Piemaster981: We can only imagine the explaining he'll have to do when Freyja opens that box…

Curse of Whimsy: Designing these realms to fit DxD is def. a very enjoyable part of the writing process. I am so glad I can bring them to life so well for you. :D Lol, truest of bros indeed, helping him out and teaching him the ways of the fairer sex…at least in his mind's eye XD

Slayer Cross: The idea is that he may attend Kuoh for building bridges which would put him near canon events while making his own adventures. If away from Kuoh, he'd mostly have separate adventures and have to travel to take part in the larger canon stories.

naruto: I most certainly will, and he'll make sure to learn from his Thunder Senpai XD

AJR333: Same bat time…same bat channel ;)

fanficcyberman: Thank you! I hope to never disappoint.

fabio mp19: fitting in character interactions to flesh them out whenever possible is a big point of mine. Never waste a moment to advance your story, if you do I'd love to read it!

Grimraven V: Love takes time to grow and foster, Dorian is no Issei jumping to any girl who has impressive assets and shows an interest in him lol. I hope the next chapters are to your liking ;)

coresplinter: I am so glad you have been enjoying it and thank you for the input :D

Darkuz: Thanks, it is quite out of place in the DxD universe. He may not be looking for a harem like Issei, but that doesn't mean he won't draw the eyes of those who see him for his strength of character.

And with that…ONTO THE SHOW!

"Last one in has to eat Hecuba's cooking!" Bennia called out, immediately disappearing for a moment before dropping into the water with a splash.

"If everyone could go in as slowly as possible I would be most thankful," the redhead remarked flatly. Not two minutes there and she was already wishing she had brought her sword.

The cross-myth task force, now known as The Crossroads had been given leave to enjoy themselves for the recent assignment to Kuoh Town on Midgard. To their joy and appreciation, they had been granted a private beach for the day to relax and enjoy themselves. Thrud and Hecuba especially could not shake the feeling this was meant to give a chance to rest before something big happened, but they did not share their beliefs lest it ruin the day for the others.

The glistening gold sands rolled across the beach in all directions vanishing beneath the crashing violet waves. The area was on the outskirts of Alfheim and the strange ethereal twinkle in the air gave away the otherworldly nature that surrounded them. Apparently Odin and Freyja visited often before their relationship grew strained; as a result it was empty for the day to give them peace and quiet. The seclusion also allowed them to go all out with their chosen swim attire.

Bennia was first, having found a deep blue one-piece with frills at each of the arms and legs. For once she had completely left her mask back at their headquarters and let her dark purple hair flow freely. Hecuba was next having gone for a two-piece bikini matching her hair. The top was a wrap style that wound about her neck without separate straps showing off the bronzed, shapely toned figure normally hidden beneath her armor. Xenovia's swimsuit, if it could be called that, forced Dorian to focus on unpacking. To him it looked like little more than gold strings barely holding together teal fabric covering what it needed to but not much else. He had a sneaking suspicion either Ratatoskr or Odin himself was responsible for her choice. He sighed in relief at the knowledge his furred companion was at home in the Roads.

The young Einherjar wore only simple gold swim trunks with silver designs running across them. He hadn't thought to look for anything more extravagant as the girls clearly had, they served their purpose and he was fond of the color scheme. Over-top his torso was an orange vest he had yet to remove. Ever since Xenovia drew attention to the collected scars he felt himself growing more self-conscious by the day. Until he had to, he wasn't in any hurry to discard it.

"Quite the sight isn't it? That is more than a few bathing beauties in one place."

Dorian recognized the voice, turning to behold the Governor General of the Grigori, Azazel himself. He suddenly felt VERY uncomfortable at the realization that the fallen angel was wearing nothing but a maroon speedo, showing off his admittedly impressive physique. Dorian made sure to develop tunnel vision in that moment, keeping his eyes squarely fixed on his.

"Mr. Azazel? What are you doing here?"

"Can't a man enjoy his vacation? Your Allfather told me about this place and it sounded absolutely enchanting. I've had many harems over the years and getting time off to enjoy places like this was always a treat!"

Dorian glanced around, noticing no one else besides him; the older Grigori read his question before he made it.

