Hello everyone I have returned. First off let me get some bad news out of the way. A few days after returning from my vacation I came down with covid and on the first day of September, my grandma passed away. Anyway, I'm sure you all don't care about any of that you came here to read a story not listen to me share bad news. This is a downtime chapter which I admit may not be my best chapter but gotta keep on going.
Optimus470: I'm glad you enjoyed a chapter centered on a side character.
Alcatraz: You and Vandill are right; Akeno has people who love her while Eris threw it all away.
Valtazar: That's thinking a little too far ahead my friend. Focus on the here and now and wait to see what comes next.
Terror: Wow so many people are asking about Eris and Thor's confrontation. Guys, I know you are all excited about that but we have a peace summit to focus on first.
Guest-Questioner: I'm glad you enjoyed my portrayal of Rias. She does need to grow and change. Especially as a leader, she shouldn't have ignored her servant's issues. Rather she should have helped them but nope it's Issei who has to do all the hard work. Making Issei do everything makes Rias look like a bad leader and friend.
"Wow! This place is beautiful!" Exclaimed Andreas after stepping through the Bifrost.
Alfheim; the land of the Light Elves who managed to stay out of every war in the Norse Realm, save one. Since that dreadful conflict, the Elves were forever in debt to Asgard and allowed access to their world for knowledge and most notably a hot spot for a summer beach trip, which is where Thor, Andreas, and their friends planned to go for today. When the Greek Einherjar heard they were going to a beach the excitement he showed was a surprise to everyone, his reasons he said would be revealed when they got there. Now here they were on a secluded island for guests to use and still the Greek did not say why he was looking forward to the trip.
"Yup this is Alfheim! With beaches and ladies so irresistible it's no wonder the land of the Land Elves kept their land isolated." Said Sigrun as her summer hat blew gently against the sea breeze.
Her choice of clothing was an emerald half button-down shirt showing a fair amount of cleavage and stomach and a sky blue sarong. For Thor, he had a simple pair of blue trunks, the opposite of Andreas' green with three white stripes on the sides. So far only they arrived to scout out and set up the first umbrella and chairs before the others arrived. It didn't take long to find the perfect spot and soon the Aesir, Valkyrie, and Einherjar were relaxing in chairs watching the waves roll in.
"So, are you gonna tell us why you love the beach?" Sigrun asked.
"I could…but if Azreal is bringing the rest of our stuff then I won't say."
"Come on, Andreas, you gotta tell us!" Thor added, eager to know more about the Einherjar.
The Greek looked out to the ocean for a moment humming with thought before answering, "I'm a surfer."
"A surfer!?" Cried Thor and Sigrun.
"Yup. When I was living on the island of Lemnos, I used to always go to the beach with friends. I never thought I'd get the chance to surf again but now I can."
"How long have you been surfing?" Sigrun asked.
"Eight years"
"Sounds to me like you are a professional."
"Of course I am." Andreas said proudly, "Sigrun, are you interested in learning? Would you like me to teach you how to surf?"
Sigrun's excited nod amused Andreas, he never expected this warrior maiden to be interested in wanting to learn how to surf. To be fair he just returned to Asgard a week ago and didn't know anything about his new friends. Today he would strengthen those bonds when the other arrived.
"You know what's funny," Thor said after a long silence from watching the waves, "I feel like I've seen Kiba before but I just can't recall where?"
"That blonde boy who unlocked his Balance Breaker? Perhaps you ran into a relative of his on Midgard?" Andreas offered that since that fateful battle at Kuoh the Einherjar had dedicated himself to learning more about Sacred Gears and Devils,
"Maybe. I swear I've seen his face before somewhere." Thor muttered.
Five minutes later Azrael, Azazel, and Henrietta arrived with more beach chairs, umbrellas, towels, and a beautifully crafted surfboard with the World Tree etched into it. Like the other boys, Azrael had a simple pair of black trunks but Azazel… his father had nothing but a very very tight-fitting golden speedo. Poor Azreal had a look of discomfort at what his father chose for the beach, the same expression was shared between Thor and Andreas.
"Dad…please…for mom's sake wear something more appropriate."
"Now son, if you wanna catch the attention of a lady you gotta show them everything."
"Where are the others?" Sigrun asked, the Emerald Valkyrie unfazed by the Fallen Angel's attire.
