And we are back and only two chapters away from reaching the 50th…and not back into cannon territory lol. We got one more filler arc then it's back to cannon. And I'm not sure if anyone realized this which will be explained in the chapter in-depth, but Xenovia also became an Angel! That is what I believe is what would happen if Xenovia was not excommunicated as would Asia too possibly. With Grandma Gondul finally meeting Thor, our young God of Thunder may be taking his first steps to becoming Rossweisse's boyfriend. ?
Thor x Rose fan: She most definitely will
Firefly: Let's see
Hellboy: I don't think Muspelheim will want to be friends with Giantsbane but I guess we shall see
ArguableReader: Regarding Akeno and BDSM…I possibly…lol!
Century: Thanks but does Asgard know much about her as well?
Optimus470: It's a good thing the Thunder Duo managed to survive that hellhole. As for that unknown Jotun who knows? Not all questions are answerable.
Biohazzard: You are determined to think it is Loki my friend hahaha. It may have just been a Jotun who knows magic.
Maltazar: That's right! Xenovia is an Angel, that was an idea I thought would happen if staying in the Church. And I know exactly who will be the second knight for Rias.
Xander: I did but I changed plans. Writers constantly change plans but it will be coming soon.
Werewolf: Skoll and Hati haven't appeared yet, you don't know what fate may be fall them.
"So you are Angels now?"Asked Azrael to Irina, two hours had passed since the rescue from Muspelheim, and the young Fallen Angel was in the palace courtyard with his friends.
"Yup!" Chirped Irina as she showed her wings, "With help from the Underworld, Heaven was able to create its own reincarnation system called the Brave Saint where we use playing cards instead of Chess Pieces. Micheal chose both of us for our roles in the Excalibur mission, the Peace Summit, and most importantly our dedication to our Lord in Heaven even if he is not among us anymore. So far it's just us, his card set is Spades and when making Xenovia and me into his Angels he chose me as his Ace and Xenovia…"
"I am his Four!" The Bluenette declared proudly, somehow there had to be a joke in there because her surname, quarta, literally meant Four in Italian, "It's too bad Nero is no longer with us. Micheal was planning to make him into an Angel too. He'd have made a fine Angel of Heaven although I'm sure he'd have stayed a human to help change the Church. Things are getting worse. More and more Exorcists are complaining about the alliance. If they do break away…"
"It will not come to that!" Said Irina, "Micheal is working tirelessly with the Archbishop to maintain unity."
"If they do…" Repeated Xenovia, her golden eyes sweeping across her new friends, "This schism will not go unnoticed by humans who are ignorant of the Supernatural world. Many are known to lead prayers to the masses and when they don't return questions will be asked. If a schism does happen, if we must fight our fellow brothers and sisters, then we will need Asgard's aid to stop them."
"And that's the reason why Lord Micheal came to Asgard." Said Kiba.
Xenovia nodded, "Of course that had to be postponed since we arrived minutes before the Allfahter unsealed Muspelheim."
"And speaking of Muspelheim, who is Sinmara? I've never heard of her." Asked Azreal, the question having some sharing the same curious expression.
"Very little is known even by the Nore Pantheon." Said Azazel, "What is known is that she, like Surtr, is a primordial being and his consort."
"She was his wife?" Even Thor was taken aback by this knowledge, "I remember seeing her name mentioned in a passage while learning of the Norse Faction among the Church but I didn't know she was his wife."
"That is something not many know about. Some humans think she is Mimir's wife but she's actually Surtr's. I suppose neither she nor Muspelheim will want to make peace with Asgard?"
"Definitely not. Especially after what recently happened." Henrietta said, shaking her head, "With so many Fire Giants slayed by Thor and Akeno that only deepens their hatred for us and those who ally with Asgard. Even if we are able to make peace with Musplehim Sinnmara will be hated by all Musplehim possibly overthrown and killed."
"Then I guess we will have to see what the future brings us," Sigrun said while playing a game of cards with Akeno, Andreas, and Gasper, "Thor was lucky to have you with him, Akeno. Subtly was never his strong point."