"No no dear boy, I don't have a harem at this time, been a few years since the last one."

He looks so sad, Dorian thought, despite Azazel's cheerful smile, a somewhat somber expression rested behind his eyes.

"For today I am going solo, how about you help me out with these accommodations?"

The two set up temporary awnings for them and the girls to use, Hecuba was quick to claim one and lay out to enjoy herself while Bennia continued to float or splash in the shallows. Xenovia joined her friend, removing their tops to work on their tan in the perfect sun without reservation. The two beauties were positioned in such a way to be behind the men yet trusted Dorian who was watching Azazel. He didn't once so much as attempt a glance even with the alluring vision of loveliness behind him. The retainer to the gods would never admit the willpower required to maintain his composure and eyes forward.

Despite his laid-back and ever-friendly nature, Dorian had no doubt that Azazel's presence was more than just a chance for a day off. Rossweisse, Thrud and the other Valkyries had yet to arrive so he decided to lean back as well until then. Of course, as expected Azazel did the same.

"So I hear your Valkyrie friends graduated recently," Azazel started to make conversation. "Good on them, it's too bad you came up a few credits too short for the year. Have you considered where you may wish to study next to round out your education?"

"Not sure," Dorian stretched in the shade. "The new semester will start in a few weeks. Lady Eir assured me my credits were universally transferable. Unfortunately everyone I know already graduated so…"

"So you'd have to meet ANOTHER twenty Valkyries, no harm there. Though if I could play to the more education-oriented half of your brain," he started as Dorian glared at him dully. "Have you ever thought of keeping up the tradition…study abroad?"

Dorian considered his words, the natural pull of resistance to change swaying his mind. "I haven't gotten to just stay in one place very long, why would I want to move from Asgard?"

"It wouldn't be very far considering your trick, and from what I heard you know people at this particular institution, even were supposed to study there anyway if events had been more…standard."

The young man leaned forward, lowering the dark shades in realization of where he meant.

"Kuoh Academy?"

"Bingo," Azazel shot him a pair of finger pistols. "It's a good school, run by devils so you could build bridges and of course you mustn't forget your recent new acquaintances already study there. I am sure they'd love to have you."

"Why are you so interested in my education?"

"Just looking out for what's best for you my boy," he grinned widely as always though Dorian didn't believe that was the sole reason for a second. "That little lady strapped to your arm is really something, I am envious I didn't find you in that apartment before Odin. Forcas and Kokabiel were neither the gentlest nor weakest of my people and you bested one while surviving the other. I saw Kokabiel's body when Vali brought him in before being sealed in Cocytus, based on the damage I'd say she's a Longinus for certain."

"Longinus? And who is Vali?"

"A Sacred Gear capable of slaying gods, we knew about fourteen before now though I surmise we can add one more to that tally. Longinus are…sturdier Gears with multiple abilities, I'd say yours more than qualifies. Oh, I forgot he didn't introduce himself. Vali is the wielder of Albion, the dividing dragon who saved your hides. You're welcome for that by the way."

"He didn't need to halve ME too by the way."

"Eh, it's his way. Dividing is his Gear's special move after all; it'd be strange if he didn't use it as often as he could. You got one yet?"

"One what?"

"A signature move! A technique to make your foes piss themselves, one you can call your own."

"Um…I have about eight right now, though I still haven't figured out Midgard's portion and that doesn't account for the Olympian…"

"No no," Azazel sat up, drawing far too much attention to his speedo. "Those are all abilities of the realms you connect to, I am talking about YOUR move. Dorian Held's, one that no one else who may inherit Laerad Ragnarok over the years can claim to have ever mastered or understood! Even Issei made up dress break himself."

"I am NEVER designing that."

"Never said you had to, but something you can call your own to…"

"Dorian!" Bennia called out in the waters, Skilja resting on a floaty nearby. "Come on in, the water is great!"

"In a minute!" He called out, waving her down. He had brushed off Azazel's observation but it did make him think.

How could I use Laerad Ragnarok in a way unique to myself? I did combine the energy against Kokabiel, perhaps I could mold that into…

"Seems awfully hot out today," the incorrigible former angel suddenly remarked, clearly referring to the ones tanning behind them. "Hope all those fine ladies have plenty of sunscreen."

