A/N: Yes, the wait is over. The YYGDM entry I've longed for is here. Been in the planning stages since 2011, but I've had huge hurdles to overcome to get to this point (Dawn of Chaos notwithstanding; also D-Reaper's Fury and the Apophis Trilogy set things back some).
I can safely say Valkyrie Advent sees the light of day. This is a project I've been excited for since I have a chance to delve into Norse Mythologies while putting my own spin to it.
Kotori Ayami, originally meant to be just Belletiger and Youkai Youko's goggle girl/Digimon Tamer, has been drastically revamped into the Valkyrie Maiden, Brunhilde. I've dropped hints about her previous Valkyrie life and shown tidbits of other yet to be revived Valkyries. Their time will finally come (if you don't count their special guest roles in Ford1114's Guilty Crown: The Lost Kingdoms fic and their non-canon appearances in Shinnen: New Year). This is official debut for the other Valkyrie Maidens: Skuld, Sigrun, Skogul and Gondul.
While Kotori/Brunhilde will be the main prospective character, the other Maidens will get their share of spotlight. Of course, this also won't mean the other ensemble cast will get short changed. For each of the other groups, only a select handful will play roles in this story to avoid overcrowded scenes. The roster of heroes will be revealed in another update.
Note: For anyone reading my Cross Generations fic, VA is set in the time frame between Apophis Rising and CG. In fact, in-universe wise, VA is set a whole 11 months after AR. This fic will also be simultaneously released with mine and Ford1114's Valkyrie Homecoming fic, the newest addition to Kanius that's a parody take on the characters watching themselves in this fic.
Now if you've been following YYGDM and to some extent Digimon Fusion Kai, here's a recap of the series of events featuring Kotori and her compatriots (Philippe, Himura, Saya):
Wrath of Pharaohmon/Redux: Where it all starts. Five groups of heroes from different walks of life and destiny are united against their first common threat: Pharaohmon. Kotori's first on-screen appearances: Redux Chapters 27 and 36.
Special Gaiden: Underworld Saga: A prequel tie-in exploring Himura Tsubasa and Kotori Ayami during their journey in the Digital Underworld. This is highly recommended for obvious reasons.
The Invasion of the Rajita: The second season takes place months later and escalates when an old enemy of the Moon Kingdom and Sailor Senshi, known as the Rajita, invade Earth. Unable to win alone, the Senshi gain support from the other heroes to thwart Ghidorah's plan for galactic domination. Kotori plays a secondary role and awakens an imperfect portion of Brunhilde's power without any former memories. Chapters 19-20 for her brief reunion with Himura.
Summer Diaries/Special Edition: A series of stories told by various characters in a third person POV. The chapter titled, Kazu, can be considered supplementary reading since it introduces a character that will have a crucial role in this story.
Dawn of Chaos: The third season and the largest story to date. Although the behind the scenes was orchestrated by the insidious Paradais duo (Charon and Prophet), our heroes have been split to contend with their own enemies. The Duelists pursue the Paradais Knights. The Spirit and Neo Detectives confront the Demon Priests and the Taiyoukai lord Arago. The Sailor Senshi and Kuiper Belt Senshi must contend with the Neo-Rajita and leader Gamera. The Tamers and Legendary Warriors gain support from the Digi-Destined and DATS to prevent Valmarmon's revival. All the while, Paradais preps for the Dawn of Chaos. This story is the turning point when Kotori becomes the fully reawakened Brunhilde. Chapters 36-37, 51-55, 61 (for her meeting with the FFVII cast), and 63 (her meeting Sleipnir). Recommended to see Kotori/Brunhilde return to top form.
Digimon Fusion Kai: D-Reaper's Fury: A YYGDM/DFK event, in which the Tamers, Legendary Warriors, and Kuipers go to the DFK/DF-616 world to meet the Kai Digi-Destined and Ascendants to compete in a tournament. But, their fun is interrupted when a whole different D-Reaper gets awakened. This is an adaptation of the Majin Buu Saga with some deviations. Kotori's second prominent role since reawakening as Brunhilde. Her second major outing as a superhero.
YuYuGiDigiMoon: Gaiden. Highly recommend just reading Chapter 14, Paris, and Chapter 25, Kentori.
Neos United/The West Coasters/Apophis Rising. Kotori's next conflict as she takes her place as among the seven leaders of the YYGDM groups. Her enrollment into a police department is mentioned. Also West Coasters, while Kotori is not featured, it does have characters who will make an in-story appearance in Valkyrie Advent and Chapter 3, Songblade, showcases a character who will play a major role in this story. Apophis Rising transitions into Valkyrie Advent with a post-credit scene with the two major villains of this story.
Supplementary readings
Digimon Accel Stream Season 2 and Side Story Slam (Kensuke Rainer's adventures, including crossover stories with YYGDM and DFK. Written by Chaosblazer.) Kotori makes a few appearances, most notably for her interactions with Kensuke and gaining the Moon Force Crystal, a gift from Queen Serenity, to help enhance her abilities. Side Story Slam Chapters 10-12 feature Brunhilde's participation in an Amazon tournament, which she bests Sailor Varuna and Sailor Mars, but loses to Queen Athenamon in the semi-finals. Brunhilde then falls to Sailor Jupiter (and Mjolnir) in a bronze runner-up bout.
Digimon Fusion Movie: Battle of Digital Gods. Not a YYGDM story, but Ascendant God, Beerusmon, and Whismon debut in this fic. This story takes place prior to Valkyrie Advent for the DF-616 guests. Tai/Omega X and Matt/Metalla X play secondary (at best) roles and will aid in the final battle(s). Whismon and Beerusmon, watching within their own realm, might have cameo roles.
Guilty Crown: The Lost Kingdoms (AU crossover fic for YYGDM. A Guilty Crown/Madoka Magica crossover created by Ford1114.) AU versions of Kotori and early-bird appearances of the Maidens in Chapter 3. Also features Loki and his entourage.
House of Madoka: Halloween Night. Cornerverse!Kotori, the Valkyrie Maidens, and the Lokar (Loki's crew) debuts. This also marks the debut of the Lokar before their official YYGDM appearances.
Shinnen: New Year. Follow-up to House of Madoka. Brunhilde and her Maidens face Loki, Mist, and Mist's band of Erinyes. The Maidens gain new forms to fight Da'ath's goddess Mana Ouma.
And not to bore you with anymore needless details, let's get this Valkyrie tale started!
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Disclosed Apartment Room/April 1, 2011/10:20 PM
For 11 months, she has been actively watching and hiding behind the shadows. She had been reawakened to follow her master's bidding. With his connections, she had been able to conjure magic to allocate resources to relocate to an apartment. Rather than hiding in a dirty and shoddy warehouse like other typical villains, this crafty woman wanted a contemporary location to allow her to blend in.
Now she was ready to initiate her next move for her master.
The time has come to find her master a body made of flesh.
(Cue Thor OST – My Bastard Son)
Entering her quarters, the young woman returned presumably from a long day with acquaintances. Rather than retiring for the night in her bedroom, she walked into a darkened room. With a flick of her finger, she forged a tiny green flame and lit a candle. The lit candle revealed the girl's face: a face of an attractive youth with long blonde hair and wearing purple lipstick.
The girl approached a wall made of marble. The wall's exterior started to shift, forming the facial features and body of a man. The man's appearance twisted and distorted, giving off a malevolent presence that didn't slight the girl for a single moment.
Kneeling down on one knee, she draped an arm across her chest, bowing to the 'man behind the wall'.
"My lord, the vessel you've sensed is closest to our location. I intend to monitor him at the university he attends."
"Excellent, Mist. The time is at hand to bring him to our quarters so we may take the vessel thy desires."
