But even after gathering all these, one couldn't just dump them on the amber rock and expect to get devilstone. There was a process behind it. It was a mystery as to how Ananse had found all these things out. She really was the smartest person in the entire universe. Anyway, she had stated that they first needed to grind the core into dust, and then pour it into the amber rock. To do this, they had to create seven shallow fissures on the surface of the amber rock, and slowly introduce the powdered core into it. It was an act of great patience. The next step was simpler. They just had to pour a litre of the blood of an origin god upon the rock. It must be poured in such a way that the entire rock will be covered with the blood. During these processes, the amber rock must lay where it is. It mustn't be unearthed. If it was pried from the ground, one wouldn't get the devilstone- only a blood covered rock. This was because amber rocks were special. They grew on special lines called 'earth lines��. These lines were invisible to the naked eye, and even to the eyes of the gods. Sensor gods like Ananse were no exception. So how did Ananse figure this out? According to what she had written, she had studied that these imaginary lines were areas were the edict and chaos were interwoven. The two opposing forces lived in harmony on these 'earth lines'. And their presence was essential in the formation of devilstone. After going through this process, one would only have to wait patiently for the amber rock to absorb all the blood and emerge as devilstone.
As for the location of the Chaotic Flames, she had given no answers. But she did assure them in her letter that they should follow the clues they had and make it far enough to receive her aid. Apparently, she had already left a clue for them on the planet were the Chaotic Flames slumbers. Although they didn't have the location of the Chaotic Flames, the two gods were in a jovial mood. Not only had they found the devilstone, Ananse had also promised that she was going to help them. The large grins on their faces made them look like two mad men- mad gods rather. But Dracula and his gang weren't appalled by what they were witnessing. In fact, their smiles were even larger than the gods'. As long as the two gods were this happy, then their request would surely be granted.
"My friend stated here that I should do everything in my power to aid you. So I declare from this day forth that you are free. No longer will you be chased down by the members of my race. Any who dares ignore my words will face the wrath and punishment of the thunder god." Thor solemnly swore. Thunder roared and lightning flashed at the pledge of their king. Dracula, Alucard, Vlad, and Lilith were elated at his words. But Thor wasn't done.
"What is your request? Feel free to speak, for as of today, you are friends of Asgard." Thor stretched out his hand towards Dracula. Forseti still had a huge grin on his face as he witnessed what for the vampires was a historic moment. Dracula was stunned by the sudden display of friendship. He didn't expect receive such a response for just delivering a message. The others were just as surprised as he was. Even the usually taciturn Alucard had an expression of disbelief on his face. Never in their wildest of dreams did they think they would get such a response. Although bewildered, the Vampire Lord extended his arm as well, grasping the strong arm of the thunder god.
Thor felt he had to explain some things to the Vampire Lord. Still holding on to Dracula's forearm, he explained, "My friend stated in the letter that you and your team are talents to be nurtured. She stated that you are as wise as you are talented in wielding. As long you are allowed to grow, you will be worthy allies. As for your injuries Dracula, we will deal with that once we get to Asgard."
Dracula asked surprised, "Asgard? We are going to Asgard with you?" He was right to be baffled. His entire team was. If the one inviting them was anyone but the straight forward Thor, they would have found a way to escape. They would have thought such an invitation a trap. But coming from Thor, it likely wasn't. Going against his nature would put a dent in his divinity.
"Yes. She asked that we take you to Asgard with us. Don't worry. Nothing will happen to you during your stay. She asked us to train you in her stead." Forseti said with a smile. Ananse had indeed asked that the vampires be taken under the wings of the rulers of the 1st heaven until she next returns. In her letter, she had stated that they had great potential to become a powerful race, and that the Asgardians should nurture them, rather than hunt them. This was why Thor had easily forgiven their crimes. Their pardon wasn't because of the information they had given. That information, though precious, was worth only one request. But now it was different. Taking them away to Asgard will mean that not only will they get to see Ananse again, they would also gain trusted allies. They had unconditional faith in Ananse. If she said they were worthy of nurturing, then they were. Her words were weightier than gold; her wisdom more valuable than diamonds and rubies.
Dracula was stunned by the revelation. To think that the stranger they had met would be so valuable to the Asgardians. A few words from her had Thor making promises and decisions he usually wouldn't be making on his own. Diplomatic decisions like these were taken by the goddesses Frigg and Freya. For Thor to hold no place for their wisdom just because of a letter from a non-Asgardian was unbelievable. And from the way the god of thunder was acting, he didn't need the Allfather's approval either. In fact, it seemed as though the Allfather would have made the same decisions were he here himself.
"This… We are grateful for your care Thunder God." Dracula lightly bowed as he expressed his thanks. He was genuinely thankful for the protection of Asgard. With the protection of those who previously viewed them as nothing but objects of their wrath and anger, they would be able to grow comfortably. And with Thor's promise, his injuries will also be treated. Alucard and the others replicated the master's action. They did so in all eagerness. And they were very grateful to the one who made this possible. The one who had directed them and had helped them so. When they were strong enough, they would do their best to repay this favour.
"There is no need to be so formal. We are a straightforward people. Anyone placed highly by my friend is a friend of mine. You can just call me Thor." Thor stated happily.
"And you can just refer to me as Forseti." Forseti added. Dracula smiled at their words. He didn't reject their friendship. He was actually more than willing to take it.
"Now to your request. What is it that you seek?" Although Thor had an idea of what they were going to ask of him, he wasn't one to jump into conclusions. If he was, he would be owing a lot to so many people. Especially his son-in-law.
"We were told that as long as you allowed it, we would be able to retrieve those we lost. This is our request. Please return our people to us."