"They'll be here. They had some last-minute stuff to do before joining us." Azrael answered as he laid the board next to Andreas, "I gotta say this is remarkably beautiful, Andreas. That surf shop on the outskirts of the eastern shopping district was a good place to buy from. Excellent craftsmanship with an equally good price for everything. Mind you you'll need to pay me back for having me buy this for you."
"Certainly. I'll do it tonight." Said Azrael.
"Odin told me what happened to you kids at Kuoh. I'm impressed you all managed to hold your own against a God of War's daughters," Said Azazel as he sprawled himself out on his chair to get a tan, "You especially Thor I am impressed by. You not only managed to stand against Kokabiel but even beat him. Vali showed me how you decimated him after he hurt your silver beauty."
"So that's the White Dragon Emperors real name. He must have Scandinavian blood in him to be named after Odin's late son," Muttered Sigrun.
"Or it could just be Vali is a common name among humans and Gods," Azazel said with a shrug, "Anyway your welcome for saving you."
"What do you mean "you're welcome"? All Vali did was save Issei and halve Kokabiel's power before toying with him. It's Thor who you should be thanking. He beat Kokabiel."
Azazel made a mocking moan of defeat, "You wound me Azrael. My own son defending the God of Thunder then a fellow Grigori agent."
Azreal scowled at his father, "With good reason. I never liked Vali. He's arrogant, prideful, and always seeking people to fight. You know he asked me if I grew stronger after facing Kokabiel? Never even said you're welcome after I thanked him for saving us. If he hadn't shown up at the last minute we all would have died. If he hadn't cut Kokabiel's power in half Thor never would have won. Thor is a God but that psycho you once called friend was stronger than all of us combined."
"It doesn't matter anymore. Kokabiel is defeated and the war prevented.." Andreas said before the father and son could keep arguing, "What exactly did you do to him?"
"You'll know at the Peace Summit. All of you who participated in the battle must attend and give your own report but let's not worry about that right now. Were in Alfheim it's time for some fun."
The moment that word was said Sigrun jumped to her feet and began to strip her clothes to reveal an aqua bikini with tie-side bottoms. Seeing she caught the attention of Andreas, Sigrun cocked her hips and asked in a sultry tone, "Are you gonna teach me how to surf or stare at my body?"
"S-surf!" The Greek squeaked out a reply with flustered cheeks.
"I knew Devils were sinful and Fallen Angel's seductive but never expected something like that from a Valkyrie. That girl put on quite a show for him." Laughed Azazel as he watched the pair head into the ocean.
"Everyone! Sorry, we are late!"
Thor looked back and saw Henrietta arrive carrying two large coolers. Her yellow one-piece swimsuit, which exposed only her limbs and some cleavage, had the effect of drawing Azazel's eyes toward her. The Einherjar was not alone though, accompanying her were Alruna and Herja, two of the Valkyries who joined Thor for the peace summit at Olympus.
Alruna was tall with short pink hair styled in a crown braid similar to the Emerald Valkyrie and a voluptuous figure that had the heads of many in both Asgard and Olympus turn her way whenever she walked passed. Alruna took pride in her body hence the reason for choosing a green sling bikini which Thor was sure would make Issei faint of blood loss at all the skin she was exposing. The only things out of place on this curvy woman were the scars earned in the attack on Olympus; one on the right thigh and another that caused the loss of her right eye where once a beautiful brown eye was now replaced by a black eyepatch. Despite these wounds, they seem to only enhance her beauty more.
Herja, on the other hand, was more muscular, similar in tone to Henrietta's build albeit with fewer curves and more muscles, muscles that when flexed may tear the striped orange and blue bikini into pieces. She too wore her blonde hair in a crown braid and let the rest fall freely to her upper back with bangs framing the side of her shapely face and ending above her shoulders. Her intimidating form was a huge contrast to the wide green eyes that sparkled with excitement to enjoy a vacation at Alfheim beach.
Behind the two seasoned warriors, Thor caught a glimpse of silver and his heart fluttered briefly. There she was, his silver-haired genius trying and failing to hide behind her fellow Valkyries. At last, Rossweisse came into full view and the suit she chose was a surprise to Thor. Like, Sigrun, and Herja, the silver-haired maiden had chosen a bikini the color pink with a short skirt on the bottom and red star outlines. The shy expression she wore just made her look cuter to the God of Thunder.
"Welcome to Alfheim ladies!" Azazel greeted, eyes still looking over the Einherjar.
"I did not expect you to wear something like that Rossweisse. Trying to catch the boy's eyes like me?" Teased Alruna.
