So at last we come to the end of the Excalibur arc. I don't really have much to say other than enjoying the chapter and time to reply to reviews
Optimus470: Thanks I'm glad you enjoy this story, your wait has been rewarded with today's chapter
Lorenzo Macchiavelli: Hurting the love interest is a trope that will never get old for any writer it's always a fun way to show a man or woman's destructive power upon the villain lol.
Alpha Mallus: I chose Vandill to become Rias' servant because the Roots of Hope writer, who is a good friend of mine, gave me the inspiration to change the fate of Xenovia. If he can changes her fate so can I. I just hope people will like what I do with her.
merendinoemiliano: Thank you
Valtazar: that is true. God of War was the biggest inspiration to make Ares, God of War, fight Thor God of Thunder. That quick battle showed Thor he needs to grow stronger in order to fight and beat him.
Vulcan: Yes, Vandill is now a servant to Rias, I have explained this reason to Alpha Mallus. As for his father, Aurvandill, he will always love his son even if he's a Devil, just as Issei's parents always love him even being a Devil.
Sekiriyote: We all know Thor will get Mjolnir someday and when it happens Odin won't be shocked but rather proud to see his son finally use the hammer.
Aryan: It is right here my friend. Sorry for the long wait.
BlackOut: Why transfer to a human school when they are still studying in Valhalla Academy to become defenders of the Nine Realms?
With that on with the show...
"Rossweisse!"
Thor awoke with a jolt, the last thing he recalled was being in the embrace of Rossweisse and nothing more meaning he must have fallen unconscious after the battle. The battle… They had won, they saved Kuoh and finally brought Kokabiel to justice but Ares, Eris, and Malak got away. Where they were now he did not know nor care at the moment, he needed to figure out where he was. Rubbing the sleep away from his eyes to clear his vision he found himself lying in a large comfy canopy bed in an equally large room that was blanketed in darkness say the tiny streaks of light peeking in through the curtain covered windows.
This isn't Asgard… am I in the old school building?
There was a gentle knock on the door and Akeno came in carrying a tray of food and tea, she smiled at him.
"Good morning, Lord Thor, I hope you slept well." She laid the tray on the bed before gracefully stepping to the windows to draw back the curtains letting more light in. On the tray was a plate of waffles, fruits, and a cup of hot tea.
"Am I to assume I'm in the old school building?" He asked his previous thought to the raventte.
"Correct. You are in one of the guest rooms. You've been out for a whole day recovering after the beating you gave to Kokabiel. I know you have questions so I'll start with the most basic. Your friend, Rossweisse, is fine. In fact… she's over there."
Thor followed her gaze and felt the fear lift from his heart, there was the beautiful Valkyrie lying fast asleep on a couch, hair disheveled, suit wrinkled, but completely unharmed. She must have been healed while he went berserk on Kokabiel which he needed to thank Asia for doing whenever he saw the former nun. Speaking of nuns…
"What happened after we won? Where are the Exorcists?"
"All will be explained later. There is much you have to hear." The Queen said before her violet orbs shifted to Rossweisse, the Valkyrie softly hummed as she turned over in her sleep, the light of the sun hitting her face causing her brow to twitch, "She refused to leave your side once you were fully healed. She said her duty-"
"-as a bodyguard to the royal family she must protect me?" Thor finished with a grin, "Yeah she takes her job very seriously."
They laughed together before Akeno continued the conversation, "You were angry because she was hurt. Fighting to save someone you love is a powerful feeling. Especially when it's someone you've known for a long time."
Thor smiled fondly, "I care deeply for Rossweisse and all my friends. Which reminds me, I want to thank Rias for saving Vandill."
Akeno smiled, "I'm certain our newest Rook will settle into his new life quickly. He's very energetic."
So that's his Evil Piece, Thor thought as he took another bite of waffles. Evil Pieces were the objects used to turn beings into Devils, the item chosen were chess pieces each one possessing a special trait, like Knights having speed or Rooks, which Vandill had become, used strength. Vandil was already strong as he was but with this Rook Piece, his strength had doubled.
