Century (Guest): Yes my friend, after so many chapters the build up has finally come.
Feral (Guest) Zephyrdor was never smart in cannon or any fanfic XD
Salazar (Guest) Diadora going after women who CAN defend themselves? Not if it cost him his life lol.
DragonGodZalama: Not a plot loop, just a mistake on my part for slipping my mind. That will, however, be corrected in this chapter so keep an eye out for that quick topic.
Terror: Vali wouldn't stoop to the level of luring Thor into a trap. He would want to fight him head on.
Nylock: No. Thor is only getting Rose, I am not going to have him have a harem like Issei or other OC's.
Battlefield: Hm, they can try but they would fail. You forget Thor is not alone, he has his friends and family.
"Surtr."
Thor felt as if his mouth went dry from inhaling too much ash. This was the king of Muspelheim, Sinmara's husband, and now Sirzechs Rook. What was the Aesir supposed to say to him? What could he say? He stared up into his eyes and a sharp pain hit his head, like someone stabbed a knife into it. He clutched his head and felt the world spin.
"Thunder God!" A chilling voice roared in his head.
Thunder roared, lightning flashed, and fire swirled about in the memory Thor saw. He battled Surtr but he was bigger and carried a large fiery sword that clashed with Mjolnir. Soon the Giant was on one knee.
"Surrender now Jotun! Return to Muspelheim and never again return. Else you shall once again taste the might of Asgard."
"Bah! You think yourself so great. Do you truly believe that you are greater than I? How foolish, I have slain a countless number of God's over the millennium and you will be no different Aesir."
The Giant raised the sword but Thor was a split second faster, he slammed Mjolnir upon the bridge, the Bifrost, and they fell together. Surtr's fiery fists pummeled Thor to try breaking free but the Prince held on tightly refusing to loosen his grip. Calling all the power he had Thor brought it crashing down upon the two of them and all went white.
Blue eyes snapped open to find Rossweisse and Vandill looking down on him concerningly. Thor frowned, he had another memory, the memory of when he, when the first Thor, had died. He had seen Surtr and he looked exactly as he does now. Sitting up with help he found Beowulf and Koneko helping Surtr, who was clutching his head, into a sitting position. Did he collapse too, did he have a memory flash like him?
"Are you ok?" Everyone looked to find Venelana followed by Ylva and Grayfia hastily approaching. The mother of Sirzechs looked just as concerned as the others. "We felt a shock wave come from here."
Rossweisse explained what had happened and for the briefest moment she saw Grayfia's red eyes flicker between Thor and Surtr. If she was worried she hid it well.
"Interesting." Venelana said after a long pause, "Sirzechs told me you have memory flashes of your old life, young Thor. To see Surtr Second react to it is very troubling."
"Surtr Second?" Repeated Rossweisse, aqua eyes glancing between her lover and the Fire Giant.
"We should discuss this with Lord Lucifer." Said Grayfia, "He should be told about what happened and explain everything. For Surtr is his Rook."
"I agree." Venelana said after another long pause before addressing the Gremory servants, "Are you three alright?"
"We are unharmed." Surtr said after being helped to his feet with a shake of his massive head, "I swear the moment I looked into our red haired friends eyes I had the strangest memory about fighting him but he was older and it looked like we were on a rainbow bridge. Who is he? Why does he look so familiar?"
Grayfia's finger twitched ever so slightly, "Perhaps you should talk to Lord Lucifer about what happened."
"I intend to but you didn't answer my question, Grayfia, who is our red haired friend?"
"Surtr Second." Tutted Venelana, "Did you forget our Norse allies were coming today? This is Odin's son, Thor."
"...Thor…." Repeated the Rook as if he was trying to recall an old friend.
"Yes, Surtr. Thor. The God of Thunder. Prince of Asgard? The same Thor who rescued master Millicas from Giants when he and his parents went to visit Asgard and I acted as bodyguard for him?"
