FenrisFiltiarn: Thank you! Hecuba gets another chance to shine since Olympus and it was interesting thinking how learning God died would affect her. Her explanation happened off screen and by the time we saw her again she had come to terms with it.
Jwebb96: :D I hope to not disappoint!
Piemaster981: That means so much that you've been enjoying it so much! If you do get back to writing I wish you the best of luck :)
fanficcyberman: Mixing actual myth, DxD lore and my own ideas is one of the funnest parts of making this story. I most certainly will.
eguito814: That is a contemplation, whether to mix more once Kuoh Academy becomes more prevalent, definitely something to think on for the next arc.
ahsoei: That is correct, that is how she brought Dorian back. I detailed the restrictions on the process when Lady Eir described it to Dorian at the Valkyrie graduation. In regards to your second question...only time will tell.
naruto: Thank you, I was hoping that wouldn't be predicted...the first major change to canon events...but not the last.
Slayer Cross: Thank you so much! :D
Guest: Thank you for the input. Dorian has eyes for Rossweisse, but that doesn't mean other eyes won't wander to him. How he handles those will be reflected in chapters to come. ;)
fabio mp19: It is always reassuring to hear of improvement from past chapters. LOL thank you, it fit Fafnir AND the DxD feel overall. I thought it was odd that Durandal's Trojan roots in actual canon are never brought up, seemed the perfect opportunity. They'll have plenty of combination attacks considering it flip flops depending who touches it. As for Freed, you are quite right...being taken to be buried in Asgard would make it a little hard for Diodora to get hands on him...
EmeraldGuardian7: Wow, 18 chapters in a row, it means so much that you are still enjoying it after so long :D Never feel bad about delays in reading or reviews, your enjoyment is far more important and I hope to never disappoint as I continue forward.
And with that...ONTO THE SHOW!
Sunlight broke through the next morning, awakening all from the hospitable accommodations Rias Gremory had prepared for them until their eventual return to Asgard. The reinforcements no longer needed had already returned through the Bifrost with the fragments of Hrotti, a dozen or so Runic Blades that had been removed from Fafnir's Hoard and Freed's corpse for burial yet Dorian wished to remain a little longer.
Irina had left for her own hotel, tears still held back at the prospect that Xenovia would not be coming with her. The two had discussed it in private, between the revelation of God's death and her own reincarnation as an Einherjar of Asgard; she could not bring herself to return to the Vatican.
"My mission for God is impossible with his death," she told her former partner at length. "This is where our paths must diverge."
"Don't you believe at all anymore?" The young girl asked tearfully. Xenovia could not answer her question and Irina was not so skilled at reading a person as her. She collected the remains of all five Excaliburs for the return trip; it would not be so difficult to reforge them anew. There was a flight in the morning that would take her back to Rome and from there, her next mission. The Church follower left before Dorian could even say goodbye.
"I am certain something can be arranged," Rias assured Dorian as he sat before her impressive desk in the Occult Research Club building. He and the Gremory heiress were sipping tea while the others had breakfast only a few rooms away. "Just don't let Issei hear about it, he can get quite jealous." The playful grin on her face was contagious.
"My lips are sealed," he assured her. "Especially after this whole ordeal, I think it would be better to," he chose his words carefully, "mend bridges."
"I agree," she smiled as if she knew every step before it happened. "I cannot promise anything, but I will mention something to my brother."
Sirzechs Lucifer, formerly Sirzechs Gremory before he took up his position as one of the four Satans of Hell thus making him one of the most influential people in the Underworld. If a stable peace between the three factions of the biblical religion was possible, perhaps even joining the Cross-Myth Task force, there were few with greater pull.
"And you are sure you don't want to accept my offer Mr. Held? You fought admirably last night and I can offer a lot I assure you. The Gremory benefit package is quite extensive."
Don't let Rose hear you say that…
Dorian smiled genuinely as he finished the tea, it was a tad bitter for his taste but he didn't let it show. "I am sure Lady Gremory…"
"Call me Rias."
"…Rias," he corrected. "Please call me Dorian in that case, but I am quite happy where I stand, honored though I am to be considered for a position of knight."
"A pity, the offer will remain open but I do look forward to our future endeavors together."
After breakfast and their dealings, it was about time to depart. There was still some time before the Bifrost could be targeted to pick them up, giving the collected allies time to say their farewells to new friends.
All members of both Rias and Sona's peerage were present though they had little time to meet the others. Bennia especially seemed to be having the time of her life chatting with her bishops Momo Hanakai and Reya Kusaka about everything that she could think of. She gave special attention to Koneko whom the young reaper seemed to find a strange kinship with as the shortest member of their respective teams. The petite rook was cordial enough, though looked several times as if she could hardly stand her overly cheerful nature for very long.
