Happy Holidays everybody! Chapter 21 is here! We last left off with the aftermath of the attack on Olympus and Rota's funeral. Now we are back in Asgard with a downtime chapter. I hope you all enjoy this early Christmas gift.
"I see. So we won't be seeing our Einherjar for who knows how long." Said Odin who sat upon his throne.
The Allfather had just been thinking about browsing the pubs and lifting a few skirts when Thor and the Valkyries returned, but not the Einherjar. Brynhildr gave a long detailed report to the king and queen about what happened, through it all Odin listened carefully, his face staying neutral. When he heard about Rota's death he glanced at Freya, she showed no reaction to it. He knew his Frigga better than anyone, she wanted to mourn the death of her Valkyrie but had to be strong, when they were alone he would let her grieve.
Once Brynhildr was done he said, "It is good that the Dwarfs will finally have a flame to keep the forges burning forever. Vidar will deliver the flame as soon as possible. Rebuilding the Olympian army can be done by Ragnar and his sons, they are more than capable of turning their servants into warriors. However, this Khaos Brigade and those who betrayed Olympus are concerning, especially Eris. If they have a Goddess on their side that will be troublesome."
"That poor girl lived her life not knowing she was part Fallen Angel until being told by a madman of all people. I wonder… did Azazel know anything about Eris' past or Kokabiel's intention to tell her?" Freya asked with a questioning gaze towards Baraqiel.
"I did not know Celine was the Goddess of Chaos mother. If Azazel did know he must have had good reason to not tell her."
"Or ignored her to instead look for humans with Sacred Gears." Drawled the voice of Loki from the shadows behind Odin, "She was raised among Gods. She must have been furious to know her father slept with a crow."
"He kept it a secret so she would not be looked down upon." Argued Thor.
"Yet she still joined this Khaos Brigade." The God of Mischief turned his gaze to Baraqiel, "Tell me, crow, did your leader know about this Khaos Brigade too and not tell us that either? I recall him informing Odin that he heard rumors about a plot to kill the Faction leaders."
Freya gave Loki a scrutinizing look. "You just answered your question, Loki. Azazel shared that information but at the time it was only a rumor. This Khaos Brigade tried to stay in the shadows but now revealed themselves by attacking Olympus, thinking they could kill the Olympians."
"And it would have succeeded if it wasn't for the Valkyrie's and Thor," Odin said beaming with pride at them all.
"And the hero's too." Added Alura.
Loki sneered, "Oh yes, the great Greek heroes who did not join the Khaos Brigade. You said Heracles was a hero too and he was with the Brigade all along."
"Nobody except the betrayals or attack." Brynhildr countered.
"Because Zeus, like Odin, has grown soft in the years."
"Do not speak about Odin like that!" Snapped Thor stepping forward to challenge his blood-uncle, "Odin never disbanded the army! Odin never ignored problems! Zeus thought Greece was safe after the Titans were defeated. We, however, still have trouble with Jotunheim and issues on Midgard!"
"Enough!" Odin commanded, he did not want an argument starting between his family, "The next time I speak with young Azazel he will answer my questions about the Brigade and Eris."
"If he chooses too…" Loki muttered.
"He will. He has no choice either way. What with the festival coming and-"
"Festival?"
"It would seem your words have caught our son's attention, my love." Laughed Freya before addressing Thor, "We will be holding a festival. It was supposed to happen sooner but due to our plans to ally with Olympus, we chose to wait until you returned."
Thor felt excited swelling inside him, he had never been to a festival but had always read about them when he had time to. Thor always wished to go to one and now he would get to experience it at last. Before she could continue, Baraqiel cleared his throat loudly to keep the focus on the Brigade and his fellow Cadre.
"We have more pressing matters to attend to. Thor, you said Kokabiel was the one to tell Eris without orders? If he has done so then I fear he has gone rogue."
"Well it's obvious his lust for war is far greater than the survival of his race. Your governor-general should have kept a closer eye on him or put him down like the rabid dog he is, not get caught up in Sacred Gear possessors." Loki frowned at Odin, "Tell me, Odin, will you send one of us after another rogue crow?"
"I said that's enough, Loki." Odin glared at his blood brother, fed up with his constant comments, "I already said I will speak to Azazel. Thank you for the report Brynhildr. Thor, bring forth the flame then you are all dismissed."
Thor stepped forwards holding the box containing the flame of Olympus given to him by Zeus, passed it on to Freya, stood back, bowed, and trooped out with the Valkyries.
