Here, at last, we come to Muspelheim, where Akeno and Thor have been trapped. How are they going to handle the land of Fire and Ash? Will find out today.
Vulcan: Unfortunately I do not get the joke.
Thor x Rose fan: Yeah, talk about worst timing lol.
Geyser: I am aware of that and I'm sure you want longer chapters but I made some chapters shorter for the flow of the story, if I make them too long readers will be bored. But I assure you this one will be longer.
Sovereign: Are you sure about that? Perhaps it may have been a disgruntled Giant who knows magic…
Optimus470: I did enjoy writing the training montages for them, Devils are confident and arrogant like Rias and Vali but sometimes too much of it can lead to one's downfall like with Vali at the peace summit.
Nylock: And here it is my friend. Your wait is over.
ArguableReader: If I recall I believe Baraqiel was the S and Shuri the M?
: You flatter me, I appreciate you are enjoying this story. I know Thor SHOULD be OP but if he does, where is the struggle in fights? If a character is so powerful they can beat everyone it gets boring.
Xenomorph: For Strength that would be Thor. For brain power, that is Dorian.
"Muspelheim." Muttered Akeno, of all the lands in the Nine Realms this was the only one sealed off to everyone, and yet here they were by the designs of a wicked Jotun. Akeno excelled in reading magic yet this Jotun managed to keep his spells well hidden until activated meaning he was a magic expert. Raising a hand to her ear she tried calling Rias via communication magic but only received static which means Odin knows how to scramble communication magic. Calling forth her magic she tried to form a teleportation seal but just as it appeared it flickered out of existence, how could that Giant be able to send them here but she couldn't get out!? Turning to Thor, who was grim, she said, "What should we do?"
The God of Thunder had an answer already, "Find a better palace to take shelter in than a working Bifrsot chamber to get us out of here as fast as possible. If the Brann Jotun know we are here they will hunt us until we are their slaves or dead."
"Brann Jotun?"
"It's the Norwegian name for Fire Giants. They are the toughest, wickedest, Giants in all the Nine Realms. Some-" Before he could finish the ground shook, throwing them off balance, was a volcano nearby about to erupt!? No, the answer was the silhouette of a 50-foot-tall Jotun strolling across the fiery land, "Some can grow to that size. The largest Jotun was Ymir reaching 100 stories tall."
Seriously, though Akeno, how are we supposed to face Giants that size? There must be thousands of them out there!?
Feeling Thor tug her arm gently to get going she followed the Aesir down the mountainside and by the time they reached the bottom the Giant's silhouette vanished into the smoke but the booming of his footfalls could still be heard. As they traveled across the landscape Akeno couldn't help herself from marveling at this evil realm; igneous rock, which was dried-up lava, covered the land while the fiery liquid that wasn't dry still flowed like rivers leading to pools and lakes, some even having lava falls. Ash and soot turned her miko garment gray and black, if she didn't know cloth manipulation to fix it she'd be greatly upset to have her outfit to remember her mother ruined. With all this ash and soot, along with smoke and heat, the priestess was surprised she and Thor were not having difficulty breathing, she only then realized Thor was using wind magic to give them a bubble of fresh air. Of course, thunder and lightning were affiliated with storms, meaning water and wind magic are part of his arsenal of spells.
While conjuring wind magic to give them breathable air, Thor's eyes darted all around for any sign of activity with his great axe ready to slay whatever may attack which was nothing so far. He learned about Muspelheim and its inhabitants were the opposite of Jotunheim in which everything was fire-related and, unlike the Giants of Jotunheim with some being peaceful, all fire giants were cruel and wicked beings who thrived on battle and violence. How powerful they were he did not know but when they did come in contact with a Fire Giant, for he knew they would be spotted eventually, he would have to be cautious since they were the strongest Jotuns.
"Thor," Started Akeno, her voice startling the Aesir due to how quiet they had been since leaving the cave, "Do you think Baraqiel will find a way to save us?"
"Your father is a smart man, Akeno. Once he discovers us missing and can't find us he will tell my father who in turn will send his ravens to look for us and when they do they will be forced to unseal Muspelheim's path to rescue us. How could we be so stupid to fall for such an easy trap!?"
