DIVINE CHAMPIONS 3: THE RISE OF THE ELEMENTALIST

OH, ASGARD!

The man standing guard in front of the wonderful golden gates of Asgard was at least ten feet tall. He was as muscular as Magni or Modi. His face was the calmest of them all. He seemed to have all the time. His hair was brown, long and curly, up until his shoulder. His face was nearly covered by brown thick beard. He wore typical Norse godly dress, with proper metallic armor and belt, loose fur-made pants, leather boots, helmets with little horns. He had an olive skin tone. His eyes were the most interesting part of his body. They were resonating orange. It was as if you could see the whole world with his eyes. His belt had a big blowing horn attached to it. In his hand was a huge sword. His chocolate coloured cape that hung from his armor flowed around, in a little breeze that was blowing. "Approach, champions. I saw you coming from a long way." He said, his voice was booming around the whole sky.

"Heimdall." Rick said to Aitri, "Guardian of Asgard."

"I know, I read about him." Aitri recalled what she had read about Heimdall. He was born of Odin, so technically, he was Thor's brother. But he was also born of nine mothers. Gods knew how that worked. Anyway, he was Aegir's grandson, and was super powerful. They say he sees everything happening in the nine worlds. His face reflected a calmness that seemed so powerful that it could incinerate anyone.

As they approached the legendary figure, Heimdall kneeled down to address little creatures, and asked, "Who do you seek, champions?"

"The Queen, Lord Heimdall." Rick said, "Lord Odin paid us a visit..."

"I know, boy." Heimdall said, "While your leader goes on a self-embarking journey to find an important part of himself, you two lead the way to Asgard."

"Leader?" Rick said, alarmed, "Rishi?"

"Yes." Heimdall kneeled down further, "Thor's best bet, as he says."

"Well, where is he? What is he doing? How is he?" Rick was worried, and Aitri had seen this face, like never. All the five or six years that she had known him, he had never seemed worried. Now, however...

"See for yourselves." Heimdall pulled out his sword, and pierced the ground with it. The sword made a circular chasm on the ground, and in there, it was like a screen. Aitri could see snow all around, with pine trees covered with snow. In center was an icy rink type of thing. Rishi was kneeling right in the center, surrounded by calmly sat white wolves. And in front of him, much larger than him in size, stood a lady in hunting clothes, furry jacket, horn helmet, arrow pointed at Rishi, a lady.

"Is that Skadi?" Rick asked. Heimdall shushed him, after nodding.

"Look." Rishi was saying, "I am here for the two who are perhaps fighting their way to get to Asgard, to save us all. I know, Lady Skadi, I indulged myself in your private residence, your hunting grounds, and everything. But if I don't do this, he dies. My best friend dies. And..."

"And?" Skadi asked, "What about the girl? Isn't she the main reason why you are here?"

"Yes, she is."

"So, not your best friend?"

"He can live through this. He is stronger than lets us know. He is also properly trained. Aitri is brave, but she isn't experienced. And, she is the love of my life." Rishi said, sternly, making Aitri take a deep excited breathe, "No matter how she treats me, she will remain what she is to me. Those two there are two of my lifelines. Anything happens to them, I can't live with that. And Aitri, she has just gotten into all this. And taking on your father in her first ever big fight? What stand do you think she has if you don't help?"

"I can't help her, you know. I can, perhaps, calm Thiazi down. That's it."

"That would be enough."

"But why should I help you divine champions anyway?"