I'm back with another chapter! I hope you all enjoy it. Next chapter is going to be a period of training, and then we'll be making our way to the Renaissance Kingdom! By the way, in advance, I have nothing against blond bimbos. Promise.

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In front of Itsuki appeared his mother Anna, dressed in a blue and white gown with her signature smile on her face.

Itsuki: “M-M-Mom, is that you?”

Anna: “Yes, it is silly boy. Give me a hug.”

With her arms wide open, Anna pulled Itsuki into a warm embrace. Time felt like it stopped here, as both mother and son reaffirmed their affections to each other with tears running down their faces. Truly, a mother’s love is everlasting and indomitable, as Anna’s spirit traveled to Symphonia in order to continue watching over her son.

Itsuki: “By the way, where are we, Mom? This place doesn’t look like the forest I was just in.”

Anna: “Well, this is the Elysian Fields or Elysium, a home for the spirits of the dead. I was able to meet you thanks to the help of the goddess Demeter. When I told her I haven’t been able to see you for 6 months, she burst out into tears wailing about how she understands my situation. From what she told me, her daughter Persephone will be leaving her again soon. We ended up trading mommy stories and became good friends. I think we might go drinking later fufufu.”

Itsuki: “I understand, but seriously Mom? How do you just befriend a goddess like that? Oh well. I will definitely properly thank her when I get back. I’m just really happy to see you again.”

Anna: “I am too, son. But what’s this I hear! My boy seems to have quite the destiny. Hehe if I was still alive and working, I’d get to rub it in that blond bimbo’s face! Oh that skank. Always going on about how her son is a millionaire and what not. Yeah right! He was just an ugly gigolo! My son is going to kick monster booty and save a god!”

Anna quickly got lost in her own world, as her blazing enthusiasm got the best of her.

Itsuki: “Mom! I can see death hasn’t changed you a single bit. Calm down for a sec.”

Anna: “Ahem sorry sweetie. Anyway, you have a tough road ahead of you, but you are my son. Never forget that. I will always believe in you. Now, do you remember our code?”

Itsuki: “Yes! Code 1 – Treat others earnestly and honestly for they will be just as earnest and honest to you!”

Anna brusquely retorted: “Don’t forget the addendum, Itsuki.”

Itsuki: “Right…Code 1 – Treat others earnestly and honestly for they will be just as earnest and honest to you unless they’re a blond bimbo. Don’t trust them hoes.”

Anna: “Perfect! What’s the last one?”

Itsuki: “Code 2- There are things nobody can do alone. Getting help to solve a problem is not a weakness but a strength.”

Anna: “Ahem. Addendum.”

Itsuki: “Sighhh Code 2- There are things nobody can do alone. Getting help to solve a problem is not a weakness but a strength unless they’re a blond bimbo. If you need a blond bimbo’s help, you’re just weak and out of luck.”

Anna: “Good boy. Never trust those blond bimbos. Now, I don’t have much time left, so listen carefully. My feelings along with the locket are capable of empowering your Music Creation to allow you to create one new skill. Keep my words in mind. I want you to create a skill in order to protect yourself from danger. Be it a shield or anything. If you do that, I can rest at ease.”

Itsuki: “I got it Mom. Don’t worry, and rest up.”

Anna: “Good. Well then my little man, it’s time for me to go. Good luck and knock the people of this world’s pants off!”

Itsuki: “You got it! I’ll enjoy every minute of it, so I can tell you epic stories when I see you again.”

After giving Itsuki a kiss on the forehead, Anna spun around and gave him a thumbs up. With a wide smile on her face, she slowly disappeared from view as Itsuki’s vision began to blacken.

Snapping back to reality, Itsuki saw a familiar forest with an all too familiar floating pixie.

Veri: “Oh you’re back! How was Elysium?”

Itsuki puzzlingly asked: “How did you know?”

Veri: “Demeter felt my presence in her forest and told me. She was always a sensitive one. Luckily, both Ares and Hermes are idiots anyway, so they wouldn't feel my presence unless it was right in their face. Anyway, my plans for you haven’t changed. Right now you are way too weak in regards to technique, so I asked her if we could stay in her forest to train. Demeter was super happy. I think she hit it off with your mom quite well. That mom of yours sure is adaptable huh?”

Itsuki: “You bet she is. It’s probably her strongest trait. Anyway, is it alright to train here? This forest is so peaceful, so I’d hate to break things.”

Veri: “Not a problem. She seems to see you as sort of her godchild, so there isn’t an issue. She also granted you her blessing, meaning your connection with nature has increased. Lastly, she dropped off a gift for you. Seeing as how you are a musician, you need an instrument. Thus, Demeter gave you a lyre to use.”

Itsuki: “Sweet! Guess I’ll fiddle with that later. First and foremost, I need to use Music Creation.”

Mentally, Itsuki invoked Music Creation. Using his locket as the object with strong feelings, he began to think about the best protection he could get. When thinking of strength, a certain pixie’s past came to mind. Wouldn’t she be the perfect bodyguard if needed? Thus, the musical composition he chose to serve as his skill’s base was Richard Wagner’s Ride of the Valkyries. The glorious fanfare of this piece immediately sounded throughout the entire forest, and Itsuki could feel his skill list get one skill longer.

In case you wish to hear it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRU1AJsXN1g

Itsuki the Conductor

New Skill

Ride of the Valkyrie – Enables the summoning of a valkyrie for aid. The valkyrie can remain summoned for as long as the caster’s vitality can withstand. Current time: 10 seconds.

*Because the Valkyrie of Truth, Veritas, was envisioned along with the creation process, this skill will temporarily allow Veritas to regain her valkyrie form instead of summoning a valkyrie.

Itsuki: “Yes! Veri, are you ready for a surprise?”

Veri: “What surprise are you referring to Itsuki? All I heard was that fanfare….”

Itsuki: “Well, you’ll see. Activate Rise of the Valkyrie!”

A transformation scene that would put Sailor Moon to shame began at this moment. Veri’s body was covered in silver light as she grew taller and taller until she was the same height as Itsuki. Her pink hair grew longer to where it reached her waist. Her white gown converted itself into silver armor highly similar to Saber Lily’s armor. A large silver shield decorated with blue and gold colored inscriptions appeared in her left hand, while a silver greatsword appeared in her right. At this moment, the Valkyrie of Truth truly returned to Symphonia in all of her former glory. Just her aura alone could cause mortal men to fall on their knees either out of respect or pure fear.

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This is what I had in mind when I created Veritas. She's the best trainer and companion he could get, and this will help explain why he'll be somewhat strong in so short a time. Please leave any comments that can help with the story! Or just comment what you think so far. I don't know how long it'll be at this point, but we'll just go with the flow for now.