Welcome back my followers to another chapter, we are near chapter 50, holy cow I'm amazed how many chapters have come out from this. I may or may not take a break from this story to focus on writing a Star Wars story but let's see. Now, on to review replies.
Optimus470: I'm certain they will
Valtazar: If you recall Thor always wants him on his team to keep an eye on him so he doesn't break his oath.
Sovereign: Well, that is the intention to try and use Divine Thunder more often.
Dark Kaiser: Will have to see if Thor's team will deal with it or if Micheal will try defusing the situation before it gets out of hand.
Livewire: Like Dunedan's Issei huh? Hmm, I guess I will have to see what happens.
Thor x Rose: He did but remember we saw from Rose's POV she doesn't want those things and will tell Thor.
King Scarlet: Project Thunderbolt was a secret barely anyone within the Church knew about and all who partook in it are dead. No, these Exorcists don't want Thor Odinson, it's not having to work with Pagan religions and their sworn enemies.
Geyser: Will see what happens.
Primal: That is a possibility.
Nylock: Who can say? It could happen anytime…
"Yes, just like that! Now pivot! PIVOT!"
"Can't you bench press a car? I'm the former strongest member of my team..."
"I CAN bench press a small car but I ain't doing this alone. Teamwork people! Teamwork! Issei what are you doing!? PIVOT! PIVOT! PIVOT!
"Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!
Rossweisse stood at the top of the stairs shaking her head at the commotion the trio was making, when she returned home last night she called her grandmother to tell her of the recent events. Of course, Gondul of Vanaheim did not approve of Rossweisse declining the prince's request and took the time to remind her granddaughter that if she was to uphold her duty to protect Odin and his family she would be smart to move into the palace to be closer to them. Seeing sense in this idea and realizing she had been foolish to not think of it herself, the silver-haired beauty spoke to Freya about moving into the palace and helped move her belongings into a room. The room she was given was large enough to fit everything she owned; the bed, cupboard, bookshelf, and couch that currently was being lifted up the stairs by Thor, Koneko, and Issei who was unable to pivot the furniture to get it up the stairs. Eventually, they reached the top with Thor annoyed by Issei's complaints while Koneko ignored them.
"That was way too difficult! Next time you can bring someone by yourself and fly it in through the window!"
Thor glared at Issei, "You know what, since you wanna complain you can do that instead. Prompt yourself to Rook and YOU fly in through the window and see how it goes. If you can lift it by yourself that is."
"That's enough. Issei, help carry the boxes. Thor and Koneko, the bed will need-"
"Heads up!"
"-no help at all." Up the stairs came Vandill carrying the bed without breaking a sweat. Leave it to a Giant to do the heavy lifting without aid. "Your strength must have doubled after becoming a Rook."
"It has indeed." The Giant said, adjusting the position to get the bed in the room. "Speaking of strength, I'm looking forward to training you again, Koneko."
If Rossweisse was seeing things she could have sworn the hint of a smile was trying to form on the younger Rook's face. Yesterday Rias explained Vandill and Koneko were teaching each other in their fighting style, and both learning quickly. Tomorrow the Rooks, along with everyone else, would begin training with who Azazel paired them with. Rossweisse, for her part, was paired with Rias and Havarti to study magic and knowledge of tactics, both of which she was a natural at and could teach the Devil and Dwarf. Rias was a protégé but as Azazel pointed out she had to train her mind and powers to grow as a king for even a king must hone their skills. She knew deep down Azazel was a suitable teacher; he just didn't show it much.
Her gaze moved to Thor, the redhead was giving a pat on the shoulder to Vandill while offering to help move more furniture. After forming Thor's team to speak with other Factions about peace, the God of Thunder was going to escort Rose back to her apartment and explain why he froze up but Sigrun snagged him away to give him his victory trophy for beating Vali and Bikou. Why he didn't want more victory braids was ridiculous, he could have so many more with all the hair he has.
