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(7.1) Into the Inferno
(7.1) Into the Inferno
Memorial of Fallen Warriors
Orbital Memorial Station 'The Fallen'
Expansion Rim World of Azgard
November 3rd, 1937
Warlord Ansfrid smiled as he examined the Warhammer of Azgard. He set at his desk smiling as he held the heavy weapon. He could even make out old and fresher bits of dried blood around the edges of carved areas. The weapon was well used and equally well cared for. It was the weapon of the most powerful leader of the Azgardian people. This was more than just a symbol for him. It represent a moment that he would go down in history as the one to change Azgard for ever. Just like this weapon, he would be known throughout the history of his people. There is not a written history of when the hammer was created. It has always been the weapon of the leader of Azgard. For as long as Warlord Ansfrid could remember the Hammer hung in the Great Hall of Fallen Warriors. He recalled during his annual visits looking up at it. The legend of the hammer was well known to the members of the Council of Warlords.
During the Great Fall of the Republic, Warlord Brea Heartman saw that Azgard could not continue as they were. She saw that the Republic was finished and that Azgard would not be able to continue to carry the torch of the Republic alone. One of her land mark orders was issued based from a dream she had. That in time, a legend of old would return to free Azgard from the tyranny that had gripped it. Warlord Brea Ordered that in preparation for the return of this legendary hero, that Azgard would rearm itself. For this hero would return to Azgard that which was lost. Only then will Azgard be able the rescue of the Republic from the abyss. Warlord Brea ordered that ships, warriors and all equipment needed to wage this war of salvation would be made ready. She over saw these preparations personally during the last years of her life. The writings of many Azgardian historians during this time lead researchers to believe that everyone thought that at any moment this hero would return Azgard. There were even ships sent out to look for this hero. Few returned and none gave news of a legendary hero. The days following Warlord Brea's announcement, Azgard was filled with hope and promise of this glorious return. Warlord Brea warned her fellow warriors not to become too hooked on the timing of the return. That they must instead train, and work hard to ensure that not only the Warrior Caste but all Castes are ready for the return. As months turned to years, this excitement turned to disappointment and later despair.
In some of Warlord Brea's personal diaries, it was clear that she felt that the hero would return when Azgard needed this hero the most. It was clear that she felt that this hero would only return when the time was right, not before. In her own words, 'There will be a time of darkness, not only within the Galaxy but within heart of Azgard herself. The fires of war will test even the most tempered of steel. What would be seen as hope will only turn to a deeper darkness and the fate of the Galaxy will be held in the balance. During this time, the very faith of the Council of Warlords will be tested. For my deepest fears, this hero to return to us, Azgard herself will be dragged to the Urðarbrunnr. There under Yggdrasill, Azgard will be judged. How far will we fall before the hero returns to us? I can only hope that I will never live to see the events which will cause Azgard to be brought before the Urðarbrunnr by the Far Wonder, himself.' It was clear that Warlord Brea had kept her personal diaries and thoughts from the Council of Warlords. The diaries were only discovered, centuries after her death by a Priest and researcher as they were exploring the ruins of the Temple on High.
Warlord Ansfrid made studying the writings of Warlord Brea a priority as he was attending Upper Education. Now thanks to Warlord Fiolla and other events, he was able to complete his work. By the end of the week, the rest of the Council of Warlords will have no will to oppose his dream of bringing a final end to the Casts system. He knew that they were waiting to see what Warrior Senni and Warrior Birgr would do next. The Council of Warlords issued the order for the Black Dragons to return to the Memorial and report to the Council for Decommissioning. The Council placed their hopes in Warlord Fiolla. Now those hopes have been crushed. Warlord Ansfrid had Chancellor Murl to thanks for trusting him with Fiolla's secret. It didn't take much effort to turn the Council against her. Once they were willing to move against the Warlord of Azgard, he was able to remove her.
