Thor x Rose fan: They sure will, Rossweisse paired with a God is much better than a perverted dragon
King Scarlet: Indeed we shall. Who knows what wicked plan Loki has set for our God of Thunder?
Geyser: I never did say where exactly it was set up but perhaps what you say will happen.
Valtazar: They do but is it the right choice?
Vulcan: As am I. The Five Great Clans are die-hard traditionalists. At least Shuri fixed that in canon.
ArguableReader: They would and should have but we never hear about it in canon. A tragedy like this should have had great consequences for the Himejima clan. No, there won't be a separate group like the old Satans they are not like them.
Optimus470: But WILL they want peace? If Surtr was as bad as they say he was, who knows how vile Muspelheim itself will be?
Barricade: It would be sooner than later due to Baraqiel acting as Odin's second bodyguard and Grigori allied with Asgard. The father and daughter training Odin's son may be quite a challenge.
"You're a warrior of Athens, Andreas! Prove to this Knight why the Persians failed against the Athenians!"
"Show him what a Knight of the Gremory family can do!"
The clash of weapons echoed in the training ground as Andreas blocked a swing by Kiba. The day for training had come with Azazel announcing he worked on organizing the training regenerate and forming teams, Rias Knight was to be paired with Andreas who both would be supervised and trained by Henrietta and Ulric, the former warning she won't go easy on them. The fact that Einherjar was paired with Kiba excited him for he wished to make his words at the feast come true; test his skills against the Devil and now he was. The duel began with Kiba going on the attack but each strike never got past the Einherjar shield, he knew the ancient Greeks fought as a single unit but even in one on one combat they still proved to be formidable. Of course, because of the shield, he had to find a way around or destroy it to leave his opponent wide open.
Off to the side the father of Yuuto Kiba cheered him on with Henrietta doing the same from her fellow Einherjar, the buxom blonde teacher studied their skill with keen eyes, especially Kiba. She had seen the blonde boys' swordsmanship many times in the battles they fought but she knew he could learn more. His speed gave him an advantage but he couldn't get past Andreas' sturdy defense, Greek warriors were the best at defense tactics. The 300 Spartans would have won their battle had they not been flanked, which she noticed Kiba kept trying to do but Andreas was always a split second quicker. Despite his heavy armor, the younger Einherjar was moving fairly quickly, of course, that increased speed was from the training with the Valkyries. Even before Azazel's suggestion, Thor and his bodyguards, no, his friends, opted to become stronger after the battle against Kokabiel yet the P.E teacher of Valhalla was impressed at the Devil for managing to keep up with the Einherjar, perhaps he too had been training to strength his Balance Breaker.
"Your son is very impressive. His teacher taught him well in swordsmanship."
"Indeed. I just wish he had a shield and armor." Said Ulric.
"Kiba prefers speed," Henrietta said as Kiba zipped around the spear thrust and nearly got inside Andreas' defense but once more the shield stopped the attack. Either one of them would win the battle but this spar would show Henrietta what each would need to practice on.
"Come on, Issei, you can do better than that!"
Not far in another arena, Sigrun's yelling was heard followed by the ringing of swords clashing. Sigrun really was like Brynhildr with training; stern, focused, and merciless which Issei was struggling to endure but he asked her help and, if he took it seriously, would pay off in the end. Cupping her hands over her mouth to be heard over the duel she yelled, "That's enough boy! It's time for a break! Then let's give the Emerald Valkyrie a helping hand!"
Andreas drew away, wiping sweat away from his brow but smiling enthusiastically. This spar showed Kiba truly was a warrior to not take lightly, his speed helped him slip past his defense many times, "That was a good battle. I look forward to fighting alongside you in battle."
"And you as well, Andreas. I believe your defense will be a boon in any battle." Kiba met many sword fighters and wondered if he, Sigrun, Andreas, Xenovia, and Irina would fight together as a single unit. What was the bluenette doing right now? Probably training or maybe helping diffuse the situation with the complaining Exorcists. She and her partner are too loyal to Heaven, they would never betray the Church even after learning God is dead. Hopefully, he'll see her again soon.
