I am shocked and sad my recent chapter received so few reviews, I was wholeheartedly hoping it would leave some opinions. Oh well. This chapter is only a short downtime prelude to the Excalibur arc with world-building and development for characters. On to the review replies.

Lorenzo Macchiavelli: Hahah! I'm glad you noticed those things, that particular scene always gets a chuckle out of me. I was unsure if Vandil should die but I chose to let him live. However, I think I should have put him in a coma but what's done is done. I can't wait to see your review for this chapter and the Excalibur arc.

Nazgul60: Of course, Vali will want to fight the God of Thunder, he's a battle maniac. The bigger question is who is the better fighter or will they come to a standstill if they fight?

The deeds performed by The Three Hunters were the chief topic of conversation for the next two days and with the lockdown still in place, the Allfather decided to continue the festival as a celebration for the rescue of Millicas and Eivor, an idea Vili was not keen on agreeing with. The first days of summer had come and with it would be the annual World Tree Test which high schoolers in their final semester must take in order to graduate to college. And that was what Rossweisse was currently helping Thor study for in the palace gardens.

"Make sure you study this particular section thoroughly. They try tricking you with certain questions like which weapon did Siegfried slay Fafnir with or is Frigga the twin-sister of Freya? They sound simple but are easy to fool people."

"I don't know how that last one can fool me?" Retorted Thor, "Figga is her pet name Odin gives her."

"You still won't address them as mother and father?"

"They are the Allfather and Allmother. All within Asgard are their children."

"But you are their biological son."

"Baldur is Freya's son. Jord was my…was the First Thor's mother."

"She was your mother." Said Rossweisse, "I know you were a test subject for the Church but that doesn't change the fact that you are Odin's son."

Thor hummed, he was Odin's son but not once had Odin called him that. The only time he did so was his first time in the treasure vault. Was he not calling Thor son because he attacked him when discovering he was a pervert? Or was he waiting to be called father? Or maybe he was waiting until their bond strengthened?

"So you fought alongside Azazel's son. What is he like?"

Glad to change the subject Thor shared all he learned about Azreal to the Valkyrie. He looked and acted like his father but thankful he was not a pervert suggesting he have a harem, at least he hoped not. Nevertheless, the hybrid has proven to be a valuable ally and maybe a friend someday.

"It's still such a surprise to know he had a child. You would think he would have been more careful with his… lewd activities." Rossweisse said with a shake of her head.

"And now he has a son to take care of and train. Maybe he will succeed his father as Governor-General."

"Or pursue a different goal. Speaking of goals; I think you should spend more time with your family, specifically Freyr. I have noticed you haven't talked with him much when he is here."

"Because we are both busy. My studies and his duty as governor for Alfheim."

"Still you should try getting to know your uncle more."

"I agree, Rossweisse."

The two teens looked to the speaker, Freya was strolling down a path, a flower in her hand.

"While my brother is responsible for the Light Elves' realm, he always tells me how he wants to see you, Thor. He is still here so you should make time to see him once you finish your studies."

Asgard palace

Freyr, God of Sacral Kingship, Governor of Alfheim, and twin brother to Freya stood on the balcony overlooking Asgard, the view was always breathtaking. This was his favorite place to go to and think and today he had much to think on. The Light Elves of Alfheim, while friends to Asgard, still secluded themselves from the rest of the realms, seeing the Boreal Kingdoms princesses attend surprised him greatly, he thought all Elves secluded themselves, guess Olaf wanted to change things by sending his daughters. Although Freyr was glad to see the Elves and Devils join the festival, the kidnapping troubled him deeply. Why would a Giant order the White Fang clan to kidnap a Devil and Elf noble and what would be gained doing so? The Boreal Kingdom wasn't important and Sirzechs could easily get his son back if he wanted to, but Thor chose to take up the task instead.

…Thor…

The blue-haired God felt his lips curl upwards, he was there when the redhead was found and one of the few suspicious of him. Of course, being found in the ruins of a Church building would make Freyr not trust Thor until the God of Thunder proved his worth through the many challenges he faced and overcame. The recent rescue of the Millicas and Eivor cemented the God of Sacral Kingship's trust in him, if he wasn't so busy he would try making time to see his nephew.