"Do not blame yourself for being lulled by the Jotun's words. We both thought he had a child that needed rescuing. It was natural for us to help." Akeno comforted, "Who was that Jotun anyway? He clearly was a master of magic to be able to do the spells he did without me noticing them."
"Probably a sorcerer. Some Giants know magic. I hope none of the Fire Giants know any."
"If they do then let's hope the little training we did paid off." While not physically durable like the God of Thunder, Akeno's Rook trait allowed her to cast powerful defense spells against attacks.
Since arriving in Muspelheim the Thunder Duo's trek across the fiery land so far was three miles, a cautious three miles to stay as far away from lava rivers as possible lest they fall into one and burn to death. After two more miles of walking, they came upon a set of large rocks next to a pool of lava, while not the safest place the rocks could provide some form of shade and rest. After a quick look around for any signs of life, they flew the rest of the way before settling beneath a large rock that provided shade. Five seconds after casting a barrier and expanding the wind magic the God and Priestess could finally rest while breathing fresh air, the walk had tired them out and they needed to regain their strength should they come under attack.
"They can help." Said Akeno while resummoning her imps, the six little creatures each went to a corner to keep watch for any activity to let their master and her friend rest. She watched Thor slump against a rock with Jarnbjorn beside him, he was determined to not let his guard down even while resting. She turned her gaze back out toward the land watching a volcano erupt in the distance, if she wasn't in such a dangerous situation she'd find the site magnificent.
"I don't understand why you want to be related to the Himejima family?" Said Thor suddenly with a sigh, "You and your mother were betrayed by them. They told your father's enemies about you, resulting in your mom's death, then the Himejima clan exiling and hunting you."
"Because it's to remember my mother. Fath - Baraqiel, was with us but most of the time away helping the Fallen Angels. I was close to her and her death destroyed me. I had to blame someone for her death or I'd lose my mind…"
"And that blame should be directed at the Himejima clan. They are responsible for all this tragedy. It is they who the Shinto Gods should punish."
"You're right, Thor, and I hope they have been. Perhaps Baraqiel can arrange a meeting with Aunt Suzaku to tell me what has happened since my exile."
Thor looked at Akeno thoroughly, so she has an aunt still among the Himejima clan. That means not all of them hate her and why Baraqiel wanted to stop Thor, he did not want to lose another family member. Guess that means his desire to give divine punishment would not be achieved. With a sigh he shut his eyes hoping beyond hope help will arrive soon and to stop him from dwelling on Akeno's past.
A violent storm swirled about him yet the rain that fell did not douse flames licking his skin nor blow away the smoke obscuring his vision. Odin's son fought many strong foes from Giants to monsters, some giving him a good battle to share in Valhalla but this battle was not one to enjoy nor share, this was a fight for survival, not for himself, but for the Nine Realms. On either side and even behind the God of Thunder his companions, Einherjar and Giants, held their ground despite quaking in terror at the power that stood before them. From the smoke appeared a shadowy figure its bright yellow eyes shimmering with mindless malice and hunger to kill, a task Thor and his company would not see come to fruition. With a cry the shadow bound towards Thor who answered the challenge with forked lightning erupting from Mjolnir that sent his foe stepping back a pace before straightening, its malice turning to anger.
"You shall not leave Muspelheim!" Thor cried.
His companions, one being Aurvandill, began flanking the figure to surround it (or him?) to make it harder for their foe to focus on Thor and escape to the Bifrost gate. Aurvandill sword his great sword while two other Jotuns cast spells to bind it. The attacks were met by a wave of fire and wind sending them tumbling across the landscape, within seconds it was upon Aurvandill and would have devoured him then and there if not for Mjolnir slamming into shadow's face, blood and saliva flying from the shadow's gaping maw as it went tumbling backward. The shadow grabbed Mjolnir and would have tossed the mighty hammer aside but its owner soon followed suit slamming his armored shoulder into the shadow while at the same time wrenching the hammer free of the shadow grasp and slamming it hard into his foe's head once then twice and then thrice before shoving the great hammer's head into the shadow's mouth to stop it from bellowing fire right into his face, he wouldn't want his beloved Sif to look upon a burned face when proposing to her next week. Grinning he let loose a single bolt of lightning down the shadow's throat or would have if he wasn't kneed in the groin. Such a lowly attack would send any man crumpling to the floor but not Thor Odinson because he made sure to have sturdy armor protecting that sacred spot, only Sif was allowed to touch down there.
