Fate/Bonds Beyond Humanity

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97- Viking Funeral

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"Oh my! You two look better already!" Akeno exclaimed with happiness upon arriving at the infirmary and finding the pleasant sight of her father and uncle awake.

Baraqiel was stunned by his daughter's beautiful smile while Azazel was less so. "Not that I don't like being pampered by beautiful girls." The latter said with a charming grin to his nurses, one of them blushing proving herself weak against a dashing rogue. "Great company. Ten out of ten for Medusa's followers!"
Snapping himself out of his stupor, mostly because of his brother's hijinks, the other fallen angel tried to stand. "Azazel, we need to get up." His tone left no room for discussion.

While he was laviging in the nurses' attention, the Governor General's eyes remained sharp. "Tch. Yes, you are right. Ladies, I am sorry but I have urgent business with Medusa."

"Not at all. If they don't mind, you can keep enjoying their company." Akeno commented which made two nurses giggle while the remaining six smiled. "Neither you are fully recovered. Fenrir really wanted his pound of flesh."

"And he is the reason why we shouldn't stay down." Azazel commented while mustering his strength and sitting up. The most eager nurse, a young woman in her mid twenties, was quick to help him. "With him and Loki around-"

"Oh, that is settled." Akeno smiled at the expressions of disbelief in her father and uncle's faces.

It was an expression of mischief that Baraqiel would find in his wife once and while. Especially before she brought out the whips. "Akeno, what do you mean 'that is settled'? We are talking about a God Slayer here."

"Well~ Now there is another one around and he solved everything." The ravenhead mused with a pop in her tongue. "So you two don't need to-"

"Wait. Wait. Hold your horses. Or snakes. That is more appropriate in this setting." Azazel joked almost instinctively while trying to figure out what his niece wasn't saying. "Fenrir isn't a problem anymore? And another God Slayer? That sounds problematic."

"It was problematic then it wasn't." The High Priestess was amused that her uncle wished to play instead of just asking what happened straight out. "Also, god slayer not as a Title but as fact… Which technically gives him the Title of God Slayer?"

"Someone killed a god while we were out or something?" All amusement left Azazel's face and the nurses felt a shift in the mood. The still smiling Akeno just nodded eagerly. "That is… Okay, who and how?"

"Shirou-kun, Champion of Medusa, killed Loki." The nurses looked pleased.

On the other hand the men were shocked. ""What?!"" Baraqiel rose to his feet and brushed aside the nice lady trying to keep him in bed. "Daughter, did such a thing really occur? This isn't some sort of joke, or trick? We are dealing with Loki, after all." Upon her nod, he placed a hand on his forehead and sat down on the bed again. "Loki is one of the eldest gods. A Major God. Killing him is not that easy… are you sure?"

"Is there a body?" Azazel demanded next before thinking better of it. "No, wait. Let me examine the body. Loki may have left another copy for you to find."

"No, it was the real one." Akeno's expression grew severe and she added. "We have enough evidence and Shirou-kun managed to strike him down by hitting his Core so he isn't faking it either."

"I know I am repeating myself but I have to ask: are you sure Loki is really dead?" Azazel questioned with a dark expression. A terrifying presence descended in the room, one which made the nurses pause in fear while Baraqiel waited for his daughter's answer.

Akeno wasn't shaken and remained stoic while affirming, "Yes, we are sure. Shirou-kun cut Loki's Divine Core and he really died. Odin wasn't pleased."

The Old Man's displeasure confirmed that a god truly had died. "He shouldn't be. One of Asgard's powerhouses just died. I would be like that too if… Kokabiel had died, before his betrayal, at least." He began massaging his temples. "By the love of Father," the priestess' eyebrow rose at the expression, "please tell me someone called Sirzechs and the others. This is a whole new can of worms."

"... Rias has been making some calls. The Grigori was already informed. So was Heaven." The hybrid's words were enough to make her uncle pause and consider everything.
"Akeno, how long did we sleep?" Baraqiel asked upon noticing his brother getting lost in his thoughts.

"More than a day." Azazel mumbled pensively. "And we weren't asleep. Suspended animation?"

"Medusa-sama believed it was for the best so you two could heal peacefully."

"Heal peacefully or not stop such madness." Baraqiel frowned and looked at his daughter, searching for injuries. "Fighting a god, Fenrir or not, is stupid. Its- its- Insanely stupid… Or stupidly insane."

"Was that… a 'dad joke'?" Akeno asked with mirth which made the man pause.

Ultimately he decided it didn't matter. "Loki was a Major God. Not an opponent anyone should face. And you all took stupid risk."

"Shirou-kun fought for himself."

"You think Asgard is going to care? That any god will?" Baraqiel questioned his daughter with concern and frustration. "Someone killed a god and they won't just take it lightly-"

"Maybe they will." Azazel interrupted his brother. "Shirou didn't fight as a 'human', he had Medusa's backing as named her Champion. As far as most of them will be concerned it will be like a god killed another god. Unusual, ultra rare, but far more believable and less concerning than Humanity suddenly being able to kill gods. Unless it was rather easy…" The Cadre sighed and shook his head. "What methods did he use? Did he use his Reality Marble? Did Odin saw it?"

Akeno was about to tell the story in full when something caught her attention. A serpent was moving through the floor, its scales almost invisible thanks to its color. The fallen angels noticed her glance and followed her eyes but by that point the Divine Beast had already reached Azazel's bed.

"My High Priestess, please come to the living room immediately." Medusa's voice, dripping with irritation, left her child's mouth. "It seems the time of 'reckoning' is at hand." Also a heavy dose of sarcasm. So much sarcasm a man could drown in it. "Our 'judgment' is nigh and your presence was requested."

'The idea of anyone judging a god in their Major Temple is ridiculous… But so is a human fighting a god and winning.' Baraqiel couldn't help but think, his mind almost cracking over the insanity he heard since waking up. And the day was still young, or at least he thought so looking at the window and noticing the Sun shining outside. 'At least Akeno didn't get injured. That means I should give the Mage of Swords a pass even if he is an insane idiot… By the stars, every angel from Heaven and Grigori would probably laugh if they could see me thinking this sort of thing.'

"So, 'reckoning'?" Azazel questioned playfully as the snake departed while taking note how all nurses bowed to it. "If I were to take a guess, mostly a clever deduction, I would say Rias is mad."

"What a clever boy." Akeno replied before sighing. "She already finished tearing Shirou-kun down and I suppose I am the next on the list since she can't do anything to Medusa-sama. Won't stop her from trying though."

"Oh yeah, she is definitely mad."

The ravenhead nodded to her uncle and father before saying, "Just rest easy for a bit. Later I will come back and tell the rest of the story."

"No. We are hearing this on the way." Azazel jumped to his feet and undressed himself from the white kimono he had been given, making several of the women present blush. His niece raised a brow but otherwise waited for him to summon a pair of pants. "Give us the cliffnotes and whatever else is important. Come on, Baraqiel, get moving."

The other fallen angel crossed his arms over his chest, as if to hide his nudity despite still being dressed. "Brother, there is some decorum to be followed! We should-" The Governor General literally ripped off the clothes Baraqiel was wearing and threw him another pair of pants and a shirt. "I should have seen that coming!"

Akeno giggled at her father's predicament while Azazel said, "We don't have time to waste and I need to understand exactly what is going on because the last god to die was Dad who exploded. It is a miracle that this place is still standing." Bringing up a shirt from nowhere, he quickly buttoned it up. "Move it, Baraqiel! There ain't no rest for the wicked and if we aren't some then I don't know why I Fell."

"You shouldn't rush. Fenrir's 'poison' is still in your system."

"Then your goddess shouldn't have woken us up, niece. Now we have to work and I refuse to stay seated." Azazel looked at his brother moving at a far slower pace which gave him time to pause and process the pain in his body. Yet the Cadre shrugged it off completely, collecting Fafnir's gem from beside his bed. "Did Rias call everyone or just a few people?"

"You know it was a few. Letting everybody know the Mage of Swords defeated a god will have consequences. Medusa-sama or not." Akeno wasn't naive enough to believe otherwise. None of them were when making the plan. "Truth is that we are stalling… Maybe that is why Medusa-sama decided to wake you up."

"Because if anyone can shove this mess under a rug it is I, the Scapegoat." Azazel rushed to the door before flinching and holding his chest.

"Slow down, brother." Baraqiel finished dressing up and followed his own advice, walking at a moderate pace. The nurses tried to assist him but the man waved them off only for his daughter to appear by his side. "You really didn't fight a god without me, did you?"

"I was part of the conspiracy, as Shirou-kun took up calling it, but in general… I was just a distraction." And that bothered the hybrid more than she wanted to admit but she knew her feelings were unnecessary in that stance.

Because the plan worked thanks to everyone playing their parts, including her.

"I see…" Baraqiel chose to hide his relief as he could see the conflict in his daughter's eyes.

It was the best he could do because the man wasn't a fool.

And he understood the need to fight for loved ones better than most.

"Explain to me what you were thinking." Rias started while sitting down on an extremely comfortable chair which she couldn't drain any comfort with. If asked she would prefer her office or at least a desk, anything to help her present some sort of authority.

Only that was an illusion, especially on that occasion since she was face to face with Medusa who sat in an even more comfortable armchair worthy and more appropriate for the goddess she was.

While the redhead wished to chastise the deity, her temple's power enveloped the place and reminded everybody who was its ruler. "I am sure my Champion has already done it twice. Once yesterday night after we returned and earlier in the morning after a good night of rest."

"Yes, he did. But I want to hear why you of all people thought it was a good idea to throw in a gauntlet like that!"

"Rias-"

"Shiro, stay in your corner please." While his lover was polite, there was an underlying fury in her words. While it was true she couldn't ever hate him, love didn't stop her from expressing displeasure. "Everybody knows the challenge couldn't be done in the first place if there wasn't someone to issue it."

"God against god. That is how those things go." Ravel spoke besides her King, hands behind her back and swords on her waist.

On the other side was Luvia who, while looking apprehensive, threw her full support behind her King. "Lady Medusa, what you and Shero did, while not illegal, was unexpected and far, far too dangerous to be even considered a maneuver." Her eyes fell on Rin who was kneeling on the floor beside the goddess together with Xenovia and Leysritt, neither of the latter two repentant. "While you are a goddess, neither of us have the luxury of the same privilege and the Aesirs have a long memory."

"Especially Odin." Ravel felt the need to remind everyone. "That look of hatred on his face… he is promising some vengeance without a doubt."

Rias heard the loud sound of munching but focused completely on Medusa. "Besides the risks and the consequences, what made any of you think that plan was going to work?!"

"It worked." Medusa retorted factually, also ignoring the munching. "Loki was defeated and Odin's plan ruined. That will teach the Old Man that he can't just plot in my town and get away with it."

"... Whose idea was it?" Knowing she wasn't going to get anywhere, Rias asked directly even if she already knew the answer.

"My Champion's original plan was a lot more crude and imperfect." She paused as many in the room looked at the newly gray haired man who was standing in front of a wall and doing his best to not squirm. "For all intents and purposes the idea was the same from beginning to end; trap Loki in a position where he would have to fight and die."

"So killing a god was really the goal from the start." Vali commented with amusement before he ate some popcorn. On a huge couch with the White Dragon Emperor were Bikou, Kuroka and Koneko on the latter's lap, all with their own buckets of popcorn. "Honestly? Ballsy doesn't cover it."

"Why are you still here?" Rias couldn't help but ask.

"You promised a fight with your brother." The hybrid pointed out while getting another handful of popcorn.

"Not that! I mean in the living room." The Heiress waved to the goddess and her fellow conspirators. "This is a bit private if it wasn't obvious enough."

"And we appreciate the show. Better than any soap opera. Kakakaka!" Bikou sounded honest even if mockingly.

Rias began massaging her temples while Kuroka chuckled. "I go where my sister goes- Shirone, that is my popcorn!"

"We are sisters. We share."

"You ate your whole- holy nyoly, we need to talk about your appetite. Gremory, couldn't you teach her some manners?"

"Don't nekomatas naturally eat a lot?" It was Shirou who questioned and for that question alone he was allowed some freedom.

"I mean, yeah, we do. And Shirone is growing up but she shouldn't be stealing her sister's-"

"Yoruichi-nee-sama gives me her food."

"Nyah? I'm going to refill the buckets." Kuroka placed her sister on the couch properly before rushing to the kitchen.

Still hungry, Koneko turned to both Vali and Bikou. "Don't even think about it." After the Vanishing Dragon's words all saw a cute pout grow on the Rook's face. "That isn't going to work."

"Haha! We are immune!" The monkey yokai bragged with a grin. "Ophis practically trained us to-" Yet a Conceptual being like the Ouroboros Dragon knew not how to use the full arsenal of a cute girl. Not like the white haired devil who made her eyes slightly larger and her lips tremble. "Okay, just a bit."

"Weakling." Was all Vali had to say about his friend.

Ise, sitting on the floor because he was in the mood, tilted his head in confusion. "It's just me or is Koneko-chan eating more today?"

"Well, usually she gets to eat more for breakfast." Luvia lamented as she remembered the subpar meal they had for breakfast. Subpar because a certain someone didn't cook but it would still be at least worthy of a four star restaurant.

Gasper winced in sympathy for several people. "Shirou-senpai always gives her lots of portions when he can. And if he can't make anything for breakfast, there is usually stuff from dinner and Buchou only has to heat it up except this time…"

"Except he can't cook." Ise lamented a little since he even loved Shirou's food. Everybody did and he couldn't help but look forward to his bentos every school day.

However the Mage had been forbidden from cooking both to help with his recovery and as punishment for worrying Rias. Before moving around to make a few calls to the Underworld, her parents, Sirzechs and Ajuka, the latter two busy with other events back there, she issued the command.

Emiya Shirou wasn't to leave his room until there was a full debriefing and wasn't to get close to any kitchens until she said so. Medusa tried to protest saying it was her temple and he was her Champion but the redhead wasn't having any of it.

"If you cook anything I won't ever, ever forgive you." She stated hotly, the flames of her rage practically radiating from her body. "I am almost worried sick and the only thing stopping me from an aneurysm is that you are alive. Stay like that and rest until I can tear you a new one for challenging a GOD!"

While the discussion was behind closed doors and couldn't really be called a fight, almost everybody heard it anyway. After that the Princess of Ruin gave her Queen and the others co-conspirators a furious glare before proceeding to warn everyone relevant that Loki was dead.

Later the Heiress also did her duty and called their allies albeit more indirectly; for Heaven she sent a message to Fuyuki's church and to some Azazel's subordinates back in the Vault of Prosperity through her family.

She also almost blew up a fuse when Kirei called for more details before Luvia took over the call and warned the priest that details about who should know what would still to be sorted out by the leaders of the Factions.

Technically not a lie but she was stalling because Rias was in no condition to fulfill her duties.

After some convincing from her peerage the Heiress of Gremory allowed Ravel to call Seekvaira about Odin's departure and possible hostilities while taking a rest. Only she didn't rest and spent several hours in the night talking to Shirou until it was almost morning.

To her credit Rias didn't scream or shouted during that discussion. Stressed or not she heard every single one of his explanations in silence before leaving to take a nap. Just after waking up and drinking a lot of coffee, the redhead pretty much demanded a meeting with Medusa.

Gathering almost everyone in the living room, neither the Princess of Ruin nor the Goddess of Snakes had the patience to wait or look for the others. Everyone was in the temple regardless and the redhead knew some of the conspirators had no interest to hear her complaints.

Not that she would give any since Altria gave up an absolute defense for her love's life.

For that she would focus all her anger away from the Pendragon siblings, focusing on the women before her since Shirou was already properly chastised.

"Rossweisse-san, are you sure you are alright?" Asia questioned the silver haired woman who was back on her gray suit. However the Valkyrie was in an obvious distressed state.

In fact she had a metaphorical cloud above her head which complimented her actions as she sat on the couch with her feet on it, face on her knees while she embraced them as if trying to hide her face.

Yet Rossweisse still managed to shake her head and say. "Don't worry. I am fine, Asia. Thanks for asking."

"You don't look fine." Ise commented perhaps a bit too bluntly.

"Just evaluating my career options… thinking about my life choices… you know? Normal stuff. Like the fact that I technically betrayed my country."

"We already established you didn't do it." Shirou said while still facing the wall.

"Yeah. All you did was clarify a few Legends for us. Spread your culture and all that." Xenovia offered with a smile. "Nothing that everybody didn't know."

"That is up to interpretation and Lord Odin interpreted it… as treason." Just saying those words made her look more depressed. Asia looked around nervously, trying to find something to help make the Valkyrie feel better.

Only for Rias to speak, "See how your careless planning left casualties? You all took too many risks."

"The plan worked." Medusa retorted, once again factually. "Loki was defeated and Odin repelled."

"And now he knows about Shero's Reality Marble." Luvia reminded everyone coldly. "A very dangerous piece of knowledge. One we couldn't do anything about since we weren't ready to face the All Father of Asgard."

"If Fenrir hadn't returned, we would be most likely dead." Rias pointed out.

It was Vali who replied, "We could have taken him." Eyes shifted to the Vanishing Dragon who shrugged as Kuroka once again sat by his side and Koneko returned to her lap. "Just needed to buy a minute or so and I would have my Juggernaut Drive ready to go."