He remembered his speech to them the day before Warlord Fiolla's arrest. 'Brothers and Sisters of the Council. I know that fear runs deep. Never before has the Council of Warlords ever moved in secret against our own Warlord of Azgard. However, never before has an outside power attempted to use our own legends and faith against us. This Fiolla Heartman is not the warrior that has been foretold in our legends. She but a preprogrammed copy of a long lost hero. This copy, has been programmed to murder the Chancellor of the Republic and only the Far Wonder himself knows what else this, thing is capable of. We can not trust her to lead us. We not not allow our own faith and laws bind us to following a copy to destruction. I know your fears. Do not fear what must be done. I will do what must be done. All I ask of this body is your promise to not oppose me. The Black Dragon's recent losses fighting the Reich over Jagga Two has made them vulnerable. I can remove her and her threat. All you must do is set aside your loyalties and give your words to remain on the side lines.' He knew that there were fears over the changes that Warlord Fiolla wanted to bring to Azgard. She wanted to push back the clock on so many changes, that even the most conservatives within the Council couldn't stomach them. Once he had their promises, he was able to act. He ordered his troops to the Memorial with orders to capture Warlord Fiolla. He added, that if she resisted ensure that she would not live to see the light of morning.
He actually was disappointed that she didn't put up a fight. In fact, she had managed to stage the arrest before a large gathering of warriors. Without reason to murder Fiolla Heartman, he was forced to actually arrest her. With his forces focused on arresting Fiolla Heartman, Warrior Senni was able to escape with most of the Black Dragons. He was able to find out that it was a simple Priest that had some how figured out the plan and tipped Fiolla Heartman off. While Fiolla might be in the light of the public and Senni Heartman was on the run, this young Priest was nothing more than a pawn. A pawn that Warlord Ansfrid enjoyed removing from the game board. The Religious Caste showed their anger over the murder of the Priest, but soon their voice will be silenced. In fact, in just a few short hours, the voice of the Warrior Caste will be silenced once and for all. Warlord Ansfrid hated the idea of a Caste System. And now, the Council of Warlords didn't dare stand up to him or oppose his leadership. Not now, they all had agreed to stand by and do nothing while their leader was removed from power. He had them right where he wanted them. He had been planning this move all his life but never thought it was possible till Fiolla returned from the after-life. Still that wasn't enough for him. He needed something to distract the current warriors while he brought about the end of the Caste system. It was Chancellor Murl's plan that gave the last part to make his life long dream possible.
His comlink went of, “Speak” he ordered as he set down the hammer.
“Warlord, we have detected the Odin's Pride. She apparently slipped out of hyperspace on the far side of Azgard and slipped closer using the sensor shadows of the world and this station. We have reports that a Assault Shuttle has hard docked with the station. What are your orders?”
Warlord Ansfrid knew that Senni would attempt to rescue their leader, Fiolla. Having a ally like the Chancellor has proven to be very rewarding. Nothing of what the report issued to him was surprising. He knew already that Senni would meet with the rest of their friends and that they would all return together. This was proven by the communication from Master Visst. Once more, that had been foretold by the Chancellor. The Chancellor explained to Warlord Ansfrid how the Council of Warlords could be turned and how the Coup can be done with minimal risk. However the Chancellor warned that Senni was to be considered the most dangerous of all the threats. The Chancellor also explained that it was vitally important not to under estimate Master Visst and his followers. It was clear to Warlord Ansfrid that Master Visst was by and large a greater threat to his plans than even Warlord Fiolla or the entire Religious Caste. Taking Master Visst had to be a priority if the Coup was to succeed.
The Chancellor's words were very clear on this. 'Master Visst is not leave Azgard space alive. If you fail at anything during your Coup, this shall not be it. Angel Heartman is to be returned to me, unharmed. The rest, are yours to do with as you wish Warlord.' Thanks to the Chancellor's warnings and vision of what was to come, Warlord Ansfrid already knew all of the details of their foolish rescue attempt. It was the very reason why he positioned his troops where they could not be detected. He knew that Senni would want to lead the rescue but from what the Chancellor said, Master Visst would surely take point. The Chancellor told Warlord Ansfrid more than enough details regarding Master Visst. The Chancellor told him that Master Visst was unbeatable in melee combat or with energy based ranged attacks. Killing Master Visst would have to be done by allowing Master Visst to sacrifice his own life for what he thought was a greater cause.