Meanwhile
"Are you sure about this?"Asked Azrael, his arms reeled back to throw the light spear at Gasper who timidly was trying to put on a brave demeanor, "If I hit you…"
"Y-you won't!" Gasper said a tint of fear escaping his voice, "Your dad said this will help me stop time better. And you won't throw it at me j-just above."
That was exactly what Azazel said but throwing dangerous objects over his head did not sound wise yet his father was a genius and knew how to help the Sacred Gear wielders. When the Governor-General said Rias' first bishop would practice his time powers with his son the Dahmpire and Fallen Angel were surprised by this idea for neither knew the other that well which Azazel countered saying this can be a chance to be friends. That of course was what Gasper really needed besides controlling his Sacred Gear, he needed friends outside the peerage and Azrael was the perfect canident to help him train and be a friend.
Adjusting his aim he threw the spear high above Gasper who followed it and tried to freeze it but the weapon zoomed away too quickly. Trying again, he applied less strength to let it go slower and cheered when he saw the weapon freeze before carrying on, it had been frozen for ten seconds, it may have been short but it was a big improvement for the blonde half-vampire. The boy had potential and, with time and confidence, he could become a powerful Devil in the future even more so when drinking a person's blood. Yesterday she told Azazel who told Azrael that Gasper's power could be boosted by drinking blood. If the Queen of the Vlakyires had let Gasper drink her blood would he have been able to control the Goddess's power?
Speaking of Freya, somewhere in the garden she was teaching Asia unique ways of how to utilize her Sacred Gear since the former nun had already mastered Twilight Healing. Whatever Asia learned from the Queen would be of great help, Freya was both wise and powerful, traits all men should look for in women, which was why Azazel had fallen in love with his mother. A sad smile formed on his lips, he knew erasing her memory would keep her out of harm's way but the day he said his final goodbye always brought him to tears.
"Are you ok, Azrael?" Said Gasper noticing the tears in the older teen's eyes.
"I'm alright, just thinking of something unimportant. If you wanna take a break-"
"No!" Interrupted the blonde boy, "I wanna keep going. Issei-san and Koneko-chan are training hard so I want to as well. I wanna be a real man and protect my friends!"
Azrael smiled, that was the confidence he liked to see. He readied not one, but two, Light Spears and hurled them over Gasper when the Dhampire was ready. When they were both frozen the Fallen hybrid began counting in his head how long it would take for Gasper to hold them in place.
"30 seconds, Gasper!" he called after the boy let them go, "You are improving steadily."
Though panting and sweating at his brow a little the Bishop nonetheless smiled at the progress he was making. He could do it! He could become stronger to protect his friends!
Public library
"And so when you layered a seal like this and apply another you'll get twice the power."
"I see…and when adjusting it you form another pattern for a different element spell?"
"Exactly. You have quite a knack for learning magic."
"You can thank Rias and Akeno. Speaking of…Rais, how's the research going along?"
Despite having piles of books surrounding her the redhead smiled, "It is, as you can see, Havarti, going very well."
For Rias, she was to train with Rossweisse and Havarti in magic and tactics for all three were skilled in those particular areas. To strengthen those abilities the Allfather's bodyguard chose the library saying to gain magic power you must obtain mental power, a very wise quote to live by. Rias was smart and powerful by all accounts but not at the level of the silver-haired beauty, Rossweisse was smart enough to make her personal rune with power to perform complex offenses and layering seals in the middle of a battle. Rias was no pushover when it came to magic, she had phenomenal power to match many foes but what the Gremory heiresses were lacking was tactics for she, as Azazel stated in a matter-of-fact, only relied on brute force to overwhelm the enemy. That very tactic had caused her to lose her first Rating Game and, despite having help from Asgard, the death of Vandill and the near-death of Rossweisse.
"What else could I do?" Rias retorted heatedly, "We were outnumbered and out-skilled but I was not about to let Kokabiel restart the war."
"By throwing yourself, your servants, and friends into the fray instead of enacting hit-and-run tactics? You knew the school better than him and could have used the terrain to your advantage." Azazel replied cooly, "Kokabiel intended to kill you to restart the war and you would have made that job much easier for him with your tactic."
