. What all those who hated him shared was looking for a way to kill him...

Suddenly, the doors of the room opened at the same time and the president of the Council entered: Zeus, accompanied by his son, Hermes. They all fell silent immediately, and paid attention to him, more than anything for a reason:

Except for the Greeks, almost none had been in contact with Zeus; that's why everyone was waiting to find out how the meeting would start. Without admitting it, they wanted to see the shame the God Father of the Cosmos would most likely bear for his humiliating victory against Adam.

However, the reaction they got wasn't what they expected: Zeus came down the stairs smiling and laughing, looking more cheerful than they had seen since the last conference. Everyone was very surprised, but they preferred to accept that scene than to open their mouths and say something inappropriate.

- Hi again, everybody! - He yelled out loud to everyone - It's been a long time since we met in Valhalla to do these conferences.

-But, father Zeus - Hermes approached to whisper in his ear - It's only been 1000 years.

- Oh, that's right... It was 1000 years ago when we met...

He lowered his face for a moment, before smiling again, this time more excited.

- It's been a millennium since all that Ragnarok happened! How could I forget it! Especially Shiva's missing arm!

- Hey! Don't make fun of me, old man! - the God of Destruction yelled, getting up from his seat.

Another theme was very recorded by the Gods: the fight between the God of destruction against Raiden Tameemon, the rikishi without equal. A combat was led by the human most of the time; even more so after he used his strength to destroy one of the deity's four arms.

Even though he had managed to lead the scoreboard, 3 - 2 in favor of Gods, Shiva himself had been left with marks of that fight: especially the fact that for all eternity he would be missing that arm.

- Hehe! - Zeus reached his throne, located in the center of the room, and settled down at once - That descent of stairs had never been as fun as now.

He began to move his legs playfully as he took the small wooden mallet with which, after a couple of taps, he declared the meeting open.

- Very well, Gods... Let's start! First, let's discuss the fact we need to find another place for our meetings.

- You're right, father Zeus - supported Hermes, next to him - The agreement we made with the Valkyries was we would leave Valhalla just for them.

- So, what are we doing here? - Aphrodite asked.

- We didn't prepare any other place - Zeus joked - I hadn't thought we'd need another place until 3 days ago, and I didn't want to change the invitations from one moment to another.

- B-But...! Lord Thor can plead for us to keep holding our meetings here!

They all turned to Thunder Berserker, who now held the position of Supreme God of Asgard after the Odin's death, his father. Sitting next to him, Forseti quietly became emotional.

- Lord Thor?

- No. - Thor spoke with a firm voice - We've made a deal with Brunhilde, the former leader of the Valkyries. We won't break the agreement.

- But she's dead!

- Those half-goddesses are nobody to take away Valhalla!

- We have to kill them and problem solved!

- I said no! - Thor exclaimed, scaring and silencing the conference in one go. - The humans received their prize for winning the Ragnarok has been these 1000 years of peace, and the Valkyries have their prize too. My answer will remain no: Valhalla is no longer of the Gods.

- That's right, Lord Thor! - Forseti whispered.

- Since we have no other place to hold our meetings... I propose the Elysian Fields!

Zeus' offer caught everyone's attention, especially those in the Greek pantheon. Therefore, the old man continued speaking.

- We have enough space to do the conferences, and I think many pantheons are closer to that place than to Valhalla. If no one has another option in mind, I'd like to put it to a vote...

After thinking about it for a couple of minutes, the Gods raised their banners to make their vote known. The count began and the holograms lit up with the result: 87% in favor and 13% against.

- It's already decided. The Elysian Fields will be the venue for the conference of the Gods from now on. - Zeus concluded firmly, and then continued speaking lightly - And... What other topics do we have to discuss? Oh yeah... dear Thor, how's Asgard doing after Ragnarok?

- ... It went well... - replied the Berserker - I've called some Asgardian blacksmiths to maintain defense in my kingdom, but in general we've managed to adapt to the change Ragnarok left us.

- I see, I see...

And everyone was completely silent. They stared at each other, the atmosphere became even heavier, and the silence turned into an uncomfortable sound that shook the ears of the divinities; even the slightest movements could be perceived by everyone present.

The one who broke the atmosphere was none other than Shiva, who spoke cautiously.

- It seems nobody is willing to touch that subject, so I'll do it...