"There you are, Freyr."

Freyr's smile widened, it seemed the Fates had granted his wish. Turning around he was greeted by his sister's first stepson, the red-haired still bore one braid. Surely his victory over Hrungnir was worthy of a braid, or perhaps Thor was waiting until he had a challenge to overcome first.

"Congratulations on your achievements, especially the rescue. The Underworld's relationship with Asgard has started on good terms. I just hope those stubborn nobles from the pillars agree."

"Even if they don't agree, what choice do they have? Sirzechs is said to be the Strongest Satan in Devil society. What is he called?"

"A Super Devil. A title worthy of the power he possesses. The other Satan, Beelzebub, has the same power as Lucifer."

"If that is true then the nobles can't overthrow them. I don't know much about politics."

"For someone like you, I don't think you need to worry about it. You're a warrior, not a king."

"But I'm still a prince, if I am to become king then I need to learn how to be a good king. I cannot rely only on brute strength to settle matters. Diplomacy is the peaceful route and I would talk it out instead of fight."

One blue eyebrow was lifted followed by a smile, "At your age, the First Thor would have said fighting was the best choice for peace. Instead, you speak like him when he was an adult. Did your time with the Church douse that fiery temper he had in his youth?"

"Is that an insult or a joke?"

"Take it however you wish." The God of Sacral Kingship said with a shrug, "I'm just glad you did not inherit Odin and Vidar's perverted antics…"

"A fact we both agree on." Thor snorted before directing his attention to the city, the view was beautiful to take in no wonder Freyr was up here. As continued to stare out onto the city his mind drifted to Kokabiel, what was that madman doing at this very moment? Probably cooking up a plan to restart the Great War, known as the Biblical War in other Pantheons. He had to be stopped before his plan could begin but first, he needed to be found.

"Uhm…Freyr."

"Call me uncle." Freyr corrected with a wink, "I know you haven't been addressing my sister and Odin as-"

"I just had this talk with Rossweisse." Thor said, "Please don't make me hear it again."

"Only if you start addressing your family properly; Baldur and Vidar are your brothers, Odin and Freya your parents, and mystery your uncle."

"And Loki is my blood-uncle."

A dark look spread across Freyr's face, "I don't know what Odin sees in that Jotun to call him blood brother. Loki is powerful but his words and actions are questionable. He did not agree with inviting Lucifer's family and did not attend the arrival of the Sirzechs."

"You weren't there either."

"I was overseeing the final preparations for the festival."

Soon they fell into silence, neither unsure what to talk about before Thor asked a question.

"Why are you called the God of Sacral Kingship?"

Freyr smiled, "The general definition is that a sacral king is one who is marked off from his fellow men by an aura of specialness which has its origins in more or less direct associations with the supernatural. Or to be simpler; it is identical with that of a high priest and judge."

"So…" Said Thor slowly, "you lead the Elves in religion and oversee cases?"

"Sometimes," The God nodded, "In Vanaheim was titled Ruler of Peace and Fertility. However, when I became ruler of Alfheim the Light Elves worshiped me as their Sacral king thus my title as God of Sacral Kingship was born. The Light Elves of Alfheim have a religion devoted to the Old Gods and asked me to lead it."

Thor's brows lifted, the Elves worshiped the Old Gods? How curious. "Wait," he suddenly said, "I thought Freya - I mean - I thought mother was the Goddess of Fertility?"

"Do you forget we are twins? We both held the title. Just as all the Aesir's hold the title Gods of War."

They fell into silence once more before Thor asked another question, "Why do the Elves isolate themselves from the Norse Faction?"

Freyr didn't say anything for a long moment leaving Thor to think either he would not answer his question or pondering what to say, the answer was the latter, "Well…they do not concern themselves with the troubles of others. Their power, their time, has dwindled through the ages. I don't think you know of this but there are different races of Elves; from Alfheim there are the Light Elves, the ones I rule over and who see themselves as higher beings to their kindred on Midgard which is why they follow the religion to the old gods. Then there are those of Midgard, the Wood Elves and Sea Elves who, as you obviously know by their names, dwell in either the woods or by the sea."