"He tried to be." Said the black-haired hybrid while playing her card, "Only after we were discovered did he cast it aside. Seeing Thor struggle against so many foes worried me, he is supposed to be among the top ten."
"The original was. The new Thor must grow stronger to reach the top ten." said Andreas, "He's got quite the goals to complete; become Asgard's next king, uniting the supernatural world, rejoining the top ten, and wooing the heart of Rossweisse."
Akeno and Sigrun laughed, everyone knew the God of Thunder and Odin's bodyguard had a close relationship and with Gondul here it was only a matter of time before they became official.
Downtown Eastern District
Deep in the discount section of Asgard in a little cafe sat Thor across from Rossweisse and her grandmother who was sipping tea. After his harrowing adventure through Musplehim with Akeno, Thor expected to resume his training, not be taken all the way over here to discuss future plans with Rossweisse. The fact that the elder silver-haired woman said she wanted him to be her grandaughter's boyfriend and give her grandchildren must have been a joke.
It was not…
"As I said earlier, you do not need to meet any standards of mine, Lord Odinson. Your deeds have spread far and wide throughout the Nine Realms. I'm fairly certain you will become strong enough to use Mjolnir in due time. That hammer is a powerful weapon that can use to kill or protect and if what my grandaughter has told me about you…I know you will use Mjolnir to protect the ones you love."
"Uhm….okay…"
Rossweisse wanted to slam her head against the nearest brick wall until she was dead, she loved her grandmother dearly but the things she asked Thor were so embarrassing to hear. Marriage and children were too far into the future nor a suitable topic to share during a first encounter with someone, especially when being one of Odin's sons. "Grandma, is this really necessary? If you approve of him why come all the way here to meet him? We could have come to Midgard to see you."
"Because, my dear Rose, I have not seen Asgard in many years and wanted to see the changes brought onto it by our allies. I must say the lower district is much cleaner than it used to be. Valhalla and its academy are still flourishing and run by Vili. Yes, things have improved for the best. Also, my work on Midgard keeps me busy."
"What keeps you so busy on Midgard?" Thor asked, curious to know more about Rose's grandmother.
Gondul smiled, "Why, I work for a school. I teach preschool, kindergarten, and first-grade students. Oh, those little toddlers always remind me of Rose when she was younger. Hehe. She was quite the chatterbox as a child. I will never forget the day you first started walking, your parents were so proud and they still are for what you have achieved."
Rossweisse blushed but managed a smile, "I…I'm glad they do."
"Do they live in Asgard?" The God of Thunder wondered if he would have to meet her parents too.
Rossweisse shook her head, "They live in Vannaheim but are always away on work. Vanaheim, Jotunheim, and Midgard, always keep them busy with trouble, be it political or fighting."
"But surely they must have time to see you?"
"They…do not…"
"Nonsense!" Cut in Gondul sternly, "Rose, you are always welcome to visit them. Don't make the same excuse saying you are busy dealing with the Allfather. Now you are dealing with his son who I'm certain your parents will want to meet."
"G-Grandma! L-Lord Thor is busy as well. He needs my help training and-"
"Rossweisse Midnight-Sunborn, you need to stop with these ridiculous excuses. Just because you failed to pass the test to gain our crest and become head of the clan does not mean you need to distance yourself by working hard. Your family does not blame you for failing, Seir magic is a tricky thing to master."
Now Thor had a million questions running through his mind along with answers, Vandil told him long ago Rossweisse always focused on studying and now he learned it. She failed to inherit her clan crest by mastering Seir magic…what was that magic anyway? He did not know about it until now but above all those things he finally understood what her surname was.
"Midnight-Sunborn." The words brought the two women's attention back onto him the elder had an amused smile while the younger was blushing more, "That is your surname, Rose?"
"Ah, you call her Rose too? It is quite fitting for a maiden as smart and beautiful as her but yes, that is her surname. I take it she didn't tell you? Well, I'm not surprised. She is called Midnight-Sunborn because she was born in Svalbard, a city in Norway, where the Midnight sunset occurs. That is when the sun doesn't set between April 20th and August 22nd and my granddaughter just so happened to be born on August 8th, which means her twentieth birthday is happening soon. That is how she got the surname Midnight-Sunborn."
