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[Ddraig talking]
[Ddraig thinking]
{Albion talking}
{Albion thinking}
|Tiamat talking|
|Tiamat thinking|
Mental Communication
"Regular Dialogue"
Attacks/Spells
Hyoudou Manor, November 28, 2019, 1:00 PM, Current Time: 4 Minutes and 40 Seconds Til Midnight
The silence was the only thing that could be heard in the alleyway. A stray cat bounded from one dumpster to another. The air rippled as a faint blue light appeared in the air. A whirring sound erupted in the alleyway as a blue-green vortex appeared in the air. Issei walked out of the vortex, Lily's tiny hand in his own. Next to them, Irina stretched her arms as Mitsuki and Ingvild followed them out.
"So this is Japan?" Ingvild asked as they walked out of the alley.
"We'll give you a welcome tour later but welcome to our hometown of Kuoh! The one place in the world where you'll find all the factions working as one!" Mitsuki said.
"You mean an infestation?" Ingvild clarified.
"Yeah, it's getting kind of annoying," Mitsuki said.
"So, which one's your house?" Ingvild asked Issei as they walked down the street.
"It's that one," Issei said, pointing to the massive house.
Ingvild's jaw dropped at the sight of it. She looked at Issei, Irina, and Mitsuki and weakly pointed to the large house with shocked, unblinking eyes.
"That's your house?" she asked.
"Um yeah," Issei said.
"How rich are you?" Ingvild asked.
"Well, it wasn't always like that. Rias Gremory renovated the house for us and turned it into… well, into that," Mitsuki said as they walked to the house.
"That looks hard to keep clean," Ingvild said as they approached the house.
"Well, it would be easy to clean if some people would hire a maid!" Mitsuki said, glaring at her brother.
"Hey, Tou-san and Kaa-san agree with me!" Issei said, defending himself.
"Hmph! There's something you guys agree on," Mitsuki muttered.
"Yeah, so you'll be staying here from now on! I'll prepare a room for you," Irina said.
"Thanks, Irina," Ingvild said.
Issei walked up to the front gate and pressed the buzzer. The door opened and the group walked up to the front door.
"So, who's knocking?" Issei asked.
"I'll do it," Mitsuki said. Mitsuki banged her fist on the door. "Hey, we're back! Open up!"
The door opened slowly, revealing a slightly disheveled Asia. She was rubbing her eyes and yawning. She was wearing her pajamas and her hair was all over the place. Her green eyes lit up when she was Issei, Mitsuki, and Irina.
"You're back!" Asia said.
"Did you just wake up?" Issei asked as he walked past her.
"Yeah… The training went really late so I decided to take the day off. Akeno-oneesama and the others are at school right now," Asia said as she followed them inside.
"You shouldn't be staying up all night, Asia," Mitsuki said as she placed her bags down.
"I know but this was important. So, are you going to introduce me to your new friend?" Asia asked, looking at Ingvild.
"Oh, that's right. Asia, this is Ingvild. Ingvild. Asia. She's our sister," Issei said.
"You don't look related," Ingvild said.
"I'm adopted," Asia said. "I'm Asia! Hyoudou Asia!"
"Oh, I'm Ingvild. Ingvild Leviathan," Ingvild said.
"Leviathan? You're a descendant of the Original Leviathan?" Asia asked, her body tensing slightly. Irina noticed this and placed a hand on Asia's shoulder.
"She's okay. Ingvild is nothing like Katerea Leviathan," Irina said.
Asia nodded but maintained a slight guard around the violet haired girl.
"I understand if you're wary around me because of what my cousin did and for that, I apologize," Ingvild said.
"No, no, it's fine. I shouldn't judge you based on something that your relative did. I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable," Asia said.
"No, it's alright. I get this a lot," Ingvild said.
"Well, not here," Asia said. She turned to Issei, Irina, and Mitsuki. "I'll go show her to where she'll sleep. You guys rest up. I'm going to make a feast for your return."
"Actually, I need to do something I've been holding off for a while," Issei said. The four turned to look at him, a curious look on their faces.
"Do you remember where we kept the Phenex Tears?" Issei asked.
"Um, yeah, in the training room, why? Wait? Where are you going?" Asia asked.
"To the Familiar Forest. Tonight's a full moon so the forest will be open. Ddraig suggested that I get a second familiar, one that can think for itself," Issei said.
"That's… smart. But, what about Ryuuteimaru?" Irina asked.
"Ryuuteimaru is still my familiar, but it's not really practical for anything other than combat and transportation," Issei said. "I want a familiar that I can pet and spoil, or use as a bodyguard."
"I'll go with you," Irina interjected.
"I'll be fine-!"
"It's to keep you out of trouble. And who knows… maybe I might get one for myself," Irina said.
"Are you sure about that?" Issei asked.
"Of course. Now, let's go," Irina said.
"Um, right," Issei said.
"Be careful. I don't know if the Familiar Master will let an angel into the Familiar Forest," Asia said.
The two nodded and left in a red magic circle.
"Come on, Ingvild. I'll show you to your room," Mitsuki said, grabbing her bags.
"Wait… didn't they forget something?" Ingvild said.
"Oh… shit," Mitsuki cursed as she slapped her forehead. Her idiot brother and his girlfriend forgot to bring Phenex Tears.
The doorbell rang, jolting Asia out of her sleepy haze. Next to her, Ingvild and her sister had fallen asleep watching TV. A bowl of popcorn laid untouched as a bottle of beer sat in front of Mitsuki. Asia sighed. She walked over to the door and opened it.
"Asia," Akeno said as she walked inside.
"Akeno-oneesama, how was your day?" Asia asked as she stepped aside.
"It was the usual," Akeno said. After Akeno went inside, she was followed by Koneko, Kiba, Xenovia, Ravel, and Rossweisse, who took off early.
Akeno's violet eyes landed on Mitsuki and the violet haired stranger in their living room.
"Mitsuki's back?" Kiba asked as he walked up to the couch with Asia.
"Yeah, and she brought a friend with her. Her name is Ingvild and she'll be staying with us from now on," Asia said, omitting her last name due to worry of how they will react to her.
"Does Rias know about this?" Xenovia asked Asia.
"Well, this is Nee-san's house so they have the right to invite whoever they want to stay. And no, Rias-oneesama hasn't been back yet. I'm starting to get worried," Asia said. As if on cue, the doorbell rang once more, this time waking Mitsuki and Ingvild up.
"Whosa! Whaaa…?" Mitsuki said, rubbing her eyes.
"Still the epitome of grace," Akeno said, dropping down beside her.
"Oh, it's just you guys. Can someone get the door?" Mitsuki said, yawning.
"I'll get it," Rossweisse said, walking over. The room remained silent as the movie played on. The sound of footsteps entering the living room could be heard as Rossweisse returned with the guest.
"Um, guys, Rias-sama is back," Rossweisse said. Everyone turned to see Rias standing there with a blank look on her face. Her eyes traveled and rested upon Mitsuki and INgvild as they looked back at her.
"Where's Issei?" Rias asked.
"Out," Mitsuki said.
"Where?"
"Familiar Forest," Asia answered before Mitsuki could get another word out of her mouth. Rias nodded gratefully and sat down on the couch alongside them.
"I don't hate you, you know," Mitsuki said. Rias blinked and looked at the Hyoudou Twin.
"Why not? I did something horrible to your twin brother, even if it wasn't of my own accord," Rias said, looking down.
"Exactly, it wasn't of your own accord and neither was it Yatogami-san's. I've had some time to think about this and I don't know if Irina feels the same way but... Aniki told you as much, didn't he? You two were the unfortunate victims in the game of someone much more powerful so… we're good," Mitsuki said. "That goes to all of you. Just… wanted to get that out there so that there are no misconceptions about how I feel."
"I… I don't know what to say," Rias said. "Thanks, Mii-chan."
"Don't call me that. I don't need someone else calling me that. Issei is enough," Mitsuki said.
"So, who's she?" Rias asked, nodding to Ingvild.
"She's a friend we made who decided to come back with us. Her name is Ingvild," Mitsuki said.
"Just Ingvild?" Akeno asked.