"And the Dark Elves?" Thor wasn't sure but he could have sworn he saw Freyr stiffen at the question, "If there are Light Elves there have to be Dark Elves."

"They are extinct. A race of Elves from long ago."

"Why? What happened to them?"

Freyr stood there pondering how to reply to the young god's question, at last, he said, "A question for another day." Then he turned away from the balcony.

Thor followed but kept his glancing at Freyr. The God of Sacral Kingship denying an answer to what happened to the Dark Elves left the God of Thunder questioning what caused their extinction. Could it have been the Aesir or Vanir that wiped them out or perhaps they evoked the wrath of the Old Gods? Whatever the reason was it must have been terrible if Freyr did not wish to answer him. Hopefully, someday, that question will be answered.

"Well can you tell me what Alfheim and Vanaheim are like?"

Freyr smiled, "It is a calm and tranquil land where the sun never sets and the weather is always warm, making it the ultimate tourist destination for Aesir and Vanir during summer vacation. Vanaheim has beaches but Alfheim has us beat. The cities the elves dwell in have massive domes to block the sun when they sleep. As for Vanaheim, my home realm is covered in rainforests, swamps and jungles. Asgard is a sprawling city, while Vanaheim is a land filled with nature."

"But you said the Elves isolate themselves. How come they let Aesir and Vanir visit their beaches?"

"Because they allow guests into Alfheim once summer comes to the Nine Realms and even then they do not interact with outsiders."

Thor nodded, "And summer is here."

"Correct. Summer has come and soon the Elves will open Alfheim for visitors and I will return to try to maintain peace."

"Try to maintain peace?" Repeated Thor staring at his uncle with concern.

"An exaggeration." Said Freyr, "The Elves go about their daily lives but some on the council wish for me to be removed as governor. They think my rule over Alfheim is for Odin to keep an eye on what they are doing. He has his ravens for that purpose. I simply rule the land and say what happens. You'd think they wouldn't complain after the help we gave them. Not that it is any of your business to know" he added quickly at the look Thor gave him, "Speaking of Odin I must speak with him. I hope you come visit Alfheim when you can."

"Certainly." Said Thor, eager to visit the realm of the Elves and Vanir.

They said goodbye to one another and Thor wandered off down a hall wondering where to go now. As he descended down a flight of stairs leading to the main hall, the red-haired God's mind continued to linger on the mysterious extinction of the Dark Elves. If Freyr would not answer him then maybe his sister or the Allfather may.

Throne room

"Absolutely not!" Came the voice of Freya behind the doors, she sounded stern, angry. What could cause the Goddess of Love to show a negative emotion?

Seeing the doors were slightly ajar, Thor slowly and silently peaked through the tiny gap into the throne room. Inside he could see Freya pacing back and forth, Odin upon his throne, with Sirzechs, Grayfia, and Azazel standing before them.

"It was just a suggestion." Said Azazel, his casual tone did not ease Freya's mood.

"It didn't sound like one!" Snapped Freya, eyes boring into Azazel, "You can't have a child deal with a madman like that. He will wipe him out. Send Vidar or Baldur or better yet YOU go Azazel, this is YOUR responsibility you should go and fix it!"

Azazel for the first time since Thor met him sighed, "Sure just let the leader of an organization personally deal with it. If I could I would but I personally cannot do so. Once we know where Kokabiel is I will send one of my strongest warriors to deal with him when the time comes so you don't need to worry about anybody in Asgard getting hurt with my agent doing the heavy lifting."

Thor froze at the mention of the Cadre, they were talking about what to do about Kokabiel. He strained his ears to keep listening.

"He wants war obviously." Said Freya heavily, "Kokabiel wants to restart your Great War but how he's going to do it is unknown. As for how you're dealing with it, this sounds like an excuse to tinker with your Sacred Gears."

If Azazel was offended he hid it well, "I am the Governor-General of Grigori, Sirzechs is the Satan of Internal Affairs, and you are the Queen of Asgard. We all have a responsibility as leaders to our people. We cannot go off to deal with a lone individual, that is what our strongest warriors, our champions, are for. I assure you Lady Freya my agent can handle him."