"I packed more than enough spray-on sunscreen for everyone."

Azazel glanced over as if he were truly disappointed with the young man, his head tutting left and right in shame.

"Spray-on? Come on kid you could have done better than that. An entire beach of scantily clad ladies, as the only man if you'd packed nothing but the liquid sunscreen you could have offered to…"

"Are you and Issei actually the same person and nobody told me?" The Einherjar interrupted with a flash of frustration to hide the red on his cheeks. "A time traveling paradox of some sort?"

"There are worse vices to fall from Heaven for believe you me. No need to look so stern, just having some laughs. You are certainly not as fun as the Hyoudou kid."

That makes me feel better than you can imagine.

"I read the Olympus file; your balance breaker picked a good moment to activate, just in time to save that silver-beauty's life I hear. "Surely you are interested in her assets?"

"There is more to…"

"...More to her than those I am aware, but you may not be saying that for long."

"Everyone! Sorry we're late!"

Dorian turned, Azazel's meaning abundantly clear. In the lead were the three newest Valkyrie members of The Crossroads in matching swimsuits. They were all one-piece open to expose much of their back with colors matching their respective battlesuits worn beneath their Valkyrie armor.

Thrud Was next in a golden bikini of a style Dorian had never seen but wished he had. It looked like a snake of fabric wrapped diagonally about her body, thin strings holding it together and an opening to leave her cleavage visible. The wrapping worked around enough at the right angle to also show off her toned abs still smooth and feminine yet hard as steel. He almost felt as if he were back in the changing rooms of the Valkyries, beauty no matter which way he looked.

And then he saw her…

Rossweisse was walking timidly using Thrud and the others as a shield, her cheeks bright red. The reason why she had taken longer to arrive became obvious. She was wearing a bikini as well Dorian would NEVER have imagined her choosing for their outing. There was a thin ring of cloth around her neck allowing her back to remain bare as it held up the swimsuit's top entirely. It was designed in a way similar to Thrud's with an oval-shaped opening giving a generous view of her breasts. The material itself was stylized with blue and red triangles overlaid across its surface. She wore a matching shawl that blew in the wind revealing her long smooth legs; Dorian had nearly forgotten just how tall she was. Despite his best efforts, his eyes roamed up and down basking in her beauty.

"Taking a few pages from the Red Dragon Emperor's book?" Azazel teased, noting his wandering eyes. Dorian quickly punched him in the arm hard without taking his eyes off them.

"I-it was on sale," she immediately started rationalizing upon seeing Dorian's obviously dumbfounded stares. "It isn't too much is it?"

Hilariously, all those around stopped and turned to Dorian, making him the center of attention to await his answer.

"Not at all," he answered calmer than his pounding heart let on as he shook his head back and forth repeatedly. "I'm glad you could make it."

"You two can discuss her purchase," Thrud sneered as she pushed the others ahead. "It may have been on sale but was far above your usual thrifty purchase. We'll see you in the water."

The four girls went along, joining their friends by the shore's edge. The young Einherjar and Valkyrie he had fought for many times were left standing there, heads down-turned without knowing what to say. Azazel lay back, acting the role of the uninterested party.

"I wanted…" They both started at the same time. "You first," Rossweisse acquiesced.

"I found a great place for tonight," he whispered. "It's called the Jotunn's Breath; I thought maybe something neither of us has done before might be fun. We can take the Roads to…"

"Actually," Rossweisse interrupted politely, neither noticing that Azazel's ears had perked up. "I was hoping to drive us there; I earned my license last year and have had few opportunities to put it to use."

Last year? His mind started a mile a minute. So Asgard allows licenses at 18? Only a few months away for me then, I need to learn how to drive…I can take the initiative next time.

"If you two don't get down here we are dragging you in!" Thrud called out from the shallows, the collected girls behind her rising up as if to solidify the legitimacy of her threat.

"Don't you dare!" Rossweisse called down, finally unfastening the shawl covering her legs as she slipped it away. "Shall we join them?"

Dorian's hands froze on the vest, recalling now with them being so close the scars across his chest. For a brief moment he hesitated…until he remembered Thrud's words at Olympus.