The rest of the morning was spent in silence as Thor finished his breakfast and tea, which he said Akeno did a fantastic job brewing, earning a giggle from the Queen. Taking the tray she turned to leave but not before Thor said, "Akeno…this may not be the best time to bring this up but I want you to know that I don't care if you are part Fallen Angel. You-"
The sound of moaning drew his attention away from the buxom Japanese girl, seeing Rossweisse wake up he jumped out of bed and rushed towards her embracing the silver-haired genius in a tight hug, surprising her greatly.
"T-Thor!?"
"Good morning!" He greeted, smelling the scent of roses rolling off her.
"T-Thor! Wha-"
"I thought I lost you!" He whispered, burning his face into the crook of her neck letting her hair hide the tears welling in his eye, "You nearly died…and I couldn't save you."
"Shhh…" She whispered wrapping her arms around him and crackling him in her arms like a baby, "I'm here, Thor. I'm alive. WE are alive."
At the doorway, back still turned to Thor, Akeno smiled sadly at the pair. Her feelings were a mixture of anger at having the topic of her Fallen Angel side brought up but happy to know Thor did not hate her for it. She would talk to him about it but another time, right now he had a Valkyrie to spend time with.
"Thor… it's ok. Don't be sad."
"H-how can I not be when I watched you nearly die at the hands of a madman." His tone had a hint of anger in it, "He targeted you on purpose to hurt me and it worked and I all I wanted to do was rip him apart. Make it feel the pain I was feeling!"
"And you did." Rossweisse reassured cupping his face and leaning forward touching foreheads together while smiling serenely at him, "I'm safe. The battle is over. We can relax now."
"Rose…"
They stayed like that for a good long moment, neither wishing to break the connection but Thor needed to know what happened and Rossweisse still had a duty to safeguard the Allfather and his family. Giving one last reassuring hug, Rossweisse stood up dusting herself off in the process and led the way to the top floor where everyone was already gathered eating breakfast. It was a full house; the Gremory Peerage, Havarti, and Sigrun were gathered on the couches save for Rias herself who ate her desk, those not among them were the Exorcists, Henrietta, Andreas, and Azrael.
"Good morning, Thor." Rias greeted with a pleasant smile, "I hope you are doing well."
"I am. Thank you, Asia." He said sending a smile to Asia who blushed at the praise, "I was told my questions will be answered here. What happened while I was out and where are the others?"
Rias cleaned the crumbs off her lips with her napkin before addressing the Son of Odin, "They're gone. Azrael went with the White Dragon Emperor to deliver Kokabiel to Azazel for his punishment. As for the Exorcists, they arrested Valpar, obtained the three remaining Excalibur fragments, and hurried off."
"Three?" Repeated Thor walking into the room and standing beside Havarti and Koneko.
Rias sighed, "Excalibur Rapidly was stolen by Commodus before he ran off."
Thor gasped, "He stole the Excalibur and fled?"
"He just took it and ran for it when nobody was looking. Nero assumes, and I agree with him, is because of all the truths he learned during the battle. I think we can all agree here that God from the Bible being dead all this time and kept a secret was the final straw for him and he chose to leave with an Excalibur." Everyone nodded and Rias took up the tale again, "The Allfather briefly talked with my brother before taking Freed's body back to Asgard to be examined. Lord Odin was keen on knowing how Freed came to be. Miss Berg and Adreas returned to Asgard to act as substitute bodyguards for Rossweisse while she stayed here. All in all, I'd say this has been quite an adventure for all of us. Especially for you two." She said glancing at Kiba and Thor, "You unlocked your Balance Break Kiba, and you-"
"Beat up a Fallen Angel leader while making new friends."
'Are you suggesting my Peerage and I are those new friends?" Rias asked with an amused smile.
"Of course!" Thor said joyfully, "We all worked together to stop Kokabiel and I also came here to offer you an invitation in joining the coalition of peace."
"Coalition of Peace?" Repeated Havarti with a thoughtful expression, "I like the sound of that."
"Do you know when you'll be returning to Asgard?" Asia asked once breakfast was finished.