'Mist' smirked, giggling evilly. "Yes, the time for you to regain your physical form will soon be at hand, my lordship." She stood as a green veil of light enveloped her, magically replacing her casual Earth wear, consisting of a short-sleeved white shirt, black skirt, and brown boots, to her normal choice of wear: a dark green leather outfit, revealing her back, shoulders, and collar, dark gray pants, and dark high-heeled boots. Adorning her head is a Valkyrie's helmet sans the feathers.
Mist removed her helmet and closed her eyes, invoking a green beam of light from her forehead. This light was then transferred over to her master. The master scanned and learned everything Mist researched about his new vessel.
"Yes, this is the one with the void of power. Once he possessed a great power and for whatever reason lost it."
Mist nodded. "Yes, if you will recall he lost it following a battle with the Egyptian deity known as Apophis."
"Yes, thy recall this. This individual is still void of power, meaning..."
"Meaning he will be much easier to take over, my lord..." She looked up, smiling fiendishly. "Master, you will have this body soon enough. He and his little band of comrades don't won't suspect a thing once I approach them. They will only know of my civilian identity, Adora Frost."
"And what of Brunhilde?"
Upon hearing the Valkyrie's name, Mist's face conveyed disdain. "She has yet to know of our presence. But, I am well aware of her reincarnated identity. I reawakened shortly after she did."
"You must be vigilant around these people, should if they have close connections to Brunhilde."
"Yes, master, I shall keep that in mind. And as you request, I shall contain my fury should Brunhilde and I cross paths in risk of exposing our location."
"Brunhilde hasn't regained her full memories yet. There may be a chance she won't remember me from the olden days, but she will once we make contact. Likewise, her Maidens won't have recollections of me."
"Well, the other Maidens haven't reawakened yet, but might I suggest we eliminate their reincarnations to eliminate Brunhilde's chances of uniting them?"
"That would be wise, Mist."
"And you needn't worry about me going in this alone. I've gained acquisitions to help our cause."
"If you've managed to acquire their help, then I like our chances. The Lokar shall be reunited."
Mist stood and forged a flame in her hand, displaying the shadowed images of four dragons. "Yes, we have been in constant contact with them, master. They will be here soon."
"I knew reawakening you was the best decision. Until they arrive, you're monitor my potential vessel and stay clear of Brunhilde."
"As you wish, Master Loki," Mist replied and then with a snap of her fingers restored her civilian form. "Granted, Mist won't be the one that lures this Midgard vessel. No, that will be in Adora Frost's hands." She vowed as green light flared in her fiendish eyes. "And just you wait, Brunhilde, when the time comes we shall renew our age old differences."
(End theme)
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(Cue Witch of the Holy Night – Main Theme)
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YuYuGiDigiMoon Movie: Valkyrie Advent
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Arc I: Valkyrie Search, Chapter I
The Advent
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Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department/Gym/April 8, 2011/8:30 AM
Sitting with her eyes closed, a young woman was in deep meditation in preparation for some morning training before her early day assignment. Since her inauguration becoming a police officer last spring, today was like any other day for one Kotori Ayami.
But, not today.
(Cue DMX – Gon' Give It To Ya)
Kotori shot her eyes open, grinning sadistically. "Are you ready?! You're more than welcome to back out if you want!"
"No way, Ayami! I ain't letting no woman beat me! Not even you!"
"Don't say I didn't warn ya."
Another officer, serving as referee, stood between Kotori and a mountain of a man full of muscle. She and the large bald-headed man seeping with manly sweat had their hands interlocked for an arm wrestling contest. As both tightened their grips, Kotori looked him dead in the eyes. Her opponent, a fellow officer, towered over her like a bear. His biceps were as large as Kotori's whole body. While she was average height, she was small compared to this man. Heck, everyone on the police force couldn't go up to his knee caps.
However, Kotori's arm wrestling record remains uncontested. No one has been able to beat her. Today, this giant adamantly vowed to end Kotori's streak.
"Officers ready?!" The ref asked them.
"I've got 5,000 yen on Officer Daigo."
"Make it 10,000 on Ayami. She's been on a roll."
Himura Tsubasa observed Kotori and Daigo square off. He intently eyed Kotori, anticipating the likely outcome to happen.
"Go!"
Officer Daigo grinned, squeezing Kotori's hand tight. "Your luck ends here, Ayami! Nobody beats the Iron Ox in arm wrestling! This is a contest fit only for men! A woman like you should know their place on the force and stay behind their desks!"
All the while Daigo spat in her face, Kotori's face said it all: apathy and quite frankly annoyed. After all she's been through, this was just yet another blowhard ready to be put in his place.
"What's the matter, Ayami?! You haven't said a word! Has my yelling broken that feeble little brain of yours?!"
Kotori glumly droned. "Ok."
"Oh, look! She speaks! You scrawny piss-ant! Who do you think you are daring to challenge the strongest man in the force! No, strongest man on this side of Tokyo?! I've yet to be beaten in any form of physical contest! You made a grave mistake accepting my challenge! Because I will break you!"
Himura mumbled quietly. "You can quit showboating already. Just end it."
With her ear twitching, Kotori heard Himura and winked. "Oh, what will I ever do? Officer Daigo wants to break little ol' Kotori! But, I'm just a little bird cornered by the Iron Ox!"
"If that isn't sarcasm, then I see you've realized the error of your ways, but it's too late! This ox is about to crush this little bird under his hoof!"
"Or, this little bird..." Kotori smirked coolly.
Boom!
Kotori literally turned the table on Daigo and slammed his hand down. Kotori turned Daigo around so fast he went spinning and hitting the floor hard.
Bam!
"...flips you right on your ass!"
Daigo lied on the floor whimpering and holding his throbbing hand. With hands on her hips, Kotori stood tall over the Iron Ox.
"Oh, what? What was that? You were going to what now?" Kotori cupped her ear hearing nothing but girly whimpering from the broken giant.
"Well shit, lost my 5,000! That's the last I'm betting against Ayami!"
"And I'm 5,000 richer!"
Shaking his head, Himura sighed. Well at least you held back. Had you gone all out, you'd snap Daigo's arm off. The perks of having Valkyrie strength.
"Still unbeaten, boys! Anyone else wanna step up to the plate?" Kotori offered to her fellow officers, who backed off after seeing the force's strongest guy humbled before her. "Thought so." She turned to Himura and smirked. "So, ready to go on patrol today, Himura?"
"Uh, yeah? Actually, I came here because the boss wants to see us."
"The boss..." She stopped with a shudder in her voice. "Great."
(End theme)
"Hey, y'all! In case you haven't heard, this is my story! Kotori Ayami here and about to give you a recap of what's happened since we beat Apophis. Well, I graduated from police academy training with flying colors. Was there any doubt? Well, not all was easy. The written test was a total pain in the ass and I barely passed that.
I'm already up to a year being an active officer in the Tokyo Metropolitan Police. I'm now living a dream I've wanted to pursue. Since my late-father was an officer, I've always wanted to follow in his footsteps and bring justice to crime. He died on duty protecting someone. I honestly don't know how dad would react if he were still around. At first, he might've disapproved with me being a woman, which I really wouldn't blame him since this is a dangerous job. But, after seeing what I've become, I think he'd be proud of me.
Himura would also join the police force with me. He's wanted to become a detective. So, he figure to start working his way to the top while taking college courses to get his degree in Criminal Justice. Me? Who knows? Maybe I can take a similar road, but I'm just ok catching bad guys. I've always been a thrill seeker and I figured why not have fun working with something you enjoy?
Things have been low key as of late. No evil gods, Digimon bad guys, pink bubblegum monsters, or Paradais freaks wanting to wreck our shit. Ok, maybe a few Digimon and demons passing into our world, but nothing my friends can handle. I do still keep up with my Valkyrie training on my free time, y'know to hone my skills so they don't go rusty and in case some powerful enemy decides to show up.
