Welcome back everyone! Last time drama happened within the club room and failed negotiations. Can Thor still allie with the others?
c26Terror: interesting idea but thor dosent need a bodyguard.
Shooter: thanks, that scene with Henrietta was something I've been waiting to write. As for thir telling the truth, I don't think he would be willing to share with them yet. He did so with Asgard because he is a God and learned about them.
Vulcan: that depends on how long or short i want it to be.
Alpha Mallus: it was neither. Yeah changing things make stories fun.
merendinoemiliano: that will be shown this chapter
c26Guest-Questioner: Yes bad Xenovia
Sovereign: Micheal sure will. Unless he too wasn't aware of this project?
Lorenzo Macchiavelli: Nero and Commodus had to come back from Thor's past and I will be honest, it felt stupid for the Church to send only two Exorcists, four is a better. It is good Thor hasn't see Dress Break...yet.
Saturday mornings were usually the same for Akeno Himejima.; wake up, shower, meditate, eat breakfast, and, if Rias didn't need her, go out shopping to replenish her refrigerator or find something cute to wear. Today, however, was different for the Queen, all night she lay awake thinking about what happened yesterday; on one hand, the theft of the Holy Swords by Kokabiel to restart the war troubled her, on the other hand, the Thunderbolt Project intrigued her. How could it not, another plan by the Church but more mysterious due to its connection to the God of Thunder was something her master wanted to solve. Rias' brother must know about this since it was mentioned he was in Asgard so she would likely ask him if Odin's son didn't. The shock of seeing the God of Thunder in the flesh still lingered in her mind since it was rumored Thor never left Asgard or at least never left Scandinavia. Nobody knew what he looked like, which also surprised her to see one of the Top Ten was two years older than her, could he be using magic to make himself look younger, or was he hit by a spell that de-aged him if such spells were possible.
Despite the sleepless night and questions, the third-year student still chose to go out shopping for a cute outfit which she found in the form of a sky blue long sleeve and white pants to match it. Since it was so packed in the shopping center she couldn't use magic meaning she had to walk home, not that she minded, living a human life, a normal life, or as normal as it could be when they weren't exterminating Stray Devils or visiting clients, was what Rias wanted for herself and her Peerage and they got that when she moved to Japan and enrolled them into Kuoh. She had left the shopping district and was halfway home with the desire to show off her new outfit to Rias, or tease Issei when she saw the red-haired warrior of Asgard round the corner humming a tune with a pot filled with flowers. What were those flowers for? Did he buy them for himself? As he strolled by without noticing her, the thought of following came to mind, but what happened yesterday was still fresh in her mind and she had clothes to take home.
And yet…she couldn't turn away from him, plus she was curious as to what he was planning with those flowers. Making her decision the Priestess followed the Asgardian to wherever he was going. Thirty minutes of tailing led her to the Old School Building, she watched him knock three times on the door waiting for a response, which came in the form of Rias letting him enter. The door was opened and Thor went in, Akeno caught the sight of Rias glancing up from her papers and being surprised to see Thor.
"Lord Thor." The redhead said before the door was closed, eager to hear more, the black-haired beauty pressed her ear against the door.
"Lady Gremory, I hope I'm not intruding."
"Not at all. Just sorting out paperwork. What can I do for you? I thought you were searching for Kokabiel and who are those flowers for?"
"I have come to speak about coexistence and I hope you and your Peerage will accept this as an apology for yesterday. The presence of my friends, who are continuing the search today, seemed to upset your servants."
"Ah. That's very kind of you. I'm sure they will accept it, they are very beautiful. I already had a long talk about Azrael with my Peerage. It's hard to imagine the leader of the Fallen Angel's having a son."
"No kidding. I was even surprised by that revelation. But be that as it may, Azrael is a nice man and an ally you can trust."
"I don't doubt that considering he gave such a rousing speech. Even mentioning something about saving my nephew in Jotunheim?"
"The Rescue of Millicas or The Hunt through Jotunheim, it's quite a tale to hear. I hope your Peerage will come to trust him, especially since he's a hybrid."
He's a hybrid!? Akeno inhaled sharply, hoping she wasn't heard while Rias said it aloud.
"Yes. I thought his blue eyes were a dead giveaway for not being a pureblood Fallen. Anyway, I do hope you accept my offer for coexistence, your brother did and fully supports it after rescuing his son."
"If my brother has agreed, I guess I could support it IF you share with me that rescue and your affiliation to the Church. Don't you agree… Akeno?"
Akeno rarely swore but this was a special occasion due to being caught snooping on her master and guest. The reveal about Azrael led her to lean closer to the door and open it slightly to hear the better which in turn led to being discovered at last. Seeing she failed in her stealth she opened the door and walked in with her usual smile.
"Oh my, I seem to have been caught in the act." She chuckled.
"How long have you been there Akeno?" Rias half asked half demanded.