"Would we win without casualties?" The Princess of Ruin questioned back but gave no one time to answer by following it up with, "And was that part of the plan? Was Fenrir's return part of the plan?"

"No but-"

"No? It was just luck?"Medusa hissed in rage. "Don't you dare to interrupt me in my temple, Heiress of Gremory. And you of all people shouldn't talk about luck."

"Sorry but I remember planning, paying, helping, directing the crews, writing the paperwork and vouching for you when building this place. I think a bit of insolence is fair." The Princess of Ruin said, her tone even colder than her Rook's. "What exactly was the idea of dealing with Odin? Shiro admitted you had no plan already and you couldn't count on politics or something flimsy. Not against a god!"

The purple haired deity threw her Champion an irritated glance before saying, "I admit we may have underestimated him. We expected his anger but not that much power."

"A Major God? Zeus' equal, pretty much?" Ravel asked in challenge.

"I think it was pretty clear Odin was going to be angry from the start. That was rather obvious." Bikou pointed out. "But you guys underestimated how much… by too much."

"Can we blame them for that? Loki was the problem child of the Aesirs." Vali started with a glint in his eye. "His death pretty much takes Ragnarok off the board. Its great instigator gone means Asgard won't fall, right?"

Eyes shifted to the Valkyrie who took a deep breath and corrected her posture, feet touching the floor. "Indeed Ragnarok lost its greatest champion and general. I don't think it can happen. At least not how it should. And not with Fenrir on the loose…"

Uncertainty was evident on Rossweisse's face, leading Luvia to ask, "But?"

"But I may have given the exactly wrong assurances how Lord Odin would react-"

"Can you stop calling him Lord?" Xenovia half requested half demanded with a scowl on her face. "That god fired you and tried to kill us. You included. He doesn't deserve your honor or respect."

"... He is still… my god…" Once again the silver haired woman sounded uncertain. Shaking her head, she added, "Lord Odin may be in the right of firing me and exiling me but I digress."

"Exile?" Gasper questioned for most of the room's sake.

"Not like she can go back to Asgard, nya." Kuroka pointed out while feeding her sister. "Right or wrong, if the former king says she is a criminal, she is a criminal.
Shirou let out a sigh. "I am sorry, Rossweisse. It is my fault-"

"It's not your fault. It was my choice and offered me to stay silent. In fact you wanted just the minimum and I gave far, far too much than it was safe."

"Odin doesn't know what you gave us." Rin commented. "Besides, it was just information."

"In the wrong hands, even by itself knowledge can be dangerous."

"Why was Odin so angry at Loki's death?" Vali decided to ask, curiosity finally getting the better of him. "Can't be just because he lost his partner in crime."

"If we are right," Medusa took over, "he got angry because he is Loki's Counterpart. Or Loki was his."

Almost everyone couldn't believe their ears. "Wait, wait, wait, wait, wait. Are you saying-"

"We suspected that Odin and Loki were once the same god." The deity interrupted Luvia by dropping the reveal. "Of course we weren't certain but…"

"A lot made sense in our first fight thanks to what Rossweisse told us." For the first time Shirou turned. Exhaustion fully displayed through his newly gray eyes as he spoke. "She gave us everything Loki could do but more importantly what he couldn't do."

"Loki couldn't use runes. At all." Liz revealed in an attempt to stop her Master from speaking.

The destruction of Unlimited Blade Works, temporary since his soul was intact and what really fell was the field which projected it in Reality, took a heavy toll that Shirou needed a good amount of time to recover.

A good night of sleep helped but his mind was exhausted and his body was tired, not that a few days of rest wouldn't fix. Medusa and Le Fay assured everyone of that while the witch helped extract the Holy Grail from his body. Thankfully Avalon healed everything else or he would be much worse.

Or dead. Most likely dead.

Vali whistled, impressed. "I learned something new today."

"Are you sure? What he can't do is enough evidence to claim they were Counterparts?" Luvia questioned and Rin nodded reluctantly.

"It was a lead. A possibility. The important thing is that he couldn't use runes."

Medusa took over for the magus. "As a Counterpart to an unknown goddess myself I can say that there are skill sets that I am missing. Or that they were missing before I fused my Core with my sisters'." Who, together with her, were all part of some greater goddess millennia ago. "I wasn't as skilled in dancing or singing as I am now. Those were Stheno and Euryale 's talents. Their Authorities."

"Lord Odin also only used rune magic whenever he could. In fact, I never saw him use other types of magic." Rossweisse couldn't even claim that was suspicious since runes were extremely versatile but it was a piece of the puzzle. However there were others such as, "Also, nobody knew where Loki had come from exactly… At least nobody from my generation."

"Legends just said that he was Odin's Bloodbrother, a fact he should invoke at the banquet which would lead to his imprisonment for speaking too much about many things including Balder's murder." Shirou, who had read those Legends from front to back several times over, recited. "Add that with both being Trickster gods and things start getting suspicious."

"A Pantheon can have more than one of the same kind of god, Emiya Shirou. Or should I remind you all that the Greeks have two Gods of War?" Ravel questioned sarcastically.

Which got a nod of agreement from Xenovia. "Yep. That's why we weren't certain. But the important thing is that Loki couldn't use runecraft."

"But-"

Suddenly a door burst open. "Alright folks, the interrogation is over. You have no right to talk with my client without his lawyer present." Azazel announced boisterously as he, Akeno and Baraqiel walked inside. His niece had a strained grin while his brother facepalmed. "I always wanted to say that."

"Azazel, glad to see you made a full recovery." Vali greeted honestly.

"Glad to hear. Now, what is it that I heard about a dead god?" The Scapegoat looked around and quickly realized the sort of trial that was happening. Not really a trial but a confrontation between a goddess and a Heiress. 'Medusa isn't just indulging her. This is obviously personal.'

'Lines have already been drawn.' Baraqiel mused upon observing that Medusa had Liz and Xenovia by her side while Rias had Luvia and Ravel. 'The rest is just watching within uncertainty. And the Mage… is grounded.' Standing in front of a corner with an expression of concern and a little hesitation, Shirou stood still like a statue, without a seat and alone. It was clear he was being punished in some way. "My daughter already filled us in on the details." And it filled his heart with joy he could say those words without her flinching.

Unfortunately it wasn't all a happy occasion. "Did she tell you how she betrayed me?"

"Rias, I understand that you are upset-"

"Save it, Akeno. I can tolerate you going behind my back on minor things. To forget a thing or two for your amusement or challenge me over stuff that we should talk about. But not this! Never this! Shiro could have died! You all could have died. Medusa was just clarifying that fact to everybody."

"I was clarifying that Odin's fury was uncertain. We suspected the Aesirs were each other's Counterparts. I will repeat for your sake, 'suspected'." The purple haired woman ignored the small growl from the pureblood devil but some eyes locked on the Heiress with intrigue or fear. "If you really want to call something factual; we knew Odin was going to be mad either way. That was an obvious reaction."

"Also Loki's fight took much more from my Master than we expected." Xenovia added with a grimace. "Actually, the plan was to use Unlimited Blade Works on Odin if he tried something but…"

Shirou let out a resigned sigh. "Loki was stronger than any of us predicted."

"He was a god!" Rias reminded everyone one more time. "Fighter or not, Loki was a god. Did you really convince yourself it was going to be simple? You aren't that stupid, Shiro."

"To be fair, everything was sorta under control… until he transformed into Thor."

"What?!" Rossweisse almost jumped from her seat in shock. "He couldn't- Lord Thor is just too strong. If he- how did-"

Vali snapped his fingers in frustration. "Damn. So you fought two of the Strongest in a day? Lucky bastard."

"I say that every other day!" Ise complained truthfully and for once the Heavenly Dragons were in complete agreement even if for different reasons.

"Well, no 'Strongest Lightning'." Shirou joked but raised his hand defensively due to Rias' frustration. "It was just Thor's muscles and that… broke every bone of my body."

"Thank the Heavens for Avalon." Xenovia cheered.

"It was the lynch pin of our plan." Medusa pointed out, a little offended by the bluehead's declaration. "With Avalon, so long Loki didn't aim for the head and Altria was around, Shirou was pretty much invincible. With that he could hold back Unlimited Blade Works, not confirming Odin's suspicions, and employing it against him if the Old Man insisted on fighting."

Akeno decided to speak. "However, obviously things went wrong." She stepped forward, standing face to face with Rias. Both women traded looks, one of sadness and other of irritation, especially when the hybrid stepped back to stand beside her goddess. "We knew that Loki could transform in many things but Rossweisse-san assured us that whatever he turned into the Trickster would change more than his body. Depending on his choice he could either reduce his magical capability or be forced to depend on the transformation's own power and capabilities since he wouldn't be fighting as the 'god Loki'."

"Which was why he didn't use magic when he turned into animals." The Valkyrie decided to say. "The only troublesome possibility would have been if he transformed into someone strong both magically and physically but I doubt you could find someone like that for him to turn into." She shook her head in disbelief. "He couldn't just transform into a god stronger than him without paying a cost. Otherwise Loki would be invincible."

Kuroka and Koneko nodded in sync, the older sister saying, "A matter of balance. His power probably was the same whatever his form."

"Strength for magic, magic for strength." The little Rook suggested. "Scales going from one side to the other."

Rossweisse nodded in agreement. "Indeed that makes sense. And since Lord Loki couldn't exceed his own power, he needed to adapt to what he could transform."

"Makes sense. Even gramps can only transform into stuff for more mass. Our power usually stays the same unless we're using a more combat oriented form." Bikou commented, scratching his chin. "But Loki wasn't a fighter. He just didn't have one of those."

"He didn't need to. Thor's strength more than compensated for the lack of magic and he cornered me." Shirou acknowledged with some frustration. "After that I… what did I do again?" A headache began pulsing and he quickly massaged his temples to help him remember. Successfully because his creation was still in his soul, albeit weaker and without luster because, "I asked for help from the specters in the park. Their emotions. I brought them peace, at least I hope so." The Mage said with a small but sad smile which vanished soon after. "I made a sword, a powerful sword born of their anger. Strong enough that even Thor's body wouldn't be a problem but…"

"Let me guess, he wasn't using Thor's body by that point?" His first lover questioned with a raised brow.

He couldn't deny her. "No, he used a new sort of magic. One strong enough to destroy my Reality Marble. We clashed and it exploded. Then I won and he exploded. Or was the other way around. Sorry, everything was just so fast."

"Take your time, Shirou." Azazel suggested.

But the Mage shrugged him off. "I am sure his spell went off first but the interval of time between the two was just small. Too small to make a difference." The first explosion was one of pure fire that consumed everything left in his world. Little because he used every blade in Fuyuki Muramasa. "His explosion was the thing that really broke me. I had cut his spell enough that I was barely scratched but-"

"Your arm said otherwise when we first saw it. How it didn't fall apart into ash speaks of your luck. Or maybe lack thereof?" Ravel reminded those who were present and Azazel winced upon imagining the damage. "Honestly, Avalon is a Miracle. Fay or not, it is a Miracle and the only reason you still have all your limbs."

Luvia couldn't help but ask. "Did you know you could make a sword capable of taking down a god?"

"I mean… It was always a theory."

"Yes or no, Shero."

"It was Muramasa's dream in a sense so …"

"No, he didn't." Medusa knew stalling wouldn't help them so she cut to the chase.

Because Rias was going to be angry regardless. "So you would have either died or become a cripple if it wasn't for luck?"

"As a Gremory can you complain about that?" Bikou asked only to receive a deadly glare. "Ow."

And a pitch on his tight courtesy of Koneko. "Bad monkey."

"Can you make that sword again?" Azazel asked, eyes blazing with curiosity.

One which he shared with Vali. "Oh I would love to see that."

The Mage of Sword closed his eyes with a grimace, already knowing the answer. "No, I can't." He looked at the two disappointed men before explaining. "It isn't just a matter of mana or power but the lack of anger. The specter's rage was the flame which made that sword happen."

"Rage? That doesn't sound good." Gasper pointed out.

"It was the main emotion I used in that sword. The rage of every victim of the fire. I could replace it with my own but it would be a pale imitation." Even in his worst day Shirou doubted he could conjure enough anger to make that sword anything but a stronger than average Muramasa.

"You exhausted their emotions…" The Valkyrie realized sadly. "I don't think there was enough for them to move on but… it is peace, I suppose."

Baraqiel raised a cautious hand. "I am sorry but can we go back and talk about how Odin and Loki were once the same god? That is worrisome and a very good reason for Odin to try and enact vengeance upon us."

Medusa nodded her head in agreement. "Besides falling into becoming a True God, he will never be a complete god again if he had such intentions. A great loss on his part."

"Legends speak about Odin also having the ability to disguise himself but for a God of Magic… he distinctively lacked the ability to shapeshift." Shirou revealed another clue Rossweisse helped confirm. "Everytime he went around it was with the guise of an old man, sometimes noble, most times a beggar but always humanoid."

"That can't be just it…" Azazel commented. "It's too flimsy of a reason to suspect they are Counterparts. Lots of gods don't shapeshift."

And Rossweisse agreed. "You are right, Azazel-sama. You are absolutely right. But what was really odd was that everytime Loki did something it was always Asgard's benefit or Lor- or Odin's in a way or another. Always." In that moment the Valkyrie made a decision: She was already exiled anyway so instead of just implying like she did with the conspirators, she chose to outright voice her thoughts. "Most of his pranks always ended up giving Asgard some sort of edge. Most of which will- should be used against him during Ragnarok."

"Are you talking about weapons such as Mjolnir?" Luvia questioned directly.

"The competition was his idea. Two sets of dwarves, two pairs of siblings with famous skills, each making gifts for the Asgardians to judge as worthy for the prestige of being called the best." The Valkyrie retold that particular Legend; the birth of Mjolnir, Gungnir, the Ship of Nails and others. "He basically got some of the most powerful weapons ever made for free!" The only payment, if she could call it that, was when the winners sewed his mouth shut because he disturbed their work. It was supposed to be his head but Loki dodged decapitation by claiming to not have offered blood as a prize. "Not only that but he helped trick the giant who built Asgard's walls, the same walls he would need Sutur to take down. Besides that he helped Lord Thor with his temper, Freya with her animals and many, many other gods several times over the years! All that can't be a coincidence!"

"Certainly not… the actions of a villain." Asia pointed out with a frown. "In different circumstances that would have made him a Saint or maybe even an angel."

Ise scratched his head. "I think that's a stretch, Asia."

"And put stretch on that." Azazel mumbled in disbelief.

"But he was still Fated to kill Balder." Rias ignored the tangent, bringing out Ragnarok's Prophecy. "You said it yourself: it was a law he couldn't be in the same continent as Odin because of it."

Rossweisse nodded. "Correct. He couldn't even stay in the same room as the king without supervision… All laws passed by Odin."

"Another trick?" Akeno questioned out loud.

"How?" Gasper wondered.

And Ravel groaned in frustration. "We can't start calling everything they did a trick. That is just paranoia."

"It is only paranoia if we are wrong." Vali helpfully informed her with a smirk which got a glare from the Knight.

A moment of silence descended in the room only for Azazel to snort. "Okay, being optimistic, that is some evidence but what is his connection to Odin? His real connection that made both of them Counterparts?"

"How he was willing to go along with whatever Odin wanted." Shirou mentioned and all eyes shifted to him. "Didn't stop him from trying to throw the Old Man under the bus and merge with me the first time he saw-"

"And you refused?" Baraqiel couldn't believe it.

Fairly enough, nobody did. "That was quite the reveal, Shirou-kun." Akeno managed to say.

"Dude! Why didn't you say yes?" Ise questioned. "Weren't you gonna become a god? That sounds awesome!"

"Immortality, youth and unfathomable power." Every word out of Rias' mouth carried a heavy dose of anger. While it wasn't outright vitriol, clearly she also wanted him to become a True God.

So death couldn't take him away from her.

Shirou understood that but his stance wasn't going to change. "I couldn't do it. Not with gods like Odin and Loki. Gods who didn't care about anyone but themselves. They were willing to risk Fuyuki burning to get what they wanted. What sort of person would I become if I said yes?" Looking at Rias' eyes, he saw her rage diminishing and understanding set in. She was still angry but at least not because he gave up their chance of staying together forever. "No, what sort of person would I be to say yes to someone like that? I would be compromising everything I believed in for power. Just the thought makes me sick."

"I would have said yes." Ise said without hesitation. "Getting to live longer already sounds great."

"Ise-san…" Asia wasn't the only one lamenting the Pawn's situation.

Others had different opinions. "Then you would really sell your soul." Xenovia stated without hesitation. "Not to a devil or even a person but to power. To the death of your principles." She punched the floor with a grin in her face and her chest puffed with pride. "Shiro made the right call! He proved to the gods and most importantly to himself that power will never sway him! I couldn't be prouder of loving someone."

Rias flinched almost as if slapped. "He almost died."

"But he didn't." It was Akeno who replied. "Sure we had to rely on a bit of Loki by the end but we stacked the odds as best as we could."

"And a god was struck down. First one since Father…" Baraqiel acknowledged in support.

"Gods aren't easy to defeat so in the end we had to rely on luck either way." His daughter said with a shrug. "And a Major God meant it was a major gamble."