"No! I…I didn't have a swimsuit since I was a child. I already planned to buy one but Sigrun bought this for me yesterday."
"And she chose well. You look very cute." Said Thor, unable to stop himself from eyeing her.
Herja and Alruna giggled at the cute moment. The God of Thunder attending the festival with Rossweisse was still talked about and now was Thor's recent action against the Fallen Angel who hurt Rossweisse. It was clear as day that Odin's son and his bodyguard had formed a strong bond since he arrived in Asgard. How long until they became an official couple was a question all the Valkyries asked each other.
Feeling the desire to tease the genius more Alruna said, "You know, Lord Thor, Rossweisse hasn't applied sunscreen. Do you wanna help her?"
"Alruna!" Shrieked Rossweisse.
"You didn't? Rossweisse, I thought you of all people would have put some on before arriving. Come here, I'll put some on."
"She's lying! I already applied some before entering the portal! Herja and Ms. Berg saw me doing it!"
"She's right." After setting up the extra chairs and umbrellas, Henrietta said, "But did YOU put any on, Lord Thor?"
"Not yet."
Rossweisse's brow connected, "Thor Odinson! You should have put some on before arriving. You'll get burned."
She marched over to a big bag Henrietta had and rummaged through it before withdrawing the sunblock and shoving it into the surprised God's hand.
"Rose-"
"Apply it. Now."
"But-"
"Now, mister! You are not getting a sunburn on my watch!"
"Ok! Ok! I was just asking if you can do my back?" Thor said, applying sunblock everywhere he could reach before offering it back to Rossweisse, back turned to her.
The silver-haired beauty's cheeks turned redder from the young God's request, she had never done this before and with everyone looking would just add fuel to the gossip pot. When Thor finished he handed the bottle to her and turned his back to Rossweisse giving her a front-row seat to his toned back. From the side she caught Henrietta shooting a sly wink her way while Alruna and Herja encouraged her to go for it. Why were they doing this to her? Despite her embarrassment, she couldn't help wondering if they were trying to help her grow closer to Odin's son.
"Rossweisse? If you're not gonna do it I can-"
"No! No! I'll do it." She said, hastily pouring more than she expected onto her hands covered them in white cream. Biting her lip to not let loose a rumble she slowly began rubbing it on starting with his neck, then shoulder, then back. That would have been the end but seeing hers still coated in sunblock she began to snake her arms around his body and slowly start running it onto his front body.
"Rossweisse, what-"
"You need to be well blocked. We don't want you looking redder than your hair." The joke had somewhat calmed her embarrassment but feeling his chiseled abs, large pecs, and strong arms wasn't helping.
Meanwhile, Thor was trying his best not to let blood flow to his waist, Rose was helpful in getting his back but applying more to his front had caught him off guard. He watched her hands gently roam around his body making sure to rub it all in, when her hands moved up to his chest he felt his heartbeat quicken, her touch was so gentle. The desire to melt into her embrace and stand there forever tugged at his mind and would have done so had she not let go and ask a question he wasn't expecting.
"You don't have your second braid."
"Second braid?" Asked Thor, then he remembered. Despite Vali using his Divide power Thor technically was the one to defeat Kokabiel in combat which in turn earned him his second braid. The thought of earning his second trophy was buried beneath more important topics such as reconciling with the Exorcists, the coming Peace Summit, and most importantly the safety of Rossweisse. Speaking of Rossweisse, he felt the warrior maiden's fingers take locks of his hair and braid them together as she had back in his room.
Her touch is always so gentle. It makes me feel at peace.
"Finished," Shes said proudly.
"Wow, Rossweisse, you are a naturalist at hair braiding," Alruna said, impressed at her skill of braiding.
"Yes indeed Perhaps I should ask you to redo my crown braid," Henrietta added after applying her own sunblock, "You kids go have fun I'll be here keep watching on you all."
"So, what's the Champion of Valhalla doing here?" Asked Azazel, eyes still roaming over her body.
"These kids need a lifeguard and to be honest you are not suitable for that job, Azazel."
"Well, you are doing a fine job at that." The Grigori founder replied, a sly grin spreading over his face as he watched the blonde beauty bend to set up her beach chair giving him a front view of her butt. "Not gonna lie you have quite the body."
"DAD!" Azrael roared, furious to hear his father compliment another woman.