Thrud's eyes narrowed at the rook Tsubasa Yura whom she had caught eyeing Dorian after the fight. According to the other members of her peerage, the young blue-haired brawler was rather fond of men who got scuffed up or dirty after hard-won fights. Considering the state Dorian was in after the Kokabiel battle, the daughter of Thor couldn't blame her but kept a close watch. She did find focusing problematic however…
"He is adorable!" Thrud exclaimed uncharacteristically towards a small blue dragon floating over Asia's head. She had a weakness for certain animals, specifically cats and dragons. His name was Rassei, a tiny sprite dragon the former saint had claimed as her familiar recently. He was too small to help in a true fight, yet the daughter of Thor could not believe how cute a dragon could be. She had already reached out, scrunching its face as the poor drake looked towards its owner utterly embarrassed, Asia trying diligently to pry the two apart.
Dorian and Kiba shared a silent farewell through a handshake gripping the other up to the elbow. The whole time, the Einherjar watched Issei like a hawk who looked dumbfounded by Rossweisse and Thrud's beauty especially. The warrior of Asgard made sure to stand in his line of sight, throwing daggers if the perverted dragon didn't heed himself. He'd back off, but usually be seen gawking once more not long after.
"Might want to divert those eyes up here and away from there," Ratatoskr warned Issei after he was far enough away from the others.
"But they're all so…," he gulped audibly. "Especially the silver-haired one, she's better stacked than Rias!"
"ESPECIALLY divert them from her," Ratatoskr glared him down. "If the kid catches you making THOSE eyes at her he'll make sure you can't make them again. He won't need to if the Spartan cutie or Thrud catch you gawking at them…they'll do it themselves if you're lucky."
Issei made it a point to avoid looking at them until they departed though it seemed the flawed squirrel could not listen to his own advice.
"Do you SEE those?" He whispered to Dorian after seeing Akeno for the first time. "She may be a low-class devil, but those are ultimate-class honkers!"
"Please don't," Dorian groaned in embarrassment, certain she could hear him and was giggling at the crude compliments. "Try and control yourself, Ygritte's were literally twice as large."
"Well of course they were, she's a ten-foot giantess with more muscle than you, that is to be expected. But this is why I am the master and you are the woefully uneducated grasshopper, there is this little thing called proportions. And hoo boy does that devil-siren have Ygritte beat by a nautical mile! She HAS to have a spell to help with her lower back pain…"
The incorrigible squirrel found himself crammed inside Dorian's pack and sealed within, though Akeno never stopped smiling the entire time even through the Einherjar's silent apologies. They were not the only ones there, most of the reinforcements had departed, however the head of the column remained to ensure they made it back safe…especially his beloved niece.
Baldur, the God of Light, youngest son of Odin and only mutual child with Freyja had been the first to depart upon hearing Skilja's warning. Despite being of the Norse realms, he had a fair almost delicate complexion indicative of Vanaheim though his strength was undeniable. With his smooth golden hair and streaks of violet, even Dorian had to admit he was ridiculously handsome, making him a tad jealous though he never admitted or let it show. He was grateful for their arrival despite being too late to assist in the battle for which Baldur, unlike most Asgardians, did not harbor any ill-feelings at having been denied a fight. He was far more peaceful than his half-siblings yet at word of the battle was the first to depart for Midgard.
"Are you crazy kids ready to go?" He asked while leaning against a wall. "The Bifrost can be ready to scoop us back to Asgard in no time."
"I vote the Roads," Rat raised a tiny hand. "I REALLY don't feel like getting split into a thousand pieces AGAIN." He ruffled his fur to show his distaste for the chosen means of transportation.
"Well sure," Baldur raised an eyebrow in challenge to the rodent. "If ya wanna go the snail's way."
Ratatoskr's eye twitched.
"I know you didn't just go an insult a man's home."
"How about a friendly lil wager old timer?" He emphasized the last part considering the squirrel was nearly as old as Yggdrasil herself and predated most known deities.
"What'cha got?"
"I say even with awaiting Heimdallr to get the Bifrost here I'll make it back to Asgard before ye. Whoever wins will have impressive bragging rights among the realms and the ladies…"
"Yer on!"
"They are quite boisterous," Akeno remarked as Dorian approached. He was uncertain, yet felt he had to tell her, and this was the last chance.
"I…know Baraqiel, your father," he started slowly; the young queen's features instantly darkened yet held her civil nature. "He was our contact in the Grigori who warned us that the swords were taken to Kuoh Town."
"And?" She asked calmly yet the uneasiness was evident in her voice.
"We wouldn't have known to come here and help if it weren't for him. I did not know your relation to him until Kokabiel mentioned it. He…"
"Is there a reason you are telling me this?" That sharp tone, the borderline spite in her voice completely out of character just as it had been on the battlefield was the very reason Dorian felt he had to continue. He prayed it was the right choice.
"My point," he continued. "Is that I believe he was watching over you, it would explain how he found the sword in Kuoh so soon if he already had it under surveillance. I do not know why you hate him so, but he does not feel the same towards you."
"And how can you possibly know anything about that?"
Besides drinking one too many rounds to you and your mother of the strongest fire converted to liquid known to man or god? He recalled the competition he had witnessed between the elder Grigori and Thrud's father.
