Hi

bye

The Walking Abyss

[Chapter 1]

||The Beginning of the End. For Some||

The intricate process of creating an 'anthropomorphic personification' of the Abyss was as simple as flicking a finger to drive away a planet-sized asteroid off the course of Earth. The naming bit, however, wasn't as simple as expected. Mostly because his sister kept nagging him to give one to his human container.

"What's wrong with Chaos?!" the young man griped as they skimmed through the lush green forest of the Underworld. The gentle moonlight gave a sheen to his black hair currently being brushed to the left by a pair of delicate fingers, trying to lift his bangs up so everyone could see his forehead. "And I'd appreciate it if you can quit messing with my mane, sister."

"The proper term is 'hair', Elder Brother," the vessel accommodating Gaea told him, her legs dangling by his shoulders. "And this is more fun than I expected… I think you'll look more stunning if you switch your hair color to white."

"I don't need my vessel to look 'stunning'." He shoved a hand to his black unbuttoned suit's pocket. "Appearing the least extravagant while maintaining a degree of reasonably annoying professionality is the main part of the reason why I chose to look like this. Very much unlike you and your silly hair and overall getup."

The woman gasped, her gentle lilac eyes widening with mock horror. "How could you say that!" Gaea floated off his back, landing on her clandestine blue knee-high boots, pouting as she noticed his bangs lowering on their own, rendering her earlier work moot. Her mystical long tealish white hair floated gracefully as they settled behind her back, reaching all the way down to her ankles if they weren't unnaturally suspended in the air.

Many others would have found her hair to be absolutely stunning. Enchanting, even, as they would be able to see the reminiscent of the entire cosmos nestling within her hair. As if a glimpse of the universe itself. As a human woman, she was beautiful too. Her white eyelashes brushed against the night air, her delicate figure hugged by a black sleeveless dress and topped with a skirt that reached her thighs.

Her face was mesmerizing on its own, and not even Gods could have remained sane if she ever gave them as much of a shy smile.

Except Chaos himself, of course, who was staring at her precisely like an older brother staring at their little sister who liked to play dress up excessively. Compared to her, Chaos was much simpler with his conservative suit. More direct. Sharp like an obsidian knife with a black tie over his white dress shirt. Where her soft lilac eyes radiated kindness with a hint of sorrow, his chilling blue were hard and cold. Pragmatic to a fault, hiding a deep unforgiving rage that was biding its time. The same traits as his voice; appearing light, but could cut a deep scar if he wanted to.

She was like the universe itself manifesting into a proper lady, while he was the darkness before it that just wanted to get things over with.

"Why do you have to look that extravagant again?" Chaos shot a direct question.

"Because I'm a woman!" Gaea replied curtly, offended. "Why won't I want to look good in front of my children… I… may have overdone it a little, yes, but this is the form we will remain for quite the time, I'd expect. I apologize if I refuse to look as boring as you. Dashing as you are… you're too… stiff."

Chaos made a face as he shook his head. "I forgot they often care about looks above everything else. I should've become a wilting old man on the eve of his lifespan…"

"That's deceitful!" Gaea complained. "None would have taken notice of you until it was all too late!"

"Which is exactly my point." Chaos took a step, and Gaea took one. To the space behind her. "Let's not cloud ourselves and claim looks aren't everything. It isn't, but not without its own merits. The same as 'potential' for those supernatural…"

"And they seek those people to better equip themselves from grievances!" Gaea finally shot back, extending a smooth hand to a distant floating rock, about several hundred miles away, where the Trickster God had just entered the Underworld.

"Greedy little paranoids, that's what they all are. They have no reason to stay that way once I deal with their paranoias."

Loki was just another fool on his expanding shit list. Chaos would deal with Loki later, once the God did something mindlessly stupid and beyond forgiving. He didn't need to wait long, he reckoned.

The rest, however, were a bit trickier to trick.

Like Ophis. The Infinite Idiot; the glorified symbol of an organization built by morons with moronic intentions who dared to use his name as their epithet, along with those idiots who called themselves Heroes and then a slew of Gods who couldn't be bothered to help as they were too busy queuing to fuck the whore Aphrodite.