Yellow eyes widened, "OH! That Thor!" Then he grinned and boomed with laughter, "Ghahahaha! AT LONG LAST I FINALLY CAN MEET THE GOD OF THUNDER! I WOULD LOVE TO FIGHT YOU!"
"Perhaps later," Beowulf interrupted gently to his fellow Devil, "You need to talk to Master Sirzechs about what happened."
"I shall take you to see him." Grayfia said leaving no room to protest.
When the Queen and Rook left via a teleportation portal Venelana turned her attention to Thor, "Are you alright?"
"Yeah. Yeah. I'm ok."
Venelana smiled kindly, "Our talks about the Dark Elves during lunch made me forget to tell you Millicas and Vandill have told us in great detail how you rescued him in Jotunheim. You saved our grandson and daughter. On behalf of the Gremory family we truly are in your debt."
Thor smiled, "I am honored, Lady Venelana. I could not stand aside and let a child be harmed. I am glad you think I saved Rias but she fought as hard as I did against Kokabiel, the Khaos Brigade, and Dark Elves. We all saved each other."
"Nevertheless, your actions have earned you high praise within the Gremory family." Seeing the young prince give no answer she changed the subject, "If you head east you will find Akeno training with Havarti. Excuse me, I must tell my husband what happened. What shall we do about your goat, Thor?"
Thor looked at the sleeping goat, his out of control charge at Surtr left a bad taste in his mouth. Never had Tanngrisnir disobeyed him. He should be punished but the sudden rage-filled attack was understandable since no living being in Asgard saw Surtr since his supposed death. His first encounter with the new Surtr was…unique to say the least for he was not crude, blood thirsty, or hateful like the other Fire Giants of Muspelheim but rather jolly and energetic, energetic enough to ask to fight him. A request Thor was uncertain about.
"If you have a stable with hay, take him there please and be sure to not let him see Surtr."
"Are you alright? I mean really alright?" Rossweisse asked her lover after Venelana left with Tanngrsinir to a stable.
Thor sighed and slumped against the tree, "No, Rose…I am not alright. That was Surtr….that was Muspleheim's king. The destined ruler to bring Ragnarok and destroy the World Tree. That encounter triggered a memory. The same memory he explained."
Vandill paled, "You mean…you saw yourself fighting him upon the Bifrost!? Everyone who witnessed the clash between you and Surtr said it was incredible and terrifying."
Thor nodded, "It was…we fought like savage beasts trying to best the other. The first Thor…I, offered him to surrender and he refused, forcing me to destroy the Bifrost, sending us both falling and for me to let loose my final attack." Thor's fists tightened, "This wasn't the first time I had this day of the festival. At least the very end of it where I was falling and surrounded by fire and smoke."
Rossweisse swallowed, "You…dreamed of the last moments of your first life."
"Yeah. The Allfather and Allmother know about it already."
"Why did you not tell the rest of your friends?" Koneko asked, finally speaking after the strange event earlier. She had not been present at the Peace Summit but was told about them afterwards and found it partly interesting and partly concerning.
"I felt it was nothing important but obviously it is now. I think… I should stay away from Surtr unless I have that memory flash again or another one."
"And I hope Lord Lucifer complies with that wish." Said Vandill putting a reassuring hand on Thor's shoulder, "Now who wants to keep training?"
Lilith
"You've been staring out the window for far too long, old friend. You are still worrying about what happened with your Rook." It was not a question Ajuka told Sirzechs, he could tell the news Grayfia told about Surtr and Thor troubled Rias' brother deeply.
"Of course I am. I know about Thor having flash memories but to hear Surtr have one? I do not understand." He turned to stare Ajuka dead in the eye and say, "We didn't know anything about them until our Peace Summit at Kuoh. I assumed the Surtr I reincarnated was a clone made by the Norse Gods but now I wonder did I reincarnate the real King of Muspelheim? Did he survive Thor's sacrifice for me to find him stumbling about with no memory on earth and what about Thor? Is he really the reincarnation as Micheal said he was? He did say Gods cannot be cloned but what if he's wrong? What if, by some chance, the Exorcist working at the Siegfried institution found a way to clone the God of Thunder and if they did, how did they obtain his DNA?"