"The Allfather said we are to return once Thor awoke," Sigrun answered.
"Then I guess we should head home soon. I wish Irina and the others hadn't left so soon. I wanted to thank them."
Asia's face grew worried, "I hope the Church won't exile them for helping us or learning the truth about God. I still can't believe he's truly gone."
"We are all surprised by this revelation, Asia. The truth won't stay hidden anymore since our enemies know too. They will probably spread it around the world." Vandill said with a shake of his head, his braid swishing back and forth, "Exiling those three will do the Church no good. Losing more talented warriors for knowing the truth will just deplete their manpower more."
"All we can do is hope for the best for them." Said Akeno, "And speaking of God. He's not the only one who died."
Everyone looked at Thor, one of the Top Ten being dead all this time was something none of the young Devils were prepared to discover.
"We did not keep his death a secret." Sigrun said in Thor's defense, "All Nine Realms knew what had happened to Thor and Surtr but the news had never reached outside ears because we rarely come to Midgard nowadays. So do not assume we kept the Prince's death a secret like your Biblical leaders did. Nobody outside the Norse Faction knew until Azazel joined us."
"Surtr? Sirzechs Rook?" Kiba asked.
"Surtr was said to have died fighting Thor yet he was discovered by Lord Lucifer wandering the land with no memory of anything. So what exactly happened after Thor destroyed the Bifrost?"
The question was answered with silence and confused looks. These Devils did not know Surtr's Invasion and not even Odin knew the answer as to how his son and Muspelheim's king returned from the dead. Hopefully, the answers will come in due time.
"I hope you don't take this the wrong way, Lord Thor." Rias said after the silence grew uncomfortable, "But since you are not the real Thor, is that why you couldn't defeat Kokabiel without Issei's power?"
Thor shrugged, "As unfortunate as it is, yes. Heracles said I may have inherited Thor's spirit but I thought only humans could do that? And even if I have, I am not at the peak of my power. I'm still young and trying to grow stronger to use Mjolnir."
"So that's why you don't have the hammer." Said Havarti, now understanding why he used an axe.
"But you will someday." Asia encouraged.
Silence filled the room as they continued to eat until Sigrun asked if anybody had a good story to share and Rias immediately jumped at the chance to finally hear the tale of her cousin being rescued from Jotuneheim. With Vandill's eager agreement the God and Jotun shared the story starting from when the boy was kidnapped all the way to the fight upon the mountainside with Kol. While the Valkyries already heard the tale many times before, the Dwarf and Devil's listened intently to the tale each one wrapped with attention, Asia giving an audible gasp at Vandill's near-death to which the Jotun laughed away.
"I've been at death's door twice, Asia! At this point, it's gonna take a Sacred Gear to put me down for good!"
"I wouldn't joke on something like that, Vandill. Sacred Gears are powerful tools and can kill us with ease." Rias warned after a sip of tea.
"That is quite a story if I say so myself," Kiba said, this chase peaked the Knight's desire to explore the Land of the Giants with their newest Rook who came from there.
As if reading his mind Vandill grinned at the blonde, "If you want you and I can visit my home realm someday. If Rias allows it?"
"Certainly. I told Thor you can visit Jotunheim and Asgard when free of contracts."
Sometime later
Thor and the Valkyries stood side by side waiting for the Bifrost to take them home, their new allies opposite of them, they exchanged goodbyes and best wishes to each other.
"I hope we meet again soon," Thor said, extending a hand for Rias to shake, which she did with much enthusiasm.
"I'm certain we will. Kuoh seems to be a hotspot for the Supernatural World."
Kiba stepped forward next, "Lord Thor, I want to thank you for helping me see the error of my ways. If it wasn't for you I'd still be seeking revenge instead it is justice I've gained now that Valper has been arrested. Should we ever meet again, I wish to put my Balance Breaker to the test against your axe someday."
"I'm sure Jarnbjorn will be eager for that challenge." Thor's grin faded as he faced Issei, the unrelenting pervert shifted under his gaze. His declaration to suck his master's breasts filled him with annoyance, why did the Red Dragon Emperor have to be stuck with him? Only God would know and he was dead. Slowly he lifted his hand for Issei to shake, "If it wasn't for your help I don't think I could have beaten Kokabiel."