"Really….bar fight tactics? Guess your mother never taught you manners." Said Thor before letting loose the lightning from Mjolnir and then slapping thunder-covered hands against the shadow's ears. To Thor's surprise, the shadow did not die, not by having its eardrums ruptured or Mjolnir's power. This thing was more powerful than he thought… that was good and bad!
Guess he needed to have a little more power in his next attack but the task was not done for the shadow bit down upon Mjolnir to keep it clenched in its teeth. To the Aesir's surprise, the shadow spun around and used the handle of the hammer to strike him hard across the face before blasting it high into the air with a burst of fire that it turned upon Thor. However, the path the fire was on became blocked by a barrier, courtesy of one of the Einherjar, soon the rest of the company joined in on the attack against the shadow, spells flew, weapons cut through the air, and with each hit by spell and weapon the shadow began to falter but still it resisted, its desire to spread chaos upon the other eight realms pushed it forward.
It was time to end this! Throwing his hand out his hammer came flying back to him, thunder and lightning wrapping around the hammer like snakes slithering up a tree. Pouring more power into the weapon made by Brokk and Sindri he reeled his arm back and threw it at full force towards the shadow that was unaware of his action until the hammer came slamming into its back with a loud crack either of thunder or bone or both. The force of the impact sent the shadow falling towards an Einherjar who used the moment to run his great sword through the shadowy figure's chest, his fellow melee combatants followed suit, slashing and stabbing until at long last the shadow slumped to the floor unmoving. At last, the thing was stopped with minimal loss to the company, only minor wounds that would heal in time. The shadowy figure was revealed, it was a strange thing; it was man-shaped but with dragon features, what this mindless beast was he would figure out when returning to Asgard, returning to Sif.
Blue eyes slowly opened to find everything was as it was when sleeping; Akeno's imp was on watch while their master was resting, at least they weren't discovered yet. As he stretched to get the aches from his body his mind drifted to the recent memory flash; Thor, the Original Thor, was on Muspelheim with allies fighting to prevent something from escaping to the Bifrost. That something looked to be a mix between a Fire Giant and Dragon that proved to even Thor to be a challenge. Did more of those creatures live in this realm, would he encounter one today? Despite his growing strength, Thor was sure he wouldn't be able to handle one alone, especially knowing the Original Thor needed help stopping one.
"I guess no trouble happened while I was asleep?"
"None." Said Akeno, stretching her own limbs that caused her enormous breasts to bounce in her top. Thor remembered many of the girls had their clothes ripped and torn in the battle against Kokabiel and Akeno unfortunately had one tit exposed revealing she wore no bar in her Miko garb. He was amazed that she didn't have back pain with how large they are, either by the use of magic or she just had a good body posture, "Although…I did see some things in the distance. I don't know what they were exactly but they looked man-shaped and appeared to be fighting. There were sparks of flame and the sound of yelling and shattering rock."
"Fire Giants tend to fight one another when they don't have other foes to fight." Said Thor, "As I said, they are the most violent of the Jotuns."
Akeno nodded then said, "While you were sleeping I had two of my imps go scouring the land and they found no cities, villages, or even life stock."
"Life did once thrive here before Surtr's death sent the realm into chaos. And even if we do find life, it most likely may be underground like the Dwarves."
"Well, they did find something. It looked to be the entrance of a crumbled castle built on the side of a volcano. It was somewhere to the east of about fifty to sixty miles."
That caught Thor's attention, if a building existed in this land then it must be Surtr's old fortress where he ruled from. If they went on this quest to reach the old fort it would not be easy to accomplish, sixty miles was only an hour of traveling but in that hour they may run into Giants and monsters and probably more inside Surtr's home. Still, it was better than being cooped up under a rock with the possibility of being discovered and hopefully, they may be able to find a way to contact Odin and get help, maybe even a way to open the Bifrost to let them escape. Exhaling through his nose he clenched and unclenched his fists many times before setting his resolve, "Since we found ourselves here via teleportation that means Odin did not seal every way in and out of the realm."
"If that's the case then why has no Fire Giant tried to escape?"