Rossweisse looked as if she wanted to run as fast as she could at that moment, Thor now knows everything about her. Her surname, birthday, and the reason she studied so much. He probably would think differently of her now. His expression, however, never changed one bit. Save for a brief glance her way that held understanding and excitement.
"So that's the reason she became such a master of magic and an amazing teacher. If it weren't for her I wouldn't have been able to perform those deeds you talk about."
Rossweisse was left stupefied, Oh Thor…even with this new information you still hold me with high praise. You truly do have a heart of gold.
"If her birthday is coming then we must prepare something special for her." He added excitement in his tone.
"And speaking of birthdays. What about yours?"
"Thor blinked, "M-me!? Well…I never thought of birthdays. I don't remember the Church ever giving me a birthday."
"Either they did not know or care but I, like your parents, know when your birthday is. March."
"...March…" He was discovered by Asgard in May. "That means I've missed my birthday. I don't even know how old I am."
"Nineteen. You are officially nineteen." Said Gondul, "A suitable age to match Rose."
Thor saw Rossweisse's cheeks grow redder, this woman was determined to see a man be with her granddaughter to give her great-grandchildren which led Thor to ask, in a not-so-nice voice, "Is giving you great-grandchildren and making Rossweisse happy all you want?"
Gondul was unfazed by the God of Thunder's tone, "Not in the slightest. I expect you BOTH to show commitment to one another. Just as my daughter's husband does. If you are Odin's son reincarnated you are just as I knew you all those centuries ago. Loyal to those you love even if that relationship ended."
"Ended?" Repeated Thor, confused and concerned about the former Valkyrie's words.
"Oh yes. Sif was going to be your wife but before her, there was Jarnsaxa, a female Jotun with a kind heart who loved battle. Unfortunately, the love she felt for you diminished and she broke it off. I wonder what has become of her?"
"You are worried our love will diminish?" Said Thor incredulously, "Lady Gondul, my love for Rossweisse is brighter than Alfheim's light."
Rossweisse felt as if one of Thor's thunderbolts struck her dead. He loved her…he said he loved her! But…was it love out of friendship or more? Did he love her as more than just a friend? Was her grandma putting too much faith in a relationship that may never be?
"That remains to be seen." Said Gondul sternly, "You say it is as bright as Alfheim? Then you'll need to prove it. Actions speak louder than words."
Thor looked between Rose and Gondul, Rossweisse was looking more and more embarrassed at where the conversation was going. Once more he realized too late he was making Rossweisse uncomfortable. Cursing himself for his actions he switched tactics saying, "But enough about us. I'd like to know more about this school you work at."
The God of Thunder's changing of topics eased Rossweisse's discomfort and gave Thor more insight into Gondul; the elder Valkyire had been a former bodyguard to Odin in her youth and served him for centuries before retiring to raise Rossweisse and live a simple life as a teacher in Norway. The schools she works at sounded like a fun adventure when not busy uniting the realms which Gondul declared as a noble goal to achieve but to be wary of those who decline his offer, like the Hindu and Vampire Faction. When the topic moved to the Khaos Brigade, Gondul's full attention was on Thor, she listened to every detail of what he learned about them and their attacks upon Olympus and the Peace Summit at Kuoh.
"So that was their aim." She said when Thor finished, "Heros, Devils, monsters, Gods, and whoever else is among this group do not seem united. The old Satan's wish to kill the current ones and take over the Underworld while Eris and Ares only want to see chaos and war thrive everywhere. As for those heroes, Herakles and this Alchemist, seem to have an agenda of their own."
"Or following the commands of someone above them." Input Rossweisse, "The Alchemist was crying for a master, a lord, to save him while he died. Whoever is leading this Hero Faction must be powerful."
"And arrogant since his subordinates call him such titles." Added Thor.
"And should you face him or any of the other leaders of their factions, take heart not to over-exert yourself. Be cautious, save your energy, and form a plan to defeat them." Said Gondul, "Now, Rose, this Alchemist you fought. Tell me about him and what you did to defeat him?"
