Chapter 41: The Mutual Front.
*Next day*
Next day, everyone gathered at the spacious hall located at the basement of the Kuoh Town's Sparda mansion.
Me, the Gremory Group + Irina and Alex, Azazel, Baraqiel, The Fallen Angel sisters, Sona's peerage, and the Vali Team were present. Rias and the others was against the idea of having Team Vali in our house, but after hearing Azazel and Sirzechs, they reluctantly agreed.
I'm more concern of why Vali and his team would agree to cooperate with us.
He must be after something from Loki, I just know it.
Odin and Rossweisse were calling their homeland from another room.
It also became a big problem for them since Loki came to Japan.
Now then, we have already started discussing about the countermeasures against Loki.
Sirzechs is also aware about this case we are having. This has also been passed to the heaven and the Fallen-Angel side.
To make Odin the geezer's meeting successful, it was decided for the Three-Alliances to cooperate and protect him.
We have no choice but to confront Loki with just us.
Our opponent is an Evil god. But the biggest problem is the wolf he is carrying with him. Fenrir.
A real monster which has power surpassing that of its father. What I heard was that it has a power on par with the Two Heavenly Dragons before they were sealed, even Tannin-shishou can't beat it one on one.
Of course me and Vali who can't pull out the full power of the Two Heavenly Dragons are no match for it.
By using Juggernaut-Drive we will have a clear chance to defeat it, but the device hasn't completed yet, and Vali will end up using his demonic-powers and won't last long enough to fight Loki. If it goes wrong Vali will also use his lifespan and die.
We might win if the remaining members fight putting their lives on the line, but there will be sacrifices.
Reinforcements…are something we can't hope for. From every faction that is. The terror, where the Hero-faction are sending Sacred Gears users, is still continuing and each faction is in chaos because of it.
Each important area has the maximum alert on and it is a situation where they can't send any of their man power to us.
If that's the case, then we would have to find a way to win this battle while minimizing the casualties as much as possible. Since there is a countermeasure for it, the strategy meeting is still ongoing.
"First of all, Vali. What is your reason for cooperating with us?", asked Azazel, who is standing in front of the whiteboard.
"I just want to fight Loki and Fenrir. Bikou and the others have already agreed to it. Does this reason not satisfy you?", Vali smirked.
I knew he would say that. Azazel then twitched his eyebrows in suspicion.
"Yeah, I'm not satisfied. But it's true that we want you as our manpower. Right now, we are in a situation where each faction can't send their manpower to us because of the Hero-faction. There might be a connection between your team and the Hero-faction, but…. Due to your personality, there is no way for you to cooperate with the Hero-faction."
"Yeah, we try not to get involved with each other as much as possible. I'm still planning to fight Loki and Fenrir even if we aren't able to get your cooperation. –Though if you don't cooperate with us, then we will still battle them while dragging all of you into it."
In other words, this fight can either have two sides or three. Best if it's left as two, I had enough problem with just Loki and Fenrir.
"It seemed like Sirzechs was also thinking hard about this, but he said he won't be able to turn down the offer of you who is the sole survivor of the descendants of Old-Maou. He sure is a naïve Maou, but I also think that it would be better to have you cooperate with us rather than letting you roam free."
"Though there are more issues which we can't come to an agreement with each other.", said Rias who wasn't amused by this.
She had some complaints, but since Sirzechs said it, she can't talk back. Sona agrees, but she's dissatisfied about this.
It must be easier to have them under surveillance rather than letting them free, but I doubt Vali will listen…
Azazel then stares at Vali.
"Though he's probably plotting something. Though it won't be a problem if we make it so that we can cut down any suspicious movements."
"I don't have any intents to do something like that, but if you were to come at me, I won't go down doing nothing.", said Vali as he smirked at Azazel's words.
"… Well, let's put this about Vali away for now. Now, let's move on to the counter measure against Loki. I'm planning to ask a counter measure about Loki and Fenrir to a certain someone."
"Who is this person?", I asked.
"One of the Five Dragon-Kings, 'Sleeping Dragon' Midgardsormr."
Another Dragon King…
As well as the great serpent of Midgard huh…
"Well, that's an obvious choice, but will Midgardsormr respond to our call?", asked Vali.
"We will open the dragon-gate with the Two-Heavenly dragons, the power of the Dragon-King Fafnir, Vritra, and Tannin. We will just summon Midgardsormr's consciousness over there. His actual body is sleeping in the depths of the ocean in North Europe.", Azazel answered.
Hmm. So there is a way like that.
"Is it me or am I…also included….? The truth is I feel pushed back because everyone else are monsters…."
Saji asks that timidly. He does have the Sacred Gear of Vritra after all.
"Well, I will have you come as one of the factors needed. Leave the majority of it to me and the Two Heavenly Dragons. Hold on until I get in contact with Tannin. I will go and talk to Shemhazai about the countermeasure for this. You guys stay on stand-by until I come back. Baraqiel, follow me."
"Roger that."
Azazel and Baraqiel leave the hall after saying that.
The Occult research-club members, and the student council are left behind. And also the members of the Vali team.
"Sekiryuutei!"
Bikou puts his hand up.
"What?"
Bikou says it with a naughty smile.
"Can I go to the indoor pool below this floor?"
I then saw Rias takes a step forward, and points her fingers at Bikou.
"Hey. This house belongs to me and the Sekiryuutei Takeru Silver. I won't allow you to do as you please."
It seems like this house became mine and Rias's… Well, he is mainly an enemy so that can't be helped.
"Now~ Now~, let me use it. Switch princess—"
SMACK!
Rias smacked Bikou's head very hard.
Bikou then talks back at Rias with teary eyes.
"Ouuuuuch! What was that for! Switch-princess!"
"You! Because of you, I….am being called weird names in the Underworld!"
Rias also has teary eyes. She looks like she's about to explode.
So she's still not okay with the nickname, no surprise, it's quite ridiculous.