"Leviathan. My last name is Leviathan," Ingvild said. Rias and Akeno tensed as they eyed the girl. Rossweisse looked confused while Kiba, Koneko, and Xenovia looked ready to attack at a moment's notice.
"Don't," Mitsuki said, flaring her power. The entire house shook as everyone was pressed to their spots.
The pressure faded when Ingvild placed a hand on Mitsuki's shoulder.
"It's alright, Mitsuki. I know how they must feel, considering that my family was affiliated with the OId Satan Faction," Ingvild said.
"She's not like that. I've known her for two hours and trust me, Ingvild-san is a good person," Asia said.
Rias looked at her bishop and sighed. She turned to Ingvild, her eyes flashing blue, a petal formation spinning furiously at the center.
"I will keep an eye on you, Leviathan-san. Just… in case. I'm sorry if it makes you uncomfortable," Rias said.
"No, it's fine and I, in turn, shall prove that I'm not like my relatives," Ingvild said.
"I'm glad we came to an understanding. Stand down," Rias commanded. Akeno looked at her king and sighed. The other members of the peerage relaxed and returned to the movie.
"So, what kind of familiar are you planning to get?" Issei asked as they approached the forest. He thanked his stars that Sona teleported him there or they would have been stuck wandering the Underworld for the entire night.
"Hmm, something cute but deadly," Irina said.
"That's very broad," Issei remarked.
"Well, what are you planning to get?" Irina asked in return.
"Something cool like a dragon or a hydra or a Cerberus!" Issei said, pumping his fist. "Can you imagine me on Ryuuteimaru riding into battle with a fucking hydra at the helm?"
Irina placed a finger on her chin to think and the image of Issei charging in on a ship, screaming like Captain Jack Sparrow while a Hydra rained down death and destruction on his foes appeared inside her head.
"Oh, here we are," Issei said as the tree line appeared in front of them.
"Is it supposed to be this creepy looking?" Irina asked as she took in the ominous ambiance given off by the trees as shadows became more pronounced the further they walked in.
"No," a voice said.
Irina yelped and clung to Issei. The two turned to see a man wearing a backwards baseball cap with red hair hopping down from the branch.
"Familiar Master," Issei said. Irina got off Issei's arm and looked at the man before her.
"So, you here to get a familiar or in your case, second?" the familiar master asked.
"Yeah, if you could just let us in Zatouji," Issei said.
"Have fun. But be careful, Tiamat's been sighted inside of the forest," he said, before hopping back on the branch.
"Tiamat? Doesn't she kill…?" Irina trailed off as she glanced at Issei.
"I'll just have to be careful then. Let's split up and meet back here," Issei said.
"Wait, what? Did you not hear what he just said? Tiamat is in the forest! You could get hurt or killed!" Irina called out.
"It'll be fine! So long as I don't run into her!" Issei called back before disappearing into the brush.
"That idiot! Let's rest for a day but no, he comes running to the woods as soon as we get back," Irina grumbled as she walked off. As she walked, she heard a rustling noise coming from the bushes behind her. On instinct, Irina formed a halo disk and aimed at the bushes.
"Come out!" Irina said. Her jaw dropped when a massive white cat-like beast walked out of the shrubbery. Its body was at least as tall as a rig and as long as the trailer of a truck. Its body was decorated with spots, possessed eight legs with claws, massive fangs that stuck out of its cheeks, and a long tail that extends in three points.
"Um," Irina looked up at it. The beast growled, bearing its fangs at her. The beast roared, forcing Irina to throw the disk in its face. The disk exploded, causing the beast to recoil in pain. It whined as it backed away, causing Irina to finally noticed the wound on its hind leg.
"You're hurt…," she said, walking over to it. The beast whined as it shrank away from Irina.
She frowned. "I'm sorry for attacking you but I promise I can make you feel better," she said as she walked over to its leg.
She placed her hand over the wound and a soft pink light emanated from her palm. The wound glowed before slowly disappearing. The beast felt its pain disappear and turned to look at its leg. It licked the part where the wound used to be and purred. It nuzzled Irina, sending her stumbling back a few inches.
"Aw, you're welcome big guy!" Irina said, petting its nose. "What are you?"
The beast tilted its head in confusion and nudged Irina.
"Huh? You wanna be my familiar? This is so cool! I'm the first angel to get a familiar!" Irina said as she placed her hand on its snout. After forming the contract, the beast purred as Irina lightly scratched its chin.
"Hmm, you're kinda big. How am I gonna carry you?" Irina said. The beast looked at her before being engulfed in a puff of smoke. It was no longer a large cat-like beast but rather a tiny feline head with a small tail.
"YOU'RE SO CUTE!" Irina exclaimed as she grabbed the creature and hugged it, crushing it between her breasts. The creature struggled as it tried to breathe and meowed in happiness after Irina pulled away.
"What should I call you?" Irina said. "Are you a guy?"
The cat shook its head-body.
"So a girl?"
She nodded in Irina's hands.
"Hmmm… how about Yuki? Your fur is white so I'll call you, Yuki!" Irina said.
Yuki meowed happily as it nuzzled Irina's cheek.
"Aww, I love you so much too!" Irina said. "Come on. Let's go find my friend, Issei! Maybe if he has one by now, he'll let you play with his familiar!"
"Note to self: Never say split up again," Issei said as he crept past a pool of undine.
[Well, you should have known better. Seems like you're still a naive fool] Ddraig said.
"You gotta give me some credit though. The way I killed that Arachne back there was pretty cool," Issei whispered as he hid in the brush.
Issei sat in the brush, observing the various magical creatures he could make his familiar. He drooled at the sight of all of them.
"Which one should I get? The Byakko? The Sylphs? The Basilisk? Or maybe that SirenHead?" Issei asked Ddraig.
[As long as it's powerful, though I would recommend either the basilisk or the byakko] Ddraig said as he looked on with interest.
Thunder crashed across the sky, causing Issei to jump slightly. All the wildlife ran as a storm brewed overhead.
"Rain? Goddamnit," Issei said.
[No, this isn't rain. It's something else… Partner! Be still and watch!] Ddraig urged as he felt its energy signature.
Issei nodded and suppressed his power and remained as still as he could. In a flash of blue lightning, a massive draconic wolf appeared in front of them. Its spikes lay flat on its back as red lightning coursed through its entire body. The dragon's luminous red eyes flashed as it took in its surroundings and then bent to drink water.
"What is that?" Issei asked.
[It's a Dragon from my brood!] Ddraig said.
"That's a Dragon? It looks like a wolf with horns," Issei remarked.
[Don't be fooled by her looks. She's a Dragon through and through. A powerful one in fact. Strong enough to rival the Dragon Kings in sheer power] Ddraig said.
"What's her name?" Issei asked.
[Zinogre] Ddraig replied.
"What do I do? Just go out there and say… hey, wanna be my familiar?" Issei asked.
[I mean, why not. It worked for Asia] Ddraig said.
"Ddraig! Do you see how big she is? She's a badass walking, neck popping Super Saiyan dragon wolf!" Issei said, gesturing to her.
[Well, I don't see how that should be an obstacle. You have me and that boat so if push comes to shove, she shouldn't be a problem] Ddraig said. [Here, you know what. When you walk over, summon the Gear and I can talk to her for you.]
"Are you sure that will work?" Issei asked.
[Trust me. You'll be fine.] Ddraig said.
"Okay… but if she attacks, we're fighting back," Issei said as he crept out of the bush. The sounds of the rustling and Issei's footsteps caused the massive dragon to freeze and turn its head in Issei's direction. Issei summoned the [Boosted Gear] and held it out.
The Dragon growled as it crouched, ready to pounce on Issei at a moment's notice.
[Zinogre!] Ddraig called from the gear.
The dragon froze and tilted her head slightly. She walked over, sniffing Issei cautiously before speaking.
"Why do I sense Ddraig-Niisama's energy all over you as well as… something else?" Zinogre asked as lightning crackled off her scales.
"I'm the current host of Ddraig Y Goch and this generation's Red Dragon Emperor!" Issei answered.
[That's right, Zin. Issei here came looking for a familiar] Ddraig said.
"A familiar? So this… thing wishes to bind me to its will?" Zinogre asked as she eyed Issei.