"He displayed his power by blowing up a whole building!"
"So because of that, you chose to face him head-on? Although even if you had performed hit-and-runs and feints, you'd have attacked him head-off for the taunts he'd throw your way."
The Fallen Angel was right in all his points and Rias, despite having her pride hurt, grudgingly agreed which led to where she was now; sitting in a library surrounded by books about strategies.
"Don't feel bad, Rias, more brain power will work in your favor especially against Sona when facing her in the Rating Game," Havarti said.
That was true, between the two of them Sona was the smarter and, once learning about the Rating Games, would form a battle plan for every opponent. In fact, she may already have a plan for Rias after watching her Rating Game against Riser. Whatever it was it would not work for today's studying would show even Rias can form plans too, plans she knew would let her win.
"Rossweisse, how did you get so smart?" Rias looked up from her book at the question Havarti asked, that was a good question. How would one so young be so smart in the art of magic? Had it been natural talent like her and Akeno or did she study? When Rossweisse opened her mouth to answer she was interrupted, "Because she focused all her life on studying, never once looking for a boyfriend."
Turning to the voice Rias saw an elderly woman approaching them dressed in elegant emerald green robes, her hair, like Rossweisse's, was silver and long forming a double crown braid and bun on the top of her head with the rest falling freely behind her back, despite the proud smile she wore it looked off on the stern expression she wore.
"Nevertheless, I am glad my granddaughter has achieved so much."
"Grandma!?" Havarti repeated.
Ah…so this is her grandma. I should have known by how similar they looked. Rias closed the book and rose to shake hands, "It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss…"
"Gondul, former Valkyrie and bodyguard to Odin and grandmother of Rossweisse Midnight-Sunborn."
"Midnight-Sunborn?" Rias repeated.
"It's the surname given when she was born, at the midnight sun on Midgard. Rose, did you really not tell your friends the surname you were given? I thought you loved following traditions."
"W-why are you here, grandma?" The flustered Valkyrie asked.
"Why to see our God of Thunder of course. I said I wish to meet him and now I finally can. Where is he? I wished to give my congratulations on defeating the White Dragon Emperor."
The Devil, Dwarf, and Valkyrie exchanged looks, of all the days she had to come to meet Odin's son it had to be the day they were all training. This was going to be quite a problem for the former Valkyrie. The silence was broken when Rossweisse stepped forward, her face still flustered.
"Uhm…grandma. Lord Thor is not here."
One silver eyebrow was raised in answer to her granddaughter's reply, "Not here? Well, where is he?"
Jotunheim
Strange things were occurring in the Land of the Giants today, the son of Aurvandill had come with a little white-haired girl and started training, both giving it their all to show they could overcome the other. Unfortunately, the girl was no match for the Jotun, despite his size he was nimble with punches so powerful they sent the girl flying across the landscape or deep into the earth. Despite the onslaught, the child was persistent to show what she could do which was encouraging for the Jotun.
He rushed her once more sending a flurry of punches and kicks that he noticed were being predicted and dodged. Good, she was getting faster and knew his moves but he still had tricks up his sleeve. Gracefully dodging a punch the white-haired girl moved in and buried her tiny fist into her stomach, despite her size the force behind the punch sent the Jotun stumbling back. Confident she could land another blow she sent another punch but stopped and rolled to the side narrowly missing the hammer carried on the Jotun's back.
"You're improving, Koneko." Vandill said proudly, "You managed to dodge my war hammer that time."
"You are predictable from all the training we do together." Said Koneko Toujou who was still in a fighting stance.
Of course, Azazel, and everyone, knew the two Rooks were to train together but the catch was they would be going to Jotunheim to hone their skills and, in Vandill's case, hunt and feed off the land. He was still a hunter and wanted to keep those skills sharp as well as teach his Rook a thing or two about how to hunt but could wait later. The Rooks had been sparing nonstop since arriving and now a break was needed.
"That is true." Said Vandill plopping onto the grass to catch his breath, "But there are still many tricks I may have hidden up my sleeve. Speaking of tricks, you still won't use it."
"I…still need more time to come to terms with it," Koneko muttered, recalling her talk the day before today.