"I agree with her." Bikou finished his popcorn before continuing. "Gramps always harped on and on how gods don't really stay down or dead 'unless you give them a really good smack'. And we aren't Sun Wukong so obviously they needed a little more than a smack."

Luvia hummed, conceding the point. "During the fight, you tried to hit Loki's Divine Core before using Unlimited Blade Works, didn't you, Shero?"

"Yes but he was protecting it really well. In the end I needed to use every sword in my Reality Marble and all the rage in the park to reach it."

Gasper shivered. "I can't imagine that much power."

"Very few could. There were hundreds of specters around before but now they are all gone." Rossweisse mentioned, making everyone pause to consider the feat which was accomplished.

Giving Rias the opportunity to shift gears since she was losing the argument. "Even if that was the case you all should have talked to us. We could have helped, improved our odds even more."

A sigh left Shirou. "That wasn't a risk I wanted to take. Either way, the best chance we were going to get was if Odin was distracted and I could corner Loki in a one on one scenario."

"Which we managed to do." Akeno reaffirmed the facts for her friend's sake.

Because the redhead could feel her anger boiling again. "Out of desperation. We could have come up with a better plan."

"The decision wasn't yours to make. It was my Champion's." Medusa placed her foot down once and for all. "Through his resolve a plan was hatched, a conspiracy born and a god slain."

"You make it all sound so simple." Bikou commented while pulling a peach from his pocket.

A look from Koneko earned her one as well while Kuroka said. "Too simple. Almost fun, even. Better than in the Khaos Brigade."

"That is right. If we act like this, we are no better than terrorists." Luvia pounced in the metaphor the Stray Nekomata presented. Which got a scowl from Medusa but little else.

Yet her priestess felt an argument was required. "Don't compare the situations. They are seeking to upheaval the Order of the World. What we did was self defense at best."
"You are grasping for straws, Akeno."

"Me? No. But you are. Rias is but she knows there is no argument to be had." The ravenhead met her best friend's eyes. It was clear the Heiress wanted to keep fighting but lacked the means. "I won't claim our plan was perfect, far from it, but when everything was said and done only Loki was killed. Maybe the Power of Luck contributed to it? Even when you are unaware, it will protect your loved ones, won't it?"

"... The Power of Luck is random but not that random. Also, something as powerful as Fenrir wouldn't be affected either…" Ravel pointed out carefully, frustration seeping in her tone. "So it was just dumb luck that Fenrir came back and Odin retreated. The Old Man would have otherwise killed us all-"

"Odin is a coward. Our plan hinged on it." Medusa cut off that train of thought swiftly.

"Oho?" Vali's interest in the discussion was renewed.

"A coward?" Rias questioned.

Medusa nodded in affirmation. "Three children Loki had, born with a Prophecies of the End above their heads. One to be a God Slayer, one to be the World Serpent and one to be Queen of the Damned. Odin was complicit in making all of them true due to fear alone."

"Odin imprisoned Fenrir when he was only kind." Shirou continued with a somber tone. "He could have been a wolf but they are the ancestors of dogs and so he would be loyal if offered loyalty in turn. Some wolves are even more loyal."

"He ordered the World Serpent to be thrown in the oceans, giving it the space needed so it could grow so large it could bite its own tail around the world." Rossweisse, remembering how mournful and bored the Giant Dragon looked, couldn't help but hate her god for that decision.

"And Hel was just a girl when Odin gave her a post. Better yet, a prison." Medusa couldn't help but scoff. "Separated from her siblings and her parents. Sure she was given a 'magnificent' and rich land to rule with thousands of servants but she couldn't leave them even if she wanted to. Not much different from isolating her on an island and giving her monsters as guards."

"You are projecting, Medusa." Rias spoke softly and the purple head just shrugged. "Also, doesn't Legends say that Loki had more children?" Her question was to the Valkyrie.

Who nodded before shaking her head. "I never met them. I know he was married to lady Sigyn but- Gods! We killed her husband and she… is Lord Odin even going to tell her? I don't even know where she is!"

In that instant the conspirators couldn't help but flinch and sigh as they hadn't even remembered Loki's wife, the woman Fated to alleviate some of his suffering by holding a bowl over his eyes to catch the snake's poison that should torture him.

"Is she in Asgard?" Ise questioned bluntly but a look of confusion showed the silver haired woman didn't know the answer. "That sucks."

"I don't think we would be able to send any messages even if she was." Xenovia lamented after a moment of thought. "She is going to be so sad."

After a moment of silence, Shirou released a deep sigh. "If she comes seeking vengeance, I will take responsibility."

"Don't you dare! You are not fighting another god." Rias pretty much ordered him before her eyes grew wide. "No. Don't tell em you are going to-"

"Rias, if she loved him, she has a right to punish me. As I have a right to hear what she will have to say and take the punishment if possible." The white haired magus raised a hand. "I swear that I won't give up my life," that calmed the devil and most of the room, "but I won't reject her feelings. Hatred and love come hand in hand and you would go and try to burn Asgard into the ground if Odin had done the same."

'It speaks volumes she can't deny that.' Azazel really didn't want to imagine a war between the Underworld and Asgard but it was far too easy for his confort. "Odin had time to at least kill you but made the right call in running when Fenrir showed up since he had nobody for support. Had he killed you, he would be dead in the next second. A rational decision, all things considered."

"No, he ran because Loki wasn't holding his son's leash." Xenovia pointed out while standing up and moving to sit in the arm of the couch. As far as she cared the 'trial' was done. "It was my Master who said it first: Odin is too cautious and Loki is too bold, if they were one then the Trickster got all the gods' courage."

Several eyes landed on the former redhead who nodded. "Notice how he never fought? Or how he only acted now in a situation he 100% engineered himself?"

"Guy is a schemer." Xenovia answered with a playful chuckle. "Not many Legends speak about him fighting directly either."

Ravel scoffed. "Didn't he and his brothers kill Ymir to create the World?"

"But didn't God make the World?" Asia asked immediately.

Baraqiel gave her a look of empathy. "He did but-"

"Every Pantheon claims to have created the World." Vali interrupted with a grin. "But that doesn't matter. Only real fight Odin has 'scheduled' is versus Fenrir and he is supposed to die in that one. Everything else he left to Thor."

"He trusted Lord Thor and Loki with many of Asgard's problems." Rossweisse recognized before shaking her head in denial. "I mean, he was the king! He should be settling everything either way but… but he is an Aesir, a God of War and Magic alike. Why didn't he fight more? Acted more? Why only act against children and pups?"

"Tyr is the proper God of War. Odin may have part of that Domain but not as a warrior. As king, he had to be a good diplomat." Shirou revealed his conclusion.

Medusa nodded in agreement. "Another aspect of war that most forget. No matter who the winner is, all wars end with people on the table deciding who gets what."
"That or total annihilation." Vali couldn't help but chip in.

Deciding she wasn't going to quit and still wishing to support her King, Ravel raised a very important point. "What is stopping Odin from getting revenge then?" When everyone fell silent and looked at her, she realized the nightmarish scenario she was proposing. "Once he goes back to Asgard he can call his warriors and actually declare war. Worse, the Mage revealed his Reality Marble to him." Shirou flinched again. "If he decides to announce that then we are going to have a coalition of gods bringing down the skies in Japan before you can say 'mistake'."

"No, he wouldn't dare." Azazel surprised them all with his confidence. "Make no mistake, cat's out of the bag, no offense," both Koneko and Kuroka waved him off, "but war isn't necessarily on the horizon. At least not over a Reality Marble."

But Ravel didn't give up. "I thought whenever someone with a Reality Marble showed up the gods would… you know…" Her finger moved around her neck like a blade.

The Cadre knew. "Yes, and more often than not you would be correct. When someone with the potential to develop a Reality Marble shows up then the gods tend to crush them so fast you can't even blink. Keyword 'potential'."

"Cut to the chase, Azazel." Vali demanded with a intrigued expression.

Bikou nodded quickly and eagerly. "Yeah. Did these guys start a war or not? And if they did, can the Asgardians beat the Three Factions?"

"Would the Three Factions even fight for Emiya Shirou?" Ravel questioned skeptically, ignoring the anger in her own King's eyes.

Nonetheless, the Mage himself agreed with her. "I sure hope not. I would hate to be the reason for any wars."

"Father used to say the same thing." Baraqiel pointed out. "Didn't stop people from fighting and killing in his name."

"Relax. Relax. There isn't going to be a war." Azazel raised his arms in a playful motion. "First, I wouldn't let that happen."

"Pretty sure you couldn't stop me." Rias didn't bother to hide her intent which was expected.

Since she wasn't allowed to help with the conspiracy, the main reason for her rage was that she was deemed untrustworthy and left out of what was the hardest, most painful fight of her lover's life.

However Shirou knew she wouldn't have let him fight and would confront Odin herself before allowing him to risk his life. Everybody knew she was clever but victory over Loki was impossible without at least some risks. The only reason the Mage succeeded was because of several gambles stacking with each other.

Those and the Holy Grail which was still in the temple, hidden from everybody's view.

'I need to find a safer place for it. One where I can hide it even from myself. I can't use it again.' Taking a deep breath, the newly white haired man focused on Azazel's explanation why Odin wouldn't start a war over him.

Luckily his words weren't just confort. "Think about it; if Odin tries to trick anyone into killing Shirou, they will question why the Magician of Gremory needs to die." He argued while waving in Rias' direction. "He is doing nothing right now; isn't making any new weapons, researching with me is the most damming thing he is working on and anyone will agree that I am the most dangerous of the two."

"Wrongly. Fufufu." Akeno stated playfully.

Her uncle chuckled. "But that will only raise more and more questions. How can a human Project Noble Phantasms? An oddity people are somewhat aware of. Why is someone so young the Magician of the Gremory? That alone isn't much since his relationship with Rias is already know."

"That wasn't the reason."

"Nobody cares, Rias." Azazel retorted before continuing. "Most importantly; how exactly did he kill a god? That will make people pause."

"Exactly. He can just claim that is because Shero killed Loki."

Azazel turned to Luvia with a smirk. "Soon enough everyone will know that Loki is dead and who did it… but what makes you think Odin will tell them how he did it? That is the 'Q' in question and far more important." He sounded all too smug. "A god dying by a human's hand, by a human's plan and magic… Asgard is going to become a joke."

"Then he will blame it on Shiro's Unlimited Blade Works." Rias declared without a shadow of doubt.

Only for the Cadre to point out, "And the gods will come here not to kill Shirou but to reach Apotheosis." Everyone fell silent as the realization sunk in. "I mean, they won't try and kill him first, especially the Gods of War and usually the ones to take this sort of job. They are going to try and 'court' him."

"Hahaha! They're going to try to get a date?!" Ise couldn't help but laugh, something a few others also did. "Neh, Shirou! We should make a game show! Winner gets you!"

"Fufufu. An interesting idea. What do you say, my Champion?"

"What? I go on dates with the gods and try to see if we match?"

Xenovia bursted out laughing as well. "Not like there are any rules about how you find your… intended one." Another round of laughter spread in the room.

"Sounds fun but I don't like the idea of giving my soul as a prize." Still Emiya smiled with good humor before asking, "Are you sure?"

"Oh, definitively. We are in Japan and there are many gods here who would be interested in merging with you. Better saying; who would want to become a True God." Once more everyone grew quiet. "Dozens of them will come and Shirou only needs to say 'yes' once. To any of them." He motioned to the Mage who was silently listening, contemplating his words. "It only takes one yes: One human with a complete Reality Marble and a god who matches it. Just one yes and the most powerful being in the World will rise… And definitively have an ax to grind against Odin." Considering all the Aesir put him through, the newly white haired magus couldn't deny that was true. "We can even speed up the process! I can make some calls, if you want. I was hesitating before but since we are on the topic-"

"No."

"Shero, this is a good chance-"

"I know but… No, it's too risky."

"Now things are too risky?" Rias questioned sarcastically.

Shirou didn't back down. "And if any of them also wouldn't hesitate to kill you for power? To kill any of you to force my hand?" He made sure to look everyone in the eye before returning to his first lover. "Better to not take any chances. I know you don't want me to die, but there is no need to rush. If an opportunity shows up I promise to really think about it but for now… let's leave this up to chance."

"Are you going to leave it up to Fate?"

"I am leaving it to Luck. Your Luck, Rias. Mine sucks."

The Heiress was about to reply before feeling something on her mind. A magic circle suddenly showed up above her ear, "Seekvaira, I am rather busy right now… Yes, Odin is gone. I already- No- Yes, I talked with my brother and… Are you kidding me?"

Clearly whatever her fellow Heiress had said definitively didn't sit well with the redhead. Those who knew best could see the telltale signs of a headache surging. The frown, the quick movement of the eyes, the way she held her hand down to not bite a nail.

All signs of her patience dwindling as Seekvaira made evidently clear she either needed Rias for something or wasn't willing to put up with any extra work since Odin had already departed and she should be available.

Nobody could blame the older woman either since she shouldn't know anything about their fight against Loki or anything similar. 'Although…' Akeno began to wonder upon noticing how her King looked extra impatient. 'By the look on her face someone must have told her about Loki. Not his death but his presence. Even if there isn't going to be a war that doesn't mean there won't be paperwork. And I can already guess the shouts flying around once it was more widely known that Loki is dead.'

No matter who claimed the responsibility people would suspect that Medusa had something to do with the Trickster's demise regardless. Which wasn't necessarily incorrect but it would diminish whatever contribution others made.

After all, it made sense for a god to defeat another god.

Even if indirectly, by a mortal's hands.

Nevertheless that wasn't Rias' current struggle since the balancing act with Seekvaira was growing increasingly more difficult to keep up, especially with the latter applying extra pressure for genuine reasons.

Mostly because she didn't want to do the redhead any favors leaving the Gremory upset, almost furious. All she wanted was to cut the connection and forget about it while dealing with what she saw was the bigger problem but her opinion just grew more irrelevant. Shirou was alive, nobody died and so there was nothing she could use.

Neither she wanted there to be but her heart ached regardless..

"Fine! Fine! I get it! We are going back to Kuoh tomorrow and I will start to settle my half of the work. What? Are you kidding me? Who thought that was a good idea?" Suddenly the Heiress froze, her expression one of horror and panic. "The new- Good grief, I should call Sona. We both should call Sona. Glad we agree on something… Fine, I will be going to my office now to help sort this mess. Yes, yes. Leave it to me." Massaging her temples, Rias could only see such compromise as a form of surrender. And not to Seekvaira whose connection she cut before turning to her lover and his goddess. "This isn't over."

"No, it is." Medusa put a foot down once again. "You already heard everything you need. You know our plan was the best one at hand. Even if we had involved you, the best you could have done was what you did, distract Odin." A couple of heartbeats later she concluded with, "Even if you are mad that my Champion didn't call for you, it was for the best. Accept it."

Rias' fist began shaking with rage before she let out a resigned sigh and turned around. "Rias…" Shirou called for her but the redhead raised a hand and he fell silent.

"Save it, Shiro. I don't like you risking your life like that… but I can see there is nothing else to say." Yet she felt hurt, a pain on her chest born of abandonment and isolation. 'Once upon a time you trusted me with everything; your sister's ideals, your father's opinions, Avalon, the Holy Grail… but you didn't trust me with a fight that for all intents and purposes could have taken your life. If I learned you fought Loki after- if you died…'

Turning her head just enough to meet his eyes, Rias' heart almost melted with all the love and concern in his gaze. While those feelings never failed to make her happy, what she was looking for wasn't present. She wanted to see guilt, not because he fought but because he didn't tell her anything.

Yet the Mage of Swords didn't falter.

For even when he didn't trust her and hurt her feelings, it was for her sake.

Rias knew she would forgive him in time, his reasons were sound and her love wouldn't allow for any other outcome.

Yet emotions were complex and she hated the situation.

"I will be going to the office to help Seekvaira with processing the paperwork about Odin's departure. Also she needs help with some reports about the territory, more detailed ones because of a new policy… I will also explain Loki's death."

"What excuse are we using?" Akeno asked, ready to help her friend.

Her King avoided her eyes. "The truth. Shiro trapped and killed Loki thanks to Medusa's machinations."

"But didn't Shirou planned the whole thing?" Ise whispered.

[It will look better and will be safer if Medusa takes the credit.] Ddraig explained telepathically. [But look at her. Clearly the idea isn't appealing but Medusa was ready for it. All still part of the plan.]

And an option Rias knew was the better one. "Do you agree?" While she wasn't looking at her, the redhead was asking for the goddess' permission.

"Of course." Medusa accepted with grace, including a small nod and a respectful tone full of humility. She was trying to please Rias' ego, to show not outright submission but respect.

The Heiress didn't like it for she knew that somehow both her lover and his goddess predicted everything and that was the exact scenario they wanted. A scenario where the purple haired deity gained respect and a fearsome reputation while protecting him if just only to avoid another war.

Only their allies and Odin would know the truth. 'This way he is safe. We are safe.' Rias was still upset with them. With the whole situation in general. "Very well… I need to go. We will talk more later." Akeno stepped forward to join her best friend but the Heiress didn't even look at her before saying, "Luvia, with me."