"Because, the Allfather greatly stressed to be kind when working with Lady Rias…because she protected Baraqiel's most cherished treasure."
Akeno's bubbling fury seemed to subside at those words, her muscles relaxed. She looked at first as if she was about to yell at the Einherjar, however that danger had passed. She sighed heavily before looking up.
"What, are you telling me I should forgive him for…everything?"
"I don't know what happened between you," Dorian admitted. "All I can do is tell you what I know, the rest is you choice."
The man of Asgard bid his leave with a polite bow, leaving Akeno to her thoughts. She was torn between the feelings of hatred she had expressed outwardly towards her father for years…and those she kept deep thought purged until that very moment.
"Are you ready Rose?" He asked as he approached the Valkyrie beauty arrayed in her familiar yet formal suit.
"We are," she replied with a spin and a smile. "I just realized I've never seen these roads of yours."
Dorian contemplated her statement for a moment before realizing she was right. Other than Ratatoskr and recently the ones he pulled to safety from Kokabiel's base, no one had followed him through before.
"Oh you are going to love it!" He suddenly gushed, his teenage enthusiasm breaking through the shell of propriety. "The roads intertwine all over the place, it looks random at first but the pattern is almost like a mosaic. Yggdrasil is visible no matter where you stand; she's larger than a sun! And the blue mists…vacuum? I'm not sure what else to call it, creates an enchanting view especially when..."
"AHEM."
Dorian spun, barely noticing the entire team plus Xenovia had gathered with crossed arms, clearly awaiting the path to the roads which only he could open.
"Oh, right…sorry," he recomposed himself. Reaching out his arm, Laerad Ragnarok materialized quickly followed by a blue portal.
"We got this!" Rat called out to Baludr, sticking his tongue out before they disappeared inside one after another. "Get ready to be shown up across all the nine realms!"
"Rat..." Dorian asked hesitantly. "What did you do this time?"
Back in the Clubroom…
"Well that was certainly an interesting turn of events," Rias Gremory remarked to her queen standing nearby. "Our neighbors to the north are just full of surprises." Akeno didn't say anything, her silence drawing a concerned glance from the President of the Occult Research Club. "Don't you agree?"
"Hmm? Oh, yes of course," the raven-haired beauty snapped out of her stupor.
"Is everything alright Akeno?"
"I am fine President," she replied hesitantly. "I just have a few…unexpected topics on my mind."
"If you ever need someone to talk to, I am right here."
"That means a lot as always, thank you." A soft knock at the door alerted the women that someone wished to enter. "Oh, that's right, Issei wanted to come by and discuss his reward for the battle."
Rias let a soft chuckle escape her lips. If nothing else, her new pawn was predictable. She had expected and prepared for his eventual visit asking to do some unfathomably awful things to her breasts. He was adorable in that regard, but as ever she'd have to deny what he sought...at least for the time being.
"Well, best not keep the young man waiting then, send him on in."
Roads Between Realms…
"It's…wondrous!" Rossweisse remarked as she looked all about them.
The team was making their way across an especially gnarled pathway through the Roads Between Realms. They moved ever forward as Dorian explained the time dilation to them. That even though it would take hours to reach the closest locale of Asgard, it would be a matter of minutes in the outside world.
"Won't we get hungry?" Bennia asked. She could not help but explore as much as she could, using her skills to bounce from place to place. Despite her best efforts she could not hope to even see everything within sight range let alone further.
"I thought that too," Dorian admitted. "But I didn't need to eat once during my twenty days training. It has something to do with slowing our bodies to match the realm, or because we now exist in a dimension where physical limits don't matter…or something like that."
"Welcome to my world," Ratatoskr popped over his shoulder. "Been trying to get a straight answer from Yggdrasil on that for millennia. Getting any clear explanation out of the old tree is like pulling teeth with tweezers."
"So this is where the Allfather walked to discover the mystery of the Runes," Thrud mused. "It is far larger than the physical Yggdrasil back home. I used to run up its boughs all the time when I was little."
And your company was greatly welcomed though I could never express it.
Thrud jumped slightly as she looked all around, unable to locate the source of the voice. It was not hard for her to piece together the identity.
"Yggdrasil?"
Yes?
Ahead, emerging from around a small outcropping appeared a beautiful woman in an exquisite gown of nature and beauty. She was pale, her jade hair with white streaks giving away her identity. Xenovia and Hecuba remembered her healing touch yet for the rest it was a first, Thrud and Rossweisse bowed in reverence of the very symbol of their people.
There is no need for that; she assured them with a soft wave.
"Is this really you?" Rossweisse asked, looking over the deity's appearance with her curiosity in full force. How anyone could find her wide eyes, contagious smile and uplifted spirits unappealing was beyond Dorian. He still had not come to terms with the fact that she'd never once had a boyfriend, still half expecting the statement to be some grand prank at his expense.
This is but an avatar, Yggdrasil motioned towards the immense tree far in the distance. There is where I will ever dwell, though your Allfather was quite fond of this form when we met so I kept it for future interactions with your people.