There is no reason to hide from her.

With a quick motion, Dorian unzipped his vest, laying it on the towels with her shawl. Finally free of the restricting attire, he stretched his arms, earning a wandering gaze of his own from Rossweisse and the others, a certain Valkyrie goddess along the shore in particular. Once more, he held out his hand to her, the worry of his battle scars a thing of the past.

"I…would love to." She accepted his hand, their fingers interlocking tenderly before squeezing as they had in the Roads.

"Have fun you two!" Azazel finally broke his silence, still gazing up at the sun as if uninterested. "These days are for the young to enjoy themselves, only old fuddy duddies like me should be lounging."

The two ran off to be with their team and friends, leaving the Governor General behind though despite his laid back nature, he carefully eyed them through his dark sunglasses.

You can't stay here forever Mr. Held. Big things are happening on Earth and elsewhere. Another Longinus may be just the thing we need…even if it isn't, I can't wait to get a closer look at it.

Down by the Water…

"Heads up!" Thrud leapt into the ocean with a splash that seemed far too large for her size.

Bennia was next, teleporting twenty feet up and dropping down folded into a cannonball before impacting. Dorian stuck to the old fashioned way, crashing in beside them with a laugh.

"This is divine," Thrud was floating on her back letting the waves carry her. "The light of Alfheim does wonders for EVERYTHING."

Far in the distance, a continuous pillar of energy pulsated into the sky and dispersed above into the clouds themselves. Such was the light of Alfheim, sun and source of the energy powering the various devices of that realm. The elves native to the region had no use for other sources of power as that supplied by the light was endless having persisted since time immemorial.

"I guess Odin isn't so bad sometimes," Bennia sighed in the water.

"You wouldn't say that if you worked so closely with him," Rossweisse warned. "He can be lazy, selfish, uncouth, forgets my name half the time…with the most detestable choice in nightly venues that I've ever…"

"Think fast," Herja splashed towards Dorian, catching Rossweisse and disturbing Thrud's relaxation in an attempt to distract her from the near-rant.

"Hey!" Dorian returned fire, he and Rossweisse working together as a unified front against the trio. Thrud was staying out of it though it was growing increasingly difficult to remain neutral.

"On three?" The silver-Valkyrie chuckled with a nod, knowing exactly what Dorian intended.

In a flash, magic seals of the elements appeared in their hands, Dorian's much closer to Rossweisse's than in the past. To his relief, their training didn't stop with the creation of the Crossroads. If anything, with the new power granted by his gear he was able to delve into more powerful runes than ever before. It might have been his imagination, but he could almost see the patterns in magic seals, how each mark or contour worked towards the overall goal. A second set of seals shimmered over the three's heads unnoticed until it was too late. A small waterfall doused them from above, soaking his former classmates completely in water noticeably colder than the ocean around them. The novice Valkyries ducked down, withdrawing into the warmth beneath them.

"L-L-Low blow!" Brynda called out shivering.

"A shameful display most foul!" Misty voiced her displeasure as the two started laughing at their defeated foes. Dorian suddenly felt a pair of strong arms around his waist as he attempted to generate a new rune. In a familiar yet terrifying feeling, he was hoisted into the air and power bombed into the water behind him.

"Too slow and shameful indeed," Thrud smirked. "If you wanted to show off your improvement all you had to do was say so." Dorian wasn't down yet, from underwater he gripped her legs and rolled, dragging her in and flipping his combat instructor upside-down. It was like a continuation of their bout at Olympus, only now they had an active audience already shouting bets as the two tussled in the water.

"Please be careful," Rossweisse called out, fully aware it could not be stopped.

"Fifty bucks on the daughter of thunder!" Bennia called out.

"I'll take that," Hecuba countered, the group having formed a ring around them being jostled by the waves of their struggle. "He is doing significantly better than before."

"Before?" Rossweisse asked.

"They had a similar altercation in Olympus," Hecuba explained to her widening eyes. "I believe you slept through it at the time." She missed Rossweisse's look of confusion as she watched the two go at it.

I had no idea he and Thrud were so close, they are so comfortable around each other. I can't think of anyone she's ever been so open with.

