Chapter 7: Echoes Of Destiny

Kaito and Zohar jolted awake, their eyes wide and breaths ragged as the remnants of their nightmares faded. They looked around, taking in the gleaming walls of the holy infirmary, the towering Valkyries tending to other wounded, and the angels guarding the doors. The surreal beauty of it all crashed over them in waves, and they finally realized that this wasn't a nightmare—it was reality.

They glanced at each other, then over at Raiden, who was sitting calmly on his bed, watching them with a faint smile. Kaito and Zohar exchanged panicked looks and then turned to Raiden. Kaito broke the silence first.

"How are you so calm right now?"

Raiden shrugged, a small smirk tugging at his lips. "There's no point freaking out if we're the ones who have to somehow beat this war," he replied nonchalantly, leaning back against the headboard.

Kaito and Zohar stared at him, incredulous.

"What?! Do you not remember how powerful Lucifer was? How are three teenagers supposed to help in this war?" Zohar exclaimed,

his voice tinged with panic.

Before Raiden could respond, a Valkyrie who had been quietly tending to a patient nearby stepped forward. "Well, actually," she began, her voice melodic yet firm, "there will be more of you soon enough. All over the world, others will be chosen in time. The gods are merely waiting to pick those they deem worthy."

Zohar's eyes widened, and he let out an exaggerated scream,

"SHE CAN TALK!"

The Valkyrie chuckled, an amused glint in her eyes as she met his gaze. "Yes, I can talk," she replied. "And trust me, you're not alone in this. More allies will join you soon enough. This isn't a battle you have to face alone."

Kaito ran a hand through his hair, still trying to process everything. "So, you're saying there are others out there who will end up like us? Chosen by the gods, given powers, all to fight Lucifer?"

The Valkyrie nodded. "Precisely. This war is much larger than just the three of you. It's a battle for the fate of both gods and humanity, and many will be called to stand beside you." She placed a reassuring hand on Kaito's shoulder. "In time, you will see just how vast this alliance truly is."

Raiden looked at his friends, sensing the surge of hope the Valkyrie's words instilled in them. "Guess we're not as alone as we thought," he said, a hint of a smile breaking through.

Kaito let out a slow breath, steadying himself. "Well, that's... comforting, I guess. But still, I can't help but think this is all crazy."

"Crazy or not," Raiden replied, "it's happening. And we're here now. So let's make sure we're ready." He glanced at Zohar, who still seemed stunned but determined.

Zohar nodded, rubbing the back of his neck as he adjusted to this new reality. "Alright then, if we're in this, we're in this together. Guess we better start learning how to use these powers."

With a newfound resolve, the three friends looked around, their fear giving way to a shared determination. They were ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, knowing that they wouldn't be fighting alone.

Kaito's eyes widened with sudden realization. "My siblings..." he whispered, his heart racing as he thought of them out there amidst the chaos. He turned to the Valkyrie, a note of desperation in his voice. "Are they safe? Please, you have to tell me they're okay."

The Valkyrie gave him a reassuring nod. "Yes, Kaito. The convoys made it to their destination a few hours ago. They're safe, and they're receiving the medical treatment they need. We have angels monitoring all human movement from the clouds. They send messengers back to the heavens every couple of hours, keeping us informed."

Kaito let out a deep breath, relief flooding through him. "Thank you," he murmured, feeling the weight of worry lift slightly from his shoulders.

Raiden placed a comforting hand on Kaito's shoulder. "That's good to hear. At least they're safe. Now, we can focus on making sure we get back to them."

Kaito nodded, his expression firming with resolve. "Yeah. For them. For everyone."

The Valkyrie gave him a warm smile, understanding the depth of his relief and resolve. "Your loved ones are under our protection, Kaito. As long as the gods stand, they will be safe."

Zohar crossed his arms, nodding as he looked at Kaito. "Well, it looks like we're all fighting for someone. Let's make sure this wasn't all for nothing."

Kaito clenched his fists, his gaze steady. "Agreed. We're going to see this through."

The Valkyrie turned to the three of them, her expression serious but kind. "Do you all feel fit to walk? There's someone important who needs to meet you in the courts."

Raiden, still sore but determined, nodded and glanced at Kaito and Zohar. "Yeah, I think we're ready," he replied, a hint of excitement in his eyes. "Who's waiting for us?"

The Valkyrie's lips curved into a small smile. "You'll see soon enough. It's someone who's been waiting a long time for the right Chosen Ones to arrive."