"No, I wish to form a partnership with you via contract! A familiar is a companion, not a slave!" Issei said.
"And why should I comply with your rules? For all I know, you could be hunting me for my scales?" Zinogre said.
"I give you my word on my title as the Red Dragon Emperor that I shall treat you equally as a companion and not a slave. This I swear," Issei said. Zinogre looked at Issei for a few seconds before glancing at the Sacred Gear on his arm. She let out a breath that blew Issei's hair back. She began to glow a bright red, forcing Issei to cover his eyes.
When the light died down, a woman with pale skin and white hair stood in front of him. Her blood-red eyes bore into his brown ones as she stretched. She wore black robes and had a long, stocky metallic tail swishing around behind her. On her head, adorning her messy white hair were four curved horns. A lone fang stuck out of her lips.
"Very well then, Red Dragon. But know this, I am only joining you because of Ddraig-Niisama and nothing else," Zinogre said.
Issei nodded, slightly taken aback by his new familiar's beauty.
"Now how does this work?" Zinogre asked.
"Um, ah, right! I beseech thee, Zinogre! Become my partner, my friend, my loyal teammate!" Issei chanted.
A red magic circle appeared in front of Issei and enveloped Zinogre. A bright light shone through the woods as the ritual continued before dying down.
Zinogre looked herself over after the light disappeared.
"I don't feel any different? Are you sure it worked?" she asked, lifting her tail onto her arms.
"Of course it worked. The contract just allows me to summon you," Issei said.
"That's it? You could have led with that," Zinogre said. Issei sheepishly nodded as he rubbed the back of his head.
"I think I'll call you Zin like Ddraig does," Issei said.
"Suit yourself," she said. "Do you need a ride, Issei-sama?"
"Really? That would be nice!" Issei said as Zinogre transformed back into her dragon form. Issei hopped on her back and she ran off into the woods.
[Zin! I heard that Tiamat was here! Where is she?] Ddraig asked.
"I don't know but I've been sensing her energy fluctuate recently!" Zinogre said as she dashed through the trees.
"So, is she going to notice that I'm here?" Issei asked.
"She probably already knows you're here! That ritual wasn't exactly conspicuous and since you're the Red Dragon, you might die…," Zinogre said.
"Gee, nice vote of confidence, Zin," Issei said as he gripped onto one of her spines. Zinogre was about to speak when her eyes widened. She suddenly halted and threw Issei off her back as a massive ball of blue flames rained down from the sky. Zinogre, using her lightning, enhanced her speed and leaped back.
"What the…?" Issei said as he looked at the blue flames.
"It's Tiamat. Go run! I'll distract her!" Zinogre said. "It'll be pretty bad for me on my first day as a familiar if you die!"
"No, I'm not leaving you here to die to her!" Issei said, running over to her.
"Ddraig," a serene voice called out. A woman walked out of the woods, her skin was as pale as the moon itself. She had long flowing black hair and wore a black-caped, long-sleeved robe. Her body was seductive and curvaceous, even more so than Akeno's. Her eerie blue eyes rooted Issei to his spot as he became captivated by them. On her head, were a pair of long, curved, segmented, ram-like horns that resembled wings due to their sheer size.
[Tiamat] Ddraig said as he saw her through Issei's eyes.
"Tiamat-sama! Please don't do anything you'll regret!" Zinogre pleaded to the Dragon King. She ignored her and kept her sights trained directly on Issei.
"You're Tiamat?" Issei asked.
"Yes, I am. And like with your predecessors, I'm here to kill you," Tiamat said. "Please don't struggle."
Issei barely dodged as Tiamat formed a massive energy claw and slammed it into the ground. He looked on with wide eyes as the trees behind him were leveled in an instant.
"I'm not going to go down so easily!" Issei said as he summoned the [Boosted Gear].
"Like all the others," she whispered. She raised her hand and a red sphere of energy formed in front of her. "Genesis Wave!"
Issei was forced to take to the skies as a red beam of swirling energy tore up the land below him. He looked down and saw the massive trench carved by Tiamat's attack.
"Ddraig!" Issei said.
[Welsh Dragon Balance Breaker!] Ddraig said. [Unfortunately, without your pieces, you no longer have access to Cardinal Crimson Promotion so you can't use those. And I have more bad news, it seems that your DxD G is currently locked away]
"What?" Issei said as he dodged another blast. "How!?"
[I don't know. But it seems that this could be a side effect of your pieces being removed. Try to hold on. I'll find a way to get it unlocked] Ddraig said.
"[Dragon Shot!] Please do!" Issei said as he fired a beam of scarlet energy at Tiamat. She craned her body out of the way and took off towards Issei. She raised her hand and the water in the familiar forest surged towards her. She threw her hand down and the water sped like missiles towards Issei.
"Shit!" Issei weaved out of the water pillars' paths as he flew towards her.
[Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!]
"Take this!" Issei said, landing a solid blow on her face. Tiamat was sent flying back. She caught herself in midair, touching the side of her face.
"You're much more defiant than the others," Tiamat said coldly. Her red eyes glowed eerily. "Unfortunately for you, I won't allow you to perform such a move again."
Tiamat formed a finger gun with her right hand. "Umu Taburuttu," Tiamat announced. A blue orb of energy fired from her finger, piercing through Issei's leg.
"GAH!" Issei screamed in pain as he lowered slightly.
"I told you. It's pointless to resist. Give up and I'll make your death painless," Tiamat said as she fired another one, this time piercing Issei's shoulder.
"ISSEI-SAMA!" Zinogre appeared above Tiamat and swiped her paw down. Tiamat lazily raised her hand and caught the dragon's paw and threw her into the forest floor. She summoned some condensed water and shot it at Zinogre, shattering a few of the dragon's ribs.
"ZIN!" Issei yelled. "You bitch!" Issei snarled, turning to Tiamat.
[Hang on, Issei. I think I've figured it out! Your new power source. It's the thing blocking your DxD G. That coupled with the fact that it's synchronizing with Great Red's flesh. I've never seen anything like this. It's altering the body Ophis and Great Red made for you by inserting themselves into your cells.] Ddraig said.
"Spare me the biology lesson and tell me if you can fix it!" Issei said.
[I can't. I've never encountered anything like this] Ddraig said.
"You said that it's that new power source inside of me right? The one from when I removed my pieces? Do you think that you can sync it with the Boosted Gear's Balance Breaker? At least, until I can figure out how to use it outside of it other than for flight and restore my Pseudo Diabolos Dragon?" Issei asked.
[I'll try. Stall for me!] Ddraig said.
"I will but I don't know for how long I can!" Issei said as he barely dodged a swipe from Tiamat.
"Silence, I see," Tiamat said, catching Issei's attention. "Have you given in and accepted your fate?
"Why?" Issei asked, looking at her. His dark miasmic wings beat behind him.
Tiamat looked confused at his question. "Why what?" she asked.
"Why do you kill Red Dragon Emperors?" Issei asked.
Tiamat looked surprised at his question. Her face contorted into fury as she snarled at him. Her fangs glinted as she screamed at him.
"What right do you have to ask me that question!? You who jails my beloved inside your body like an animal at a zoo!" Tiamat raged.
Issei was taken aback by her statement.
"I'm not Ddraig's prison! In fact, none of this was my choice! If I had any say in the matter of Ddraig's fate, he would be out, free to enjoy life! It's not my fault I ended up with the [Boosted Gear]!" Issei fired back. "But…"
"That still doesn't tell me why you kill them? What do you mean by Ddraig being your beloved?" Issei asked.
Tiamat remained silent, eyeing the boy with silent fury in her eyes. She clenched her fists, her entire body shaking in anger. Below them, Zinogre looked on in silence. She knew why Tiamat killed the Red Dragon Emperors.
"Fine, I'll humor you boy. Consider this a gift before I rend the very life from your body," Tiamat said.