The Goddess inhaled a deep breath then let it out, her frustration fading away, "Very well… sending your agent does show your taking responsibility for the situation."

He sure is, Thor silently agreed, when the topic was changed to Asgard and the guests, Thor turned on his heels but stopped when he heard Azazel speak.

"Still, my suggestion is-"

"Out of the question!" Freya said the fire in her eyes reignited, "I refuse to have him go! He's just a boy!"

"He may be a boy but he's still your strongest warrior." Retorted Sirzechs.

Thor's eyes widened, he wasn't stupid as the humans assumed he was in the myths. What is Azazel thinking in suggesting he go stop Kokabiel? Sure he's strong but Kokabiel was much stronger, Baraqiel once said Kokabiel was equal in strength to him, and being a veteran of war had centuries of combat experience under his belt. If he had Mjolnir he could crush Kokabiel easily but he didn't because he wasn't strong enough. He had to agree with his mother on this.

"Then send Vidar or Baldur to aid your agent when the time comes! I won't let my son die at the hands of that madman!"

"He will NOT die." Said Odin in a serious tone, speaking for the first time since the meeting began, "He has my blood, my power, running through his veins. The same power you witnessed many times during the Aesir-Vanir War. As for Vidar and Baldur, they will not go. Keeping the major powers out of it will prevent the war from restarting, is that part of your plan Azazel? Is that why you wish for Thor to go?"

"I do." Said Azazel. "It's also Thor's goal to unite the Factions. Plus he could use this experience to make more friends outside the Norse Faction."

I do, Thor silently agreed, I do want to make more friends.

"I think," Said Odin, "we should see what Thor thinks."

Thor straightened and before he could move the doors flung open revealing the surprised expression of Freya, the grins of Azazel and Odin, the soft smile of Sirzechs, and the stoic face of Grayfia. He had been caught and was the center of attention now. Odin waved him in before the doors slowly closed behind him. Once he was six feet before the group Freya spoke.

"How much did you hear?"

"Since your outburst of refusing to send me to stop Kokabiel." Thor said before turning his gaze to Odin, "Do you know where he is?"

Odin nodded, "I do. Azazel was right about that rogue crow hiding his tracks but my ravens have at last found him. He's all the way to the east, in Japan of all places in a town called Kuoh."

"Kuoh? Why there?"

"Because that particular town is in the Gremory territory with the Sitri's being granted access to live there," Sirzechs said eyes narrowed, "I'm certain his goal is to kill my sister as well as Leviathan's to restart the war. I thought the theft of the swords was bad enough but this has made the situation much worse."

"The theft of the swords?" Repeated Thor looking around for an answer of what Sirzechs was talking about.

"The Holy Sword fragments of Excalibur." Azazel answered, "The traitor attacked the Church, stealing three of the fragments. A clever way to rope Heaven and the Church into this mess. No doubt they'll first try sending Exorcist and if they fail it'll be up to the Angels if shit gets worse."

"And I suppose you want me to go to Kuoh to help sort out the mess?"

Azazel gave a lopsided grin, "Bingo! You're roughly about the same age as Sirzechs sister so you'll fit right in with those kids. I just wish I could be there to see their expression at meeting the God of Thunder."

"No doubt you would," Thor laughed before turning serious, "But why do you want me to help your agent in taking out that warmonger? Fre - I mean - mother is right; I can't beat Kokabiel especially since I don't have the power to lift Mjolnir."

"You don't need the hammer. Because you are a God and the agent I am sending has a very powerful Sacred Gear. Against the two of you, Kokabiel will be overwhelmed." Azazel reassured the Aesir confidently.

"And you underestimate your own power, Son of Odin." Sirzechs said, "I have heard of the deeds you've performed and in time your power will grow and you will reach the Top Ten once more."

Thor felt pride swell within him, the reassurance of Azazel and Sirzechs made him feel he could overcome Kokabiel but he wouldn't let that pride cloud his mind for Thor knew if he ever did face Kokabiel he would need to get stronger.

"So what am I to do? Find and stop Kokabiel?"