Warlord Ansfrid had at first planned to use Angel Heartman as beat, but the Chancellor outwardly refused to allow such a plan. The Chancellor went as far as threatening to ensure the Warlords own fall from power if Angel was placed in harms way intentionally. The two leaders came up with a more workable plan that didn't require Angel being used as beat. The Chancellor would ensure that Master Visst would not be able to see the trap unfolding until it was too late. Once both leaders were sure of the plan, it was given the Chancellor's personal seal of approval. Warlord Ansfrid recalled the Chancellor's words, 'Since the moment I first met Master Visst. He had made it, his personal mission to undermine me. Now, I will undermine his future, and his destiny.' There was much Warlord Ansfrid liked about this Chancellor Murl. There was much that the two had in common. It was going to be a beautiful alliance between the Republic and Azgard. More importantly, it will be on his terms and not Warlord Fiolla's.
Warlord Ansfrid smiled as he took a drink from his glass. He was starting to get tired of waiting for Master Visst and their foolish rescue attempt. Keeping a very edgy Council of Warlords at bay was hard enough during the Coup. While Fiolla's personal body guards were still at large, the other Warlords were nearly consumed with fear of their own assassinations. They had been easy enough to turn, but as time passed they were becoming more and more difficult. Maybe Chancellor Murl was right, they would have to be removed from power as well. Still he had to address what was coming first. And only he was aware of what was yet to come. He owed all of this to Chancellor Murl. “Do we have any conformations of their locations?”
“No Warlord, they have hacked our systems and have blacked out decks ten and eleven. We have secured the decks above and below. We also have cut all nodes that services those deck. They are cut of from the rest of the station. Prior to this, we had attempted to contact them and relay the Council of Warlords orders. They refused to orders which led to our current actions.”
Warlord Anfrid nodded as he started to rise from his chair, “My brother, you will find that the Black Dragons are no longer loyal to the Council of Warlords or Azgard. They have become corrupted by the Copy and her Master, the creature known as Master Visst. Inform the fleet to remain in Hyperspace until my orders. We must locate this Creature, Master Visst. He must be stopped before he can free the Copy. We must ensure that she remains a prisoner. The Council has finally ruled, she is to be execute in the morning. We must ensure that this happens.” He informed the commander of the defense force. It was all a lie and he knew that the Commander would not question it. The truth was, that Warlord Ansfrid had been fighting hard to keep the Council from acting too fast. They wanted to execute the Copy the night she was arrested. But she was needed as bait to kill Master Visst. Without the Copy there would have been no rescue attempt made. No rescue meant that Master Visst would not have come. Warlord Ansfrid would prove his worth to the Chancellor and shed the blood of this creature.
His thoughts were broken by the officer's reply, “Sir! We have a report Deck Six. In the Hall of Fallen Warriors, there is a weaponised energy source detected. Would they blow up the station?”
“No you fool, they want to rescue their leader. Send a team down there and find out what is going on.” This was not part of what they were suppose to be doing. No where did the vision include the Hall of Fallen Warriors. Warlord Ansfrid didn't like this change. He picked up the hammer and headed for the door while talking in to his communicator, “I will be leading my personal guards down there. Make sure that we keep our eyes open for the Creature known as Master Visst. He will be the one that will attempt to free the prisoner. We must hold our actions till we have located him! That is your order Commander. Find Master Visst at all costs!” Warlord Ansfrid rushed out the door as his body guard unit fell in behind him.