Her cheeks grew red when Thor lifted his shirt to wipe the sweat off his brow. By no means was Thor weak; he barely sweat but today he was and not from the heavy lifting but the heat of the sun. Alfheim may be the land of eternal summer but Asgard has all four seasons and summer, for any being, be it human, Youkai, or even a God, was hot from the heat. Rossweisse couldn't keep her eyes from roaming, his abs were firm, his arms thick, and his chest… appeared to have something on his right pack hidden by the shirt.
"Thor, what is that?" Her question caught the Devil's attention.
"I was wondering if anyone would notice." Said Thor taking off his shirt completely to show fully what Rose saw and give her a full display of his muscles. On his right peck, his firm broad peck, painted in blue over his heart was a Norse magic circle, a magic circle she recognized at once.
"Thor Odinson, did you get my personal seal tattooed on you!? Is THAT what Sigrun gave you for your victory instead of a braid?"
"I like it." Said Vandill looking at the tattoo with admiration, "I know Lord Baldur is covered in them for all the victories he received."
"What do tattoos and braids have to do with winning battles?" Issei asked.
Vandill chuckled, "Issei, my friend, have you forgotten everything I shared about my culture when joining the Peerage? Tattoos and braids are what we give ourselves when we achieve a great victory. Let's say Ms. Rias defeated a foe; then she would earn another braid for her next foe or Koneko defeating a dragon would want a tattoo for beating it. Do you understand?"
"I think so….but why did he get Rossweisse's magic circle?"
Vandill looked at the God of Thunder who pulled his shirt back on while Rossweisse stumbled over words on why he did it. The Jotun knew why his friend did it; he cared about the Valkyrie deeply. So deeply he'd beat whoever threaten or harm her to an inch of their life as he did with Vali or kill as Thor intended to do with Kokabiel had Ares not caught his attention. Perhaps the next person to threaten Rossweisse will be killed and if Vandill bears witness to it he would tell the tale to everyone he knew in Nine Realms. His father told him Thor was known for having a fiery temper in his youth as a warrior seeking battle but this new Thor took longer to bring the negative emotion to come forth due to the Church, possibly beating it out of him, and Rossweisse, a woman who not only was beautiful but had wisdom beyond her years.
"You…you…" Rossweissed stammered in shock, "You tattooed my personal seal to honor me?"
"It's more than to honor you. It's a symbol of our friendship and the victories achieved protecting you."
Rossweisse blush turned redder, For our friendship…and protecting me… oh Thor you really are the only man to do something for me.
They returned to moving the rest of the furniture and soon it was finished and just in time for lunch. While the others went ahead to join the others Thor said he'd help Rose with some last-minute readjustments before joining them. That of course was a lie to give them time alone, time to allow Thor to explain why he froze in their spar.
"I have nightmares. Memory flashes of when you got hurt. When you almost died by Kokabiel's hand. I have tried to be strong. Tried to purge it from my mind but I can't That moment when I held you as your blood rained around us has been etched into my memory. I can't unsee it. I wish I could but I can't. It haunts me more than the memory flashes."
Rossweisse was speechless, she never expected that moment to be the cause of his freeze-up but the more she thought about it the more she began to understand why that memory plagued him. She was the first person he saw after escaping the church and waking up in Asgard, teach him magic, giving him knowe knowledge when needed, and most importantly, a friend he cared about deeply. So deeply that when seeing her almost die and be mocked drove Thor into a fury that won the battle, she was certain if their positions were reversed she'd feel the same way. Closing the distance she caressed his cheek gently, her aqua eyes twinkling with kindness.
"You are afraid another incident like that will happen but that is why we are training so that it doesn't happen again. You personally asked Baraqiel and his daughter to help you unlock Divine Thunder. The stronger we get the better prepared we will be. I still have much to learn."
"Do you?" Said Thor, the gloom in his heart melting like ice meeting fire from the Valkyrie's words "You have more brain power than all of Asgard save for the Allmother and Allfather. You always know what to say when I make mistakes and your focus to study rather than looking for boys like your fellow warrior maidens has made you one of the strongest Valkyries I know. What else is there for you to learn?"