"The Festival was postponed for the prince?" Alura asked.
"Not just for him, for all of us. Remember, we were off at Olympus. The Allfather wouldn't want any of us missing out on the festival." Ortlinde answered, "I for one am glad it was postponed for us. I can't wait to go to the opera house."
"I can't wait for the sculpting contest." Said Helmwige.
As the girls talked about what they each were looking forward to Thor trailed behind dwelling on his thoughts about telling Eris about his past. He didn't know if he would ever get over her betrayal but brooding about it would certainly not make it better and what about Rota, who would tell Asgard about her death, did she have other friends outside the Valkyrie Corps, and what about family? Her mother was dead but did she have anyone else, relatives, siblings, or grandparents? Did they live in Asgard or Vanaheim, or Midgard and would he be the one to tell them about Rota? Then there was Kokabiel, the Cadre responsible for Eris joining the Khaos Brigade, his decision to break away was a threat that had to stop before it got out of hand. It didn't take a genius to know he planned to restart the war the Biblical Faction had been fighting before the truce was initiated.
The sooner Kokabiel can be stopped the sooner war could be avoided and if Odin does send one of us to stop him most likely Baldur will go since he loves to fight and is invulnerable to all threats.
"Thor!"
The redhead realized he had lagged too far behind leaving a huge gap between himself and the girls or rather just Sigrun. Only she remained in the hall, looking at him with worry. Casting his thoughts to the deepest part of his mind, he quickly joined the warrior maiden.
"You alright?"
"Not particularly. Who's going to tell what happened to Rota and what about Kokabiel and the Khaos Brigade?"
"Freya is the Valkyries queen, she will announce it to Asgard. As for that traitorous Cadre and the Brigade, we will deal with them when the time calls for it."
"I'm sure Andrew is still trying to recover from losing her. They seemed pretty close."
"Because she listened to Freya and gave him a chance. I think going to Olympus wasn't the only thing to change him. Rota played a part in opening Andreas' heart."
"Andreas? Are you gonna call him by his Greek pronunciation now?" Thor grinned.
Sigrun shrugged, "Andrew. Andreas. I don't think he'll mind. Speaking of the Einherjar there was something in Valhalla she wanted you and Andreas to meet.
Valhalla
Before coming into the modern era, Valhalla was once a great hall filled to the brim with men and women who fought and died on the battlefield but now the great wooden hall had a sprawling academy building in front of it to allow the young to study under the greatest tutors the Nine Realms had to offer. Everyone was allowed into the hall, Thor, however, never thought of going due to more important priorities coming first and having no Einherjar as a friend until Andrew was given a chance. The hall was lined with rows of tables and chairs made of ash wood while enormous pillars made of elmwood with carvings of runes etched into them held the roof up, which was a great Viking longship. Thousands of Einherjar filled the hall, all different shapes, sizes, and even ages, all either feasting, brawling, or talking. Thor recognized some he saw on the streets, could one of them perhaps be friends with Rota, if not then who could it be within Valhalla's halls?
"So who is it?" Thor asked while scanning the building.
"Her."
Thor followed Sigrun's gaze to a table surrounded by Einherjar cheering on two people sitting opposite of each other, on one side a tall burly man with a braided beard looking confidently at a woman who looked eager for whatever competition they were about to have. The woman seemed to be in her mid-twenties and dressed in a casual shirt and shorts that showed her strength by the muscles visible on her arms and legs, her hair was blonde and long tied in a ponytail ending at her chest, sported a half-crown braid at the back of her head, and deep blue like Thor's. The Thunder God glanced between Sigrun and the Einherjar, this was the woman Rota was friends with and wanted to introduce to him? If she was a friend of Rota's then perhaps she was someone to trust, after all, looks can be deceiving. Thor watched the man and woman begin an arm-wrestling match while at the same time chugging a horn full of mead, back and forth they fought to overpower the other, never pausing to refill their horns. On the third filling, the female Einherjar began to overpower her opponent and slam his arm onto the table thus earning the victory.
"Who is she?" Asked Thor as the Einherjar drained her horn and yelled in triumph.
"Her name is Henrietta Berg, the Champion of Valhalla."
"The Champion of Valhalla?"
"A title for an Einherjar who has won every contest in Valhalla. She became the champion two years ago and nobody has been able to beat her."
"And she was Rota's friend?"
"More than a friend. She was a mother figure for her and the physical education teacher for Einherjar and Valkyries."
"Is she now? I wonder why I've never seen her?"