The embarrassment faded when moving on to other topics, like her battle against the Alchemist which she explained in great detail. Although the Alchemist caused his own death by the usage of the old Satan's blood to boost his power, which was a concern all on its own, Rossweisse's tenacity to win and protect the Gods of Olympus increased Thor's admiration of the Valkyrie. After discussing more of the Khaos Brigade the former Valkyrie asked to go sightseeing around Asgard with the pair, the sight of Thor, Rossweisse, and her grandmother was something nobody in the home of the Aesir expected to see.
"I'm sorry." Thor whispered to Rossweisse while Gondul was window shopping, his face filled with shame and awkwardness, "I should have realized sooner those topics were too sensitive."
"What's done is done. Grandma is persistent in seeing me married and have children. This is not the first time she's talked to me about it. Her desire is understandable but relationships are not like novels or movies. You can't just meet someone, fall in love with them, and expect them to love you back? You gotta know what they like if they like some things you like, and if you are compatible together. Plus relationships should never be rushed for that can lead to consequences and I for one do not want to be in a rushed relationship."
"Only those eager for love and sex have rushed relationships."
Rossweisse's cheeks puffed up, "I AM eager to be in a relationship but not stupid enough to rush into one."
"Of course not. You are smarter than that, smarter than Issei. At least you're not stupid enough to have a harem. Sharing your love with multiple wives or husbands is so troublesome. Especially when said wives or husbands fight amongst themselves to be the center of attention."
"Unless the one who wants a harem communicates with their lovers to spend a day with each one of them."
One red eyebrow rose, "It sounds like YOU want a harem?"
"Absolutely not! I would NEVER want a harem. My love is to one man."
"As it should. Just like your mother and father." Rossweisse froze, she had spoken loud enough for her grandmother to hear, "Harems are too much trouble and drama. I heard this generation's Red Dragon Emperor wants one."
"A stupid goal if you ask me. I'm just glad I told him to never go after Rose, or Sigrun, or my mother."
"Your mother? My word if Odin heard the Red Dragon Emperor say that I'm sure he'd have unleashed all of Asgard on him. Perverted as the Allfather is his love and loyalty to Lady Freya is as strong as a shield wall."
As strong as a shield wall…I should use that in flyting. Thought Thor before saying aloud, "I swear as Odin's son and Asgard's prince not one woman in the Norse Faction shall have Issei touching them."
"Unless they wish to be touched." Retorted Gondul with a sly smile.
"Grandma!"
Later
"So Rating Games allow one to gain honor and nobody dies?" Henrietta asked, since hearing about Rating Games, the blond Einherjar had been asking more and more about them. Growing more and more intrigued by Devil sports.
"Not anymore." Replied Rias, her red hair swaying with the shake of her head, "During the reign of the Old Satan's many young Devils died in Rating Games to entertain the four Satan houses and their supporters. It…was a dark time from what I've read. Luckily, Lord Beelzebub has changed them to be entertaining for all ages. Someday, I too hope to become a Rating Game champion like The Emperor, Diehauser Belial."
"That is quite a noble goal, Miss. Gremory."
"Just, Rias." The redhead chuckled happily, "I hear you too are a champion, Miss Berg."
"Valhalla's champion!" The P.E. teacher said proudly, "As a champion myself I fully support your goal to be one."
Across the courtyard from the King and Einherjar the two Angels were talking with their Fallen counterparts and Dwarf who was examining the black and white wings.
"Amazing. Truly amazing. The wings of Angels truly are fascinating to look upon." Havarti said, brushing a finger against Akeno's erecting a slight moan from her which sent a shiver down the orange-haired boy's spine, "So they are sensitive?"
"Yup. Please don't do that to me." Irina said.
Hearing Itina the Dwarf turned his attention to her, "Reincarnated Angels, and hybrid Fallen Angels. How much cooler can Angels become?"
"Ufufu. You sure love Angels. Do you have plans to have a harem of Angels?"
"A-Akemo!?"