Thor's brow furrowed in thought at Akeno's question, why hadn't any Fire Giants tried to escape and cause trouble? If that Jotun knew how to teleport people here then surely there must be a way to get them out or was it just a one-way trip and if so then his plans must have been to let Muspelheim kill them. That won't happen! After scanning the land for any signs of trouble the God and Priestess began the flight to the fortress, they had chosen to fly to get there as fast as possible and if they run into anyone foe then hopefully they'll outrun them. It was worth a try but calling for help was now out of the question meaning they had to find a way to get the Bifrost to open and hopefully be saved.
"Thor," Said Akeno, "What will happen when we return?"
"We keep training. We must grow stronger to stop the Khaos Brigade and for you to win Rating Games. Your Holy Lightning will be a boon to your friends since it is effective against Devils. If I'm able to attend them I'll be sure to cheer you guys on as will Baraqiel."
Akeno smiled, she still needed time to get used to being around her father and using the power she inherited but eventually, that bond between father and daughter will be reforged again. The other reason Thor needed to get stronger, though he didn't say it, was to stop Ares and Eris, the traitors of Olympus were villains he had to face; one wished to fight him the other…betrayed his friendship and, despite turning into a Devil, dealt the killing blow to Vandill. His rage at the God of War and Goddess of Chaos was understandable…a lot more than her own towards Baraqiel. If she had not put all the blame not him and let him comfort her she may have possibly gone with him to Grigori and become a pure Fallen Angel instead of becoming Rias' Queen but that was all in the past it was better to look to the future as she should now.
They continued their flight luckily able to avoid any Giants and monsters they saw, some small and some large and evil, two they saw get into a brawl and tear each other apart like ravaging animals over food. Eventually, they saw the fortress and many many more Giants and monsters in between them and the building. Thor was correct in saying this would not be easy and with so many out there they may not be able to sneak past all of them. At least that's what Thor thought until Akeno showed him a little Devil trick to hide his magical presence. Ever impressed by the girl's skill he learned it fairly quickly and they continued toward Surtr's home, able to sneak past every enemy they saw.
This feels a bit too easy…but Akeon is talented in every skill she has. Maybe we will be able to get out of here without fighting…
Soon they could see the entrance but there was a wide stretch of land with no cover to hide behind and two large Fire Giants standing guard at the entrance. If they were guarding it that means someone important was living inside, probably a Brann Jotun chieftain claiming ownership of the King of Muspehelhim's old home. Thor exchanged looks with Baraqiel's daughter, they both knew they would have to make a mad dash towards the entrance meaning they had no choice but to reveal themselves and fight or did they? Maybe…maybe they could get in fast enough without being seen. Silently he summoned Jarnbjorn and reeled his arm all the way, muscles tensing for whatever would come next.
"Thor, what are you-" But before she could finish Thor threw his large axe towards the fortress when she saw it disappear into the castle and land with a loud clang, the noise catching the guard's attention, their voices could be heard all the way out here.
"What was that!?
"Go check it out!"
"It's an axe!"
"An axe!? Who does it belong to!?"
"I do not know. What shall we do with it!?"
"Take it to the chief I will double the watch!"
Akeno stared at Thor who was watching the guards carefully while counting quietly, upon reaching forty-seven he turned to her and said her imps must follow the axe and tell them if any Bifrost chamber was within, she obeyed without question sending all six familiars in. When that was done Thor plopped down beside the large rock they hide behind and relaxed, Akeno was sure Thor would have tried fighting his way into the fortress not sit and wait. Either the God of Thunder's famous love for battle was just a myth or he was trying to play it smartly since he couldn't fight a whole Realm by himself. What felt like forever, which was only thirty minutes, the Priestess of Thunder's familiars returned all six of them each informing their master what they found which she translated to Thor, the axe had been taken to another giant who say upon a fiery throne, a chieftain most likely, who also did not understand the sudden appearance of the axe and had it taken to a chamber were many other weapons were stored. As for a Bifrsot chamber, none was found within the fortress for this was not where Surtr ruled but rather a minor chieftain fortress that still stood after Surtr's death. The news not only dissatisfied Asgard's prince but deepened his concern for he did not know other fortresses were built.