Azazel turned his attention to his son, "Azrael, listen. You've lived the life of a human for a very long time. You gave up that life when you chose to come with me and erase your mother's memories of us. You're still thinking like a human. Fallen-"
"Baraqiel lived like a human! He married a human and had Akeno! So don't give me an excuse about Fallen Angel's sleeping with multiple women! That's a you problem!"
"Az-" But the hybrid was already making his way to the water where Andreas was teaching Sigrun how to surf.
"Bends your knees to keep a steady balance!" The Einherjar called to the Valkyrie as she started to catch a wave and attempted to surf it. He watched her stand up for about five seconds before falling and tumbling through the wave.
Sigrun breached the surfing dripping wet laughing with joy, "This is fun! It's not easy but still fun! I revel in learning how to surf! Will you keep teaching me?"
The former human from Greece smiled and nodded at Sigrun's request, it may take hours or days till she gets it but at least she was having fun and that's why counts. As he helped her back onto the board he spotted Azrael entering the water, the dark-haired boy's grumpy expression turning to surprise at the water's temperature before diving through a wave to adjust to it. Suddenly he blasted out of the water like a bullet from a gun, wings spread wide with water flying off them. Andreas was mesmerized by the sight like it was something straight out of a painting. The Greek was so distracted he didn't hear Sigrun call his name nor the wave crash down behind, when he surfaced he found Sigrun howling with laughter. Andreas blinked and then started laughing too.
"You ok?" Sigrun asked once the laughter died.
"Yeah, I'm ok. What's up with Azrael?"
"Don't know. Azazel must have been doing something lewd to Ms. Berg or was about to. Whatever the reason we shouldn't worry about it."
Meanwhile, Thor, Herja, Rossweisse, and Alruna set up a game of volleyball, the God of Thunder having no clue what it is or how to play. Herja, luckily, was a player of the sport and explained the rules to Thor who seemed to understand. When the teams were ready; Thor and Herja vs Rossweisse and Alruna, the white-haired Valkyrie made the first serve and the game was on. The last time Thor faced Rossweisse was in Asgard during a spar where he couldn't bring himself to hurt her, this time, however, it was a friendly game where he could win and she would lose, or at least that's what he thought would happen, instead, the young God couldn't keep his eyes off her especially when she jumped to spike the ball, her breasts bouncing was a sight Issei would love to see but for Thor it was everything; her body, her eyes, and most noticeably her hair, the way it shinned in the sun's rays truly did make it look like a fountain of silver water as he called in during his flyting. It was this discretion that made him in turn lose the game and in turn have Herja teasing him nonstop.
"Wow, Thor, is Rossweisse so distracting she makes you lose any game?"
"No!"
"Really? Then why do you keep looking at her? Is it because you're distracted by her body?"
The white-haired beauty laughed at his grumbling. She wouldn't deny Rossweisse was very pretty but her track record for focusing so much on her studies was the reason why she was called the Valkyrie who's never had a boyfriend. So even with how close she is to Thor would she ever commit to a relationship with him or any man?
"Way to go, Sigrun!" Cried Alruna, the others looking just in time to see the violet-haired warrior succeed with surfing, Andreas clapping with joy as he watched her ride the wave to shore.
"Well? You all didn't come to Alfheim to stand on the sand. Go swim!" Henrietta called out.
Alruna and Herja changed into the ocean and started a splash fight that somehow managed to drag Azrael into the middle of it, the hybrid trying not to stare at their wet bodies. Rossweisse was right behind them walking around at a steady pace only to stop to see Thor wasn't following them. Why was he just standing there watching the waves roll in?
"Are you alright?" She asked, noticing his feet shuffling in the sand as a look of hesitation overcame his features.
"I…" he hesitated then, after a pause revealed a shocking truth to Rossweisse, "I can't swim."
Rossweisse was speechless surely the Exorcists who trained him wouldn't want Thor to drown? Either they didn't have time to teach him or most likely didn't care, eighteen years old with no knowledge of how to swim says they only cared about wanting him to be their ultimate weapon against their enemies. Whoever was in charge of Project Thumberbold did not care about Thor's well-being. What's done is done there is no point lingering on it, today she would help him as she always did. Smiling she took the God of Thunder's hand and lead him towards the water, the young Aesir startled by her action.
"Rose, I-"
"The beach is not the best place to teach you how to swim. That is for pools. I'm going to get your feet wet." As soon as she said that their feet touched the water, Thor gave a yelp of surprise, forcing the Valkyrie to giggle at his reaction. She stepped further and further into the water until it was up to their knees.