Oh, did I mention I'm now dating Kouichi Kimura? Yeah, it will be almost over a year since we've been going out. He's a dependable guy and has been supportive of my choice to become an officer. Seadramon's still Seadramon, the best Digimon partner I could ever ask.
And today was just like any other day, another jerk for me to beat in arm wrestling. And now about to meet with the boss. Let me tell ya, I think my boss has a weird fetish for me. It's probably because Minako Aino recommended me to her and she wrote me a letter of recommendation, courtesy of Sailor V. Who would've thought my boss is a huge Sailor V fan?! Crazy I tell ya.
Yeah, the day is still young, but I get this strange feeling this won't be like any other day. Lately, I've been having some strange visions... about other Valkyries... and some images from Brunhilde's past. There's scenes still too foggy. It's all confusing to me. I haven't told anyone yet, but something tells me I can't keep this bottled up for long.
And now, welcome to my world."
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Superintendent General's Office/9:15 AM
"Ayami and Tsubasa, I'm glad I can call you here. How's your morning been?" An attractive middle-aged woman with long dark hair gleefully greeted her officers.
"Could be better, Superintendent General Sakurada," Himura replied, sitting down.
"Beat Daigo in arm wrestling if that means anything to you," Kotori said apathetically.
"Oh, that's wonderful, Ayami! Daigo is one scary man and you beat him?! Bravo to you, Miss Ayami, it's no wonder you're becoming a favorite of mine!" Sakurada cooed, laughing and waving a fan over her face. "Sailor V definitely picked the cream of the crop with you."
"Gee, I feel special," Kotori sardonically muttered.
"You should you're my strongest ace I have on our force and Tsubasa isn't a slouch either."
Himura cleared his throat. "Superintendent, you didn't call us here for a friendly chat. I assume we have a vicinity to patrol?"
Sakurada nodded. "Why yes, you two will be patrolling the area near the Tokyo Opera City Tower this morning and afternoon. As you know, it's the second night of the ongoing Der Ring des Niebelung, Die Walkurie event. You two won't need to patrol during nightfall since we'll have other officers there on patrol."
"So, we get the night off again," Himura said.
"Correct, but don't feel down. Say, did you two get tickets to the event?"
Kotori nodded dismissively. "Nah, and besides opera isn't my thing."
"Never hurts to try, Miss Ayami," Sakurada winked to Kotori. "Who knows? It might tickle your fancy? Perhaps you'd like to be my bodyguard and date?"
"Ehhh, no thanks."
"Your loss then."
Suddenly, the door burst open and a middle-aged blonde-haired man in a red suit stormed in to find Sakurada with the officers.
(Cue Durarara! OST – He's Such a Coward that He Can Laugh)
"Officer Ayami, I'd like to have a word with you!" The man addressed Kotori.
"Ugh, Wakagi. Now isn't the time," Kotori grumbled.
"Wakagi! Knock before you come in!" Sakurada reprimanded him.
"What's this about you nearly breaking my favored officer Daigo?!" Wakagi chastised Kotori.
"He accepted my challenge and paid for it. He's lucky I didn't break his arm. Why? Did he go crying to you?"
"You've broken his pride as a man!"
"Oh, boo-hoo, tell him to go cry me the Nile. I'm done dealing with that big jerk and he asked for it for throwing his weight around."
Sakurada giggled and waved her fan in her face. "And that's why I like you, Ms. Ayami. You don't take nonsense from insubordinate officers."
"Insubordinate officer? Daigo's been a strong hand on our force, Superintendent...!"
"Wakagi, how many people has Daigo caught compared to Ayami and Tsubasa? Both possess more finesse than Daigo's brutal methods. Moreover, Ayami is a great role model for our other lady officers. She defines the ideal strength, beauty, and ingenuity a lady officer should strive for."
"And what of Tsubasa?" Wakagi asked, eyeing the young officer. "Does he not have the qualities a fine officer should have?"
"More than others. He certainly possesses more qualities than you."
Wakagi growled hearing this. "You wouldn't say that...!"
"I just did. Now, leave us, Wakagi!"
Glancing at Kotori and Himura, the Police Chief Inspector stormed out gritting his teeth. He shut the door hard, making Kotori whistle.
"Does he always get like this around you, Himura?"
"Only I mention you. He thinks you only got into the force because of Sailor V, whom he hates."
"Hey, it pays to have connections," Kotori shrugged. "Plus it helps our boss loves Sailor V."
"Yes, indeed," Sakurada blew a kiss to a poster of Sailor V. This earned a cringe from Kotori. "So, anyway, I'll let you two get right on your assignment. Sorry for the inconvenience with Wakagi making a scene."
Kotori stood up and saluted. "Right, thanks chief. And don't worry about me and Wakagi. I've learned to filter out his crap." She turned to Himura and fist bumped him. "Rearing to go, partner?"
"Let's do it, partner."
(End theme)
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Tokyo University Campus/11:10 AM
One week in and the school year was back in session for students. This was especially the case for first years enrolled in Tokyo University.
One college freshman had gotten adjusted to his first week and realizing the difference from high school.
(Cue Green Day – Basket Case)
Arriving by bike, Takato Matsuda parked his transport in a bike rack next to other student bikes. He turned inhaling the fresh spring air. Sporting long hair tied in a short ponytail, Takato gave himself a more relaxed appearance now that he's no longer constrained by standard uniform dress codes.
"Just one week and this already beats high school!" Takato boasted as he once again inhaled the spring air. "And I don't even need to take morning classes if I don't wanna!" He walked by campus and waved to several students along the way. "Wish I could bring you here, Guilmon, but you'd attract too much attention. Not that the folks here would be scared of you since they're at least aware of us being heroes."
Losing Suzaku in the battle of Apophis still pained and haunted Takato even now. However, with support from his friends, other heroes, and girlfriend Rika Nonaka, he's been able to persevere through hardships and bouts of depression. The return of his partner, Grani, during an other dimension conflict helped somewhat alleviate and fill that missing gap Suzaku left.
Even then, Takato yearned for the day Suzaku would return as stories always dictate that phoenixes rise from the ashes.
As he walked down the university hall, he looked the other way to see students registering for late enrollment. Then, without warning, he bumped into somebody.
"Oh, sorry! I didn't mean to...!"
"No, I should apologize."
For a moment, Takato felt the hand of the individual he bumped into. He met the person eye to eye. He saw a cute blonde-haired Caucasian girl wearing glasses, a long-sleeved green shirt, and a blue jean skirt. The girl had her hand on his right shoulder.
(End theme)
"Oh, I... I'm really sorry," Takato suddenly lowered his tone.
The girl blinked in confusion momentarily.
"Adora? Is that you?"
Adjusting her glasses, the blonde smiled. "Wait, who are you?"
"Takato Matsuda, don't you remember? I knew I recognized your face! We knew each other from grade school!"
"Oh, my gosh, Takato?! Is that really you?!"
"Yeah, it's me! Man, you've really grown, Adora!"
"Well, it's like you said we haven't seen each other since... grade school? First grade even."
"Yeah, meaning we were kids the last we met."
"Yeah, and then I transferred and we never saw each other," Adora blushed, scanning Takato from head to feet. "My, you've become such the cutie, Takato."
"I can say the same for you, Adora. Boy, aren't my friends going to be surprised when I tell them about this! Our first meeting since first grade!"
Adora giggled, taking off her glasses. "Friends? Well, I'd like to meet them."
"I can't believe this. Have you enrolled here?"
"Yeah, in fact I've enrolled yesterday. I'm starting classes today. My first class is Art History I."
"The 11:45 class?"
"Yeah."
"No kidding! That's where I'm heading, but I've got to get a quick bite before I head there."
"Really? Wow, what a coincidence. You still have an interest in art?"