Those were Rias' last words before she departed, the blonde Rook threw everyone a look before hastily following her King and leaving behind a heavy silence as they all noticed the ravenhead hybrid's shoulders drop.

"Awkward."

"Not now, Bikou." Shirou warned the monkey and only got a mocking grin in return.

"It is fine, Shirou-kun. She is right to be upset. I technically stabbed her in the back." The Mage, his knight and her goddess couldn't help but flinch.

"What happened, Akeno-senpai?" Gasper asked innocently.

Baraqiel approached his daughter and placed a supporting hand on her shoulder. "She was dismissed for the day."

"Or outright replaced." Azazel ignored his brother's glare, focusing on his niece's depressed sight. "Hey, you're not the first in the family to do something like that. Did I already tell you how your father Fell from Heaven way back when?"

"Fufufu. Yes, you did, uncle. Thank you…" Akeno offered both men a hug, a quick one for Azazel and a tighter one for her father. While stunned, Baraqiel quickly returned it, holding her almost like she would run once he let go. "Maybe it is for the best. We do need to talk, after all. Rias is just… doing me a favor."

"Buchou is just a little annoyed. By tomorrow morning she's going to be asking for you tea and complaining about paperwork as usual." Ise tried to cheer everyone up.

But Akeno herself knew things had changed. "No, I really overreached this time and betrayed her trust-"

"It was my fault-"

"Our fault-"

Letting go of her father, Akeno turned around. "Shiro-kun, Medusa-sama, neither of you tried to coerce me. I helped out of my own volition. A true Queen would have shared your secrets with her King without hesitation." Again the hybrid sighed. "But you were right, Shiro-kun, Rias would never have gone along with the plan and would have given the game away."

Raised as a noble, usually the Princess of Ruin had an impeccable poker face when it was required. Even when displaying her emotions to either reassure allies or intimidate enemies, rare were the times the redhead truly lost control. However she sometimes did and a single twitch was all Odin needed to know something was wrong.

In that aspect Akeno was better at hiding her emotions behind a 'serene smile'. It also helped that Odin was too busy with Medusa and Rias to look in her direction.

Truly the goddess was the one with the best poker face, her frustration only visible through her eyes and only because of her priestess' plight. "Do you want me to talk to her?"

"Shouldn't that be my father's job?" Akeno said playfully.

"Then I will talk with her." Everyone just stared at Baraqiel for a whole minute.

Until Azazel broke the silence. "About Loki… where is the body?"

"... My children are taking care of it." Medusa informed.

"When you say take care do you mean…" The Cadre opened and closed his mouth.

"What?"

"You know…" He repeated the motion, pointing to his face.

"He is asking if you had them eat him." Vali revealed which had Azazel wincing.

Medusa rolled her eyes. "No, they didn't. They are just watching over it after my High Priestess and a few of my subordinates cleaned it up."

"I just supervised while the others did their job."

Azazel nodded in understanding while sobering up. "About the blood from his Core." His eyes turned to Shirou. "Did you take some of it?"

"Why?" The Mage asked.

"There is a chance of you becoming an Aesir or another sort of god. Maybe a Kami since you are Japanese." Before being questioned, Azazel raised his arms, silencing everyone. "Divine blood, Ichor in Greek, has some powerful properties… And you two were compatible." He paused to give the redhead time to think. "Not a Major God but you could become a god, nonetheless."

"Wouldn't just kill a god give him some powers or something?" Ise asked and everyone agreed.

"Only he can fully use the Ichor because the Planet will recognize him and him alone as the owner of such a trophy." Baraqiel pointed out respectfully while nodding to the magus. "But gaining something from just slaying a god? What would that be?"

"An Authority maybe?" Azazel suggested playfully. "Haha, that would be convenient but no, the World isn't that gentle… Unless someone was insane enough to add it to the System via a ritual…" The Governor General began rubbing his chin, thinking about the possibilities. "Would need an extreme sort of sacrifice and take too much power- No, a god could do it… but then-"

Shirou clicked his tongue before saying, "I have the feeling that having his blood wouldn't benefit me that much. Bellerophon and Medusa's protection already give me all the Divinity I need."

"That is a naive way of thinking, nya." Kuroka couldn't help but say. "Think about it; you would live forever, free of disease-"

"Becoming weak against God Slayers during a time the Khaos Brigade is growing more active." Shirou reminded everyone of the danger and their visitors' allegiances.

Xenovia knew what he was referring to. "Gilgamesh?"

"Angelo… no, Gilgamesh is confident of facing the gods one day. And the Original was known for challenging them." His gray eyes shifted to Azazel. "What are the odds he could get whatever the Original Gilgamesh used from his vault?"

"Close to nil… Is what I would like to say." The Cadre said, sharing in the magus' concern. "There is one treasure in there that could definitely defeat a god. Gilgamesh's more precious Noble Phantasm."

"Ea?" Rin asked hesitantly.

"Hmm."

Seeing the fallen angel wasn't going to elaborate any further, Medusa added, "Regardless, my Champion gave me permission to clean the body and take some of the blood." She had some of her children drink it before allowing anyone 'ordinary' even approaching the corpse. "It added to my power but didn't fortify me that much."

"You two weren't really compatible." Rossweisse pointed out as her motivation died slowly. "Even if Loki was a Major God and fathered a horse himself, he was a Trickster, not of Beauty or Song or anything under your rule. Or a woman, even if he turned into one sometimes…"

"Regardless, the boost still helped me. I am slightly stronger." Her body hadn't changed any further but once she reabsorbed her Divine Beasts, the purple haired goddess felt her Core grow substantially larger.

Still not fully the goddess she could be but one step closer.

Vali jumped from the couch, startling most of the room. "Looks like the show is over. Say, you have no trouble with us doing some tourism around town, right?"

"I would prefer you didn't leave the temple." Shirou confessed.

"I agree." Azazel said without hesitation.

"You are still criminals, remember?" Akeno was quick to add.

"Oh, come on. After everything we went through together." Bikou complained for its own sake, his tail poking his own chest. "It hurts, you know? Hurts so damn much." Then the monkey chuckled. "'Sides, Arthur and the others are still around. We won't leave without them… And maybe the little cat."

Koneko hissed while Asia said, "Koneko-chan doesn't want to leave."

"She ain't leaving unless she and Buchou say so." Ise spoke at the same time between gritted teeth which made Vali chuckle.

Still the hybrid raised his arms in a dramatic shrug. "Then the sisters are just going to have to enjoy the next few hours. Hey, Medusa, anything to do in the temple so we don't get bored to death?"

While upset by the implication her temple was in any way boring, and several mumbles promising snakes on someone's bed, the deity replied, "We have a gaming room. I used to distract Odin before but it is vacant."

"Yes, yes. There is plenty of stuff to do there. Games old and new, including some of Shirou-kun's favorites." Akeno nodded in the Mage's direction, hoping to catch their interests. It did, both Vali and Bikou were paying attention while Kuroka only cared for what Koneko wanted to do. "There is no shortage of things to do and Azazel even gave some recommendations."

"Azazel was always trying to shove those videogames on my face."

"Hey, you were the one complaining about boredom."

"Most of them were just about clicking buttons. What is the fun in that?"

Bikou jumped backwards in disbelief. "Oh no, you didn't just say that! Vali, I thought I knew you."

"Now I wanna fight!" Ise declared while calling forth Boosted Gear.

"Bring it!" Which Vali answered with Divine Dividing.

"Won't deny old games were mostly like that." Shirou said softly while standing between both dragons. "But that was in the past. Most current games are all about complex gameplay and presentation, the best ones mixing the both to create a good story that can engage anyone, if given a chance." Nervously he smiled at Vali upon noticing both Liz and Ravel inching to draw their weapons. "Aren't you curious why I called you Vergil? It was from a game. A story from a game."

"Not Dante 's Inferno?" Asked the Vanishing Dragon just to make sure.

Shirou replied with a deep deadpan stare. "Are you trying to imply you are some sort of guide? Just go play something. There are good stories."

"Is that your favorite one?"

"No, my favorite game's story is a bit convoluted."

"To say the least." Liz surprised everybody but Shirou with her statement.

He just chuckled in acceptance. "But hey, any game can be fun if you find your type. Ah, and the best ones have the most amazing songs."

A few instants of silence later, a chuckle could be heard. "Fine. Since you and Bikou insist so much, I can give it a go." Vali folded his arms and began leaving the room, his friends and Koneko right behind.

"Does he know where he is going?" Rin asked everybody else.

Ravel clicked her tongue before ordering, "Hyoudou, Argento, Vladi! Let's go. Someone needs to keep an eye on those hooligans." Her dark blue eyes stopped on Akeno for a moment. "Enjoy your day with your father, Himejima."

"You do remember I am the Queen, don't you?" The ravenhead asked rather playfully even if just to mask her annoyance.

"Oh, I do." The Knight didn't bother to hide her irritation, borderline disdain, from her voice. "But do you?"

"Oi, Ravel-" Her piece said the blonde turned around to leave which infuriated Ise. "Akeno-san, she didn't mean-"

"Worse is, she did mean that." Akeno recognized the fact without malice. "Remember that I did betray our King, Ise-kun."

Before the Pawn could say anything else, a hand landed on his shoulder. "Even then, she shouldn't be rude like that." Shirou added before smiling to her and Baraqiel. "Although she still agreed to let you go with your father. That is a plus."

Akeno chuckled while her father looked a bit embarrassed. "Had she tried to stop me, I would have taught her who is the Queen." Her smile turned a bit sadder before she turned to Ise, Asia and Gasper. "You three should get going before Ravel blows a fuse. Or worse, Vali does something."

"I doubt he will but for everyone's peace of mind keep an eye on him." Shirou requested, which worried the Red Dragon Emperor.

"You two sure? Because I think with me in there he'll be itching for a fight."

Akeno shook her head. "No, he is far too interested in a fight with Sirzechs-sama right now."

""Say what?!"" The fallen angel siblings couldn't help but chorus their disbelief.

Shirou gave the ravenhead a playful annoyed look. "Couldn't choose a better timing, couldn't you?"

"Oh, if Rias was here, Vali was in a better mood and they just woke up… that would have been the perfect timing. This was just… an appetizer."

"Where did this sadism come from?" Azazel questioned his brother. "Seriously! Shuri was so well behaved and you… you are you!" Then he took a long, hard look at his brother who was avoiding his eyes. "Baraqiel, is there anything you want to tell me?"

"Shuri was also quite sadistic… just not everywhere… Only in the bedroom."

Ise's nose began bleeding while Azazel began smiling like a lunatic. "Hoho. And you are just telling me that now? Shame on you brother! Shame on you!"

"Fufufufu." Akeno couldn't help but hold back her laughter while her goddess let out a sigh.

"Sadism runs in the family. Why am I not surprised?"

Gasper began blushing. "Do- do- do you mean…"

"He means what?" Asia asked innocently.

"He means that-"

Shirou quickly closed his blue haired lover's mouth. "And that is enough. Move along you three. I can feel the heat of Ravel's impatience from here."

While there was no fire, the Mage had a point since everyone knew she was impatient thanks to her Element trying to dominate the area. Not that she could, that was Medusa's Temple and the temperature was only higher because the goddess wasn't doing anything about the pureblood devil.

"She better not try to burn my temple or else…"

"Okay, okay. No need for threats." Shirou moved to pat Medusa's head only to realize the goddess was a bit too tall for that. Yet he was caught off guard when she leaned a little in his direction, allowing him easier access.

"What?" She asked upon noticing a few looks, and a smug smile from Xenovia. "I demand headpats. It is included in his job as my Champion."

"Since when?" Said Champion asked.

"Shirou-san, are you well?" Asia began voicing her thoughts, those which had been running around her mind from the previous night and the morning after waking up. "You changed… Your hair- your eyes! I never saw anything like this."

Rin beat everyone to the punch. "He just overheated. Don't worry about it." The twin tailed magus added swiftly upon noticing the devil's concerns. "That is fine. It is normal, if uncommon, because he lost some melanin. He had less than normal already, as shown by the tuft of white hair from before. Now everything matches."

"But his eyes… Eyes are some of the most sensitive organs. The change of color… Isn't that concerning?"

"Meh. Technically yes. Magicians, magi especially because we filter mana throughout our bodies, shouldn't use the amount of power he did. But he won't die from that."

"Hah. I wanna see how he is going to explain that in school." Ise commented. "Bet the teachers are going to get on your foot because of dyed hair."

"Actually this phenomena may be rare but it's known enough that the Mage's Association added it to health and medicinal books as an extremely rare genetic disease." Liz commented with a growing tired look. Rare as it was for her to speak as much, it was for Shirou's sake so she pushed through. "Master will just have to stay in 'bed' for a few days and then show up saying he had a fever and needed rest."

After that everyone grew quiet before Gasper added, "So Shirou-senpai will get some rest? Buchou will be happy."

Ise grumbled and was about to say something before Ravel's voice cut him off, "Are you three coming or not?!"

"Go, before she starts a fire." Shirou stepped out of the way, speaking again while Asia crossed his path. "I will be fine. Even if there were some consequences, you and Avalon already fixed everything. So don't worry and try to have some fun too." He winked in their direction. "And if Ravel tries to stop you, remind her you all also deserve a break."

"You don't have the authority, Mage of Swords."

"Magician of Gremory. I out rank you." He didn't like to pull out that card but took some satisfaction on the Phenex's growl and heavy steps. "Welp, that is going to be a headache later."

"Nah, Rias is going to agree with you and Ravel is going to listen to her Onee-sama." Akeno predicted it easily. She then turned towards her father who anxiously waited. "What do you say we go somewhere quiet, drink tea and just talk?"

"... At this moment, I never wanted anything more in my life." Father and daughter smiled before leaving the room.

Which prompted Rin to jump to her feet. "I am also going to head out."

"Are you sure?" Medusa questioned, noticing that the magus felt better when in her temple. At least more focused. "You can rest here until tomorrow if you want. Even if you didn't fight, nobody will mind."

She was clearly tempted by the idea yet as the Head of Tohsaka there were obligations to be fulfilled. "Buchou said something about more detailed reports. I better check it out and make sure everything is good on my end. Even if we aren't the Second Owners anymore, my family still has contacts, contacts that Buchou may need for one thing or another."

Shirou and Medusa nodded in acceptance with the former adding. "Give Sakura my regards and tell her I am sorry for not making her any bentos for the last week… Or the rest of it."

"Can't be helped. The time for your 'disease' to act out is five days minimum. That is the rest of the week just because we stopped your doppelganger from going to school today."

"So we aren't going back to Kuoh yet, Master?" Asked Xenovia while Liz, who found a bag of chips, watched the conversation with interest.

"Oh no, you girls are going to get a proper education and to teach." The maid pouted but he just smiled. "Don't think of dodging it. You two are going back to school."

"Body double-"

"Liz, I will be staying at home. I actually need some rest." He tapped the side of his head playfully. "Unlimited Blade Works is still here but I felt its destruction, as short as it was. A few days off will help."

Both Xenovia and Liz offered him deadpan looks. "I don't like this. Usually when we aren't around, you get into trouble." The blue head commented, the maid nodding with absolute certainty they were right. "We are also your bodyguards. You need us, Shiro."

"What I need is not to worry about anything. I will be at home, resting. Just resting. No work, no nothing. Just chilling and watching TV." He quickly pointed at Xenovia. "That isn't an excuse for you to not study," his finger shifted to Liz, "or you letting somebody else do your job. You both are going."

"Speaking of going, I am out of here." Despite her attempt of being upbeat, Rin looked a little hesitant. Nevertheless she gathered her courage for reasons she couldn't understand, said her goodbyes and left without any more fanfare.

Just before Azazel placed a hand on Shirou's shoulder to say, "Sorry for introducing you to Odin. I honestly never expected things to develop like this."

The Mage greeted the Cadre fully before stating out loud, "You hoped for us to reach Apotheosis, didn't you?" Everyone left in the room, especially a certain Valkyrie who snapped out of her funk to look at the fallen angel, in shock. For his part the older man began massaging his neck with an embarrassed expression that made the white haired one sigh. "I am not mad, Azazel. I understand that you did what you thought was best."

"I didn't tell him about your Reality Marble." Azazel replied softly. "Didn't drop any hints or say anything too peculiar. Truth is that nobody really knows how a god will react with someone bearing a compatible Reality Marble." He focused on his friend's gray eyes. "But if the two of you got along, maybe you could tell him yourself. All you would need was to trust each other. Him teaching you runes sounded like a fantastic start."

"But Odin made things difficult from the get go, didn't he?" Shirou questioned half sarcastically. "Instead of teaching me traditionally he shoved the knowledge in my brain without regard for the torture I dealt with a few hours earlier. Talk about a red flag."

"Hehe, yeah. A real red flag if I ever saw any…"

"But why?!" Rossweisse jumped to her feet in frustration. "Why would you want an Apotheosis? To create a True God?"