Thrud leapt for Dorian who slid between her legs, disappearing partially underwater before emerging behind her. He shook his hair free of the water dripping into his eyes though it stung all the same. His opponent performed a high kick; somehow he sensed it, grabbing her leg with one hand and reaching forward to perform a throwing maneuver.

I can actually see her movements! I have a chance! He thought proudly as he gripped her shoulder and pulled.

A resounding snap was followed by a gasp that echoed through the team as Dorian met far less resistance than he expected, tumbling backwards into the sea. Coughing and sputtering, he broke through to the surface, failing to notice the shocked expressions as he eyed the item now grasped firmly in his hand. Thrud's entire swimsuit was a single wrap from top to bottom…and he had just pulled it free from her. She had been completely naked last they fought and in his battle focus he had not taken the additional fabric into account with his plans of attack.

The daughter of thunder stood there before him, only now glancing down to realize her current state. Her body was glistening from the water, every shapely contour more pronounced than ever. Her eyes even seemed more prominent, the green standing out against her fairer skin. She was not as well-endowed as Rossweisse, yet her breasts were still sizable and toned from a lifetime of fitness coupled with her godly genetics. She had dropped into a combat stance, arms wide which obscured nothing and removed the need for imagination as his gaze saw it all. The new Einherjar had already seen her in such a fashion during their previous bout, but with the open air and beaming sunlight of Alfheim she looked more vibrant than within the marble-white baths of Olympus.

The three novice Valkyries were frantically scrambling for something to cover her while Bennia just stared on amazed, Rossweisse was frozen in shock. Herja could not help but recall their similar encounter with Dorian tricked into the changing rooms by Ratatoskr. Thrud did not seem embarrassed or shy, rather dismayed that he had torn off the suit she spent the morning selecting and was not overly focused on covering herself until vengeance was sated. Her eyes rounded on him, the young Einherjar barely able to throw her suit back and look away though too slowly to not see every aspect of her now burned into his mind.

"That was not intended!" He shouted upon realizing that, counting the cave, this was the third time he had seen her in such a state.

"I know," she replied with an almost wholesome smile as she balled her fists and cracked her knuckles. "But this is…"

"Ah, I suppose he can be like Issei if he doesn't try," Azazel sighed with a grin as the commotion of the beach reached his ears. There was no escape for the young lad.

Not Long After…

"I could get you out with Jotunheim's roots," Iggy muttered to Dorian. "It would be simple enough."

The young man was buried up to his neck in the sand alone on the beach with the embodiment of Yggdrasil's daughter sitting politely beside him. After the misunderstanding, Thrud and the others had imprisoned him for his accidental misdeeds and departed to retrieve some ice cream though Rossweisse promised they would return soon.

"That's okay," he sighed contentedly. "It made them laugh plus I am sure they'll be back before the tide gets too high. If not, then I can dig myself out easily enough." Iggy nodded, kicking her feet absentmindedly as she enjoyed the sand between her toes.

"This is nice," she muttered gazing out over the horizon.

"It must pale in comparison to the wells in the Roads."

"I don't remember ever seeing them until our return," she pulled her legs closer to herself defensively, sounding almost ashamed of her lack of knowledge. "I don't…remember any of that."

"What is the first thing you do remember, if I may?" Dorian finally asked while trying to remain as serious as possible despite the fact he was merely a head poking out of the ground.

"…Your crying."

"What?"

"When you were born, your crying was the first thing I heard but you couldn't hear me. Even after all this time I don't know how I came to be here, not even mother knows as she does not recall ever spreading a seed such as myself. I tried for so long but you never responded. All I could do was watch the world pass by through your eyes."

Dorian's heart plummeted to his stomach; he hadn't heard her until his match against Modi who was still recovering in Asgard. He was conscious but with almost no memories and requiring reeducation. Thrud would visit him when she could.

She went so long…without anyone to talk to? He wanted to reach out and hug her, but between his trapped arms and the fact she was merely an image in his mind, he knew that was not possible.

"Please don't feel sad," Iggy stressed, sensing the feelings washing through him. "The strength of Asgard and the training you underwent to save Ms. Rossweisse brought you close enough to hear me. For that I am more grateful than you can imagine!"