Despite the pride felt by his words, Thor did not know the trials that awaited Rossweisse, trials she hoped to pass with training…
Outside the place
If anyone were in the palace courtyard they would be stunned to find Valhalla's champion talking with Sirzechs' sister. Still, nobody was to see the site of the Gremory Peerage and Thor's honor guard with plates of sandwiches made by the Queen of the Valkyrie, some having small talk. The more Rias shared about Rating Games and the society of the Underworld the more curious Henrietta became.
"So you intend to be a champion of Rating Games?"
"I do. It's one of the many ways to increase a Devil's stature."
"By playing fighting games?"
"More like sports. I guess you could say it's our version of the Olympics. You must understand that we take power very seriously in the Underworld. However, that doesn't stop me or the next generation from showing we can be kind and strive to be powerful."
"Kindness and strength are good qualities for a good king."
Rias smiled behind the sandwich she was about to bite into, being a good leader was a lesson her parents and brother taught her yet the recent events showed she still had much to learn. She had been so focused on raising her stature she didn't reach out to her servants who needed help that they denied by hiding their pain. Thanks to the advice of Vandill she would put more effort to help her servants, especially her Queen now that she was going off to train with her father and Thor, the young Aesir was equally determined to help the Fallen Angel hybrid with his reason not to see a repeat of Eris. The Goddess of Chaos revealing her Fallen Angel wings was a moment she or Akeno would never forget. Hybrids are rare to come across in the Supernatural World but she never expected a Goddess to be one.
Although Vandill said Thor is part Giant and part God and Loki himself is a Giant, not a true God…
"Tell me," Said Rias after swallowing, "What exactly can you tell me about the Giants of your Realm? They are known far and wide in many Factions but yours are said to be the greatest."
"That is true." The buxom blonde replied, "The Giants, or Jotun, of the Norse Faction, are in fact the strongest of all kinds. In ancient times they once ruled all Nine Realms till Odin and his brothers beat them back and freed the Nine Realms from their tyranny. Each type of Giant is stronger than the next. There are regular Giants, albeit still powerful in their own right, frost and stone Giants who dwell in snow and mountains, and the strongest Giants who dwell only in Muspelheim, Fire Giants, once ruled by the Jotun your brother has under his servitude."
"Surtr." Even just saying the name made Rias shiver, when she first met her brother Rook she assumed he was just a clone of the fire giant with incredible power but hearing who the King of Muspelheim truly was and how he came into Sirzechs servitude made the redhead concerned. Powerful her brother was but there was the tiniest hint of doubt that even he couldn't stand against Surtr for it took all of the Original Thor's power and life to kill the Jotun yet he survived.
"I still cannot make sense of it." Bikou said who had been listening in on the girl's conversation, "Thor dies and mysteriously returns as a product of the Church but Surtr somehow survives with amnesia and becomes a Devil?"
"Surtr was a primordial being. Living long before the Gods came to be. Odin has suspected Surtr may have been a creation of the Ancient Gods." The voice to answer Bikou had been of Rossweisse who was descending the stairs with Thor, she had just arrived to hear Bikou's question, "Even the Allfather still is unknown to things but makes guesses nonetheless."
"And he thinks that about Surtr?" Kiba asked, the others curious to know more about the conversation going on.
"It would explain how he has lived long before all of us and why he was so powerful. The prophecy of Ragnarok says that no blade shall touch Surtr save the flames he brings to unleash unto Asgard."
Shivers of fear ran through the Devils, they sure were lucky Sirzechs had a hold on Surtr Second other he may be unstoppable.
"Mjolnir would beg to differ." Vandill cut in, "Those who witnessed the legendary battle Thor had with Surtr say Mjolnir hit the King of Muspelheim many times and left him wounded and Ragnarok was just a prophecy too."