A young blue dragoness walked through the fields of Wales. Tiamat relished the winds that blew gently through her scales. This was nice. She needed this every once in a while. Anu had allowed her to take a week of her duties as the Babylonian Goddess of Chaos. Though she wasn't a Goddess, Tiamat was worshipped as one and she hated it. Though, her deity status wasn't like the others. She was a replacement for Anu's parents, Nammu, the Elder Goddess of Salt Water and Creation, and Apsu, the Elder God of Fresh Water and Creation. The very ones who adopted her before their untimely demise at the hands of their brother, Enki, and his son, Marduk. But here in Wales, no one knew her and that felt great. It was a freedom she never felt before.
"I wish Anu was here…" Tiamat sighed. Anu really needed to take a break. Dealing with Inanna's antics must have been… exhausting to say the least. Over in the distance, she saw a young male dragon with scales as red as blood eating a large Roc. Her stomach rumbled. She flew over and landed next to him. The dragon looked up at her.
"What?" he looked up at her disinterested in her presence. She looked down at the Roc he was eating. He noticed her gaze. The dragon sighed and passed the rest of it to her. Tiamat looked at him gratefully as she dug into the carcass.
"Hey… what's your name?" she asked, looking up. Blood and feathers littered her snout.
"Isn't it polite to introduce yourself first?" the dragon looked at her with bored eyes.
Tiamat blinked and remembered that she never did tell the dragon her name.
"Tiamat! My name is Tiamat! Remember it because I'm going to be famous one day! I will take Palladia Mors' place as a Dragon King!" she declared proudly.
"Palladia Mors? You want to try and fight her? Pfft! Tough luck, shrimp," he said, dismissing her claims. Tiamat puffed out her cheeks and blew smoke from her snout. How dare this ingrate spit on her dreams!
"I'll have you know that I'm the Babylonian Goddess of Chaos!" she yelled standing up.
"And?" the dragon said, looking at her with a bored expression. Tiamat fumed. What right did he have to talk to her like that? She was going to do it. She was going to prove this… insufferable asshole in front of her wrong.
"Just watch you overgrown tomato! I will defeat Palladia Mors!" she yelled and flew off. Who did that stupid wyrm think he was. Ugin? Ophis? Great Red? He was a nobody. At least she had a title.
"Ddraig!" she heard him yell. Tiamat stopped and hovered.
"The name's Ddraig, Tiamat," he said.
"I don't care what your name is! Just you watch! I'll kick Palladia Mors's ass!" Tiamat screamed.
A few months later, Tiamat returned to Wales. She really needed a break. Inanna that annoying bitch. Why did she have to start a contest with Aphrodite of all people? She destroyed an entire chain of Islands and Anu was not happy. She saw the same red dragon roosting by a cliff. Next to him was a smaller black wolf-like dragon the size of a horse. Tiamat landed next behind them. The two twisted their necks and saw her.
"Oh, it's just you. Tiamat, was it?" Ddraig said. The whelp looked at her curiously or at least she thought the whelp was looking. The whelp's eyes were covered by red fur.
"I'm surprised you remembered me," she said huffing. She glowed blue and shifted to her human form. Ddraig raised a scaly brow before glowing red and doing the same. In his human form, Ddraig has red hair and wore a red vest with black kilt. The whelp next to him glowed red before shifting to her human form. She had short white hair styled in a bob cut and wore simple black robes.
"I just need a name to the corpse that Palladia Mors will leave behind, come the Festival of the Dragon Kings," he said, smirking. His fangs glinted in the light as Tiamat's eyes burned in fury.
Tiamat's cheeks puffed as her face turned red. The dragon was not wrong. Palladia Mors would rip her apart and cast her remains over the seas.
"I can help you" Ddraig offered. Tiamat looked up confused. First, he makes fun of her and now he helps her.
"Old Dala made him promise to help you. He always said to help a fellow dragon!" the whelp next to him said happily as if seeing the older dragon being scolded made her happy.
"Wait, Dala? As in Dalamadur? One of the Dragon Kings? He lives here!?" she exclaimed.
"Yeah, the Old Snake lives in that massive peak behind you," Ddraig pointed to a large peak behind her. She looked and saw a massive snow-covered peak. Tiamat could faintly make out the silhouettes of other dragons flying around it.
She suddenly got on her knees and began begging.
"Please take me there! I've always wanted to meet a Dragon King!" she begged. Ddraig sweatdropped.
"Aren't you a goddess?" he said. Tiamat stared at him with massive watery red eyes and a pout on her face. Ddraig tried his hardest not to crumble at the sight. After a few seconds, he cursed himself for this weakness and gave in.
"Alright, I'll take you to the old snake…" Ddraig sighed.
He marveled at her lack of dignity. This dragon called herself a goddess for the Dragon Gods' sake. Tiamat looked at him and gave him the most beautiful smile he had ever witnessed. Ddraig looked away so she couldn't see the blush that was currently forming on his face.
"C' mon! We're burning daylight!" he said as he transformed back into a dragon and took off. The whelp did the same and flew after him. Tiamat smiled and followed suit. After a few minutes, they arrived at a massive cave.
Inside, Tiamat saw a massive serpentine male dragon wrapped around the largest stalagmite in the gave. It was impossibly big, more massive than any dragon Tiamat had ever met. It had a snake-like face with bright, red eyes. On its back were massive barbed spines that ran along its body, being clustered at the neck and spreading out as it moved along. It had a pair of large, clawed forearms and a glowing vents on its chest. If she had to measure, this being in front of her was as large as a mountain and bigger than even Typhon and Humbaba. The dragon turned its red eyes to Tiamat, analyzing her. A forked tongue slipped out of its mouth, tasting the air. Tiamat shivered under his gaze.
"Ddraig, Zinogre. Who is this?" he said, his voice shaking the cavern.
"Old Snake Dalamadur, this is Tiamat. She's new here," Ddraig told him. Dalamadur looked at Tiamat appraisingly.
"A mate for you perhaps Ddraig?" the old dragon asked. Tiamat and Ddraig choked and stared in disbelief at the dragon.
"Are you crazy!" Ddraig and Tiamat said at the same time.
"As if!"
The whelp named Zinogre giggled.
"You're already in sync!" she grinned mischievously.
Ddraig and Tiamat looked at her with red faces.
Dalamadur let out a booming laugh that shook the entire cave.
"Why are you here, Babylonian Dragon?" he asked.
Tiamat's eyes grew wide. How did he know her? She felt pride swell up inside of her. A dragon as renowned as Dalamadur knew who she was. She felt like breaking out into a squealing fit but composed herself.
"Palladia Mors has been telling me about a challenger from down in Anu's little gaggle of Gods," Dalamadur told her as he brought his massive head down.
"Yes, Dalamadur sir! I wish to challenge Palladia Mors for the title of Dragon King!" she said puffing out her chest.
"I see. Tell me, young whelp. What shall you do once you attain the position of Dragon King?" Dalamadur asked.
"What will I do?" Tiamat said. She looked down at the ground. "I… I don't know yet."
"You want to be Dragon King but you do not know why you want to be Dragon King?" Dalamadur asked. "Each dragon king has responsibilities to Dragonkind. It is our job to keep them safe and to rule our regions with utmost authority yet we must also be wise and benevolent. So tell me, young one? What is it that you will do after you become a Dragon King?"
"I…," Tiamat looked down. She thought about it. And thought. And thought. "Can I have some time?"
"Of course. In the meantime, Ddraig! Train her!" Dalamadur ordered.
"What!? But Dalamadur! You can't possibly expect me to train this greenhorn and make her a force to be reckoned with by the time of the Festival of Kings! Plus, I still have to fight that White Bastard!" Ddraig said.
"You will Ddraig. Palladia has explicitly stated that she will not fight anyone unless they are strong enough to even stand in front of her without crumbling. You are the strongest dragon here, even more so than me or Palladia. You will train her," Dalamadur ordered. Ddraig huffed. While he was stronger than him, Ddraig would never attack the dragon he respected most and thought of as a father.
"Fine," Ddraig huffed. "Let's go."
Ddraig turned and walked out of the cave followed by a nervous Tiamat. This dragon in front of her was more powerful than Dalamadur and Palladia. She gulped then shook her head.
Dragons don't feel fear, she thought, slapping her cheeks. Upon exiting the cave, Ddraig and Tiamat transformed into their dragon forms and took off.
"So, Lord Dalamadur said that you're more powerful than he is? Just how much more?" Tiamat asked.