"As smart as I am, Sirzechs, these riddles I do not know the answer to." The green haired Satan answered, "In the Norse world they have the Norms who weave one's destiny, perhaps you were destined to find Surtr, real or clone, and make him your servant to save the Norse realm from Ragnarok."
A tiny smile flickered across the red haired man's face, "Perhaps but what if it wasn't destiny what if it was coincidence?"
"Again, I do not know the answers to these riddles. Perhaps in time they will come."
"And speaking of time, soon my sister shall participate in her first official Rating Game."
"With the support of your family too."
Sirzechs wasn't sure if his friend was teasing him or not but he agreed wholeheartedly with him. The fact that his parents had no hope for Rias' unofficial Rating Game against Riser disappointing but an understandable one. Riser was a professional player while Rias was just a girl living in the human world. Now she would get her chance to prove her worth against someone equal in age, power, and stature and this time Rias would have her family's support.
Back at the mannor
"So you met Surtr Second." Akeno asked, serving tea to Thor who nodded grimly. The day had come to an end and the Gremory Peerage, minus Issei, was gathered within one of the many spacious living rooms with Thor's team. The encounter between Thor and Surtr being the chief topic at the moment.
"And triggered my last memory."
"Last memory?" Repeated Kiba pausing in the process of taking a sip of his drink.
"When he died saving Asgard from Surtr." Sigrun explained.
Dead silence filled the room save for the sound of Gasper gulping in fear and Akeno continuing to pass out tea and snacks.
"When I met him he wasn't like what the stories portray him to be." Said Rossweisse, "He is an energetic and upbeat person with a habit of being outspoken. He regards himself with confidence because of his strength."
"But gets angry when he is embarrassed, causing him to normally pick fights with people." Vandill added with a chuckle, "I must admit if Beowulf hadn't been there I would gladly have traded blows with him."
Across from him Henrietta hummed before saying, "The fact that we do not know if he is the real Surtr or a clone is disturbing. I was at the festival when Sirzechs told Asgard how he found Surtr. The king of Muspelheim stumbling about with no memory sounds like Thor's sacrifice was in vain…"
Dead silence filled the room again then Kiba, brow furrowed, said, "Are you saying Lord Lucifer has the real Surtr as his Rook?"
"I am not saying, only theorizing. It is up to Lord Lucifer to tell us if it is the real Surtr or not." Her frown turned upside down, "Anyway how's your training going children?"
The Gremory Peerage shared their training and the Asgardians listened with interest. When it was Kiba's turn to share his training Ykva asked if he saw Xenovia to which he shook his head saying she wasn't there. If so, why did Azazel tell him she was? Did he lie or was she busy being bodyguard to Michael? She probably was and it dampened the Knights mood. Soon the talks turned to the Rating game leading to a debate between Sigrun and Andreas saying who and why they support Rias or Sona.
"I'm not sorry but Sona is way smarter than Rias. Don't get me wrong, she has good tactics from time to time but her idea to face Kokabiel without her brother was very foolish. Not to mention Sona will have knowledge on all of you and know how to defeat you."
"Rias has many powerful family members. Including many powerful Sacred Gears. Only Tsubaki and Saji have Sacred Gears." Sigrun countered.
"Sacred Gears that they know of." The Greek Einherjar retorted, "Her other servant may have Gears they don't know about."
Kiba chuckled, "They know we are here."
"I think they want us to hear their opinion." Koneko muttered.
"Issei has power."
"Issei is a pervert only caring about breasts." Ylva muttered, receiving nods from Rossweisse and Koneko.
"But he has power." The young Einherjar said proudly.