"Because you are in class when she's teaching. Anyway, let me introduce you to her." The violet-haired Valkyrie led Thor toward the table. As soon as they were noticed the crowd parted for the prince, "Hello Ms. Olsen."
Henrietta looked up at the newcomers and grinned, "Well if it isn't The Emerald Valkyrie. Sigrun Hallbjorndotter, how nice to see you again. I see you've brought Thor Odinson."
Valhalla exploded with excitement at having Odin's son in their presence but Thor was used to it by now, what he wasn't prepared for was how casual Henrietta was about meeting him. She must have seen him walking through the courtyard to his training seasons with Rossweisse. Well, now she will officially meet him today.
"Of course I did. With the festival approaching, I could think of no one better to share it with him than the Champion of Valhalla."
The woman smiled and rose from her seat revealing a set of abs hidden from sight by the table. Thor pitied the foes of Asgard, if they were to face this woman she could destroy them with just how fit she was. Draining her recently refilled horn she wiped her mouth clean with her arm before leading the God and Valkyrie out of the halls. Out into the courtyard they went, where many Valkyries-in-training watched the trio walk the grounds, some pointing while others giggled and waved at Thor. A shiver ran down the God's spine, his first day at Valhalla being chased by the girls was an incident he would never forget. He heard the P.E teacher laugh beside him, like the rest of Asgard, she heard about the chase, and still, Thor would hear snippets of it being talked among the people of Asgard.
"So none of the Valkyrie's talked about the festival during your trip to Olympus? Yes, I know about it. Odin told Vili and he told the academy of your absence. I would have thought one of them, especially you Sigrun, to share with Odin's son. Well anyway, it is called the Aurora Borealis Festival and occurs each year with the ending of spring and summer beginning. We celebrate it with Jotunheim, Vanaheim, Alfheim, and Nidavellir."
"Speaking of the Dwarves, I hear you were able to find a solution to their fire issue at last. Nice job asking for fire from Olympus; it will definitely keep their great forges going." Added Sigurn.
"You did? I hear the fire of Olympus burns forever and can only be extinguished by Sacred Gears." Said Henrietta.
Sigrun's fingers twitched, So that was why Heracles was at Olympus His Sacred Gear would be able to destroy the flame.
"I assume you'll be going?" Henrietta asked Thor, turning the topic back to the festival.
"Of course I'll attend the festival."
The blonde Einherjar cocked a brow at the excitement she detected in Thor's voice, "You sound as if this is your first time."
"Because it will be my first time experiencing a festival." He admitted, the excitement on his face fading a little. "All these things I hear about, festivals, games, vacations, even dates, I never experienced any of it."
Henrietta smiled sadly as she placed a hand on Thor's shoulder, "Well I can promise you that it will be a night you won't forget. The Aurora Borealis Festival is a place of fun and love for all ages. It houses the best food and drinks known to the Nine Realms. If you want we can show you the festival. Well, that is unless you have someone special in mind?"
"Special?"
"You know… some you care deeply for... like a girlfriend."
"But I don't have a girlfriend!" Exclaimed Thor as his cheeks reddened, the idea of being in a relationship, of being with a girl, was forbidden by the Exorcists and never talked about.
"That face says you have somebody you wanna take." Teased Henrietta.
"No!"
"Yes, you do!" Sigrun added with a sly smirk, "Yes you do! And I think I know who exactly. Whether she sees it as her duty to protect you or as friends is up to her but I will say this, the Valkyrie who's never had a boyfriend and the God of Thunder at the Aurora Borealis Festival will be the talk of the century."
"Am I hearing this correctly, Sigrun? Are you telling me the Prince of Asgard has a thing for Rossweisse, the Royal Family's bodyguard?" Henrietta asked, curious to know more about the relationship between the God of Thunder and Odin's bodyguard.
"Well, she trained me how to use magic and has been a good friend since," Thor admitted as his mind returned to the night at Skjult Dal where Rossweisse said she liked him because he cared about her.
Although she was drunk at the time, alcohol does make people speak the truth and the day before leaving for Olympus she kissed his cheek. However, while there she told him it was for protecting her and there was nothing romantic about it. Thor knew she never had a boyfriend and Freya said she hadn't found the right man, if he was just a friend then who did Rossweisse have affections for? The men of Asgard never stopped to spend time with her but what about her birthplace, what about Vanaheim? Did she have feelings for someone in Vanaheim but can't visit because of her job as Odin's bodyguard? Perhaps… but even if she did want to see a boy in Vanaheim, the threat of the Khaos Brigade meant protecting Odin was going to be her top priority and she took her job very seriously.