"Well… it was the White Dragon who did more help," Issei admitted.
"You boosted my power, Albion halved Kokabiel. I'd call that even. If you keep training you may be a force to be reckoned with."
"Huh… wow uhm gee thanks! I-" he was suddenly pulled forward and heard the God whisper in a deadly tone.
"If you ever use that disgusting dress break move on Rossweisse or my mother I will make you feel Kokabiel's beating!"
Issei nodded but kept glancing over to Sigrun, the black leotard encouraging the desire to shed her armor and see her voluptuous body hidden beneath. And that smile… that damn smile she sent his way sent a thrilling shiver down his back.
Moving on from the pervert Havarti vigorously shook hands with the God, his green eyes shining with excitement, "This has been quite the adventure for both of us. If you ever need my help again just ask."
The God of Thunder smiled, "You played a big role in this battle, even saving Akeno. I would be honored to fight by your side again."
Speaking of Akeno, the Son of Odin was face to face with her and Vandill, the latter smiling sadly at him, Thor didn't want to see his first friend in Valhalla be left behind but his new life as a Devil prevented that. He would have to enroll in Kuoh and be allowed frequent visits to Asgard to see the others. Aurvandill was told already while Thor slept and the nine-toed Jotun did not explode in anger nor shed tears for his son becoming a Devil, he had come to accept it and said he was proud of Vandill.
"We will take care of him." Baraqiel's daughter reassured gently.
Thor nodded, Akeno's words were what he needed to hear. The God of Thunder had much to share with her but wasn't stupid enough to bring it up when he was going home, he would wait until he saw her next time. As for Baraqiel himself… the Fallen Angel leader may be unwilling to answer whatever drama lay between himself and his daughter.
"Farewell Aurvandillson, I hope life in Midgard suits you well," Rossweisse said.
"Don't worry about me, Miss Rossweisse. That is Rias - I mean - the boss's job." The Giant said with a wide grin.
As the Bifrost began to materialize around them Thor gave a long stare at Rias and left her with some parting words that make her cheeks as red as her hair, "If you keep your word to Issei then make sure it's in private."
"What was that all about?" Kiba asked.
Poor Rias has no time to answer her Knight for her Pawn beat her to it.
"I'm gonna suck the president's nipples!"
Unlike Thor, Vandill howled with laughter at the pervert's announcement to do such a lewd thing out loud. His life as a Devil just began and it looked like it was going to be quite an adventure.
Asgard
Once Sigrun, Thor, and Rossweisse exited the Bifrost chamber the God of Thunder explained Rias' promise to let Issei suck her nipples if he boosted Thor's power. The reaction was predictable; Rossweisse looked uncomfortable and Sigrun was laughing.
"She really promised him that!? For being a noble you'd think she would be above such lewd promises. Then again she is a Devil and they are known to be sinful beings."
"A hierarchy created by the most sinful beings in Midgard sounds very ironic." Rossweisse said before asking Thor, "What did you think of Rias and her Peerage?"
"A lot different to Sabnock and his Peerage."
"Who?" Sigrun asked.
"I'll tell you another time," Thor reassured Sigrun, that the encounter with Nero and Commodus had brought back the day of the three-way battle between the Exorcists, Fallen Angels, and a Devil Peerage led by Mortis Sabnock. Mortis Sabnock was a Devil, so how could Sirzechs, the most powerful Satan, not know of him? Perhaps he and his Peerage, like those Fallen Angels, were killed after he passed out hence the Underworld and Grigori not learning about his existence until now.
"I asked Azrael that same question after the battle was over. He said Rias and her Peerage were very different from the ones Azazel told him about. Then again the Gremory's are known to be the odd ones out within Devil society by treating their servants with kindness."
"But others do not? If we ever go to the Underworld perhaps that is where we will see how different the rumors are." Sigrun said before adding with a cheeky smile to her best friend, "Speaking of sinful people. Devils are not the only ones; our great Allfather and you yourself, Rose. You always talk about wanting a boyfriend and do dirty things together."