"No." Said Freya, "Your mission will be to find and locate him. Once you are absolutely sure you found him, report back to us immediately and then Azazel's agent will stop him."

"What about Lucifer's sister? This is an opportunity to expand our coexistence between Asgard and the Underworld and possibly the Church." Thor protested.

"I agree," Odin said before Freya could protest, "He did just save Sirzechs son and that will boost our chances of forging an alliance of coexistence with the Devils. If you can do that and locate Kokabiel we can kill two birds with one stone."

"I second the idea." Sirzechs agreed, "I can try sending a message to her but I doubt she'll answer it due to a recent family affair…"

"In that case, I shall prepare myself at once." Said Thor turning on his heels to leave.

"After the lockdown is lifted." Said Freya, making Thor stop in his tracks, "You will leave once all our guests have departed. That should give you time to prepare yourself."

"And assemble a team."

"A team?" Thor questioned looking at Freya when she said that.

Although Freya did not like the idea of her son searching for the rogue Cadre the plan was set and he would go but if he was it would not be alone, "My Seidr Magic cannot see far into the future but it has shown that you will need help in your quest. A party of three; yourself and two others should suffice."

"In that case, I volunteer Azreal's help once more. This at least will show the Fallen Angels are taking this matter seriously." Said Thor catching the smile from Azazel, "The second…I will need to think about it."

"Then think about it but not too long. You leave five minutes once the last guest has gone home." Reminded Freya.

Thor nodded then made his way out of the throne room with much on his mind.

Streets of Asgard

Out in the city, Thor was bombarded with praises for saving the children, albeit the red-head was growing quite annoyed by it he nevertheless smiled and thanked the people for their words. Once this lockdown ends tomorrow everyone can go back to their realm and he can enjoy some peace and quiet. For now, however, he would endure the people's words while focusing on the task at hand; assembling a team and training before going to Midgard. Thor made his way to the training fields of Valhalla and found his usual training spot, the arena Rossweisse began his training in. His mind drifted to the beautiful Valkyrie as he smiled, if it wasn't for her teachings he wouldn't have been able to handle Eris nor defeat all the foes he faced nor help him study for the coming World Tree Test.

As he drew Jarnbjorn to improve his skills he wondered what Rossweisse was doing; most likely patrolling Asgard with her fellow Valkyries. If he saw her when she was off patrol he would ask for help in studying again or instead spar with her and Sigrun since he never got the chance to do so back on Olympus, he had seen their teamwork during the battle leading him to agree with Sigrun about the two being the strongest Valkyrie team before Rossweisse became Odin's bodyguard. Witnessing them, however, was different from fighting them, and oh how the God of Thunder revelled to face the Emerald Valkyrie and Silver Genius. Thor paused in his musing at the title he gave Rossweisse; The Silver Genius, he smiled, that was more appropriate than the one everyone called her. He shook his head at the men of Asgard for being a bunch of losers for not giving Rossweisse a chance, they were more than losers, idiots, idiots for not seeing how amazing she truly is, and when they see her holding hands with him they will rue the day they didn't ask her out.

"Holding hands with me…" He thought aloud blushing as he recalled her holding his hand on the last day at Olympus, it was soft yet warm, and that face, that determined expression while reassuring him his goal for peace will succeed. His flyting about her during the festival was heard by all within the great hall and more rumors would be spread about the two were dating. Maybe that will teach those idiots how they missed the chance to become her boyfriend. Remembering he came here to train and not think about Rossweisse he put the thoughts of her into the back of his mind and began swinging the mighty axe.

Later that night

After returning from her patrol Rossweisse searched everywhere in the palace for Thor and when nobody knew where he was she followed her instincts to check Valhalla's training ground and sure enough found the young God honing his skills, the moon shone brightly tonight and the steel of his axe glistened in its light. Deciding not to break his concentration the Valkyrie kept herself hidden and watched him. As he ducked beneath an imaginary opponent he rolled away and threw his axe at the wall while at the same time firing a bolt of thunder in the opposite direction before recalling Jarnbjorn to his outstretched hand, as he swung the large axe upwards he switched hands to hold it in a backward grip and slam the axe head into the ground performing a mini thunder shockwave. Releasing the axe the Aesir began a series of blocks and dodges while back-peddling before switching to swift punches, while performing an elbow strike he spun around and threw another punch before stopping upon seeing her. Flustered at finally being caught she quickly calmed her nerves before stepping into the moonlight.

