Chapter Text
In a chamber deep within the Arena of Valhalla, Brunhilde and Göll were looking over the holographic screens displaying various human fighters from history, legend, and myth. The flickering images illuminated the dim, solemn room as the echoes of the first match lingered in their minds.
"Round One is over. What we need to do now is choose our champion for Round Two," Brunhilde said, her sharp eyes scanning the lineup of potential fighters. Each figure shone with potential, but none radiated the power needed to match the divine forces they would face.
"Yeah, but not even Lü Bu could stand against them!" Göll said, slumping against a marble pillar, her expression twisted with worry. "Who can we pick that might actually win?"
Brunhilde didn't look at her. Instead, she waved her hand, flipping through screens as warriors appeared and disappeared in rapid succession. Spartacus. King Arthur. Miyamoto Musashi. They all had merit, but they felt... insufficient. This next match couldn't simply be about bravery or resolve. It had to be something more.
"It's not about who they are," Brunhilde muttered to herself, "but what they symbolize. We need a warrior who embodies the will of humanity. Someone with strength... and unwavering justice."
"Unwavering justice?" Göll repeated, blinking up at her sister. "What are you—?"
Brunhilde raised her hand, silencing Göll. Her gaze narrowed as a strange energy flickered across the crystal hovering above them. The screens began to warp and shift erratically, the images dissolving into a swirling pool of light.
"Sister?" Göll said, her voice trembling.
Brunhilde stepped closer to the crystal, her hand outstretched. "Something... something's pulling through. This isn't me." Her voice, though calm, betrayed a note of apprehension.
The crystal pulsed violently, bathing the room in blinding light. A strange vortex formed at its center, a wind whipping through the chamber so fiercely that Göll had to shield her eyes.
"What's happening?!" Göll shouted, clutching the pillar.
Brunhilde said nothing, her sharp eyes fixed on the expanding rift. Then, with a deafening crack, a figure emerged from the swirling light. The gale ceased abruptly, leaving the room in heavy silence as the brightness faded.
There, standing in the center of the chamber, was a tall, attractive woman. Clad in gleaming red, gold, and blue armor, her presence radiated an aura of strength and authority that rivaled even the gods. Her black hair flowed behind her, and in her hands rested a shimmering lasso and a gleaming sword.
"Who are you?" Brunhilde asked cautiously, though her tone carried undeniable intrigue.
The figure stepped forward, her expression firm but curious. "My name is Diana of Themyscira, also known as Wonder Woman," she said, her voice resonating with confidence and purpose. "Where am I, and why have I been brought here?"
Göll's mouth fell open, her eyes wide as she stared at the unexpected arrival. "Did you... did you summon her?"
"No," Brunhilde said, her brow furrowing. "This... this wasn't part of the plan." She looked at Diana. "You're not of this world. But tell me, are you a warrior?"
"I am," Diana replied without hesitation. Her hand tightened on the hilt of her sword. "And I fight for justice and the protection of mankind. But who are you to pull me from my home?"
Brunhilde smirked, her uncertainty fading into a determined expression. Perhaps fate had intervened where her own plans had faltered. "I am Brunhilde, leader of the Valkyries. This is Valhalla, the realm of the divine, where a battle between gods and humanity is taking place. If you truly fight for mankind, Wonder Woman, you've been summoned to the right place."
Diana's eyes narrowed, her stance remaining defensive. "A battle between gods and humans?"
Brunhilde nodded solemnly. "Yes. Humanity is fighting the gods in Ragnarok, the ultimate battle. The gods have decided humanity is no longer worthy of existence, and they intend to annihilate every last one of them."
Diana's brows furrowed, and her grip on her sword tightened. "The gods want to wipe out humanity?" she echoed, her voice low but sharp, disbelief laced within it. "Why?"
Brunhilde stepped closer, her expression unreadable. "They claim humans are corrupt, selfish, and a blight upon the world. In their eyes, mortals have no hope of redemption." Her tone hardened. "But I refuse to believe that. I've spent eons observing humanity. They're far from perfect, but capable of incredible strength, kindness, and resilience. That's why I'm fighting for them, and why I've summoned the greatest champions in history to prove humanity's worth."
Diana's lips pressed into a thin line, her mind racing as she processed the information. "And you believe I can be one of those champions," she stated rather than asked, her tone steady.
"Yes," Brunhilde replied firmly, meeting Diana's gaze without flinching. "Though I didn't summon you intentionally, your arrival here is no accident. Fate, or perhaps something even greater, brought you to this moment. You must've embody everything humanity needs right now: strength, honor, and an unyielding sense of justice."
Diana hesitated for a moment, glancing down at her sword and then back at Brunhilde. "If I fight for humanity here, will you ensure I can return home? My world also needs its protector."
Brunhilde's eyes softened briefly before she nodded. "I will figure out a way to send you home when the time comes. But first, humanity needs you now. The battle cannot wait."
Diana's stance firmed as she faced Brunhilde. "Then I will fight," she declared with resolve. "If these gods believe humanity is without worth, I'll show them their mistake."
Brunhilde's smirk returned, confidence solidifying within her. "Good. Because your opponent will be Zeus, King of the Gods."
Göll gasped, her eyes widening in alarm. "You're really putting her against Zeus?"
Brunhilde's gaze didn't waver. "If humanity is to have any hope, they need their strongest warriors facing the greatest challenges. Zeus won't hold back, but I believe she can match him."
Diana straightened, her expression calm yet fierce. "Then let this other Zeus come. I've faced gods before. He'll learn I'm no stranger to battle."
Brunhilde nodded, her determination mirrored in Diana's steady resolve. "Round Two begins soon. The fate of humanity now rests in your hands, Wonder Woman."