"Who cares. Oumaryuu Gakuin no Futekigousha, I also watch that anime. I'm honored, since the name I gave is being used."
Bikou just laughs loudly while having fun.
"Nggggggh! What should I do with you….!"
Rias seems like she doesn't like Bikou's attitude and her whole body is trembling. She is enveloped in a red-aura.
"S-So this is the last Excalibur! So amazing."
"Yes. Vali got information from his personal connections, and when we compared it to the scroll passed in my family, we were able to find it. Though the location of it is a secret."
When I looked at the place where the voice came from, Irina and Arthur were discussing about the Excalibur.
Next to them, Kiba and Xenovia seem to be listening to their discussions while being alert.
They must want to know about the holy-swords since both of them are swordsmen.
Then Asia pulls my sleeve. She's acting hesitant.
"What's wrong, Asia?"
"U-Umm….."
Asia directed her gaze….at Vali.
I then realised what she wants to say.
"You want to thank him?"
Asia nods her head silently at my word.
The other day, Vali rescued Asia who was blown away to the dimensional gap. She must want to give him her gratitude.
Such an innocent girl…
Even though Vali is dangerous, I can't really deny such honest request.
I took Asia's hand, and then stood in front of Vali.
Vali is sitting on a chair with his legs crossed and is reading a book of Norse Magic.
So he's study to go against Loki and Fenrir.
"Vali"
"What is it, Takeru Silver?"
When I urged Asia, she steps in front of Vali.
"U-Um… Thank you very much for saving me the other day."
"Hmm? Ah. That's right. Well, I did it out of a whim. Let's not worry about it much."
Vali just looked at us once, and then continued to read the book.
Yeah. Well, this should be okay then.
As I leave with Asia, another pair of people came into my sight.
"…."
"…Nyan."
So it's Koneko and Kuroka, huh.
Koneko is glaring at her sister while being alert and Kuroka on the other hand is putting on a bewitching smile.
"…..Ko…Koneko-chan's sister is beautiful, but she is s…scary~."
Gasper is shaking behind Koneko-chan's back. Don't hide behind a girl.
I approached them and went between the two.
"You ain't going to take her, Kuroka", I said coldly.
Koneko grabbed my hand and hid behind me. She must be still scared of her sister.
Kuroka just put a naughty smile on her face.
"Hee. It seems like your face became even manlier since the last time I saw you nya. Do people turn out like that when they reach Balance-Breaker? Or is it because you 'experienced' a woman's body nya?", she said, giving me a wink.
She then come close to my face and licked my cheek. She stuck out her tongue.
"Hmm. Is this perhaps still a taste of a virgin nya?"
"What do you care about that?", I coldly asked.
"Boo~, how cold…"
She then looks at me for a while.
H~ey, can I ask you one favour nya?"
"What?"
"Won't you try making a baby with me?"
…
What are you…
"You know, I want a child of a dragon. A child from an especially strong dragon. I also asked Vali, but he turned me down. Then, the only one left is you. Humanoid dragon is valuable nyan. And I can't ask for more if it carries the genetics from the heavenly-dragon. I do want to leave behind a child~. That's why I want someone who will give me their genes nyan."
…
Kuroka continues.
"Nyahaha, you will get a bargain if it's now. How about we have physical contact until I get pregnant nya?"
I then felt Koneko's glare behind me.
Kuroka laughs with joy after seeing the former's reaction.
"…I won't hand over…Senpai's *mumble mumble*….to Nee-sama."
I couldn't hear what Koneko said half-way through, but it seems like it reached her sister when I looked at her reaction.
Kuroka made a big smile then waved her hands at me and Koneko-chan. She then went to Vali's place.
…
No, don't even think about it.
…
Akeno is making a sigh at the corner of the room. She's been like that ever since Barakiel's arrival.
"This monkey! I will eliminate you!"
"Try it! Switch!"
And the other two, Rias and Bikou are still fighting…
!
Suddenly, I felt a presence.
My "Eidos Senses" automatically turned on.
I look around, only for a scene to caught my eyes.
A young woman in her 30s, she strongly resembles Akeno.
She is… gently stroking Akeno's head. But Akeno shows no sign of noticing.
…
Is she a ghost?
She then moved her gaze towards me. With a warm, gentle smile, she nodded befor disappearing.
…
What was that?
*Later*
After Azazel returned, me, Saji, and Vali teleported from my place using a transportation magic circle. In order to summon Midgardsormr. Even though we made special preparations, we still need to succeed in summoning his consciousness. The place we came to is an empty white room. Looks like a place used as a stadium for the Rating Games. I look around to see Tannin-shishou is here.
"It hasn't been that long since we last met, all of you.", he said.
"Shishou", I greeted him as I bowed.
"…So the one over there is Vritra huh.", he said, looking at Saji.
"D…D….Dragon…. A Dragon-King! The Ultimate-class devil…!", said Saji, trembling.
"Don't feel nervous. Shishou looks imposing, but he's a good dragon."
"The Ultimate-class devil Tannin-sama is your teacher!?"
"Yeah, didn't I tell you that before?", I said.
I remember telling him that back then, before the party we went to for our match. He then pointed at me.
"Ultimate-class devils are ranks that only the chosen ones can become in the Underworld. Add to that, the current top 10 rankers in the Rating Game are all Ultimate-class devils. The amount of contribution, the results in the game, your ability, you can finally reach that rank when you receive the best estimate value in all of those areas. For devils, it is the best ranking there is.", said Saji with fervent speech.
Yeah yeah, those so-called "Ultimates" still can't do a thing against gods now aren't they? Whatever.
"…Hakuryuukou. The moment you show a slight suspicious movement, I will bite you apart without hesitation.", said Shishou as Vali made a bitter smile.
Azazel activated the spell right away and he draws his personal magic circle on the ground. A light runs through it, forming a special symbol.
"But, will that guy actually come? Even I only met him two or three times.", said Shishou as he sighed.
"If the Two-Heavenly dragons are here then he will respond whether he wants to or not.", said Azazel while drawing the magic circle.