"Guess I still have a lot more to learn. We need to get my axe and get out of here as fast as possible."
"And how are we going to do that? If you call for it they will see us and if we teleport they will see you teleport." Said Akeno as she peeked out from behind a corner watching the Fire Giants patrol left and right, one just so happens to approach their hiding spot. It, he, or she, couldn't see them but a twinge of fear crept into Akeno as the Fire Giant drew ever closer to them. She prided her skills in stealth but even she could not hide forever, especially from Asgard's greatest enemy. They had to get away quickly but silently.
"We may have no choice…" Said Thor.
Before Akeno could reply she suddenly felt his arms wrap tightly around her as power flowed through him, she blinked and she found herself along with her familiars, inside a room full of weapons, an armory, the one where Jarnbjorn was stored, and there e it was laying upon a table, its runes glowing. What she experienced was the God of Thunder's teleportation spell that allowed him to travel via the runes on his weapon, it felt like demonic teleportation but much faster like they were traveling at the speed of light, hopefully, nobody saw them before coming here. Thor called Jarnbjorn back to him letting the smooth wooden handle slap into his outstretched palm before enclosing his fingers tightly around it. Now that he was rearmed it was time to try and find a way out of the fort without alerting anyone which was always the hard part.
"I still can't understand how we were teleported here without the Bifrost."
"Nor I. Perhaps Odin will know once we tell him. I was always told that the only way to get to other Realms was by the use of the Bifrost. Only Midgard can be traveled to without the Bifrost. Let's get going."
At that moment the door opened and the Thunder Duo found themselves looking at a tall bulky, red-haired, yellow-eyed Jotun who stared back at them in surprise, the stare-down continued for a good moment before Thor threw Jarnbjorn. The Giant sidestepped the attack, grabbing the axe and tossing it into the hallway, his eyes flashed with anger as he continued to look at the intruders. One was a woman, a very pretty woman, wearing strange robes from Midgard, and a man, a man with red hair, blue eyes, with a weapon that crackled with thunder. Many questions swirled in the Fire Giants mind but it was buried beneath the rage at the red-haired man. He let loose a loud roar that echoed around the castle followed by a single word and it sent a shiver down Akeno's spine.
"GIANTSBANE!"
That word struck fear in the hearts of many Jotuns but equally as much rage to others especially those of Muspelheim for their blood had been spilled the most by Giantsbane and the one called that was none other than Thor Odinson. The Giant rushed forward but Thor was a split second quicker, teleporting behind the Giant from the axes teleportation runes he formed thunder and lightning within his palms and fired the attack. It slammed into the Giant's back but did not kill him, only make him madder, hence the glaring throw his way. Thor lunged at the Giant wrapping an arm around his neck and calling Jarnbjorn back to his hand began hacking away into the Giant's neck splattering blood everywhere yet still the Giant did not fall. Even Akeno aided in the battle erecting ice spikes beneath the Giant's feet while larger ones were hurtled like projectiles at the being pricing his chest and left shoulder. With a final swing into the Jotun's neck that buried so deep it cut half of its neck off leaving the head to lay onto its blood shoulders the Fire Giant stumbled and crashed facedown to the floor with a loud boom, the impact causing the head to detach and roll away into a corner leaving a trail of blood.
Sweat formed on Thor's brow as he stared at the headless corpse, no wonder the Fire Giants were said to be the toughest, it took so many hits to just bring one down if fighting one was that tough then what would they do against an army? At the moment the answer was to survive until help arrives and when they get home train much harder. Wiping the blood from his axe he poked his head out to check the hallway, it was empty for now.
"Akeno, I hope your familiars know the way out." Said Thor beckoning her to follow him
"They do but it won't be easy."
"When is it ever?"
"I should have left a teleportation seal at our hiding spot. We could have escaped without alerting them."
"What's done is done. Now we fight our way out." The Queen's familiars showed the way, upstairs, left corridor, right corridor, more stairs, and no Giants, at least until the sixth right corridor where a horde of Fire Giants came charging towards them like stampeding bulls, "Stay behind me, you're the best at long-range attacks."