Of course he was, Dorian mused; his analytical side realizing what drew Odin to her. She was very nearly as well-endowed as Lady Freyja, not even Rossweisse could match her though it was a slim margin.
The tale of Odin's trip to the Road Between Realms was known to the people of Asgard from his time among the classes of the Valkyries. A young Allfather researched the secret of Runic magic which was relatively unknown in those days. Unaware of how to learn their elusive techniques, he sought out the Mimir scholars at the base of Yggdrasil living near one of the three wells feeding it life, specifically the Well of Knowledge. Negotiations were kept secret, yet he was permitted a single sip in exchange for his left eye of over which he now wore his gold monocle. Such was the price of knowledge.
The small sample was enough, gifting him the means to enter though they were incredibly dangerous. In a rather gruesome tale, hopefully embellished, Odin hung himself from one of Yggdrasil's branches pierced through the gut by Gungnir. Thusly, he teetered on the very edge of life and death, allowing his astral self to walk the roads. There, he met Yggdrasil whom had not interacted with another being of the lower plane in ages and welcomed him with open arms. Under her tutelage, ever watchful of his wandering eye over her chosen mortal form, she instructed him in all he need know of runic magic before he was dragged back into his physical body.
Do you want to come out too Iggy?
I…I cannot, she hesitantly replied. I am within the bounds of your Gear and soul. Um…
You can't take a physical avatar like your mother seen by anyone but me? It's okay Iggy, you shouldn't feel bad and I'm sorry I asked. She did not reply, he didn't press but Dorian felt a twinge of guilt coming from her though couldn't understand why.
I am aware of those near my physical body and across the realms to an extent, she explained to Rossweisse as they continued the long road to Asgard. Yet can only converse with the denizens of my boughs and never with the lower plane. Ever since Ratatoskr was torn from us and brought Dorian here to save him, she smiled serenely; the company has infinitely improved.
The group spread out as the trek went on; Yggdrasil and Rossweisse far ahead with Ratatoskr perched atop Xenovia's shoulder lazily. Bennia and Hecuba were admiring the roads themselves, careful not to snap or damage anything yet fascinated by it all the same. Bringing up the rear was Dorian and Thrud who had fallen back subtly to chat.
"That Siegfried clone gave you trouble?" She chuckled somewhat at Dorian's recollection of the events before her arrival. "I had no idea my teachings had been forgotten so quickly."
"He was very fast!" Dorian repeated for the hundredth time. "His strength wasn't the problem; he had Excalibur Rapidly when I fought him…"
"He had five plus Hrotti when I did."
"He wasn't using Rapidly's power then, he…" Dorian stopped as the playful sneer on Thrud's face said it all; she was just messing with him and meant nothing real by her words. "Are you ever going to stop doing that?"
"Only when it stops being funny. In all seriousness though, you could stand to add a little ferocity to your style."
"I thought I was plenty ferocious."
"Did you drop some lightning on him when he showed himself? A barrage of fire to cut off his avenues of attack? A little ice from Hel or Jotunheim tendrils?"
"…No," he admitted sheepishly. His opponent was only armed with a sword and he had met him in kind.
"Holding back to fight on an even field as your opponent should only be done in training, competitions and friendly spars. When life and death are potentially on the line you must treat each opponent as if they were the strongest you've ever faced."
Dorian had never thought of it like that, ever since growing stronger from Laerad Ragnarok he tried scaling his power for each opponent. He had only really cut loose against Forcas and Kokabiel, against the others he had held back out of worry of seriously hurting someone, even an enemy. Thrud read his face in a heartbeat.
"If someone is threatening to your life or…someone you care about, you must come down upon them with all the fury you can muster. Before I went against Freed I had Gullbjorn already sheathed with lightning and reinforced. Rossweisse had given me the special rune as well as ones of defense and speed so I could become a whirlwind of devastation, a very primal force of nature itself to bear down hard upon…"
Thrud saw Dorian's look widen at her expression, she hadn't held back her words. The daughter of thunder had started talking quickly when going into detail on her preparation. The description and memory of cutting loose with all she had caused her cheeks to flush and breathing to quicken, she was smiling wider than ever before. There were few things she enjoyed more than an amazing fight, facing Freed had been short but in that time Thrud had had the time of her life.
"Of course…restraint must be maintained at all times," she calmed the mood, straightening her hair as if the previous exclamations had not occurred and her tone returned to that of an instructor. "Now that you are much stronger I might be able to go all out a bit against you sometime. I am sure you can keep up now," she concluded with a wink.
"Everyone! Look at this!" Rossweisse's words drew the team to the edge of an embankment; her voice was so elated none could resist rushing towards her. "Yggdrasil said we were nearing a lower portion of the roads, from here we can see the wells!"
Far down below, clearly untold miles they could see a glimmering blue liquid. Despite the belief that the roads were a nigh-infinite empty space full of connecting paths, a vast body dwarfing any ocean could be seen. The reflective surface coupled with the glimmering ambiance native to the roads gave off a brilliant aura that went on for eternity in all directions. The wells in the real world watched by the Mimir Scholars were much smaller, were they simply the physical manifestation of the sight before them?