"Is he a difficult dragon?"
When I asked Shishou, he answers while narrowing his eyes.
"That guy basically never moves. He is one of the creatures that makes his movement at the end of the World. He is sleeping till his role is to start. He has come up to the surface at times, but even at those times he continued to sleep. Several hundred years ago, he finally declared that he would continue to sleep until the end of the World."
A dragon like that was able to become a dragon-king? What the hell is the selection qualities for a Dragon King anyway, other than strength?
Putting that aside, since this dragon is at the depth of the ocean. It would be difficult to meet.
"The base of the magic-circle is completed. Now everyone, stand at the location given.", said Azazel as he urged us to our positions.
We all stood on points of the circle. The symbol below us represents the marks of the Two-Heavenly dragons and the Dragon-Kings. Once Azazel confirms our positions, he uses a small magic circle in his hand and starts to proceed to do the last input. A flash of light happens and a shallow light runs through the magic circle. The place I'm standing on glows red and… black? Vali's glows white, Azazel has his spot glowing gold, Saji has black with a slight tin of dark purple, and Shishou has brighter purple.
[Each of them reflects the colour of each dragon.]
Ddraig explains it to me.
[They aren't here right now but blue represents Tiamat, and the green represents Yu-long.]
'Hmm, strange, why is our spot being black and red?'
[To be honest, I have no idea. A possible theory is due to your presense]
'Hmm… maybe… Let's put that aside for now, if we can quickly finish getting what we need from Midgardsormr, then all more time to continue our work'
[Got it]
Then the magic-circle was activated. But there isn't any response, and we stood there for several minutes. Will that dragon's consciousness really manifest?
I became suspicious about this, but a projection of something starts to appear. The projection starts to form a shape above us….
…
Saji's jaw dropped as the vision keeps on expanding.
And….
In front of us was a huge serpentine dragon, coiling around itself as it took the whole space.
It seems to be even bigger than the Gigastorm Dragon, Veldora.
It's head is like Shishou.
"This guy has the biggest body out of all dragons. It must have five or six times the mass of Veldora, the Gigastorm Dragon.", said Shishou.
"*whistle* That's big.", I said as I heard a noise.
[…..GUGOGOGOGOGOGOOOOOOOOON…..]
…
He's asleep…
"Like I thought, he's sleeping. Hey, wake up, Midgardsormr.", said Shishou as Midgardsormr opened his eyes slowly.
[…This is a nostalgic pulse of a dragon. Fuaaaaaaah….]
A single loud sigh. Huh, the biggest mouth of the millennia.
[Oh, its Tannin~. It's been a while.]
He has a very laid-back talking manner.
[…..Even Ddraig and Albion are here. ….Also Fafnir…and Vritra….? Is it the end of the World?]
"No, it isn't. We came here today because there are things we want to ask you so we summoned your consciousness to this place."
Tannin-shishou says that, but…
[….GU….GUGOGOGOGOGN….]
Midgardsormr resumed snoring once again. Great, he's useless.
"Don't sleep! Geez, you and Yu-long never fixed your lazy attitude so I can't stand it!"
Shishou gets mad. Midgardsormr opens its big eyes once again.
[…..You are always angry Tannin… So what is this thing you want to ask me about?]
"I want to ask you about your brother and father."
Shishou says.
Hmm, in the Norse Mythology, Midgardsormr is indeed the other child of Loki.
"To begin with, Midgardsormr is a dragon created by Loki. Even though it had enormous power, due to its gigantic body and his lazy attitude, even the Norse Gods didn't know how they can use him so they ordered him to sleep in the depth of the ocean. They told him to do something at least when the end of the World was to come.", said Azazel.
So that's why he's the "Sleeping Dragon".
How ridiculous.
[So its about 'Wanwan' and 'Daddy'. Okay~. Daddy and Wanwan are beings I don't care about anyway….. Ah, but Tannin. Tell me one thing.]
"What is it?"
[Aren't Ddraig and Albion going to fight?]
He looks at Vali and me with his huge eyes.
"No, they aren't. This time they are planning to defeat Loki and Fenrir by joining forces."
Midgardsormr smiles at Shishou's answer.
[Hee, interesting….. I was wondering about it because both of them are standing together without fighting.]
After saying that, he answered his question.
[Wanwan is more troublesome than Daddy. You would die most of the times if you were bitten by his fangs. But he has a weakness. The magic-chain Gleipnir created by the Dwarves can capture him. You can seal his movement with that.]
Ah, that's right, Gleipnir was made to counter Fenrir.
"We have already checked that. But from the reports from the North, the Gleipnir didn't work. That's why I thought about getting another method from you."
[…..Hmm, maybe Daddy enhanced Wanwan. If that's the case then ask the Dark-Elves living in the certain land of the Norse World. If I remember, their elder knows a technique to power-up the magic residing within the Dwarves items. I will transmit the location of the place where the elder is living to the Sacred Gears of Ddraig and Albion.]
Azazel then points at Vali.
"Send the information to Hakuryuukou. The Sekiryuutei has a more important job here."
Yeah, I need to finish the project, but we might need more time to finalize the device.
Vali received the information.
"-I understood their locations. Azazel, activate the world map using the holographic vision.", said Vali as Azazel opened up his cell phone.
The holographic image of the world map appears. Vali pointed at a certain point. Azazel sends the information to his comrades right away.
"…Hou, you actually know that much."
Old-man says it to Midgardsormr with admiration.
[Yeah. When I went up to the land, the Elves and Dwarves took care of me.]
Won't it be a problem if this dragon is to come up? He's too huge.
"-So how do we take care of Loki?"
Old-man asks about Loki this time.
[Yeah~. Daddy would probably be okay if you use Mjölnir against him.]
Mjölnir, the divine hammer of Thor, the God of Thunder.
Hearing Midgardsormr, Azazel put his hand under his chin.
