Hello everyone, and welcome to the sixth chapter of this story.
It's been a while since the last update, school, and other stuff kept me busy
Prepare for some good time reading the adventures of Issei and Rossweisse, also there's something in this chapter that I know many people have been looking forward to.
A little Lemon between our protagonists.
Anyways, It's time to begin the chapter.
Have fun.
On a cold dark night, in the forests surrounding the large lake near Asgard were the animals roaming.
Small groups of deer with glowing antlers were moving through the forest, towards their usual resting place. At some point, they came across a two young Asgardians and some of the smaller deer, the calfs, split from the group to happily walk to them.
The moon that looked down from above, seeped through the needle trees and illuminated the panting form of two individuals.
The duo, now both 17 years old, kindly petted them, before they continued their training and disappeared into nothing.
They've become a familiar sight to the forest animals, as they trained night after night to use Göndul's technique by collapsing the space-time continuüm.
With every appearance, a penetrating clang could be heard before they disappeared again.
It was a year since visiting the three of the great mythologies and Issei's bloodwork showed that more than 50% of his DNA was Norse, so the Shinto couldn't lay their hands on him anymore.
So for a year he has been training harder than before together with his Rose.
Like today, and every other night they've been spending their time sparring all night long.
Scratches and cuts were all over their uniforms, but both their faces were spared from any cuts.
After another clang, the two stood imposingly in front of one another, till one of them fell down.
''Ahhhh..'' Rossweisse moaned when she fell down on her knees. ''I lost again.''
Issei's eyes softened when he saw his Rose on the ground and deactivated his boosted gear. With a quiet thank you to Ddraig, who growled in response, he made his way to Rossweisse.
At his appearance, Rossweisse lifted her arms in the air, ready for her princess carry like every other night, and was lifted by Issei. Wrapping her tightly in his arms before he flashed away to their home.
Soundlessly they appeared on the outside of the home, but instead of going inside he silently walked towards the wooden jetty close to the house.
Slowly as he walked, the wood cracked beneath their combined weight until they reached the far end, and sat Rossweisse down.
Calmly he removed his shoes, whilst Rossweisse did her own and they sat side by side, cooling their feet in the cold water.
As Issei was enjoying the water, Rossweisse leaned her head in the crook of Issei's shoulder while the golden city of Asgard was illuminated in the distance, shimmering over the surface of the lake.
The warm weight of her body pushed against Issei, sending a gentle wave of relaxation through him. Just as she finds comfort in Issei, so does he in Rossweisse.
Suddenly, a breezing wind assaulted Issei and Rossweisse. However, as Issei was wearing jogging pants and a sweater under his deactivated armor, the lack of clothing on Rossweisse' Valkyrie armor caused a shiver to rock her body.
''It's so cold..'' Rossweisse softly murmured as she deactivated her armor. Underneath it she wore shorts and a small top. Just like every other night, Issei was the victim that would have to warm her up, not like he thought it was a punishment though.
She lifted her long, slender legs out of the water, waiting for the cold water to drip off her feet, before she moved on top of Issei, legs on either side of his hips, sitting right on top of his prize.
Issei, who of course expected this to happen, stopped looking at the sky as it was replaced by the smiling visage of his Rose.
But to keep the play going, His eyes locked with hers for a second as he sent her an irritated glance and huffed before he looked away.
Rossweisse could only smile brightly at his annoyed gaze as she began to tease him even more.
She circled her arms around his neck and pressed her breasts in his steaming face. Her hair cascaded down his cheek as she pressed her lips softly on top of his head.
Teasing was one thing, but she really does love him.
Slowly she lowered herself down again and laid her head on his chest, where she preferred it the most.
''You've gotten really strong, Rose.'' Issei calmly said as he wrapped his arms around her form, which was still shivering slightly.
''Hmmhmm'' She softly moaned as an affirmative answer. She couldn't help but sigh at his warm body and how comfy it was. And at the same time, she moved her hand under his sweater to feel it burning her slight. His body was still slightly hot and wet from moving this much during their training.
Issei could only chuckle as his Rose was exploring his body in a near sleeping state as she nuzzled her face deeper and deeper into his chest. These were the moments he loved and wishes to keep. The safety he could provide and just where he and Rossweisse could be together, always.
For a few minutes, Issei said nothing as he was slowly combing her long hair with his hands, enjoying the smooth silver threads.
He knew Rossweisse was enjoying herself as when he always did this she would unconsciously groan in his chest, trying to take in as much of his hands as possible, but what she didn't know was that she would grind in his lap.
Even as it was cold, this was a bliss for them both.
But with the prophecy explained to Issei by his adoptive parents, Issei knew that dangerous times were coming.
Sadly he looked up in the sky, where bats were moving over the lake, in search of food or a life partner themselves.
Last week Odin informed him that it was time to visit the Shinto pantheon, and has lived towards it ever since.
''Rose..'' Issei softly whispered unconsciously. No matter how strong he was, without her he didn't know what to do.
His face reflected his worries and doubts and he was suddenly taken out of his reminiscence when he felt a soft hand on his cheek, and as he looked down he saw Rossweisse's blue eyes looking at him in worry.
The moonlight that shone upon them illuminated her face as she moved a little closer to him, pressing her body flatly against him.
''What has you worried, Issei-kun? Ever since you had a private Audience with Odin-sama and Freya-sama you've been like this.'' Rossweisse unhappily said. She didn't like it when Issei looked so vulnerable, so broken.
Issei smiled sadly before he looked down, however Rossweisse wouldn't have it and held his cheeks in her palms.
''Issei.. talk to me.'' She softly continued. ''Don't keep me out.''
Issei was shocked by his own behavior. He knew he couldn't tell her about the prophecy so still, why did he remain voiceless.
Gradually Rossweisse began to shiver again, not from the cold but from Issei. Unlike the past where she would doubt herself and run away, so she did the only thing she thought would help.
Rossweisse took his hands and wrapped them around her own back, before she moved forward and pressed Issei down, flat on the cold wood.
If anyone would be looking at them right now, it would look like two lovers embracing each other after a long war, finally back together after having seen all the evil in the world.