- Not so fast, Shiva! - Zeus corrected immediately - I think everyone here is willing to talk about that topic. But we can't do it because we're missing someone.

They all looked at Zeus at those words.

- To talk about that... We need one Valkyrie...

...

- Look at us, onee-sama!

- I'm watching you.

In front of that purple-haired Valkyrie, a couple of little girls, who looked a different age from the real one, were playing on the columns made up the Valhalla corridor, on one side of the flourishing gardens.

That Valkyrie was Geir, the thirteenth sister.

Compared to a millennium ago, Geir had changed greatly: physically her body had grown and developed while her mentality had matured quite a bit.

Although, to tell the truth, her personality had maintained her most typical characteristics: emotional almost all the time, even crying over minor situations, and always seeking to follow the example of her older sisters. But not only of those who were still alive, but that of her favorite older sister and her admiration: Brunhilde.

The end of Ragnarok meant new steps to take:

First, the position as Valkyries' leader, that Brunhilde had held by birthright, was given to Geir as her dying wish; also the new position as Valhalla's main administrator, since after Ragnarok that paradise became Valkyries' property. However, the greater responsibility fell on the shoulders of the lesser.

And last but not least, some completely new and unexpected: the care and upbringing of new little Valkyries, named Líf and Lífthrasir; both Thor's daughters.

After they're born, both remained in Geir's custody as the first order of the new leader of the Valkyries. The first years was almost like hell for the purple-haired girl who was the most inexperienced in the case; but, thanks to the help of her sisters and the Einherjer (who had been given the right to live in Valhalla for their victories), she was able to raise the little pair of apprentice Valkyries.

What she remembered the most day by day was thanks to the sacrifice of her older sister her little pair of half-goddesses sisters could live in peace in Valhalla forever.

As he watched them play, Geir also remembered the upbringing he had done with them, and could only sigh with joy and longing.

- Yes, you've grown a lot.

- Now we are the Valkyries take care of this place! - Líf exclaimed as she played (with round cheeks, emerald green eyes and long, shiny hair similar to Rangdriz's, and combined brown with red) - I, Brunhilde-sama, will stop the Gods' will!

- You're not alone, big sister! - declared Lífthrasir (with totally brown hair, darker and shorter; and slightly dark turquoise blue eyes) - I, the second sister of the Valkyries, Hrist, will help you...

- And all of them too: the 13 Valkyrie sisters, led by the pair who are not afraid of anyone! - both stood up in attack and defense poses - Líf and Lífthrasir!

Geir chuckled.

- You've a lot of imagination, don't you?

- Of course! - Líf spoke proudly, while she crossed her arms -Besides, we're not afraid of anything in this world.

- But, there's only one thing we've seen that scares us...

The same thought passed through both of their heads, for which they hugged each other while speaking in unison.

- Hrist onee-sama's change of emotions! That's really scary!

- Haha! It's true - Geir agreed - Sister Hrist, when gets angry, is very scary. I still remember one time that almost crushed me for a hug.

- You're talking about Ragnarok, right!?

Both sisters let go of their embrace and strained their ears to attend to every word Geir mentioned about Ragnarok.

Whether it was with Thor shortly after they were born or through the mouths of their older sisters and the Einherjer, the pair of Valkyries had grown up under the influence of Ragnarok: those 13 fierce battles that took place between Gods and humans, seeking survival of the entire history of mankind.

Growing up with these stories awakened in the pair an adventurous and warrior spirit that forged most of their character and personality; their little hearts fluttered with excitement and their minds raced to imagination as they listened to the stories told by their older sisters and the winners: Hrist's steadfastness even in the face of Poseidon, Hlökk's integrity despite Jack the Ripper's darkness (although they both found funny how Hlökk acted annoyed when talking about Jack).

A whole millennium of listening to the 13 battles were fought in Valhalla, and even if those stories were repeated day after day and night after night for years, the little pair could never get bored of hearing it again.

Geir sighed as she recalled his fervent love for Ragnarok. But, he had no choice but to continue counting while he caressed the hair of the reddish chestnut.

- That's right, Lif. That happened in Ragnarok, when Sister Hrist was selected to fight Poseidon.

- And how she was?! - the second approached - How was that moment?

- It was impressive. Hrist's attitude took me by surprise: the score was 2-0 against us, and of course she was furious. Even with that, our older sister Brunhilde was calm as she searched for the perfect candidate to fight Zeus Enalios.