"In other words, we basically have to attack him normally, huh. But will the Thunder-God Thor lend us his Mjölnir if that shitty-geezer Odin asks him….."
"I doubt Thor will let us borrow it. That is one of the weapons only Gods can use."
Vali says that at Azazel's opinion.
[If that's the case, then ask the Dwarves and Dark-Elves I mentioned earlier. They should have received the replica of Mjölnir from Odin.]
"We are saved thanks to your knowledge, Midgardsormr."
Azazel gave his gratitude with a smile.
[No no. Talking like this at times is fun. Now~, I will be going then. I will be sleeping again. Fuaaaaa~.]
Midgardsormr makes a big sigh. The vision starts to turn off.
"Yeah, thanks."
It seemed like Midgardsormr's big mouth smiled at the old-man's gratitude.
[It's okay. Wake me up again if something happens.]
After saying that, the vision turns off completely, and he has finally disappeared.
Like this, we obtained the information from the Dragon-King and we started our move.
*Next day*
It was morning. We ate our breakfast and gathered at the hall in the basement. No one, included the Sitri, Alex and Azazel are at school or work today. Most employed their familiars or robots to disguise as them, as for me and Alex, since we went a little bit too ahead of class, we can easily get day offs without problem.
The battle against Loki is closing in, so all of us are resting and preparing. The others, included Alex, were feeling down for being unable to go to school today, unfortunately, I was unable to feel the same, so I can't comfort them.
Azazel then appeared while muttering.
He has a very unpleasant expression.
"Here is the present from Odin the geezer. –The replica of Mjölnir. Geez, that shitty geezer was actually hiding this thing. But that Midgardsormr, I can't believe he actually knew about this."
He then continued.
"It is the replica of the legendary weapon wielded by the Norse Thunder-God, Thor. This has the lightning of God running through it."
A divine weapon…
Much like the Yamato…
"Yes, Odin-sama said he will lend this replica of Mjölnir to Sekiryuutei-san. Here you go."
What I received from Rossweisse is a small hammer. It has gorgeous ornament and design on it. It's handle is rather short, must be that the tale of Loki sabotaged the creation of the hammer being true.
"Please send your aura through it.", said Rossweisse.
Followed her instruction, I poured my energy into the hammer.
FLASH!
A single flash. After that, the hammer gradually starts to get bigger….
BANG!
It became a gigantic hammer which exceeds my height, and it dropped down on the ground. Putting the grip aside, the head part of the hammer became ridiculous in size.
The whole hall shakes because of the impact.
… It dug itself onto the ground because of its intense weight.
"Hgrrrrr"
I grunted as I barely managed to lift the hammer.
"Hey hey hey. You put too much aura into it. Keep it down."
Azazel says it while making a sigh. When I lowered my aura down, it got smaller and became a size just right for my hands.
Hmm… I'm still able to lift it, its' weight reduced somewhat, but still heavy.
"You should be able to lift it better in your Balance Breaker state. Anyway, just stop for now."
I let go of the hammer and it shrinks back to its' original size.
"Even if it's a replica, it has the power close to the real thing. It was enchanted so that it can only be used by God, but with Baraqiel's help we made it so even devils can use this temporarily. Don't swing it around randomly, okay? The whole area around this place will vanish because of the high energy of thunder."
"I know, I'm not an idiot", I said with my eyes half-shut.
I know about the mythologies more than enough to know that Thor, as well as his weapon, isn't a joke. He stands in the 5th place among the Top 10, after all.
Certainly, this is a weapon appropriate for the counter-measure against Loki.
"Vali, how about you beg that geezer Odin as well. Maybe right now, he might give you something special."
Azazel said with a lively face.
But Vali makes a fearless smile and shook his head.
"Don't need it. I'm planning to master the power of the Heavenly-dragon's original power. I don't need extra weapons. What I want is something else."
I wonder what that thing is.
"Bikou, good timing. I received a message directed to you."
Azazel then looks at Bikou.
"Huh? To me? From who?"
Bikou points at himself and put on a doubtful face.
"-It goes "Fool. I will punish you as soon as I find you". It was from the Shodai. It seemed like he was looking for you with Yu-long."
"T-That shitty geezer is… So he found out about me being a terrorist. On top of that Yu-long too!"
Bikou started to sweat a lot from Azazel 's words and his face turned pale.
If I remembered correctly, Bikou is the descendant of the original Sun Wukong, the latter is strong, no doubt, I faced not only him, but also Zhu Bajie and Sha Wujing as well. They were a powerful trio, although I was able to beat them back then, with my current strength now, the result will be different. No wonder Bikou is so afraid.
"Bikou, should we go to your homeland once? It might be interesting to meet Yu-long and the First-Generation Sun Wukong."
"… Don't do that, Vali. Putting aside Yu-long who seems to be retired, the first-generation geezer is a real monster. He can still be considered as active. That geezer, has mastered senjutsu and youjutsu completely so he is really strong…"
That, coming from the guy who stood up to Tannin-shishou. Shishou will join in for the battle, so there's some insurance.
"Ah~, I will be reconfirming our strategy. First, we will wait for him to show up at the place of the meeting being held, then the Sitri group will use their powers to transfer you guys to a different location along with Loki and Fenrir. The location of the place you guys will be transferred to is a demolished stone pitting site. The ones taking on Loki will be Takeru and Vali. We will counter him with the Two-Heavenly dragons. The ones taking on Fenrir would be the other members of the Gremory team and Vali team who will use the chain to capture it. I will have you guys eliminate it after that. We definitely can't let Fenrir get to Odin. The fangs of that wolf can crush a God. Even if it is the Chief-God Odin, he will die if bitten with those fangs. We have to stop that from happening at any cost."
That is our plan. The Sitri group will transfer us with the enemy, then me and Vali will take on Loki.
"Now, since we left the chain to the elder from the Dark-elves, we just have to wait for it to be completed, so what is left is… Saji."
Azazel calls Saji.
"What is it, Azazel-sensei"
"You are also important for this strategy. You do have the Vritra Sacred Gear after all."