The Priestess of Thunder watched Odin's son meet the charging Fire Giants with a blast of thunder leaving holes the size of fists in stomachs and chests, and one missing half its head. When the distance was closed Jarnbjorn fell upon the nearest Fire Giant decapitating it with ease but the others did not go down so easily, Thor ducked and dodged many blows but even he wasn't untouchable. Each punch that hit him felt like a freight train going a hundred miles with one hitting so hard in the face all he saw for a second were white spots, truly the Giants of Muspelheim were not pushovers. Before another punch could be thrown at him, a harsh blizzard swept through the hallway freezing some Giants in the process followed by a torrent of water and a massive bolt of thunder mixed with lightning. Freed by Akeno's attacks, Thor swung left and right, slaying dozens of Jotuns paralyzed by the Priestess of Thunder until the hallway was filled with twenty corpses while blood changed the steel on Thor's armor from silver to red. Thor was grateful to have Rias Gremory's queen with him, her skills in the art of magic were similar to Rossweisse, the difference being Rossweisse knows more spells as well more knowledge. Nevertheless, Akeno was skilled in her own right and without her help, Thor was certain he'd have died long before reaching the castle.
"It's true what they say. That women are brains and men brawns. You knew to use water and ice magic, both effective against fire. Meanwhile, all I use are my fists and axe."
"Which is why a good man must have a good wife." Said Akeno, her eyes twinkling with mirth. She wouldn't deny Thor was handsome to look at up knew another girl had her eyes on him while she herself had her own set on another man, a more petite man, "The Allfather is wise but Lady Freya is just as wise."
The smile that was about to form on the redhead's face disappeared as more Giants appeared, one had hands covered in flames. How many Giants would be slaying before escaping Muspelheim a hundred, a thousand, half the population? He shuttered at leaving a mountain of corpses in the land of fire and ash, it would make the name Giantsbane more feared as well as deepen the hatred towards him and Asgard. Exchanging glances they nodded and their foes found a torrent filling the hall until the water was waist deep followed by a wave of electricity that conducted the liquid and gave every Jotun caught in the water a very shocking death. Careful not to trip over the dead Giants the Thunder Duo made haste through the flooded hallway to follow Akeno's imps to the way out, which hopefully was close.
Soon they were dashing up a flight of stairs that soon had Giants giving chase leading into a large room full of more Giants, everywhere they went Giants would be waiting for them and now they were trapped! That was what Akeno thought before Thor leaped high into the air with thunder and lightning channeling through his raised axe, a look of fury upon his face. He threw Jarnbjorn with all his strength and the great axe came crashing into the floor letting loose a massive shockwave that knocked every Giant to the floor, those closets to the blast were erased from existence. For her part, Akeno flew into the air and rained Holy Lightning upon those outside of the shockwave, each bolt hitting its mark and sending Fire Giants crumbling to the floor dead but even with such devastating attacks Fire Giants continued to pour into the chamber to overwhelm the Thunder Duo. That, however, only made Thor angrier, his attacks became more brutal, he decapitated five Giants in one swing, let loose another shockwave that sent many flats on their backs, and cast spells at point-blank range that blasted ten or more out of existence and still more Fire Giants attacked him.
As Thor made a move to strike his next foe he was suddenly blindsided by a very large Fire Giant whose hands were covered in flames hot enough to be felt through the armor, Thor's brow furrowed, the Giant was trying to melt the armor onto him well that was not going to happen! Growling with anger Thor buried the head of his axe into his foe's shoulder before grabbing his head and twisting it hard to break the neck. Suddenly there came a cry of pain and the young Aesir felt terror seize him, Akeno was plummeting to the floor, robes ripped and burnt with a nasty burn on her left forearm and right foot, those wounds could easily be healed by Asia if they ever get back to Asgard. Wasting no time Thor dashed towards Akeno's location cutting and punching his way through the Fire Giants until reaching her, despite the pain she struggled to her feet and, when Thor was beside her, manage to cast a barrier between them and the army of Giants but for how long neither knew. Swords, spears, axes, clubs, and fists pound against the barrier, fire washed over it like water on rocks, the barrier would definitely not last with the onslaught it was taking.
"We've reached our limit…" Growled Thor.
"I'm not saying any goodbyes yet, Thor!" Retorted Akeno, despite the pain she was in the young Devil was going to be defiant to the end.