"I was going to see if you needed more help with your studying but instead find you here. Your technique is improving more and more, that double attack with the spell and axe throw was very impressive and will be useful if you are attacked from both sides. However, you are relying on thunder and lighting spells too much. I told you before that other elemental spells are useful too. Your hand-to-hand skills are basic but they're fast and fluid."

Thor knew the Valkyrie would give him a lecture about focusing on thunder and lighting spells but his affinity to those elements was stronger than the others, after all, his title is the God of Thunder, still, he appreciated Rossweisse's lectures. Wiping the sweat off his brow he called the axe back and readied himself to continue training when he saw Rossweisse step back a few paces, assuming she was keeping out of harm's way he was able to continue his melee skills when suddenly the warrior maiden threw her hands forward and fired a beam of magic at the Aesir. Catching him off guard but not unprepared Thor channeled his magic into Jarnbjorn and threw it as hard as he could while driving out of the way. The axe tore through the beam nearly reaching Rossweisse before being blasted off course when she poured more magic into the spell, sending the weapon clattering to the floor.

"Is this one of your lectures?" Asked Thor as he got to his feet.

"You once asked me and Sigrun to spar with you. This is your chance to do so with me." The Valkyrie said seriously, "And yes this also is another lecture. Use all you have learned against me if you wish to win. Show me you are Odin's son!"

"Good! This can help me prepare for my mission!"

Rossweisse halted, perplexed by his words, "What mission?"

"Later. First, we fight!"

And fight they did, immediately refocusing on the spar Rossweisse took to the skies raining spells down upon the God of Thunder who weaved his way between the attacks as tried sending a counterspell at her but with so many attacks coming his way he couldn't cast one. As he dodged a fire spell the force of the explosion sent him rolling across the floor before using his strength to push himself off the floor and activate flight magic to rush her, the distance was closed in an instance their faces inches away from one another. Thor drew his arm back but paused in his attack feeling it shake as he stared into those aqua eyes, he tried to move his muscles but they wouldn't respond. In that moment of hesitation to strike her, Rossweisse fired a spell at point-blank range into him, sending the God slamming into the earth leaving a Thor-shaped crater.

"What was that!?" Rossweisse yelled for Thor to hear the scolding tone she had, "You had a chance to end this but stopped! You shouldn't hesitate even if this is a spar!"

"I'm not going to hurt my friend!" Thor shouted getting back to his feet, the last time he didn't want to hurt someone was Eris but she was an enemy, an enemy with delusions about her father filling her head.

"Excuses!" Scolded Rossweisse, "If I was going to the Allfather would you stop me? Even if it means killing me!?"

"Never!" A fire smoldering in his eyes at Rossweisse's question, "I won't kill you. I would save you if I could."

"And if you couldn't!?"

"I wouldn't!"

Rossweisse sighed, this boy… he had no qualms about killing but wouldn't bring himself to harm his friends if they betrayed Asgard. Noble but foolish, all Valkyries were asked this question and any who hesitated would be kicked from the core. The safety of the Allfather was more important than saving a friend who betrays Asgard.

"Then I see no point to continue the spar due to your unwillingness to hurt me," she said, floating back to earth and relaxing her posture, "Now what's this mission you mentioned?" Thor explained in great detail to the Valkyrie the conversation he had and once finished Rossweisse hummed as she paced the training field, "So Kokabiel has stolen fragments of Excalibur sword. This is something I least expected him to do however those holy swords are a Devil's greatest weakness but Kokabiel himself can not use them in which case he would need rogue Exorcists to use them. Strange he did not steal them all to reforge the blade."

"Maybe the others were too well guarded?"

"Maybe…" She paused in her musing to look Thor dead in the eye, "Thor, this may be your toughest mission yet; locating Kokabiel while trying to extend the hand of friendship to the Devils will not be easy. Plus with the Excalibur fragments stolen you most likely will run into Exorcist sent by the Church to retrieve the swords. You said you will try to overcome your grudge against the Church, I hope those aren't just empty words."