Rossweisse leaned her upper body on her elbows, both on the side of Issei's head where he couldn't look anywhere but her concerned yet saddened eyes.
''Issei..'' She softly tried again as she pressed her forehead to his. ''You can tell me anything. I always have time for you.''
Rossweisse strengthened what she said by hugging him tightly and buried herself in his neck.
For minutes, nothing happened but Rossweisse shivering on top of Issei until he tightened his hold on her as well.
''Rose..'' Issei whispered as he rubbed her head with his chin. ''I love you.''
''I know.'' Rossweisse sighed. ''So what has you in slumps.''
Issei began to talk to her whilst softly moving his right hand over her scalp.
It was like the world could listen to the parts of the premonition he could share with her as dark clouds loomed up in the distance, closing in to take away all the light that illuminated Asgard.
When Issei finished his explanation, Rossweisse could understand the gravity of the situation and softly pressed her plump lips on his. Though her feelings for him were warm, her lips very cold.
''Baka..'' Issei whispered as he moved his hands under Rossweisse's shirt. ''You're ice cold.''
''You're the Baka here, Issei'' Rossweisse replied and pinched his cheek. ''Worrying me again. Sigh, what am I going to do with you.''
''The same as always.'' Issei smiled before pressing his lips on hers again. ''Keeping me in line.''
Rossweisse softly laughed at him and held him close.''I'm not letting you go anymore, I already claimed you as my own. Now take me home and warm me up.''
''Yes let's'' Issei said, his eyes looking a lot brighter now in Rossweisse's happy ones. ''Thanks.''
Issei calmly flared his power once, bending the space around them and dropped down, but instead of falling in the water, together they flopped onto their bed.
''I'm too tired to undress, Issei-kun.'' Rossweisse mentioned softly as she was searching for their blanket. ''Don't forget about tomorrow.''
Having taken the blanket, Rossweisse wrapped it around them both before burying herself in Issei again, lifting his shirt up to feel his body heat warming herself.
Having been warmed up for a couple of minutes, the two lovers were both still wide awoke, like something mystical kept them awake.
''Can't sleep yet, Issei-kun?'' Rossweisse asked as she was rubbing his pecs.
''Hmm..'' hummed Issei in response. ''I almost can't believe that it has been 10 years already since coming here.''
''I'm really happy that I've met you. You've woken me from a nightmare.'' Rossweisse replied softly. ''I'm grateful that I've met you.''
''Rose..'' Issei said emotionally and grabbed her a bit tighter, causing her to shiver from his touch. ''I wouldn't have wanted to miss meeting you either, though still..'' He continued less enthusiastically when he remembered his parents and their early demise.
''You still miss your parents, don't you Issei-kun.'' Rossweisse sadly said. Knowing the hole in her heart that her parents left behind when they died was still painfully large.
''Yes I do.'' Issei said softly. He was tremendously happy with his adoptive family, Göndul, and Rossweisse. But his real parents were still in his heart. ''But I've met my mother again.'' He suddenly exclaimed. Issei remembered the spirit that guided him at the bottom of the world-tree, who at the end mentioned that he was her son.
''I hope my father is a spirit as well.'' He thought.
''..and you were there for me as well.'' Issei continued as he remembered the first night in the very same bed he was laying in now. ''I'll never forget the kindness you showed me that day.''
Rossweisse giggled slightly at him, before teasing him a little. ''I still remember how the way you turned into a white sheet when you asked for my name.''
Issei chuckled softly at the memory before he and Rossweisse quieted down in shared bliss.
''Tomorrow is finally the day.'' Issei said as he lifted his Rose up and he could look in her eyes.
''Yes.'' She replied with a smile and moved over next to him before wrapping her left leg around his waist and pulled closer.
''I'm happy you're smiling again, Rose.'' Issei whispered as he turned towards her as well, now a little enthusiastic. ''I can't wait to show you my country.''
''I've read a lot about the Shinto pantheon. I'm really curious to see your home country.'' Rossweisse said with gleaming eyes. ''Especially the Youkai groups are very interesting.''
''Still, Rose.'' Issei suddenly said. ''There's one more thing I need to do before we leave.''
''What?'' Rossweisse replied, unsure of what he wants.
''I want to visit my aunt. The aunt we stayed at in Norway.'' Issei answered. ''She's the last of my family that I know of.''
''That's a good idea, Issei-kun. But if we want to be presentable we better go to sleep now.'' Rossweisse replied softly as she murmured in his neck.
''Goodnight, Rose.'' Issei whispered as he moved around a little until he was comfortable.
Half an hour later, when Rossweisse was already sleeping. Issei couldn't find his rest yet. He was too excited for the next day.
The soft light from the starlit sky illuminated Rossweisse's peaceful face through the small crack separating the curtains from one another.
Happily Issei looked at her sleeping calmly, clinging onto him in her sleep.
''Looks like I'm not the only one looking forward to tomorrow'' He whispered softly, causing Rossweisse to rub her face into him even more, and within a minute, Issei was sleeping next to her, clinging onto his Rose just as tightly.
A couple hours later, over the hills behind the capital of the Æsir was the sun slowly brightening up the night into day.
At this hour when not even the animals in the forest made a sound, a bedroom door opened in Göndul's house.
An elderly magician walked into the room of her granddaughter and future grandson. Silently she opened the curtains and window before walking out again.
Göndul as she was called, stopped waking the duo up with magic when they became warriors of Asgard.
She just started preparations for breakfast when the two entered looking nothing like they normally did.
Göndul softly smiled at both of their looks, speaking of excitement and in Issei's look a small amount of nervosity.
''Are you ready for today, Issei?'' Göndul asked as she took a sip from her tea. ''You've been talking about it constantly.''
''I am, Baa-chan.'' Issei tiredly replied with a loud yawn. ''It's just, I've got to do something else first before going to Kyoto.''
''Oooh.'' Göndul intriguingly replied. ''Has it something to do with you wearing human clothing?''
''Yes..'' Issei said as he twirled his cup of tea in his hands. ''I'm going to visit my aunt''
Some amount of melancholy was visible on his face as he remembered their faces, the final day he had with his parents at their home.
Göndul could only look at Issei with sadness. ''It looks like his parents are still deeply connected to him.'' she thought.