An eerie silence hung over the teenagers, was Vandill right? Was Ragnarok a prophecy misread or had it come sooner with the original Thor dying? Whatever the answer was nobody wanted to find out.
"Talking of Muspelheim, Ms. Rossweisse. I noticed during my visit to the Bifrost it was blocked out. I take it entry to the realm has been sealed off?"
"That's right, Kiba. After Surtr's Invasion, Odin sealed Muspelheim from the other realms so no one may enter it. The land of fire and ash cannot be accessed by anyone."
"And he's absolutely sure all entrances to Muspelheim are sealed?" Andreas asked.
"There hasn't been a Fire Giant seen since Surtr's attack."
"That's because no Fire Giant ever left Muspelheim, Rose." Retorted Sigrun with a toss of her violet hair.
"The bottom line is no God, Elf, Dwarf, Human, Giant, or monster of the Norse Faction will set foot in that fiery land," Vandill said reassuringly.
Much later
Night had fallen onto the kingdom and Rias with Akeno walked the halls in bathrobes, the reason behind such clothing being the two most popular ladies at Kuoh would spend time in Asgard's bathhouse before bed. This activity was recommended by Rossweisse, saying the water in the baths came from Vanaheim as a wedding gift for Odin and Freya, which had the potential for healing the body and mind which was exactly why she wanted her Queen in the baths. Rias had been aware of Akeno's state today, yes she had talked with friends and eaten Freya's food but mostly kept her distance and the young King knew why; she was not looking forward to training with her father. The hatred she felt for Baraqiel ran deep but Azazel was right saying this was the only way for her to grow stronger. Her Holy Lightning helped defeat the Lich Queen and will be a boon in the Rating Games, the latter would only happen if Akeno took the training with her father seriously. Vandill told her the Norse Gods, like the Greek Gods, believe in Fate, or the Norns, who weave the threads of one's life, and Rias Gremory, for the first time in her life, prayed that Akeno's fate would lead her to reconcile with her father.
Perhaps she could help the Fates in that job…
This bathhouse itself was large, equally in size to the one in her family home, some bathes she saw were eight feet deep, the reason of course was for Giants planning to visit but tonight it was empty, perfect for Rias to get Akeno to talk. Letting the white robe pool around her she casually strolled into the bath as a content sigh slipped between her lips as they tugged upwards at imagining Issei's reaction to see her and Akeno naked and beckon him to join. The idea to seduce and tease her adorable pawn was a fun idea but not this time, this time she was going to help Akeno.
"Our stay in Asgard has been quite an adventure to share with Sona when we get back to Kuoh."
"It has indeed." Said Akeno, her hair free of its ponytail, a sight never seen at school, "I enjoyed the salon run by those Elfs, their treatment was so relaxing."
"Remind me to get sweets for Koneko from the Golden Boar candy store."
"Ufufuf. She'll definitely enjoy those."
"Sigrun says we all must go to the Drunken Draugr after training." Rias paused as she watched Akeno's smile slowly fade to discomfort for tomorrow, "Akeno-"
"I know what you're going to say, Rias." Akeno cut her off, her tone a bit sharp, "No words of comfort or command will prepare me for tomorrow. I am not looking forward to training with that man. Especially since you gave your approval to have him train me."
"And you know why I approved it. Your skill with Holy Lightning must improve if we are to win the coming Rating Game tournament and more importantly, fight against the Khaos Brigade." Silence fell between the girls as Rias waited for Akeno's response which didn't come prompting the redhead to ask what had been on her mind since Thor's argument at the shrine, "Akeno, do you truly hate your father for what he did? I know you are in pain for your mother's loss but you can't fully blame Baraqiel for what happened…"
Akeno looked down, her sorrowful expression looking back at her in the water's reflection. Rias was wrong… it IS that man's fault! He promised to protect them and he failed! He let her mother die!