"Sigrun!"
"Calm down, Rose. It's just the two of us."
"Two-what? Where is Thor?"
The Emerald Valkyrie pointed a finger to answer her friend's question, following it she saw Thor running ahead toward the waiting arms of his mother who was beaming with joy to see the God of Thunder again.
"My boy." Freya whispered, combing her fingers through Thor's red locks, "My baby boy is alright."
"Yes, mother. I'm alive." The God of Thunder said soothingly.
Rossweisse smiled, the reunion between mother and son warmed her heart. Behind the queen, she spotted the king his one eye twinkling with pride for his youngest son, as his gaze swept over her a chill ran down her spine and not because he may be checking out her body. Never in all her life serving the Allfather had Rossweisse ever seen him display such fury when he arrived on the battlefield, maybe he did not wish to lose his son a second time hence the reason he came to confront the God of War himself. Reaching the Royal Family she was surprised when Freya broke away from her son and pulled Rossweisse into a hug.
"Thank you for always looking out for our boy." Freya said, "I always knew Odin made the right choice in picking Gondul's granddaughter to serve us. You were the first to volunteer to go to the battlefield when Azazel couldn't reach his agent."
"She was?" Thor asked, noticing the pink hues on Rossweisse's cheeks by the queen's praise.
"It's my duty is to-"
"-protect the Royal Family. I know my dear but more importantly, is to protect your friends." Freya said with a motherly smile.
"T-Thank you, Lady Freya."
Odin cleared his throat, "You all did magnificently, my ravens captured the whole ordeal and I must say I am impressive all of you. Especially you, Thor. Although you had aide from the Red Dragon Emperor you nevertheless displayed the true power as the God of Thunder to protect Miss Rossweisse. I'm proud of you, my son."
Tears welled at the corner of Thor's eyes, thrice the Allfather called his son and twice to say he was proud of him. The young Aesir no longer saw Odin as the old pervert but as the king of Asgard and more importantly, his father.
"Thank you… father."
Baldur whooped and clapped and Vidar grinned saying, "I knew you would call him that. Loki owes me a hundred dollars."
"As kind as this moment is I'm sure Thor wishes to make his report made and get some answers like why Azazel has the current White Dragon Emperor within Grigori?" Sigrun asked, a hint of demand caught in her voice.
"Miss Berg was kind enough to give us a detailed report of what happened while you were recovering on Midgard. The most disgusting them in that report was that priest you encountered. Freed I think his name was?"
"It was, my dear." Odin added as he turned his gaze to Thor, "And you seemed to know him…or rather the hero he looked like…Siegfried."
Confusion formed on Thor's face, as if he was trying to remember something long ago, "Yes… I don't know why but the moment I saw Freed he looked like Siegfried but…but I don't remember ever meeting the Hero before?"
"Did you have any memory flashes?" Questioned the Allfather.
"No. I just…I just recall that name and face but how can that be? Siegfried was a Norse. Why would he be affiliated with the Church?"
"That is a question I hope to have answered come the peace summit between the Three Great Factions." Said Freya, the mention of a peace summit catching her son's attention.
"There's going to be a peace summit already?"
"Not now but soon. It was discussed between myself, Azazel, and Sirzechs during the festival. This recent event with the Holy Swords has proven that not only will the peace summit occur sooner than expected but unity between their people is possible. You and Sirzechs' sister proved that by leading your teams against Kokabiel. I know you all have questions but, as the Allfather, I am giving you all direct orders to be patient in your answers and to take time off to relax. All of you, including you two ladies, deserve a break after this fiasco."
"But we didn't partake in the mission," Sigrun said, confused that she was being given time off for arriving late in the battle.
"Yet you went to save my son and showed extraordinary skill against the enemy." Freya chimed in, "And my Valkyries, specifically you Rossweisse, work hard enough as it is. I agree with the Allfather and I, as Queen of the Valkyries, order you two to take time off and to be present as mine and Thor's bodyguards for the peace summit. Until the time of the summit, you all shall be relieved from missions. However, Thor, Sigrun, that doesn't mean you two are allowed to skip school or training."