"Power he needs to work harder to get if he is to face Vali again." Said Akeno.
"Speaking of Vali. I wonder if we will ever see him again." Bikou wondered.
"If the Wavers of Fates are kind then your own fate may lead you back to your friends." Said Ylva to the Youkai.
Three days later
Azrael stood beside his father and Rossweisse waiting for the Archangel. The day of the gathering Michael, with Xenovia and Irina, left the Underworld the same day they arrived and had not sent word about returning until today. While Angel did not give a reason for his urgent leaving, the leaders of the Underworld and Asgard knew why; more problems with the Church arising or getting worse. Today Michael would give them news and, for Rossweisse, ask the questions she needed from him.
"Rias Gremory returned from the mountain with a very exhausted Issei." Azrael told his father but was sure the Governor General knew that already.
Soon the bright magic circle of Heaven appeared and the trio found Michael standing before them. The Archangel did not look well; his shoulders were slumped and heavy bags were beneath his tires eyes. Whatever the Church was doing was taking its toll on the leader of Heaven.
"You don't look so good, Micheal." Azazel said, his eyes showing hidden concern for his fellow twelve winged Angel.
Michael sighed, "Our followers are growing more and more divided. Many say Heaven has been tainted by Devil witchcraft at the Peace Summit while others, like Commodus, lose faith in us."
"That's absurd!" Azrael yelled, "How stupid are they to believe such a thing."
"Very much so since that is what is happening with those Bible thumpers." His father answered.
Micheal shook his head sadly saying, "They are merely misguided by evil thoughts. They do not understand that we wish to have peace."
"That's quite naive of you to think," Azreal said ignoring the scornful look by Rossweisse for talking to a Faction leader like that, "You have tried time and time again to tell your human followers to cease their protests but they have not. It's only a matter of time before they break away and form their own religion. That has happened before with you Christians. Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox, Mormon. What's next? The Church of the Unholy Crusaders?"
Micheal did not flinch or grow angry, but merely nodded sadly, "You are not wrong, Azreal. Humanity has divided Christianity many times through the centuries. If Father was alive he would smite his followed for using his name and teachings to commit mass genocide. I will keep trying to talk them out of their foolish ideas."
"Until they do break away." Azreal muttered.
"Lord Micheal," Said Rossweisse drawing the Archangel's attention to her, "I have some questions I wish to ask you."
"What is my dear?"
The black and white angels stared at the Valkyrie. Rossweisse knew why she was and decided to let Azazel and his son now know her purpose, "You said Thor is the reincarnation of the original but if that is true why is God of the Bible not reincarnated? Are you sure God's can inherit spirits like heroes or is it the belief from humanity?"
"Rossweisse," Said Azrael, "That question was answered at the Peace Summit. Don't you remember? Lord Micheal said God cannot due to belief in him diminishing."
"But what if that's not true? Are you absolutely sure Gods cannot be cloned?"
"Why are you asking my child?"
"It's because of Surtr."
"Surtr Second is a Giant, not a God. Evil Pieces can work on Demigods, like yourself Rossweisse, but Thor is a true God." Azazel said.
Rossweisse looked between the Angels, perhaps they were right but deep within her mind a slither of doubt swam about.
Days later at the Gremory manner
Akeno sighed with delight as she pulled on her shirt, she had just finished showering after another hard day of training and would spend the rest of it relaxing. Since coming to the Underworld she, like the rest of her Peerage, had been nonstop in training for the Rating Game. Her skills in Holy Lightning were improving greatly as said by her father when coming to see her one day, the proud look he wore when saying that made her beam with pride. She looked at her bed and smiled sultry.
Once only I occupied that bed now however…ufufu…I wonder how daddy will feel seeing my cute handsome man sleeping with me.