"Since spotting Lord Thor in the town with those flowers." she answered, "I wanted to see what he was planning with those flowers. I'm sorry for my behavior yesterday."
"It's alright. I understand your distrust for Fallen Angels, especially since a group came here causing trouble instead of following Azazel's orders."
"Indeed." Akeno muttered before changing the subject, "You know, Lord Thor, I always heard about Asgard but don't know anything about it. What's it like there? Are the Valkyrie as strong as they say they are?"
Thor smiled, "Well, I wouldn't say strong, but fast? Ah, that's something else. The Valkyrie Corps armor allows them to be fast and agile, meaning they're always the first to defend Asgard if it is attacked. As for Asgard itself...it's a wonderful place. I think you would very much like it there if its people didn't hold grudges against Devils."
"What do you mean?" The Queen asked, tilting her head slightly.
"You know of Surtr?"
"Not much but I know Surtr Second is Lucifer's Rook rumored to be a clone of the real Surtr created by Asgard and then abandoned after losing control of him."
One red eyebrow rose at that, "That rumor is wrong. Asgard would never make a clone of its supposed destroyer. Sirzechs said he found Surtr wandering dazed and confused."
"Interesting." Muttered Rias intriguingly, "What about Jotunheim and this rescue?"
So the tale of Sirzechs family attending the festival and the rescue was shared with the two women, both listening intently to every word that came from Thor's mouth. The rescuing of her nephew had Rias' face wrapped with fascination and concern until relaxing at the news of Millicas being saved and unharmed. It was finished with a description of The Land of the Giants and questioning who and why this kidnapping was done.
"So that's why my brother sent you. You saved Millicas and are leading this project for coexistence. I hope this has painted us in a new light for Asgard."
"That's right. Azazel was the first to join this alliance for peace and I don't need to repeat the fiasco his subordinates have been doing."
"I did hear a rumor about the Fallen Angels number dropping rapidly. I wondered what the Governor-General was doing to cause his Angels to break away and how he was dealing with it." Akeno said behind the Aesir.
"It was Asgard who destroyed the traitors." Retorted Thor. I just hope if Angels fall from Heaven they won't go rogue."
"Speaking of Heaven, how do the Exorcists know you?" Rias said, eager to know more about this connection between the God of Thunder and Exorcists, "Did Odin make a deal with the Church?"
The sound of approaching footsteps cut Thor off from answering, which he was thankful for. Technically the Son of Odin hadn't revealed his affiliation as a weapon for the Church to Asgard, only saying he had a grudge with them. His family and friends knew the truth but these Devils weren't his friends… yet …but once so he would tell them.
The new arrivals entered revealing to Thor Asia and Issei causing blue eyes to narrow at the sight of the Red Dragon Emperor. His perverted words about Henrietta's chest made his blood simmer, his father he could endure for a time but Issei… if he was as bad or worse than Odin…if he speaks like that to his mother or Rossweisse he may lose it and snap his neck. An idea he did not want to do, especially in front of the boy's master and friends.
"Hello, master, Lord Thor."
Thor smiled, Asia, on the other hand, was polite and kind, just as Nuns were raised to be. Her file said she had a Sacred Gear named Twilight Healing, its power able to heal any or anything, including dragons and Gods. The Church was foolish for exiling Asia and other Nuns and Monks, for sinful acts like healing a Devil or questioning the Church's actions. Then there was the Holy Sword and Thunderbolt Projects, the way they treated him was bad but what about Kiba? He was the lone survivor of that Holy Sword Project, which has something to do with those weapons, but why was Kiba part of it and how did he survive it?
"Hello, you two. I'm surprised you are here before Kiba."
"Kiba isn't here? Where is he?"
The question from the Pawn caused Rias' smile to be replaced by a frown as she withdrew a phone from her pocket to dial Kiba's number, a minute of silence was broken by the red head's sigh of relief followed by a short conversation with her Knight.
"It seems that Kiba was given a client at the last minute this morning and forgot to notify me. At least he isn't looking to destroy the Excalibur fragments. He could get himself killed looking for those Holy Swords."
"What is this Holy Sword Project?" Thor asked, wanting to know more about Kiba.
"What is this Thunderbolt Project?" Rias replied, wanting to know more about Thor.
Thor frowned at the stalemate; he wouldn't know about Kiba until she knew about him and Thor wasn't ready to reveal his dark past after just meeting her. His eyes glancing around the room, the Queen, Bishop, and Pawn looking between the redheads wondering if the Son of Odin will answer Rias. Suddenly a question popped into his mind before voicing it.
"Where is your Rook?"
Rias stowed her annoyance at having her question ignored, "Koneko is attending a client as well which reminds me…" she added, turning her eyes to her Queen, remembering an idea she had this morning, "Akeno knows someone who can help you."
"Didn't the Exorcist tell you and I to stay out of this problem?"
"They did. However this is still my territory and I will not allow it to come to harm. You also saved my cousin. How can I not offer Millicas' rescuer by offering you indirect help. Akeno, please escort him to your number one client."