Half way down to deck six, he received the report that the recon team he sent had been killed by Warrior Senni Heartman. “Warlord, she...she killed the entire team!” The Odin's Pride slipped back in to hyperspace. This was actually good news. With Odin's Pride off the game board, there would be no reinforcements. The size of the shuttle meant that there was only at most forty five warriors conducting this raid. This also included Master Visst and his followers. He had two thousand warriors on the station and another ten thousand waiting in hyperspace. This was going to be over very soon, and that was something that Warlord Ansfrid was actually happy for. He hated this place and once the Copy was dead, he would leave this place once and for all. This was a place that only reminded him of what Azgard had been in the past. Not the bright future that he held for Azgard. A past that should be forgotten, like the dead world below this station. No place on the station held that past glory like the Hall of Fallen Warriors.
Begin Hacked Transmission: Galactic Net. (Editors Notes:This transmission follows the next scene completely via video and audio. Any Character can, at their choice become aware of these events. The language spoken is Azgardian, translation via a data pad is possible)
The Hall of Fallen Warriors is mile long central hallway protected by two large statues of their Gods Odin and wife, Frigg. The five meter tall wooden doors were all hand carved by the best in Azgard. One the door was the Great Ash tree, Yggdrasill. To the religious caste, Yggdrasill is the all that there is, was and will be. The statues watch the doors and are looking to a well under the tree. From this well, known as well Urðarbrunnr, the fate of men and gods are decided and judged by Odin and his wife. Warlord Ansfrid noticed that the doors were left open as they approached, He also noted a bloody hand print at the base of the statues of Odin. He dismissed it as he ordered his troops to move forward. He placed ten in front and had them spread out. He ordered the rest to fan out to ensure that they would not be flanked. They walked down the dark corridor with their weapons at the ready while Warlord Ansfrid activated his comlink, “Why is the power off in the Hall of Fallen Warriors?”
“Sir, we have not cut the power. It must have been deactivated locally” the Commander reported. He then added, “The sensor systems within the Hall have been hacked, we do not have eyes on you or your men. Use extreme caution Warlord.”
Warlord Ansfrid nodded, “Understood Commander. Have you located Master Visst and his group yet?”
“We are still searching for them, Warlord” the Commander informed.
Warlord Ansfrid knew that Master Visst and his followers would be four decks above them as they worked towards freeing the Copy. “Make sure that your men are deployed throughout deck two. The prisoner must not be freed. My warriors and I will have this lone rogue dealt with soon enough. Focus your troops on finding Master Visst and his team. They are the real threat.”
“Yes Sir, we have already increased the number of troops across deck two. The deck is secured. However, we are getting reports of bodies being discovered across the station. It makes no sense. There is not one report on deck two. It is as if they are avoiding their own goal.”
“This Master Visst is extremely clever. Be on your guard. Luckily for us, we know what they are after and more importantly, we know how they will be doing it. We also know that Master Visst will be the one to attempt to free the prisoner. Keep to the plan Commander, no mater what.” Warlord Ansfrid finished the conversation. The main hallway of the Hall the ran the entire length of the station and had very large statues of Powerfully appearing women on winged horses. They were all dressed in armor and bore large melee weapons. Breaking off of the main Hallway are large alcoves with statues of Fallen Azgardian Heroes. These alcoves were connected to the main hallway by narrow hallways that displayed images of battle and war. Within the alcoves were man size statues of fallen Azgardian heroes posed in some form of combat stance. The art work on the statues was of the finest in the entire galaxy. At the entrance to the Alcoves stood larger statues of Gods which protected the Warriors as they made there way to Valhalla. One of Warlord Ansfrid's warriors pointed to a soft glow down the main hall.
The desire to end this ran deep in Warlord Ansfrid as he gave the signal to move forward. The group of thirty warriors and the Warlord moved carefully forward towards the source of the light. Warlord Ansfrid noticed that the God that protected this alcove was Thor himself. The son of Odin, Thor was known for his strength and power. But his most important role was serving as protector to the Azgardian race. A narrow hall that ran almost ten meters had images of a great battle fought in the dead of night. Fires from buildings can be seen across the ravaged city as fighters and other craft race through the sky. At the end of the hallway there stood a lone statue illuminated by a number of candles. The statue was of a long haired woman welding two blades as her long pony tail trailed behind her. She was forever trapped in mid swing as the expression on her face showed her determination to win this moment. With one blade crossing her back, her right blade seems to be crossing her body from right to left. Like the rest of the statues of heroes, the craftsmanship on this statue is the finest in the galaxy. Even her body armor seems to be worn by the statue instead of craved in to it. Her face obscured by the shadows that danced across the statue.