"Pl…Please hold on a second! I…..I don't have insane power like Takeru-senpai and Hakuryuukou!? I won't be able to fight by taking on a God and Fenrir! I thought I just have to transfer everyone with Kaichou and others!", said Saji in a panic.
Azazel just sighed from that.
"I know. I won't say things like to fight in the front line to you. –But I will have you support your allies with Vritra's power. Especially Takeru and Vali who are fighting in the front line need your support."
"S… Support."
"For that you will need a bit of training. There is something I want to try out. Sona, I will borrow this guy for a bit."
Azazel asks Sona.
"That is okay, but to where?"
"I'm taking him to the fallen-angels territory in the Underworld. Grigori's institute."
Azazel has a cheerful face.
Yeah… I know where this is going…
"Saji, Azazel's training is torture itself. On top of that you are going to the laboratory institute. You are dead if you're not careful"
, I said as his face paled.
"Hahaha. Then let's get going Saji."
Azazel grabs on Saji's collar who starts resisting, and he started to activate the magic-circle.
"Seriously!? I change my mind! H-Help meeeeee! Takeru-senpaaaai! Kaichoooooou!"
The magic circle glows and the two leave with Saji crying.
Don't you dare die of this foolishness, Saji.
Well, putting that aside, Saji will be our support? What is Azazel planning…..?
[In the battle against you, Vritra who was sleeping inside that boy started to wake up. It must have something to do with that.]
I see.
"By the way Ddraig. Aren't you going to talk to Albion?"
It's a reunion after all. I thought there was going to be some conversation.
[No, there isn't anything to talk about… Right, white-one?]
{… Don't talk to me. I don't have a rival called Oumaryuutei}
…
[…]
"[Hah?]"
Both Ddraig and I make a response at the same time.
I have no idea what kind of response that Albion just gave out. Does he hate the name?
{… To be in a ridiculous anime show… and gained such a name… why didn't I have one as well, red-one!?}
…
[…]
Once again, Ddraig I can only look at Albion's reaction with bored expressions.
'He resents us… for not having a new good name?'
[*Sigh*… I have no idea…]
Even Ddraig seems to have given up.
{ Sob. How did this happen….. We were supposed to be the prideful Two Heavenly Dragons…. Do you know how I felt when I heard that you gained a new name? and a cool one!}
…
Is he, the Vanishing Dragon, seriously crying?
Vali was troubled on how to respond.
"…Albion, are you crying again? You were also weeping when we were watching the anime which portrays Takeru Silver."
All of that, because of a name…
Ridiculous.
Vali then asks me while putting on a troubled face.
"-I'm sorry Takeru Silver. At times like this, how should I comfort him?"
…
Onii-chan, help me with this~
!
The image of Mia, my little sister…
…
…
"I'm no therapist, so I can't give you a definitive answer. Try and think of a good new name, for both of you, maybe his heart with ease out.", I said.
I guess… I can at least give this troublesome little brother of mine, an advice.
…
Family, huh…
*Later*
Rias and I were discussing over the data from the fight with Loki and the hammer. Then a magic circle appeared, with Grayfia coming out of it, holding documents.
"Ojou-sama. Here are the documents regarding the magical chain Gleipnir. On the day of the battle, it is scheduled for the chain to be sent directly to the battlefield."
"Thank you, Grayfia."
I think this is the best time to ask.
"Since Grayfia and Rias are here, there's something I want to ask.", I said.
"What is it, Vergil-sama?", asked Grayfia.
"What are the full details of what happened to Akeno years ago?", I asked as Rias and Grayfia looked at each other.
"...It's a sad past.", said Rias.
Akeno's mother was a miko from a certain famous temple.
Her name was Himejima Shuri. It seems like Akeno used her mother's surname.
Then one day, Baraqiel flew near the temple where Akeno's mother, Shuri Himejima was present, after being heavily wounded in a battle against enemy forces. She saved the wounded leader of the fallen-angels, and she nursed him back to health.
"Himejima Akeno's mother got into a close relationship with Baraqiel-dono during then. And it was as if she had a new life inside of her."
Grayfia tells me. Rias then continues.
"Baraqiel couldn't leave Akeno's mother and Akeno, so he stayed there while fulfilling the role of the fallen-angels leader. Even though they had a quiet lifestyle, they still had a peaceful life. –But."
Their peace didn't last long.
Her mother's family got into a misunderstanding, thinking that she had been brainwashed by the fallen-angel's leader with black wings, so they sent out a famous Jutsusha.
Well, they could have been fended off with Baraqiel's power. But among the Jutsusha, there were those who had a grudge against Baraqiel after being defeated by him.
"Those Jutsusha told the location of Baraqiel-dono's house to the ones who were in conflict with the fallen-angels."
When Grayfia said that, Rias put on sad eyes.
"He must have been unlucky. On that day, Baraqiel was away from his home by chance. The enemy attacked the house where Akeno and her mother lived without any hesitation. By the time Baraqiel sensed the danger and arrived... Akeno was saved because her mother protected her with her life. But Akeno's mother was..."
After that, Akeno-san was told about how much her father...how the fallen-angels had many grudges against them from lots of people in the enemy forces. Then, she was shown what reality was when her mother was killed right in front of her eyes.
"Since that day, Himejima Akeno didn't hold any good views towards the fallen-angels. She then had regrets of her mother being killed and closed her heart to Baraqiel-dono."
…
A tragic family…
Like me…
A few years after that, Akeno, who was a half fallen-angel, was chased out from her house, and she was alone wandering various places. It was then that she met Rias… and me…
…
"But you know, Vergil. When Akeno became my servant and started her new life as a devil, she became brighter compared to before. Most of all, her view towards fallen-angels lightened after meeting you. Even getting along with Raynare and Mittelt was a surprise to me. …..The thing about her Okaa-sama passing away is something no one can fix, and Akeno should also know that deep in her heart. But Akeno isn't strong enough to accept that yet."
…
!