''Have fun today. I've heard Odin-sama will join you tomorrow.'' Göndul said as she cleaned her things. ''I'm afraid I have to go now. I have to teach our new generation of Valkyries.''
''Take care of yourselves.'' and with a last wave, Göndul was enveloped in a Norse magic circle and teleported away.
With her grandmother away, Rossweisse took a seat in Issei's lap. Wearing some leggings covered by a normal skirt. She wrapped her arms around Issei's neck to give him some unvoiced support.
When they went to Odin to retrieve some human clothes, Issei had to beat up his father to get something that would say more than ''look at me, I'm for sale.''
''Shall we go?'' Issei asked. ''I want to walk towards their home.''
''Yeah.'' Rossweisse replied happily as she stood up. However, she wouldn't let go of him and interlocked their fingers as they walked out of their home. Rossweisse knew he needed her support right now.
Together, Issei and Rossweisse were walking through the forest, towards the water spot where they first met.
As time progressed the forest slowly began to wake up. The birds started their morning with a song as the were flying along the tree tops.
The smell of pine trees filled their noses and relatively calmed Issei down.
With a few minutes to go, they finally reached a clearing that Rossweisse was very familiar with.
Sunlight shimmered over the calm water when they entered Rossweisse's spot.
Nostalgy filled her eyes and mind when she looked at some of the destruction she did.
The large rock she often used to bombard with her explosive magic still had deep tiny holes in them, like they were carved out by hand.
As Rossweisse carefully touched the holes and reminisced the past, Issei saw many overgrown craters in the grass next to the water.
''I'm glad she mellowed down. I wouldn't want to be on the receiving end of those attacks ten years ago.'' Issei thought with a few sweat drops dripping down his face as he looked at all the craters. The entire field all the way till the treeline was filled with small and large craters. ''Our old classmates should be happy that they never saw this side of her.''
''Issei-kun, come!'' Rossweisse yelled from behind him, shocking him from his thoughts. She was sitting on the rock she inspected and patted the place right next to her.
With one leap he jumped in the air and landed on the rock. But instead of sitting next to her he shifted Rossweisse in his lap.
Countless emotions went through Rossweisse as she remembered all the pain she tried to get rid of through her magic in the place where she was right now, until the night she met this small boy flying through the trees, landing right near the water.
''Rose..'' Issei softly said. ''You really saved me that night.''
He rubbed his hands over her exposed legs as he told her about that day. Hunger and thirst were most prevalent on his mind, but when he slipped off the ridge of the mountain on his way down, he could only remember flashes of pain and feeling himself break, until an innocent face looked at him in worrisome. ''You really save me. Thank you.''
To make sure she knew how much it meant to him, he held her even tighter.
Rossweisse bit her lip and closed her eyes, but tears were gently dripping from under her lids dropping down in her lap. She softly shook in her seat and whispered ''It's not I that saved you.''
Reminiscing the past for a few more minutes as the sun was going higher up in the air, it was time to really go now.
As they began to walk again, they heard splashes coming from the water. A large fish spotted a delectable meal on the waterside. But instead of trying to bite it, the fish shot pure lightning at the bird. However, instead of being electrocuted, runes on the feathers lit up and deflected the lightning in the trees, blasting a wide hole in it.
Surprised, Issei looked at the battle between bird and fish, having never seen anything like it, whilst Rossweisse looked away with a small blush.
''You know what this is, don't you..'' Issei asked his Rose who was looking away suspiciously.
''Well..'' Rossweisse began as she was swinging her arms. ''There's a very fast rate of evolution here and I attacked so many fish and birds that I'm not really surprised.''
''…''
''Sometimes you're an idiot.'' Issei muttered with a laugh
Rossweisse could only bow in embarrassment before sticking her tongue out and linking her arm with Issei's and move towards the dimensional barrier.
They reached the treeline that stopped at the edge of a tall mountain and as they passed it, Issei felt the world change. It could be described as walking through an invisible veil as suddenly the colors, the bright colors he was used to, changed to a somewhat more mundane replacement. The outside wasn't as lush or beautiful anymore and Issei realized he was outside. The cold mountain air and burning sun were now bothering the duo, something that didn't happen in the Norse dimension.
Reaching the top of the mountain, it smoothened down and showed a brilliant view of the surrounding area.
''This brings me back.'' Issei said as he saw cars and a lot more houses in his sight.
''Though it's a lot busier than I thought''
Issei was right. Tourism had made it to the idyllical village Issei first saw all those years ago.
''I hope they still live in the same house.'' Issei muttered uncertainly as he looked at the busy traffic. ''Let's go Rose.'' and he wrapped his arm around her waist.
After a short walk, and Issei walking in the wrong direction several times, they finally reach the house where his last remaining family lives.
In all those years it looked like nothing had changed, with the exception of some crumbling paint on the side of the house, and as Issei stared at it nervosity took a grip of his heart.
''Would they wonder why I'm here, or why it took so long for me to see them again..'' Issei thought in melancholy until Rossweisse swapped him on his head.
Like many other times Issei would overthink, she found out that giving him a swap and speaking to him in her rural accent would help him.
''Yeh gonna keep sighing like that?'' Rossweisse asked with a grin that manages to annoy Issei every time he is presented with it.
''yah.. gimme a minute'' He answered in the same accent. After a couple of years living with the girls, they taught him their accent and he quickly adapted to it, though he rarely used it.
''Ooohh..'' Rossweisse replied and stretched the grin even more. ''During what part of the earth's rotation are you going to do it.''
a vein in Issei's forehead bulged and before he knew it he knocked on the door far harder than he intended to.
''heh'' Rossweisse smirked at him, before softly pecking Issei on his cheek and stood calmly next to him as the door opened.
A fairly aged female opened the door and Issei instantly realized who she was. Even though she a few more wrinkles as the last time he saw her, Issei knew it was his aunt.
''Ohayo Obaa-san'' Issei said in his mother tongue. It's been a while since he spoke it after all.
Though the Japanese woman saw herself as a budding flower that was still in her prime and would often fall out if one of her children addressed her as old, hearing these words from the young man intrigued her.