Thor stopped his thoughts for a moment to rethink everything, being drunk makes a person tell the truth but at Olympus, she said it wasn't romantic. Did Rossweisse lie? Does she actually have feelings for me and is trying to hide them?
The desire to find her and ask what she really thought about him burned within him was followed by another question this time about himself; did he like Rossweisse? Of course, he did, she was a genius which in turn made her a wonderful teacher to learn from and how could he forget how pretty she is, that long silvery hair and those aqua eyes that were unavoidable for him.
But do I like her more than just a friend?
That question had been echoing within his mind since she kissed him but now with the events of Olympus finished he could think more about it. Did his feelings for her go beyond being friends? Could she be more than a friend… a girlfriend… wife… a queen? His cheeks turned red at the images flashing through his mind of himself and Rossweisse walking together holding hands, standing at an altar, ruling Asgard together as the new king and queen.
Burying the thoughts into his mind until the festival he turned his attention to Henrietta, he would be a terrible friend if he was ignoring what she was talking about with Sigrun.
"-then I unleashed a powerful blast of magic at Heracles and he was no more."
"Heracles is the most famous hero in the Greek pantheon. Defeating the Strongest Hero of Greece is an impressive feat for one so young. Still, it was reckless to use magic, Sigrun. You know as well as I do that your skill in magic isn't the best."
"I had no other choice. My sword was destroyed and close-quarters combat was suicidal against him. He nearly killed me and Andreas. Magic was my last resort."
"At least it didn't backfire on you that time. You are really lucky you were even able to cast just a pure beam of magic at all." Henrietta said with a shake of the head, "Lady Brynhildr told you to infuse magic into your weapon, not to be used as spells."
"You have trouble casting spells?" Thor couldn't stop himself from asking Sigrun.
"That's correct. I've always had trouble performing spells. They either blow up in my face or cost too much energy to cast. So Brynhildir taught me how to pour my magic into my weapon, which is what I taught you if you remember."
"So that's why you taught it to me. You saw yourself in me. Teaching me that has proven efficient in my battles. You and Rossweisse have been so helpful."
Sigrun chuckled, "All I did was teach you one little thing. It's Rose you should be thanking. She's the genius and master of magic. Speaking of Rossweisse; how do you feel about asking her to the festival?"
"I don't know…" He said after a pause.
"Thor, I've been friends with Rossweisse since we were children. I can assure you she will definitely say yes. Especially if it's a boy asking her." She added with a wink.
"I guess I could try asking," Thor said after a pause to contemplate the girl's words.
"That's the spirit!" Shouted Henrietta, her breasts bouncing as she jumped with excitement, "Now tell me, Thor, can you eat a whole table's worth of food or take down a giant with your bare hands?"
"What!?" Exclaimed Thor.
"I'm asking if you'll be competing in the food and strength contests at the festival? I heard the stories about how you can devour entire tables full of food."
"W-what are you talking about!? I don't eat that much!"
Henrietta cocked a brow, "Really? Because I recall Baldur sharing stories about your big appetite."
Thor spared a glance at Sigrun who shrugged at the Einherjar's words. Why did Baldur have to spread gossip about him, he knew Thor couldn't eat all that food in one night. Perhaps he was exaggerating about it to hype up those who wish to win the eating contest. Yeah, that's what his brother was doing, exaggerating.
"Well, I'll have to see if Baldur is right then because I intend to beat you in any contest you partake in! Being Valhalla's champion can get dreadfully boring so I will become the champion of the Aurora Borealis festival and show everyone that an Einherjar can beat Gods!"
Thor's brow connected, so Henrietta thinks she can defeat the Gods at the festival huh? Even though Thor had no intention of partaking in all the contests he nevertheless will show her who the strongest Aesir is.
"So, Henrietta, if I may ask how did you come to Asgard?" Thor asked, wanting to know more about the physical education teacher.
The blonde brushes a strand of hair away from her face, "Well… I guess I should start by saying I was once a human born in Greenland, raised by parents who still worshipped the Norse Gods, despite my relatives being Christian followers. During my years in high school, I'd work out every chance I got and continued into college. It was there I decided to dedicate myself to becoming a physical education teacher to help children be healthy. Everything was going well for five years until I was diagnosed with breast cancer and told I wouldn't make it."
"So to become an Einherjar you either must die in Scandinavia or as a worshipper of the Norse Gods?" Asked Thor trying to understand it.