My "Eidos Senses" suddenly automatically turned on.
I once again see the woman who was with Akeno back during the briefing.
Why is she here now?
…
!
"Hold on, what does Akeno's mother look like?", I asked both Rias and Grayfia.
""Eh?""
They were both surprised, but then, Grayfia spoke.
"She strongly resembles Akeno Himejima, her daughter, but she's older."
"How old?"
"Hmm… about in her 30s"
…
I then looked back at the woman, she simply nodded with a smile.
"What are you looking, Vergil?", asked Rias as she noticed that I'm focusing on that one direction where the woman is standing.
"Shhh!", I signaled her to be quiet.
…
It's no use, I can't confirm unless I talk to the woman…
…
!
Perhaps.
'Are you Shuri Himejima, Akeno's mother?'
I transmitted my thoughts while using "Eidos Senses", I want to test whether I can telepathically talk to her.
…
Come on…
…
!
A line of letter that has my thoughts appeared in front of the woman. It worked!
Now, what will be your reply…
…
Suddenly, another like of letters appeared in front of me.
'Yes, my name is Shuri Himejima, I'm Akeno's mother. It's an honor to meet you, Vergil-san'
She replied!
Alright, so we can talk after all.
…
Shit, I don't know what to say. But then, another line of letters came from Shuri.
'Ufufu, please don't be nervous, I'm glad to have met the savior of my adorable Akeno, who is also her love.'
…
I then responded.
'Don't call me that. I don't deserve it.'
There's no way I…
?
But Shuri shook her head to the sides.
'You are wrong, you do deserve love. You are just condemned yourself too much, that's what you don't deserve', she said.
…
Such a straightforward reply…
…
Shuri then approaches me, she held my hand.
'Please help my family, Vergil-san, you're the only one who can. Please… help Akeno be close to her father again… Thank you'
…
She said it as she disappeared, like before.
…
"Vergil? Vergil", Rias called me while shaking my shoulder.
"Huh? Oh, Rias", I said.
"You were blank out for a moment there. What's wrong?", asked Grayfia.
…
[You should tell them, partner. They are more involved in this than you do]
…
'You're right.'
I took a breath as I said.
"I just met Shuri Himejima, again"
""Eh? Again""
A completely in-expectation reaction.
"Yes… I first met her during the strategy briefing after the first fight with Loki"
"Why didn't you tell us?", asked Rias.
"I didn't even know what I saw that night. All I know then was a mysterious ghost woman gently stroking Akeno's head. I didn't even know her… until today."
"I see…", said Rias.
"So she must have always watched over Akeno from behind. It must be heartbroken for her, to not be able to talk to her daughter… as well as having to witness her family divided…", said Grayfia saddened.
…
*VIP Room*
"….It was all my fault.", said Azazel.
Azazel and I were in the VIP Room, constructing the Neuro harvester. Alex was here earlier, but he got a call from Michael and had to go out a bit, so we are doing the rest of the work.
"Don't blame yourself, Azazel-sama!", said Raynare who was worried.
"But it's the truth. That day, the one who called him out was me. There was a mission which could only be accomplished by him. That's why I called him out recklessly. During that short time... -I was the one who took away his wife and her mother from Baraqiel and Akeno."
…
"Is that why you tried to look after Akeno in place of Baraqiel?"
"..."
He didn't say anything and didn't stop working.
"You know you could have put someone to protect her while Barakiel was away."
"I know. It was that slight oversight that cost Shuri her life.", said Azazel.
"We've been trying to get Akeno back to normal, but it's still not going too well.", said Raynare.
"Ever since Baraqiel-sama came, she hasn't bothered to listen to us.", said Mittelt.
I then look at the Fallen Angel sisters as I told them.
"I know that you two are her friends, but right now, she needs to be alone. Just let her, and leave it to me."
"Okay"
"Yes, Vergil-niisan"
They both nodded.
"By the way, Senpai, what are you working on?"
Raynare asked me.
I can't tell her…
"Oh, we just working on our mutual engineering hobby, that's all", Azazel said in my place.
"Yeah, to relax", I followed.
"I see…", said Raynare.
…
"How about you two go and play some games? Just open the console in my room"
"Okay, don't overwork, Okay Senpai?"
"Yes, please don't overwork."
They responded with smiles, before leaving the room.
"You sure have a smooth mouth, Vergil", Azazel teased me.
"I don't need to hear that from a guy who have tons of Harems over the centuries", I retorted.
"Touché"
"Putting that aside, to think that you even donated the Maouga's hatred energy conversion core…"
Indeed, back in an incident where Rias and Asia was shrunk into little kids, we had to go to various places to get ingredients for a cure. During the quest to obtain the last ingredient, Azazel summoned a Super Sentai themed Robot that was powered by the emotion of Hatred. It ended up causing more trouble and I have to deal with it.
"This obviously is essential to the success of this Negative Neuro particle harvester. The Maouga's Hatred energy drive was constructed based on Sacred Gears' ability to convert emotions into power. You harvester needs to be able to gather all negative emotions spectrums, in order to fully capture the past possessors' negative feelings", Azazel explained.
Indeed, Hatred isn't the only negative emotion that the past possessors possess. Rage, Lust, Envy, Obsession… they are all there, culminated into a curse that eventually kills the possessor who used [Juggernaut Drive].
With this, that curse will be the power source of the new [Juggernaut Drive], the [Juggernaut Drive] of my vision.
I then heard the door open. Vali came into the room.
"Azazel, I have returned."
"Ah, so it's you. How is it?"
I saw Vali put his hand forward and saw a magic circle with Norse runes.
"I learnt quite a bit of Norse magic. I should be able to withstand Loki's attack for a bit."
So he indeed did learn Norse magic. An adequate choice to deal with the current enemy.
"Understood. …..Okay, since I finished quite a bit of work I will rest for a bit. Takeru, I'll leave the rest to you", said Azazel as he left the room.