''Who are you calling Obaa-san?'' She replied with squinted eyes as she stepped towards him.
As a small but fond smile stretched on Issei's face as she came closer, inspecting him like she did all those years ago he affectionately said ''It's been a long time. At least nine years ago.''
''Only one Japanese boy comes to mind'' Issei's aunt thought. ''I-Issei-chan?'' She asked. Unknowingly stuttering in front of a young man she thought she'd never see again, and before she knew it she was pulled in the chest of her estranged nephew.
What Issei thought to have become an emotional reunion quickly turned sour when she removed herself from his arms and gripped him by his ear.
''Where do you think you're coming from mister. How long do you think we've searched for you, hearing nothing from the Police or your parents, and what is this.'' She shouted as she pulled the half-god to eye height. ''Have you become a delinquent, coloring your hair in silver.''
Issei said nothing as he felt his ear shake with his aunt's hand, feeling her emotions was over him. Anger quickly turning into relief in happiness, though her face showed nothing but unshed tears.
For a few more minutes she kept rambling, exhausting herself until she laid her eyes on Issei's companion.
Inconspicuously she flawlessly moved her hands over her cheeks and eyes to remove any trace of tears before giving Rossweisse a dazzling smile and said ''Who might you young lady be?''
Rossweisse, though slightly overwhelmed by how quickly the woman could go from angered to inviting which must be someone only a mother could do, introduced herself quickly.
''My name is Rose Weiss. My family has been taking care of Issei these past years.'' Rossweisse said in Norwegian.
With a pleased smile, Issei's aunt accepted her introduction and ushered the duo inside.
Walking inside, Issei saw that not much has changed to the house. With the exception of a new kitchen and some updates in technology, it was pretty much the same.
Taking a seat at the dinner table, Issei's aunt returned with tea for the tree.
''Now that we're here..'' Issei said as he looked around, holding the cup to warm his hands ''..where is uncle?''
''He's out with his friends.'' His aunt replied as she carefully sipped her tea, not taking her look off of Issei. ''The kids are in school at this time.''
''So Issei-chan..'' She continued. ''Where have you been all this time?''
Though Issei prepared himself for this question, replaying it inside of his head for weeks now, he could only look at the table completely blanked out.
''I can answer that question for you, Hina-san.'' Rossweisse answered in Japanese, receiving a raised eyebrow from the woman in front of her in response.
''You speak Japanese?'' She replied in response.
''Yes. Issei taught me after all.'' Rossweisse replied as she put her arm around Issei. ''He's my boyfriend after all.''
Now interested in where this was going, Aunt Hina listened to Rossweisse. She explained how her parents, who were local lumbers, found Issei in the woods. Unable to understand him they took him to their home. Requesting aid from the local police became fruitless as Issei did not understand their questions, nor was the Police able to connect him to the report Issei's aunt send out.
After about half an hour of painstakingly telling Issei's story and answering Hina's questions, Rossweisse patted herself on the back for her acting gift.
''..so now we're at the most important question.'' Hina said with a straight face as she interlaced her fingers. ''Knowing that Issei-chan's parents are missing as well, I think the job is for me now, Issei-chan's favorite aunt.''
Blinking at her serious demeanor, Issei asked ''What question?''
standing up, causing her chair to screech over the floor, Hina looked in her nephew's eyes and said ''When did you get together and did you do it yet?''
As the question washed over the duo, slowly dissipating in the air, embarrassment and a bright blush spread over the duo. Trying as he might, Issei could never forget that night, nor Rossweisse, and as he Issei spoke to his aunt, telling her how they got a good relationship pretty early on, Rossweisse' couldn't help but imagine that faithful day.
''drip drip.'' the only sound reverberating in the bathroom where Rossweisse was relaxing in the bath, releasing all the stress from her training with Issei.
It was his sixteenth birthday and still, like the warrior he was, did his daily training. Rose woke him up the way he liked, wrapping her arms around his neck and pushing his face in her Norse treasury.
Still, she wanted to do more...but how should she ask him.
Softly sighing to herself, watching the water drops roll down her long, slender fingers, she never noticed the door opening and Issei stepping inside, unaware that the bath was occupied.
Through the steam that was always there, Issei always enjoyed taking a dip later at night when no one was there... so imagine his surprise that when he stepped in the bath two soft arms wrapped around his back and pulled him in.
Shock was the first emotion going through his head. Though he always trained to be cautious wherever he was, he never expected something to happen in his own house. But when he felt his face land in the embrace of the person he was most familiar with, the adrenaline left his body in a split second.
Having Rose' hand running through his hair the way he liked it, he enjoyed every second of their first bath together. After a few more minutes he lifted his head up and looked at his girl's bashful face. However, she wasn't hiding her skin from him.
Seeing this new side of her, he moved back a little and sat at the other side of the bath, strangling his feet with Rose'
As they kept looking at one another, Rossweisse took her shot and lifted herself up, slowly wading towards her prize.
Taking Issei by surprise, she grabbed both his muscled thighs and opened them far enough to wedge herself between them, closing in on the appendage she was focussed on, and before Issei could say a thing, her hands and lips closed in on what made him a man and pleasure filled his world.
Being shaken out of her imagination, she saw Issei's concerned look and his aunt's knowing look at her reddened face.
''Did you have a nice dream, Rose?'' Issei's aunt asked with a laugh. ''Must have been pretty nice huh.''
''Yeah..'' Rossweisse softly muttered.. ''ahh ahhh Issei! It's too deep!''
''Looks like we lost her again, Issei-chan.'' Hina said to her nephew as he looked at her. ''Give her a little time.''
''Soft grunts in her ear, turning the inside of her body into a mess. His lips capturing hers as calloused hands, though soft to the touch, were placed on Rose's thick thighs. The supple flesh beneath his fingers begged to be touched, so he grabbed them tight and kneaded it like dough.
The soft moans Rose let loose in his mouth, reflected her appreciation as she tightened her grip around him more.''
''It looks like you've become quite the man, Issei-chan fufu.'' Hina laughed to Issei when he looked at his Rose, softly moaning, turning red himself.
''R-Rose!'' He said a bit loud, but she was at the climax of her imagination.