Azazel turned to her with a somber expression. "So we could have real peace." A sigh escaped his lips which the man used to take a deep breath. "This world is just one or two steps away from a war. A real big war which will drag everyone in it. Humanity is, like always, tearing themselves apart, that is usual, but now the moonlit world is just about to do the same. Also not new… but never really at the same time or on a mass scale." Usually one side always ended up cleaning up the other's mess but the pattern was falling apart. Or changing for the worst. "The Khaos Brigade is aiming for the gods, Ophis is on the move and some Pantheons are looking for any excuse to shake things up. The Alliance of the Three Factions actually helped midgate some of the danger by creating tension so nobody attacked one of the three without dealing with the others but…"

"But that isn't even close to solving the problem." Medusa observed the fallen angel calmly. "This Faction lacks a god of any kind since alliances can be fickle. The Shinto, and now definitively, the Asgardians have no real obligation to help us out. I will help with what I can."

"A comfortable thought… However, I think you know your power isn't relevant enough to make any difference unless you take Heaven's Throne." The goddess hesitated for many reasons but most important of all, "That would have been ideal but you rejected the idea until you faced your Counterpart so we ran short of candidates."

"So instead of looking for a god, you tried to create one."

"Not create but facilitate his ascension. Besides, I trust Shirou enough to believe that whatever god he ends up becoming will be a friend. Or at least in favor of peace."
"But Lord Odin was the problem." Rossweisse realized bitterly. "He didn't give Shirou any attention and tried to rush things once he noticed a Reality Marble… Odin isn't trustworthy."

A sad frown grew in Azazel's face. "I thought he was. I thought I knew him." Facing Shirou again, he lowered his head. "I am sorry."

"Are really making me repeat myself. Chins up, Azazel, you did what you thought was best. In the end, Odin tried to screw us all over."

"No, I was also blind by the True God's Legend. Father always made it sound like they were the next step. Those who will guide us to a better tomorrow…" It was so long ago too, he was still an angel when God first spoke about the powerful beings born of mortal and divine. "Said they were someone capable of escaping his sight, reshaping reality and… everyone wants to create or become one. A force like that… could truly help the World reach peace."

Everyone grew pensive, especially Xenovia, who took God's words at face value and tried to imagine such a powerful being and Azazel who tried for the thousandth time in hundreds of years to understand what his Father was talking about.

"Wasn't God… a True God?" Shirou ended up suggesting and the fallen angel frowned before shaking his head.

With another sigh, he said. "Father always denied it. Said that He was never mortal nor had any parts of one unless he gave himself any. But when speaking about the True God, whoever they are supposed to be, it was always fondly like he spoke of you, humans. I really wish one of them was around to help us sort out this mess. Sometimes I think Father was just playing around or just seeing a possibility that never happened." The older man began turning around, not bothering to hide his exhaustion but pushing it aside with pure resolve. "Forget about it. A creature like that probably doesn't exist yet, if it ever will. Besides, I better help clean up this mess. Even if we speculate that Odin won't start a war, there is still a chance unless we play carefully."

As Governor General of Grigori the man had to call his allies to know what measures were already done, prepare his people and work on his own measures just in case the god decided he wanted violence or at least to forcefully settle the situation.

Sure enough he wasn't lying during the conversation, he very much doubted Odin would dare, at least not without risking mutual assured destruction if any other Pantheon decided to join in.

No, what Azazel truly needed to do was contact his siblings and help clear up the mess while finding some way to talk with Balder directly if Sirzechs or Michael haven't already done so because Odin obviously already contacted his son one way or the other.

That didn't mean war was on the horizon since Balder was a wise king and a God of Light and Peace, mostly associated with the world after Ragnarok than the conflict itself. He would hear about Loki's demise and grow curious but not outright attack. If anything he would grow worried because Fenrir was freed.

Another problem Azazel had to deal with. 'Containing Fenrir is out of the question. I need to put some agents on his tail and try to direct him somewhere safe. He is smart so negotiations aren't off the table.'

If the fallen angels could find him, at least.

With Azazel gone, Shirou's eyes shifted to a still depressed Valkyrie. Approaching the couch with careful steps, he dropped to a knee and looked her in the eyes. "Rossweisse, how are you feeling?"

Her head rose just enough to look at him. "... I am in exile, aren't I?" Didn't take long for her to reach that conclusion from the second Odin fired her. It was more than just dismissing her from work because even if she was still a Valkyrie, there was no place for her back in Asgard. "By this point everybody back home already knows that I sold our gods' secrets."

"You didn't sell us anything!" Xenovia protested but Shirou raised a hand silencing her.

"Whatever Odin says is going to be the truth. Nobody is going to believe I spoke about our Legends for free." She chuckled bitterly. "Granny probably won't buy his lies but for everyone else it is going to be my word against the king of Asgard… Funny thing is that if this had happened with anyone else, I probably would believe it too."

"But it wouldn't have happened to anyone else. It could only happen because you were strong." Medusa approached from the side and sat on the couch before holding one of Rossweisse's hands. "Strong enough to choose between morals and belief. Strong enough to stare at your god's face and tell him he was wrong. Strong enough to stand for what was right."

"I don't feel strong right now." Silence fell as nobody really knew what to say about that for a whole minute. She betrayed her faith, her country, her duties and gods, something none of them could really relate with.

Xenovia really wished she could but Odin was alive and what the silver haired woman did could only be considered sacrilegious. 'Would I have done the same thing?' She looked at Shirou, wondering. 'If God was alive, if it were his orders to fight and kill, would I still be in the- NO! That isn't the point. If God was alive then he wouldn't give those orders in the first place.'

"You still haven't answered my question." Shirou broke the silence with a firm tone. "How are you? What are you feeling?"

Rossweisse grew mute for one more second before finding a couple of words. "I don't know."

"Yes you do." His tone grew slightly softer but was still firm. "Just tell us. Tell me. I doubt that I would be alive if it wasn't for you." He placed his right hand over hers and Medusa's. "I owe you my life again, isn't that funny?" When his attempt at humor failed, he tried something else. "Let me help you, please. Say what you need. Whatever it is, I am going to do it for you."

"Now it sounds like you're trying to pay me for killing Loki." Those words made the Mage hesitate for a beat.

But no longer than that. "Forget about Loki, his death is in my conscience and mine alone. You all may have helped but it was my idea in the first place." His confidence brought some life to her eyes and he reaffirmed, "You saved my life. Your advice helped me realize how his shapeshifting worked and where his copies came from. You helped me save my city, my soul, thank you." Her eyes grew a little wide upon feeling his honest gratitude. "Now let me help you out like you helped me. Maybe not now but if you want to return to Asgard, I will make it happen."

"We will, but it will be risky and take a while. For now it isn't safe but one day…" Medusa offered her support.

Shirou nodded at her in gratitude before focusing on the Valkyrie again, noticing the cloud of depression was growing heavier. "Just tell me how I can help you."

Rossweisse just repeated. "I don't know."

"Then what do you want?" Liz offered in turn. "Do you want to kill Odin?"

"Leysritt!" Shirou protested with a glare.

Xenovia nodded in understanding.. "Yeah. Do you feel like killing him?"

"I can't kill! I know what Lord Odin did was insensitive, criminal and-"

"No, no. We aren't going to kill him, I have no idea how we would do that without really starting a war." Loki was a criminal, the former Exorcist knew as much so his death in the name of self defense was justified. Odin was the former king of Asgard, father of the current king and its mightiest warrior, killing him was a recipe for disaster. "But do you want to kill him? Better, aren't you mad with that son of a bitch?"

"Mad?" The Valkyrie questioned in wonder.

"You know you are insulting a god, right?" Medusa asked, her hand barely holding a giggle.

"Screw godhood. The bastard tried to steal Shiro from us and almost destroyed the city. As far as I care, his status as a god has been revoked!" Xenovia shouted proudly, Liz nodded at every other word in full agreement.

"Some would say that was still rather tame for gods." Shirou couldn't help but comment with a deadpan expression.

"Some gods do worse daily." Medusa added with her own deadpan. "Don't mix all of us with God. Sure most are good but usually even those kill more than they should. Including me… but in my defense they shouldn't have listened to Zeus."

"Well, yeah, but Odin screwed us over. This is personal!" Xenovia admitted without much trouble. "And he is a coward too. That old bastard picked a fight and ran away the moment he knew we were going to win."

"Fenrir was going to win. Most of us could have died."

"You should be on my side, Shiro! In fact you should be more frustrated than I am! Then we are!" The former Exorcist waved between herself and Liz who was still fully agreeing with everything she was saying. Eventually she focused on Rossweisse who still looked conflicted. "Aren't you pissed off too? The old bastard got away with everything?!"

After a moment to think, the Valkyrie found herself nodding. "Yes, I…" Her eyes widened as fury grew in her chest. Then something snapped. "That motherfucking bastard!" Jumping to her feet, the woman roared with rage before punching a wall so hard that it opened a hole despite Medusa trying to fortify it. "That Old Coot, son of a bitch! He didn't have the right to fire me! I was just trying to do the right thing and stop him from making a mistake but noooooo!" She kicked a chair so hard it flew to the other side of the room. At least it broke nothing else as several snakes rose from the floor to grab it. "He just had to try and get everyone killed. Try to get together with bloody Loki of all bloody people!"

"You say it girl!" Xenovia cheered, Liz punching the air.

And Rossweisse kept going, her anger finally spilling out. "He was about to break several treaties, start a war! A bloody War with capital 'W'! Granny always said that old fart 's an idiot! She 's right!" A little of her ascent began to spill out as all formality flew out of the window. "All he'd to do was talk but no! 'Odin 's too cool to talk'. 'A god takes whatever he wants'! BULLSHIT! He just ran away before dealing with the consequences- No! Worst! He made me deal with them!"

Stomping around the Valkyrie looked ready to blow a fuse but nobody stopped her when she began spilling several of the things she did for the god.

From working diligently as a bodyguard for little pay, to cleaning his messes with either magic or assurances from their Pantheon, including several payements she never took for herself, keeping contact with Asgard to report things the Old Man didn't want to bother with or even talking with people whenever the Aesir vanished with a woman for the night.

"The number of times I had to clean a hotel room before one of his escapes 's dumb! I'm a bodyguard! Not a maid! I just wanted a better job!" Her rage kept going and going until it hit a crescendo as her aura exploded for an instant as she let everything out. "ALL THAT FOR NOTHING!" Rossweisse screamed. Screamed and cried as tears began pouring from her eyes. "I just wanted… I was going to work at Folkvangr. Join the older Valkyries in a comfy position and teach the next generation. I was close to getting a letter of recommendation… so close. King Balder himself would have signed it…"

Dropping back on the couch, all the rage was gone and a deep sense of sadness began crushing the silver haired woman.

Seeing that things calmed down, the group moved to give Rossweisse some space while making sure their presence was known; Medusa never left her seat, Shirou joined them on the couch while Xenovia moved around and placed a hand on the Valkyrie's shoulder, Liz popping from the side and offering her a cup of tea.

Which was quickly accepted, the young woman drinking it all in one go and after doing so she couldn't help but stare at the cup. Its emptiness reminded her how she had nothing, how she had lost everything. How Odin had taken everything for her because she decided to do the right thing.

The tears began flowing more strongly and Shirou Projected a tissue. "Here."

"Thanks." First cleaning her eyes, it was in vain for Rossweisse just kept sobbing. "I can't- I can't- I want to go home." She blew her nose and he immediately provided another one.

"We are-"

"You can't." Medusa interrupted her Champion, stating it bluntly. "At least not now or anytime soon-"

"But we are going to do our best to help." It was the Mage's turn to interrupt the goddess. "Just please, don't lose hope. We are going to find a solution, I promise."
A small giggle escaped the sobbing Valkyrie. "Don't- hick- don't make promises you can't keep." After controlling herself slightly, she added. "Odin isn't going to let me come back. Not while you are alive, maybe even after, unless you merge with him."

"Then I-"

"You shouldn't." Rossweisse said resolutely, her eyes and face red. "You shouldn't! You shouldn't! Don't give that Old Coot what he wants… Can you promise me that, Shirou?"

Gently he turned her face to him and cleaned some of her tears. "You have my word."

After that they all gave Rossweisse a few minutes to compose herself. By that point the Valkyrie had stopped crying but the sadness and weight of her actions were heavy. Almost crushing even as she couldn't help but feel despair over her own situation.

Almost like if she was cornered. "I don't know what I should do now."

"Do you have anywhere else to go?" Shirou asked gently, Rossweisse shook her head. "Then you can stay here until you figure it out."

"I wouldn't want to impose-"

"No sense! You helped us in our time of need." Medusa retorted with a grin. "Besides, I am not one to leave a beauty like you out in the cold."

The Valkyrie leaned away from the goddess. "No offense Lady Medusa but I do not wish to follow you. I think… that despite what Odin did, there are many Asgardians still worthy of worship and I am not ready to give up on them."

"I care not. I mind not." The deity offered a reassuring smile. "You can pray to whoever you want, doesn't mean I will leave you to fend for yourself. We owe you a debt, after all."

"Then I thank you and…" Looking around, for the first time Rossweisse noticed how much she damaged the room. "I will clean this-"

"Don't bother. I have people for that." Medusa dismissed the Valkyrie with a casual wave. "Besides, doesn't it feel good to cry like that?" The silver haired woman couldn't help but nod. "Yes, sometimes all you need is a good cry and a bit of destruction. It helps to clean the soul."

Xenovia folded her arms and leaned Shirou's head. "Well, if you are going to stay then we should get your stuff." Rossweisse sobered up very fast after hearing those words. "Where did you guys stay before the temple? A hotel?"

The Valkyrie began sweating cold as Medusa added, "You also didn't bring anything when you and Odin first showed up. Do you also have a pocket dimension like devils?" The silver haired woman's lips shrunken inside her mouth which everyone noticed. Hatred dripped from the goddess' tone when she asked, "... He didn't take everything when he left, did he?"

"Well, not exactly…"

"Rossweisse?" Shirou asked delicately, catching her attention. He noticed her nerves and grew increasingly worried. "Did Odin do something?"

"... More like something he didn't do… Like tell me we were coming to Fuyuki… Or whenever we are leaving anywhere. I sorta stopped carrying around luggage." The other four looked at each other then back to the Valkyrie who shrunk under their gazes. "Also the pay wasn't good. I mean, I barely could afford any good meals-"

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa." Shirou raised his arms, almost begging her to stop. "You told me the pay was bad but… was it really that bad?"

"And you have been wearing the same clothes since yesterday?" Medusa almost shrieked and her temple actually shook under her fury. "How dare that man treat a beauty like you so awfully?! How dare he?! Doesn't your Pantheon have any labor laws or something?"

"Does the Greek Pantheon have any?" Xenovia questioned.

"I think some gods don't even follow the Geneva Convention, much less labor laws…" In truth Shirou had no clue, none of them did.

The bluehead accepted his response and turned back to the silver haired woman. "You made your clothes with magic?"

"I preserved them with magic, yes." The Valkyrie suddenly felt defensive. "Runes are very useful; they keep the dirty away, deal with the smell-"

"Do you sleep with them?"

"I-wha-"

"Xenovia, you shouldn't ask that from a lady. Especially when she didn't have a choice because her employer is a- a… My Champion, give me an insult! A very vulgar one!" Medusa demanded with all her authority.

"... I think we need to focus on Rossweisse-"

"So if your magic was broken your clothes would fall apart?" Xenovia couldn't help but ask, making the Valkyrie blush and hug herself.

"Of course not! They are preserved! Also my leotard is specially made to survive in the harshest environments while my armor-"

"So you just have your leotard down there?" The former Exorcist interrupted with a grin, Rossweisse's blush growing stronger. "Are you going commando?" It was like a volcano erupted from her face. "Kinky."

"Unnecessary." Medusa hissed.

"Brutal." Liz patted the woman's shoulder in sympathy.

Shirou also blushed. 'I shouldn't be here for this sort of conversation.' Still he would do his best to help. "If that is the case we should buy you some clothes as well."
"What?! No, I-"

"You saved my life. Twice, as far as I am concerned." The Mage interrupted with a sharp gaze. "Besides, it's technically my fault that you are in this predicament- Yes, I know you wanted to do the right thing but you still did it to help me so please just let me help you. No strings attached, alright! Now, do you have a place to stay?"
"She can stay in my temple. No, better. She can stay at our house."

"Your house? You all don't live here?" Rossweisse asked in confusion.

"Nah, our home is way more comfy. Wouldn't know where to find the way out of this place if anyone asked." Xenovia confessed with a grin before poking the Valkyrie's shoulder with her elbow. "You also get to eat Shiro's food everyday…"

"Yes!" Rossweisse's blush returned in full force, much to everyone's amusement. "I mean… Can I really stay with you? I don't want to be a burden."

"Between you, most of Rias' Peerage and these two gluttons," Shirou commented while patting Medusa's head and pointing at Liz, "you couldn't be a problem even if you tried. Also, Koneko. Can't forget Koneko."

Having watched the small girl devour whole stacks of plates the Valkyrie knew the man truly cooked enough for a battalion. "Thank you."

"We should also talk about a stipend or something to help you get on your feet." Medusa suggested, much to Rossweisse's surprise.

"You are right." She was even more surprised when Shirou agreed immediately. "Depending on how long she wants to stay in Fuyuki, we can make a plan."

"'Plan'? Do you want me to be Medusa's bodyguard or something?" It was the others' turn to be surprised. "Is that it?"

"No. Why did you think that?" Shirou questioned with interest.