"That's right," Henrietta said.
"But you didn't die in battle. You died from a disease. Shouldn't you have gone to Helheim?"
"That is the usual way, yes. However, as I lay in the hospital, begging to be saved from this disease, I was visited by the Queen of the Valkyries and offered me a place as an Einherjar to be a teacher in Valhalla. From her point of view, I was still fighting despite knowing I would die from my cancer. In her eyes that showed I was worthy of Valhalla. After joining I learned how to fight and was hired as the P.E. teacher. That all happened fifteen years ago."
"That's quite a story if I say so myself." Said Sigrun, the Valkyrie never learned how Henrietta came to Valhalla but now she could share with Rossweisse and her fellow the tale of Henrietta.
The hours passed and Thor listened to Henrietta share more about the festival. The games were especially fun to hear about, one was about sculpting, another was singing, weapon crafting, cooking, drinking, brawling, racing, and eating. The last three were inspired by tests the Jouten chief Utgard-Loki gave Thor, Loki, and Thjalfi. Thjalfi and Roskva, the humans taken by the Original Thor to be his servants. He didn't meet anyone with those names in Asgard. Did something happen to them? Were they freed from his service, died of old age, or perhaps made up by humans to give humanity a place among the Gods?
Despite living for a month among the Gods I still have much to learn.
The day went on and Henrietta shared more about herself to the young God. Besides exercising contests, the Einherjar liked, to Thor's surprise, assisting with tending the stables. That was the tiro's next destination and where Thor reunited with Tanngrisnir who nearly broke loose from his pen had it not been for his owner stopping him with soothing words and soft pets on the head.
"It's a miracle you can calm him with just words. It used to take us hours to stop him from running around the kingdom." Sighed the stable master.
They spent an hour tending to Tanngrisnir, Thor learned what the goat liked to eat, when he got groomed, and when to go riding on the plains. He decided he would spend more time with him, Tanngrisnir was his pet and he missed his master for centuries. An hour after leaving the stables Henrietta said she must return to Valhalla to grade papers, a task she wasn't looking forward to doing.
"Thank you for spending time with us, Miss Olson," Thor said, bowing to the strong Einherjar.
The blonde beauty smiled sweetly, "call me Henrietta when not in school. It was an honor to finally get to know you, my prince-I mean Thor. I forgot you aren't big on titles but you must start getting used to it. Especially if you're going to be king someday."
...King…
That was the rumor Thor was hearing around the kingdom. With Thor back, he would sit on the throne, despite Vidar already chosen to be king once Odin steps down if he steps down. The Allfather must be over a thousand years old by the cane required to assist him but still, he refuses to relinquish rule over Asgard, stating only Ragnarok will remove him and Freya from the throne, a statement many hoped would never happen. The Twilight of the Gods, better known as Ragnarok, was an event nobody wished to experience again, especially with Surtr's attack still lingering in the minds of those who survived that terrible day.
However Henrietta was right, he couldn't ignore his title as Lord and Prince forever. People shouldn't be looking at him as Thor, a man with incredible strength, but as the Son of Odin, the Prince of Asgard, God of Thunder. These titles should be accepted and held with pride, which he would but only if Asgard accepted him. The issue between Eris and Zeus still lingered in the back of his mind, he feared the kingdom would shun him for being a lab rat for the Church just as Zeus feared Eris would be shunned for being part Fallen Angel. Yet all those he shared with, Odin, Freya, Rossweisse, Sigrun, even Hercules, and Eris, did not dislike him, Odin even saying he was his son back in the treasure vault.
I'm the Son of Odin but I don't call him father or Freya mother… Freya has shown me nothing but kindness since coming to Asgard. Odin… is Sigrun right in saying he is wise but hides it? When will I see that side of him? Thor thought as he walked Bifrost Boulevard, Sigrun had left some time ago to something he didn't listen to.
The young God looked around, the last time he was down this road was when Odin took him to Valhalla. Back then he didn't get a good view of everything but now he was walking he could take it all in. Bifrost Boulevard was beautiful to look upon, ash, elm, and oak trees lined the car-filled street while civilians passed by, some with kids, all talking merrily about the festival.
"Ragnar said Henrietta will try to become the champion of the festival." Said a large bald man.
"She'll have to prove her worth if going against Thor. I remember my dad watching him take down Hrungnir the Brawler in the fighting contest."
A twinge of pain shot through Thor's head at the mention of Hrungnir. Who was he? Why did he sound familiar?
"Da! Is that you!?"