At the feet of the statue knelled a woman in prayer. Her whispers could barely be understood as the group worked their way down the narrow corridor. There was a small metal offering tray over a open fire just in front of her. As she lowered her body in prayer the tray and fire became visible only to be hidden behind her body as she rose once more once. Within the tray were drops of blood and flowers mixed in with a clear liquid. A small glass of what appears to be water sits beside the tray. The woman's hands seems to be wet and clean. On her right is a large Azgardian Sword that is finally crafted and carried runes along its long blade. On the other side of the woman was a white towel covered in blood and also appeared wet. It was clear by her cloak and long blond hair that this was Senni Heartman. Her personal body armor showed through the cloak and marked her for who she was. Warlord Ansfrid knew better than to move forward, this was clearly what she wanted. Still, he motioned some of his warriors forward and in to the narrow hallway. A mistake that he would later regret. She didn't look up from her actions but spoke clearly, “Warlord Ansfrid, were you not warned already about watching where you tread? You have stumbled in to a place where legends live. You and your troops are not welcomed here.”
He and the rest of his troops remained at the mouth of the narrow hallway. “Warrior Senni Heartman...”
She cut him off without regard for his station or position. “I am her, and so much more.” Senni said softly as she continued to bow before the metal tray. It was clear that she was completing some prayer or ritual.
“I am here to inform you that the Council of Warlords has ordered you and your troops to report for decommissioning. You have served Azgard with honor and pride. It is time for your long journey to come to an end.” Warlord Ansfrid said hoping that he could talk his way out of an arm conflict with Senni. He knew that she was dangerous and most likely the best sword fighter he has ever seen.
“Warlord, do you know what sets us apart?” Senni asked Warlord Ansfrid. His troops were just reaching the end of the narrow corridor. As Senni bowed in her prayers, she also noticed their positions behind her. It was clear that Senni was waiting for the right moment to act.
“Nothing sets us apart Senni Heartman. We are the same. But please educate us in your views, what sets us apart?” The Warlord said as he sent a text to the Command deck. He was starting to realize that maybe Chancellor Murl's vision could have been wrong. He cursed himself for placing too much faith in the Chancellor. A lesson he would not make again.
“Oh, Warlord, we are different. Your mother and father, they were no one of special or of gifts. They were normal. Just like their mothers and fathers before them. Throughout your entire blood line, there is nothing special about your family. This means you are no one special. How in the name of the Far Wander did you think you could rule Azgard, I will never know. I however, I am the daughter of Thor himself. Granddaughter to the Far Wander, Odin. Within me flows the blood of the Gods” She explained softly. The insult to his family only bothered him. The fact that her voice showed that she truly believed what she was saying about being the daughter of a God, scared him. He knew that she was crazy by the way she would always talk to that Twi'lek skull. Her voice now showed something far more terrorizing. A depth of insanity that he knew she would never escape. For this moment he actually pitied her and saw her coming death as a act of mercy.
“I, like my sleeping bothers and sisters, all have a special gift from the Gods themselves. We can see past any conflict and turn that battle with just a whip of our swords. We have never been beaten in combat. We may have lost the field of battle, but we were never beaten. A fact and truth that escapes men like you. This is the reason why we, my brothers and sisters and I, are the children of the Gods. We are the chosen defenders of the Galaxy, not you and your non-special followers. This mission given to us not you by Frigg, the wife of Odin. Within our lungs carries the song of the Gods. Do you see why we are different? You and yours, you are all just normal. I know, I checked. None of you can hold a weapon to me, let alone my brothers and sisters. Tonight, The Warriors of Azgard will be tested. Tonight before the well Urðarbrunnr, Fates will be decided and actions judged. And this is what sets us apart. For I shall leave this hall alive and you will be dead, Warlord Ansfrid.”