"I don't know exactly. Just that I'm stronger than most dragons," Ddraig answered.
"So that means that if you're stronger? You can go for the title of Dragon King, right?" Tiamat asked.
"There's more to life than being a Dragon King. I, for one, am happy with how I am now. I don't want the burden that comes with being a Dragon King. Administering the region in which you reside and answering challenges from dragons who wish to usurp you, etcetera, etcetera," Ddraig said.
"I mean, I kind of have to deal with that already. Ever since Apsu and Nammu were overthrown by Enki, Enlil, and Anu. I've been chosen to represent them as the Engur so I already know what it's like to administer a region," Tiamat said softly.
"Were you close to Apsu and Nammu?" Ddraig asked.
"I was. I was an orphaned dragon. My birth parents, whoever they were, died defending the nest they found my egg in," she said. She missed them dearly alongside Anu, Ninhursag, and Enlil. And for that reason, she despised Enki and his children. They were the ones who slew the two deities who raised her and gave her their love and affection and she, in turn, loved them as if they were her birth parents.
"I'm sorry for your loss," Ddraig said. "If it's any consolation, I never knew my parents either. The Old Snake found me as a young whelp who recently hatched. My mother's carcass was lying off to the side and he never found out who killed her but… I don't care. The Old Man and Zin, alongside this brood, are the only family I'll ever acknowledge."
Tiamat nodded at his words.
After a few more minutes of flying, Tiamat followed Ddraig to an open field and the two landed.
"Alright, show me what you got," Ddraig said.
Tiamat nodded and got ready to pounce. Without warning, she lunged at Ddraig fangs bared and talons splayed ready to rip into him. Ddraig turned and swung his tail hitting her. Tiamat was sent careening into the ground. She shakily got up.
"One hit? Really? Even Zinogre can last longer than you and she's only 25," Ddraig said with a look of boredom. Tiamat became angry. How dare this dragon insult her!?
She breathed a massive stream of blue fire towards Ddraig who just stood there. Ddraig blew a small puff of red fire which quickly ate through her stream and impacted her in the chest, sending her flying and crashing a few feet away from where she stood. Tiamat screamed in agony as the flame ate through her scales. Ddraig sighed and willed the flames to go out. There was a massive burn wound on her torso and she was barely breathing.
Ddraig started to panic. Had he accidentally killed her? Ddraig picked her up in his claws gently and flew back to the Cave. Dalamadur had begun to yell at him and scolding him for nearly killing an important figure in another pantheon.
"OF ALL THE HARE-BRAINED THINGS YOU HAVE DONE BOY! THIS TAKES THE CAKE!" Dalamadur yelled. "DO YOU NOT REALIZE THAT SHE IS THE CURRENT HOLDER OF APSU AND NAMMU'S POSITIONS WITHIN THE MESOPOTAMIAN PANTHEON! IF SHE DIED, ANU AND PALLADIA MORS WOULD HAVE DECLARED WAR ON US!"
Ddraig just looked down and accepted the tongue lashing Dalamadur was currently giving.
Over the next few weeks, Ddraig visited Tiamat after some of the healer dragons assured him that she would survive but would end up with a scar on the left side of her torso. She was currently in human form sleeping on a small cot. Ddraig sat next to her and saw the scar just below her left breast. He sighed and ran a hand through his hair. The sound of groaning alerted him to Tiamat who was now slowly waking up.
Tiamat's eyes fluttered open slowly as she took in her surroundings. She blinked in confusion. The last thing she remembered was her first spar with Ddraig. Why was she back in the cave? Did something happen? And why was she in human form? She turned her head and saw Ddraig gripping her hand with a smile.
"Thank the Dragon Gods you're awake! I'm sorry for going overboard with the flames," he began apologizing profusely.
"Ugh.. wha-? What flames?" she suddenly remembered the pain of those scorching red flames that ate through her body. Tiamat felt herself all over and touched a bandaged area just underneath her breasts. A scar. She had a scar. Tiamat grinned at the feeling of it.
Ddraig saw her feel the area where the burn scar was and she grinned?
"Why are you smiling? Aren't you mad? I thought goddesses were supposed to care about their appearances?" Ddraig asked her confused.
"No, no. I'm a Dragon first and foremost. This scar is proof that I can win. If I can survive your flames, that means that I can dish out whatever Palladia Mors has to throw at me! Let's keep going!" Tiamat said as she looked at Ddraig. She saw how close his face was. Tiamat stared into Ddraig's green eyes. She felt as if she could just keep staring for the rest of eternity. Her heart began to beat faster the longer she looked into them.
"Tiamat?" Ddraig said.
"Yes?" Tiamat said, not paying attention to his voice.
"You're kind of clo-!" Ddraig was interrupted when the sound of footsteps entered the room.
"Ahem," they both flew apart red in the face. The two dragons turned and saw Zinogre staring at them with a smirk.
"You two gonna kiss already or wha- owie" Zinogre rubbed the top of her head after Ddraig karate chopped it.
"Let's go Tiamat. The Festival of Kings is only three months away and you spent three weeks of those napping," Ddraig said as he walked out of the room. Tiamat's eyes grew wide with excitement and followed him out of the cave.
The next three months were spent training. Ddraig was a brutal teacher and Tiamat always came out with cuts and bruises. She was grateful for the training and took every beating with a smile. Over a few months, Dalamadur was impressed with her progress. She was becoming powerful. Her powers, as he had discovered, were over Calamity. Each battle with Ddraig sharpened and reinforced her power, causing them to grow at an exponential rate.
Maybe Tia is strong enough to defeat Palladia Mors, Dalamadur thought as his eyes fell upon the bluenette who was eating meat with Ddraig and Zin.
The Festival of Kings. A yearly event that every dragon went to. The location had changed every year but this year, Dalamadur hosted the Festival in Wales. It wasn't like the average human festival with tents and food, it was a place where dragons got together and proved themselves. Tiamat looked at the crowd before her. While this wasn't her first time attending a festival, the sheer number of Dragons that showed up to one location never ceased to amaze her. Whelps flew overhead, chasing each other and shooting small, harmless wisps of fire in a game of Tag.
As the two walked among the crowd, Ddraig's eyes widened when he spotted a familiar tuft of white hair.
"Albion, you white cracker bastard!" Ddraig called out. The person in question turned to face them. His blue eyes widened as a battle-hungry grin appeared on his face.
"Ddraig, you damn redneck!" Albion said, walking over to Ddraig and Tiamat. A white aura enveloped his entire body.
The two looked at each other and an oppressive aura began to come down on the entire festival. Everyone froze wondering what the two would do. Ddraig and Albion did the one thing everyone expected least. They fist-bumped.
"I look forward to our next match ya white bastard," Ddraig said to him.
"Same here, lobster boy," Albion replied in kind and walked away.
Everyone sighed. They didn't need to clean up. The last time those two fought at a dragon festival, Atlantis had sunk and Poseidon was pissed. He tried to fight the two but Ddraig and Albion merely roared at him causing the poor sea god to faint.
"Alright," they all heard a voice call out. The six dragon kings walked out. Palladia Mors was in her human form. She had black hair and blue eyes. Next to her was Ugin. He was also in his human form and had green hair and blue eyes. Dalamadur stood next to Ugin. He had blonde hair and a long beard. His eyes were still red. Next to Dalamadur was Fatalis, the strongest Dragon King. He had white hair and red eyes. Next to Fatalis was Kirin, not Qilin. Kirin had white hair and red eyes like Fatalis. Her defining feature was the lone horn that protruded from her forehead. Finally was Chromium Rhuell. He had grey hair and silver eyes.
Palladia stepped forward.
"The challengers for the titles of Dragon King step forward!" she announced.
Tiamat walked to the front proudly. Five others walked to the front with her. The matches began. Dalamadur was defeated by a golden dragon named Fafnir. Chromium was defeated by a black dragon named Vritra. Ugin was defeated by a giant of a dragon named Migardsormr or Jormungandr as the others called him. Kirin was defeated by a dragon named Yu Long. Fatalis was somehow defeated by a dragon named Tannin.