Thor jumped at the voice and was pulled into a powerful hug. Being released and spun around he came face to face with a man with wild white-blue hair with blue stubble on his chin dressed as if he was going skiing, his eyes, which were full of tears, were the same color as his hair. Who was this man who suddenly came out of nowhere?
"By Odin's beard, the rumors were true! Da! You are back!"
"I'm sorry but who are you?"
"No! Surely you haven't forgotten your stepson?!"
"Step-son!?"
"Yes! Sif's son, Ullr!"
A long silence fell between the two after the man revealed himself. Thor never recalled his Norse studies saying Ullr was Thor's stepson. Sif had been married before she was engaged to the First Thor but she didn't marry him yet so why was Ullr addressing himself as his stepson?
"Surely you haven't forgotten about your own son!? You were so excited after proposing to my mother that you named me your step-son long before you planned the wedding day."
"Oh… that's interesting."
"Why are you acting like this?" Ullr asked, his eyes full of confusion as he looked at Thor, "Before leaving for Norway the rumors I heard did say you were a teenager and you do look exactly how you did when you were one. Maybe, somehow, your sacrifice to save Asgard caused you to de-aged and give you memory loss. Perhaps that is why you have forgotten so much."
"So… what's with the ski equipment? Did you go hunting?" Said Thor, looking for a way to change the subject.
Ullr laughed, "Have you been reading the human stories about me? I'm not a God of Hunter or Archery or Winter. I'm the God of Skiing. Some stories tell how I taught humans how to ski. Hmph! That's quite funny to hear. I didn't teach them but I did become Norway's skiing champion."
"What?"
"Yup! I represent Norway in the Winter Olympics and always win for them. I actually just returned from the 50th Scandinavian Skiing Championship."
"And humans don't realize you're a God?"
"Of course not. Especially when I change my name and appearance every time I represent them."
"Uhm…" Thor wasn't sure what to say, meeting a God being a country's champion for sports is something he wasn't expecting to learn today.
A wide smile spread across Ullr's face, "Your not the only one to act like that. Everyone scratches their heads at why I do this. It's because I love to ski. The exhilaration of coming down Scandinavia's mountains as wind and snow wipe past you is an indescribable feeling. I should take you skiing."
"Someday." Thor found himself saying before he could think of a reply.
"Wonderful! Don't worry I'll teach you, da."
Thor cringed at being called dad in the Norse language. Hopefully, Ullr will stop calling him that once revealing the truth about himself.
Once revealing the truth about himself…
Before being taken to Valhalla to meet Henrietta he had been mulling over the decision to tell Asgard about his former life as a test subject for the Church. Should the rest of Asgard know? Of course, they should, his family, Sigrun, and Rossweisse know, hell even Zeus and Poseidon knew from Odin. There was no point in keeping it secret, especially since keeping secrets is what causes the rift to form between Zeus and Eirs, and speaking of Eris, she may have already told the Khaos Brigade about him. If they knew Asgard would know and he knew when he would share it but right now he had to get to know his 'son' better.
"So… how was Norway?"
Later
The news of becoming Olympus' friend and the festival drawing near spread like fire throughout Asgard. Its people were overjoyed and excited to see who would take part in the contest and who would become its champion. The topics were still talked about at the great feast occurring tonight, which the God of Thunder did not attend.
His time spent with Ullr was, to be honest, very fun. Ullr was quite a chatterbox, always finding something to talk about even if that something led to a very short conversation or even to nothing. The topic they always went back to was the deeds that the Original Thor did, like fishing for Jormungandr to fight him or one of his adventures into Jotunheim with Loki. Thor recalled nobody in Asgard ever sharing these stories with him but to be fair he never asked about them until Ullr shared them letting him know what the Thunder God was like.
The Original Thor was exactly how he was described in his studies; strong, red-haired, quick to anger, and a huge appetite but also brave, kind, and always eager to fight. These were exactly the traits he had, minus the big appetite, Thor just couldn't possibly see himself being able to devour a whole table of food. When it came to the topic of Mjolnir, Thor couldn't bring himself to reveal he wasn't strong enough to lift it. Although two and half months had passed since trying to lift the weapon, could he do it now, was he strong enough to use Mjolnir? These questions were what led him to be down in the treasure vault looking at Mjolnir and the statue of the original Thor erected above it.