Grow stronger. Make your name known to the Supernatural world and then…I will face you once more.
Thor's hands clenched in fists of rage, the battle at Kuoh Academy showed the God of Thunder how weak he truly was. Even though he beat Kokabiel it was thanks to Albion halving the Fallen Angel while Ddraig boosted his own power and Ares stopped his punch without any effort albeit he had lost the transferred power by that point. If he still had it at that moment and Albion aided him perhaps he could have stood a chance against the God of War. Thor would not lie about during this mini-vacation, he was going to train nonstop to grow stronger to defeat Ares and make his name known to the Supernatural World. First, he had some new friends to find and thank.
Rome
After thanking the Devils and Gods for their aid, Nero Raimondi, Irina Shidou, and Xenovia Quarta retrieved the Holy Swords and made haste with their captor back to Rome, it was a silent trip. All through the plane ride, they were exchanging worried glances with one another and still doing so as they approached Vatican City, each feeling concern flood their minds. Of course, they would be worried, although successful in stopping Kokabiel from enacting his war along with recovering the Holy Swords and arresting Valper, it had not come with its failings; Commodus broke ties with the Church stealing Excalibur Rapidly in the process and learning they had been lied to all their lives that God was dead. Nobody was ready to know about Heaven's ruler being dead all this time a revelation Valper had not stopped repeating over and over since reawakening from his collapse at the God of Thunder's fury forcing them to seal his mouth closed to prevent him from revealing the truth to anyone. They were certain followers of their belief will believe the former Priest but those unfaithful would just see him as a crazy old man spouting nonsense, they also didn't want to hear it.
"We will be excommunicated once we report what happened," Irina said remorsefully.
"We did not learn about our Lord's death on purpose, Irina. It was Kokabiel who did so." Nero countered.
"Yet we nevertheless will be outcasts to the Church. Commodus was right; all our life we dedicated ourselves to our Lord in Heaven killing in his name only to learn that he is dead and we were deceived."
Irina looked at her partner in sorrow, since learning the truth Xenovia had been downcast since arriving at Osaka International Airport. On the plane, the bluenette had voiced her regret for her actions and words to Asia whom she wanted to apologize to however never got the chance. If they ever met again she would pour her heart out to the blonde for how sorry she was.
"Commodus' trust was broken but whatever may happen I will still hold true to God even if he is gone!"
"And that's what I like about you."
The trio jumped, spinning around they saw to their great surprise a familiar face dressed in casual clothes leaning against a wall with a grin.
"Thor! What are you doing in Vatican City!?" Irina asked, surprised to see the God of Thunder again.
"I wanted to give my thanks for helping us and say my goodbyes before you left Japan but instead I find you all wallowing in grief." It was thanks to the Allfather's ravens and mastery of magic to find the Exorcists and teleport him into the city undetected without the use of the Bifrost.
"I wonder why?" Xenovia asked sarcastically, a hint of anger slipping into her tone, "We failed to retrieve all the Excaliburs, lost an Exorcist and we are going to be excommunicated for discovering a truth we weren't supposed to know! We will be branded as heathens, heretics, and sinners, just for discovering God is dead! We will have nowhere to go!"
Xenovia panted for air after her rant, face scrunched into anger and pain, heart beating rapidly from the outburst. She didn't care if others heard her, she didn't care anymore… all those lives she took… all those insults to Pagan followers…all the devotion she put to the Church, to God, to Heaven, were for nothing. Maybe she should have followed Commodus and never look back like he had when none were keeping an eye on him. Suddenly Thor Odinson broke her train of thought, his eyes filled with pity and, looking closer, bubbling anger trying not to burst forth.