"A harem huh…"
"Not you too, Xenovia! Such sinful thoughts will make you fall!"
"A harem of Angels ain't my thing. I only have eyes on one." The Dwarf laughed before giving a quick wink at Akeno who blushed. Gods he could stare at her forever.
"So why are you interested in us?" Azrael asked.
"Aside from talking too much. Learning anything and everything has been a bad habit since I was a child. Hybrids of any sort are always amazing. A shame Vali is not an ally; a human Devil hybrid who is a descendant of Lucifer AND the host of the White Dragon Emperor is just so amazing to learn!"
Azrael rolled his eyes, "If he ever returns to Grigori will be the day Issei gets his harem."
Irina shivered, "I can't believe he became so lecherous! He even has an attack to strip clothes off women. He was a Devil long before becoming one!"
"You knew him before any of us, didn't you, Irina? What was he like as a kid?" Akeno asked, she knew stuff about the silly pervert from his mom but what dirt did the Angel have on him?
At the Bifrost
The sun was down and a warm breeze was in the air, but the red on Rossweisse's cheeks was not from the summer heat. The day had come to an end and Gondul was finally returning to Midgard but not without some final words.
"It was a pleasure to finally meet you, Odinson. Our talks today have shown me you are just as noble as you were centuries ago. A perfect match for my Rose. The next time I see you I expect to see Mjolnir in your hand and a ring on my granddaughter's finger."
Once more Rossweisse wanted to bang her head against the nearest wall, which was the Bifrost, at her grandmother's words, the next time they would see each other would be her birthday and she most definitely would not have a ring on her finger by then. Rossweisse would not rush into a relationship no matter how badly Gondul wished to see her granddaughter married, she wanted to be with a man but would take her time to get one. Her mind drifted to the brief discussion Thor and Gondul had about her twentieth birthday. The last time she celebrated her birthday was…when… before, during, or after Valhalla, and who will even be there? Her parents are too busy to attend while her grandma and Sigrun are always there for me but this time Thor will be there along with his friends -no- they are her friends too, it sounded like the crowd for this year's birthday would be bigger than usual.
The young adults said goodbye to the former Valkyrie and walked back to the city. Not a cloud was seen in the sky giving them a full view of the now-appearing stars, Asgard always had beautiful nights, especially when an aurora occurred. The last time Thor saw an aurora was Rossweisse looking down upon him, her eyes and hair mixing with the northern lights was so captivating to the God of Thunder.
"I have many questions about you Rossweisse." Said Thor, he wasn't angry but curious, "Were you going to tell me about those things or not? Nobody has ever addressed your surname except your grandmother. Do you not like the surname Midnight
Why don't you use your surname? I think Midnight-Sunborn is a fitting name for a summer girl." Rossweisse blushed and Thor continued, "I wanted to get to know you more but never had time because I was so focused on training to stop the Khaos Brigade. To protect you."
To protect me…
"But I guess your grandma did all the talking. Still, I'm grateful I've learned more about you and I would very much like to meet your parents they sound like great warriors. And your surname, Midnight-Sunborn, I like it."
"You really do like me don't you?"
"Of course I do."
A silence fell between the God and the demi-goddess, a light wind rustling their hair. They stepped closer to one another, eyes locking on the other. Rossweisse drew even closer, her forehead touching Thor's.
"Is what you said to Grandma true?" Whispered Rossweisse.
"That my love for you is brighter than Alfheim's light?" Thor replied in an equally hushed tone, "Ever word of it. I truly do love you."
"As a friend or more?"
There was a slight hesitation in Thor and before he could answer the gate suddenly opened to reveal his friends, along with his father who had a serious look on his face, a rare expression to see on the perverted king.
"I'd hate to break up such a romantic scene but we have trouble. My meeting with the Archangel was interrupted by a distress call requesting you, Miss Gremory, and your teams." The Allfather said, leading the high schoolers to the Bifrost, "You'll be going to Sweden."
"Sweden? What is happening in Norway?" Henrietta asked, neither she nor the others were told where they were going until now.
"I don't know. All I know is that you'll be visiting an old friend in the greatest forest in the north."