"Of course not, Akeno." Said Thor, his grip tightened upon Jarnbjorn for the coming collapse of the barrier and continuation or possible end of the fight, if this was to be the end then he would pour all his power into a final attack to bring the ceiling down upon all of them.
Suddenly there was a burst of magic followed by an enormous rainbow crashing appearing from the ceiling next to the Aesir and Devil, the Thunder Duo was relieved but as for the Fire Giants of Muspelheim, they were scared and angry for their greatest enemy had come to rescue the God of Thunder and his friend. Spears of Light, Holy Lightning, Power of Destruction, and many colorful beams of energy came shooting out of the Bifrost in all directions slaying many Giants and leaving a large space around the barrier and the casters of the spells stepped out of the Bifrost. There was Rias Gremory leading her Peerage standing tall and proud like always, with her was Baraqiel whose arm was raised crackling with lightning and wearing his usual stoic expression but, like Rias, hide a burning wrath that would be unleashed upon these wicked foes that hurt his daughter. Following close behind was the Archangel himself, Micheal, all twelve wings glowing like the sun, accompanying him were two faces Thor never expected to see here; Xenovia Quarta and Irina Shidou, both wielding their Holy Swords and sporting a pair of white angelic wings and haloes. Lastly to appear was the Allfather himself, Gungnir ready to hit any target it aimed at, with the team Thor formed; Bikou, Havarti, Henrietta, Andreas, Azreal, Sigrun, and of course…
"...Rossweisse…" Aqua eyes met blue for the briefest of seconds before returning to the foes that stood before them.
Among the gathered company Thor caught a glint of green and silver that soon revealed itself as an elderly woman that took her place beside Odin and Rossweisse, the woman actually looked almost identical to Rossweisse save for the older age, double crown braid and bun on the top of her head, green robes, their stern expressions were even the same. This woman was obviously related to Rossweisse and due to her age, she couldn't be her mother which means this is her grandmother.
"You have made a grave mistake hurting my friends! In the name of the Gremory house and Asgard, you will feel our retribution!" Announced Rias, eyes glowing yellow with Power of Destruction in hand. As she spoke Odin, with Asia, stepped over to his son and Akeno, Twilight Healing being applied to their wounds.
As the company of Devils, Angels, and Asgardians awaited for the Giants to charge them a sudden roar was heard from deep within the castle and it sent alarm bells off in Thor's head, he heard that roar before. Before he died…
"Oh no…" He whispered as the path began to open within the ranks of the Fire Giants, some wearing evil looks on their faces. A great shadow and flame could be seen making its way to the front revealing itself to be Jotun but this one was different, it had claws like spears, slits for pupils, vast wings to cause hurricanes, and scales that looked as tough as armor covering its igneous rock-colored skin.
"W-what is that thing?" Koneko asked, brave as she was the little Rook could not stop the dread rising within her.
"That…" Said Odin darkly, "Is a Fire Giant Dragon. An abominable creation by Giants and Fire Drakes mating."
"M-mating!?" Issei felt as if he would throw up as the image of humanoid beings making love to animals vividly flashed through his mind.
"Yes, mating." Repeated Odin, "Bred for one purpose; to kill and cause chaos around the Nine Realms. It was Surtr's plan to have these hybrids be his trump card which never came to fruition thanks to Thor. It seems one has survived."
"Then shall we slay it, Allfather?" Rossweisse asked.
"You will do no such thing!" A new voice commanded, it was high and feminine. Every Fire Giant who heard that voice gave pause and stepped away from their foes. Once more a path was formed stepping in through a hall flanked by two large Fire Giants came a woman of unimaginable beauty; her wavy white-blue hair flowed down her back to just barely touch the floor, and the white gown she wore did little to hide the curves she sported making Issei unable to look away. Blue eyes swept over the chamber before settling on Thor and Odin making the cold emptiness within them fill with anger, "So…THIS is what all the commotion is about. The Allfather and Giantsbane have come to finish what they started long ago."
"Lady Sinmara…" Said Odin, taking only the briefest of seconds to eye her figure before making eye contact, "This is not an invasion but merely a misunderstanding. My son and his pretty friend were teleported here from Jotunheim by an unfortunate trick."
A red brow raised at the name Odin spoke, Sinmara…why does that name sound familiar?