"Is that so? They exiled Asia for healing a Devil, they used Kiba and me as test subjects, and if they choose to exile you three, who are without a doubt the bravest humans I ever met with incredible skills and devotion to the Church, then what point is there to fight for the Church? Before coming to Kuoh I always thought Exorcists were evil. However… you three, and even Asia, have shown me that not all are bad. Irina, you, and Asia, even though she was exiled, showed me there are those with pure hearts within the Church, and you Nero, your dedication to still follow God even though he's dead has earned my respect, and lastly you Xenovia, you showed me Exorcists can put aside there hatred for Devils and Pagan Gods to stop a greater foe. I understand you all are feeling great remorse for learning of this lie but they had good reason to do so. It was kept secret so that chaos would not erupt within the Church, if this came to light then faith in Heaven would falter and Heaven would fall into decay like Asgard. You, Xenovia, you have lost your faith haven't you?"
Xenovia said nothing but her eyes said all that Thor needed to know; her faith was shaken…not lost but broken and some things can be fixed.
"Xenovia… look at me." He said gently, and once she did so he continued, "You have lived by the Church's law, served them, fought for them, even die for them. God may be dead but his faith is not. Asia still follows his faith even if she is a Devil now. She will continue to follow it and spread the joy and love she was taught before being exiled. You, Irina, and Nero, if exiled, can do that very same thing by following his faith and show you still dedicate your life to protecting the innocent and defeating evil demons."
Tears threatened to fall from Irina's eyes, she never expected to hear Thor say such touching words about them and the Church, especially after what they did to him. She knew he could see the good within the Church and through that experience was encouraging Xenovia to reclaim her faith within God. Which she noticed was working by the slow determination returning to her eyes.
Xenovia stared at Thor, her face reflecting in his blue eyes that flashed like the lightning he controlled. Her faith was shaken by God's death but as that silver-haired Valkyrie said the Church endured, albeit only the higher-ups knew the truth, they still endured and continued to spread his belief around the world, and now she herself was being encouraged to keep hold of her faith by a God from another Pantheon. Ironic that one used as a test subject for the followers of Heaven was encouraging her to keep following a dead God's belief. Xenovia looked to her fellow Exorcists, Nero declared he would still follow God's will and even if she didn't voice it Irina would do the same, neither would lose faith they would stand tall against the higher-ups and, if excommunicated, keep to their beliefs. If they could do that why not she?
The bluenette turned back to Thor, he never turned his gaze away from her. He had stayed focused on her even when she looked at her comrades. He was determined to help and he had done it perfectly.
"Thor Odinson. When I left Japan I was broken. My faith was shaken, on the verge of being lost, but you came and showed me I can still follow it just as Asia Argento does." She brought herself to her full height, eyes twinkling with that old spark he saw when meeting her back in Kuoh, "I will continue to believe and pray to God!"
Thor smiled and hugged Xenovia, the action startling the bluenette and making her blush. She knew what hugging was but never received one from anyone, not even from her swordmaster and legal guardian, Griselda Quarta. Hugs were known for two things; comfort and affection, Thor was doing the former due to her previous outburst. Xenovia was surprised at the action but once relaxed found it nice to be held in his strong arms and pressed against his chest, working out must be a daily activity which explained how big his muscles are. Slowly her arms wrapped around him sliding up his back to purposely feel the muscles on his back as she returned the hug.
This is my first hug and it's from a God. No! Not a God. A man…a big strong man…
The blush grew redder on her cheeks when that thought crossed her mind. She wanted to stay like this a little longer but soon felt Thor release her and turn his attention to Nero and Irina.
"I don't know what will happen within that building but I will tell you this. If the Church kicks you out you are more than welcome to join Valhalla and become Einherjar."
"You are offering us a place among your warriors?" Nero asked, surprised by the kind offer.
"Only if you wish to join us. That choice is yours to make not mine to force upon you."
Irina couldn't take it anymore, release a tiny wiper she threw herself at Thor embracing him tightly. Before going to Kuoh she had always assumed Devils, Fallen Angels, and Gods were all alike; arrogant evil pagans yet her adventure to that little town showed her otherwise. Rias and Azrael showed them kindness but it was Thor who had left the greatest impact upon her first by offering to aid in their mission then saving her and now not only forgiving the Church for their dark deeds performed upon him but even giving them a new home if exiled.