''Don't stop Issei! Do it inside.. she shouted as her upper body was out the bathtub, but her lower was held tight against Issei's grinding movements inside her, carving every inch of her womb before he released himself with a final grunt, causing his appendage to contract and let loose a torrent of his life, which was hungrily accepted by her body. She felt like it was transcending life, but at the same time never more earthbound. Like hearing an image and seeing sounds.''
''Rose!'' He shouted again in embarrassment as a loud moan ran through her body, causing even Issei's aunt to blush from the pure lust that came with it.
''I don't think I need to ask you whether he's a good love, now do I'' Issei's aunt said as Rossweisse returned to the world of the living.
For another hour the three spoke of the past years, what happened with family, before it was time for Issei and Rossweisse to move again. They couldn't miss their flight after all.
After making a promise to keep in touch with his aunt, giving her his address, which was a safe house in the human world, where she could find him.
''Have fun in Kyoto!'' Hina shouted to the slowly disappearing duo. ''Come back soon.'' and closed the door, giving her some time alone with her thoughts and the revelation of Issei being alive.
At the airport, waiting in line to enter the airplane, Issei is struck by nostalgy as he spots a small girl in front of him, clearly a little upset or even nervous as she looked at the door of the plane.
Though her parents tried to calm her down a little, even a bear she received from one of the flight attendants didn't stop her from shaking.
Thinking about himself, a man behind him suddenly walked up to the girl and lifted her up, much to her surprise. The parents, about to question the man, see how the flight attendants smile upon seeing the man, probably because he is the pilot.
Nervosity clearing spread on her face, but her shaking lessened as the man carried her inside, taking a left towards the cockpit instead of the right.
Softly smiling as he remembered his own experience flying for the first time, he grabbed the hand of Rossweisse and squeezed it softly until they entered the plane. Ready to take off to Kyoto.
With planes continuously landing and taking off in the distance, Issei and Rossweisse stepped out of the bus that took them to Kyoto Station, right in the center of the city.
Deeply breathing in, Issei could smell the pine trees surrounding the various temples around the city, the faint taste of ramen broth on his tongue and the disgusting smell from otakus enjoying little sister games in their small rooms. He was home.
''Oohh..'' He briefly moaned out, much to the amusement of Rossweisse. ''I'm back home.''
''You sure are, Issei-kun.'' Rossweisse replied before wrapping his left arm between her assets. ''It's time you showed me your country.''
''I'd like that.'' He replied. ''But I've never been to Kyoto before so let's just walk around.'' and with that they took off in the ancient Japanese city.
After a long day, till late afternoon, Issei showed everything the city had to offer.
They walked from temple to temple, showing her the mythology that was prayed to in Japan. Walking more miles than an ordinary human could handle, they tried every kind of food they saw. Sushi bars in the hip district, candy in the old quarters, and ramen on nearly every corner as Rossweisse seemed to have developed a slight obsession with the delicious noodles, and finally, they had a private guide to show them the old palace, the former residence of the emperor.
Having seen all they could, they were making their way towards their destiny when Issei suddenly stopped.
Looking around them if there were many humans, Issei spread out his senses and picked up a peculiar kind of energy, far different from what he was used to.
''Issei?'' Rossweisse asked, leaving the -kun from his name like she usually did when there was something serious.
As Issei followed his senses, they heard childlike voices in the distance, becoming louder as they neared them.
Not showing themselves, they looked around the corner to see three children harassing a blonde girl.
''What are you doing here, shouldn't you be back at your shrine.'' One of the children said. It isn't much of harassment compared to older children, but still, they locked her out.
The other two children nodded and continued. ''My mom says a fox lives in the shrine that can breathe fire, and told me to stay away from it.''
Fervently they nodded before the last one ran away, followed by the other bullies shouting ''I don't want to turn in a fox demon.'' and laughed till they were out of sight.
Sitting on her tiny knees, the last of the children rubbed her eyes before shakingly standing up, unknowingly turning towards Issei.
Issei had already determined that she was the cause of the eccentric energy and saw that she didn't look anything like the standard Japanese child. To Issei, she didn't look any older than 8-9 years. She had golden, blonde hair in a simple ponytail with a pair of solid golden eyes accentuating them. But what was more interesting was the fact that she was wearing a miko outfit with small wooden geta on her feet.
Suddenly feeling like she's being stared at, the girl looked up to see two pairs of blue eyes staring back at her.
''Wha-What are you looking at!?'' she questioningly yelled to the duo as they walked towards her.
''We saw what happened.'' Issei calmly replied as he sensed her building up energy. Of course, it was nothing to him but still pretty impressive for her age.
Slightly perturbed that nothing happened when she raised her energy, she was shocked when Issei suddenly stood in front of her with a smile, looking down at her. Nothing on his face indicated that he was angered or displeased with her.
''My name is Issei, and this is Rossweisse.'' He said. ''What's your name, little girl?''
The girl sniffed the air once before answering him. ''Kunou.''
''Isn't she cute.'' the third voice said before she glomped the little girl. ''So what just happened?''
''Hmmpf.'' She hissed. ''Why should I tell you, commoners, anything.'' with fake bravado.
Having dealt with children like this before, when he traveled down the world-tree with Sleipnir, Issei knew best how to approach this.
Softly petting the girl's hair, he released a small bit of his near boundless energy to provide her with a sense of relaxation and asked ''Didn't they want to play with you?''
Not exactly knowing why this stranger was doing this, she nodded while still being pet by Issei.
Looking at Rossweisse, receiving a nod in response, Issei continued. ''Do you want to play with us then?''
''Can I?!'' Kunou suddenly shouted, uncaring for the fact that she just met them.
''Are you sure?'' Rossweisse asked the small girl who suddenly acted out of character. ''Shouldn't you ask your mother first?''
''No.'' She replied with finality. ''I don't think she would mind.''
Of course, Kunou knew that as long as she was in Kyoto almost no one could touch her, and the two of them in front of her didn't look like bad people.
Each extending a hand towards their new little friend, the three make their way towards the closest playground.
Half an hour and Rossweisse was already on her last legs. The little blonde girl had nearly as much energy as Issei had, who was still keeping up with the little girl. As thanks for playing with her, she gave them a private tour of the Yasaka shrine.