"I guess even the mightiest trees need some nutrients too," Hecuba theorized.
Bennia let out an impressed whistle with the occasional ooh and aah, the others gazed on awestruck. The fact that such a place existed almost completely unknown by all creation seemed like such a tragedy. Even Ratatoskr, despite his wager, just sat back and let them take it in around them.
"It's beautiful," Rossweisse muttered as she leaned forward. "I wonder wha…"
The silver-haired beauty's next words caught in her throat as she felt a grip squeeze gently around her hand. Glancing to the side she spotted Dorian, still looking out over the edge. He couldn't look her in the eye lest his courage fail, cradling her hand in his own, the tender clasp conveying what his words only alluded to.
"It really is…more than anything."
Rossweisse was flustered and speechless, neither had any experience in such matters but in that moment it did not matter. She reciprocated the squeeze, each refusing to make any sudden movements lest it draw the attention of the others. Nobody moved or stressed expedience, at least until Dorian was jolted from his attention by tiny fingers tapping his shoulder.
"Um, boss…don't mean to be that guy, but there is a portal to the side here you may want to use."
"What is it," he whispered harshly at the situation. His tone eased back as he noticed an uncharacteristically serious gaze in the squirrel's eyes.
"Well, I know you felt bad about that orange-haired hottie leaving so suddenly. If you take a gander through this entrance here I think you may be pleasantly surprised."
Kuoh Airport…
Irina stood before the terminal carrying the large reinforced case containing the fragments and cores of all five Excaliburs. She was wrapped in the cloak she had worn previously showing her allegiance to the church, it wouldn't be long before her flight would arrive back to the Vatican.
We came to this country expecting to die, she sighed heavily. Only I am returning but to what? God is dead, Xenovia will be branded a pagan and I am likely facing excommunication for knowing. Even still, it's what I was put on this Earth to do. To help people, serve Go…
Her frown deepened at that last part, she couldn't serve God with him gone. So what else was…?
"Isn't there some saying about losing a bit of happiness every time you sigh?" Irina spun on her heels, gaze widening as Dorian appeared behind her, a blue portal behind him answering her next question before it left her lips. "I'd hate to not get to see you off."
"Dorian!" Irina was overjoyed at his sight. Rushing over she wrapped her arms around him with a hug. The memories of a near-identical situation years before flooding her mind as she had watched Dorian depart England to his next destination. "Why did all of this have to happen?"
"I wish I knew, if there is anything I can do…"
Irina pulled back, shaking her head as she dried the welled up tears. "You've done enough; I will ask that you take care of Xenovia…okay?"
"Count on it," he gave her the most confident smile he could muster. "If they try excommunicating you or anything like that for what happened," he pulled out his cell phone, offering to exchange numbers. "You just let me know."
Irina giggled softly at his statement though proceeded to exchange information, immediately regretting having left without a word to him. She had just been so frustrated, so torn from what she'd learned that she didn't want anyone to see her that way. She almost didn't notice the light appear in her gate, signaling boarding had begun.
"I hope it isn't so long until we meet again!" She called out as she ran for her plane. "Whatever you worship in the future, never stop being Dorian! You can't be the Einherjar all the time, try being a normal guy every now and then."
He waved goodbye, thankful beyond words that Ratatoskr had pointed out the nearby portal leading to Kuoh Airport. The mischievous squirrel had been respectful and kept a distance, hiding behind a fake plant adorning the nearby hall. He hadn't moved by the time Dorian returned, his heart far lighter than it had been before.
"I half expected you to join her on the plane," he teased though there was no true mockery in his voice. "Or we'd be heading back to Asgard with a plus one….well, another plus one."
"Very funny…and thanks Rat," Dorian gave him a quick fist bump. Despite how he acted, Dorian couldn't have asked for a better friend from the roads. "Who knows, we may get to visit Heaven next time."
"And see an angel," he made an over-the-top gesture placing his hands on his chest and swooning. "If you'd played yer cards right you could have been praying with her every evening and night, give her a few good reasons to repeatedly thank God. Though I suppose hindsight is 20/20."
"We should head back, don't want to keep the others waiting."
"Little late for that don't ya think?"
Dorian tilted his head, confused at the meaning.
"We've been out here, what…four or five minutes? You do realize they are still in the roads." The young Einherjar's eyes went wide, kicking himself for overlooking that detail. "So they've been waiting almost two hours." The reaction was as nostalgic as it was expected; he started generating a portal as quickly as he could.
"RAT YOU SON OF A….!"
Road Between Realms…
"Think he forgot about us?" Xenovia remarked to Hecuba as the two sat together near the portal he had departed through with Ratatoskr. He'd been gone quite a long time. Xenovia had removed Durandal from its protective dimension and was currently laid before them in its holy sword form. Hecuba laid her hands on the blade, instantly causing it to revert back into the ancient Trojan design. Upon removing them, the weapon remained in the transformed state, Dorian's oversight of the time delay had given them time to test theories as the others explored.