Yes she was now sharing a bed with her boyfriend, Havarti, which was all they were doing for now. The orange haired boy - no - man was a mixture of Kiba and Issei; a gentleman on the streets, and a pervert in the sheets. She remembered feeling his hands squeeze her ample busts and say how amazing they are the other night making her moan with such delight she was half tempted to make love to him right then and there but was strong willed enough to stop. Her priorities at the moment was getting stronger to win the Rating Game then maybe after they win she will give in to that desire and if Havarti will say yes.
Her lewd desire was interrupted by a knock on the door and a voice from someone she recognized but did not expect. When she answered the door she greeted Beowulf with a respectful smile. What in the world could he want with her?
"Akeno, I hope I am not interrupting you."
"Not at all, do you wish to come in?"
"No, I wish to walk if that is not a bother to you."
Akeno answered by stepping out of her room and shutting the door before following the Pawn down the hallway.
"Your master and Issei Hyoudou have just returned. I've never seen anyone more tired and exhausted than Lady Gremory's Pawn but to be fair he was trained by Tannin and from what I have heard about him he is no pushover."
"No he is not. Mr. Azazel said he would not be holding back in training Issei."
"Then I hope it will work out in the end for him. Issei may have a Heavenly Dragon but Sona's Pawn has a Dragon King and from what I have heard is training just as hard as Issei."
"But that isn't why you wish to speak to me is it?" Akeno understood the reason was not about Issei or the Rating Game.
They turned a corner onto a balcony and after a long silence Beowulf sighed, "You are right it is not. I know the higher ups know about this but I must know, Ms. Akeno. What was it like in Muspelheim?"
A shiver ran up Akeno's spin at the question, the mention of that fiery land was not a subject she did not wish to remember. The lava, the ash, the bloodthirsty Fire Giants trying to kill her and Thor…it was an experience she did not want to recount just as she wished not to recount the death of her mother. Yet Beowful was keen on knowing and she could not deny Sirzechs Pawn question, especially since he too was also part of the Norse world.
"It was horrible. It looked exactly like how the Underworld is depicted in Christian books; rivers of fire flowed through the black landscape while smoke filled the sky with many ruined castles and fortresses. The Fire Giants…they walk like men but they are brutes. Mindless beasts. Some the size of a human with others as big as fifty feet. There only desire is to kill; be it intruders like us or themselves. I hope to never go back there ever again. I hope…I hope that place stays locked away forever."
Beowulf placed a comforting hand on her shoulder, "You've said enough, Akeno. Thank you for telling me. I am still horrified that you and Lord Thor found yourself sent there. If that Jotun is ever found I want to personally strangle him for what he did."
"You'll have to get in line for that Mr. Beowulf, Baraqiel and I have already made rain checks on that desire if that Jotun is indeed found."
"Welcome, back Rias." Greeted Akeno who had come out to join the two on the balcony, "I trust training went well?"
"As well as it can be. Issei went to rest, Mr. Tannin wanted to get one more round of training in this morning before heading home. What I saw was he had better control over his Gear but cannot unlock his Balance Breaker. Although he didn't achieve what Tannin hoped for, I am proud of my Pawn for what he has achieved."
"As am I." Added Beowulf, "I'm proud of all of you for training so hard. I'm certain you will beat Sona easily."
"Thank you, Beowulf. Now, you were talking about Muspelheim? I heard what happened between Thor and Surtr. That is most troubling."
"Indeed, Lady Rias. In fact I must confess after Grayfia and Surtr left after reporting the incident my curiosity got the better of me and I had my familiar spy on Lord Lucifer and Ajuka. Your brother, Lady Rias, is worried he may have turned the real Surtr into his Rook."
The two most popular girls in Kuoh Academy exchanged worrisome looks. Every Devil assumed it was a clone of Muspelheim's king but if this was the real Surtr, the harbinger of Ragnarok, then Sirzechs unintentionally saved Asgard but made Thor's noble sacrifice in vain. Suddenly a dreadful thought slipped into Rias' mind; if Thor had memory flashes and Surtr experienced one then what if he started having more and possibly returned to his evil way? If so, would her brother be strong enough to stand against someone like Surtr? He's a Super-Devil, a class beyond Ultimate, but could he face a primordial being like Surtr?