- Calm down, Brunhilde onee-sama?

- But Sister Hrist has always told us that she was furious too

- Each one of us tells our part of the story... - she winked at them - You will keep the best part.

- Lord Thor told us a lot about Poseidon - Líf spoke excitedly - He told us that he was a cretin, arrogant, and quite selfish. Although he had a cute face, he had a gross personality.

- And not only that, but he attacked his own brother!

- That's how it went. He finished off his older brother, Adamas, when he wanted to ask him for help in a heavenly revolt...

- But I'd never attack my sister for that reason! - Líf hugged Lífthrasir - We are together in everything!

- Yes, yes! If the Gods want to take us on, then they'll take on the two of us together!

- I can imagine that! - Geir river again.

- Besides, that Poseidon was very weak...

- Because he met his death in Sasaki Kojiro, the unmatched one under the heavens! The first human capable of killing a God!

Geir sighed softly as he remembered everything that had happened before that fight.

« I had entered the room, that day, very angry about what happened... Reginleif's death was something I didn't understand and I asked Brunhilde for her to explain me why we had lost another sister. If it weren't for Hrist explaining me the matter more... I don't know what else I would have yelled at onee-sama... »

- And what happened afterwards? Tell us about the third combat!

- That no longer corresponds to her!

A third figure appeared in the corridor, and the little sisters were excited to see it. They separated from his sister, and ran towards him until they pounced on him, grabbing her legs in an embrace, which knocked the man off balance.

- Sasaki Kojirou-san!

- Hehe, be careful! You can shoot this old man.

- Hi, Kojiro - Geir greeted him.

- Hi at 3... I was passing by, and wanted to know how my 2 favorite Valkyries were doing.

- Your favorites!? - Líf and Lífthrasir smiled broadly with shining eyes.

- Sure, my favorites... So, tell me where Hrist is.

The girls were surprised.

- Hey! But Sister Hrist is only one!

- I know very well she counts as 2...

- That's cheating! We're your favorites!

- That's how it's! We would make better swords than Sister Hrist!

- Haha! I don't doubt you!

Geir laughed warmly, and his eyes strayed to a hallway that hugged a few four feets from them.

There the Valkyrie met the elegant figure and intriguing gaze of the messenger God: Hermes, who purposely watched them carefully. Geir was surprised, although he didn't show it on his face to avoid making it known, and quickly separated from the 3.

- If you excuse me, I have to attend some.

- Well, whatever you say... - Sasaki replied without giving it much importance.

Geir walked to the corner of the hall, where Hermes hid himself out of sight. And immediately Hermes gave her a respectful bow.

- Greetings, Geir. Current leader of the Valkyries - the girl asked to feel he spoke to her with almost imperceptible sarcasm.

- Hi, lord Hermes. - Not to be outdone, he replied aggressively -What are you doing here? I thought it was left-

- Oh please. Let's not get defensive so quickly. It's the first time we've met eyes in 1000 years...

Geir was silent for a moment.

- What happen? What do you want...?

- That's the right question. And what I want... or rather, I require, is that you come with me right now.

- Accompany you?

- Of course: we must attend the conference of the Gods. Please follow me.

Hermes began the walk in silence and Geir, not wanting to put up any resistance, went to follow behind him keeping pace with him. On the way, a doubt came to mind.

- Where we go? Physically speaking.

- To Valhalla meeting room where these conferences have been held for 7 million years.

- Excuse me? I thought you all had strict orders to never come back here again, except for the Norse pantheon.

- Well, if you propose it so meticulously: your sister Brunhilde gave us the opportunity to use Valhalla one last time to settle all unfinished business.

- That was right after Ragnarok ended.

- But, as you know, we never had that meeting. And if that wasn't enough, Brunhilde never set an expiration date...

Geir sighed under his breath, accepting that Hermes was right from his point of view.

- Ok. I will accept this...

- Thank you very much, Your Majesty. - The God replied sarcastically.

- And... Exactly what do you want to discuss with me?

- There are many things. One of them I think will be your place in parliament.

- My place?

- It doesn't matter much now, but... since Valhalla is no longer Gods' property, we'll need someone to stand up for what's being done and will be done in this place. It's very likely that you'll be granted a seat in the Council of Gods for this situation.

- Umm... Thanks?

- That's why I say "probable". Your older sister left a hole or two we have to repair, either you or us. Outside of that, we have more to discuss with you here.