"You may be from Asgard, Thor, but your soul is as pure as an Angel's from Heaven!" Irina sobbed.
"I wouldn't go that far, Irina." Chuckled Thor patting her head softly, "You should get going. I'm sure the higher-ups are waiting to hear your report."
"Yes. We really must be going. Thor Odinson, thank you for aiding us if it wasn't for you we wouldn't be having this conversation." Nero extended his hand to Thor.
Thor looked at the hand then to the Vatican, he came here to thank the Exorcists and say his goodbye but now being so close to the Vatican, where the Pope himself dwelled, Thor could get his questions answered. Why did the Church take him, who was Erikson, but most important of all, how and why did Siegfried, a hero of the Norse people, end up with the Church? All Thor needed to do is march inside and, the sudden croak of a bird caught his attention, looking in the direction he caught sight of a raven perched upon a building staring directly at him. Immediately Thor turned away from the Vatican, Odin was watching him, ensuring he did not make any foolish mistakes such as what he was thinking of doing. Returning his attention to Nero he firmly grasped the blonde's hand and shook it.
"May the Fates aid you," Said Thor before signaling the raven who perched himself upon his shoulder causing both God and bird to vanish without a trace. White obscured Thor's vision for a moment before fading to reveal Asgard's throne room where the Allfather sat and his bodyguard stood beside him giving the redhead a look of disappointment.
"I hope you weren't thinking about entering the Vatican without authorization in the hopes of finding out more about your past, Lord Odinson? Such action will spark conflict which nobody wants especially after the close call we had back at Kuoh. I know you want to learn more about your past but please be patient. Once the Peace Summit is finalized and Heaven joins the talks you will get the answers you have sought since awakening in Asgard."
"I think some of them have been answered, Rose." Thor answered with a sigh, "Do you recall Eris' words about me inheriting Thor's spirit? Heracles speculated that back on Olympus the day before the attack. Even though he was a traitor do you think he was right?"
"No." Rossweisse said, "I do not believe that for a second. No human has ever inherited the spirit of a God."
Odin's blue eye twinkled, "Heracles is a human but he was the son of a God and it is possible for humans to become Gods. For how smart you are I am surprised you would so quickly dash away such a theory, Miss Rossweisse."
"With all due respect, Allfather, how is that even possible? Shouldn't Heracles instead be a demi-god like myself?"
"Both Heracles and Thor are Gods but one chose to cast aside that power to stay a human thus allowing him to not only obtain a Sacred Gear but keep Heracles spirit within him."
"Keep his spirit?" Repeated Thor.
"When a being becomes a God their spirit transcends to that of Godhood thus casting aside their human spirit to inherit the power of a God. Which is the opposite of what Heracles did."
Thor nodded, so Heracles had a choice and chose to be a human. Loki, like Surtr, was a Giant with the powers to rival a God. What did that mean for Thor?
"Do you think he was right?" Thor asked the Allfather.
Odin stroked his beard, "Hmmm. It is possible. Nobody knows what happened to Thor after he died. Both he, Surtr, and even the hammer Mjolnir vanished. Perhaps his spirit survived and latched onto the nearest human, passed on through generations until settling in you. Or you may be his reincarnation. It has been speculated that Gods can return from the dead depending on how strong the belief is in them."
"Then why hasn't that happened to God from the Bible?" Thor questioned.
Odin leaned forward grinning, "You are eager to crave knowledge today. I may be the Allfather but even I do not know everything. I am still trying to unravel the mystery of your return and while we have theories I'm not convinced the ideas we have discussed within this hall are possible. God of the Bible has thousands if not millions of believers in him so why has he not been revived like you? Perhaps Michael will have the answers we seek."
Thor kept his thoughts to himself but he couldn't agree more that Heaven's new leader will answer all the questions they have for him. Until then he had some training to do.
At last, the Holy Sword Arc comes to an end with Thor taking his first steps to accept the Church as his ally. Now back in Asgard the young God has a goal before the summit, to get stronger to prepare himself for his next encounter with Ares. But that fateful battle will not happen until much later.