There was absolutely no doubt in her voice regarding what she said. He laughed out at the statement, “Warrior, you are badly out numbered, and I do not see any modern weapons on you. Your sword is impressive, but we are armed with the latest pulse weapons Azgard has to offer. What makes you think that you will not be shot dead as you make your first move?” He motioned for his mean to ready their weapons. The sounds of their weapons coming up and safeties being clicked off echoed in the hall. There were sixteen warriors in the narrow hallway and all aimed their weapons at the back of her head. The rest of the warriors fanned out ready to rush in should the order be given.
Once more she didn't stop her bowing as she continued her silent pray to her father. She had to ensure that she cleared her thoughts and mind before attacking them. This had to be just right if Azgard was to become free from men like him. She had to send this message to everyone who would watch it, and beyond even them. This would become one of the most important moments in all of Azgardian history. A moment when the old and new would clash. Only one philosophy could survive this night. “Because Warlord, you and your soldiers are not children of the Gods. Can you not feel him moving around us? My father has come here to fight beside me. To fight beside his very own daughter. Not you, not those who would defy his Laws. He is here to aide my battle, not yours. Lay down your weapons and I shall not kill you.”
Once more the Warlord laughed, “I thought you said I would die here tonight. Now you offer me a chance to surrender?”
Senni laid some sage over the tray. The smoke rose up from the tray, her prayers were answered. 'It is time' she thought. “I was not speaking to you Warlord. I was speaking to your soldiers. They need not die tonight. Only you.”
Warlord Ansfrid was no longer laughing as his face changed. His anger was clearly seen across his face. He still didn't know where Master Visst was and she was clearly only a decoy. He had to trust in what the vision showed him. It had not been wrong so far. He had his doubts but he needed to know. He sent another text demanding that Master Visst be found at all costs. “I am finished here, arrest her!”
The warrior to Senni's right moved forward and carefully had his rifle trained on the back of her head. He carefully moved to push her weapon away from her. As his foot came in to contact with her sword, her hand shot over the hilt and gripped it. “Don't you think they got the resemblance accurately.” Senni said motioning to the statue. The warrior was slightly distracted by the words from the crazy lady. It would be his final mistake. In that moment she flipped the sword on its ends and drove it in to the chest of the warrior. There was screaming which drowned out the man's gurgling for air through the blood now filling his lungs. Senni didn't wait as she pulled her sword from it and rapidly rolled to the left while unhooking her swords. The warrior to her left attempted to open fire on her but she was too fast. His blast hit harmlessly across the floor. Even as the first warrior was falling to his knees, shots were being fired from the other warriors within the narrow hallway. Senni continued to tumble away from the blast marks and came up right in front of the second warrior who had enter this alcove. She drove her now separated swords in to his chest. She only needed one to kill him, but she needed two to complete her next action. Senni started to sing as she leaped up to her feet.
“Glory And Fame” she sang as she pulled with all her might and twisted her body flinging the dying warrior in to his comrades as they rushed the alcove. “Blood Is my Name” She moved forward bringing her right sword down serving the arms of her next target. “Soul Full Of Thunder, Heart Of Steel” she continued to sing as his weapon and arms fell harmlessly to the ground. His scream in agony was only answered by her left sword running through his throat as she attacked the soldier next to him. “Killer Of Men, A Warrior’s Friend” She pulled her blade from both soldiers as she stepped in to the narrow hallway. She spun to the side avoiding the next line of incoming fire. “Sworn To Avenge my Fallen Brothers” She sung as she lowered her body and rushed forward bringing both weapons up across the midsection's of the next two warriors in the hallway. There were screams for those in front to get down while those in front tried to withdraw from the next wave of attacks. “Daughter of the Gods! Today I shall Die!” echoed as she stepped between the last two warriors. She ducked as another round of incoming fire narrowly missed her. While she dropped she drove her blades in to the backs of the last two warriors she sliced. “Open Valhalla’s door” From her knees she sprang forward once more driving her blades in to the next two warriors who attempted to move forward on her. “Let the battle begin. With swords in the wind! HAIL GODS OF WAR!”