"Well, you were just talking about paying me and-"

Xenovia laughed out loud. "Sure we are. But doesn't mean you have to work for it, you know? The devils are loaded. As in 'mountains of gold' loaded."

"You helped us take down a god." Shirou reminded her in a more even tone. "While you didn't do it for a reward, your help was essential. Without your insight, I could have wasted more time trying to pierce Loki's hide when he turned into a dragon."

The information surprised a few but not Rossweisse. "So the original really could turn into more fantastical creatures. And here I thought that turning into Lord Thor was- Wait, you are going to pay me for nothing?!"

"Not 'nothing'."
"Yeah, I heard. I saved your life or something!" The shock was evident in her face and every gesture. Mostly because her arms gestured frantically almost in a panic. "So you are going to just… give me money and let me do my thing? Like sleeping on the couch all day and watch TV?!"

Shirou and Medusa traded looks before the Mage nodded. "Yes, pretty much. Think about it as a vacation if you want."

Considering all she suffered working under Odin that sounded like a dream. Also the ones making that offer were honest and grateful for her help so there were no strings, no bottom line. She could really, if that was her desire, kick back in Shirou's house everyday, go to the beach when in a mood or explore Fuyuki at her heart's content.

While not paying a dime.

It all sounded like a dream and yet, "Can't you give me a job instead?" 'What are you doing, Rose?!'

"A job?" Shirou asked in disbelief. One which was shared with all the girls.

Including Rossweisse herself. "Yeah. You know, a job. Something that I can do annd earn my keep."

"Why?" Medusa asked.

'Why, Rose? Why are you throwing away an opportunity of a lifetime?! WHY?!' After a silent panic attack, the Valkyrie managed to compose herself. "Because it was…" Like a flash, the 'why' revealed itself. "Because my Granny won't have a half-bint lazy granddaughter."

"You're so smart, Rose." A voice full of pride echoed in her memories, a mighty Valkyrie stood behind her shoulders, a hand giving her strength. "You're going to do so many things! So much good stuff. Keep going."

A younger Rossweisse, a child of eight or so, finished a very advanced homework assignment and showed it to her only real motherly figure. "You betcha Granny! I'm going to be the coolest Valkyrie!"

Regardless of what she did in life, Rossweisse knew Gondul would be proud of her so long she followed her lessons and did the right thing. She would bet her life that her granny would laugh out loud once she heard about Loki, welcoming her in her childhood home with open arms regardless.

So long her actions didn't stop the Valkyrie from living with her head held high, she would always have a home. Which was why she couldn't just take things for free, she didn't help for a reward so it wasn't fair in her mind. If it wasn't fair, then she would have to work and earn her keep somehow.

"Your granny sounds cool." Xenovia commented.

"The best!" Rossweisse declared proudly before blushing and fixing her posture. "She raised me and was my inspiration to become a Valkyrie. A master of magic as good as the great Brynhildr." Her eyes grew firmer. "I don't want to disappoint her."

Respecting her wishes, Shirou quickly came up with an offer. "You wanted to be a teacher, right?" The surprised young woman nodded eagerly. "How do you feel about teaching runes to the next generation of magicians?"

"What?" The idea intrigued her. Intrigued and scared her, in fact. "In the Clocktower? I don't think it's safe for any Valkyrie to walk around that snake's nest." She flinched at a glare from Medusa and began scratching the back of her head in embarrassment. "Sorry, Lady Medusa, that is just how Granny describes it. That place isn't safe. The magi there wouldn't hesitate to rip me apart or torture me for any secrets I don't want to give… Not to mention Odin has some allies in there so…"

"Good thing I was talking about working here." Shirou added with a smile, reminding he offered her a place already. While she blushed at the confusion, nobody called her on it. "Kuoh is a project from several factions. Devils, the Church, yokais, fallen angels and, of course, magicians." The silver haired woman blinked, remembering someone telling her something similar. It was Azazel telling all that to Odin but obviously his bodyguard heard the sales pitch. "You wouldn't just teach magicians, in fact you would get the chance to teach all these people. Unless you have something-"

"Sounds great!" Excitement poured from Rossweisse's very being.

Enough that Shirou knew it was the right decision. "Excellent. Now, you are going to need to teach more… ordinary curriculum so we are going to need-"
"Here!" From a pocket on her suit the silver haired woman produced a complex eight page resume. The first five spoke were introductions and previous experiences while the last three had several rune arrays ready to be used.

"That was surprising." Medusa commented while collecting the papers. "And so detailed too…" Her amethyst eyes glanced at the woman with mirth. "Anxious to get away from Odin?" Rossweisse chuckled nervously.

Liz quickly collected the resume while Shirou spoke. "I will get in contact with Zeoticus, Rias' father if you recall." They had met back in the Underworld since Odin got to hangout on the Gremory's VIP box. "He is in charge of hiring personnel in Kuoh, on the magical side at least, with another teacher, Waver Velvet. Either way, you already have a shoe in."

"The pay is good. Can buy a good car and pay bills after a year." Liz commented which made the Valkyrie fist pump in excitement.

"You don't have any bills." Shirou protested before realizing she was saying that to the Valkyrie's benefit. With how excited she was getting, it was working.

Medusa giggled at the sight before adding. "From what I could see you have the qualifications for a lot of positions but the best one available for this sort of class is Geography."

Again the silver haired woman grew excited. "I'm gonna take it!"

"So I will make it happen. It will take a couple of days but nothing too difficult." Shirou chuckled once more at her eager nod. "However, you obviously are going to need some new clothes and fortunately the temple has some spares." Medusa nodded in agreement, her thoughts in sync with his. Turning around, she spoke to his lover. "Xenovia, can you and Medusa help her pick some stuff? More than just the bare necessities?"

"Why me?" His lover asked skeptically. She wasn't one for fashion nor had the patience to deal with it.

Yet Shirou was picking her because, "Do you think I didn't know about the outfits Medusa helped you sneak out of the house whenever Rias wasn't looking?" The bluehead recoiled before recomposing and glaring at the deity who had an amused smile. "No, she didn't tell me, I was paying attention. I noticed your closet grow smaller from time to time and noticed some of them were missing, especially the sort of frilly clothing that an idol could use. By the way, is she still trying to rope you in on the show biz?"

"I hate those clothes." Xenovia commented with bitterness and crossed arms while ignoring the question. "Hate them. Hate, hate, hate, hate. They are tight in the right places but the ribbons get in the way and there is just too much stuff to keep track."

Rossweisse grew curious. "Then why buy them?"

"Rias likes dolling her up." Liz's words made the knight shiver.

However Xenovia recovered enough to ask, "And why does it sound like you are going to a completely different place."

"Hum~ I don't know. Maybe because Rossweisse is going to be trying some different outfits and I am a guy." Shirou turned to the Valkyrie who once again reassembled a tomato. "Say, Rossweisse, would you like me to-"

"No thanks!" She hugged herself and Shirou turned to his lover with a smug smirk. "Sorry, I mean, it isn't like I have anything against you but-"

"It 's fine."

While her Champion had little to add, Medusa couldn't help but lean closer to the silver haired woman to say. "You are just shy. A pity considering you definitely have the body of an idol." Her hands held the Valkyrie's face who was only growing redder. "I can assure you an idol earns way more than-"

"No, thanks! Shouldn't we go for clothes now?! I think we should!" Rossweisse jumped to her feet and raced towards a random hallway to the temple. Xenovia glanced at her lover with a raised brow before going after her.

"You exaggerated."

"Fufu, she overreacted." The goddess' amusement suddenly vanished as she focused on the Mage. "They are in the west garden, close to one of the temple's exits." From her hair she produced a glass flask which glowed gold thanks to its contents.

"Is that-"

"Loki's blood. I thought Rossweisse could take issue with it. Also, nobody should know." Medusa gave Shirou the flask with a look of determination. "God or man, you are my friend. Don't forget that." Then she smiled. "Besides, you are smart enough to not go off the beaten path foolishly. I bet you are going to figure something else out for this blood."

The Mage of Swords smiled sarcastically. "I am flattered for your faith in me but I got nothing."

"For now." Were Medusa last words before she gave chase to the wayward Valkyrie and the blue haired knight.

"You should drink it." Liz said immediately. "Perfect health, more mana, immortality."

"If I wanted all the benefits, I would have asked Medusa to prepare me a bath." If bathing on dragon's blood could make one's body 'invincible', Shirou wondered what a god's blood could do.

Azazel said he would become a god, that the World would acknowledge him as such. Gaia Theory came to mind and the fallen angel himself confirmed it meaning Gaia would be the arbiter. Yet he wasn't lying when he said becoming a god in that moment in time was considerably risky.

'Neither Illya or Angelo are idiots. They must have a way to face gods.' He stared at the liquid gold in his hand, noticing how the blood shone even if Loki had been dead since the previous night. He could already guess the blood wouldn't lose its Divinity for quite a while if ever. 'And if so, I shouldn't try to gain any more Divinity. On the contrary, I need to find ways to fight without it.'

Bellerophon was one of his best cards, Unlimited Blade Works and Avalon secured his victory over Loki but the pegasus kept him on the fight buying space so the Mage could think of a plan.

Also the Holy Grail no longer was on his body so Medusa's child was his best source of mana.

Something Gilgamesh could one day counter. 'Are you really planning to fully open the Gate of Babylon? Is that the plan? If so, then the question is how?' Unfortunately only his sister and friend could answer and they weren't in speaking terms. "Who knows, maybe I can find a better use for this thing."

When her Master casually put the god's blood on his pocket, the maid couldn't help but say, "The Clocktower 's going to be jealous." She was referring to every magi in there who would offer a child or their soul to have some Divine blood.

Pretty much everyone except a few.

Very few.

"Good thing nobody knows about it, right?" Shirou began moving west with his 'shadow' in tow, Leysritt closing her mind to the Mage's secrets, willing to take them to the grave.

A snake slid down a wall and the duo began to follow it. Medusa knew what her Champion wanted, easily reading his intentions. There was someone he needed to have a conversation with and the goddess understood he was looking forward to it.

Looking forward but dreading at the same time.

Long strides took him to the westward exit where he found four blondes, two closer to the open doors watching the other pair talking at a distance. He approached the first pair as Liz hung back.

"Shirou." Le Fay called his name without turning, her feet dancing in the air as she kicked them around while sitting on her floating broom.

Her brother turned and extended a hand in greeting. "Shirou, good to see you on your feet. For a moment there you frightened everyone."

"Everyone?" The Mage asked with amusement as they shook hands. "I didn't sleep that long, did I?"

"No but Rias Gremory looked ready to rip your head. Nobody eavesdropped, don't worry." By the way Arthur glanced at his sister it was clear an attempt was made.

"Then they would just hear me whimpering." Shirou joked sadly, knowing it would take a couple of days before he could broach the subject with his first lover again. Perhaps longer for her to fully forgive him. "Enough about me. How are you all doing?"

"Don't you mean to ask how Ria is doing?" Le Fay looked at him, distant eyes full of wisdom beyond her years. Also colder than Fuyuki's winter.

"Yes, I do. But I also want to know how you two are doing." Shirou watched the siblings, how Le Fay looked forward again and Arthur turned back to watch from afar. He also noticed the sword in his waist for a while and chose to comment. "She gave you Clarent."

"Mostly because she couldn't just take Add without giving me something back." The older brother placed a hand on the silver sword tenderly before chuckling. "If anything she was doing me a favor; now I don't have to hear that little gremlin's comment on every aspect of my life just for the kicks of it."

"Ah, but now your sister took your burden." Shirou winced at his own words. "I am sorry."

"Don't be. For my whole life I also thought I was King Arthur's reincarnation because of my strong affinity for Holy Swords and natural talent. So did our parents, family, subordinates and almost everyone." His eyes grew soft as he watched Altria's back as she told Kiba something. The Knight of Gremory looked conflicted but also hung on her every word. "In the end it isn't my Fate to rebuild Camelot but hers. If she wants to be."

"We will be there if she does." Le Fay added without a thought.

The Mage let out a sigh of relief. "I am glad to see nothing has changed for you two."

"She is our sister." The witch retorted immediately. "A sister will always be a sister but that is our view." Her thumb went in Clarent's direction. "At least she still cares if she gave away that super powerful Noble Phantasm to Arthur."

Who clicked his tongue. "Ria doesn't need to give us gifts to prove she is herself, Fay."

"That is my point. She gave the sword to you for your own protection." A small smile bloomed in her lips like a solitary flower among the snow. "Rhongomyniad is strong but, Artoria or not, opening all the seals isn't a matter of power."

"Is all about circumstance." Arthur added without missing a beat. "The weapon itself takes a huge toll on the body but she was always stronger than me, especially in the mana department. In a way, I was just holding Rhongomyniad for her until the truth was revealed."

A nervous Shirou asked, "And what is the 'truth'?" Both blondes silently asked for an explanation. "Did you two consider the implications of her being King Arthur?"
"Doesn't change anything." Le Fay answered with conviction.

Arthur turned to the other man with a small glare. "Whatever the case or implications, she is and always will be our sister."

The Mage smiled, surprising his fellow swordsman. "Good." He looked into the distance again, watching Kiba lowering his head. "I am going to talk to her. Do you two have anything against it?"

"Knock yourself out." Le Fay suggested half petulantly. Her brother nodded and the Mage began stepping forward but she quickly grabbed his hand. "Don't return Avalon to her."

"Why?"

"... You need it…" She let him go with a cold expression. "The ritual isn't finished."

He turned at her with horror. "But the specters-"

"An effect, not the cause nor the goal." The witch noticed Kiba approaching them and concluded, "We can talk later. Ria also wants this conversation." Her eyes grew more warm with every word. "She has questions and only you have the answers."

Brushing off his other concerns for later, he softly replied. "I doubt that."

"Yes you do. You are a Kingmaker already, much like Merlin." The smaller blonde resumed watching her sister but with a new melancholy. "And she needs to hear from you…"

"... I hate the name Merlin." Shirou couldn't help but say and he heard Arthur stiff a laugh.

From her part, Le Fay was amused. "Good. You have some sense. Just speak the truth like you always did, Ria will appreciate that infinitely more than any sweet lie."

Accepting the advice with ease, found the Knight of Gremory in the middle of the way. "You are in high spirits."

Kiba revealed a small sad smile. "Yes, I believe I am." Looking at his back, the devil saw that Altria had turned around and was watching the trees dance with the wind. "She isn't the King Arthur I expected but my brothers and sisters would have followed her to the ends of the Earth."

Shirou frowned before saying, "You know this is more complicated than that. She isn't just King Arthur."

"Oh, I know. Altria Pendragon is worthy of her own merit. At least, that is what I think." Then his eyes grew as sharp as one of his swords. "You aren't here to test her again, are you?"

Shirou's newly white eyebrows jumped in his forehead. "Defensive much?"

"Sorry, sorry." Kiba chuckled and scratched his cheek embarrassedly. "What did Buchou say? Are you-"

"In the dog house, for the moment. She is also busy with recent events." He looked at Altria from over Kiba's shoulder while saying, "Seekvaira also called and they are probably having a very awkward conversation."

"Because you killed a god or because Buchou didn't tell her that we had 'Divine problems'?"

Both young men fell quiet for a few seconds before saying in sync: ""Both!""

The Knight patted his friend in the shoulder, offering a small smile. "For what is worth it, I think you did the right thing."

"Aren't you upset as well that I didn't involve you?"

"Livid, but Buchou can be upset for all of us and then some." He slapped his friend's back a little too harshly and the Mage almost fell forward. After that the blond calmed down, satisfied. "Good luck."

Shirou nodded and watched Kiba depart with calm steps, greet Liz and move inside the temple to think about several things. Emiya could see that his friend's shoulders were slightly higher than usual and his smile somewhat more honest. After Valper everybody believed the Knight had found some peace and they weren't necessarily wrong.

However, speaking with Altria, essentially King Arthur, helped him fill a couple more lines for his conclusion making it more satisfactory. Even if the sacrifices his siblings made because of a mad man were more justified when the person they dreamed to follow was worthy of devotion.

And since neither Altria nor God were responsible for the Archbishop of Genocide's actions it could be said that his peace of mind was complemented by the relief of knowing that in a different world where the man was honest they would have followed someone just.

Whatever the case Shirou wouldn't pry in his friend's thoughts since he was just happy for the Knight. Unfortunately that happiness lasted little for a part of him couldn't help but dread his next conversation. He approached the newly gold haired blonde carefully but making sure his steps were noisy in the grass.

When he was just a few meters from her, he stopped and waited for any sort of acknowledgement or sign that the young woman knew he was present, either from her or the Mystic Code she was currently carrying.

Yet the only thing greeting him was the wind.

"Do you hate me?" Shirou eventually asked after gathering his courage.

Altria threw him a look, her emerald greeted him with surprise. "Apologies. I didn't notice you were there."

"You are distracted, Little Lioness." Add commented as his rested on her neck just above her bust. The cube looked chuckled softly before regarding, "Mage of Swords, can you-"

"Silence, Add." Immediately the Mystic Code shut up and Emiya could feel irritation from it. "Apparently he can't disobey any order from me." Altria revealed, guessing his thoughts. "Maybe because he is 'my' spear or maybe because he is made for 'me'. Or better yet, King Arthur."