Out in the streets
"I'm glad we have a disguise. Unlike them." Azrael muttered to Henrietta.
The first night looking for Kokabiel failed with no sign of the Fallen Angel. Today was the second attempt to look for him and in the search, the hybrid saw the Exorcists across the street begging for money adding in some unnecessary words like "pagans'' and" the grace of God" which only gained them glares, confused looks, or laughter. If they weren't so stubborn about doing this task without help their retrieval of the swords could be done and they themselves could also find Kokabiel, two birds with one stone could have been solved that way.
He caught sight of golden eyes beneath the hood glaring at himself but more towards Henrietta. The embarrassing scolding by the Einherjar still lingered in the Holy Sword wielder's mind and he was certain she wanted to confront her. He felt Henrietta nudge his shoulder indicating for them to move on.
"We blend in better than them, that's for sure. Wandering in cloaks and crosses, and spouting about their God is giving these people an uncomfortable feeling." The blonde answered, "I hope Thor is doing better than we are. If Rias can help will have a better chance to find the Cadre."
"And when we do, my father's agent deals with him. What I don't understand…is why he's out here."
Henrietta followed his gaze and blue eyes widened, standing some feet away within the crowd glaring at the Exorcists, glaring at Xenovia and Irina, was Rias' Knight, Yuuto Kiba. What was he doing out here? Shouldn't he be with his master? Sharing a look with Azrael the pair silently made their way towards the blonde and were six feet away from him and still he didn't notice until the hybrid called his name startling the handsome blonde.
"Oh…H-hello." Gray eyes blinked as he looked between the Einherjar and Fallen Angel, "You are Azrael and Henrietta, the God of Thunder's comrades."
"I'm glad you remember our names." The tall blonde woman answered before her smile formed into a frown, "I remember you saying yesterday you wanted to destroy the Excalibur's. I hope you're not planning to charge them in broad daylight; it would make you look like a crazy person." She added in a whisper.
"I know that…" Kiba said averting his gaze away from her, the handsome blonde knew Rias would eventually figure out he lied seeing a client but he just couldn't sit by while the weapons that took everything from him were within his grasp, "You don't understand what those did to me."
"Try me." The busty blonde answered.
"Why don't we discuss it more privately," Azrael suggested, noticing a few humans giving them funny looks at what they were overhearing.
An hour later they were in a burger joint on the edge of town where prying eyes wouldn't see them, Kiba sat opposite the pair slowly sipping his soda. The young Knight had laid awake all night, his mind burning with rage at Rias for denying him the chance of revenge. He had waited so long and now the Excaliburs were in Kuoh for him to destroy but he had to wait till nightfall to strike and endure the visitors of Asgard.
"Yesterday that Exorcist Commodus said you are the survivor of the Holy Sword Project. If I may ask what exactly is or was it?" Henrietta asked gently, teaching and scolding students wasn't her only skill in Valhalla but giving troubled students council and despite being from another school Kiba was a student. The cleaning of Azrael's throat loudly caught her attention.
"The Excalibur is one of the two Holy Swords wielded by The Legendary King Arthur Pendragon of Camelot, his other sword was Caliburn. It is a holy weapon created through means of magic and alchemy by those who reached the territory of God. At some point, during the Great War, the original Excalibur was broken, and the pieces were made into seven different swords with the name "Excalibur" in them and two of the blades were each stored by the Catholic Church, Protestant Church of England, and the Eastern Orthodox Church, with one going missing over years after its creation."
"And how does this connect Kiba to them?"
"Because I was a test subject." The blonde answered his hair hiding his eyes, "And I wasn't the only one. The project was a way to see if we, orphans taken in by the Church, could wield their Holy Swords but it didn't work so… we were all terminated! They killed them, my friends, all of them! I was the only one who survived because they sacrificed their lives so I can live! We were treated like rats who outlived their usefulness! Killed by toxic gas! My friends died because we were lied to! Lied that we were doing this in the name of God! We were told this was a test by God! That He would reward us if we succeeded and we were rewarded with our lives!"
A long silence fell within the restaurant, and Azrael looked at Kiba with sympathy. His father told him about Excalibur but nothing about this project and it made him sick. Before he could give a comforting pat the sound of shattered glass was heard beside him. Slowly he turned his head to see Henrietta's hand clenched in a fist, glass on the table with blood and soda flowing from her hand with eyes burning in rage. He made a mental note to never make this warrior angry.
"Those bastards." She growled, the vulgar language sounding strange coming from her, "The Church has no sympathy. Using children for secret projects to gain an edge over their enemy makes me wonder if they're worth being allies with. It was bad enough with Odin's son and now you."