Rias sighed, it was obvious Akeno would not listen to reason, Shrui's death had a greater effect than she anticipated. The sorrow her Queen carried ran deep, it was like a dark cloud hanging over her mind blocking all sensible reason from reaching her. There had to be a way to break through but how, what could she do to help Akeno overcome this grief? Baraqiel did not judge nor disown Akeno for becoming a Devil so he would be willing to talk if allowed but such a thing would not happen without Akeno's cooperation which she would not do unless commanded and Rias was certain she may defy the order.
"I can't forgive him…" Muttered Akeno, "He let mother die…"
Seeing that her Queen would not listen Rias chose to drop the topic and bring up one that had been on her mind, "Do you think Rossweisse is right?"
"About what?"
"Ragnarok, Surtr, and Muspelheim. Was it a misread prophecy, did Surtr survive and lose his memory, and is every path to Muspelheim sealed? So many questions with no answer. Surtr Second is upbeat, outspoken, and confident in his strength, nothing like what Rossweissed told us about."
Akeno nodded, although still upset at having the topic of her father brought up she too was curious about her master's questions, Ragnarok was said to be the end times for the Norse Gods yet no signs of the prophecy occurred. Perhaps it was misread or a silly idea conjured up by humans, as for Surtr and Musphelheim she did not want to even think about them, especially with how vile the real Surtr was said to be. If Surtr Second was like the original and became a stray it may take the strength of all four Satan's and even their Peerages to stop him. Luckily such a thought would never come to pass.
Sensing the tension pass Rias spoke, "Akeno, I'm sorry I just-"
"I know, Rias." The black-haired beauty said as an understanding smile spread across her face, "I know you want to help me and Koneko with our problems but not all problems can be fixed."
Despite sending her own smile Rias knew that was a lie, Issei fixed her marriage problem so Akeno and Kokeno's problem could be fixed too. Until a strong enough reason could break the clouds of sorrow she would not listen. Nevertheless, Rias would not give up on her servants just as Issei didn't give up on her.
At the garden house
Thor strolled slowly along the path taking in the sight of many plants and flowers while the moon's light cast a beautiful glow on them. Sometimes, when waking from a memory flash, like the one he had last night, he'd toss on a robe and stroll through the garden to calm himself. He stopped to smell a flower from Vanaheim enjoying the fragment scent emitting from it, everything from Vanaheim always had a tranquil feel to it from its nature to the water, even its people. Freya Njordsdottir truly was the embodiment of love and life, rarely did she raise her voice nor emit negative emotion always staying calm save for battle, that is when her warrior side comes out. He would never forget the power she showed before Vali attacked her.
Where was the descendant of Lucifer right now? Probably training in preparation for his rematch to humble Thor, such a fight would not happen. He fought the traitor for hurting his mother which any sane being would do if they were in Thor's position. If Vali tries another sneak attack on his friends to provoke a fight again then the Lucifer family will no longer exist.
The memory flash from last night had been nothing serious but nevertheless a touching moment; being introduced to Tanngrisnir and Tanngnjostr as a gift for his fifteenth birthday. If only his real fifteenth birthday had been that sweet but instead just another day of training in the Institution. Although they were now allies with the Church it still angered him to know they named a building after a hero of the Norse people who, as Micheal explained, tried creating a perfect clone out of Sigfried but that was all in the past it was time to move forward to try and work for a better future which may be more difficult than expected with not just the Khaos Brigade but those who disagree with the alliance. He hoped Heaven can talk some sense into those protesting Exorcists that unite and peace was a better option than fighting those they once saw as enemies.
You talk about being friends with old enemies and yet your friend Eris betrayed you.
Yes…she did betray him and her family so did she deserve redemption? She thinks having her heritage kept secret was a betrayal of trust by Zeus and chose to join the Khaos Brigade. He was more than willing to help her see reason until Vandill died, it was her attack that dealt the death blow to the Jotun leading him to start a new life as a Devil. After that incident reasoning had gone out the window but what would Zeus say to his daughter being killed, would he disapprove and try to save Eris or see no choice? He would have to talk to the King of Olympus about that someday.