The hammer was used by the original Thor, and he was a full god, a Son of Odin. He was named after the God with a mind shrouded in mystery, and Odin's adoptive son. Was he still too weak to wield the hammer? Egged on by his curiosity, Thor slowly reached a hand out to touch the handle, and like before it electrocuted him. This time, however, Thor didn't relent, pushing through the pain he grasped it with his other hand and tried to pull with all his might. His resistance was met with another, more powerful wave, of lightning and this time accompanied by thunder.
"Come on! Lift damn it!"
Suddenly an arc of thunder came shooting from the hammer, sending the God sliding across the floor. Thor looked at his shaking fingers that coursed with sparks before turning his sight back to Mjolnir. So… he still couldn't lift it. No matter how much muscle he put into it he still wasn't strong enough to use that damnable hammer…
Fine! He still had Jarnbjorn.
"So this is where you went."
Thor jumped, he hadn't realized Odin had appeared behind him, "I thought you'd be at the feast?"
"I was until I noticed one of my children was missing."
"I'm still not strong enough to use it. I need to get stronger until the hammer is mine."
"Are you Thor, the God of Hammers? Hm!?" Odin chuckled at the glare Thor sent him, "That hammer may have been Thor's greatest weapon, but before and even after its creation he still used plenty of others to aid him in battle."
Thor got to his feet and looked back at the hammer, was Mjolnir really that important? Jarnbjorn came before Mjolnir and another less important weapon came before that, but the hammer was important. It was a god-class weapon, the most powerful weapon the Aesir had and the Original Thor used it to protect Asgard. Now he, the new Thor, had to follow in the old Thor's footsteps; grow stronger to wield Mjolnir and use it to protect not just Asgard but also his friend.
"So you met Sif's son and Valhalla's champion? You've had quite the day haven't you?" said Odin leading Thor out of the vault, "I gotta say that Einherjar is something. She's got the beauty of a maiden and the strength of a bear. Oh man getting embraced by her enormous jugs would be-"
The Allfather doubled over as a fist buried itself into his stomach while Thor glared in disgust for hearing him saying such lecherous things. It was bad enough that Freya, his own mother, would allow Odin to be so perverted, but to hear Asgard's king talk about it so openly was worse. He wished Odin was like the one in the stories he read; wise, daring, and cunning not a perverted husband eyeing younger women. If Odin had been different maybe Thor would have seen him as a father instead of a foolish old man.
"Ok, I think I deserved that one." Coughed Odin while holding his cane for support, "You really are my son reborn. He did the exact same thing many times when I, as he said, misbehaved. I remember the last time he did that was before Surtr attacked. He struck me hard across the face when I told him to give Sif a good time in bed when he came back. You can imagine how much I regret that now…"
Thor watched the light in Odin's eye dim slightly as he recounted his final moments with his biological son. Remorse filled the young God for striking the old man. Was he acting like a pervert to keep himself sane after losing his son and did Thor's death haunt his dreams?
"Sorry."
Odin laughed, "Hahaha! Don't worry about it! The both of you were the only ones in Asgard to hit me. That first time in the pub brought back fond memories. Haha!"
"Ullr says Thor was strong but also brave, kind, and always eager to fight."
"And quick to anger with a huge appetite." Added Odin with another laugh, "Yes, I recall reading that in a human book. Some Icelandic historian named Snorri Sturluson was credited for writing our "Mythology" for humans to read. Ha! He never met any of us. Ate some shrooms from a Dwarf and started scribbling down whatever he could remember the Dwarf told him."
"Or writing incorrect stuff like calling you a wise cunning leader. You're a pervert." Thor couldn't stop himself from saying his thoughts aloud.
"A wise cunning leader?" Odin repeated and there was a gleam in his eye, "I am the Allfather. The God of the North, Odin of the Aesir, The All-Knowing, The Great Noble God, The Father of Victory, The One-eyed Hero."
"The perverted hasseler…"
"Ha! The Perverted Hasseler! I like it!"
"Can you just tell me what Thor was really like? Is Ullr correct or has he been hanging around humans too long?" Thor asked irritatedly.
"Well, you definitely have his temper."
"Only because of your perverted antics." Growled Thor, now regretting he apologized about hitting him.
"Alright. Alright. I will tell you. Let met see… he was a powerful warrior, so powerful he was among the top ten strongest beings, though I'm sure you already knew that. He could obliterate mountains, split seas, and if he used his full power with Mjolnir, destroy all of Northern Europe. Thor loved fighting but peace as well. If he was alive today he would be leading this campaign for a united peace. Instead, you have taken that responsibility and even though Olympus was the first in many factions we must reach out to for peace, I am proud that you succeed."