"And how could such a thing come to pass when you boasted to me about sealing all ways in and out of Muspelheim?" The woman named Sinmara sneered.
"Of that, I will look into and double the seals on your realm."
"To keep us from causing chaos within your precious Nine Realms…" The fire died in her eyes and coldness returned to them, "Go then. Leave me to my grief and be sure to keep Gianstbane and his friends from EVER stepping into my love's land."
"Of course, Lady Sinmara." Said Odin, and with a wave of his hand motioned the company to follow him into the Bifrost.
Thor gave one last look at the chamber, the Giants, and Sinmara, who stared at him with dead eyes, before stepping into the Bifrost. Sinmara…why in all that was good did that name sound so familiar? Where had he heard it from? It was after feeling Rossweisse touch his shoulder did he realize he was back in the Bifrost chamber in Asgard. Relieve finally overcame him.
"Akeno!" Cried Baraqiel taking his daughter into his arms and holding her tightly, tears streaming down his face, "I was so worried about you. When you had not returned after the sun set I began to worry something terrible had happened and searched everywhere for you. Even with help we could not find you. If the Allfather had not sent his ravens to scourer all Nine Realms I…I would have lost you just as I lost your mother…"
Tears of her own welled within Akeno's violet orbs, seeing the pain her father was in was unbearable. She threw her arms around him hugging him as tightly as possible. She did not want this moment to end. Ever.
The tender moment was watched by the Gremory Peerage, it filled Rias' heart with joy to see Akeno acknowledging Baraqiel as her father again. She may still need time but calling him father was quite the big step.
Near the entrance Odin was stroking his beard, his brow furrowed in concentration and concern, "How could something like this have happened!? I made sure to seal EVERY path into Muspelheim! How could a simple teleportation spell send you to that hellish land!?"
"Perhaps…" Said Thor slowly, unsure if his word would anger the Allfather, "You were not thorough in your-"
"I said I sealed ALL paths. I couldn't have missed one!"
"Allfather," The elderly woman suddenly said, "Perhaps that Jotun, who Aurvandill is still hunting for, may have found a new or even secret way that leads only into Muspelheim."
Odin sighed, "I fear you may be right, Gondul which means I must find the exact spot the teleportation happened and seal it."
"And now, Allfather, the time has come for me to properly see your son," The woman said spinning around and giving a long hard stare at Thor,
Thor stiffened, he was right about this woman being Rossweisse's grandmother who, like every parental figure, wanted to speak to a man speaking to their daughter. The stern expression she bore into him made the young prince uncomfortable but he couldn't let that discourage him. He fought a crazy Fallen Angel Cadre, Heavenly Dragon, and hordes of Fire Giants, a stern grandma would not make him falter!
"Lady Gondul, if you have standards required to let me see your granddaughter then name them and I will meet each to your expectations."
The frown on Gondel's face softened into a smile, "Manners. It's quite rare to see a man with that skill. The standards I require from you, Lord Odinson…is to keep doing what you are doing and make my granddaughter happy."
"What?" Said Thor and Rossweisse together.
"My dear boy, did you truly believe I'd make you go through rigorous challenges when you already have endured much for my granddaughter? Rose has told me all the deads you have performed. You saved my granddaughter many times and made her second in command of this team you have formed to protect you in your journey to see the Supernatural world united and live in harmony. Oh, how I wish I could have been there to see you defeat that Fallen Angel who hurt her or, as you said, smack some sense into the White Dragon."
"So…you are ok with me being friends with Rossweisse?"
"Friends!?" Cried Gondul, "My dear boy, I want you to be her boyfriend! Her Husband! Then I can get those grandchildren I've been waiting decades for!"
"Grandma!"
So we reach the end of the adventure in Muspelheim. It was quite a harrowing trek for our Thunder Duo but have made it home at last with Thor finally meeting the grandmother of Rossweisse. I know she has not had an illustration made yet but the way I see her is like Professor Mcgonagall portrayed by Maggie Smith. I hope I portrayed the relationship between Thor and Akeno well, I see that as friends who think of each other as siblings for their affinity to thunder and lightning. I know questions will be asked about Sinmara and I assure you they will be answered in the next chapter. I hope you all enjoyed this one, be sure to give your feedback for it what I can improve on. See you next time!