Those vicious fools would be the first. Gods and whatnot. Later on, the Longinuses. The users left alive of course, just the weapon with the potential to create unnecessary destruction, possibly catatonic. Afterwards, the 'leaders' with abnormal powers. Good leaders didn't need an excessive amount of supernatural power to rule well. If their underlings couldn't respect them because they held no power, then perhaps they need to consider searching other underlings.

Lastly, the Sacred Gears. The gifts of the dead god. And then maybe human's ability to give birth to new gods from faith… Having to rid the void from those abstract tentacular beings was a mild inconvenience he'd rather not have to do again because no beings alive on Earth could have done the job.

In a world where no one had the power to stir chaos - not with unnatural powers, at least-, these artifacts were inessential. At best, they would just become a reason for a fight to happen. Especially when two Longinuses were in the possession of an angsty blood knight with parental issues and the other an irredeemable leech whose mind was perpetually in the gutter.

He'll allow them to cling to those toys. Temporarily.

But Chaos had to be patient. This… human vessel was not without its limitations. He'd lost his omniscience, though that wasn't worth worrying. The skills and prowess he had was enough to level a planet if necessary. Still, he knew the Khaos Brigade was just the tip of the iceberg, and they were mere rabble compared to the rest. Trihexa hadn't even been awakened yet - by anyone twisted enough to actually awaken the Beast.

But staying patient was not a difficult task considering he had been patient this entire existence. What's a few more weeks or months to millennia? Although Chaos didn't need to be patient when he could give a little push… and let the dominoes tumble before him.

To start out; that Black Cat who was busy playing around with a dragon boy and his two devilish companions who couldn't lift a finger because poison was dangerous, he supposed.

The purple mists gave the two Primordial siblings a wide berth as Chaos continued their walk, and Gaea followed suit, slightly wincing from the violent sounds of battle in the skies. The yelling soon grew louder as they came closer to the cat, the dragon and the two devils crying out his name in a dramatic fashion.

A devil in red clutching her neck was the first to notice their arrival.

"Wh...who…?"

Gaea knelt down while her brother continued his strut. "I'm a friend…" she assured Rias Gremory as luminescent blue lights radiated from her hands, pushing away the purplish smog from the devils. "And so is my brother."

The poison was no longer building up inside them, but Rias could still feel their sickening presence inside as she coughed. Next to her, Koneko hacked her lungs as well, rubbing her tiny neck as Gaea stroked her back.

"Th-thanks," Rias stuttered, immediately understanding these two people were not normal people. Especially since the woman's hair was floating as if the air was water, and looked nothing like a normal person's hair given by how it radiated a gentle light. "Who… who are you?"

"I'm… Lorelei," Gaea softly smiled, deciding her name, "and that's my brother. We're not here to harm you." At least she hoped so. Who could tell what her brother had in his mind after… what happened back in Olympus…

At the very least, he spared the innocents.

"Lorelei…?" Rias muttered, tasting the name, browsing through a compendium of names in her memory. If the name was related to a mythology or even once belonged to a devil that had gone extinct. There was no match. "That's… a beautiful name," so she said. "I'm Rias Gremory, and she's Toujou Koneko, my Servant. Thank you for your help."

"And I'm happy to help," 'Lorelei' smiled softly. "You can call me Laura or Laurel for short."

"I will, but I need to help my Servant…" Rias pushed herself off the ground, along with Koneko whose eyes were still glued at her sister and her junior devil not far away from them, worried to death for… strangely enough, both of the combatants.

At least until the man in black stepped between them and froze them in place.

"You," Chaos regarded the boy whose fist was hovering in midair, covered in the glorious crimson red scale mail. "You are… not relevant. Yet." He swiveled around, turning to the nekoshou who had more or less the same expression, except with less panic and more agitation. "You, however… I have a use for you."

He loosened his grip, and the two landed on their feet, gaining distance away from him as the Longinus possessor darted to the devils, speaking to the dragon residing in that gear.

But like he said, Hyoudou Issei didn't matter. He wanted to play the hero then he may well be his guest… and preferably get himself killed in the process so he could rid the world of one Dragon Emperor for good.