Finally came Tiamat and Palladia Mors' fight. They were in human form. Without warning, Tiamat launched herself towards Palladia. Palladia smirked.
Amateur, she thought. She thrust her hand forward to catch Tiamat in mid-air but hit nothing but air. Tiamat appeared in front of her and sent a kick to her gut launching her into the air. Tiamat appeared behind her and drove her elbow into Palladia's back sending her back down into the ground. Palladia stood up and saw Tiamat hovering over her in the air. She smirked. This will be a good fight. Palladia launched herself to Tiamat, the force of her jump creating a massive shock wave. Palladia appeared in front of Tiamat with her claws extended. She swiped her claws but Tiamat dodged it. Tiamat sent a punch towards Palladia who blocked it and kicked Tiamat sending her flying through the air. Tiamat grit her teeth.
She extended her hand and shot a plume of blue flames. Palladia responded in kind by sending her own deluge of blue fire. The two flames fought for dominance as the air around the flames began to heat up. Every dragon could feel that heat as small plants began to combust.
Suddenly, Tiamat let up and dodged the blue fire of Palladia. She flew towards Palladia with her fist coated in blue fire and nailed her right in the chest. Palladia snarled and transformed into her dragon form. It was a massive black dragon with twisted horns and blue eyes. She breathed a massive ball of fire at her. Tiamat transformed into her dragon form and breathed a stream of blue fire in return. Her fire blast cut straight through Palladia's fireball. Palladia felt an intense burning pain in her torso. She was hit with Tiamat's flames. Tiamat flew up to Palladia who was hovering trying to extinguish the flames. Palladia looked and saw Tiamat swing her tail in a downward motion sending her crashing into the ground creating a massive crater. Palladia looked up and saw Tiamat forming a massive red sphere of fire.
"Ummu-Hubur!"
Palladia opened her mouth and formed a ball of black and red flames.
"Beacon of Destruction!"
Palladia and Tiamat fired their respective attacks. Palladia's fire beam was slowly pushing Tiamat's fireball back. Tiamat struggled to push back but was losing ground slowly. She was about to give up when she heard Ddraig.
"TIAMAT! ARE YOU GOING TO GIVE UP! WHAT HAPPENED TO THAT DRAGONESS THAT WANTED TO BE A DRAGON KING! I DIDN'T WASTE MY TIME TRAINING A QUITTER! FIGHT!" Ddraig yelled at her from the crowd.
Tiamat looked at Ddraig with wide eyes.
Ddraig…, Tiamat thought. She closed her eyes and smiled.
Ddraig smirked when he saw the smile on her face.
She pushed the last of her energy into her attack causing the fireball to expand to the size of a cruise ship. Palladia's eyes grew wide as she tried to push back but found that she couldn't push back. Her attack was swallowed by Tiamat's Ummu-Hubur. The massive ball of fire impacted and a massive explosion incinerated everything in the area. The explosion died down Palladia was seen standing with severe burns. Tiamat landed in front of the Black Dragon of Annihilation.
Palladia grinned. This girl would be a great successor, she thought.
"Good job, whelp. Never in my life did I see the day I would be dethroned but strangely, I'm at peace with this. I hereby grant you the title, Dragon King. Hail Tiamat! The Blue Dragon King of Chaos," she said as she passed out. Tiamat shifted to her human form and wiped the sweat off her brow, panting.
"Tiamat!" she turned and saw Ddraig and Zinogre running towards her.
Ddraig hugged her and swept her up and they both laughed as Ddraig spun Tiamat around. They touched their foreheads together.
"KISS! KISS! KISS! KISS!" Tiamat and Ddraig saw the crowd gathered around them. They were cheering for them to kiss, Zinogre and Dalamadur chief among them. The two went red, looked at each other, and shrugged. Their lips touched and Tiamat felt as if she was in Heaven. For Ddraig, he had never felt anything more satisfying nor had he felt happier. The two broke apart for air and looked at each other and smiled. They separated and looked at the crowd holding hands.
The years would fly by and the dragons would have their festivals. Of course, no dragon could defeat the current kings. Ddraig and Albion had their fights which would devastate an entire country giving the gods headaches. But that didn't matter to Ddraig or Tiamat. The two could never be seen apart for long for where one went the other followed. Soon, Ddraig and Albion gained the title, Heavenly Dragon. A Heavenly Dragon and a Dragon King. Their relationship became somewhat of a fairy tale among mating dragons. They were happy that was until the Great War broke out. The dragons cared little for each side continuing about their lives. The Pantheons scrambled to protect their borders forcing Tiamat to return to Mesopotamia to strengthen the borders.
"It'll only be for a few weeks, my mate. I'll be back," Tiamat reassured him. Tiamat and Ddraig had built themselves a small home outside of a human town in Europe. To the people, they were nothing more than a young couple in love with each other.
"I know. I just have a bad feeling," Ddraig said to her. Tiamat planted a kiss on his cheek.
"It's nothing. I'll see you in two weeks," she said as she formed a Dragon Gate and teleported to Mesopotamia.
Two weeks would pass and Tiamat returned to their home in Wales. She felt that she and Ddraig had been apart for too long and couldn't wait to return home to him. As she walked, she saw the village they lived in up in flames. Tiamat saw Angels, Devils, and Fallen fighting each other with Ddraig and Albion restrained in the background. A figure with white hair and white robes floated above them with his hand outstretched. She took off and shifted to her dragon form killing every angel, fallen, and devil in her path. The white-haired man turned around and Tiamat fell to the ground. She tried to get up but felt herself unable to.
Tiamat looked up and her eyes widened. The last person she had expected to see in this battle was… him?
"Yahweh?" Tiamat asked confused. "What are you doing? I thought you said that you wouldn't get involved in this war."
"Circumstances have forced me to intervene, Tiamat," Yahweh said as he held his hand down, slamming Albion's head back into the ground.
"Well, what are you doing here in my home? Why is my love restrained!? ANSWER ME GOD OF GENESIS!" Tiamat snarled.
"I'm sorry child. But, these two are too dangerous to be allowed to roam free," He said sadly. "I'm afraid that I will have to deal with them before… something worse happens from one of their battles."
Tiamat's eyes grew wide at his words.
"NO! NOOO! Please let him go! Take me instead!" Tiamat begged with tears streaming down her face.
"Tiamat," she turned to look at Ddraig. A reassuring smile was on his face as he looked at her.
"It's okay Tia. Everything will be okay," Ddraig said to her calming her down.
Albion struggled to stand up but could not do it. He couldn't even breathe fire. Yahweh had somehow prevented them from using their powers. Yahweh snapped His fingers and Ddraig and Albion screamed in pain. A white light came out of their eyes and mouth.
"DDRAIIIIG! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!" Tiamat screamed and begged him to stop.
To stop hurting her mate. She screamed until her voice was hoarse. Finally, Ddraig and Albion stopped screaming and their heads fell limp. Tiamat looked on in pure horror and anguish when she saw Ddraig. His eye sockets were nothing more than smoldering holes. Yahweh waved His hand and a red and white sphere appeared. It was his soul. Ddraig's soul. Yahweh placed Ddraig's soul inside a red gauntlet. The gauntlet transformed into a red light and shot off into the sky. He did the same with Albion's.
Suddenly, Tiamat found herself able to move. She felt livid at this being for daring to take her mate away. She let loose a jet of flames only to find nothing had come from her mouth. Her head fell in despair as she looked at her mate's corpse. Her head shook in denial as she began to roar and scream in rage. Yahweh watched sadly as several angels, fallen, and devil tried to restrain her only to be slaughtered.
A white-haired angel with seven pairs of black wings appeared next to Yahweh.
"Father, are you just going to allow her to slaughter your forces?" she asked.
"Let her unleash her grief, Lucifer. If need be, I'll restore those I lost today to her rage," Yahweh said.
"YOU! I'LL KILL YOU!" Tiamat roared, turning to Yahweh and Lucifer. She charged at the God, talons splayed ready to tear into his throat when Yahweh raised his hand. Tiamat felt a force slam into her abdomen, sending her crashing into the ground.
"I'm sorry," Yahweh said sadly. "I know how you must feel."