- As which?

Both arrived at the hall of parliament. Hermes, with a chivalrous gesture, opened the door to Geir.

- After you.

The Valkyrie stepped forward, and as soon as she stepped foot into the room she remembered she made the same move a thousand years ago while following Brunhilde to interrupt the conference.

But more than anything, the fervent and annoying discussion the Gods were having at that very moment made her jog her memory all the better.

The Council had split 50% - 50% exactly, with many arguments to support each side:

- We must let them live! They've already shown us they are capable of surpassing us!

- No! Of course not! We must take revenge for what happened in Ragnarok!

- We have to exterminate them! Crush them at once!

- No! Humans are worthy! T-They must live!

- Humans a-are the cancer of the Earth! They must be exterminated!

- That's a damn excuse to say you're scared!

- How did you call me!?

- We want revenge against them!

- No! They'll tear us to pieces! Again!

The Gods of fortune, with the exception of Bishamonten, fervently and angrily defended their decision to exterminate humanity.

- They must die!

- They haven't received their divine punishment!

- Those humans have to pay...! - Ebisu led their complaints and demands - They must be destroyed at once! That's why we, Gods of Fortune, vote against humanity!

- Bullshit! - Buddha, very far from the 7 Gods, raised the sign in favor of him with little interest - Humans have been doing good and have already proven they're a great thing. We shouldn't delete them.

From that moment on, Bishamonten never separated his gaze from the enlightened one, whom he still considered a divine traitor.

- We shouldn't exterminate them... They are good at what they do - Aphrodite spoke with interest - I'm in favor of humanity.

- Lord Shiva suffered a lot of damage because of that damn sumo wrestler! We must exact revenge!

- They took an arm from my father! I'll never forgive this!

- We, the Gods of India, are totally against humanity! We want to exterminate them!

Everyone in the pantheon of India, except for Shiva who looked with disinterest at the conflict he had armed, raised the cross on the small sign of him.

- I'd say... stay alive... - Ares muttered shyly, lifting the sign from him.

- Those humans piqued my interest back then. Thing that I'll never let pass - Thor spoke rudely in his words.

- B-But lord Thor...

- Our pantheon stands for humanity.

The Valkyrie took a deep breath, taking a hand to support her head before a tremendous discussion of all against all.

- Wow... Yes, a debate has started.

- This is nothing compared to the first meeting we had with Zeus as President of the Council - Hermes whispered with amusement - Seeing him so young trying to take the reins was very funny...

- Oh! Our special guest, dear Geir has arrived!

Immediately all the Gods fell silent while looking at the half-goddess, standing in front on the stairs; the same ones Brunhilde had been through. Geir, feeling all of the Council's emotions washing over her, swallowed hard and took a deep breath.

- Good thing you've come, Geir! You had us all worried!

The Valkyrie's sixth sense told her something was wrong.

- We Gods have a big problem as you can see... - the old man began to explain - We have come to the decision on whether or not we should eliminate humanity, the same thing that happened 1000 years ago... remember?

Geir kept silent, listening the words the Father of the Cosmos had to say. There she knew where he was taking the conversation.

- But, something unexpected happened... The conference has reached 50 - 50 votes exactly! We have the Gods who defend the survival of humanity for the next millennium, and those who do not want this, but eliminate them once and for all. We voted by argument, but this mess has gotten worse... That's why I came up with a new proposal, which out of courtesy we must consult with you.

Geir knew at that moment the next words of Zeus. Unnoticed, the Valkyrie began to mutter to herself.

- Don't say it... Please, don't say it...

- I came up with the ideal option to agree, reassure everyone and decide more clearly... Let's do a second Ragnarok!

All the Gods looked at each other and began to murmur among themselves. Geir looked at them all, while his emotions internally changed in great magnitude and without stopping.

- A second Ragnarok? It can?

- I don't know. I've never read the Valhalla Constitution...

- Doesn't sound like a bad idea...

- I didn't think there would be such a possibility...

- But... they can crush us again...

- This time we'll have the advantage!

- We can execute divine punishment!

- My father will be properly avenged!

- We'll finish them off this time!

In less than 10 seconds to speak, all the deities reached a unanimous agreement that they expressed with a voice in chorus like a divine thunder:

- We want revenge against humans... We want a second Ragnarok!

...

Publication Date: January 27, 2022
ASFD