A holy sword in her hand, a Trojan blade in mine, Hecuba scanned over what they had determined. It seems to remember the last to touch it and retains that status until the other makes contact. I wonder if…
"I pray you will wield it well," Hecuba glanced up at Xenovia's statement.
"What do you mean?"
"It is your family's sword is it not?" She asked speaking calmly yet the disappointment was evident. "It is rightfully yours."
The Spartan glanced down, the blade resting there invitingly. It'd be simple enough to transfer ownership of the dimensional pocket, a place to keep it safe and protect others from its power. She could hold it, wield it in battle as her forefather did. To own the greatest weapon forged within the city of Troy, she need only…
Hecuba handed the blade back to Xenovia, allowing it to revert back into the holy sword they had first seen it as. The former church fighter looked up with a confused expression on her face.
"I…wondered what became of the sword my entire life, as did my parents and theirs before me. We thought it lost in some far flung part of the world, yet now we see it has been in the service of a realm with which Olympus seldom had any contact. How long ago would we have found it if friendship was cultivated with Heaven before now?"
Xenovia looked down, seeing Durandal in a new light. It was not just a sword, nor a holy instrument, but also a connection between them, a crossroad between their people.
All because I followed Dorian, was this meant to be, to stand by his side? He has proven his character time and time again.
"We spoke of faith the other day. Something sent this sword to Catholic lands, to the hands of Charlemagne down to Roland and eventually you. That it was only after I chose to follow Dorian to Asgard that I met you and found it cannot be a coincidence. I have…faith that it was meant to happen and consequently that YOU were meant to have it."
"And if you are wrong?"
Hecuba just shrugged her shoulders. "Then I lose the chance to wield the blade of my ancestor. Yet I DO know who holds it regardless, and I have seen naught to give me pause at that prospect."
Xenovia looked uncertain how to react, her eyes widened somewhat at Hecuba's answer, her hand ran across the edge once more.
"I will work then, to ensure I am worthy to hold it. Yet my old goals are out of my reach now, I must find another."
"What do you hope to accomplish?"
"I have ever been a servant of God, that and…"
The blue portal into the roads rippled before them as Dorian leapt back through looking winded and frantic.
"I…am SO sorry for the wait," he started as soon as he was through. "I COMPLETELY…"
"There was no harm," Xenovia interrupted his apology. "The others went on ahead, now that you have returned we may catch up."
"Right," Dorian replied, allowing the topic to drop as they continued their path home. Xenovia purposefully held back, chin cupped in her hands deep in contemplation.
All I have been is a servant of God, that and a woman. What can I hope to attain in life as a woman…?
Cross-myth Dormitories…
Dorian let the water run over him, it felt refreshing after being in the field for so long, there was just something about the water in Asgard that let all his soreness and uncertainties just wash away. Baldur's grinning face awaited them upon their return, the Bifrost having dropped him off mere minutes before they arrived. The ancient squirrel played it off that he had let the Norse God win, never betraying nor blaming the fact it was very likely the unexpected stop at the airport that cost him the victory.
He may act absolutely terrible most of the time, but in the end he is a good guy…rodent.
Turning off the steaming water, he reached over blindly for a towel, wiping his eyes to restore their vision before tying it tight around the waist. Since returning the group was allowed to freshen up before the debriefing. Pushing open the door, he made his way into the adjoining room.
"Mr. Held," a voice caught his ear. "How fortuitous, I was hoping to speak with you if I may."
The young man turned, eyes going wide as he spun back towards the pile of clothes, ensuring his towel was still tight and showed nothing. Xenovia Quarta was standing in the locker room of the 2nd floor showers in the dormitory. They had been reserved for his use as the only man; however it seemed she was not aware. Their guest from Midgard had already started undressing and stood before him only her black skin-tight church apparel which was unzipped to leave her back bare down to her...
"Th-this is meant for the men," Dorian informed her, fumbling to find his tunic and undergarments. "The first floor is for the women."
"Was it?" She asked, her voice completely calm despite their mutual state of undress. "The others were using it, with how busy it looked I did not wish to impose and this one was empty…"
"D-don't worry about it, I'll be done in a moment and be out of here."
"Wait," she called out, causing him to cease his frantic search of the locker. "I did want to speak with you alone, now seems as good a time as any."
This is not happening; would waiting two minutes for pants be too much to ask for? Is what he wanted to say, but after turning slightly and seeing the eyes locked onto his, he could not bear to do it.
"What did you want to talk about? And please call me Dorian."
She nodded accepting his request, slipping out of her church battle attire for the furred vest and undershirt provided. Dorian turned away once again before he saw anything. "I am now like you, Einherjar though I do not know what that means. If I am to enter into a new life I would know all that it entails."
Dorian felt awkward, being relatively new and a special case among Einherjar he felt woefully unprepared to educate someone new. Nevertheless, his desire to teach others and help the former sister of the Church who had aided them drove him forward. He explained it all, how they were fallen warriors brought back in the service of the Norse gods. Normally they would revel and live in Valhalla where they could hone their skills until needed.