The more he thought of the hybrid the more he thought of the other daughter who hates her father, Akeno was similar to Eris but what truly made them different was not because one was part human but that deep down he knew Akeno still loved Baraqiel he could feel it. He just had to make her realize that but first, he'd need to know the full story of what caused her mother's death, and to do that he'd have to talk to her or…
"Baraqiel!"
The man he going to look for just so happened to be in the garden as well, the Lighting of God had been staring at the moon's reflection in a pond before being called by the God of Thunder. Greeting Thor with a curt nod he turned to leave but Thor was already making his way toward him, determined to help mend the relationship between father and daughter.
"Wait Baraqiel, can you take a few minutes to talk."
"If this is about tomorrow's training or my daughter I do not wish to discuss it. Not now."
"No. I think now is a good time." Insisted Thor, tomorrow's focus will be training and he wanted no distractions from such as why Akeno's past and the only way to do so was to get these topics over and done with no matter how uncomfortable Baraqiel may feel about it, "How did your wife die? Why did that cause Akeno to hate you and Fallen Angels? Please, Baraqiel, I must know. How else will your daughter reconcile with you?"
"Reconcile…" Violet orbs peeked through eyelids at the God of Thunder, would his little thunderbolt truly reconcile with him if he told Thor? Rias Gremory told her what happened in her daughter's home the night before the summit, hearing his daughter be similar to Eris broke his heart because it was true; they both hated their fathers and were hybrids.
"Yes, reconcile." Repeated Thor, "I won't stand aside and see another daughter hate her father for a mother's death."
Baraqiel's stare softened slightly, now the Cadre understood the Aesir's agenda; he wanted to save his daughter from truly becoming Eris. If reliving the memory of that day will bring Akeno back into his life, so be it.
"It happened many years ago…"
Outside the bathhouse.
Rias and Akeno stepped out into the warm summer night, their bodies dried and fully clothed after the relaxing bath, Rossweisse was right about the baths relaxing someone she just wished it had more of an effect on Akeno's sorrow. The red-haired heiress was disappointed she wasn't able to help her best friend tonight but she knew there was a way there always was. After the training, she would try again and this time hope Akeno will see reason. Koneko, on the other hand, will be an easier case to help but she would come after Akeno for the Priestess of Thuner's trouble was much more serious.
"So," Said Rias wanting to get a very important topic only she would share with her best friend, "What do you think of Havarti?"
Akeno, to Rias' surprise, blushed slightly, "He's a wonderful man with a lot of talent. I'm glad he managed to beat Koneko's sister."
"As am I. His usage of vocal magic was quite impressive if I say so myself. It's a rare skill not many can use. Didn't he tell us it was only usable by the Dwarfs?"
"He did." Said Akeno before saying with a sly smile, "What about you and Ise-kun? You haven't made a move on him yet nor keep your promise to let him suck your nipples. Ufufufu."
"Tha-that was a promise for IF he won!" Stammered Rias, her face growing red with empressement about that specific topic not being dropped by anyone.
"Ara. Ara. Are you breaking promises now? He did win the battle." Teased Akeno.
"Well, technically Thor defeated him."
"Oh? So you're gonna have Thor suck your nipples?"
"AKENO!?" Now she was steaming with fury and empressement, "Thor is a friend! Plus we both know his heart belongs to-" But before she could finish a thunderbolt shot through the night sky towards the Bifrost but was quickly intercepted by a lightning bolt.
"Wha-" Akeno's question was halted when the thunder and lightning crashed in front of them kicking up dust and concrete that, once clear, revealed Baraqiel detaining Thor who was raging uncontrollably..
"Let me go, Baraqiel!" Roared Thor, struggling to get out of the Cadre's hold.
"I will not. Not when you are planning to massacre the Himejima clan. They are essential to Shinto Faction." Even in a deadly struggle to stop the God of Thunder from committing a revenge murder, Baraqiel's tone was calm.