Kiba looked away but felt curiosity stir within him at the mention of the God of Thunder. He recalled hearing Thor being called Church property and the mention of an institution, could it be that institution or a different one? Just what exactly was Project Thunderbolt and how did it connect to Asgard? The more he thought about the Aesir the more his curiosity overwhelmed the anger. Slowly he looked at Henrietta and felt his mouth open to ask a question he couldn't stop himself from doing.
"What is the Thunderbolt Project? How does it connect to a God?"
Henrietta and Azrael exchanged looks with one another talking with their eyes about what they should do about this question. On one hand, it would gain Kiba's trust, on the other hand, however, it may break Thor's trust by revealing this secret to an outsider. Then again they came here to make allies, even friends, to the Devils and they learned about the Holy Sword Project. Nodding to Azazel's son the oldest teacher returned her gaze to Kiba, studied him for a moment then spoke.
"This is what Lord Thor told us about the Thunderbolt Project."
In the suburbs
If Thor Odinson was a Devil this would have made seeing the client go much quicker, unfortunately, he wasn't meaning they had to walk like poor Issei does with his clients but the young God wasn't bothered and allowed him to speak with the Queen.
"I read about your file and saw you also have a title with thunder in it. I guess your affinity to thunder is greater than the rest?"
The smile the black-haired beauty wore widened, this was a topic she was excited to share. "That's right and to be honest I feel honored to be in the presence of you, Lord of Thunder. It is said your God-class thunder and lighting are strong enough to obliterate a small country."
"Hmm." Thor nodded unsure how to reply to that, his strength wasn't at that level but someday will be.
"If you don't mind me asking, how did you meet Rias?"
"She saved me." She answered, her smile shrinking a bit, "She saved all of us. Me, Koneko, Kiba, all of us. Poor Kiba… I hope he hasn't gotten himself killed seeking revenge."
"What exciting did the Church-you know what never mind. You won't answer unless you know about my connection to the Church."
"I could do that but I'm not like Rias. I can answer or rather I can suggest you ask Kiba if you come across him searching for the Fallen Angel. It's not my place to tell you about his dark past just as it isn't anyone else's place to share your past. Unless you are ok with it."
Akeno was right, it was best to ask Kiba if he could find him.
"You know," The reincarnated Devil said, her smile upbeat once more, "The God of Thunder and Priestess of Thunder sounds like a lovely title for a couple."
Thor turned away to hide the blush on his face. He had thought of him and Akeno as a team, not lovers. Not lovers. He just met her and he would not stoop to his oldest brother's level to have a harem.
"Here we are." She suddenly said, leading him to an apartment, up a flight of stairs onto the third floor to a door she knocked on with the grace she was taught by the Gremory family. A second later the door was opened and Thor felt his breath leave his lips.
"Akeno!? Oh, how lovely to see you! Come in please come in!"
Behind her Thor followed, keeping his eyes on the little man. What and why was a Dwarf doing in Kuoh? Was he a human with dwarfism or part of the Supernatural World? He was a young Dwarf too, his youthful face saying he was two years younger than Akeno with a full head of orange hair, his chin having none yet, and green eyes filled with excitement to see her. How was this Dwarf going to help him find Kokabiel?
"I wasn't expecting you to come today! Let alone walk even! I thought you'd have teleport here and…and…" he paused in his rambling, finally taking notice of Thor, "Who is he, a relative to your master Rias?"
Thor felt a muscle twitch at the question of being related to Rias while Akeno laughed, a laugh he noticed sent a tingle up the Dwarf's back. Rias said this was Akeno's number one client and hopefully he would learn why soon.
"This is Thor Odinson." Akeno corrected, watching with amusement the Dwarf froze in stunned surprise, looking Thor up and down a long moment before straightening up.
"The God of Thunder…" He murmured then bowed low, "Havarti Birgerson, at your service Odinson. You can call me Havi for short."
"Thor Odinson, at your and your families." The God of Thunder said, repeating the bow Havarti did, "I was not expecting Akeno's client to be a Dwarf. Are you from Nidavellir or Midgard?"
"Midgard. In the city Odense of Denmark. Or should I say beneath the city since we love the dark? I moved here three years ago with some friends before they moved on to other parts of the world. I stayed here because it's a cozy little country and I wished to learn more about the Devil society. I was lucky enough to get that opportunity when I was given a flyer that led me to summon Akeno and become her client. Oh, she is such a wonderful woman! She makes the best tea and-"
"Havarti, sweetie, you're rambling again," Akeno said, smiling sweetly.
"S-sorry." The Dwarf muttered, "Anyway what can I do for you?"
"Akeno says you can help me." Said Thor before explaining the situation of the Holy Swords being stolen by Kokabiel, the Exorcists coming to get them back, and finishing with Akeno leading him here. All the while Havarti listened, nodding once in a while, his expressions shifting between shock, disbelief, and anger.
"So that's the problem huh? You need my help finding a madman to prevent him from starting a war."
"Yes. If you can help I would be in your greatest debt."
"My debt eh?" The Dwarf said, stroking a nonexistent beard on his chin. Havarti hummed for a few minutes before saying, "Very well I'll help but I expected a favor in return for this."