"Yep."
"I always remember you being such a creative drawer as a kid. I admired your cute little pictures," Adora said. "Say, how about we talk along the way to the vending area and to class?"
"Sounds good. We have some catching up to do."
"Indeed," Adora smiled and accompanied Takato to class. "You have to tell me everything you've been doing to this point."
"It's a long story."
"I've got plenty of time."
"This is so surreal, I really want tell you all that's happened to me and the friends I've made since."
"Yes," Adora smiled, concealing her wicked aura from Takato. Behind her 'innocent mask', a devious grin formed on her features. She probed Takato and confirmed the void that her master alluded to. Oh, this was too easy! You poor deluded boy, With my Illusion's Touch, I have you where I want you. This is my surefire way to take you as mine and lure you to Master Loki. An fiendish chuckle filled her devious mind.
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Outside Tokyo Opera City Tower/11:20 AM
(Cue Durarara! OST – Walk on the Diagonal)
Having spent over an hour near the location of tonight's Die Walkurie event, the officers took their break and bough some hot dogs.
"Bored," Kotori droned, biting into her chili hot dog.
"Just because there's no one to chase? Personally, I kinda don't mind the peace and quiet."
"Well, I don't. That's the reason why I joined the force. I love the thrill of pursuing suspects!"
Himura bit into his hot dog, wiping mustard from his lip. "You've only been able to catch these many thugs because you rely on that enhanced strength and speed of yours. That's kinda not fair."
"Thugs don't play fair either. I'm just leveling the playing field. Besides, it's not like I have access to all my Valkyrie powers in normal mode. I can't fly and do all the magic stuff I'm able to as Brunhilde."
"Still, with the way you woman handled Daigo, he's lucky you didn't rip his arm off and beat him over the head with it!"
"I do have control of my own strength as you plainly saw."
Himura sighed. "I'm just looking out for you."
"Thanks, but I can take care of myself."
"Anyway, how's Kouichi been?"
"He's still running his mother's flower shop. You know I go by see him after work everyday. Did you know his brother, Kouji, is studying in college?"
"Yeah, I see him on the way sometimes."
Kotori finished scarfing down her hot dog. "And how's your sweet heart doing?"
"Jeri's been doing great. Did I tell you she's studying to be a kindergarten teacher?"
"Like a hundred times," Kotori remarked. "But, yeah I'm proud of her. She'll be good around kids. Me? I can't see myself doing that."
"Have you decided if you want to go into a university?"
"Maybe, but I'd rather just focus being a good cop for my dad."
"Hey, that's fine. Take as much time as you want. Oh, by the way, why turn down going to the Die Walkurie event? You realize it's the story about Brunhilde and Siegfried?"
"Yeah, but operas just aren't my thing," the female officer tossed her trash in a dumpster. "I mean, yeah I'd like to learn more about myself, but I think I already have a good idea who I am." She stared at her right hand, clenching it hard. "I am Brunhilde's reincarnation. The world has already seen me as Brunhilde, but they don't know me too well."
"I wish I see this show but if evening classes didn't get in the way."
"You curious to learn more about Siegfried?"
"Yeah, to get a clearer understanding about my past self. You remember when was brought to that underworld being, Hela?"
"That creepy lady with a half burned body you saw in your dream?"
"She wasn't a dream. She gave me the sword that exorcised Necromon's control over you. That sword was instrumental in your revival, Kotori."
"You think she might be able to tell me more about our past selves?"
"Who knows? She hasn't contacted me since then."
(End theme)
Adjusting her police hat and gloves, Kotori stared at the opera tower.
"I haven't been too upfront myself, but..."
"What, Kotori?"
"Lately, I've been having dreams. Some related to scenes from our previous incarnation's life. Brunhilde, Siegfried, and some other Valkyries. One of them resented Brunhilde for some reason."
"Resented Brunhilde?"
Kotori nodded. "Yeah, she wore some green armor and had blondish hair. She threatened Brunhilde's life and vowed to take Siegfried. Dunno, sounds like an overly obsessive bitch. And a sexually frustrated, too, if she wanted Siegfried's dick so badly." She chuckled as she noticed the flabbergasted look on Himura's face. "Oh, sorry. Too many details?"
"Nah, not really. I'm glad you didn't keep all that bottled up inside though."
"Yeah, right."
"And the other Valkyries? What can you remember of them?"
"Besides that whore? Well, there were four of them? I remember Brunhilde called them her Maidens."
"Maidens?"
"Yeah, maybe her team or something."
"I see," Himura tossed his trash away. "Listen, Kotori, I hope you know just because our past incarnations were lovers, that doesn't mean destiny preordained us to get together. I admit we did have a thing for each other when we were kids."
"I'll never forget our time in the Digital Underworld. That's where we met Inumon and Seadramon."
"Yes," Himura smiled, reminiscing beautiful but tragic memories of their first interactions. "But, you were gone for a long while. And since then, I've fallen for Jeri. And since your reawakening, you and Kouichi got together."
"Yeah," Kotori conceded to these facts. "I've long accepted that."
"But, that doesn't mean that should affect our friendship and crime partnership."
"Sure, if you and Jeri need anyone to turn to for help, I'm here."
"Thanks, my friend," Himura shook Kotori's hand.
(Cue Final Fantasy XII OST – Royal Capital Rabanastre – City Upper Ground)
As the officers exchanged handshakes, a limousine passed on by them. In this limo, a pale, dark-haired butler sat with a petite girl with long white hair and a cerulean dress.
"Tonight's the night, Garman."
"Yes, you should get rested before the evening, Lady Sasha."
The pale-haired girl nodded, shutting her eyes. "Thanks for reminding me."
xxxxx
Azabu-Juuban District/Karin and Dimitri's Condo/4:20 PM
"Are you leaving for work again today, Karin?" Dimitri asked, watching his girlfriend finish adjusting her tie and glasses.
"They called me in because some new artifacts came in," Karin answered, grabbing her purse. "And I promised to give Philippe's sister, Saya, a tour of our Ancient Chinese Exhibition that just started. Being the curator's assistant, I promised to give them this tour for Saya."
"But, you just left to pick me up," Athena said, sitting with PinkPatamon on a stool.
Karin kissed Athena's forehead. "Sweetie, I'm sorry, but we can have pizza rolls tomorrow night. Do you have homework?"
"Just some math."
"Maybe dad here can help with that. You two got the place to yourselves." Karin raised her eyes to Dimitri's level, smiling genuinely. "Y'all can make something for yourselves."
"Well, I'm not much of a cook..." Dimitri confessed, to which Athena giggled.
"It's ok, Dimitri. We can try and make something good."
PinkPatamon thought. Just don't burn or blow up the place.
"I'll give you two a hand!" Faith the Patamon chimed in, pulling a frying pan from a cabinet.
Karin gave a thumbs up. "Looks like you're all covered!"
"Too bad uncle Ken isn't here to enjoy eating with us," Athena sighed, mulling over her uncle Kensuke Rainer.
Karin smiled over this. "I'm sure he's having fun with dueling with Jaden and those former Academy students overseas. He's most definitely thinking about us now."
"Hope he sends a postcard," Athena nodded, grinning from ear to ear.
"Now, Dimitri, are our Tai and Matt supposed to be coming in tonight or tomorrow?"
Dimitri answered plainly. "Tai and my father haven't specified, but hopefully by tomorrow, Karin."
"I see."
"Yay, grandpa and great uncle Tai are coming!" Athena clapped.
"Yes, isn't that exciting, Athena?" Karin patted their future daughter's head. "Well, look at the time. I've got to catch the bus! You all take care!" With that, the Kuiper bolted out of the condo and left the den for her family.
Dimitri picked up a few eggs from the fridge. "Hey, why don't I make us some omelets? Just tell me how y'all want 'em!"