"Wait, so…you saw everything I did all that time?" His eyes widened with fear at her answer.

A blush swept across her face.

"Well, perhaps not EVERYTHING. When necessary I could retreat to mute myself to you until it was safe to emerge. I wanted to comfort you after your parents death but I… I'm just glad you can hear me now." She reached out, her hand stopping a hair's breadth from his cheek with a sincere smile.

"It must have been lonely, I wish there was some way the others could see and talk to you…"

"No!" She leaned forward, putting her face directly in front of his. "I-it's okay like this. It was terribly lonely before, but not anymore. I like it this way, everything is…better."

The two just sat together, watching the thankfully far-off tide. Iggy's emerald hair blew in the wind obscuring the truly happy smile that graced it. They remained like that until the soft patter of footsteps in the distance alerted them to the girls return. His soulbound companion faded into the wind at their approach.

"Vanilla and chocolate swirl with cookie bits right?" Bennia held out the cup full of slowly-melting ice cream. Despite his situation, his eyes lit up at mention of his favorite flavors, the young Grim Reaper could not resist giggling at the ridiculous sight.

Dorian sighed in relief that Thrud's swimsuit had been repaired now accompanied by a shawl similar to Rossweisse's covering her waist. He silently muttered prayers of protection under his breath as the woman of herculean strength neared him. With apparent ease, she punched through the sand with both hands and in a single great pull tore Dorian from his coarse prison back to the surface.

"I suppose you've suffered enough," she chuckled with a rubbing to the top of his head as Bennia provided his frozen snack.

"So…no hard feelings?" He asked while taking a satisfying bite.

"Pretty sure you're the only one with those," Thrud punched him in the arm playfully though still far stronger than expected. "Just watch the suit next time, my family most of all understands losing yourself in battle. When I said you needed a bit more savagery in your fighting style I had no idea you'd take it to heart so soon."

"Perhaps a different display of physical prowess could be in order?" Hecuba drew everyone's attention to the shore. She and Xenovia were in the process of raising a volleyball net, a set of balls lying nearby brought by the Valkyrie troop.

"Einherjar vs. Valkyries!" Herja called out, she and her friends teleporting behind Rossweisse and Thrud. Dorian found himself on the same side of the field as Hecuba, Xenovia and Bennia. "Well…Einherjar and miscellaneous."

"Aren't the teams uneven?"

"It's okay," Rossweisse stepped to the side towards the nearby towels. "I was never much for sports, you all play and I can watch." She brushed a strand of hair from her eyes as she adjusted her shawl to make sure it covered enough. Despite her beauty, the years of no interest from the opposite sex left her confidence shaky.

"As long as Thrud doesn't serve."

The strawberry-blonde warrior took up the ball, spinning it furiously atop a single finger before stopping it cold with a clench of her palm.

"…No promises."

"Can I at least finish my ice cream before you send me back to the hospital?" The horrified Einherjar begged while eating as slowly as possible. The other girls were already performing stretches and preparing for the match ahead, it would be a long day...but Dorian couldn't have been happier in that moment of peace among those he cared about most.

Outskirts of the Nine Realms…

A violet-red circle crackled into existence far from any residential area, piercing the thinnest point of Asgard's defenses from outside intrusion at great cost. As the gap between locations was bridged, a series of shapes emerged to instantly rush for cover. It would not be long before someone came to check on the disturbance regardless of how small.

"The patrol will be small out here," the first cloaked individual whispered to the rest. "Easily avoided or slain if they are cleverer."

"Not until we must, only once the signal is given…understand?"

"Of course Mistress," the first bowed with a hint of fear in his eyes. "Yet you did not wish us to know until we arrived…where shall we be striking first?"

The leader lowered their hood, revealing long flowing hair split down the middle black on one side and white on the other. Pointed tips marked each ear and her skin was pale grey. Combined with her dark purple lipstick she maintained a haunting beauty, as one might expect to encounter before passing on to the next life. She removed a cloth map, pointing out locations scattered across it.