The ones left in the room were Vali and me. He was sitting on a sofa, reading that same book about Norse magic. I sat on a chair, finalizing the specifications of the device.
"What are you building?", asked Vali.
"Something that would help me get stronger, you can think of it that way", I replied.
"I see. I can see that you'll be interesting to fight when we do it."
"Not now, there's still the idiot trickster of the North to deal with. Also, I have much to do."
"I know, so do I."
…
Silence blanketed us.
…
"I guess the peace that we currently having isn't welcomed by all", I said, broke the silence.
It's the obvious occurrence, but I need something to say.
"It means there are people who consider your so-called peace to be a painful situation."
To those of the old ways, maybe.
"Is the current world a pain to you?"
Vali looks up at the ceiling at my question.
"I just find it boring. That's why I can't feel anything but joy for this joint-battle."
The kid is a battle maniac, of course he'll say that.
"A world filled with strong individuals yet divided in ideas…"
Vali then interrupted me without noticing.
"-But, because of that, this world is interesting. I will become stronger than everyone."
Vali's dream, huh…
"So many things to do, become the Ultimate [Pawn], become independent from Rias…"
Those are lies. I never thought that far.
"It certainly sounds like you. You definitely have a busy schedule.", said Vali smiling, without noticing my lies.
"And there's one more.", I said while looking directly at him.
"Don't expect yourself will always be above me. When the time comes, I'll beat you soundly."
Maybe a part of me as a Heavenly Dragon, I wish so…
Yet the real me begs the otherwise…
"Yeah, you should come up to the place where I am standing. It makes me happy as you get even stronger. You're trying to grow in a different way from all the Sekiryuutei from the past. You must be the first one to try to master the power of Sekiryuutei while communicating with Ddraig."
[That is correct. I said it before, remember? That you are the first host to talk to me this much in the whole of history. You barely rely on my power. Your sense of self-control is simply astonishing.]
Vali continues after Ddraig.
"They were all hosts who used that very powerful and dangerous power as they wished. In the end, they drowned in Ddraig's power, and perished in the battle."
[Along with the fact that you are potentially the most powerful Sekiryuutei in history…]
"You are also the first Sekiryuutei who is mastering the power of Sekiryuutei."
Albion also speaks.
{Users like that are the most troublesome. When we oppose them, they don't show many openings. You've beaten us once, that's a clear testament.}
Vali agrees at his comments.
"You are right. And just now I had a thought. –In the future it might be interesting to have a match similar to a Rating Game with my team and your team."
Hmm…
A Rating game of such…
…
Might not be a bad idea…
"Sure, but don't expect those of my team to be incompetent weaklings", I said.
"Fufufu, then I shall be looking forward for that time to come and I'll wait. Though it will seem like I would have to fight against the Gremory team first. –One day, lets battle each other."
"The Gremory group won't lose to you bunch. But try and refrain from coming at us as terrorists."
"Fufufu. I can't promise that."
I don't know when that time will come…
But if we were to fight, then I'd rather fight… as your brother…
…
Having these thoughts…
Am I mellowing out?
…
"Yes, yes. It certainly is wonderful. I can feel the youth from you two."
Odin appeared out of nowhere.
"The red and white of this generation are unique. The ones in the past were all wild horses. They rampaged in every location, they started the battle between the red and white selfishly while destroying the surroundings, and then died. They activated 'Juggernaut Drive' as they felt like it. Just think how many mountains and islands were blown away.", said Odin as he sighed.
Rossweisse who is behind him then says it.
"Certainly one of them is a wrathful dragon, and the other one is a terrorist which makes a very dangerous pairing, but you two are calmer than I thought. I thought fighting each other immediately is the way of the Sekiryuutei and Hakuryuukou."
"Well I'm not my predecessors, so don't group me with them", I said.
"I-I'm sorry…", Rossweiss stuttered.
Alex once asked me if I was too cruel to use the past possessors as fuel tanks for my harvester. But I gave him a clear answer: This is their karma.
They dragged others down with them, lots of the good and the innocent were killed because of that. How can I feel sympathy to fools who never learnt a thing over 2 millennia?
"By the way, I'm interested in knowing...what part do you like?", said Odin with a lecherous face.
"What are you talking about?"
Suddenly, Alex comes in.
"If I remembered correctly, Takeru has a slight breast fetish."
…
"Really?", I said as I look at him with my eyes half-shut.
"So he's a Chichiryuutei."
…
[…N….Nuoooooooooon…..]
Ddraig… suddenly cried.
STRANGLE.
I strangled Alex in a headlock, again.
"I give… I give… I", said Alex as he passed out.
I then glared at Odin.
"Never… ever… call me that… again", I said with a cold voice as I pointed at him. Rossweiss then smacked Odin with the huge Harisen.
"By the way Hakuryuukou. Which part…do you like?"
"What are you talking about?"
Again?
Odin was pointing at certain parts of Rossweisse's body.
"The women's body part that you like? This Sekiryuutei over here loves breasts. That's why I thought you also have a fetish like that."
How the hell did you come to that conclusion, shitty geezer?
"Unthinkable."
At least Vali doesn't have a best friend who stab him in the back.
"Now now, you are also a man. There should be body parts that you like in a woman."
"…I don't take interest in those kinds of thing that much. If I had to choose then it would be the hip. I think the line from their waist to their hip is the part which symbolises the beauty of a woman.", answered Vali.
…
I can only facepalm at such answer.
"You fell right for it, you idiot.", I said.
"…I see. So that makes you a 'Ketsuryuukou'."
I heard something snap.
{…N….Nuoooooooooon…..}
It seems like Albion was flooding his tears out.
"Odin, just shut your mouth, you're not making it any better", I said.
Even I started to feel pity for Ddraig and Albion. These two received a shock which makes them cry for the first time in their life.
"Albion, do not cry. I will listen to your worries anytime."
Vali is comforting Albion.
"Like I thought, young ones are good.", said Odin as he rubbed his head.
He's now talking like an old man.