Garden palace…Yesterday
Koneko walked the garden within the palace, while not a nature lover herself, something about this garden gave her a mind of peace, and tranquility, similar to when she used...Senjutsu. Many thought Koneko had no fear but she too did have a fear and that was becoming like her sister if using Senjutsu, the madness that befell her sister had been a tale told far and wide within the Underworld with great consequences that led to the little Nekoshou being in the care of the Gremory family. An act she was forever in debt to them, specifically Sirzechs Gremory for it was he who discovered her, saved her, and introduced her to Rias who became her master and, to the little girl, a mother figure who she always could look to for comfort. The day after the Peace Summit, she told Rias what she did to save Andreas and revealed her Neko form to the allies of Asgard who, to the Rook's surprise, did not shun nor discriminate against her but instead comforted and encouraged her just as Rias had done when hearing the tale. It lifted her heart knowing she, like Akeno, was not hated for being a Youkai.
Just then there came a rustle of leaves that, when coming into view, revealed to be Freya, Goddess of Love, bending low to gaze upon a patch of flowers tended to by bees. She was told the blue-haired woman stop Kuroka from seducing her son and cutting the old Satan's hand off, both achievements she praised the queen for. Feeling she may disturb her Koneko was about to turn and leave but paused when Freya spoke.
"Beautiful creatures are they not?"
"What is?" The white-haired girl asked her tone monotone as usual.
"The bees." Freya said, brushing a finger along the flowers that allowed a bee to crawl upon her forefinger, "They are such beautiful creatures needed to provide life yet humans fear them. It always hurts to see a human kill one out of fear of being stung."
"Hm." Green eyes flickered to Koneko who flinched, "They are."
Freya smiled, "I sense something troubles you, child. It is the power of Senjutsu isn't it? Don't be alarmed." She said calmly as Koneko flinched with a step back, "I know all about you, Koneko Toujou. Including the incident with Kuroka. Your fear to use Senjutsu is understandable yet you used it to save one of Odin's Einherjar, for that we are indebted to you."
"I couldn't let him die. He has a family he misses."
"Yes, he does. But that is not what I wish to talk about. It is Senjutsu. You used it to save a life, not take it. A task I myself would have done if allowed."
"Do…do you mean you use Senjutsu?"
"To save lives not take them." The Queen of the Valkyries repeated while extending a hand for Koneko to take and when she did the older woman led the Rook to a plant, it was wilted and on its last legs until Freya, with a wave of the hand that cast a hazy white glow, caused the flower to stand straight, it's drooping the petals becoming lively and color returning to it. Koneko gasped, she had witnessed Senjutsu and it was used to give life to a dying flower, "Yes. I use it to rejuvenate plants, flowers, and animals, that are near death. I do this because I am a Goddess of Love as well as life. Life is precious to me, Koneko, so I used Senjutsu only for that, never for battle."
"Do…do you mean you will teach me Senjutsu?"
"Only if you wish to. The choice to learn should not be forced onto anyone. If you wish to learn, come to me and I will teach you."
Jotunheim…Present Day…
Do I want to learn the power that caused me to be where I am? The small Rook thought I have a new family and friends who like me despite being related to a criminal. They want to help me grow stronger to protect them. If I do it then the Queen will show me how to properly use it and control it.
Suddenly the flashing of lightning in the distance caught her eye with thunder booming afterwards. Storms were usual in Jotunheim during winter but no clouds filled the sky, no rain fell, or wind howl, or even hail smashing against the land as was what came with Jotunheim storms. The electrical element was not natural but spells being cast by people, two of which Koneko knew.
Not far to the north
Thunder and lightning clashed as Thor and Akeno zipped through the air like birds performing a mating dance, the Priestess and God affiliated with thunder and lightning were panting heavily from the constant exchange of spells. Down below Baraqiel watched with arms crossed, Akeno had a knack to learn everything with ease, especially magic, which was why she was able to use Holy Lighting so efficiently, but unlike her father, she was not a master of the power the God of the Bible bestowed upon the Cadre. Each spell that hit Thor would be shrugged off as if it was a bug annoying him, the reason for this was not just because Akeno didn't master Holy Lightning but also because the God of Thunder trained more which gave him the durability to withstand the attacks.