"Done." Said Thor before turning to Akeno, "Thank you for doing this. I hope when this fiasco is over we can meet again for tea."
Akeno smiled with gladness to see Thor found a new ally to aid him, her gaze shifted to Havarti whom she noticed was looking at her. Like Thor, she too was surprised her client was a Dwarf when first meeting him, not expecting to have another being of the supernatural world be one. Since the initial shock and introduction, the pair formed a strong bond, and over the meet-ups, Havarti never asked for anything lewd nor seek advice for relationships, rather the blonde youth asked how to cook and brew tea, tasks she herself enjoyed doing for herself and the Peerage, as well as learning about Devil society. On days they weren't cooking he asked for more simple things such as watching movies, playing games, and studying about the Devil society and Japanese culture both leaving Havarti fascinated by the new knowledge. Each time she giggled, throwing in a few flirty words here and there but rather than becoming flustered like that silly perverted Pawn, the Dwarf would flirt right back leading to a flirting match ending in the pair laughing.
"Good luck with your search, Lord Thor."
"Just call me Thor when not among the nobles. Titles make my skin crawl." Thor said with a tiny smile and gave her a card with a number and address on it.
"Oh my, first name basis and exchange numbers the day after our first meeting. How daring." Akeno giggled.
"It's to contact Henrietta and where our base is set up. Tell Miss Gremory thank you for this."
Akeno bid farewell and teleported back to the old school building leaving the Aesir and Dwarf alone.
"So, how exactly can you help me locate Kokabiel?"
"I will explain once we find your friends."
Thor pulled from his pocket a phone supplied to him by Azazel and scrolled through the contact list. Sure he could have used the communication spell, the easiest he learned, but he didn't know if Henrietta knew it or how to contact people outside the Norse Faction. He also remembered they needed to be incognito for the mission so they had to act as humanly as possible to blend in and not arouse suspicion like the Exorcists were doing. Finding Azrael at the top of the list he called and waited for him to answer, once done he told him to meet at the hotel saying he found an ally that will help them. With that Thor led the way out of the apartment back to the hotel all the while Havarti bombarded him with questions.
"This is incredible. I can't believe I'm working with the God of Thunder and you know Akeno! My family will gain great honor from this and be proud of aiding you!"
"I just met her yesterday and she wasn't very friendly after meeting Azrael. I know Devils hate Fallen Angels but by the pounding on her face that hate runs deep, very deep."
"Oh…" The blonde's shoulders slumped, he didn't know that about the girl. He shouldn't ask but he wanted to know why Akeno hates Fallen Angels so much and if possible help her, "Well what can you tell me about the Nine Realms?"
"They are beautiful. Each one is unique in its own way." Thor answered despite never visiting Alfheim, Vanaheim, Niflheim, and Helheim yet but someday would. The last two, however, he wasn't sure about one was a land of ice and Helheim, the neighboring realm connected to Niflheim ruled by the Goddess of Death and daughter of Loki, Hela Lokisdottir. Feeling a shiver run up his sin at thinking about that frozen land forced Thor to change the subject, "Why exactly did you want to know about Devils?"
"I always wished to learn about societies outside the Norse Faction. Since Christianity and Hinduism are the top regions I wanted to start with learning those first. Meeting Akeno was the chance to learn about Devils."
"And what do you think?"
The smile faded slightly, "It's disgusting. They still rule through a hierarchy with two Factions in the Underworld, the Bael supporters, those who look down on reincarnated and want things to say the same, clashing against the New Satan supporters who care for them and wish for change. If you ask me I'd rather be an Einherjar, not a Devil."
"Even though you are friends with one?"
"Yes! Akeno is my friend. She always will be. Even if she's a Devil."
Thor smiled, "You sound like someone who supports coexistence between the Mythologies."
"I don't know about that. All I know is I am friends with Akeno."
Eventually, they reached the hotel, the sun reaching the afternoon, and ten minutes later Azrael and Henrietta arrived and they weren't alone, Thor Odinson was surprised to see Yuuto Kiba with his friends.
"What are you doing here?" The God of Thunder questioned, remembering Rias suggesting he went off to search for the Excaliburs.
"We ran into him during the search, funny enough." Henrietta said leaning closer to whisper into his ear, "When you have time, Kiba wants to talk to you alone."
One red eyebrow was raised as he followed the Einherjar into the hotel with Azrael and Havarti. He glanced at the boy and noticed his gaze kept looking away as if he had been caught doing something bad. Thor wasn't stupid, he knew the boy wanted to destroy the Holy Swords and was only using this alliance as a means to get to them but this at least gave him another ally. Once introductions were out of the way they all focused their attention on the Dwarf wondering how the little teenager will help them.
"Lord Thor says we need to find Kokabiel and the only way we can do so is by a spell I know. Unfortunately, the spell requires an identical item to it. You mentioned something about stolen Holy Swords right? If you have a sword like this it will be needed."