''Neh Ise-kun.'' Kunou said as they stood in front of the entrance of the shrine, ready to depart. ''Thank you very much for playing with me.'' and bowed deeply.
Having felt Issei's hand, she quickly fell for him like all those children before her did, Rossweisse laughed earlier today, and she was right.
''Thank you as well, Rossweisse-san.'' Kunou continued and bowed towards her as well, before running away. Most likely towards home.
Stretching himself out, he looked at the retreating figure of the girl before looking at his Rose, silently telling her it was time to move.
Right in front of the Yasaka shrine was the entrance to the Gion district. The oldest district of the city, famous for their geishas.
With the sun slowly descending below the horizon, the streets emptied out of most people as they had a normal working day. Now walking the nearly empty streets the lights calmly lit the streets unhindered by shadows. As our couple makes their way, they suddenly turn towards a dark alley, in between two old clan buildings, vanishing from sight.
Now alone, the way they walk and their demeanor is changing. Foreign energies fill the street as their armors develop on their bodies. Their intimate way of walking changed and became more professional, on edge and a difference in standing. They are no longer lovers, now they are representatives of the Norse.
''Ready?'' Rossweisse whispered, and with a last nod from Issei she activated the Magic circle in her armor and the world changed.
Through the dimensional gate, the lovely duo entered Kyoto as it was hundreds of years ago. The modern buildings had disappeared and made room for forgotten wooden structures of enviable beauty.
Knowing where they had to go, they made their way through the city, being looked at by the inhabitants as looking at them. Neither Issei nor Rossweisse had ever seen Youkai, nor the diversity in them. Cat-eared people, people with multiple tails, a man with the neck of a snake, it was all there to see.
Nearing their destination, looking anywhere but in front of them, they paid for it by walking into someone, causing both Issei and the other person to fall.
''What kind of monster must this person be if he has the strength to make Issei fall.'' Rossweisse thought as she quickly stood next to Issei.
''I'm very sorry for walking into you.'' an unknown voice said. ''But I must go now.'' and before Rossweisse or Issei could say anything he was gone, though they did hear a loud slap in the distance and a depressed voice muttering ''Sorry, Ama-nee.''
''Issei-kun, did you manage to take a look at him? If you want to we can complain at their leader for his behavior.''
dusting himself off, Issei was a little lost in thought. ''That guy looked a lot like me. Only he had red with white hair and was immensely powerful.''
''It's okay, Rose.'' He answered. ''No one got hurt so there's no need to look for a problem if we don't make one.''
She decided to indeed let it go and continued on. As in the distance, their destination loomed up, they spotted a strangely clothed girl causing a ruckus in front of the door.
''Eehh! But why can't my fans visit me here? This Maou Shoujo's new season would be perfect here.'' The girl yelled as she was swinging her magic stick, causing people to jump away from the sparkles.
''Leviathan-sama, please respect the decision of the gods.'' One of the guards said. ''..and please stop swinging your magic stick.''
As the stand-off between the magic girl and the guards wasn't about to stop, Rossweisse took it upon herself that her love wasn't about to be late on his first mission.
''Both of you!'' She commanded. ''Seize what you're doing and get out of the way.'' Releasing a third of her energy to make it clear that she wasn't about to be trifled with.
Though the guard was reluctant to continue, the magic girl shrugged it off as nothing. ''This concerns everyone. The whole universe should know the magical adventures of Milky-tan!''
Steadily increasing her energy, which was met by the magic girl, Rossweisse told her to step aside. ''My master and I have an appointment with the Shinto faction, we don't wish to be late because of this nonsense.''
''When you acknowledge Milky-tan as your idol I will stop.'' The magic girl said in a singsong voice before increasing her energy again, ready to release it as once.
''Why you..'' Rossweisse replied as she was increasingly getting more and more irritated. She prepared herself for a pre-emptive strike until she felt Issei's hand on her shoulder, causing all her energy to dissipate.
Many of the onlookers had already seen the impressive figure standing behind Rossweisse, though they did not know who he was.
''An impressive young man. Must be important. But I don't recognize him.'' The magic girl thought.
Looking to the right, where he spotted a clock earlier on, Issei saw that he had only two more minutes till his appointment, and as he wasn't about to blemish the reputation of the Norse he got slightly agitated.
''Get out of the way.'' He said. ''Do not displease me any more than you've already done.''
No power. No treats. Pure and simple ordering.
Ready to take him on, she nearly choked when she saw the fire in his eyes, ready to be released at his command.
''Enough of this..'' Issei whispered as it took too much time, and he released his energy.
The wind picked up in speed, the ground quaked in his anger as his powerful aura blanketed the area. The magic girl could match it only for a second before she finally understood what she was up against. A force of nature.
''Not even Sirzechs-chan could hope to match this.'' She thought as even her Satan-class power buckled under his force. ''Who is this guy?''
And as soon as the power was released, Issei had reeled it in just as fast, giving the magic girl a mere taste of power.
Breathing deeply as she was still on the ground, her breath hitched when she saw two armored legs in front of her and looked up to see two crystal blue eyes gazing in her magenta eyes with concern.
''Though I did not like doing this, you can't force your way on others.'' Issei said and with a soft but apologetic smile, he walked inside, followed by Rossweisse.
The grounded girl kept following him with her eyes wide, no longer even able to sense his power, before blushing brightly and disappearing a second later.
Inside of the inner shrine, the inner sanctity, was a sole occupant waiting for her appointment. Calmly she was playing with one of her golden furred tails, thinking about something completely different than her coming appointment.
Her solid golden door was forcefully opened by her guards to introduce her guests. With a final sigh, she straightened herself up. No reason to be improper towards her guests when she's dealing with her own problems.
''Yasaka-sama!'' The guard loudly shouted. ''I present to you, the representatives of the Norse faction.''
Expecting a Norse elder, she was positively surprised when a young man and woman entered the sanctity before her guards closed the door.
Gesturing her guests to their seats, she asked them to introduce themselves.
''My name is Rossweisse. I am Issei-sama's personal Valkyrie.'' Rossweisse introduced herself before sitting down.