Upon hearing this, Athena, Faith, and PinkPatamon's mouths watered.
"Ok, let's get cooking!" Dimitri started cracking open eggs.
xxxxx
Tokyo University/Library/6:10 PM
"And that's how life's been since we last seen each other," Takato entailed Adora about the direction his life took.
"And now our paths have converged. It's really good to see you've been doing well for yourself," Adora said, flipping through the pages of a book titled Myths and Legends Vol. IX: Norse Mythology. She flipped through pages showing numerous Norse figures including but not limited to Odin, Thor, Loki, Jormungand, and Fenrir. "And I'd love to meet your friends."
"I think you'll like them. They're great people. I've gotta tell them about you."
"Yes, I'm sure they're good people. Glad you had company after we sadly parted ways..." As she flipped to Brunhilde's page, she darkened her gaze and snarled in disgust.
"Oh, I forgot to tell you, but I've been dating someone."
Shutting the book hard, Adora scowled.
"Adora?" He got disconcerted by her inexplicable harsh reaction.
"Sorry, Takato. Did I scare you?" Adora openly apologized, genuinely smiling to him. She removed her glasses and looked him in the eyes. "I didn't mean to rattle you."
"No, it's ok. You just startled me."
"You have a girlfriend, huh? I hope she's tough to deal with your meekness."
"Tough? You have no idea. She's very sharp-tongued and honest, but those are qualities I like about her."
"What's her name?"
"Rika Nonaka."
I must keep that name in mind. Adora replied with a fake smile, concealing her irritation. "So, Rika is your woman?"
"Heh, like I said, we're dating and have been for few years."
"And coupled with dating..." Adora leaned near his ear and whispered. "You two already fuck?"
Takato's ear twitched, feeling a shiver down his body. "Adora...!"
"Sssshhh!" Other students plainly reminded him.
Sinking down into his seat, Takato buried his face in his book and whispered to Adora. "Details much? And I don't remember you ever being so vulgar."
"Well, duh, I was just a kid when we last met. Besides, I'm not mad if you two already done it. I'm just happy you've found someone to care for you. And you're right, what you two do isn't any of my business," Adora put her glasses back on.
"Don't let it hinder our friendship."
"Of course not," Adora turned and placed a hand on his. She stared into his eyes, subtly smiling. "But, since we're now in a few classes together, I might need help. So, maybe we can be study buddies?"
"Sure, here let me give you my number."
Grinning evilly in the back of her mind, Adora watched him write and give his number to her.
"Thanks, Takato."
"Say, I can't help but notice you were looking at that Norse Mythology book."
"Yeah, I like mythology. I hope to take a class or two on it. Norse Mythology is my favorite."
"I see. I know a little myself."
"Perhaps we'd like to educate each other?" Adora winked reopening the book as she sat next to him.
The Tamer scanned the book as Adora opened the page about Brunhilde.
Whoa, it's Brunhilde! Man, Kotori would flip if she saw this! Takato thought, attentively reading Brunhilde's profile.
Adora didn't share Takato's enthusiasm. "Judging by your face, Brunhilde happens to be your favorite?"
"She's great, but I've always been a fan of Grani."
"Oh yeah?" Adora asked as Takato went on to explain his love for Grani. "Well, I've always been a fan of Loki."
"The trickster god? Why him?"
"Let's just say, I'm a fan of tricksters and manipulators. Oh, and I also like the Valkyrie named Mist. I feel she's criminally underrated and doesn't get much love. Brunhilde gets too much fanfare for my liking."
"Mist? She's new to me."
"Maybe, this book will tell," Adora muttered, flipping through the pages. As she finally came upon Mist's profile, she was disappointed to find Mist's profile being barely half a page.
"There's not much to tell about her."
"Sadly, see what I mean?" Adora sighed, adjusting her glasses. "But, maybe you'd like to know more?"
"You know stuff about Mist that this book neglected to tell?"
"Perhaps, but don't know how much credence my word holds."
"I've got the time."
Adora turned her seat around, shooting him a seductive look. "Well, ok. Get ready to be educated, Takato."
(End theme)
xxxxx
Tokyo National Museum/6:30 PM
(Cue Final Fantasy XII OST – Rabanastre Downtown)
"So sorry to keep you waiting," Karin apologized, guiding the Sagara siblings, Saya and Philippe, through the museum. "I had to remind my curator I'd be giving you three a special tour of our exhibit."
"It's no trouble, we got here just a few minutes after you did," Saya replied, carrying a purse and a notebook. "By the way, thanks for coming with me, Philippe. I could bring Tsukimaru, but the sun is still out and you know how sensitive he is."
Philippe nodded. "It's not a problem, sis. And Jaguarmon was happy to come along." He said this with Jaguarmon sitting on his right shoulder.
"Only 'cause I didn't want to be left bored out of my wit's end," Jaguarmon purred, nuzzling against the boy's delicate face.
"So, you have a notebook. Research for school?" Karin asked Saya.
"Actually, it's research for a role I'm auditioning for. It's to play a princess from the Ming Dynasty."
"Oh, that's right! You're an actress!"
"Yes, and no autographs please. Maybe until I get the role."
"Sure, whatever you say," the Kuiper escorted the Sagaras toward the Ancient Chinese exhibit.
After giving them a tour for the exhibit, Karin took them into the back room for an insider's tour. Saya jotted down as many notes she could write and enough to get a grasp of the Ming Dynasty's royalty.
"Here we've received recent acquisition for the exhibit," Karin said as a museum crew are seen sorting through these latest acquisitions.
"Sis, look!" Philippe pointed to what appeared to be a vase being set down.
"Oh, wow!" Saya gleamed over the vase.
"Yes, this is a Ming Dynasty vase," Karin directed them to the artifact.
Without any of the museum crew looking, Jaguarmon hopped off Philippe's shoulder. She scored through, meticulously eyeing the ancient artifacts being housed in the back room.
"Well, this place is definitely not good for my allergies," Jaguarmon muttered, twitching her nose. "Oh crap, not now!" She managed to stop herself from sneezing. "Ah, too close." As she crawled back, Karin's heeled shoe accidentally stepped on her tail. "MEROW!" She wailed loudly, startling Karin enough for her to trip into the podium.
"Oh no!" Karin cried out, her back hitting the podium and knocking over the vase.
"NO!" Saya cried out, throwing her notebook down. She slid over catching the vase before it can even hit the ground.
(End theme)
(Cue Hunter x Hunter OST – Concentration)
As she held the vase, she suddenly has a vision of a factory where thousands of vases are being produced. In her shock, she dropped the vase causing it to shatter. It happened so suddenly that it looked like it slipped through her fingers.
"Saya!" Philippe cried out, picking Jaguarmon up in his arms.
"I-I..." Before Saya could finish, the curator came storming in to confront Karin.
"Ms. Osaka! What is the meaning of this?!" The curator, a tall ash-haired man, confronted his assistant. "I trust you to give a backstage tour of our latest acquisitions for our Ming Dynasty and look what's happened!"
"Sir, something bumped into me and pushed me into the podium, causing the vase to fall...!"
"I don't want to hear excuses, Ms. Osaka. You broke a priceless antique and do you realize the amount of money we'll be losing because of this accident?" He berated her.
"Mr. Goro, please if you'll..."
Just then, Saya stepped right next to Karin and came to her defense.
"Mr. Goro, I take it?" Saya addressed the curator.
"Yes?"
"That broken vase is a forgery."
Skeptical of Saya's claim, the curator closely examined one of the vase's shards. Then, to his shock, he discerned the piece was not Chinese porcelain, but instead it was simple earthenware pottery.
"Miss, how could you have known this?"
However, Saya didn't give an answer. Suddenly, she felt slightly light headed and nearly collapsed. This prompted Philippe to catch his sister.