"I'm not going to wipe out the entire Himejima clan, just those responsible for your wife's death, exiling, and attempted murder of your daughter!"
"And what example with that show the Shinto Gods? Killing those who wronged Akeno will not bring Shuri back nor ease the grudge between our two factions."
"A grudge the Shinto Gods should have stopped before escalating into a murder! The Himejima clan betrayed your wife just because she married you! They are in the wrong for spilling family blood! They deserver to die!"
"Yes. They deserve every inch of suffering for taking Shuri away from me and Akeno but it will not ease the pain or, as I already said, bring Shuri back."
Unbeknownst to them both Devils watched the struggle, Rias unsure if she should step in while Akeno stood there listening to them argue. Both were shocked at the God of Thunder's fury to pay back the Himejima clan in blood for what they did. Was it the right thing to do? No. If committed genocide on one of the Five Great Shino clans it would upset the balance in Japan and make him no better than the clan.
"If Akeno should hate anyone it should be the clan whose surname she still uses!"
"Akeno keeps the Himejima name to remember Shuri. You don't understand. This is all my fault. If I hadn't taken that mission or been a bit faster or taken them to Grigori she still would be with us. That day I will always remember. The regret I feel for leaving them alone, assuming they would be fine not knowing the Himejima clan sold out my wife and daughter to my enemies, for not keeping my word to protect them. It haunts me every day. Akeno, my daughter has every right to hate me. I'm a failure as a husband and a father. I am indebted to Rias and her family for what they have done that I could not; give Akeno safety, promises, trust, and love. The day I lost my wife was the day I failed in all those tasks. She deserves to hate me but I will always love her."
Thor growled in anger as he tried again to break free of Baraqiel and nearly succeeded too before the sound of soft sniffles caught their attention. Looking in the direction of the noise they found Akeno standing before them tears in her eyes. They had fallen right in front of the hybrid allowing her to hear their argument. Was this a coincidence or did the Norms weave their fates into one? They must have for they were the past, present, and future…they must have known this will happen meaning what came next was foreseen too.
Slowly, shakily, Akeno stepped forward, tears continuing to fall down her cheeks, her footfalls echoing on the concrete until she was right in front of them. She stood there, silently, remorsefully, before low defeated words came flowing from her mouth, "I…I do not hate you…"
"What?" Baraqiel repeated, stunned by the girl's words.
"I do not hate you!" She repeated louder this time, fresh tears coming forth as she looked between her father, master, and Thor, "You are right…all of you are right! I know it's not your fault but I couldn't blame the Himejima clan for the atrocity they committed but I know I should! They betrayed us…betrayed Mom! They have her blood on their hands, not you! You didn't know that would happen!"
Baraqiel's face fell, "No…I didn't. I still wish I'd have had someone watch over you while I was away. If I could turn back time to prevent that day from happening I would. You and your mother mean everything to me. I'm sorry for failing you."
"No!" Hissed Akeno, dropping to her knees and cupping Baraqiel's face, "No…"
"
Rias stepped forward to place a comforting hand on Akeno's shoulder, "Do you see now Akeno? Do you see what your grief has done? You have allowed it to twist your mind into driving a wedge between the bond you have with your father. I know the pain is hard and may never go away but together, as father and daughter, you can learn to cope with the pain and come to terms with what happened all those years ago. Shuri loved you and gave her life to protect you, I'm sure she would have been happy knowing your father saved you."
The red-headed woman's words made Akeno remember something her mom said long ago.
If something ever happens to me or your father do not blame us for failing to keep our promise to save you, be grateful to know you are alive to see the future. Your father and I love you and always.
Even her mother was right, she shouldn't blame Baraqiel for what happened. He saved her, allowing her to witness many good things like the relationships she made since joining Rias Peerage. Drying her eyes she recomposed herself and said in a shaky tone, "I don't think I can ever come to terms with that day, Rias, but…for mother's sake, I will try coping with it and…" Then she leaned forward touching foreheads with Baraqiel, "...I am grateful to know I am alive to live and see another future with you…father.."