"But, these are merely…"

"Those locations where best to inflict the most chaos. Spread out your men and remember…if a single drop of blood is spilt before the signal then your own shall join the innocent."

Back at the Beach…

The group yawned as the day drew to a close, their headquarters and dormitory in front of them. It was not overly late yet they had been out since the early hours and were ready for a day of rest. Xenovia and Hecuba were making their way inside after the others, the petite Grim Reaper asleep in the Spartan's arms.

"That was a lot of fun," Xenovia smirked with a stretch. "I would not mind a few more days like this."

"Indeed, these realms hold such beauty. I shall need to introduce you to such wonders of Olympus next our travels take us there. There is one observatory in particular where I often went to enjoy the view." She smiled at the memory. "That is where I first met Dorian beyond the battlefield."

"He does seem easy to gravitate to doesn't he?"

Hecuba nodded, "he is seeking an institution to complete his studies…and I wish to join him."

"Did you not have an education in Olympus?"

"Of course, but it was often set aside for my practice of combat and battle tactics, such is the duty of the bearer of an ancestor's soul. The everyday is quickly relegated to the back in the face of the extraordinary."

"I suppose I was the same," Xenovia reflected. "I only attended schools until my teenage years, after that all was focused on mastering the holy swords. Perhaps I can also…"

The far-off humming of an engine caught their attention; it was quite out of place considering their location. They had scarcely seen any vehicle among the streets of Asgard and never so close to the palace. With a silent look of agreement, the two crept over the hill towards the sound, Bennia still cradled in her arms. With absolute stealth, they peeked into the distance, spotting a red sleek sports car coming around the bend. The top was down and as it drew closer they were able to make out the driver, the flow of hair unmistakable.

"Rossweisse?" Hecuba asked, Xenovia nodding a confirmation. The silver-haired bodyguard had split off to her own home after they left the beach. What could she be doing coming back already, and in a car rather than flight? They did not need to wait long for the answer.

"Is that...?" Xenovia pointed out a small shape emerging from around the building.

Dorian, who had become the focal point to so many was dressed in semi-formal attire including the gold tunic he had been provided for special occasions. Even from their hiding place, they could see he looked very nervous, bowing politely as she pulled up, beckoning him to the vehicle.

"A last minute mission assignment?" Hecuba whispered. "Perhaps she is ferrying him to the Allfather?"

"Then why not fly?" Xenovia was very suspicious of the situation. "No mere chaperone…he got in the front seat."

Sure enough, Dorian opened the passenger door, taking the seat directly beside Rossweisse. Despite his nervous mannerisms, they both had serene if somewhat awkward smiles as they turned around, driving off into the night towards the city of Asgard.

"It would seem they are having a romantic rendezvous," Xenovia theorized, Hecuba gripping her chin while nodding deep in thought.

"And they didn't even tell us!?" The two swordswomen looked down at the remark made by the previously assumed to be sleeping Bennia now clearly awake and looking insulted.

"How long were you awake?"

"Oh, I wasn't tired," she remarked quickly to change the subject. "They must be going into town, not to the palace."

"Why do you say that?"

"Because a car would only be needed there," the voice of Thrud caused them all to jump. Somehow she had remained hidden to all until her words. "Flight is strictly prohibited within civilian establishments except in an emergency situation. And it makes sense Dorian wouldn't want to overuse the Roads for something like that…"

"Wh-what do we do?" Bennia asked hesitantly at her serious glare.

Thrud's eyes were locked on the departing vehicle. She had known Rossweisse for years; she never had a boyfriend nor seemed to draw the attention of men. Like how many avoided Thrud due to the ties to her imposing father, something just seemed to cause them to completely miss her long-time friend. Yet now, after so short an amount of time, she was driving into the city late at night with…

"Bennia," she turned to her teammate, eyes focused with unwavering resolve. "How far can you teleport a group?"

The day of fun in the sun ends far quicker than the team would prefer. A secret rendezvous witnessed by their friends causes the Crossroads to give chase all the while intruders have entered the lands of the Norse Gods. Who are they, what is their goal? And most importantly, what are the New Einherjar and Valkyrie who has never had a boyfriend up to? As always, I hope everyone Reads and Reviews…but most of all Enjoys! :D