They arrived in Jotunheim before Koneko and Vandill even before the sun peeked over the horizon. As soon as Thor arrived he jumped into training with stretching, workouts, magic, and melee training which Baraqiel recommended his daughter to join in. Easy as it was for Akeno to join he could tell she was struggling to keep up due to the God of Thunder's physical prowess, his determination to climb a rock one-handed with Akeno attempting to knock him off with thunder was… an interesting challenge to say the least. He dodged many but powered through attacks that made contact with him and when he reached the top, which had been when the sun had fully risen, he launched himself at Akeno engaging in a battle of magic until the Gremory Rooks arrived. After breakfast, they carried on with the spar that Baraqiel currently watched.
My daughter needs this training, if not to grow in physical strength but magically. She has talent and that talent will grow with training. Possibly to the point of reaching low or even mid-tier Cadre. Shuri….if you saw our daughter now you would be so proud of her.
With a mighty swing of Jarnbjorn, he slashed through a thunderbolt before closing the distance, hand gently grabbing her neck, axe poised to strike and a confident smile on his handsome face, "Got you."
"Ara. Ara. Choke me, Daddy~"
…. "WHAT?"
The next thing Thor saw was a hand slapping him hard across the face, hard enough to send him flying face-first to the earth. He didn't expect her Rook trait to have that much strength behind it. She must work out when others aren't looking or she just has a hard slap. Never mind that…did she call him daddy and want to be choked!? He looked back when he heard her laugh, her face alight with a sultry expression and a deep blush.
"Ara. Ara. If you had known I'm a major masochist and sadist you'd better be prepared. Ufufufu."
A bead of sweat rolled down Thor's face…so she's into s&m!? Whoever becomes her boyfriend better be prepared to be dominated. How did Thor know of s&m, the Goddess of Love had pulled him aside one day to give him the rundown of the birds and bees and the many fetishes they like, many of which made Thor uncomfortable and hoped Rossweisse didn't like. The fact that she now chose to share that with him must have been part of her plan to catch him off guard and it worked flawlessly but now that he knew he wouldn't fall for it again.
"That's enough practice for now. It's time for lunch." Called Baraqiel while setting a blanket on the grass and opening a cooler and basket that had food and drink. Ten minutes later the trio were sitting eating food cooked and packed by Freya and Akeno. Truly the combined effort by the Lady of Asgard and Priestess of Thunder was a feast for Baraqiel and Thor.
Akeno looked between the two men, despite coming to terms with the past she still had a long way to go to truly accept Baraqiel back into her life, and Thor… his drive to take revenge on the Himejima clan for what they did gave him the right to be angry but purposefully attempting to kill the clan members who wronged her was not right. It would, as Baraqiel said, have great consequences for the Five Great families, Grigori, and Asgard for they had no part in this feud unless Thor attacks them which luckily he was talked out of doing. Despite the pain the Himejima clan caused her, they were still family and she did not want them to face the God of Thunder's wrath. A shiver ran up her spine at recalling the unbridled rage the red-haired God unleashed upon Kokabiel and Vali, the punishment she dealt upon the Cadre and Dragon filled her with not just excitement but fear. Fear of seeing that same rage and power lose control and turned upon the people she loved.
"So, when do we return to training?" Asked Thor, his lunch already finished.
"As soon as I finish."
Akeno saw the excitement twinkle in Thor's eyes, the Lightning of God vs the God of Thunder would be a match all of Asgard, and Grigori would love to watch. That is if it was a real match but this was training to help Thor unlock Divine Thunder. The gold thunder and white lightning, as Freya explained to them all after the battle, was rare among the Gods and only used by Perun but now Thor was planning to unlock and master it, and when he does…when he does…Ares will want to fight him again. The God of War said he would face Thor when he grew stronger and make his name known in the Supernatural world. Defeating Vali and unlocking Divine Thunder had not caught the Son of Zeus' attention, he must be waiting for a greater achievement such as using Mjolnir or killing a God. By the time Ares shows himself again Thor will be strong enough to face him, after, of course, being helped by Akeno and Baraqiel.