Rias frowned, why am I doubting my brother can beat Surtr? He is unrivaled in power but Surtr has lived longer, he is the destroyer of the Norse Pantheon. If that is the real Surtr and if he does become a Stary Devil like Koneko's sister he will have the power to destroy all of the Underworld. She shook her head definitely, No! Such a thing will never happen but if it doesn't Surtr will never win. Not even a being as powerful as him can stand against all Four Satan's and their Peerage.
"How horrifying." Said Akeno, "Maybe someone should keep a close eye on him."
"A task Lady Grayfia has appointed Lucifer's Peerage's familiars to do."
"And do they know where he is right now?" Rias asked.
No sooner had she said that a familiar appeared beside Beowulf and hastile spoke to him, which she said she could not hear but the look on the Pawn's face was enough to tell her it was not good.
"What is it?"
"Surtr is…"
Lilith
While Rossweisse and the others were busy, and done with training for today, Thor chose to visit the Devil capital, Lilith, named after the wife of Lucifer and mother to all Devils. The city was magnificent to look upon, their were shops, restaurants, theaters, apartments, and many many cars. His visit to the city was the right choice since all he had done since coming here had been training, eating, bathing, sleeping with Rossweisse, the last bit brought a grin to his face.
When he returned to his room the first night at the manor he was surprised to find the Valkyrie waiting for him wearing a long pale blue nightgown, the reason being it was tradition for couples to share a bed, a tradition Thor gladly accepted.
As he passed by a restaurant he saw great fire pits in the center of the tables and it reminded him of the Surtr. Since meeting him Thor's thoughts always turned to the Fire Giant. The Surtr he met looked like the one in his memory but he had no flaming sword nor held malice in his heart to see all things burn, he was just a big jolly man who loved to drink and fight.
Was it really the First Fire Giant or a really good copy somehow created by the Devils? That sounded just as absurd as the Devil's assumption of Surtr Second being a clone made by the Norse Gods for why would Asgard make a clone of the Fire Giant who attacked the Aesir's kingdom and killed so many? As for the Devils they had no technology to clone anyone, only the Exorcist had it until Thor destroyed it after escaping the Siegfried Institution and that place only wished to create a perfect clone of Siegfried.
Taking a right turn he caught sight of the very man he was thinking about drinking his sake. Many people gave the Fire Giant a wide berth leading Thor to wonder if they found Lucifer's Rook dangerous. Whatever the reason, it wasn't his problem. Squaring his shoulders he hoped no memory flash would happen and strolled right up to the big man.
"Surtr."
The Fire Giant turned and choked in his drink, eyes wide with surprise to see Thor standing before him, "Thor! What are you doing here?
For a moment he stood, waiting for any sudden memory flash yet none came rushing forward. Glad for it the red haired Aesir said, "I wish to get to know you."
Surtr blinked, "R-really?"
"Yeah. We didn't have the best first meeting but I want to fix that by getting to know you." Said Thor motioning for the Giant to follow him down the street away from the staring civilians.
Surtr soon became very bashful, "W-well…there isn't much to share about me. I was found by Sirzechs and made his Rook and have served him faithfully since then. Although I do wish I could partake in Rating Games they look so fun to do! If I knew soon about Lady Rias' mock Rating Game against Riser Phenex I would gladly have asked to be her second substitute Rook."
"An offer I'm pretty sure she would deny. She would have wanted to do this without her family's help since they set up that arranged marriage." Thor had learned during his stay at the Gremory manor about the affair of Rias' arranged marriage and how she tried to win her freedom by playing a Rating Game she lost in. From the recording he saw his friends had put up a decent fight and would have won if not for the opponent's Queen using a Phenex tear to regain her full strength, to which Thor called cheating.