"Saya!" Philippe cried out fearfully, shaking her. "Saya, come to your senses!"
"Is she ok?!" Karin asked him, equally worried for the actress.
"Please, is this there a break room around here?" Philippe asked Karin and Mr. Goro.
"Yes, this way!" Mr. Goro offered to take them.
"Saya, hang on!" Karin said, grabbing Saya's hand. "I'll get you some water!"
While being carried, Saya's face contorted as she started having visions flooding her mind. She couldn't make them out as they were coming to her quickly and frequently, which caused her much mental anguish.
"Please, help... help me..."
"Don't worry, sis, you're going to be ok!"
What could've caused this? Karin wondered, reflecting back to Saya catching and holding the vase. And that moment she seemed to mentally snap once she dropped the vase. She wondered what the significance of this mental distress meant for Saya. "This is very strange."
(End theme)
xxxxx
Shinjuku District/Sasaki Shrine/7:30 PM
(Cue Final Fantasy XII OST – Penelo's Theme)
Tearing through her room together, Kazu Shioda and Kiyoko Sasaki frantically searched for her cell phone. This cell phone had a Belldandy charm that Kazu gave her.
"Ok, Kiyoko, think. When was the last time you held it?"
"When we were both in the park. It should've been in my purse!" Kiyoko cried, throwing off the sheet from her bed. "It's not here!"
"Calm down, Kiyoko," Kazu patted her shoulders. "Breath."
"That cell had the charm you gave me. I could do without the phone, but the charm holds a special place for me." She cried in her hands as Kazu held her.
"I can always get you a new charm, Kiyoko."
"Yes, but to me that charm is irreplaceable. It represents our bond."
Hearing this, Kazu smiled genuinely. "Heh, it does mean a lot to you. Stupid me for not putting importance in inanimate objects." As he said this, he mentally noted. Feh, the heck am I saying? I value my Digimon and Duel Monster decks for cripes sake!
Suddenly, Kiyoko's eyes widened and she let out a gasp.
"I... I see it...?"
"What?"
"My cell!"
"Where?"
"This is going to sound weird, but in my mind. I'm..." Kiyoko saw it in her mind's eye. It was a pink and white cell with the exact Belldandy charm. She noticed it laying under a bench in the park. "It's underneath a bench in Shinjuku Park! It's the same bench we sat on during our date!" She quickly dismissed this. "No, this is crazy. How could I be picturing my own phone? It's just my mind playing tricks on me."
"Nah, I've seen a lot of weird stuff in my life," Kazu stated. "And I'm not going to start becoming a nonbeliever now. Let's go."
"What? But, you just heard me say..."
"Yeah, but let's not take any chances, Kiyoko, before it gets stolen. C'mon!"
Kiyoko blinked thrice and nodded. "Ok!"
xxxxx
Shinjuku Central Park/7:47 PM
As they rushed to the park, they find that the phone was not there.
"But, I saw my phone under this bench in my mind, Kazu! I swear!"
"Ok, calm down, Kiyoko!"
Thinking about it more, Kiyoko scoured the other benches in the vicinity. Kazu helped her look for it.
"I have a feeling it's around here somewhere, Kazu! I can feel it, but it's moving away from me!"
"Moving away from you?" Kazu was befuddled by her claim.
Frantic about losing that charm, Kiyoko allowed instincts to guide her. Eventually, her instincts led them to an older lady walking through the park.
"Excuse me, ma'am!" Kiyoko called to the older woman. "Did you happen to find a pink cell phone under a bench with a charm on it?"
The older woman answered kindly. "Why, yes! I was just about to turn it in at the police station. Is it yours?"
"Yes, it is," Kiyoko said with a sigh of relief. "Thank you."
With that, the old lady returned the cell phone, leaving Kiyoko to wonder how she knew the old lady had it. Then, something else flared up in her senses like a beacon.
(End theme)
"Uh..." Kiyoko closed her eyes, placing her hand on her head.
"What is it, Kiyoko?"
"I can't tell what is it..." She vaguely replied, unable to see what she was sensing. However, she was able to discern its direction. "It's this way!" She immediately followed this source, and Kazu, worried, came along, too.
"Wait up, Kiyoko!"
xxxxx
Tokyo National Museum/Break Room/7:50 PM
(Cue Hunter x Hunter OST – New Mutation)
Saya screamed while having a sensory overload from reading the histories of all the objects in director contact with her, from her clothes, to her jewelry, and even to Philippe.
"I wish there was something was wrong with her," Karin couldn't figure out Saya's plight.
"Look, I've got to rush her home!" Philippe insisted. "Jaguarmon, hang on."
"Wait, Philippe!" Karin reasoned.
As Jaguarmon gripped on her Tamer's shoulder, Philippe scooped Saya in his arms and used his speed to rush out of the museum. He zipped through the streets toward Saya's place.
"I see it all!" Saya screamed, seeing how her brother was bullied back in France, how Kotori stood up for him until she had to move away to Japan. She saw his sorrow when he learned of Kotori's passing, and his joy when he made a new friend in Sasha. She witnessed his adventure in the Digital World, his first meeting with Jaguarmon and gaining the Light of the Jaguar. And this continued through Philippe's storied life up to this point.
xxxxx
Saya and Tsukimaru's Residence/7:51 PM
When Philippe got her home, Tsukimaru was there to help her into the living room.
"What happened, Philippe? Is she going to be ok?"
"I don't know! As soon as she touched a vase, she started having an episode and claimed she can see images in her head."
As Tsukimaru touched his lover, Saya started to see his history, including all 1000+ bloody years of it. To her horror, she saw the monster he was and it terrified her.
"Get back!" Saya screamed hysterically.
"Saya, it's me!" Tsukimaru reasoned with her.
"Get back! I saw it all! All the blood and victims...!" Saya cried, crawling back into a fetal position against a wall. She cried herself into her arms and shook uncontrollably.
"Saya!" Philippe reached for her.
As Tsukimaru reached for her, Saya raised her head to look into his eyes.
"But, I also saw the transformation into the man and loving father you've become to our Adam."
"Saya."
She reached over and touched Tsukimaru's cold face. "I don't hate you for your past sins. In fact, I now see you in a whole new light of understanding." She smiled with tears. "In fact, I'll even love you more..." She said this knowing eventually their love will be even stronger despite Tsukimaru's dark and bloody history.
Just then, her hands slipped away from his face. Her mind started to break as she collapsed on the floor.
"SAYA!" Philippe and Tsukimaru yelled out together.
Hearing the commotion, young Adam Sagara walked in carrying Jaguarmon.
"I did my best to keep Adam away, but he wouldn't have it," Jaguarmon said.
"It's ok, Jaguarmon. You did you best," Philippe said as he and Tsukimaru carried Saya on her bed.
"Mommy? Is mommy ok?" Adam asked worried for Saya's condition.
"Mommy just had a fall, Adam. She'll be ok,"Tsukimaru half-lied, but realizing Adam, even as a child, knew better.
Adam approached the bed and gripped his mother's hand. "Mommy." He sobbed in front of her.
(End theme)
Just then, there was a knocking on the door. Philippe opened it and let Karin in.
"You ran out in a hurry, Philippe," Karin said. "There was no way I'd catch up, but luckily my spirit partner, Knut, was able to sense your jaguar light that traced to here." She saw Saya laying on the bed with Adam crying next to her. "Saya!"
"She's resting," Tsukimaru answered the Kuiper's concern.
"Good. At least she didn't come down with an illness."
"My sister should awaken in a few minutes, but I'd rather give her time to rest."
Karin nodded, smiling. "Sure, no rush, but I'm curious about those images she saw in her mind."
Several minutes later, they heard another pounding on the door. They open it to find Kiyoko, out of breath, and Kazu not too far behind her.