"What do you mean?", I asked as Odin stroked his beard.
"Nothing much. Until this age, this geezer right in front of you believed that he can solve anything with his wisdom. But you know, that was just the pride of this old man. What is truly important is the possibility of the young ones. Hohoho, I started to realise that right now, so how foolish was I….. My pride gave birth to Loki. And now, because of my pride, the young ones are going through hardships."
I saw his eye was full of sorrow.
"Then take things carefully, step by step. Nothing good comes out of rushing things."
Odin had a shocked face.
But I then heard him laugh.
"…..Being young is good. They stimulate the old ones. Yeah, you are right. That is very true.", said Odin as he had a satisfied face.
Young huh…
*Later*
In an empty room, I was doing a zazen posture with my upper body naked.
….
This is to concentrate and sink my consciousness into the Sacred Gear.
After hearing what Azazel said today, I was pondered of the possibility, so I tried to do so.
This will also be a good opportunity to gain data to make any necessary final adjustments for the Neuro harvester.
I sent my consciousness deep into it for an hour and a half, but...
…
I got kicked out halfway.
'This will take a while.'
With Ddraig's help, I dove into the Sacred Gears. I was swimming in darkness, and even if I pass through it, there's only white space.
There were tables and chairs, and people that are past Sekiryuuteis were sitting there. All look hollowed, it can't be helped since they are fragments of their thoughts.
They regain their consciousness only during the [Juggernaut Drive], and they continue to say the cursed chant of the [Juggernaut Drive] to encourage me to go berserk.
It seems that the only way to truly see whether the fruit of our labor would work out, is for me to enter the form, once again.
Maybe I'll do it in the fight against Loki, but only as the last resort.
DOOR OPEN…..
The door opens.
When I looked up to see if someone entered and…..Akeno wearing a white cloth came in.
Why is she here?
She closes the door behind her…
LOCK
… and lock it…
She has her hair down. She seems to be lacking judgment and she looks alluring.
"Vergil-san…"
"What is it?"
She spoke, but in a low tone. She stood in front of me after walking to me slowly. She then untied her obi and... her white cloth drops to the floor.
….
"…Make love to me."
…
Akeno then looked into my eyes and I looked into hers. I noticed her expression was lifeless and in self-abandonment. Her face comes closer to mine.
…
No.
I put my hands on her shoulders.
"Stop.", I said with a stone face.
"...Why? Is my body not attractive...?"
"It's not about your body."
"Then what is it? Is it because I'm not Rias?"
"Are you really going to continue to pretend in front of me?", I said coldly as she jolted.
I look to the side as I took a breath, and then look at Akeno again.
"You're trying the exact same thing as Rias did, how far do you think you can run away, doing so? When I promise that I'll break your pain, I mean it, and it's not to give you an escape plan."
"I can't take it anymore. I... want you to do it to me. Embrace my body with yours. Push me down and take me..."
This fool…
"*Sigh*…Then why do you have a sad face then?"
"-!"
She regained her consciousness with my words.
"When you do things like this to me Akeno, you seem to be having fun. But now, you just want to run away."
"…..That's right. What would you do if I say that? I'm trying to feel relieved by making love with you and head towards the battle. I thought that I can get rid of this feeling if I make love with you."
I shook my head to the sides as I picked up the white cloth that she took off and put it on her. I then hugged her gently.
"You are not allowed to leave this position. Not until I say otherwise"
"Vergil-san…"
She will not be allowed to run away from her problems, they can be solved, and they will be solved.
She will not be allowed to be another me.
And I… will guarantee that.
"I'll stay by your side. I'll always stay by your side whenever you feel sad. I'll hug you like this anytime. I'll protect you Akeno. So cheer up. Let me see the real Akeno.", I said sternly.
"...Such an idiot. Both me...and you..."
"Hmph, I'm already one, a stubborn one at that."
"… Vergil… Thank you...-I love you."
Her voice was mixed with cry and secure sounds. I hugged her like this until I feel like it.
Don't worry Akeno, not just you, none of you will suffer this foolishness…
And soon…
You will all be released of my curse…
*Night*
On the bed was me, Rias, Asia, and Raynare. I already used to not sleeping, the others however, can't sleep due to nervousness.
The battle is coming.
Lots of things happened today, some I did expected, some I did not.
"Can't sleep?", asked Rias.
I thought she was asleep, but she was awake, smiling at me.
"...Akeno had a bright expression. You did something to her right?"
Rias then pinched my cheek, of course it won't hurt.
"I only gave her the encouragement she needed, not the one she wanted"
"Really?"
"Yes.", I said
"Very well."
Suddenly, Rias took my hand…
GROPE.
…and placed it on one of her breasts.
"What are you doing, Rias?", I asked.
"….My heart is beating fast right? Of course it is. We are going to fight against a God. I also feel nervous."
I can feel her heartbeat through my hand.
"I feel it, but why are you letting me touch your breast?"
"I just feel comfortable with you touching me like that. Maybe this can help calm your nerves."
That is… somehow, oddly true…
"You will be fighting in the frontline, you have a crucial role, a fight against a God. You can't go to sleep because you are worried right?"
"Not quite, I already used to not sleeping, years ago… but if it's about worryness, then I'm more concern of Fenrir."
That wolf is a bigger threat than Loki, since my attacks barely effective.
"But you're also worried of your weakened state, right?"
…
She's right…
I hate being weak…
That's why I couldn't save them…
"It's okay. You can say those things in front of me. –I love Vergil even including those parts about you."
Her warmth… once again captivated me…
"You know Vergil?"
"Hmmm?"
"You are my pride. Get stronger Vergil. I know you can do it."
"Pride huh…"
Before I can say anything, she gave me a kiss.
Our third kiss…
It was a long, deep, but gentle kiss…
Somewhere deep in my heart…
I just wanted this to continue… without my pain…
Author's note: I know that you want to question about the Yamato. But not yet, I hate spoiling surprises. Next: The Two Heavenly Dragons VS Loki the trickster.