"I suppose. She is prideful and wants to be independent. It's partly the reason why she moved to Japan but the main reason is because of Souji Okita." The Giant laughed, "It is because of him that she has a love for his country."
Thor chuckled, "Is that so? Well we shouldn't talk about her, we are here to talk about each other."
If you were a citizen living in Lilith then the most uncommon thing you would see that day was Lucifer's Rook talking to the Norse God of Thunder about each other and the adventures the red haired prince of Asgard went on. Again, it was a very uncommon sight but nonetheless a step in the direction for coexistence and peace. Soon word had spread about the God of Thunder and Surtr talking to each other, the topic many shared with friends and family that day and many days later.
"And so," Said Thor recounting his battle against Kokabiel while having a snack, "I tore his upper wings off and buried him headfirst into the first after cutting his right hand off."
Surtr grimace, "Remind me not to piss you off. That Kokabiel guy sure was crazy. Why would he even try restarting the war in the first place? He was just one man planning to take on all of Hell. Sirzechs could easily obliterate him. If you ask me, he was all talk."
"Perhaps for someone like you and your master, yes but not to us. Me, Akeno, and Rias all struggled against him. He was a skilled battle hardened general of Grigori with delusions to restart the Great War. If such a thing had come to pass he would have been erased from existence by Sirzechs if not by my father or brothers. The only reason I beat him was because of the Heavenly Dragons; one divided the Kokabiel the other boosted my power."
"Speaking of the Heavenly Dragons; your tale about humbling Albion's current host is quite the conversion for those who love to fight, myself included." Surtr's eyes flashed with excitement.
"Again. I was aided yet again by the Red Dragon Emperor and Akeno. Their combined powers allowed me to briefly unlock Divine Thunder, which is a rare skill of thunder only Perun knew."
"Ah but it sounds to me like you too know it." Said Surtr, "It sounds to me like you just need to keep training until you finally unlock it and when you do I wish to fight you." The orange haired man's eyes flashed with excitement, "YES! LET ALL KNOW THAT I, SURTR, SHALL BATTLE THE GOD OF THUNDER! IT SHALL BE GLORIOUS! HAHAHA!"
For a brief second Thor saw himself battling the Fire Giant then Sairaorg, and the Heavenly Dragons and emerging victorious. Battle was part of the Aesir's life and even though some did not fight like Idunn and Bragi, they nevertheless loved to watch a good fight. For Thor he would never deny a good challenge but most of his battles had been serious not fun, the last time he spared was against Rossweisse and Sigrun, where he once again hesitated to land an attack on his girlfriend which she scolded him for. He wondered if he ever trained with her again could he bring himself to strike her even if it's for training? The question was answered by her bloody body in her arms, a memory he hated himself for recalling.
"YES!" Boomed Surtr breaking Thor's thoughts, "I SHALL TELL SIRZECHS THAT WE WILL FIGHT AND-"
"Not so fast, big guy," Thor interrupted, "Such a battle will have to wait. You forget we have Rias and Sona's Rating Game tomorrow."
Surtr's grin did not waver, "But of course! We mustn't forget about Lucifer's baby sister! We must cheer her on! WE MUST BE SURE THE GREMORY FAMILY IS VICTORIOUS IN ALL ITS RATING GAMES! HAHAHA!"
"Well, well, well, I was not expecting to see this."
The God and Giant turned around to find the very woman they spoke about accompanied by her Queen and Beowulf, the latter shaking his head at his fellow servants' usual enthusiastic mannerism.
"RIAS! WE WERE JUST TALKING ABOUT YOU! WHEREVER I AM TOMORROW I SHALL BE SHOUTING FOR YOU TO WIN!"
Rias smiled, "Thank you Mr. Surtr. Your words make me feel victorious already."
"But do not let such things make you overconfident, Rias." Beowulf added, "Take heart that Sona is, beg my pardon, smarter than you. She will undoubtedly have many strategies to overcome each of you."