"What is Valhalla like?" She asked at length as Dorian thankfully got his pants on and discarded the towel.
"I…don't know," he admitted with an awkward chuckle. "I've never set foot inside, in truth I think the main reason they brought me in initially was curiosity about my Gear."
"Then you are a tool like I was?" She seemed to be growing apprehensive that the Norse myth would be little better than the secrets kept by the Church. "I see that battle has been unkind to you as well."
Dorian's blood froze, realizing her meaning as he still was shirtless. With an absent-minded hand, he traced the outline of the scar tissue still prevalent on his chest and back. Despite Yggdrasil and even Thrud's healing, the remnants of the ice javelin from Kara and later the spear of light from Forcas were ever present. No one had drawn attention to it before, even at Olympus. The young Einherjar had assumed it was either out of courtesy or that such battle scars were far more common among the Norse warriors.
Do not fret over the scars, Iggy reassured her partner. S-some may consider them very dashing and impressive.
Dorian blushed somewhat at the compliment heard only by himself. Sometimes he forgot that she was always with him, just how much could she see in his mind? It was a question the young man resolved to learn someday.
"I was worried about that at first. But they have been so kind, so…good to me," he could think of no better word as he recalled his time there. "I trust them to have the best intentions at heart. I haven't feared that in a long time."
"I do not wish to reside in Valhalla," Xenovia asserted once certain he was through. Despite the fact she had not moved to put on the new clothes during their conversation and was still mostly naked, the awkward aura between them had dissipated. "I thought I was doing such good in the name of God and I wish to continue doing so. Perhaps I may join your task force."
"Oh, it's not my force," he chuckled at the seemingly ridiculous notion. "I do not see why it would be a problem. I can only imagine how hard it must be to learn what you did…"
"Did you mean what you told Irina? That you think one can retain faith even with God's death?"
That is…a heavy question, but not so unanswerable anymore.
"Not before this, but the gods are…well, real people." It was simple but true. "If Odin or Freyja died, that wouldn't negate what they stood for, what they sought to accomplish. That can be continued by those that follow and believe in them, hel even their children could continue their legacy."
Humans are all considered God's children.
Xenovia did not answer but nodded at his words. Even through her stoic appearance it was clear she was deep in thought. What contemplation swirled in her mind Dorian could not know, perhaps in time she would tell him as she thought what goals she could strive for in the future.
"I'll leave first," Dorian volunteered. "That way you can change in peac…"
He froze as he turned towards the changing woman, spotting a silent shimmering portal behind her. The giddily grinning face of a familiar Grim Reaper was sticking through, eyebrow raised as if stating how impressed she was at the situation.
"BENNIA!" Dorian called out, stuffing the shirt on over his head as Xenovia FINALLY slid on her new red tunic. "How long have you been there?"
"Somewhere around a talk of tools but before any fun started," she looked him up and down, raising her eyebrows over and over again suggestively before a wall of ice plastered itself over her portal. Despite the barrier, her muffled voice could still be heard. "Thrud asked me to get you two, the bigwigs are here."
Asgard Palace…
The two rounded the corner, the young Einherjar clasping the last of his sleeves still embarrassed beyond words. He was so distracted he nearly ran into a grey-suited woman heading the same way.
"Dorian!" Rossweisse greeted him as they converged, continuing down the halls side-by side. "Are you feeling better?"
"Much," he replied with a renewed spring in his step. "Not accounting for Bennia's prodigious use of teleports in-house."
"I will see you both ahead," Xenovia waved as she broke off from the two, disappearing down the hall at a brisk pace.
"I…wanted to thank you," he started calmly. "If you hadn't convinced the Allfather to come down to Midgard in spite of the potential consequences I don't know if we would have lasted to Albion's intervention."
"There is no need for thanks," she replied calmly, fully in her professional mindset for the meeting ahead. "I only regret I did not realize their plan all the sooner. Their technique for merging sword fragments seems quite complex, in the future we may…"
"Still," Dorian continued, hoping to finish his request before they reached the others. "We haven't gotten to relax regularly after work together since before the Olympus incident. There was the festival, though there are so few of those every year…"
Rossweisse tensed up at his words, she did not disagree but it seemed like an inappropriate time to discuss such matters. Though on further contemplation she realized it always felt that way to her.
"I am sure the calm days will return, when that does I'd be more than happy to…"
"Rose would you like to go out tomorrow evening, just us?"
The young Valkyrie froze in place, uncertain if her ears were playing tricks on her. Subtly, though with noticeably twitchy sputters, she turned towards him eyes as wide as dinner plates.
"What…did you say?"
Dorian breathed deep and doubled down on his request.
"I was hoping the two of us could go out tomorrow evening. I believe I have become acquainted enough with Asgard to know a few good dining locations and outdoor activities. Of course, if you had any preferences…"
"I would love to!" Rossweisse interrupted before recomposing herself with a nonchalant cough. "I mean to say, it would be a great pleasure to…go out with you tomorrow night should our duties allow."