Within the first few seconds of this combat, half of the sixteen warriors who had entered in to the narrow hall either dead or dying on the floor. The rest were starting to back up as they were beginning to change their tactics. It was clear that this hallway gave her the advantage while forcing them to fight in tighter formations. The only problem was they couldn't just turn and retreat without giving her their backs. The chaos was still running high as those in the back of the hallway were still trying to get that one shot that would end this battle while those in front were attempting to get some distance from those lethal blades. Senni wasn't through as she continued to sing, “Another Is Born, Another Shall Fall” she spun once more and sank low slicing both of the next warriors just above the knee. Their armor split like it was made of straw. Their debt was paid by a price for not holding to traditions. Their armor was crafted in factories by the lowest bidder, while her armor was made by her own hands. She was still a Master Forger, her weapons and armor out classed theirs completely. Now they were paying the price for it, “This Day Men Will Die” She flipped her blades once more bringing them up along the entirety of their bodies. She leaped over the two warriors falling as she brought her blades down on the next two. She missed her left target, but the right warrior got it full force. The blade hit the top of his helmet as it split and her blade sank deep in to his skull. Blood shot up from the cut in the helmet as he fell to the ground. The warrior that she missed launched his own attack on her.
He leaped forward with his rifle and knocked her blade to the side. He continued forward ramming her midsection and knocking her back. Senni didn't bother to look down, she watched to next two warrior ready their weapons at her. Finally they had a clear shot on her. She spun her body as she kicked up over the bent over warrior. It was clear that her move surprised him. She hooked his arms in hers and kicked her legs downward at the same time she continued to spin. The warrior shot upward and saw his own comrades taking aim at him. With his arms locked by Senni he was trapped, he screamed for them to hold their fire. It was too late! Senni continued to sing, “Glory And Fame, Blood Is My Name” she stepped backward moving the trapped soldier closer to those firing at them. The blasts were true to their mark. The warrior was dead after the first shot. Still Senni held him up. Had they been using ballistic weapons this would not have been possible. The energy was dissipated by the body on her back. Senni pulled her arms in close and used the larger warrior as cover as she once more closed the gap on her enemies. “Soul Full Of Thunder, Heart Of Steel” she sang as she fought against the energy driving her backwards. “Killer Of Men, A Warrior’s Friend” she said as she got close enough. She could tell that she was getting close to her mark. The pictures on the wall told her where in the hallway she was. She leaned to the left and drove her sword in to the belly of the warrior who was trying to get a better angle on her. “Sworn To Avenge My Fallen Brothers” she sang as she let the dead warrior on her back go. At the same time she spun and hurled her second blade at a warrior attempting to reload. The blade drove through him and in to the wall behind him.“Daughter Of The Gods, Today I Shall Die!”
“Open Valhalla’s Door” she sang while rushing the next target while she pulled the blade from the warrior stuck to the wall. “Let The Battle Begin, With Swords In The Wind” She ran her blade through neck of the next warrior. The last of the original sixteen finished loading his weapon and brought it up to fire at her. All he saw was a spray of red mist and her deep blue eye. Her voice echoed in his mind, “Hail Gods OF War!” His head rolled slowly backwards till it fell off the body. Senni looked up to see four more warriors at the mouth of the narrow hallway. They had a clean shot on her, and behind them Warlord Ansfrid smiled. There was a popping sound as smoke started to fill the hallway. Warlord Ansfrid yelled his order to fire. Within seconds, eight warriors were firing their weapons down the hallway. Bright red flashes could be seen passing in to the thick smoke. Slowly the smoke continued to spread till it was only a short distance from the first four warriors standing before Warlords Ansfrid. They continued to fire rapidly as something echoed from the hallway. It was a recording of some kind. The rest of the warriors joined in aimlessly firing down the hallway. Each only hoping to hit the devil that had killed their brothers. No one aimed, they just fired over and over again.