"She isn't the only one coming up with tactics, Beowulf. I too have many plans to counter whatever she has up her sleeve." Then she turned her gaze back to her fellow red head, "As for you, Thor, I am surprised you are talking with Surtr."
"I thought it best to give him a chance and see who he is."
"And?"
"He's quite a swell guy."
Surtr's laughter seems to double in volume, "HAHAHA! YOU FLATTER ME, LORD THUNDER!"
"And you, Surtr, shall have your wish granted. When these Rating Games are over I shall be sure to request a mock battle against you to see which of us is strongest. The Prince of Asgard or the King of Muspelheim?"
Surtr's grin faded and a look of bewilderment came over him, "King of… Muspelheim?"
"I think we should go." Beowulf interrupted, "Lady Grayfia is asking for us, Surtr. Lady Rias, Lady Akeno, Lord Thor, I bid you all farewell."
The three teens watched the Pawn teleport the still puzzled Rook away, Thor wasn't sure but he could have been sore he saw the two meter tall Giant's face warp into anger and glare at him. Had calling him that title caused him to after a memory flash or remember something? He would be sure not to say that around him ever again.
"Well, it is getting late and we all should get home. Tomorrow is a big day for all of us." Rias said, neither she nor Akeno noticed the shift in Surtr's face when he departed.
The next day
The cheering crowd could be heard outside the stadium Thor and his team approached. They ate breakfast with the Gremory Peerage and would meet them at the entrance to give them a final good luck and well wishes before the Rating Game starts. Although the Kings and Queens of Asgard and Olympus, the Four Great Satans, the Governor-General and Vice-Governor of Grigori, the Archangel of Heaven, and many powerful Devil nobles and heiress had come to watch the Rating Game, Thor nevertheless felt he and his team should act as security in case any funny activities happen such as a surprise attack by the Khaos Brigade, an attack Thor knew would be very foolish unless it was a well planned one. His plan was seconded by Rossweisse, Sigrun, and Henrietta leaving the others unhappy.
"But you can still watch the Rating Game's recording." Henrietta reassured her fellow Einherjar and Havarti.
"But it's different from watching a recording to seeing it live." Said Havarti, his mind drifting to the good luck kiss he gave her this morning before joining the others for breakfast.
"Nevertheless, we must be on our toes for any signs of unwanted activity. The Khaos Brigade really may try something stupid today." The blonde teacher retorted sternly.
Bikou sighed, "This seems like a waste of time to me. Doesn't your mom have the power to see into the future and old man Odin probably used his magic to protect this place."
"Your right, Bikou," Said Thor, "that still doesn't mean I want us protecting this place. If we show Asgard is willing to put itself on the line to defend Devil nobles then surely that will get them into their good grace. As well as Olympus, Grigori and Heaven."
"Speaking of Heaven." Azreal stopped everyone and pointed to a pair of familiar Angles approaching them, at the same time the Gremory Peerage appeared via teleportation, their faces grim and downcast.
"Xenovia, Irina. What's wrong?" Asia asked.
She was met with silence as Devils and Asgardians exchanged confused looks with one another at what their sudden appearance menat. All except for Rossweisse and Azreal, the Valkyrie and hybrid apparently knew why they looked so upset. Whatever they knew it was bad and nobody liked what it would be.
At last Xenovia blew out a breath and looked Thor dead in the eye and said in a grim tone, "The Church Rebellion has begun."
And with that comes the end of this chapter and the kickoff of the Church Rebellion arc starting sooner than later! For those who only watch the anime this is major spoiler territory so all I will say is some folks within the Church did not agree to peace between Fallen Angels and Devils. Personally I feel this arc happened too late in canon and should have occurred sooner which is what I am doing which means, for those who read the Light Novels, the most overpowered human in all of DxD will appear who I also personally do not like.
Anyway enough of my ranting I hope you all enjoyed this chapter and be sure to give your feedback on it.