When Baraqiel finished his lunch he and Thor slowly floated into the air while sparkings danced around their fists. Thor was eager while Baraqiel was calm and collected. Akeno meanwhile at her meal slowly wondering who would make the first move and if Thor could be a match for the Cadre. Suddenly on the horizon, she caught sight of a shape running towards them fast, she sprang to her feet when the shape drew closer to reveal a Gaint his face panic-stricken. She had a bad feeling about this…
"Help! Please help!" The Giant's cries caught the God and Cadre's attention forcing them to cease their spar to see what was the matter, when they joined Akeno the Jotun's eyes lit up, "It is you! Blessed at the Fates on this day! I am in need of your help oh mighty Thor!"
"What is it? What has happened?" Asked Thor, despite misgivings to have his training interrupted he could not ignore the plead for help.
"My son is missing! He went up into the mountain caves to go exploring with his friend but they got separated and only his friend returned. Please Lord of Thunder I beg you to find my son!" The Jotun wept uncontrollably.
"Calm down, sir. We will find your son." Said Thor, when he said "we" his eyes flickered to Akeno, he was not about to go looking for a missing child alone. Two would work better and, from what Vandill told him, she had Japanese demon familiars that can help in the search. "Take us to where you last saw him. Baraqiel we won't be along."
The God and Devil followed the Jotun who went on and on talking about his son, whose name was Vali, a common name in the Norse realm, who loved to go exploring ever since he was a boy but had grown careless when nearing adulthood. Vali went tramping and tracing over Jotunheim, sometimes getting into trouble and today was one such trouble for the mountains were said to be home to some vile Jotun clans who still clung to the ways of the Old Jotun Empire like the White Fang clan whom Thor rescued Mllicas and Eivor from. On and on they went drawing closer and closer to the mountains Vali went traveling to, the same mountains Thor realized where the Devil and Elf were to be given to a Jotun who lives there by Koll. Could it be that same Jotun, had he captured Vail? If so he hoped they won't be too late.
Through the forest, they rushed and up the mountainside, they climbed. Thor was beginning to remember the harrowing rescue mission with Vandill and Azrael to save Millicas and Evior more and more. Stepping on a rock he paused remembering it was at this spot he watched Vandill fall to his pressured death at the hands of Koll. Shaking the memory away he pressed on only to once again pause after crashing through a thicket, the battle between the Jotun chieftains, Koll and Aurvandill, replayed in his memory as if it had happened yesterday. He could see the memory of Vandill's father delivering the strike that ended the White Fang chieftain's life, shards of steel and blood flying everywhere as the dead silence fell when the battle was over. He felt a hand on his shoulder and realized it was Akeno who stared at him with concern.
"Are you alright?"
Thor nodded slowly but did not take his eyes off the spot, "This was where we rescued Millcas in Jotunheim. This is where Vandill's father killed Koll…"
"Oh dear…it must have been dreadful for Millicas to witness." The violet-eyed beauty said such horrible violence should never be seen by a child, she knew that from experience.
"Come!" Cried the Jotun who was ten steps ahead of them on a higher rock, "Come! We are not far from where my son was said to have vanished!"
The two teens followed but with more caution this time, whoever this Jotun was he was beginning to feel untrustworthy. Could he be leading them into a trap or was he just desperate to see his son rescued? Higher and higher they went, nearly reaching the clouds until, after rounding a bend, find the Jotun standing before the mouth of a cave, a large cave that looked to be fifteen feet high. This put Thor on edge, if a Jotun lived in there… they had to be careful.
"Vali's friend said they went in here. Oh please find my son and be careful, Lord of Thunder!"
"Are you coming with us?" Akeno asked kidney.
"Oh no, my dear lady, I cannot. I am no warrior. I will wait out here until you return."
Throwing a suspicious look at the Jotun, Thor drew Jarnbjorn and led the way into the cave while the Priestess of Thunder summoned her familiars to fan out and find the young Jotun. Off the little imps went their light swallowed by the darkness in seconds, a darkness even Akeno's light could barely pierce. If it was magic she would have told him but since she didn't this cave must naturally be very dark allowing wicked things to lie in wait to attack unsuspecting travelers. However, neither Thor nor Akeno was unaware they were armed and alert for anything. Hopefully, this cave was empty and no evil Giants or monsters live there.