A concerned Shirou felt a wave of guilt. "To be honest after Avalon I expected you to realize it one day but… not like that… Thanks for saving my life."

"... How long have you known that I am King Arthur's reincarnation? I remember that in our fight you were… vague enough to drop some hints." The use of the cursed Clarent being one of them.

"Since Zolgen. Avalon saved my life back there, remember? Then everything clicked in my mind." He tried to smile reassuringly.

"It always comes back to that insect, doesn't it?" The first time they worked together, the first time he unleashed his Reality Marble. The first time they trusted each other.

"But it wasn't just that. We already talk about it but you are just like her and not just your appearance. There is also your disposition and bravery-"

"Is that what you call stubbornness?" Altria questioned with a forced smile which didn't reach her eyes. "... How much do I look like… me, I suppose? This is a strange thing to ask."

"... Before your hair was wrong but now… now you are a match for your past life one to one. At least for the last time she held either Caliburn and Clarent." Taking a step forward, Shirou revealed, "With my magecraft I dove in the memories of all those weapons, I sparred with your previous self more times than I can count-"

"Which explains why you were almost a match in our first fight."

"... And you are just as competitive."

"Thanks, I try… That is why Caliburn broke the first time." A deep sense of sadness filled the clearing, as if the atmosphere reflected her feelings. "I dreamed of stopping my brother from becoming king, of drawing the Sword of Selection and doing better… Were those dreams or memories?"

"Altria-"

"Did every vision I had, every thought, were just something I had once and forgotten? And my body? Was I born like I am because of my blood or because I am 'King Arthur'. I am no Mage but I know that the body reflects the soul."

Holding her own face, Altria had avoided every mirror in the temple and didn't dare looking at Clarent when handing it to her brother. Just looking at her own hair when she washed it after their return was enough to have her recoil because she stopped feeling like herself.

"Who am I? Am I King Arthur? Altria? What am I supposed to do now?" She asked mostly rhetorically but somewhat sincerely. "I think I can't even draw Caliburn anymore, if I do it, the sword is just going to break again. And then… I am also the idiot who let her kingdom fall apart because of a rebellion." Covering her eyes with a hand, she began chuckling bitterly. "What a king 'I' was."

After her rant Shirou gave her a minute to compose herself and breath before speaking. "Do you really believe Camelot was a failure?"

She looked at him amusedly. "I was raised hearing the stories about how our 'ancestors' screwed everything up. How Morgan's machinations and Mordred's hatred destroyed everything." The blonde threw her arms up before letting them fall down lifelessly. "Camelot was a failure and now… now it is 'my' failure."

"Can you really say that after talking with Kiba? He told you about how his siblings, dozens of orphans without nowhere to go just wanted a place to belong. Camelot was it." He took a step towards her. "Because King Arthur didn't discriminate. Didn't matter if they were noble of birth, orphans or even the children of his enemy, anyone could become a knight." When she looked up, they were face to face. "A place where all could belong, where Justice thrived with skill and kindness. A dream of a Utopia even if not such."

"Nice words but it still fell apart and now I know it was 'my' fault."

"Stop saying it like that."

"Like what?"

"Whatever you speak about your past life, it is like you are still trying to dissociate from it. Either you were her or you weren't."

"Easy for you to say. I can barely understand what is happening. Yesterday I was just Altria but today I am King Arthur-"

"Also King Arthur." His words froze her and she looked at him with confusion. "Just because you were Artoria in your past life, that doesn't diminish who you are now."

"... Then why stop me from taking Caliburn."

"Because even if you did your best, mistakes were still made and I didn't want you to fail because of them." Shirou took a deep breath. "The Order of Pendragon, men and women who preserved your teachings and your traditions, your Code of Chivalry, through the ages, still wait for their king's return. But you don't need to return if you don't want to." A gentle hand rested on her shoulder. "They proclaimed me Merlin, the Mage of Swords and asked me to make sure Caliburn would find someone appropriate. I found her, its former owner. If I haven't stopped you then the Sword of Selection would be in your grasp. But you weren't ready." His conviction left no place for denial. "Because Merlin should steer King Arthur towards that path, towards glory and damnation. I couldn't do it so I ripped your heart out and forced you to see only the ugly side of your decisions."

Altria shoved his arm away. "So now you are saying there was good in Camleot's fall?"

"The place may be gone but the Ideal is still in the heart of those who seek it. Fall or not, Camelot was always something good. The question is if it was good for you. Or do you think your siblings would like a drone in your place, going from battle to battle just for a Divine notion of Justice." She winced and Shirou knew she hadn't even considered that. "Would you be able to stay with your friends, to be happy, by allowing a sword to dictate your path?"

"Happy? Was her… was I ever happy?" Altria questioned her life, past and present. "I think I was. Here I have Arthur, Le Fay and everyone else… Before, my heart grew warm thinking of certain knights like Kay, Bedrive and others… Even Morgan's name…" She held Add in her hand. "She made this for me, didn't she… I heard stories of how much of a cursed witch she was, how she was filled with hatred and cruelty. The greatest manipulator of her Age… Then why does my heart warm up because of her name? What happened?"

"Some stories say that you two made peace." Shirou mentioned.

"Did we? I hope we did. Siblings should not kill each other… That doesn't explain Mordred." Her eyes grew slightly wide before she added, "Why am I not in Avalon? Legends also say that it should be King Arthur's final resting place." Her hand touched his chest and for a moment Shirou felt nervous before a familiar warmth filled his body. "It is because the key was missing, wasn't it? Other of Morgan Le Fay's machinations. How did I forgive her?"

"I think… only you can figure that out." By that point in King Arthur's story every source and poem spoke how the king found peace in the Ever Distant Utopia, a reward for deeds of nobility and courage.

Yet Avalon, the scabbard, was missing. The gates for the Land of Fairies closed.

Altria knew all that. "You think I talked with her… before the end?"

"Maybe… If you want, I can return Avalon to you." His body had been healed and he was willing to ignore Le Fay's warnings for Altria's sake.

Yet the witch had anticipated his intentions because, "My sister told me taking Avalon with us would take your life and conclude the ritual that almost destroyed Fuyuki. That something inside you is connected to it. Maybe that is why the specters tried to attack you. Aiming not for you but the thing hiding in your soul…" The reveal scared him and it must have shown in his face since she added, "Don't worry. You can keep it until someone figures something out. Just means we can't fight fairly because you are always going to heal at my expense."

"Sorry but I am not sorry, your reserves are basically cheating anyway."

"Hehe, I suppose that makes you sort of a trickster. Loki must have been satisfied, dying to someone like you. As much as death can be satisfactory…" Once again the mood turned somber and she took a step back. "For what it is worth, I forgive you." His gray eyes grew wide with surprise. "You were trying to help me find myself, to not repeat a past mistake…" Her gentle smile shone more than diamonds. "Sure you did it in the most rude, cowardly, annoying, underhanded way possible." His shoulders dropped at every word. "But your intent was good and you were being honest. This is a valuable lesson."

Concluding her train of thought, the blonde frowned as something didn't sit right with her. In fact there was still conflict in her heart about the whole thing. Something fundamental about both her lives.

Shirou realized none of it, he couldn't see either conflict or doubt because Altria's posture and expression were honestly mesmerizing with a peaceful if teasing smile that expressed how honestly she was grateful.

Which made his next few words quite easy too. "You know… if you want to try drawing Caliburn again, I won't stop you."

She almost jumped in surprise before watching him with suspicion. "Is this some sort of test, 'Merlin'?"

"Again with the name? No, it isn't a test. I think you are ready for the Sword of Selection, if you want." Doubt still crept in the blonde's face so he decided to explain. "You aren't doing it for duty, for honor or to be king. If you try to draw the sword now, it will be for yourself."

"For myself?" An odd notion in both her lives and she knew it even if she couldn't remember anything concrete about the first. "Taking the Sword of Selection for myself somehow feels contradictory."

"And maybe you can't pull it out," he took a step back at her glare, "but I think you deserve a shot more than anyone else. Not because you are King Arthur's reincarnation but because you are stronger now then you were then." The Mage waved at her. "You are more certain, more assured of yourself. While the idea of a past life shocked you, you also are making peace with it."

"You are saying all that because I am not running away from 'myself'? An odd philosophy to have especially since I was in denial just a second ago." Altria observed skeptically before stopping to think. "Still, a king shouldn't be for themselves but for others. They have the duty to guide and-"

"Please don't speak like that. Like a martyr." Shirou's words snapped something within her, breaking a sort of illusion. Yet the Mage didn't notice, he was busy almost begging, "Don't lose yourself because you believe in the myth of a perfect king. There isn't one. Even if God's Blessing can make you inhuman… you should strive to be human." His words again caught her attention. "When I say human I don't mean someone born human but someone with feelings, emotions. It is fine for a king to be sad, to laugh, to cry. Protecting your people shouldn't stop any of that because so long you are doing all those things you won't lose yourself."

"Alright, alright. You came in with a full blow speech." Altria interrupted him with a hand close to her mouth and her shoulders shaking with mirth. Despite calming down, she was still smiling, "Can't you summarize this whole philosophy in a few words?"

"Summarize? I will let you know this isn't my first pitch."

"And it is too long, hehehe." Taking a moment to gather herself, she turned around and looked at the sky, noticing the Sun was going down. "In a way you could say that to you humanity isn't something you are born with, Humanity is the capability to care." His eyes grew wide at the realization she fully gathered what he wanted to say. That and more. "And that a king shouldn't just protect his people. Protecting without love is empty."

"Yep, you got it. That is pretty much it."

"Huhuhu. Thanks for the lesson, Merlin. You are already better than the other Merlin."

"Are you saying that to tease me or did you remember something?"

"Who knows~?"

'If she is going to be playful like that, then things are improving." Shirou needed, satisfied. 'Good, I needed a win today-'

"Artoria…" The whisper caught him off guard. "Not many know that name, right? Everybody just remembers King Arthur."

"What about it?"

A chuckle echoed in the clearing. "Just thinking that, perhaps, I should use the name." Looking at the sky longingly, a gust of wind tried to mess with her hair. Turning to Shirou, she fixed it with a hand, her beautiful smile catching him off guard. "I was King Arthur, failed monarch of Camelot. I am Altria, a girl who wished to be king. Maybe I should do something to honor both identities."

Turning around completely she looked at her siblings who patiently waited for her return. Both wanted to approach and help but she was happy with their presence even if distant. It made her wonder many things and feel even more.

"Say, do you think Morgan would have conspired against me if I had talked with her before pulling the sword?" The question surprised the Mage who didn't know how to answer. "Caliburn was necessary back then, the Prophecy ensured it, but mayhaps she wouldn't have hated me as much if I was just more open."

"To be fair, I am not sure you knew you had a sister back then."

"And I don't recall either way. But I wish… Perhaps if Artoria and Morgan joined hands, Camelot wouldn't have needed to fall. Doesn't change the fact that I was raised to be king, that I have the Red Dragon Emperor's Core," she put a hand on her chest, "or that everybody knew about Morgan Pendragon as a woman and ended up knowing me back then as a man. If all that could have been avoided-"

"If everything could be avoided your knights would have been some of the greatest of all time?" Shirou interrupted resolutely and their eyes met again. "Their courage, their determination and your leadership made you King of Knights."

A sad smile was her response. "You are right but I wish I could talk with Morgan, just once. Maybe I did. Maybe that is why I am here." She touched Add with a delicate finger.

"Maybe that is why my lance is still around. In the end whatever hatred we had was lost to familial love… I want to say I am being optimistic but I have a hunch, no, my soul is telling me that we must have made peace."

"Good. Siblings shouldn't fight each other." It was both his honest belief and a hope he kept close to his chest.

Which the young woman could easily see. "In that case I should make the best of my life. Consider this the retirement that Avalon can't give me."

"... If you ever need to use Avalon to-"

"Don't." The idea of Paradise was a tempting one so she wouldn't dare to entertain it. "Maybe I would be welcome but I can't say the same of my brother and sister. Besides, Heaven can be rather boring." A confident smirk took over her face. "Artoria Pendragon, I think I am going to keep that name."

"Huh?" The Mage tilted his head in confusion.

"I am saying I will go by Artoria from now. It is my name, it was always my name, a name I rejected for a sword and a throne." Closing her right hand firmly, she declared, "If there comes a day I will lead men again, or that I remember fully who I was, I want to be King Artoria Pendragon, not Arthur. Besides, Arthur is my brother's name and that would get confusing."

"Huhuhu. Shouldn't you say Queen then? Queen Artoria Pendragon. It has a nice ring to it."

"No, King is cooler."

A mocking bow was his retort. "As you say, your Majesty."

She chuckled. "You better not jest, Merlin. The Order of Pendragon made you my Court Mage. I can demand your head."

"As your Majesty commands." Both laughed at that, Artoria feeling her heart grow lighter. "So you are Artoria from now on? Ready to tell that to the others."

"Most of them won't care, just respect my decision. But we can leave that for later." Grabbing Add from her neck, she drew it with a swift swing while it transformed it into a sword. Besides the Mystic Code's face on the handle, he noticed it was a one to one copy of Clarent. "For now, en garde, Emiya Shirou."

"You want to fight now?" The Mage jumped backwards with a smile, feeling no bloodlust but anticipation.

"You managed to break my composure and shatter my resolve in our previous battle. My honor demands that I wipe out that shame in a rematch."

"I thought you forgave me."

"I did. This is just a spar for my peace of mind."

"With live steel?"

"You can heal."

"Kukuku. Don't bother trying to talk your way out of this, Mage. Little Lioness over here won't let you walk away until her pride is satisfied." Add commented with an unusual amount of glee as his power pulsed around the blade.

Even when not in the form of Rhongomyniad, there was no denying the Mystic Code was extremely powerful and in the hands of its true owner that power was manifesting more easily to the point of making it as strong as Clarent itself.

Shirou chuckled, not knowing if Artoria knew that or cared to figure it out. She still gave the more convenient and easy to use Noble Phantasm to her brother regardless. It made him want to indulge her, even if just a little.

Muramasa appeared in his hands as he assured a basic posture. "First blood?"

Artoria's smile gained an edge as sharp as her sword. "Until one of us can't move."

"That is unfair. You have a Dragon Core."

"Don't worry, I won't use Mana Burst."

"That still doesn't make it fair." His smile turned a little sadder. "Also, sorry but we only have an hour or two at most. I have a few preparations to make for-"

"Oh, don't worry, I know." With a playful nod, her smile turned cheeky. "This is just our first spar. A salutation, if you will." She dashed in his direction at full speed, Muramasa and Add's clash resonating in the clearing.

It was only thanks to Avalon he could move once the spar was done.

…..

By the time night fell, everybody in the temple was invited to a ceremony at Shirou's behest and once they heard what it was some couldn't help but wonder if the Mage of Swords had grown mad.

Regardless, all his friends and everyone in Vali's group decided to follow his lead either out of respect or for the novelty of it. Baraqiel chose to go for his daughter's sake and also because he partook in similar rituals in the past which was helpful since the Mage didn't know what he was doing.

Medusa and her subordinates had helped him prepare with Rossweisse pitching in a few suggestions to make the affair as respectfully as possible. Unfortunately compromises still had to be made and many traditions were ignored because of how rushed everything was but they would make due.

In truth almost no one wanted to do it but Shirou, Artoria and Rossweisse, once they heard about the Mage's idea, insisted on moving along with it. Eventually, when Rias returned she agreed because it would kill two birds with a stone; help them control the narrative and keep Asgard mostly out of their back regardless of what Odin said.

Azazel was the one who protested the most, seeing the whole thing as a waste of time and materials only to grow silent when his brother pointed out it wasn't his place to say anything since they didn't partake in the final fight.

Others protested as well regardless: Luvia also found it a waste while Ravel pointed out Loki didn't deserve any honors. Vali found the whole thing funny but rather useless with Medusa surprisingly agreeing with him.

Nevertheless Shirou wished to give the god a Viking Funeral.

Sure enough it wouldn't be a proper one, too many missing pieces and too little time. Also the whole thing quickly became a political maneuver with Rias' input and the Underworld's approval. Yet he moved on with it anyway because at the end of their fight the Mage understood the Trickster better than anyone else.

And he sympathized with the god to a point where he accepted that in different circumstances he would merge with Loki freely since he found a man who had a role entrusted upon him against his will and did his best with the hand Fate dealt him.

For Loki loved Asgard.

A Funeral Viking sounded appropriate in the former redhead's mind for such a person. Someone whose reason was stolen by love which steered them in committing dozens of horrible sins. Perhaps out of pity, perhaps out of compassion, perhaps because such a Fate one day could be shared for his sister and friend.

Despite objections, Rias and Medusa saw his wish granted in the best ways they could: the redhead got in contact with the proper engineers and builders while the goddess had some of her followers collect a few treasures from her vaults, offerings from loyal devils.

Akeno also played a part on the Mage's request: he asked the hybrid to drop by his workshop to gather a few weapons, one in specific and others random, with the goal of 'burying' them with Loki.

Nobody could understand exactly what Shirou felt and only he knew about how the last confrontation in his Reality Marble played out. While he stood by his choices, the magus could have spared the god's life and solved many problems by just merging with him. So the funeral wasn't just out of respect but also a show of his conviction.