"Kiyoko? Kazu?" Philippe was confused by their unexpected arrival. "What brings you two here? Kiyoko, you're out of breath!"
Kazu chuckled modestly. "Oh yeah, see Kiyoko suddenly had this sensation and ran to here. I caught up and..." Before they could finish answering, they heard Saya scream from the other room.
Instinctively, Kiyoko rushed passed Philippe and headed into the room. She hurried over to Saya's side. Saya suddenly reached out and grabbed Kiyoko's hand. At that instant, Saya not only saw Kiyoko's history, she saw the entire history of the Valkyries and Norns. What shocked her was her recognizing several faces.
As everyone else arrived in the room, they saw Saya finally come to. Kiyoko supported Saya off the bed.
"Saya!" Philippe and Tsukimaru cried out.
"Saya?" Karin gasped upon seeing her awaken.
Surprisingly, her making contact with Kiyoko calmed her down, as it gave her enough understanding of who, and what, she is to disengage her power.
Her first words as soon as she fully regained her senses. "Call Kotori. She's gonna want to hear this."
xxxxx
Sagara Residence/Kotori's Room/8:10 PM
Her cell phone immediately rang. Walking out of her shower, Kotori quickly dried off. Betamon handed her the cell.
She answered. "Philippe? Are you ok?"
"Kotori, I'm at Saya's. Please get here."
Kotori's concerns piqued. "I'm on my way." She turned it off. "C'mon, Betamon, we're going to Saya's."
xxxxx
Tokyo Opera City Tower/8:40 PM
(Cue Richard Wagner – Ride of the Valkyries)
The second night of Der Ring des Niebelung, Die Walkurie. Audiences were captivated by the performance of a French opera group and white-haired female prima donna named Sasha D'Anjou.
In attendance this evening, four couples enjoyed the performance from the comfort in their own exclusive box seat. The four couples consisted: Seto & Lyn Kaiba, Max Stromberg & Amaya Mizuno-Hunter, Sam Stromberg & Koori Hino, and Tyra Vanderbilt & Helena Souza Fernandez. The men were well-groomed and dressed in tuxedos. The ladies, sans Tyra who wore a tuxedo, were dressed in gorgeous and elaborate evening dresses.
They watched Sasha perform as Brunhilde.
Max turned to Amaya, smiling. "Doesn't this feel different from that rock concert we went to?"
"It does, but this is much more pleasing," Amaya whispered.
Koori concurred. "It relaxes my spirit energy."
"Guys, can y'all keep it down?" Lyn whispered.
"Relax, they're not disrupting the performance," Tyra interjected.
Helena added. "It's called proper etiquette, Tyra."
Then, during one of Sasha's arias. "Shield me, sisters! Save this woman! It's Sieglinde, Sieg-!" Suddenly, Sasha blanked out. She felt groggy and collapsed on stage, to the shock and horror of the audience.
(End theme)
The orchestra ceased their performance. Everyone witnessed Sasha's body go into a seizure, prompting the other actors to tend to her. However, none reacted nearly as quickly as Garman, who instinctively stormed the stage toward her.
"Lady Sasha!" Garman yelled out, holding the convulsing girl in his arms.
"Oh my god!" Lyn gasped, quickly getting up from her seat.
"Is she going to be ok?" Koori became fearful of Sasha's situation.
"Looked like she fell into some seizure," Sam observed.
"That poor girl," Helena whispered.
"Look, that guy's carrying her off stage!" Max pointed out to Garman carrying Sasha through the curtains.
"We should check this out, Seto," Lyn suggested to her husband.
Seto nodded. "That girl with the white hair... she looks familiar...I've seen her in photos before. Can it be she's...?"
Lyn asked her husband. "Who is she, Seto?"
"We're going to find out."
xxxxx
Saya and Tsukimaru's Residence/8:48 PM
As soon as she arrived, Kotori and Betamon met with Philippe, Saya, Tsukimaru, Kazu, Kiyoko, and Karin. Saya finished explaining to Kotori and Kiyoko about her visions.
"And that's what I saw. Valkyries, Norns, and a majestic realm," Saya described. "It was beautiful. Completely out of this world. Of the Valkyries and Norns, I recognized a few faces."
"And you saw me," Kotori said. "Say, this matches the dreams I've had, but I never saw you or Kiyoko in them, Saya."
"But, Saya saw me apparently," Kiyoko added.
"Yes, Kotori is the reincarnation of Brunhilde. That much we already know, but you and me, Kiyoko, we're apparently the reincarnations of these Norns."
Karin interjected. "There are three Norns. Their names escape me though."
"Having seen myself in the visions, I can for certain I'm Urd's reincarnation," Saya stated. "Kiyoko, you're Verdandi's reincarnation."
"So, I am," Kiyoko was still mind-boggled from this revelation.
"And since we've been reawakened, our powers are starting to surface. Meaning the third Norn is still out there," Saya said, sensing her body being imbued with mystic energies.
(Cue Valkyrie Profile OST – On the Road to Prosperity and Glory)
But, none were more shocked than Tsukimaru and Kazu respectively. Kazu saw his girlfriend in a completely different light, but as a result loved her more for it. Likewise, Tsukimaru was bewildered his lover is Urd's reincarnation.
"This is incredible, Saya," Philippe said, approaching his sister and grabbing her hand. "I can even sense a new aura from you. It's very similar to Kotori's!"
Kotori walked over to Saya and took her hand. "He's right. You've got some new energy flowing through you!"
"Kiyoko and I are nowhere near as strong as you in combat, Kotori, but our abilities will come of great use. Between my ability to see an object's history and Kiyoko's power to locate the present location of things, we may be able to help find the other Valkyries."
"The ones from the vision?"
Saya nodded and smiled. "Yes, to see how they're doing and..."
Suddenly, Kiyoko felt a sharp ache in her head as her mind's mind sensed another beacon. This beacon emanated not far from their location.
"Kiyoko?" Kazu asked, checking on her. "What is it? Did you see something?"
"Not something. Someone."
"Someone?" Kotori inquired to her. "Who, Kiyoko?"
"It's not moving nearly as fast when I tried following Philippe..." Kiyoko clarified her mind's eye. The first thing to show up in her mind was a tower. "I see the Tokyo Opera City Tower! The beacon's flaring up there!"
Realizing this, Philippe remembered and called out a name. "Sasha!"
"Sasha? Your friend Sasha?" Kotori asked him.
"Yes, Kotori, that was one of the familiar faces I saw!" Saya confirmed Sasha's presence. "She might be the third Norn."
"Ok! I want to avoid large crowds and someone's gotta stay to take care of my little nephew," Kotori declared, eyeing each individual in the room. "Philippe, Saya, and Kiyoko are all I need."
"I can come, too," Karin insisted.
"Fair enough."
"Kazu and I can stay behind to look after Adam," Tsukimaru stated.
Kazu sighed. "Sure."
"Don't worry, Hiro. This shouldn't take long," Kiyoko said, kissing him.
"Ok then! Next stop, City Tower!" Kotori declared.
(End theme)
xxxxx
Tokyo University Campus/8:50 PM
Having left Takato, Adora noticed her necklace glowing. She grasped the green gem as the glow signaled the awakening of mystic presences.
(Cue Hunter x Hunter OST – Scariness)
"Glowing again? So, the Norns have reawakened!" Adora gasped realizing this. Surveying her surroundings, she stormed into some bushes and transformed into Mist. She flew out and landed on a highest scale building on the campus. She probed all of Tokyo and picked up on four Norse presences. "Four of them. Three are about to converge onto one. Yes, one of these four is Brunhilde's reincarnation. The other three are indeed the Norns. This is not good. They shouldn't have reawakened this soon."
With that, she flew over the campus and used a relocation spell to teleport to her home.