Thor exchanged looks with his friends, "we don't but I know people who do."
On the outskirts of the forest
"That's… that's horrible!" Irina whispered, eyes wide, body shaking.
After another failing to gain money for food due to her foolish act of spending all their money on a fake painting of Jesus, Nero led them away from the busy town to a more quiet place to reveal what the Thunderbolt Project was and how he and Commodus learned about it. Using a child as a test subject to find a way of wielding the power of a Pagan God was blasphemy. How had they even gotten the Allfather's son when he is among the top ten? This wasn't just another failed project like the Holy Sword Project, it had the added bonus of including the destruction of the Church's most important facility, one with loads of information now lost forever.
"And because of that, we have lost the power of a God along with many good scientists," Commodus growled.
"The power of a God?" Repeated Xenovia glaring at Commodus, "We don't need a Pagan God's power. We have our God to believe in to give us strength."
"And where are his Angels for advice and aid when I pray!?" Commodus snapped back.
"Perhaps he has abandoned you for taking part in this blasphemous project."
Nero jumped between the two Exorcists before they came to blows. Skilled as they were, Xenovia's hot-headed attitude and Commodus' outbursts weren't going to get the mission done. He told them about the project to make sure they knew how Thor was connected to the Church, not cause infighting. He was chosen to lead this team and he would see them succeed and all come back safely to the Vatican with the swords and, if lucky, Valper in chains.
Irina stayed quiet as she looked between her comrades. Xenovia didn't need to go that far but maybe God did abandon Commodus and Nero especially since they indirectly took part in the project. Still, she couldn't believe how far followers of the Church fell, first Valper and now Erikson, the latter of the two dead. Silently she sent a prayer to God to forgive Commodus and send whatever help they needed.
"So what do we do?" She asked once the tension lifted.
"We go without food and -" Nero stopped and looked to the east, he wasn't certain but it sounded like somebody approaching.
"It's alright! We've come to talk!" Cried a familiar voice that caused Commodus to go rigid. Out of the shadows came Thor, his companions, a Dwarf, and Rias Gremory's Knight.
"I thought we told you to stay out of our business." Spat Commodus.
"That you did." Replied Thor, "However it seems the Fates have led us together to face a common goal albeit for different reasons. You want the swords we want Kokabiel. I still wish to extend the hand of friendship to you, even if it's for this one time. We can show coexistence between us is possible."
"Even after what we did to you and Gremory's Knight?" Irina asked from the side, catching Thor's glance, "Nero told us about you. What the Church did was… was…"
"Unholy?" Irina nodded to Thor's words, "Desperate people make desperate choices in war."
"But to us, the power of a pagan God is the greatest treachery against our Lord! I shall repent for this blasphemous in the name of our Lord and ask for your aid!"
"You can't be serious, Irina!" Spat Xenovia, "they are pagans, one is a Devil and the other a Fallen! Our sworn enemies!"
Irina nodded, "True but we were given express orders to keep Rias Gremory out of the conflict, they didn't mention other parties. I agree with Irina, we will ask for their aid. In fact, now is a good time to do so. If we had allied with the God of Thunder instead right in front of them it would have stirred up quite a mess. We may be four but we know how strong Kokabiel is, we honestly need all the help we can get to destroy the Excaliburs to say nothing of actually beating him."
"Destroy?" Repeated Azrael, "I thought you were going to get them back?"
Xenovia scoffed, "Hardly. We took this mission knowing its a suicide. We have every intention of destroying the weapons including those Xenovia and Irina carry. We would rather see them gone than be used by that villain Kokabiel. Even if we die trying we know it will be done in the Lord's favor."
"But now you don't need to do so. We can find Kokabiel and wait for my father's agent to take care of him, then you can get the swords back and no one needs to die." Azrael said.
Nero hummed as he paced back and forth debating on the decision to make on all he was hearing in the conversation, all were valid points, and the more help they get the faster they can return to the Vatican. There was just one problem…
"The Vatican must not know of this alliance." He said seriously, "We will accept your help so long as we all swear to secrecy on the matter."
They agreed, Xenovia and Commodus hesitating before swearing. With that Havarti stepped forward explaining how they would find Kokabiel and needed to borrow a Holy Sword choosing Excalibur Destruction, Xenovia's Excalibur, to use the spell on. After some reluctance from the blue-haired warrior, the little man was given the weapon and prepared the spell. As they waited Kiba approached the God of Thunder who was sitting by a tree, the redhead presuming correctly now was the time Henrietta mentioned Kiba would speak to him.
"Lord Thor…" Kiba started, "Please forgive me, and your comrades but… they told me everything about you. How you were a test subject to be used as a weapon by the Church. They told me because you and I are alike. We were both taken from our families, we endured great suffering at the hands of the Church to be used as their weapons, and we both were saved and given a new life. But now our pasts have caught up to us just as our paths have crossed. The Holy Swords took away my comrade and I've waited a long time to finally seek revenge. We can work together to stop Kokabiel and destroy the Excalibur's. What do you say?"