Making Odin proud was something he would achieve someday but didn't expect it to come so soon. Nevertheless, Thor smiled at the chief deity's words.
"Come let's return to the feast. Everyone is waiting for you."
Ten minutes later Thor entered the great hall and joined his family at the head table while Rossweisse and Baraqiel stood guard behind them. Thor looked out over the great hall, many were feasting while others talked and laughed together and some were taking part in drinking contests, this felt like Valhalla all over again. After a long while of sitting, he was nudged in the shoulder by a concerned Freya.
"Are you alright?"
"Yeah, I'm fine. Just been thinking…"
"Is it about what happened at Olympus?"
"Lady Fre-"
"I am your mother." Freya interrupted with a kind smile, "Their no need for such titles among family. Odin offered to adopt you and you accepted it. We are not the king and queen of Asgard to you, we are your mother and father. And if you are planning to tell Aasgard of your time with the Church now the time."
"How did you-"
"Seidr Magic can see the future." Freya answered before addressing the hall, "Listen, everybody! My son has an announcement to make!"
Thor looked around as the laughter within the hall died immediately, he made his choice and would not turn back now. How they would take this announcement would be entirely up to them. Clearing his throat the Son of Odin spoke, "On the day when we left for Olympus, Rossweisse said that I shouldn't give any information to the Olympians. I…I did not keep my word and revealed a secret to Heracles and Eris, traitors to Olympus. With our enemy knowing my secret I see no reason to hide it anymore. I am not the real God of Thunder. I was affiliated with the Church. Raised and trained not as an Exorcist nor follower of their belief but as a tool. A weapon to be used against their enemies. For eighteen years I was trained to be their weapon until I was freed and adopted by Odin and given a real home. A home where I belong and hope to have my questions answered; am I the God of Thunder or a human inheriting Thor's spirit?"
Dead silence fell around the great hall, a cough or scrapping of bench legs broke it occasionally but no words were spoken. Had he done the right thing? Would they shun him? Did they care about him anymore? These questions filled Thor's mind as he began to sweat as the silence carried on.
"So what?"
Thor's blue eyes turned to the speaker, Ullr was standing from his seat, a flagon in hand raised high.
"So what if you were once a part of the Christians and so what if the Church tried to make you their weapon. I'm not going to turn my back on you for that. They failed to make you their weapon. You are home surrounded by friends and family and have done so much for Asgard in the short time you've been among us. My step-father died to protect us against Surtr. Now we hear the King of Muspelheim is a Devil and you have returned as a teenager means we are coming into strange times. However, I will not let it blacken my heart. I am glad you, Thor, are back even if you were once with the Exorcists. You think you have inherited my father's spirit? I say you ARE my father. In flesh, blood, and bone."
"I second that!" Cried Herja, her fellow Valkyries who accompanied her to Olympus nodding in agreement.
More and more cries of agreement filled the hall as more cups and even weapons were raised high in the air. Some Asgardians stood, others sitting, yet all had the same look of understanding upon their faces. Thor looked back to his family, all were smiling at him, proud of his decision to tell the truth about himself to Asgard, all but Loki, who only stared at him with a neutral expression.
Returning to his seat he heard Baldur whisper in his ear, "Well done, little brother. It must have been quite a task getting that off your chest."
"Yeah… I should have listened to Rossweisse…" He spared a quick glance to the Valkyrie who did not take notice.
"Don't blame yourself, Thor. You didn't know Eris or Heracles would betray Olympus. Plus the word of your death and rebirth would have spread now that the old man wishes to have peace in the Supernatural world. Don't beat yourself up over it. As for breaking your word to Gondul's granddaughter, if she has forgiven you, and I'm sure she has, then you have nothing to worry about. The only thing you should worry about is growing stronger in body and mind and preparing for our special guest coming for the festival."
"Special guest?" Repeated Thor, "Who are they?"
Vidar grinned, "Why the Strongest Devil in the Underworld, Sirzechs Lucifer."
Well, it looks like Thor decided to reveal his time as a test subject to Asgard as well as run into some new faces, Herneitta and Ullr. I will say this about Henrietta, her name and design are from a hentai called buta no gotoki. Yes, a hentai girl will appear in a high school DxD. In my defense, her design and title as a warrior princess suited Valhalla. If you wanna look up the hentai, I warn you; buta no gotoki is uncivilized. More importantly, we will finally have our first devil cannon character appear in the series, why it is Sirzechs and not Serafall for diplomatic affairs? Well... that will be revealed when we get to the festival.