A mercy to his opponent and proof that he wouldn't bow to the gods' whims so long they went against his ideals.

Deep into the night four trucks departed Medusa's Temple, two of them were carrying stuff, one was basically a luxurious bus with several passengers and the last one held Loki's body, guarded by Shirou, Xenovia, Liz and Rossweisse.

The reason for such heavy security was because the news of the funeral had been deliberately leaked around Fuyuki. It played in their favor since they wanted everyone to know about the Trickster's demise as early as possible for the sake of controlling the narrative.

All of the moonlit world in their ever growing city heard either from the devils or the Grigori that Loki had attacked and been defeated with a special emphasis on the fact that god had indeed been slain.

Details were purposefully scarce and spread mostly in the form of rumors by trusted parties. The only things made clear was that Emiya Shirou delivered the final blow and Medusa had helped since he was her Champion. Enough to cover Unlimited Blade Works' existence if Odin chose the 'all out war' route.

An invitation to the funeral would also be sent to Asgard but would arrive 'late' to once again try to steer the situation towards a more favorable outcome. There was no way they could know what Odin would say or do for certain but unless he was willing to spread the knowledge of a Reality Marble his actions would be limited.

Most importantly was that everyone important in Fuyuki was present and witnessed Loki's funeral, most specifically that they all witnessed the disposal of a god's body so no one went hunting after it later.

By the time night had arrived there was nobody who knew about the Truth of the World who didn't know about the Trickster's death or that there was going to be a funeral. Scrying magic wasn't necessary either since the Gremory Clan had invitations delivered under their future Lady's orders at a rapid pace.

So it didn't surprise anyone that by the time the trucks arrived at the docks it was full with all sorts of people from every corner of Fuyuki waiting for the funeral to begin.

Everybody had showed up: Sona Peerage led by Seekvaira whose sole eye looked conflicted, the guardians subordinated to the Heiresses also made due with a few members, together with at least ten fallen angels.

As many if not more magicians also were present, including Waver, Reines and Olga, even if many of them chose to sent familiars in the form of pigeons or other birds to watch. Not a single one of them dared to send a crow because they still couldn't believe an Asgardian was dead nor they wanted to draw Odin's ire.

Yokais also showed up in force, in fact two whole classes from Kuoh were present if all devils, sorts of magicians and yokais were counted together. Not even counting the adults like Jakken who stood side by side with Setsuna closer to the docks than anyone else, her sharp eyes locked on the fourth truck.

To her right Caren, still wearing her nurse uniform, watched the proceedings with weariness mirrored by a more concerned Irina even as Kirei couldn't stop himself from smiling like a lunatic worrying the angel.

Indeed the priest felt dread and then amusement upon hearing Loki was in Fuyuki and he had been taken down by none other than Shirou himself. "Huhuhuhu." When he first heard the news, he laughed until running out of breath before fixing himself and moving towards the docks. In fact he was the first to arrive. 'Now you have gone and done it, Emiya Shirou. After today your name will earn a spot on the deepest of Hells. Not Michael nor Lady Gabriel can save your soul…'

Because no god would accept him in their Heavens and would attack anyone who dared.

Even if most deities ignored what he did, or agreed that Loki needed to be put down, from there on the Mage could only be considered too dangerous to be allowed anywhere that wasn't a prison where he would be tortured for Eternity.

After all, the idea of a human killing a god was blasphemous at best. 'Your existence is now an anathema to the gods. Something they will never approve of because doing so would mean tarnishing their own invincibility.' He chuckled at the thought as the first truck began being emptied of several manners of gold and silver. 'As long as Medusa and the Underworld are by your side I doubt anyone is going to risk attacking. Yet Loki was judged weak even as a Major God and sooner or later one of them will try their luck. Will you survive that, Emiya Shirou? Will you survive when the gods come to strike you down? I hope you do. I hope you pull off another Miracle and win again.' His smile grew wilder as the second truck was opened to reveal a huge boat made of wood. 'And I pray I am there to watch.'

The vessel looked like a huge version of an old fashioned fishing boat with a snake figurehead and a sail that could be folded into itself. It was a little bigger than most cars, barely fit the truck and any carpenter worth their salt could tell it was a rushed job. It was capable of floating but had no space for comfort and was heavier than most ships.

Also the wood was obviously of the extremely flammable variety, ideal for a Viking Funeral.

When the third truck stopped it was quickly surrounded by Fuyuki's Watchers, a pair of them moving to open the back revealing basically a mobile hotel room where Rias Peerage, Medusa and a few cloaked individuals resided.

The latter group were known terrorists, Vali and his friend with him in particular chuckling since they were wearing Medusa's colours. "Are we supposed to be priests?"

"I don't have priests yet." Medusa commented as Akeno stepped off behind her. "But this way nobody will ask questions since none of you wanted to wait at my temple."

"And miss a god's funeral?" Bikou asked with excitement. "Even dear old gramps hadn't gone to one of those. Not one of a Major God-"

"Keep your voice down." Arthur chastised with a hiss while looking around. "Everyone is watching us."

Altria quickly stepped behind Medusa. "We all need to play our part. Women first, I suppose?"

"Yes, some of you have recognizable builds and look too much like men to do so otherwise." Fortunately not many thought twice about Medusa's escorts.

Or suspect that the Vanishing Dragon's pride would allow him to move around as a follower. "Kukuku. I wonder how many crimes you guys are commiting today."

"More than our fair share." Azazel jumped off the truck with Baraqiel by his side. His brother nodded to his daughter before flying towards the other fallen angels to help with the security. "Nothing unusual, really."

"Isn't that sorta sad?" Ise asked while helping Asia, who was wearing her complete nun's outfit including the white veil, down.

"Meh. You get used to it." Yet his posture was reserved as he watched the Heiress of Gremory rise from her couch with a grumpy expression which she tried to hide behind her normal poker face before literally pulling something from a magic circle to truly cover herself. 'Yep, she is still pissed off.'

Rias left the truck, dressed in a respectful black dress covering her whole body and a veil hiding most of her head allowing her to hide her anger while keeping an eye out for any threats. 'Seekvaira is here. Good, for a moment I thought she wouldn't come.' It would have made her spin of the story less credible if her fellow Heiress tried to contest it in any way. While her presence was good news, their relationship soured again once she learned the redhead hid the whole mess from her. 'She looks almost as unhappy as I am with this whole thing. Almost.'

Yet the Princess of Ruin failed to find any better solutions to control the narrative. Even her brother had no better suggestions. The man couldn't even make it to the funeral because he needed to help stop the mess from growing worse. By that time he had already contacted Asgard and only the next day would tell if he was successful.

An anxious Red Dragon Emperor looked around before noticing his King was calm, really pretending to but he failed to notice her true emotions, and felt confident enough to ask. "Buchou, why are you wearing that?"

"Ise, my station demands that I dress properly since we had some time to prepare. Same reason why Akeno is here as a priestess." Almost everyone in their audience was wearing normal clothes, some even dressed casually despite the occasion.

Most of those didn't believe that it was a god's funeral.

"Considering why we are here, everybody should be dressed properly." Ravel commented as she also was wearing a black dress but one more modest and bulky, lacking any accessory beside a few ribbons. Her hair was missing her usual drills, brushed down to expose her face. "You all would also be better dressed if we had more time. Unfortunately Kuoh's uniform will have to do for the men while Koneko can use a black version of a priestess' outfit."

"But why couldn't I have one of those?" Gasper questioned as he was forced to wear the man's uniform for the first time in his life.

"Because this is a funeral and we have no room for whims." Luvia pointed out. She was wearing a long European black dress and holding her hands in front of her waist. Unlike the Daughter of Phenex, her hairstyle was the same as usual even if black replaced blue. "Just bear with it for a few minutes. This won't take long."

Her fellow Rook was already by her sister's side, making sure Kuroka didn't break her disguise by seeking her out. "Thanks again, Medusa."

"Think nothing of it." The purple haired goddess' eyes sought someone in the audience, finding her all the way on the back. 'Looks like Rin came but it is almost like she is hiding back there…'

"It seems she really came." Luvia also found her rival's family and couldn't help but begrudgingly admit that they truly had dressed elegantly.

Rin, Sakura and Aoi all wore traditional black kimonos, each with their own colored ribbon marking them almost as if in rank; red for the Head, green for the mother and pink for the younger sister.

The former head and father of the family was a different case since Tokiomi chose to wear an elegant black suit with a red tie over a white shirt, the sort of clothing that set him apart not only from his family but everyone else.

However nobody paid attention to him, nobody could when the last truck opened up revealing the armored pair of Rossweisse and Xenovia, the latter wearing her Noble Gear with both swords on her waist while the former wore her Valkyrie's armor.

Yet it wasn't the beautiful pair of women who caught the people's attention but a certain man, a pair of them in fact, as he stepped out of the truck with the other in his arms being carried with all the care in the world.

Sadly one of them was a corpse even if he didn't look like it.

Resting in Shirou's arms almost as if he was just sleeping, Loki's body had been fully repaired by Medusa and her subordinates. More specifically a few of her doctors and coroners who followed her beliefs worked hard in making the deity's body as presentable as possible.

After getting past the awe that was staring at a god's corpse.

They did a phenomenal job considering that the silver haired man had been effectively cut in half but most of the merit went to the Divine powers at play. The Goddess of Snakes worked just as hard, using some of the energy she acquired from the Trickster to speed up the process.

Not that anyone could see for most of his body was enveloped in a long silver cloak that touched the ground when Shirou dropped from the truck. Only Loki's face was visible, his eyes forever closed and his expression peaceful, almost as if he was asleep.

As the corpse of a god it was hard to not say regardless for his deceased form still exhibited a sort of otherworldly aura that made the Aesir appear larger than life. A few things still told everyone his soul was no longer in his mortal coil; the stillness, the lack of breathing even if he didn't need it, and the fact a mortal was carrying a god.

Said mortal was also already identified as his killer.

In fact many still thought it was some sort of trick, some even not recognizing Shirou.

The Champion of Medusa was known to have red hair. 'Mana overheat, was it?' Tokiomi thought while glancing at his oldest daughter before looking back ahead. 'Rin told us he successfully struck down a god but refused to share the methods. Yet it doesn't change the facts, a human killed a god. If another god was involved or not it isn't definitive nor relevant.'

He wasn't the only one not falling for the propaganda the Gremory was trying to portray. 'Shirou is strong but not that strong.' Setsuna knew better than most. 'Medusa also lacks the power for something like this. Yes, she looks like an older girl now, as old as me, but that doesn't mean much.' She exchanged a glance with Jakken who shook his head. 'Jakken isn't convinced either but that is probably because we know them personally.'

The last person out of the truck was Leysritt, wearing her white and dark green maid uniform that was composed of a long dress with long sleeves more puffy around her upper arms that converged in around her middle finger.

She also wore a hat very similar to the ones traditionally from nuns but white instead of black and having a bandana in place of a veil. Completing the look were long black stockings and formal brown shoes which were considerably loud as she stepped behind Shirou and took hold of Loki's cloak to keep it off the ground.

Then the four began marching ahead as the rest of their entourage began preparing the boat and treasures. Ise, Kiba, Vali and Arthur moved at a fast pace to place the stuff on the ship while Bikou pushed it into the water.

Everyone else stood in two lines watching the women escort Shirou as the Mage kept his eyes forward and did nothing to hide Loki's corpse from the curious gazes. There were still a few who remained skeptical but the god's presence was too distinct to be false. Despite his body lacking a Core, it was still divine.

Little by little people truly began believing Loki was dead and several people around Fuyuki began making calls or moving to the docks to try either catch a glimpse of the deceased or steal the corpse for themselves.

Those ideas died with how many powerful presences were around, especially Baraqiel who watched everything from above, almost daring anyone to try interrupting the funeral. He didn't stop anyone from making calls or whispering, Medusa noting they found the whole ordeal insane for several reasons.

Including the waste of a god's body since destroying it for a funeral felt quite foolish. 'And then you would earn the enmity of all Asgard.' She thought sarcastically, predicting the obvious outcome. 'Showing respect will reduce the number of enemies where greed would just give us more troubles.' She looked at Rias who nodded in her direction.

Both the redhead and Akeno were closest to Medusa who in turn was just a few feet away from the boat which the men finished preparing. Again the rushed job showed itself plainly, the treasures almost sinking the thing only for it to barely float thanks to Bikou discreetly holding it with a hand.

Eventually Rossweisse and Xenovia arrived first, the knight stepping to the side and joining one of the lines while the Valkyrie advanced alone. Her fingers moved quickly to make several runes, a few ceremonial ones for effect which also hid her sneaking a floating one on the boat to make sure it wouldn't sink for the next few minutes.

Meanwhile the silver haired woman worked, Shirou stopped in front of the goddess to give her a nod of respect, even slightly bowing a little for show. It was an acknowledgement that the goddess had been fundamental in taking Loki down and at the same time showing reverence they didn't really have between each other.

Yet the audience was eating it up and soon the world would too.

After such a display, Shirou finally arrived at the boat which barely had enough space for the corpse with how much treasure was piled on it, at least relative to its size. While never one to give value to that sort of stuff, Emiya could easily admit they were really paying a lot just for that ceremony.

However it was required that the Aesir was shown the proper respect to stop any potential criticism. A god was already dead and they didn't want to offend anyone and start a war because of it.

Everybody watched as Loki's body rested on the ship with a silver doublet, cloak and steel armor. His original equipment was too damaged to fix so they had to provide the clothes since the Mage didn't have enough time to even improvise a fix. Regardless, even the most average equipment looked sublime on the god's corpse.

To the point Loki looked alive, almost ready to jump to his feet and laugh while proclaiming it was all a joke and his greatest tricks to remind everybody that gods couldn't die by human hands.

Just the remnants of his Divinity clinging to the corpse.

"It is ready." Rossweisse's voice reached his ears and the former redhead quickly found a sword amidst the treasure. A huge bastard blade and not a weapon fit of a magician. "It will do. Lord Loki wasn't one for using weapons anyway." Yet tradition demanded he was sent off with one. "He probably would prefer that to a hammer."

Nevertheless it didn't feel right with Shirou who flared his circuits slightly just before Tracing a Muramasa to fold the god's hands in its handle. The Valkyrie's eyes grew wide and she looked at the Mage with confusion and concern before looking back at the blade.

"A weapon made with magic and a Noble Phantasm… that will do." He didn't dare to tell her that another version of it was responsible for striking Loki down. A part of him wondered if Rossweisse could guess such a fact by the face she was making before her expression settled into grief and determination. "I am sure Asgard will hear and appreciate the gesture."

With a nod of certainty the silver haired woman stepped back allowing the Mage to push the boat by himself. Soon enough the currents began catching and carrying the vessel away from the docks at a slow pace. The sails quickly unfurled thanks to someone's silent command, speeding up the ship.

A couple of seconds later, when the boat had already moved several meters, Shirou began pulling back and raising his left arm. A familiar black bow took shape in his grip as he watched it sail away. Fixing his posture, a Muramasa took shape in his right hand before it was enveloped into his mana, transforming into an arrow.

With practiced ease the Mage of Swords was ready to fire.

Per custom, someone expected him to shoot the arrow once the ship was far enough to be safe and Emiya stayed still as the waves kept pulling Loki into his last voyage. Nobody complained for the first minute or so but some people began voicing their concerns after five minutes of silence.

"So is this a trick?"

"He probably is regretting discarding the corpse."

"After this whole show? Asgard will demand his head."

The voices of strangers didn't unsettled him or his friends. Even Rossweisse and Vali's group stayed put, watching his every move.

"How far can he fire?" A more familiar voice, Kuroka, asked her sister.

"Depends."

"Nyon?"

"Where he is aiming at." Rias concluded, her love and pride above any anger.

After a few more minutes Shirou fully pulled the arrow and called its name, "Fire Muramasa." The projectile cut through the night like a red and orange shooting start.

Noble Phantasm or not, it didn't explain the huge explosion or the pillar of gold fire that came after. In fact almost nobody understood what was happening for a good few seconds and instead felt a mass of energy wash over Fuyuki's shores. Only a couple of people knew what that was as the golden winds passed by them, enriching the area with mana.

'Oh, so Dad wasn't the only god who explodes when they die.' Azazel couldn't help but think, glad the explosion had been much smaller than the one from God's death. 'Divine flesh is highly combustible. Good to know.'

Already several others were coming to the same conclusion as they watched the Mage of Swords' back as he kept staring at the horizon, watching as the last of Loki's Divinity flew to the Heavens.

It wasn't a explosion as tall as the one from when he struck the Trickster Core but there was no denying Shirou was relieved he took a couple of precautions like waiting for the boat to get a few hundred meters from the coast, at least as far as Rossweisse's runes could carry it, just in case.

And people noticed the white haired man had been prepared, watching in disbelief as his red cloak danced with the wind while his body remained rigid as a statue because he expected the funeral to end exactly like that.

Such facts burned in people's minds; the vision of the Mage of Swords blasting the god who vanished in the ether leaving a mark in their lives. For there was no doubt any longer he understood the gods and faced one of them. That he, without a shadow of a doubt, killed one of them.

All present knew that the song of the Trickster had been silenced forever.

And a God Slayer's legend had begun.

…..

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