Kaito stood up, shaking off the last remnants of drowsiness and pain. "Alright then, let's go. I'm ready to meet whoever this is."

Zohar, despite his injuries, seemed to muster some strength from his curiosity and determination. "If they're as important as you say, then it sounds like we're finally going to get some answers."

The Valkyrie led them through the gleaming halls of the heavenly realm, their footsteps echoing in the silence. They passed other celestial beings who nodded in acknowledgment, recognizing the importance of the moment. The three of them exchanged glances, their anticipation building with each step.

Finally, they arrived at the entrance to the courts—a grand, radiant hall that seemed to pulse with energy. The Valkyrie paused and turned to them with a solemn look. "Beyond these doors lies your future. What happens from here will shape the fate of both your world and ours."

With that, she pushed open the doors, revealing a figure waiting within the ethereal light, a powerful presence that immediately commanded their attention.

The All Mighty God's voice echoed through the grand hall as he spoke, his presence radiating an indescribable power. The three stood before him, taking in the gravity of his words.

"I have been waiting for four centuries to finally greet the new generation of Chosen Ones," he continued, his eyes piercing through them with a gaze both warm and intense. "I have met many great warriors over the ages, individuals with strengths beyond imagination. Yet, none of them could ever move a celestial weapon, even by an inch, while they were still mortal."

He leaned forward slightly, his tone becoming more contemplative. "You see, once you are chosen, you are gifted with a part of us gods. What you become depends on who you are as humans and on which god has granted you power. Each Chosen One receives their own unique weapon and armor, specifically attuned to their soul. No one else can wield another's weapon or wear another's armor, as they are deeply bound to your essence."

The God's gaze fell on Raiden, Kaito, and Zohar with a newfound respect. "Yet, even as mortals, you three were able to lift Gabriel's sword. That left me without words. I believe you three may hold the key to ending this war that Lucifer has unleashed upon the worlds."

The enormity of his statement sank in as the three absorbed the weight of their destinies. Raiden clenched his fists, feeling both the pressure and the purpose of their roles. Kaito exchanged a glance with Zohar, a shared understanding passing between them—they had to rise to this challenge, not only for themselves but for humanity.

The All Mighty continued, "There are reasons each of you was chosen, and in time, you will discover the extent of your abilities. But first, you must know that this path will test you beyond anything you can imagine. Stand ready, for your time has come."

The All Mighty God continues, "You will be staying in Odin's Hall for the next few days. This is where your training will begin. You must learn to control the unique abilities granted to you. The Einherjar, the chosen warriors of Valhalla, will assist you. They will guide you as you grow into your newfound powers. This will not be easy, but know that you were chosen because you possess the strength to face the challenges ahead. Trust in your abilities, trust in each other, and remember that you are never alone."

He gestures to Hermes, who approaches to lead them to Odin's Hall. As they prepare to leave, they exchange glances, feeling the weight of the responsibility they now carry. Yet, within each of them, a spark of determination begins to ignite. They understand the path before them, even if the road is uncertain. Together, they take their first steps toward becoming the warriors they were destined to be.

Hermes steps forward and addresses the All Mighty God, "I have news from Athena. She's stationed where you left her, with two teenage mortals. One of them is seriously wounded and infected with Hell Poison. Athena hasn't given up on him and wants to help."

Raiden, hearing this, quickly interjects, "Wait, I know them! Can't you make them Chosen Ones? They're good people, I swear."

The All Mighty God rises from his throne, his expression thoughtful but stern. "I instructed her to go with Ares and Heimdall," he says, letting out a sigh. Turning back to Raiden, he explains, "It's not that simple, young one. The process requires more than just intent. But, since you have a connection with them, I'll permit Athena to bring them to the infirmary. If the wounded one survives, then we'll see what can be done. However, understand this: if he succumbs to the poison before reaching the hall, there will be little I can do."

Raiden nods, absorbing the gravity of the situation, and accepts the All Mighty God's words with a solemn understanding. The God then turns to Hermes. "Lead them to Odin's Hall, and once that's done, go to Athena. Make sure she has what she needs to stabilize the boy."

With a final glance at Raiden, Kaito, and Zohar, the All Mighty God settles back into his throne, as Hermes motions for them to follow. They leave the presence of the All Mighty, hearts weighed down by the hope for their friends and the daunting challenges ahead.