That smile, what would anyone NOT do to earn that smile…?
Palace Meeting Room…
"Too slow again old man," Baldur welcomed the team as they reached the palace of Asgard.
"Well, I figured you needed SOME victory," Ratatoskr rationalized to the deity once more over his loss. "If I won all the time life gets boring."
Odin and Freyja awaited the arrivals along with a small procession of servants and two familiar guests.
"Heya kiddos!" The friendly face of Azazel called out with a wave. "Long time no see, I'm ecstatic to see you made it despite my former associate's best efforts."
"Mr. Azazel?" Dorian asked as the fallen angel approached, pulling him into a casual handshake. "What are you doing here?"
"Does one old man need a reason to visit another?" He replied with a grin. "Your Allfather is one of the few left who knows how to show a guest a good time. "Why, we've been out just about every night with the most unfathomable beauties who…"
"Ahem," Freyja cleared her throat loudly.
"…Who cannot hold a candle to your grace," he bowed politely. "We wanted to be here when you arrived, we can speak privately later when time permits, I feel awful I missed your previous balance breaker coming out party and had to make up for it. Right Baraqiel?"
The gruff dark-haired fallen angel nodded, ever calm and stoic when not inebriated. Dorian was glad he had been with Azazel, wanting to speak to him as soon as possible.
"I have good news, your treasure is doing well with Lady Gremory," he tried to hold as genuine a smile as he could despite the image of Akeno's anger at being called his child. "She…looked happy."
Baraqiel's composure held, only a single raised eyebrow gave away the elation he felt at those words. "That is…reassuring to hear," he answered flatly though Azazel turned to face him, fully aware of how his old friend felt.
"Speaking of treasures," Thrud produced a small wooden container and presented it to Freyja who accepted it with a quizzical expression. "This was considered the greatest treasure of Fafnir's Hoard; I believe you should have it back."
"Have it back? Whatever do you mean?" Freyja moved to open the chest only for Thrud's hand to move quickly and stop her.
"It…may be best to open that when in private," she whispered in warning fully noticing Odin starting to look very nervous behind his wife.
"I see," the Norse Goddess handed the gift to a nearby handmaiden, throwing a glare at Odin as she turned to the rest of the arrivals. "I heard of our newest Einherjar, I am sure Valhalla will be more than…"
"If I may," Xenovia interrupted her. "But I do not wish to reside in Valhalla." She went on to explain as she had to Dorian her desire to do good and continue work out in the world. So empowered and impassioned were her words that none so much as raised a whisper until it was clear that the azure-haired beauty had spoken her mind.
"In that case," she announced proudly. "Accommodations can be made for you to join the others in the Task Force's Dormitory until such a time that a neutral territory has been decided for a more permanent headquarters. I had no idea your numbers would be growing so quickly."
"Our numbers?" Rosswiesse asked, clearly confused as to what she meant over a single extra volunteer.
"Oh, she is far from the only one."
"Thought you got away from us didn't you?"
Dorian turned just in time to be dogpiled by three familiar Valkyries flattening him into the ground. Herja, Brynda and Misty pulled the shell-shocked Einherjar back to his feet, both overjoyed and dreading the sight before him.
"New roommates!" Bennia exclaimed excitedly, unable to control herself.
"And that is not all," Freyja continued with a gleam in her eyes. "A name has finally been selected for the cross-myth task force, something that rolls off the tongue better when introducing yourselves. Everyone, please kneel."
The entire room quickly complied, Xenovia last before realizing she was included in that request. The hall became utterly silent as Freyja stood to her full commanding height, voice booming over all.
"To those who have served faithfully as well as those only now joining our ranks, it is my supreme honor to cordially invite you all…to The Crossroads." Her eyes fluttered to Dorian's right arm for a moment, the inspiration for the chosen name that came to her in the night.
The Crossroads? I suppose it has a nice ring to it.
Iggy? Dorian asked at the words in his head.
It is a good name, the daughter of Yggdrasil replied. It reflects our purpose as well as my mother's.
It really does. Dorian thought as he knelt proudly in that chamber among friends, family and those he considered closer. Everyone present seemed to feel the same way…until the seriousness was shattered by young Bennia, ever unable to reign in her own insatiable spunk.
"PLEASE tell me we are getting matching uniforms!"
The Holy Sword Arc draws to a close, our heroes back among their friends and families…but how long can they remain that way? The Realms are opening as threats to all slowly creep from the shadows. The Einherjar and his allies prepare for what is to come, as well as future interactions with the well-known Gremory Team.
A short epilogue chapter to the Holy Sword arc, once again I would like to thank all my readers for another successful arc. As usual, there will be a hiatus before the next one begins though a cooldown chapter or two may be released in the meanwhile. Will the young Einherjar's future lead him back to Kuoh Academy or to other parts unknown? I'd love to hear the opinion of my fans as I plan. As always, I hope everyone Reads and Reviews…but most of all Enjoys! :D