"LIES! HOW COULD YOU POSSIBLY KNOW HOW I FEEL!?" Tiamat roared.
"I… have felt what it's like to lose the person you love. But mind you, she didn't die. She just didn't love me the way I did her," he said.
Tiamat quieted down and began to sob. She limped over to Ddraig's corpse and curled herself around him. Lucifer looked on in sadness as she watched the dragon wail and saw her father looking at her with similar anguish.
"Do not despair, Tiamat. One day, you will be reunited with him through a host who bears a kind heart and has suffered similar despair," Yahweh said. He and Lucifer disappeared, leaving a broken Tiamat to weep in the ruins of her home.
"And then what happened?" Issei asked, a look of pity on his face.
"I… I wept. I searched when I heard from others that there was someone who wielded his powers. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that he was trapped inside the body of a human. Doomed to repeat his battle. To die over and over again! I can't stand that! I won't stand for it! I will free him no matter who I have to kill!" Tiamat said. "Now do you understand? I kill the hosts in a way to capture the Boosted Gear before it passes on so that I can free Ddraig from the prison Yahweh placed him in."
"I don't know what to say," Issei said. He had never imagined Ddraig to have a history like that. Was it right for Issei to continue hosting him? His body was a barrier to Ddraig's attainment of freedom. To be reunited with his mate, who hovered in front of him. But he couldn't. Because he was trapped within the [Boosted Gear]. Because Issei was alive.
"You don't need to say anything. Just… please. Don't make this harder for me than it is," Tiamat said.
Issei looked down, conflicted. Should he fight back or should he let Tiamat kill him?
[Partner! What are you doing!? Snap out of it! If you die, what will happen to that Angel who loves you? To that Valkyrie! To your friends and family!] Ddraig roared inside of Issei.
"But… Ddraig. Don't you want to be free?" Issei asked.
[Partner… I have always wanted to be free but… not at the price of losing you. Issei, you're the best host I've had. My best friend. Yes, we've had some rough spots. The Oppai Dragon Era… ugh. But through all that, I have never once regretted being your ally.] Ddraig said.
"What about Tiamat?" Issei asked.
[... Tiamat, if Issei wins, will you leave him alone?] Ddraig asked.
Tiamat nodded.
"If he wins," she said.
[Tiamat. I'm sorry for leaving you alone] Ddraig said.
"It's alright. At least, we got to talk again," she said. "One last time before I kill this boy, who separates us."
"I'm not going to die. I have people waiting for me. I too have someone I love waiting for me and I won't let you take me from her just for this!" Issei said.
"And also, I swear… I will right the wrongs done to you two! I will find a way to reunite you!" Issei swore. A bright flame danced in his eyes as his wings flared with more power.
Tiamat looked on with some shock evident on her features. She smirked at his resolve. This boy was different from the ones she had killed in the past.
"Very well then, child. I'll humor you. But don't expect me to hold back," Tiamat said as a dark blue aura surrounded her.
The ground shook underneath her, causing her to stumble. Irina grabbed on to a tree branch to maintain her balance as Yuki hissed as she hung onto Irina's shoulder.
"What was that?" Irina said. She spread her wings and took to the air. Her eyes widened when she was a red and blue streak clashing in mid-air.
"Issei," Irina said. She gritted her teeth and summoned Hauteclere. "Let's go Yuki!" Yuki hung on for dear life as her master spread her wings and took off in a burst of speed.
"Damnit! Ddraig! Is it ready!" Issei said as he barely blocked a kick from Tiamat. He felt his bones creak underneath the force of her blow and gritted his teeth.
[Almost. Just hold on!] Ddraig said.
[Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!]
"HAAAH!" Issei embedded his fist into her gut, causing Tiamat to cough up spit. The Dragon King growled and uppercut Issei, shattering his helmet.
"Just give up!" Tiamat yelled, grabbing his feet and throwing him down to the floor. Issei crashed into the forest, groaning. He barely had time to move as Tiamat slammed her foot into the ground.
"I don't think I can keep going Ddraig," Issei said as he backpedaled away from an approaching Tiamat.
[Damnit Issei! Just a few more seconds!] Ddraig said as he found the power source and began to tug on it.
"Any last words?" Tiamat said.
"ISSEI!"
Issei and Tiamat's heads perked up at the sound of the voice. A barrage of halos impacted Tiamat, sending her flying through the forest. She crashed through several trees before landing in a clearing. Every beast for miles fled as Tiamat crashed.
"Irina?" Issei said, spitting some blood out from his mouth.
"Issei! Are you alright?" Irina said, kneeling next to him. She placed his hand over his wounds and a soft pink light emanated from her hand, healing Issei.
"I'm fine. Just a bit beat up," Issei said.
"Was that…?" Irina said, looking at the devastated chunk of the forest before her.
"Yeah," Issei said, standing. He stumbled a bit before Irina caught him, swinging his arm over her shoulder to support him.
"Thanks," Issei said.
"No problem," Irina answered, her eyes never leaving the sight of the woods.
[Dodge!] Ddraig screamed at the two of them.
Issei pushed Irina before moving out of the way as a beam of chaotic blue and black energy surged past them, destroying miles of forest.
"Insolent! How dare you interfere between a battle of two dragons!" Tiamat roared in rage. Issei and Irina took a step back. Tiamat hovered above them, no longer in her human form. She was in her draconic form. It was a form that inspired both awe and terror in the two. Tiamat had a slender-upper body. Her scales had a crystalline blue hue to them. On her head were a pair of massive curved horns decorated by orange pulsating gems. Her entire body appeared almost ethereal and translucent with wings that appear frayed at the edges.
"Die!" Tiamat opened her maw and unleashed a blue flame-like energy towards them. Issei hopped out of the beam's way.
[Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!] [Boost!]
[Dragon Shot!] Issei fired another blast at Tiamat.
The Dragon King merely swiped her tail and deflected the blast.
"It's over, child! Surrender and I'll spare the angel!" Tiamat commanded. Irina flew over to Tiamat's head and unleashed a barrage of light blasts. Tiamat snarled and swiped her paw, forcing Irina to dodge.
"RIN!" Issei yelled. "STAY BACK! SHE WANTS ME!"
"WHAT!? ARE YOU INSANE!? I'M NOT LETTING YOU FIGHT HER ALO-!"
"YOU HAVE TOO! TRUST ME! I'LL MAKE IT! I NEED TO DO THIS!" Issei yelled. Irina paused, shocked. She wanted to say something but sighed. Nodding, Irina retreated to a safer distance.
"Zin!" Issei yelled to the downed dragon.
"Issei-sama!" she called.
"Go! Get out of here!" Issei said.
"I understand!" Zinogre said before disappearing in a streak of lightning.
[Partner. What are you doing?] Ddraig asked.
"I'm going to keep my promise. I'm going to defeat her and find a way to free you without killing me," Issei said.
[Issei…] Ddraig said.
"It's okay, Ddraig. I know that I haven't been the best partner but… you've always been there for me. It's time I've repaid you and have your back for a change," Issei said.
[It's ready] Ddraig said.
"Good! Let's get wild!" Issei said as black and red energy flared around him.
[This will replace your Cardinal Crimson Promotion but there's no chant to it. The power… it stopped resisting after your little speech just now. Use it. It should respond to you.] Ddraig said.
"Thanks, partner," Issei said. Issei closed his eyes and a wave of power exploded from him. His eyes widened in shock at the black and red wisps of energy surging forth from his body.
The wave of power was enough to send Tiamat back slightly. Her eyes widened. She knew this power.
"Impossible! HOW! HOW DO YOU HAVE HER POWER!?" Tiamat roared.
"I don't even know what this is," Issei said. "But I will use this power to defeat you here and now!"
[Crimson Moon: Full Drive!] Ddraig announced. Issei's armor changed. The red tint of the Boosted Gear vanished as the armor bled black. The green jewels began to glow red as a pair of massive red wings appeared on Issei's back.
"It's over," Issei said.
[Boost!]
Issei appeared behind Tiamat and landed a kick on the back of her head. The dragoness roared in pain as she was sent careening into the forest floor.
"Engur!" Tiamat unleashed a massive beam of azure energy at Issei, who barely had any time to dodge.