The nekoshou, on the other hand, was smart enough to realize she was thoroughly overpowered, and had intended to flee if her body would have listened to her.

"Brother…"

"I won't hurt them, sister," Chaos groaned, now having the ability to actually roll his eyes. "...not unless they give me a reason to… such as not listening and running away in the middle of my sentence."

"What do you want from me," Kuroka hissed, eyes wide and pupils contracting to a thin black slit as Chaos approached her, looming before her with his relatively average height for a human male.

"Not specifically from you," he said promptly, momentarily distracted by the impossibly low neckline of her outfit that somehow didn't fall down and leave her naked. "Although if you can wear your shirt less sloppily, that can be a start. Have you looked into a mirror? You're spilling."

"It's a kimono, not a shirt," the cat told him, vexed that her mother's last heirloom was belittled as some shirt. She'd expect someone in a suit would know better. Powered with stranger powers or otherwise. "And I'm not changing how I look. It's perfectly fine."

"Yes, right," he scoffed. "My apologies, how you choose to mislead others or gain advantage of their glib fascination towards an exposed skin of a woman is beside the point," he smoothly addressed. "You should know where Ophis is. I need you to take me to her."

"...Ophis…?" 'How did he know?' Her eyes seemed to scream. "If you want to join the Brigade, you have the wrong person, pal."

"Join? I intend to destroy it," Chaos corrected. "Starting from the head of the snake, fake as she is because of her unbelievable gullibility, but she may mark the beginning of their downfall."

"She's not evil, brother!" Gaea rose to his side, sparing an apologetic glance at the still befuddled nekoshou. "Those who are tricked her into believing they can help her reclaim her home—"

"Which is somehow not expansive enough to contain another dragon."

"It's her home," she pointed out. "If you have one, would you allow a stranger to walk and sleep in your house?"

"No, but I will personally deal with them myself, instead of being a fool and being fooled by a bunch of murderous halfwits." With Kuroka still frozen in her place, Chaos turned to his sister. "She isn't evil, but she is being used for evil. That's why I need to discipline her, else I'll have to permanently turn the infinite into the… deceased infinite, I suppose."

"...Oh… I'd thought... I thought you were going to…"

"Murder her? Please, sister. I'm not a psychopath. Sociopath, arguably, but I don't murder those who's done no wrong… extreme wrong." He veered at the cat again. No one here was without sin safe from his sister, but her inactions and idle mercy had left billions dead, so… was she really innocent? "So. You're going to take me to Ophis, and then you can be on your merry way and your fruitless quest to regain your little sister."

Her body couldn't move, but her eyes were able to as she searched for her sister, only to be blocked by that annoying dragon kid, looking like he was ready to throw down with her. Worse, the Gremory was up, and her poison mists had died down thanks to this well-dressed asshole… who somehow knew about her and her sister.

But maybe all was not yet lost…

"Okay… I'll take you to her. But only if I take my sister with me."

Koneko instinctively hid behind Rias while Issei stood before them.

"She's my precious Servant, Kuroka," Rias declared, "I'm not letting you take away Koneko."

"And she's my junior at school but also my senior! I don't know who this dude is, but I'll take you both down if I have to!"

Chaos sighed. It would be so easy… so laughably easy to blindly impale these children who thought their shiny toy and their bonds of friendship automatically grant them the ability to play heroes and put themselves on a pedestal above the rest… who also had placed themselves on another pedestal. If it was up to him, he'd have walked to him, reached into his throat and remove his vocal chords so nobody would have to hear his heroic drivel again.

And it would be made easier if not for his sister that liked to prevent him from becoming a true monster by putting a hand on his shoulder and shaking her head with the eyes of a kicked puppy. It was as if she believed he had good in his heart!

It wasn't good that spared the boy. Just the knowledge of knowing what is necessary. Hyoudou Issei's death isn't necessary. But keep this up, and Chaos might add 'permanently shutting up annoyances' to his list of necessary things to get rid off.

So Chaos ignored them and stuck to his current goal. "Don't misinterpret this as a negotiation, feline, it's a demand. Either you accept it, or I will look for another who can fulfill my request like that monkey in the sky."