"What do you mean?"
But Odin said nothing more, merely watching them file into the Bifrost until turning around and returning back to the city when Gasper stepped inside. Now Thor was really confused, what was happening in Sweden to request the help of Thor and all his friends? It obviously was a serious problem to send them all but what exactly it was he would find out. The Bifrost activated and the company of Devils, Norwegians, and Angels was flying through the Bifrost for a minute before feeling their feet touch solid ground and find themselves standing in front of a large forest. Who or whatever was inside this forest must be where the problem was and Thor Odinson would fix it.
Striding forward with the graze of a prince he, Rossweisse, Rias, and Akeno led their friends into the forest. The light of the sun peeked through branches while birds sang in their nests or flew between trees. Exchanging looks with the women they nodded, so they felt it too…they were being watched but by what?
"This place is beautiful!" Exclaimed Asia, taking everything her eyes could see.
"And dangerous…" Said Koneko, her ears twitching at the noises she could hear deeper in the forest, her training with Vandill and Freya helped the little Rook increase her sensing abilities but she couldn't sense what exactly was watching them. Even Vandill, the best hunter among them, was having difficulty.
Suddenly there came the snapping of twigs and rustling branches, but not among them, around them. Within seconds the company found themselves surrounded by a hundred archers, their bows drawn to let loose the arrows knocked on them, behind the archers could be seen the silhouette of more arches. Thor cursed under his breath, these people had been watching them and now had them at their mercy.
"Who are they?" Asia asked Issei who was looking at the warriors, some he noticed were women, very beautiful women who he couldn't stop staring at. As he gazed upon one's face he took notice of their ears, they weren't circular but pointy. The more he looked about the more he realized all the warriors, male and female, had the same pointy ears and beauty.
Pointy ears, attractive like Kiba… wait a minute…I've seen them in that movie trilogy about a magic ring! His answer was cried aloud for all to hear, "Elves! They are Elves!"
"Yes, Issei, they are Elves." Said Vandill, edging closer to the Pawn and Bishop, "And we walked into their territory unannounced."
"Asgardians!" An archer shouted, his bow pointed at Rias, "Why have you come to the Boreal Kingdom unannounced with Christian filth!? Have their lies and deception filled your minds!? Have you come to try and convert us to join them!?"
Thor glanced at Sigrun, she and Rias were the best diplomats of them all and since Sigrun was a Valkyrie she may have more sway here than Rias. It was her time to shine and she knew it.
"Guardians of Boreal, it is words we bring, not steel! We come to give aid."
"Aid?" The same archers asked, "What aid?"
"The Allfather was notified of a call for aid. He said, "We would meet an old friend in the greatest forest in the north." We assume he meant your king sent a message to us."
The Elves were now visibly confused by this information. When did the king send a call for aid and why in such an unusual way? The king would never pull a joke so what was going on?
"Thingon, stand down! All of you!"
Issei saw a glint of gold and green that soon made itself known when stepping forward; it was a girl, a very pretty one at that with long green hair and violet eyes full of cool confidence but alert for any movement. The gold was of her chainmail armor worn beneath what looked to be a brown one-piece short-sleeve with no front protecting save for two buckles connecting it, brown boots and gloves, and silver shin guards. In her right hand was a beautifully crafted but just as deadly glaive.
"Woah!" Gasped Issei, the perverted Pawn couldn't stop staring at the newcomer, his action causing more arrows to be aimed at him.
Thor stepped forward, he knew that voice and that face but still was surprised to see the armor she wore. Now he knew what his father meant by seeing an old friend and it made him smile, "Hello Ylva, it's been a while."
The Elf smiled back, "It has indeed, Lord Odinson."
Here, at last, we come to the Boreal Kingdom and the return of Ylva! I have been waiting a long time to write this mini-arc before the young devil gathering and now have reached it. Gondul is very determined to see her granddaughter married but how much longer can she wait? How will our heroic God of Thunder and his silver-haired maiden push their relationship forward? And who else will have a harem aside Issei!?
Those questions will be answered….someday!
For now, the Boreal Kingdom arc begins!