"Even in this new form, she can still keep up with me? She's really strong," Issei said as he sped away from Tiamat's beam. "Time to test something out."
Issei raised his hand and fired a beam of black and red energy at Tiamat. Tiamat shielded herself with her wings, blocking the blast, however, a massive wound was left on the webbing of her wings.
"What?" she gasped as she began to lose altitude.
[Now's your chance!] Ddraig said.
Issei nodded and took to the skies.
"This is the end!" Issei said.
"No, I REFUSE! UMMU-HUBUR!" Tiamat formed a massive blue and black orb of pure chaos.
"Issei," Irina said. "ISSEI!"
[Partner. That orb is empowered by the concept of Calamity. If it hits you, even in your new state, she might take you down] Ddraig said.
"Tch! Then I won't back down either!" Issei said. He thrust his hands forward and focused all of his energy stockpiled from his boosts.
"DIE!" Tiamat yelled.
[Dragon Break!] Issei yelled as he fired his attack.
Tiamat's and Issei's beams collided with each other, clashing for dominance as neither gave way. Gradually, Issei was being pushed back as Tiamat poured more power into her attack.
"Damnit!" Issei yelled as he felt her pushing. He boosted his energy and pushed back, sending her skidding across the forest floor considerably. Stray arcs of energy from where their attacks clashed rained down chaos and oblivion all over the familiar forest.
"HAAAAH!" Issei roared as he kept Boosting his power. Tiamat's eyes widened as the beam pierced through her own attack. The world was bathed in crimson light as Tiamat was enveloped by the blast. Irina was forced to erect a barrier to keep from being blown away as the entire forest was leveled in the attack.
Issei landed, his visor vanishing as the light died down. His eyes traveled to the cloud of smoke as it cleared. Tiamat stumbled out of the smoke, blood pouring from several wounds. She glowed a bright blue, transforming into her human form. Tiamat held her torso as blood poured profusely from a massive hole in her abdomen. Issei remained rooted to his spot as she limped her way over.
"I… lost," Tiamat said weakly. She laughed a little then coughed a glob of blood onto Issei's shirt.
"It seems that you did," Issei said, catching her as she fell to her knee.
"Ironic, isn't it? This karma I'm facing… for killing all of Ddraig's hosts only to be slain by his latest one. Fate… has twisted… sense of humor," Tiamat chuckled as she faded in and out of consciousness.
Irina and Zinogre landed behind the two, listening as Tiamat spoke to Issei.
"Issei… I'm sorry for trying to kill you… at least… at least I got to hear him… one… last… time," she said. She reached up and cupped his cheek.
"NO! Don't say things like that! We'll get you patched up and we'll find a way to reunite you and Ddraig! I promised you this!" Issei said angrily as tears began to stream down his face.
"Strange. You're like the son I've always dreamed of having," she said, stroking his cheek soothingly as a mother would her child.
Issei's eyes widened as he felt a warmth come from Tiamat that he seldom felt from his own parents. Yes, his parents cared for and loved him but… he knew that he was always second best to his twin. Even if he never showed that he cared, he still wanted to feel what it felt like.
"Tiamat," Issei whispered, his tears flowing harder. He looked up and saw her smile.
"Don't cry…," she said as the bloodloss began to take hold. Her vision swam in and out as the child she wished to have with Ddraig appeared in her vision and blurred with Issei. She smiled comfortingly as her eyes slowly fell shut. "Mommy's just going… to sleep for a bit." Her hand fell off Issei's cheek as she fell to the ground.
Issei's eyes were wide in anguish as he watched Tiamat fall.
[... Tiamat] Ddraig said.
Irina and Zin watched sadly from the sidelines as Tiamat breathed her last. Her lifeforce was barely there. She would be dead in a few minutes. Irina looked towards Issei, who sat there frozen.
"No," Issei said.
[Huh?] Ddraig said.
"I refuse to let you die without seeing Ddraig again," Issei said. A whisper called out inside of Issei's head, placing him into autopilot. He quickly placed his hand on Tiamat's chest, closing his eyes and smirked when he felt it. She was still there but she was barely holding on.
[Issei… what are you doing?] Ddraig said
"I'm keeping a promise," Issei said. The [Boosted Gear] glowed brightly as it transformed into [Boosted Gear Gift]. The second gem began to glow a bright blue as Issei felt a surge of power and a familiar presence enter the Sacred Gear.
As if possessed, Issei chanted, guided by something inside of him.
"Phama gah paradial," Issei whispered. "My First Liberation was being granted Ddraig's power. My Second was to grant my power to protect others. My third was accepting the power of my rival to better protect those I cherished. My fourth shall be a promise kept to two lovers."
[Issei…] Ddraig said.
A new voice announced from Issei's [Boosted Gear] as the sapphire gem on the Gear glowed brightly.
|Calamity Booster| Tiamat's voice announced.
"Issei, what did you do?" Irina said, walking over to her.
"I righted the wrongs of a deed done hundreds of years ago and reunited two people whose happiness was robbed from them," Issei said, smiling.
[Issei… I don't know what to say] Ddraig said, looking down as a slumbering Tiamat appeared inside Issei's mindscape next to him. He bent down and nuzzled her gently.
"You don't need to thank me. I owe you more than you know," Issei said.
"Issei-sama," Zinogre said. Issei and Irina turned to her. He smiled and walked over to the Dragon petting her snout. Zinogre growled in embarrassment before resigning herself to his pleasurable rubs.
"Let's go home," Issei said. "By the way, what's that cat thing on your shoulder?"
"Oh, you mean Yuki? Isn't she adorable?" Irina said, holding the cat out as they disappeared in a flash of red light.
Above the forest, a figure hovered in mid-air. Her yellow eyes had observed the entire battle. She smiled serenely as the memories of a brown-haired boy following her came to her mind.
"You've grown up to be strong… just like your Onee-chan. I'll see you soon, my little Issei-chan," she said before disappearing.
"Tell me, Issei-sama's mate," Zin said as she sat on Issei's head. Once they had arrived in Kuoh, Issei had told her to shift her size into a more compact form as to not freak everyone out. Zin seemed to hate the idea but obeyed nonetheless, agreeing that panicking the humans wasn't a good idea.
"Yes," Irina said, her face turning red at what Zin had just called her.
"I assume that your familiar is that Cath Palug?" Zin asked.
"Yes… wait, she's what?" Irina asked.
"We're here," Issei said as he opened the gates. They walked up to the front door. Issei rang the doorbell, waiting for someone to answer.
"I got it," a voice said. The door swung open and the person dropped what they were holding.
"Issei-kun…," Akeno said as she looked at him.
Well, once again, I have no idea where the Ddraig X Tiamat pairing came from or who in their right mind decided to create it but as always my credit shall go to xBrawlx. Go check out his stories guys, they're really good. So Issei finally has Tiamat inside the Sacred Gear... again. Someone also told me that use the red lightning wolf because
1. It's cool.
2. It fits Issei's color scheme.
So Issei has Zinogre instead of a lightning unicorn. And Irina has a Cath Palug. I want you all to know that it is not Fou. Before we end this chapter, that cath is not Fou. Another thing is that a lot of you have gleaned from the last chapter that each child has a power from a specific devil clan. I'm not gonna say anything but...
Now to answer some of your more interesting comments from the last chapter:
leader. dbz: Well, yes, that is technically what happened.
AnimeFan0216: Hehehe, who knows what ability Rias will develop by the time her eyes are fully developed? Will it be Gremory's ability to manipulate Space-Time, something like the Tsukuyomi, Truth-Seeker Orb like things? I actually know. I want you guys to guess.
Scrumblenut: Hmm, while I cannot confirm that statement... I do want to ask you which family Lily got her powers from? She used Ice that's your biggest hint.
SkellZero: Natalia's ability Luxuria has two applications of Suggestion and Compulsion. Compulsion is basically her making them act on whatever thought or feeling they have at the time. When combined with Suggestion, it's a sort of imperfect mind-control so to answer your question... yes, it was. She put thoughts in their head and subtly forced them to act upon it.
That's it for now. Remember, review, follow,... fav if you liked it and remember. Have a great day/night or not, the choice is yours~.