"You think Bikou is just going to say 'yes' after you threaten me?"

"A demand isn't a threat," Chaos corrected. "Though a threat can be a decorative ribbon to make it sound more appealing. Like 'I will hold your sister hostage and kill her if you refuse'. Now that is a threat. The difference can be uncanny."

He took a spark of joy in the look of absolute horror that swept over her face. How her two large feline ears flinched and wilted, before anger took over and caused them to perk up stiffly. Emotions were much more enjoyable when he could observe them this close.

"Please don't," Gaea begged, suddenly exhausted as she was reminded of the Olympus incident. "It doesn't have to come to this again…"

"It doesn't, it hasn't happened, and that was just an example," he calmly said, guiltless in spite of the look of horror being directed at him. "It might if I keep being stalled here, dear sister."

"Bring us to her," his sister finally spoke to the cat, noting his growing annoyance and thinning tolerance. "And in exchange, I'll… reunite you with your sibling. Without the use of violence or threats," she addressed the alerted devils who had clearly lost their trust on her. Her brother, specifically. "No harmful intentions. There's no need to hurt them to get what you want, I promise."

"Well. There you go..." Chaos snorted, a thin smile on his lips. "A generous incentive no one else can deliver. Now it's just a matter of pride. But only morons let their pride make their choice now… aren't they…" he muttered as he caught the spherical cap of a 'legendary' staff.

"Shitty monkey!" Issei shouted, still unsure where the suited man stood, but going with the standard 'enemy of my enemy' ancient proverb for now.

"A surprisingly appropriate nickname, albeit demeaning," Chaos muttered as Bikou or Son Goku flipped in midair, retracting his staff and landed on his feet. "Have you considered seeking a career in a circus? Gymnastics, if all else fails?"

"Wait, where's Tannin?"

"I'm up here, boy," the Blaze Meteor Dragon announced, hovering in the skies above with his great wings unfurled. "Get back up here, monkey. Our fight hasn't finished yet."

"Yes, monkey," Chaos followed. "Why don't you listen to the wise dragon and stop rudely interrupting my conversation."

"We don't make deals with the unknown," Bikou seethed as he swung his fighting staff, only to be stopped as its tip was pinched by three fingers. "Wha—"

"Please," Gaea uttered, sighing, letting go of the weapon. "Understand. We're not here to harm—"

"I'm not against harm. I'm very broad-minded, as you should know."

"Brother, quit it."

Chaos shrugged. He had a funny inkling despite his lost omnipotence, that he would be doing this simple gesture of indifference a whole lot during his stay. This, and rolling his eyes or head when he felt like an eye-roll wasn't enough to properly express his exasperation. For now, he glanced at the dragon circling the skies, and thought of another dragon.

Tiamat had never answered for her rampages. The destruction she laid which had been written off as natural disasters. If one dragon could do as they please to the world with impunity, then why shouldn't any dragon do the same?

Ah yes, they knew better.

Tiamat should know better too. Soon.

"Who the hell are the two of you?" Bikou leapt away, adopting a defensive stance.

"I'd appreciate it if you don't do anymore stupid shit that might cost me my life, monkey," Kuroka grumbled, not exactly able to move freely yet and forced to resign her fate.

"Guests from the ongoing meeting?" Rias finally asked. "Are you with Odin…?"

"Loki?" Bikou shot a guess as then Rias muttered the name under her breath, assuming the worst. "Is that how you got through the barrier?" It would also explain why they knew of Ophis being in the Khaos Brigade.

"The old lecherous relic or the rebellious step son he couldn't leash. Hmm… well isn't that a tough choice to make. What do you say sister? Would you prefer an old pile of dirt or a young pile of dirt?"

Gaea sighed. "We have our own interest. For the moment, it's Ophis. What Odin or Loki plans to do is not of my concern..." Well she would be lying if she wasn't concerned about them. Especially when her brother was here, eager to be forced to be concerned.

"Mmm. Indeed. And if you keep stalling, I will get angry, and maybe start talking in the universal language you all speak of… also known as violence." A violet plume of flame burst into life, encroaching upon Bikou's red and golden shoes.