''My name is Hyoudou Issei.'' He began, causing Yasaka to listen closer. ''I am also Odin-sama's son.''
''Oh my..'' She giggled. ''I am Yasaka. The leader of the Kyoto Youkai faction.''
Exchanging some more pleasantries, Issei told her about the formalities for tomorrow.
''Actually, I do have another question.'' Issei suddenly said. ''Do you have a daughter?''
''Ohh?'' Yasaka replied. ''Have you met my Kunou?''
''Yes. We saw her this afternoon and played with her.'' Rossweisse replied.
Yasaka showed a pleased smile. Her worries having decreased a little, but before she could thank them, a door that was sunken in the wall suddenly opened before a small figure ran out of it.
It was a surprise for the people in the room, but more so for Yasaka, seeing her daughter with a smile instead of a depressed face.
''Hehehe.'' Kunou happily purred as she sat in Issei's lap, forcefully making him rub her head in his palm.
''What is this, Kunou.'' Yasaka happily teased. ''Didn't you say that the only thing boys were good for was to be stepped on.''
With the grace only an 8-yeard old could, a bright, angry blush spread on her face, causing her to lose her bodily functions, presenting her tails and fluffy ears to Issei.
''Ahh so cute.'' Rossweisse said as she tried to reach Kunou, who never stopped purring in Issei's hand before remembering something.
''W-What are you doing here, Ise-kun.'' She asked with big, bright eyes. ''I couldn't sense any energy, I thought you were a human.''
Looking at her daughter bashfully watching the foreign god's expression, she couldn't help but tease them a little.
''Hyoudou-sama, do you have any Japanese blood?'' Yasaka asked her guest, smiling at him.
''Yes, I have.'' Issei replied as he was being overwhelmed by the cuteness of Kunou. ''Why?''
''Ohh no reason.'' She replied. ''However, if you want to join the Shinto faction I would be more than happy to invite you to live with us.''
''Did you hear that, Ise-kun.'' Kunou said. ''We could always be together.''
''Looks like Kunou is in favor.'' Yasaka said as she opened her haori a little, showing enough cleavage to make it inappropriate. ''I'll keep your bed warm.'' winking at her guest.
Two pairs of golden eyes looked at him, one in hope and the other in barely concealed laughter. Issei knew he couldn't say no to the pleading eyes of Kunou, but Rossweisse could.
''I'm afraid Issei is already with the Norse faction.'' She diplomatically. ''Also..'' she said as she stood up.
''Issei's mine.'' and wrapped her arms around him.
''Fufufu'' Yasaka laughed and used one of her tails to lift Kunou from Issei's lap. ''I'm sorry for playing with your feelings, Issei-kun.''
Standing up, this time with all her features out, holding her daughter in her arms, she bowed to the two and thanked them for an enjoying conversation.
''I'll have my guards send you to a room which is provided to you by one of our gods themselves.'' Yasaka said. ''It is easily the best room in the entire city of Kyoto.''
Waving her guests off, and Kunou shouting that she will play with them again tomorrow, Issei and Rossweisse are being led back to the human world.
In the middle of the night, a room in the Fushimi Inari Shrine, Issei and Rossweisse were calmly sleeping. Having had a relaxing bath together in the purifying waters, doing more than just bathing, they easily fell asleep, though not without problems for Issei.
Darkness. Nothing but darkness filled his field of view. Everywhere he looked, everything was burning, smoldering or nothing but lumps of charred flesh. It filled his world, his world that only had darkness left. And the roars, the dark roars that filled his ears, overwhelming his composure as what caused all this darkness stood in front of him. The definition of the end of everything, darkness incarnate.
Though he was fighting, it did not help, not even with his near endless energy he could destroy this monstrosity. He was the only one left that could fight, but he did not feel alone. He could hear something from inside of him.
Whispers becoming louder and louder, till he could finally understand it.
say it with me.
He didn't understand what, but his lips were moving..but when he stopped...
His world turned to pain.
''Puh!'' Issei gasped as he woke up in bed.
He sat up straight with sweat rolling down his face and his heart beating erratically.
Though he felt terrible, he felt a lot better when he saw that Rossweisse was still sleeping peacefully.
Issei laid his head back on his pillow, rubbing the sweat of his brow before remembering what happened.
The nightmares started a couple weeks ago after saving two dwarves from a group of bandits. After the first night, he talked to his father about the nightmare. Odin replied that he thought it had something to do with his power of prophecy, that it had some kind of influence on his destiny.
Though Issei didn't have nightmares every night, it was enough to keep him from sleeping for at least another hour, so he quietly got out of bed.
Walking towards the balcony, he opened the door and the cold night air washed over him, which he accepted gladly.
''Damn..'' Issei softly said. ''They're getting worse by the day.'' referring to his nightmares. But for Rossweisse and his parents, he would take the world on.
''Sigh..I hope a walk will help.'' He whispered to himself, and walked to Rossweisse, softly kissing her brow.
Taking his flips flops and quietly leave the room.
With soft, nearly quiet steps, Issei walks through the cold night. Even at this time there are mikos present in the shrine, doing their tasks.
He slowly but surely makes his way out of the shrine and walks through the forest over the unlit path, covered by a tunnel of torii gates to a small lookout over Kyoto. Everywhere he looked, the city was lit up with lights, the city never slept, and even though he was in the center of the city, there were absolutely no sounds that reached him.
As he reached the top of the mountain behind the main shrine, there was a smaller one on the top.
Sitting down, he took two small candles and lit them up for his parents, just as he was taught to do for his ancestors during Christmas.
Giving a silent prayer for his parents, hoping to meet them once more. He got up and walked to a small outcrop next to the shrine, where a small bench was placed that gave him a perfect view over Kyoto at night.
As he was reflecting on the day, he noticed how there was a pale golden light starting behind him and gradually came closer, and as he turned around he saw several places on the torii covered path lighting up. With every new light, he can see a little golden fur before it disappears back into the night. Now focussing his entire attention on it, he spots Yasaka approaching him slowly, extending her tails towards the ornamental lanterns before they lit up in gold as well. Nearing him the glowing faces of the fox statues followed her tails.