"They aren't." Thor affirmed meeting her gaze, "The Excalibur's aren't my problem it is the Exorcist. If I meet them I'll stay out of their way so long as they don't cause me any trouble."

"If they do then show them you are the better man by not letting them get under your skin. Have you any idea who else you'll bring?"

"If I could I'd ask you to come but your duty is her as Odin's bodyguard. I could ask Sigrun-"

"She is already assigned to bring Ragnar, his sons, and Andreas back to Asgard. She is leaving when the lockdown is lifted."

"Speaking of Olympus," Said Thor turning his mind to the kingdom of Zeus, "Why weren't they invited to the festival?"

"They had an army to reform and a kingdom to rebuild." Rossweisse answered, "If you can't ask me or Sigrun then who?"

Thor looked to the black sky, he needed a powerful and smart companion to aid him and Azrael but who? There has to be a warrior to help him. Since Vandill was still recovering from his wounds he couldn't go; he may not even be able to attend Valhalla.

…Valhalla…

Blue eyes widened, he knew who his second companion would be. They will be perfect to help if they wish to join the mission. Tomorrow he had an Einherjar to see.

The next day Valhalla

When the kidnapping happened Henrietta Berg lent her aid by checking patrons in the stadium and by the time Thor returned she had just finished the stadium with Sigrun's help. The tale of The Three Hunters was a story she wished to have been a part of; chasing Jotun's with the God of Thunder on a rescue mission filled her with excitement, a shame he didn't ask her to help she would have been of great use. After saving the children, Henrietta returned to Valhalla to continue being the champion albeit it was dreadfully boring with no one to provide a challenge and, even though she beat a God during the festival, was unable to face the God of Thunder. It was at that very moment the doors to Valhalla were flung open and in walked the very God she was thinking about, walking in straight to where she sat. The Einherjar paused in the drink she was about to take and peered over her mug at the Aesir wondering why he came to see her.

"Ms. Berg."

"Odinson."

"I have a question for you. Will you join me on a mission?"

Henrietta froze, was this a coincidence or the Fates doing? She wanted to help the God of Thunder and now she was being offered that chance to go on whatever this mission is. When asked what this mission was and given the full detail the Einherjar stood up, face set with seriousness. Excited as she was to help the Einherjar knew this was a situation that had to be taken seriously and recalling the God mentioning he was trying to overcome a grudge with the Church she knew he would need someone to help keep him calm if he loses his temper. Draining her drink she rose to her feet meeting the God's eyes.

"You got yourself an Einherjar." She answered before excusing herself to prepare for the mission.

Later

Once Henrietta was recruited, the red-haired Aesir spent the next three hours training before going in search for Azrael, already finding him in a small room within the palace with the files of each Devil living within Kuoh laid out before him that Thor scanned carefully. The Gremory Peerage was small, smaller than the Sitri, a King and Queen, a Knight, Rook, a Bishop, and a Pawn. Despite the Peerage's size, the Knight, Bishop, and Pawn had impressive Sacred Gears, the Pawn, and Queen, in particular, caught his eye. Thor heard of the Red Dragon Emperor and knew it had the power to kill a God but this boy, Issei Hyoudou, had recently unlocked his Gear and Balance Breaker to defeat a member of the Phenex House, albeit he didn't have mastery over it but once he does he will be a tough opponent to fight. When he read about the Queen, Akeno Himejima, he smiled; she was a fellow thunder user, her affinity to thunder earning her titled the Priestess of Thunder, she was part of Asgard he was certain they would be paired together titled the Thunder Duo.

"You know this is the second time these poor Devils have to deal with a Fallen Angel." Said Azrael.

"What happened last time?"

"Father sent some Fallen Angels to keep an eye on Issei. The leader disobeyed that order and instead killed Issei and stole Asia's Sacred Gear. It ended in the whole group being killed and the nun becoming Gremory's Bishop."

"You're kidding…" Said Thor in disbelief.

"I'm not." He said, shutting the files with a sigh, "This is the second time I'm going back to that town."