"Master Loki and I must hasten our activities. I must deliver Takato to him soon!"
xxxxx
Tokyo Opera City Tower/Backstage/8:55 PM
"No, what is this?! Why am I seeing this?!" Sasha screamed as Garman hugged her.
"Lady Sasha, it's ok. Breath, breath."
Taking a few deep breaths, Sasha slowly calmed and allowed the visions to subside. All she could make out were visions of Valkyries and the end result of a destructive war.
Having come to, Sasha was able to regain a general view of her surroundings. She came to after experiencing the vision she was just having. She realized she was back in her dressing room with Garman. Outside her room, a loud commotion was going on that startled Sasha.
"Don't worry, Lady Sasha. I'll see that they not disturb you," Garman assured her.
Amid the commotion, Seto bullied his way through with Lyn, Tyra, Helena, Max, Sam, Amaya, and Koori. Garman opened the door to find out what was going.
"Hey, is she ok?!" Seto called out for Sasha. "You're the D'Anjou's daughter, Sasha, are you not?"
Garman quickly dismissed. "She doesn't wish to see anyone now!"
"I know the D'Anjous. I'm Seto Kaiba...!"
"Yes, I'm well aware who you are. You've conducted plenty of business with the lady's parents. Even being an old family friend, I must still insist you leave Sasha alone."
Seto and Garman went into a stand-off; the latter blocked Seto from the pass. Seto was able to catch Sasha coming to.
(End theme)
Just then, Kotori pushed through the crowd as Philippe, Kiyoko, and Karin escorted Saya forward. Jaguarmon and Betamon slipped through the crowds while following their partners.
"Hey, move your asses along!" Kotori hollered, showing her police badge. "Officer coming through!" With that, she elicited the crowd to stand aside, giving Kotori and her group room to pass through.
"Hah, being an officer does pay off, huh, cuz?" Philippe chuckled.
"You know it, Philippe," winked Kotori, waving everyone else back. She noticed Lyn and the others near Sasha's dressing room.
Saya pointed ahead. "She's in there."
"Kotori? Philippe? Saya?" Lyn noticed them heading their way.
"What brings them here?" wondered Helena. "Oh, Karin! It's you!"
"Fancy seeing you and Tyra here!" Karin waved to her Kuiper teammates.
"Hey, you all here to see Sasha, too?" Kotori asked Lyn and her entourage.
"Yeah, and Seto's dealing with Sasha's bodyguard, or I think her butler," Lyn answered, watching Seto compromising with Garman.
Suddenly, Sasha stood up and beckoned her butler off. "Garman, stand aside."
Upon hearing her command, Garman, though surprised, did exactly as told and stepped aside. He, by his lady's order, permitted Seto, Lyn, and their group to pass through. Then, Kotori and her crew entered the dressing room.
"Whoa, we've got ourselves a full house," Sam looked around.
Garman closed the door behind them, cutting off access to any others.
"Wait, you're here, too?" Seto just noticed Kotori, Philippe, Saya, and Kiyoko.
(Cue Valkyrie Profile OST – Requiem to a Predicament)
Amid the interactions between Seto and Kotori's group, Sasha's eyes fell on a familiar face. Her smile broadened as soon as she spotted Philippe, her childhood friend from Paris several years back.
"Oh my gosh! Philippe!" Sasha called out to him.
Philippe's face lit as she sighted Sasha rushing to him. "Sasha! It's you!"
The white-haired girl quickly gave him a hug. Comforted by her warm embrace, Philippe returned the favor. Everyone else watched the two friends forge their reunion.
"This is Sasha?" Kotori muttered, smiling as she watched her cousin bonding with the white-haired girl.
"That's her," Saya added.
Amaya teared up a little. "It always gets to me seeing friends reunite."
Max chuckled. "Me, too. Am I glad she seems to be doing better now."
Tyra concurred. "Yeah, that episode she had put quite a scare on us."
Karin gasped upon hearing this. "She had an episode on stage?"
Helena nodded. "Yeah, it was scary. She had to be carried to the back."
Lyn smiled. "Yeah, but looks like seeing Philippe has out her back at ease."
(End theme)
Philippe immediately brought Kotori and Kiyoko over to Sasha.
"C'est bon de te revoir, Philippe," Sasha said in her native tongue. "And these two?"
"This is Kiyoko Sasaki. She's a friend and someone who's been meaning to meet you," Philippe introduced Kiyoko first.
Kiyoko bowed. "A pleasure to meet you, Sasha."
"And this..." Philippe introduced his cousin to Sasha. "This is my cousin, Kotori Ayami!"
"Hey, sup? Philippe still loves talking about ya a lot," she shook Sasha's hand.
(Cue Valkyrie Profile OST – Behave)
Sasha paused upon recognizing Kotori's name. "Wait, Kotori Ayami? Is this not the girl you told me died?" She blinked thrice and blanched at Kotori. "...huh?! Wait, how is this possible?! You couldn't be her?! Who are you really?!"
Saya half-chuckled seeing Sasha's reaction. "Funny how that was my reaction when Philippe brought her over to our family's."
Kotori rolled her eyes. "They thought I was the walking dead, or some evil spirit at first. Initial reactions are always hilarious. Now I know how Yusuke feels."
"I'm not lying, Sasha!" Philippe laughed. "This is the same girl I told you about!"
Sasha remained skeptical. "Philippe, I'm not sure what to think."
He added with grin. "You think that's hard to believe? Wait 'til you hear what else we came to tell you!"
(End theme)
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Next chapter: Call of the Valkyries
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A/N: And with that, the Advent (Sasha) arrives and the tale begins to weave.
I know focusing on primarily OCs is a risky ordeal, but as you can surmise I'm not shying away from the canonical cast showing up. As evident with Takato, Seto Kaiba, Kazu, and two characters taken directly from the Sailor V manga. But, for those who're long-time followers of YuYuGiDigiMoon and witnessed these OCs character journeys (Kotori, Himura, Philippe, Saya), this shouldn't be any issue. I hope this can at last legitimize these characters in the eyes of my YYGDM readers.
Yes, the bad guys have shown up. Their machinations immediately picks up from the Apophis Rising post-credit scene. Mist/Adora makes her move on Takato and gains his trust with her power (akin to that one Fullbringer character from Bleach). This subplot will continue for the next few chapters as Adora/Mist gets 'acquainted' with the other Tamers. Should be fun to see a villain not rely on brute strength to overcome her enemies, though she's honestly not the first.
Saya Sagara and Kiyoko Sasaki (who hasn't had a presence since Summer Diaries) finally have expanded roles: being the reincarnations of Urd and Verdandi.
This chapter also marks the debut of Sasha D'Anjou and Garman outside of Gaiden and non-canon/AU fics (Guilty Crown: The Lost Kingdoms, House of Madoka, Shinnen: New Year, and Valkyrie Homecoming). First impressions on her and her butler thus far? If it isn't already obvious, who can already surmise who the third Norn is. More light will be shed on Saya, Kiyoko, and Sasha's roles as the Goddesses of Fate next time.
Yes, Kotori is an officer and already making quite the name for herself on the force. Heh, and was there any doubt she would've out muscled that meathead, Valkyrie form or not? Even without her Valkyrie form, she still has access but not limited to basic magic, superhuman strength, bullet timer speeds, and regenerative healing, which would explain how she got far as an officer. She just can't fly, move past supersonic speeds or use over a quarter of her requisite abilities in her civilian form.
And for any that've read the Sailor V manga, Natsuna Sakurada, the superintendent that's the big Sailor V fangirl, is Kotori and Himura's boss. Toshio Wakagi, Sailor V's opposition, is now Kotori's foil.
That's all I can entail for the time being. This chapter is the kick starter and now the story starts rolling. Just another chapter of build and by chapter 3 begins the Valkyrie search.
Until the next installment, review and favorite this chapter. See you next time!