The voice of the speaker was deep and steady as music that had not been heard in these halls for nearly a thousand years played. The voice would later be identified as High Priest Oddr Fury. He was the last sitting High Priest before the fall of the Temple on High. His words echoed over the weapons' fire. “Onward Into The Heart Of The Battle, Fought The Children Of Odin. Outnumbered Many Times, Still They Fought On. Blood Poured Forth From Their Wounds, Deep Into The Earth. Vultures Waited For The Broken Shells, That Once Were Bodies. But Odin Alone Would Choose The Day, They Would Enter Valhalla. And In Their Hour Of Need, He Sent Forth Unto Them. The Berserker Rage!”
As the recording continues to weapons fire came to a stop. It was clear that they had fired their entire energy in to the smoke. None of them had the courage to move forward. They only stood there at the edge of the smoke. There was an eerie stillness as the recording continued, “Now Gods And Men,
They Rose Up From The Ground. Screaming Like Wild Animals” On that Senni broke through the smoke as if she had leaped up from the ground herself. She screamed out with her face covered in blood. Her blades ran through the first warrior as shock filled his face. “Such Is The Gift Of Absolute Power.” she spun and ran through the next warrior with her blades. “No Blade Or Weapon Could Harm Them.” she no longer attempted to dodge or deflect in coming fire. The other warriors attempted to reload as fast as possible as Senni caught her next victim as he tried to turn and run. She pulled her blades across his neck sending blood spraying over the next warrior. “They Killed Men And Beast Alike” The next warrior was back stepping as fast as he could while using his own rifle to block her attacks. It worked only once, her second blade found its mark through his heart. “And All Who Stood Before Them Died That Day”
Senni easily dodged Warlord Ansfrid's attack with the Warhammer of Azgard. She spun to the left as she easily ducked his second attack. Raising her blade as fast as lighting could cross the sky, she held the edges even and level as she ran it right up in to his chest. In that moment a strange moment of pause occurred as if time itself stopped. Everyone eye in the Main Hallway stared deeply in to Senni's eyes. Her bangs dripped down over the tops of her eyes. Blood splatters crossed her face, hair and body. Slowly time resumed as her long blond pony tail flung as a reaction to her last radical movement. The recording and her voice both rang out in unison, “Hail Gods Of War.” It was over. Her blade had ran right below his heart, cutting the arteries that fed the blacken organ. The sound of the Warhammer of Azgard hitting the metal floor echoed as Warlord Ansfrid's own bodyguards seemed lost in shock and terror. They never noticed the rest of Senni's five man team stepping in to the Main Hallway with their weapons at ready. Their eyes were locked on Senni's in disbelief. Each were frozen by what they saw as they attempted to explain how she was still alive.
Senni stood there holding up the Warlord by her blade. Blood dripped from her wounds and the marks across her armor showed that she had not escaped the conflict unscathed. “Your brothers and sisters all died with honor. Your dishonorable leader is no more. All I need do is remove my blade and his life is over. Look past me and gaze upon your fallen bothers and sisters. You can choose to join them and a company your leader in the after life. Or surrender, and live. The choose is yours.” she said looking to the shocked faces of Warlord Ansfrid's bodyguards.
“Uh....” Warlord Ansfrid tried to get out, “I may go to my death. But I will rest knowing that you can not awaken your bothers and sisters.”
Senni stepped forward holding the blade still, “Go in to the darkness, knowing that your name will never be spoken again.” She said slowly twisting her blade causing him unspeakable pain, “As for my bothers and sisters. We already know what we need to do to awaken them. Thanks to Master Visst!” His eyes widened at her statement. He never had a chance to consider all of what she said as she stepped back drawing back both her blades. In a mighty upward single swing, she removed both of his arms. Warlord Ansfrid fell to the floor as his arms landed beside him. Not one warrior even tried to do anything for him as his life blood was pumped from his body by his own beating heart. Senni looked around at his bodyguards, who now looked at her with a sense of fear and awe.
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