Issei said nothing as he followed Yasaka's figure until she stood in front of him with a grin.
''I didn't expect us to meet already, Issei-kun. Did you come for a night visit?'' She suggestively asked.
''Not this time.'' Issei replied with a small smile. ''I couldn't sleep so I thought I'd get some fresh air before returning to Rose.''
''I see..'' Yasaka softly replied as she sat next to him, and in a moment of surprise she wrapped her tails around Issei and pulled him closer.
''Don't worry, Issei-kun.'' She told the tense boy. ''Besides a great lover, I am also a mother. I know when there's something wrong.''
Listening to her explanation, Issei slowly relaxed in her arms knowing that she doesn't want to try anything.
Issei didn't wait for her question and started explaining on his own. ''I have chronic nightmares. I saved some dwarves a while ago and since then it started. Fighting against a monster I can't describe, darkness blanketing the world, and I can't stop it.''
scrunching her eyebrows, Yasaka kept on listening to the boy that was in pain.
''But then I hear chanting. Chanting I heard one time before and got me in trouble. But even that power wasn't enough to fight the nightmare away.'' Issei continued. ''..and then there's something inside me.''
''Something inside..?'' She questioned.
''Yes.'' Issei replied. ''I can't hear if it's a man or woman, as it is emotionless. She tells me to repeat after her calmly, and though I can't hear her, my lips move anyway.''
''Monotonously it repeats a few times a week. And it's a single sentence I hear before it becomes unclear and I wake up with pain all over my body.'' Issei ended. ''Pain I've never felt nor experienced before.''
''Can you describe the pain for me?'' Yasaka asked caringly. ''Perhaps I can help you with it.''
''Hmm..'' Issei murmured. ''It's like something extra tries to escape my body. Something that isn't there...yet.''
''I see..'' She replied though she had no idea what he was talking about. ''..and it has nothing to do with the red dragon in your arm?''
''No, it's not Ddraig.'' Issei said. ''I've asked him before and he did manage to catch something.''
''Really, what did he say?'' Yasaka asked.
''He told me that the chant began with ''The Crimson Heavenly Dragon I possess within me, rise up to become a King'' Issei said. ''But I've never heard it before.''
Suddenly, small wooden sounds on stone reached their ears as they quickly came closer. It was Kunou dressed in pajamas running up to them.
''Kunou, what are you doing out of bed?'' Yasaka asked as she released Issei and took her daughter in her arms.
Surprisingly, she removed herself out of her mother's arms and grabbed on Issei and said ''I wanted to sleep with Ise-kun, but he wasn't in his bed and searched for him.'' with a bright smile.
Looking slightly apologetic at her guest, who she completely forgot that he was an important god, asked him to take care of her daughter. After all, the official talks would happen in the morning, and with that Issei willingly lets himself getting dragged away by the small girl to his bedroom.
''Don't worry, Issei-kun.'' Yasaka softly yelled from a distance. ''I'm sure everything will go well.''
Smiling at his host, Issei lifted Kunou up in his arms, where the girl quickly fell asleep, as he neared his bedroom.
It is early in the morning, the day of the visit of Odin, the allfather of the Norse, and the Shinto rulers were tense. Though their mythologies were similar in size, the power of the Norse faction was far greater than their own.
With Issei, Rossweisse, and Kunou having left the shrine, Odin and Amaterasu entered the shrine, meeting up at the inner sanctuary with Yasaka.
As Amaterasu and Yasaka were both patiently waiting, the solid golden doors were opened by the guards, introducing their guests once again.
''I present to you, the leader of the Norse faction, Odin-sama.'' The guards said as the elderly man walked in.
The leaders of the Shinto and Youkai both knew that the man was incredibly strong. Even after all these thousands of years that they knew of his existence, no tale does credit the sheer power the man held.
Like a gentleman, Odin bowed to both women as he introduced himself.
''I am Odin, the Norse allfather. It is my pleasure to meet such fine beauties.'' He said with a lecherous smirk.
Amaterasu was well aware of the man's behavior, decided to remain silents whilst Yasaka smiled a little forced, talking under her breath about Issei.
''Odin-sama.'' Amaterasu began. ''You've come here in the hope of receiving our aid.''
Odin returned to his demeanor as leader of his faction, as he replied ''Yes. With the exception of the Shinto faction, we've managed to make alliances with every single mythological faction of importance.''
''Ooh.'' Amaterasu replied intrigued. ''Please tell us more.''
''I think it would be better if I'd show you.'' He replied, and before they knew it, Odin's eyes lit up in flames and showed his past.
''Are you sure that it's your son?'' Yasaka asked after she received some tea from her aides. Odin's past was something she never wanted to see again, nor experience. However, her respect for the man had definitely shot up several levels.
''Absolutely.'' Odin replied as he rubbed his eyebrow. ''My wife and I confirmed it. Even had some help from the Greek faction to make sure. But I think his recent nightmares are much more of an indication.''
''Very well then.'' Amaterasu interjected. ''In name of the Shinto Trinity, I Amaterasu declare a formal alliance with the Norse faction.''
She quickly wrote something down before handing it to one of her servants.
''As such, we have finalized our talks.'' Amaterasu said as she stood up. ''When the time comes, please inform us again.''
''Ahh one more thing!'' Odin quickly. ''I would like my son to be able to move in Japan.''
''Ooh.'' Amaterasu said as she turned around. ''Why would he need to stay here. It was mentioned that he was a former Japanese citizen but as he is a part of your faction now, he has a home with you.''
''Well.. I have received a request from a devil friend of mine.''
Issei, Rossweisse, and Kunou were walking through the shrine grounds, being shown around by the fox youkai when suddenly a small magic circle appeared next to Issei's ear.
''Issei?''
''What is it, Tou-san?''
''I have a mission for you and Rossweisse''
''I see. What do you want us to do?''
''I need you and Rossweisse to go to a city called Kuoh''
And that's where I wrap it up.
I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter, though it was difficult to write.
Look out for more Silver Queen and hopefully a chapter of Shinto Prince as well, did you like the small crossover?
Anyways, enjoy your day and weekend.
Peace out.
Next Chapter: Chapter 7: The Devils of Kuoh