"Second? Wait, you went to Kuoh to stop those Fallen Angels!?"

"To investigate." He corrected, "That was, in fact, my first assignment. Father felt I was ready and sent me to figure out what was going on. You can imagine his disappointment in his subordinates for disobeying a direct order. He told me to keep observing and stay out of the conflict which is what I did."

Thor sighed, "And here I thought Kokabiel was the last rogue Fallen Angel…"

"Raynare never went rogue. She made her own plan to satisfy my father which they didn't. I asked if he wanted me to bring them back but he said it's too late to save them."

"And the Devils had no idea you were there?"

"Not at all. At least I think…" He paused trailing off remembering the violet eyes staring at his hiding stop with disgust. He wouldn't tell Thor but he was sure the Queen of Gremory knew he was there.

"Well, hopefully, they will trust us when we show our good intentions."

At the Bifrost

The lockdown was lifted and the guests of the other realms were preparing to leave but not before Hreidmar wished to bring the gift his people built. Appearing from a teleportation seal in front of the Bifrost came a large stone statue of Thor pulled by a hundred Dwarves, it was a surprise to be sure but a welcome one. Freya thanked the King of Nidavellir saying it would be set in front of the palace, an idea Thor was not keen on seeing every day going to and from the Palace. One by one the guests of Jotunheim, Nidavillir, and Vanaheim stepped through the Bifrost until only the Elves of Midgard and Freyr stayed, the two princesses approached the royal family and bowed to Thor.

"I never was able to say this to you until now but thank you for saving my sister, Thor Odinson." Ylva said beaming with joy to have her little sister back, "From this day forth if Asgard is attacked the Boreal Kingdoms will come. So long Asgard does the same."

"We will," Freya said, "Despite that tiny issue I do hope your visit to us was worth it."

"It was!" Chirped Eivor, "The festival was fun, and…" her eyes lingered on Millicas, "I have learned that Devils are not what I thought they were." She smiled at Millicas' blush while his father chuckled, "Farewell Odinson, I hope we meet again someday."

"And I hope it will be soon."

The Elves said their goodbye and walked into the Bifrost, fading away as it took them back home, leaving the families of Odin and Sirzechs along with Freyr waiting for Einherjar to arrive before the mission began. They did not need to wait long, she arrived five minutes later, the time the team was supposed to originally leave but it was forgiven. The blonde-haired warrior was dressed in a breastplate, arm and leg guards similar to the Valkyries with a brown leather corset over a green short-sleeve tunic and black pants leaving Thor to ponder on why the women of Asgard didn't protect themselves better despite being able warriors.

Odin stepped forward, his eye looking at Thor, "You once swore you would protect the Realms from evil and to give your life to preserve that peace at a moment's notice without hesitation. This mission to prevent war is among the oath to protect the Nine Realms against evil. Do you still stand by that oath?"

"I do."

"Then may your path be guided by my knowledge. Neither I nor Freya can see what awaits you on Midgard but if you come across Kokabiel do not face him, especially alone. Let the agent sent by Azazel deal with him. Now go! And may the blessings of the Aesir, Vanir, Devils, and Fallen Angels go with you!"

The God of Thunder and his companions bowed to the Allfather and marched towards the Bifrost together, gathering upon the teleportation circle as Heimdall prepared the Bifrost to take them to Midgard.

"Be careful!" Yelled Rossweisse hiding her worries behind her serious face, she could show weakness at this moment, "Remember what I taught you! Thunder isn't the only element at your disposal!"

"I will, Rose!" The Valkyrie hear the God of Thunder call out before the light fully consumed him.

And so we reach cannon at long last and the long-awaited meeting between the God of Thunder and The Crimson Ruin Princess and her Peerage. With Vandil out of commission due to his injuries and his Valkyrie friends unavailable to aid him, the Champion of Valhalla is chosen to aid the Son of Odin. All seems well but we all know a certain someone has bad blood with Fallen Angels and with the recent fiasco with Rayanre, aka, The Bitch, I fear our heroes of Asgard may face more than just a Cadre if they cannot explain things.

Next time, the Holy Sword Arc officially begins with chapter 26 Welcome to the Devils Den!