They had to watch where they stepped for many cracks and gaps littered the floor, some gaps being so wide they had to float over them. Just how far did Vali go? Either he was deeper in or he may have lost his footing and fallen to his death, hopefully, it was not the latter. He did not wish to find a dead child splattered on the floor or impaled on rocks. Maybe if they call for Vali he may respond, after all, whatever may dwell in here couldn't be a match for him and Akeno.
Just then a faint red glow appeared in the dark revealing itself to be one of Akeno's imps, had it found Vali? It spoke to Akeno in its strange language Thor could not understand but she did by the slow shift of seriousness her expression took, whatever it told her it must not be good. She motioned to follow her imp and soon they found themselves in a cavern where a single streak of light shone through. Raising her hands high she let loose a burst of light magic to break the surrounding darkness to show the cavern was larger than expected with a statue in a corner, a statue Thor realized was seven feet tall with hands raised as if trying to shield his eyes from something. That statue must be Vali and something or someone was in this cave with powers to turn people to stone, they had to free the boy and get out of there as fast as they could.
"Please tell me you know how to unfreeze him?" Asked Thor once they reached the statue, his eyes searching everywhere for any sign of danger.
"Unfortunately I don't, but I'm certain the Allfather or someone else can. Hopefully, he isn't stuck to the ground." Said Akeno reaching out to touch the statue. As soon as she did a magic rune appeared on the boy followed by more runes in the air and a large one beneath them. Panic seized her, "It IS a trap! We're caught in a barrier and about to be teleported!"
Before Thor could try any attempt to break the barrier or tell Akeno to try a spell a bright light blinded him for a brief moment when it faded he found Akeno still beside him but the statue was gone. While Thor was spouting curses at the Jotun for sending them into a trap Akeno surveyed their surroundings; they seemed to be in another cavern but this one was smaller, brighter, and warmer. No, not warmer, hotter, the temperature was causing sweat to form on her brow, where did that teleportation spell take them?
"When I found that Jotun I'm going to make him kiss Jarnbjorn!"
"Nevermind that, we need to figure out where we are. I think I see a light, let's get out of here and hopefully find somewhere to cool off."
Thor, still grumbling curses at the Jotun, followed the black-haired hybrid to what was hopefully a way out. As they drew closer to the light they could feel a hot wing blowing onto them meaning they were heading for an exit and wherever the Jotun sent them. Suddenly a blast of steam erupted near Akeno and would have blinded and burned her face had Thor not thrown his arm out to protect her, despite the protection he could feel the heat through his armor. A feeling of dread began to fill Thor, the hot wind and steam…could they have been transported to a volcano!? That means this Jotun had intentions to not just trap them but kill them!
Taking the lead Thor's eyes darted left and right to see any sight of more steam blasts erupting from the earth but none came to be. When they were six feet away from the cave entrance a hot gust of wind blew past them with tiny flakes falling onto them. Thor dusted a handful off and gave a hard look at the flakes, they were gray and had a funny smell to them, like fire and smoke.
Fire and smoke!?
Thor rushed to the entrance, what he saw terrorized him and very few things scared the God of Thunder. When Akeno joined him she gasped, the land was barren and black with pits and geysers of lava, and far away volcanoes bellowed thick black smoke like steam engines up into the blood-red sky while ash and embers fell like rain. It looked like the Underworld depicted in books and TV shows in the human world but this couldn't be the Underworld she'd have recognized it and this certainly wasn't Jotunheim. There was only one place she knew that was described as a fiery landscape in the Supernatural World and, despite wanting to deny it, now knew where the Jotun teleported them.
"Thor…are we…"
"Yes Akeno," Said Thor, his face changing from fear to grim, "We are in the land of fire and ash. We are in Muspelheim."
That's right folks! Thor and Akeno in Muspelheim! How are they going to get out of this one? What foes will the Thunder duo meet in the land of fire and ash? That will be in chapter 47 Muspelheim!