"Akeno…"
As father and daughter wept together the anger bristling in Thor faded to the winds at the tender moment. Thor knew it would take time to fully heal the bond but he, like Rias, was grateful to see Akeno accept her father back into her life. Knowing the two needed time he nudged Baraqiel to release him which he did before embracing his daughter after many years apart. Steadily he was helped to his feet by Rias who gave him a critical look.
"Did you set this whole thing up?" She whispered.
"Did my anger look fake?" The God of Thunder replied, "Her own family betrayed her, Rias. You heard what I was about to do."
"And be thankful you were stopped. The consequences would be catastrophic and send effects rippling throughout the Supernatural and human world. Next time stop and think before rushing off in blind anger to seek out justice."
Thor nodded, "I will, Rias. I… should have known better than to let it consume me like that."
"Just keep to what I told you to heart. Still, thank you for helping Akeno."
"Hey, she's my friend as well. We both wanted to help. However… I think we should thank the Norms for weaving our fates into one tonight."
"Yes." Said Rias smiling with pride to see her Queen start to reforge the bond with her father. Thor was right, it was the work of the Norms for helping them make Akeno finally see reason.
Inside the palace
"Uniting with the Christians, letting Lucifer's arrogant sister and her slaves soil our kingdom, and now letting your son train with the crows instead of a God shows how low you have become, Odin!"
"Insult my father one more time and you'll know how your son felt beneath my boot."
Loki glared hatefully at Vidar as the tension within the room seemed close to erupting. Odin, Vidar, and Freyr had converged to discuss who will be next to forge an alliance with. Of course, such a topic had been ruined when Loki came barging in complaining about the recent events he took no part in.
"Enough both of you!" Freyr said stepping between the two Gods, "Loki, you can complain all you want but it will fall on deaf ears. No one in Asgard, except YOU, disagrees with our alliances. Some, including myself, voiced concerns when the ideas were first proposed but those have been dashed by the actions of my youngest nephew and those of the Christan Faction. They saved kidnapped children, stopped a war from restarting, and protected Lady Freya and the other leaders at the peace summit. What do you want us to do? Isolate ourselves and let our kingdom fall into decay as it had been doing before allying with them!? It's time we change and accept what happens."
Loki glared at everyone unable to believe they were all against him, did they not see how foolish it was to let Christianity spread through their land and destroy what humans of Midgard once worshipped? With that foolish celestial being dubbing himself God of the Bible dead now was the perfect time to unite the other Pantheons and crush Christianity once and for all, kill every Devil, Angel, and Fallen Angel for stealing and ruining every Pantheon they called Pagans. Loki knew many Gods and Goddesses outside his own Faction who hated Christianity just as much as he did. Odin would agree to this plan and seek revenge, at least the old Odin would have, the new Odin, the old weak-willed pervert wishes to forge alliances in the name of peace, not revenge. Silently Loki marched out fuming with anger at Odin for changing, the once powerful cunning manipulative man he met in the Aesir-Jotun War centuries ago was gone and he knew what changed Odin Burison…
…the God of Thunder's death…
Odin lost sons before; Tyr, Hodr, and Vali died long before Thor did so why did Thor's death change the Allfather? Did a fourth son's death be too much to handle? Perhaps and if so…maybe the second death of Thor Odinson will change Odin again and if not….then Ragnarok will be the only solution to stop unity with the Christians.
So starts the healing process of Akeno with her father and the machinations of Loki with some more development for Thor and Rossweisse. This particular chapter had gone through many retypes and organizing to get everything to flow and at last succeed. I will admit the lore I came up with for Surtr is something I'm proud of doing. The next chapter is the training montage and, if I don't forget what I have a bad habit of doing, develop the other characters and relationships. Remember to give your feedback on how it was and I'll see you next time!