Thor said nothing, his blue eyes bore into Kiba's gray making him feel uncomfortable beneath the God's gaze. Did he feel betrayed by his friends for revealing this secret about him? Was that temper he was famous for going to burst forth? Was he going to strike him? Would he take him back to Rias?
"Your right," Thor said at last, "We are similar in that we both were used by the Church for their machinations but there is a big difference between you and me, Yuuto Kiba." Then his eyes hardened and Kiba felt a shudder run through him, "I'm learning to let go of that hate-filled grudge to reach the goal of coexistence and be a better man. You saw how Commodus acted, he had wallowed in grief, and rage, and held a grudge against me ever since I killed Augustus years ago. When I saw him I felt that rage simmer within me but I quelled it. You, on the other hand, are driven by the loss of your friends which I understand is worth seeking vengeance."
A smile of understanding started to form on the Knight's face, "So you'll help me destroy the Excalibur's?"
"No. You're going to help me find Kokabiel then you are going to confront the man who destroyed your life. The swords did nothing to you, Valper did. He destroyed your life, he took your comrade's life, not the swords. Those weapons, those objects are not what you should direct your vengeance towards, it should be towards Valper."
"He's right." Irin added, unable to ignore the conversation the two were having, "Valper is a madman who killed innocent children of God, you included. I'm certain if you hadn't been part of that hideous project you'd have become a great Exorcist." Then she turned her amethyst eyes onto Thor, "Lord of Thunder…I know you say you are willing to let go of this grudge but is that true…or are you saying that to maintain good relations with us?"
Thor's hands unintentionally clenched at her question, yes the Church made his life hell but he was willing to let go of the grudge and not seek revenge, he wasn't like Commodus or Kiba. He wasn't a human or Devil but a God, a higher being with the goal of achieving peace and eventually becoming Asgard's king. He wouldn't let his anger cloud his judgment, those who hurt him were dead, and neither Irina nor Xenovia knew anything about the Thunderbolt Project. Yet even God's hold grudges… Asgard being the prime example with Devils. Sure he gave a rousing speech about letting the grudge go but even after the mission in Jotunheim he caught the subtle glares and whispers by the old generation about the Allfather's choice of letting Devils walk Asgard's streets. Was he like that… was he choosing to endure the Church to ensure peace?
"Holding a grudge won't make peace come faster," Thor said.
"Tch. That's an excuse!"
Thor looked up to see Commodus glaring at him. The Exorcists made the young Gods blood simmer with anger.
"I know people like you. You say you will let bygones be bygones but you will cling to that grudge until the day you die or you an act of satisfying revenge. You got it by destroying the Institution but you want more. You wanna see the Church burn, don't you!? You hate us!"
"Enough Commodus!"
"Hate you…" Said Thor, rising to his feet matching Commodus' glare, "I'm not the one holding onto a grudge over a dead Exorcist."
"That Exorcist was my teammate! We were the Emperor Trio! The greatest Exorcist team and you destroyed it by killing Augustus! If you had just been a good boy and not run he would still be alive and you would have been our greatest weapon!"
It happened so quickly, Thor rushed Commodus striking him hard in the face sending him crashing into a tree causing Havarti's concentration to break and startle the others, Nero grimaced that must have hurt.
"Because you people treated me like a THING!" Thor roared, eyes blazing with fury, "You fuckers used me like a lab rat! You still treat me like one calling me property and must be returned to the Church. Since I can recall all I know about my past is you people put me through intense training and forced education about Christianity to be a follower of your God! To be used as your weapon for your God! I'm not your weapon and I'm not your damn property! I AM a God! I am Thor, God of Thunder, Prince of Asgard, Son of Odin! Odin is MY father not your fucking God of the Bible! In fact, when they told me to pray to him my prayers weren't answered! Have you all prayed and not received an answer!? You have!? Well, that's because your God has abandoned you!"
"You're wrong!" Irina protested, horrified at the God's outburst.
"Am I? What miracle has he performed huh!? Did your precious God approve of the hideous acts you have done!? Exiling good people for doing good deeds as you did to Asia and branding her a witch!? Or how about forcing your religion onto other countries like Scandinavian or Japan!? Do you think Asgard, the Shinto deities, and other pantheons like having their religion denounced and called fake!? They don't appreciate it! Asgard doesn't appreciate it! We-"
"THAT'S ENOUGH THOR!"