"Woah! Heads up!"
Sigrun's warning was drowned out by the wave consuming her and sending her tumbling towards the pair. Before Rossweisse could react she felt Thor grab her around the waist and dive out of the way. There was a splash and soon Rossweisse found herself on her back in the shallow with Thor above her shielding her from danger. The Valkyrie's heart started to beat faster at how close Thor was to her, his arms wrapped around, his muscles dripping with water, and his eyes, the way those deep blue eyes resonated with concern for her safety sent butterflies soaring in her stomach.
This is just like in one of my romance novels! Is he going to declare his love for me? Is he going to kiss me!?
"Rose are-AH!"
Neither the God of Thunder nor Odin's bodyguard were prepared for the wave to blindside them and sweep them to shore. Despite the sudden assault Thor's grip never loosened on Rossweisse, instead, he held tighter, and when it was over found Rossweisse on top of him both sopping wet with hair matted to their bodies. Thor tried to form words but the sight of Rose on top of him dripping wet with the sun shining behind her was so entrancing to the Aesir. That and he was coughing a lot from the water filling his mouth.
"Breath," Rossweisse commanded gently, siding off his body hands over his heart to perform CPR if necessary, "Slow deep breath's through the nose. That's it."
When air began flowing through his lungs and the coughing ceased Thor sat up and shook the water out of his hair. That was quite intense for a simple walk in the water he was choking and may have required CPR from Rossweisse…but that wasn't what Thor was thinking about. It was being on top of the Valkyrie and then her being on top of him that kept replaying in his mind. Her body against his her long main of silver hair sticking to her body and spreading about them like a blanket was so…so…
Beautiful? No…romantic.
"I am so sorry! Are you both alright!?" Sigrun asked, her eyes flickering between her best friend and the prince.
"Yeah. Yeah, we are ok." Thor reassured, "You learn pretty quickly. You may even start surfing with Andreas if he comes back to Alfheim."
Concern was replaced by pride from Thor's comment. Of course, she would come back and surf with Andreas he was a good teacher but she quick learner. While not on the same level of smart as Rose she was fast in learning new things which were why she was able to advance through the Valkyrie corps training so rapidly.
As the hours passed Thor decided to try going in the water again and this time being aware of his surroundings to get hit by Andreas or Sigrun surfing and later another game of volleyball this time the boys vs girls with Rossweisse being the referee which Thor was grateful for meaning he wouldn't be distracted by her beauty. The game was a sight to behold with Herja scoring for the ladies and, to the boy's surprise, Andreas for them, the Einherjar and Valkyrie poured all their passion for sports into winning this game neither refusing to submit to the other until the others started to quit one by one and the game ended in a tie. By that time Thor left to take a walk along the shoreline, the softness of the sand combined with the water washing over his feet was quite honestly relaxing to him he definitely would come back to Alfheim whenever he had time off.
"Need any company?" Thor slowed his pace to let Rossweisse catch up, her hands were clasped behind her back as a light brew blew through her silver locks.
"I always enjoy your company."
Rossweisse blushed and then said with a smile, "I'm so proud of you Thor. You've accomplished so many things in the few months you've been here in Asgard. Also, I'm grateful for all you've done for me. Other men have never defended or praised me. You are the first to do all of those things. Thank you for everything."
Thor's gaze shifted towards the ocean as a tiny smile formed on his lips, he wasn't expecting Rossweisse to say such things but it warmed his heart to know he meant so much to her. Even though he didn't know much of Rossweisse's past he was proud of her achievements like training him in the ways of magic and teaching him about Asgard and their culture. From the corner of his eye, he caught a glimpse of the setting sun's light slowly changing the sky from blue to orange forcing him to stop and watch it.
"I hope you had fun in Alfheim." Said Rossweisse, taking note of Thor's eyes roaming over her body. While she detested Odin oogling her body the fact that his son was doing the same thing was, in her honest opinion, not a problem. Seeing a man her age finally acknowledge her beauty made her feel proud of her looks.
"Of course I did. This was my experience with a beach and a real vacation. I would like to come back again."
Rossweisse smiled and took the God's hand to lead him back to the group, "Someday we will. I promise."
Not gonna lie this was a pretty weak ending but I couldn't think of anything due to my focus being on the coming funeral for my grandma. Anyway, the chapter is done and we got to have sexy girls in bikinis and character development. What more could men and women want of DxD? lol. See you all next time.