"Wh-what the…" the monkey started to stamp out the stubborn flames, eyes widening in horror as he realized it wasn't burning him, but consuming him slowly. "O-oi-oi! What trick is this?! Purple flames? Is this Youjutsu?! Are you a yōkai too?!"

Gaea fired a stream of mystical blue lights that flowed like water, dousing the devouring flames and reconstructing the missing bits of his feet and shoes.

"Who we are doesn't matter. I suggest you bring us now," she yielded to Chaos at last. It was the only way to save these unlucky beings. "And stop seeing us as enemies. Your concern is justified but not your aggression. Else my brother will treat you as an enemy and react accordingly… and I won't stop him next time."

Chaos smiled. "Oh, you know what? Change of agreement. You two bring her here instead. Refuse or fail to bring her here for whatever reason, then I'll hunt you down like animals. Your head will make fine gifts for the new alliance, I'd wager."

Bikou and Kuroke exchanged a worried glance, and nodded. Vali would surely appreciate a battle against this sarcastic hotshot. Dangerous as he might be, Vali could be dangerous if need be.

"And let them off freely after invading a devils' territory? I apologize, Lady Lorelei, but I cannot let your brother do as he wishes in our land."

Chaos wagged a finger at Rias, who clearly didn't appreciate the gesture. "Oh no no, you're not entering or changing this equation, devil. None of you will, if you are wise. No, not even you." He pointed as Issei's crimson scale mail shattered, revealing the boy inside.

Rias staggered back, Koneko still in her hands. "Back away, Ise…"

"Y-yeah… I probably should."

Chaos pursed his lips and nodded approvingly. "Wisest decision so far."

"...Brother?" What was he planning now… Ophis was at least redeemable, and though she wasn't sure how her brother would discipline the Ouroboros Dragon, she knew it was for the best. A powerful being like her shouldn't be easily taken advantage of by ill-meaning people, no matter the reason.

"Odin's here, isn't he? And I'm guessing Loki will make his reappearance soon enough, defying father's order and all that," Chaos chuckled warmly. "And let's not be ruder, sister! The Great Leaders are here… let's go see them and witness how great they are."

To be continued...

Chaos in person is what Five from Umbrella Academy is if he's a god. Looks-wise, the dude from Solo Leveling fits the bill

Gaea's appearance is Brynhildr from Fate/Go in appearance. I like her style, the sparkly hair thing, and BrynSad is a fitting emoji for her

Ophis 'Bad Ophis!' spanking soon

Probably Vali too

Then Nyx

What did he do to the Olympians? Well… stick around while Gaea gets random PTSD.

No you don't have to like Chaos. This isn't that kind of story where the protag(?) is easily liked. Chaos is not easily liked, that's why he's Chaos, not the God in New Testament - old testament god has anger issues, let's be real here. Chaos is smug, arrogant,

Gods probably don't give a shit if you like them either, unless they're Greeks. They really care a lot

If you think logically, none of the dxd villains make sense or remotely likable. Their goal is shallow, their personalities shallower. And it's actually amazing how they can go on being evil for the lulz because the great alliance are even more incompetent at preventing things from happening until it's far too obvious.

See that castle where Rizevim is hiding? You don't suppose we should like… idk… send a spy or something?

Nah he's gucci. - Sirzechs, probably

Uh… Loki has a big, big giant snake and a furry good boy who has bitten Thor… you don't assume we shouldn't send Grayfia or idk… Tannin, over there? Instead of Rias and her posse?

I'd do it, but the plot demands the children to solve things while we pretend our existence has meaning. - Sirzechs, probably

Heaven is even more embarrassing. Idk what Michael is smoking for sending Irina and Xenovia without parental guidance like Griselda or It's-a-me-Dulio. There's a devil lettuce so there's probably the angel version of it.

The best is probably Trihexa because the dude is all action no talk. Big up Trihexa. Shout out to my beasty boi who caused the only meaningful casualties in the entire canon story

I get that dxd is ecchi first, plot later… but damn bro. To be clear, this isn't a hateful rant, just an observation