The red-haired God's voice fell silent at the commanding tone of Henrietta, her blue eyes radiating with such anger they could melt ice glaciers. She stayed out of the conversation letting the two boys vent their frustration but once Thor took it too far by saying those harsh words she knew the teacher within her had to come out to stop the prince and not a moment too soon by the looks of it. His words had shaken the Exorcists, particularly Irina who was on the verge of tears. Henrietta understood Thor's frustration towards the Church that he desperately tried to keep under control but as Lady Freya said the Fates brought the Exorcist here for him to confront the past and now he was by first trying peacefully but the hate and anger overpowered it and led to this confrontation. His body language said he still had anger stirring inside him that he wanted to release before looking for the Holy Swords but now he had to control his emotions. Now they had a mission to complete.
"That goes for you too, Commodus. Stop acting like a brat over your comrade. Augustus is dead! We lose the ones we love but wallowing in their death won't ease the pain nor bring them back, unless they either become a Devil or Einherjar, or another being part of the Supernatural World. Augustus didn't get that chance unfortunately. I already had this talk with Xenovia and Kiba. I wish to not have it again with you boys. Now stow it and focus on the task at hand."
Commodus glared at Henrietta and Thor as he slowly rose to his feet, wiping away the blood that trickled down his nose. Off to the side unnoticed by him, Nero shook his head, Commodus deserved that for saying such a thing, especially to a being who can destroy him with ease. Like Henrietta, he too felt sympathy for the God, even making peace with the God of Thunder back in the old school building but that clearly didn't settle the flames of hate he felt towards the Church. Hopefully, he and Kiba would be at peace once this ordeal was over.
Irina dried her eyes once the tension faded, her heart full of pity towards Thor for only seeing the dark side of the Church. She was a devoted follower to God and she had to prove to Thor their is good within the Church, Asia had been one of those good followers, still was even after becoming a Devil. The Twilight Healing's wielder was exiled for healing a Devil but she was simply following what she learned and that was to show kindness to others. This ideology lost to many, including Irina herself, through the years battling demons and Devils, Devils the God of Thunder was attempting to make peace with. If Thor can become allies to the Church's enemies he can do the same with the Church after being shown the light side of Heavens followers.
"It's ready!" Havarti called, as soon as he said so a faint silver glow appeared around Excalibur Destruction before something silver shot out of the triple tip of the swords. It slowly rose into the air and the wispy line began heading south through the forest. Immediately Havarti returned the Holy Sword to Xenovia and led the company keeping his eyes locked on the trail, "This is a tracing spell that will lead us to the other Excalibur's. Once we find them we find your madman!"
"Remind me to remind you of that debt I owe you after this, Havarti Birgerson!"
"I told you, you can call me Havi!" The Dwarf called back over his shoulder, suddenly taking a sharp left out of the forest into the city.
On they went the sun setting behind them as they ran through alleyways, a park, the downtown district, and passing the school until pausing at an abandoned Church atop a hill with darkness arriving at last. While Irina shouted to night thanking God for guiding them here, Thor noticed Azrael wrinkle his nose at the old building. Either he disliked the holy site like all Fallen Angels or it was something else. He wanted to ask but such questions would have to wait or left alone.
"Azrael" Kiba said to the Fallen hybrid, "You said you came to Kuoh to investigate your fellow Fallen Angel's. Did you see the battle?"
"I saw you arrive at the Church and fight that rogue Exorcists. I saw Rias kill Raynare's cohorts. I saw Raynare herself get defeated and killed. I did not however, hear what was said but I know this place holds bad memories for your friends."
"The trail goes this way!" Havarti called sprinting down the hill.
The company were led to the outskirts of town to what looked like an abandoned warehouse, all of them on guard as they approached the building, they knew if the Holy Swords were here so was Kokabiel. If they did this right they could not only confirm Kokabiel's location but afterwards return the Excalibur fragments to the Exorcists. Suddenly their came the sound of a yelp followed by a crash from behind making them jump, looking back they all saw a tuff of brown hair sticking out behind a rusted object.
Kiba stepped forward, "Come on out you two."
Sure enough Issei Hyoudou and Koneko Toujou came out into the open, what was the Pawn and Rook doing all the way out here?
"Uhm…" Issei rubbed the back of his head embarrassed by his accident of knocking over the pipe, "Well…you see…"
"You lied to the president." Said Koneko in a tone Thor assumed to be suggesting life was boring to her, "We've come to bring you back. President isn't happy with you."
"I can't go back. Not yet. Not until I destroy…I seek revenge on Valper." The Knight said changing his words at the last minute to not provoke the Church warriors, "I have to see this through. Tell the President I will return tomorrow."
Before a reply could be made someone, probably Xenovia, shouted a warning, and everyone scattered. Someone landed in the center where the group had been standing previously. The attacker was a man, a teenager, dressed in priest robes, showing he was once part of the Church, his hair was white, his eyes glittered like rubys, and in his hands was a large sword that glowed gold, Excalibur Rapidly Nero recognized. Thor was the nearest to the assailant and should have attacked but he just stood there frozen in surprise like he had seen someone from long ago. Blue eyes locked with red as he whispered a name Nero hadn't expected to hear.
"Siegfried?"
"Who the fuck is Siegfried?