Shadow: You know there is some irony to this chapter.
Argentum: What do you mean by that?
Shadow: I mean that we've already technically edited this chapter before. Now we're doing it again for the Redux version.
Slayer: Well yeah… but we're not doing to many story changing edits with the redux.
Judan: Uh… we kind of did…
Slayer: What do you mean?
Judan: Well we made Asia idolize Sakuya and turned her into a maid. We also changed the OC Rosalia into Koakuma.
Shadow: Yeah we've made a few key changes already.
Slayer: Alright that's fine. But it's not like they'll change the outcome of the story.
Judan: I wouldn't be too sure about that.
Slayer: What did you do?
Judan: Nothing of too much note.
Chirno: If I somehow die I will kill you.
Argentum: I doubt you'll be killed off.
Chirno: Judan killed off tons of characters in the last version. So I wouldn't be too sure about that.
Shadow: She has a point…
Slayer: Whatever… we've already gone on long enough. So as our guest in the review section, would you like to send us off Chirno?
Chirno: I thought it was called the comment section but Sure!~ We here at the Dark Guard productions own nothing but OC's and reality building concepts. Everything else belongs to their respective owners. Now without further ado…
Everyone: Here's the story!
Hello= Regular talk
[Hello]= Kuros
{Hello}= Ddraig
(Hello)= other sacred gears
'Hello'= Masamune
Hello= Thoughts/talking to inner spirits
(J/N)= Judan Notes
(S/N)= Slayer notes
Chapter Seven: A Lesson On "Poisons"
One and half years ago…
The Spectator
A fourteen year old Rodrick yawned as he awoke sitting upright from a wooden desk. On the desk were a multitude of designs. Some magical, some technological, but mostly they were a mixture of both. Also if his mentor Bladedancer were to see them he'd notice that they were all his.
Yawning he looked around for a clock to see what time it was. Raising an eyebrow he eventually saw one that said three O'clock. Simply shrugging he got up and stretched out his back. Quickly sighing in satisfaction after a loud pop was heard from his spine. When he was done stretching, Rodrick quickly left his workshop through a wooden sliding door. Continuing to move through the hallways of the traditional Japanese home he came to a door. Above the door was his name spelled in Kanji.
Opening it he was surprised to see someone in there already. Although his surprised look softened when he saw it was Ophis. But after a moment he started to frown when he saw some red in her eyes. After all it wasn't like her to cry about anything. However with her in his room at this time of night… he knew that something might have happened that made her need him. Moving to the couch she was on he sat next to her. After observing Ophis for a moment his frown deepened at her current position.
Her back was slightly curved and she was holding her knees to her chest. With the way that she looked now, her petite frame seemed even smaller to him. He had gotten to know Ophis rather well during the last year and a half. He would even go as far as to saying that he loved her dearly. So seeing the dragoness like this caused his own heart to ache a bit.
Rodrick had never seen her like this before, and so did the only thing he could think of. Scooting over to Ophis, he gently put his left arm around her. Then just as gently he pulled her closer to him, accepting his gestures Ophis followed his movements. She even put her head on his chest, just listening to his heart beat calmed her own.
Deciding to find out what was wrong Rodrick spoke up to her. "Ophis… please tell me what's wrong so I can help." Though it was small Ophis gave a smile that lasted only a second. She did appreciate the gesture and decided to tell him.
"Rodrick… I don't know why but I had what everyone calls a nightmare." To say Rodrick was surprised was an understatement. You see after the whole Great Red mess was sorted. Red as they called him, being able to control dreams made it so they often had wonderful dreams. Now most wouldn't think a nightmare was too terrible. However for Ophis, a person who's never had one before… It was a rather daunting thing.
After a pause in conversation she spoke again. "In the nightmare… I was back in the gap. At first I was completely fine with that. It was my first home after all. However after a few days walking around in there I decided to head back here. You know as I usually do." Although he didn't say anything Rodrick nodded his head in understanding.
That's when some tears formed in her eyes. "But when I tried to come back I realized that I couldn't! It tried and tried to get back to you, but… but I couldn't! I also tried to communicate with you. But it was all in vain. Nothing I did could get me out, even trying to scry the world was useless. Because all I saw was pure darkness when I attempted. It was then that I realized after so many years of being alone… I learned that I'm actually scared of being alone. That my time here with all of you has been the best of my life."
At this point her tears were dripping down her face. Doing what he could Rodrick just held her tightly. After bit more crying Ophis lowered her legs and turned to look him in the eye. Ignoring the fact that her hands were on his chest, and the new position was kind of sensual. He gave her his full attention as she spoke.
"Rodrick please promise that you'll never leave me. I don't want to be alone anymore!" Staring at her and her tear streaked face; he decided to do something he'd never done before. He leaned forward and captured the dragoness' lips. Feeling his lips on hers Ophis returned it with fervor. After a minute they parted lips as Rodrick spoke.
"Ophis I may not be at your level yet. I might not know what it was like in the gap. But I do know that I'll always be by your side. Ophis I love you… and I promise to protect you and always be with you." Lips trembling Ophis leapt on him and had another kiss. As it turned out she was starting too really like kissing. After it was done Rodrick looked at her stunned when he saw something amazing. On Ophis' own lips was a smile he'd never seen before… it was a beautiful smile that made her light up in his eyes.
He only had one thought… I want to see more of this smile…
Like I'm the line break~! And you should you know… bow down to me? Yeah…
The Void king
I was angry… no I was beyond angry at this point! I was completely and utterly livid! So angry in fact, that I didn't even care about the monstrous battle going on in front of me. If I had paid attention I would've saw just how slow the battle was. Although thankfully Red, my technical brother in law, was winning. Later he would tell me that if he could, he would've ended the fight much sooner. But with the rest of our group in the area, he didn't want to risk injuring us with his power.
Hearing a pained moan I quickly turned back to my black haired dragoness. Right now she was looking up at me while I held her. Her once beautiful grey eyes were dulled, and her skin was becoming a sickly pale as she continued to breathe heavily.
Still in pain she spoke in a quieted yet pained tone. "Rodrick… this feeling… I don't understand what it is… what… what is this feeling?" There were tears coming from her eyes as her boiling hot blood fell onto me. However with me also having the anatomy of a dragon the heat didn't bother me as I held her tighter. No what did bother me was the fact that Ophis was bleeding in the first place.
So with a pained smile I answered her calmly. "Ophis… right now you're feeling pain. One of the only feelings I've tried help you avoid with your time staying with me. I'm sorry Ophis, I'm sorry I failed you…" Now despite my words she reached up and cupped my left cheek gently before speaking.
"No… you didn't fail me. This isn't… your… fault…" She then fell unconscious as I held her closer. I was now extremely worried as I looked over to Asia who seemed to be struggling. The nun turned maid seemed to be putting more energy into healing Ophis every second. However when she stopped to catch her breath, was when I knew something was wrong.
"Asia what's wrong?" Looking up at me with a worried face she quickly spoke.
"I… I don't know! No matter what I do her wound just won't close!" I was about to say something when Kuros spoke up through my sacred gear.
[Dammit! I didn't think… I didn't realize…] He trailed off before he starting speaking seriously to us. [Listen I'll explain later but we have to act fast to save Ophis.] I was about to question him when he cut me off. [There's no time for questions Rodrick! Right now we need to act fast to save her life!] That got me to shut up as he continued. [Now I know how you feel about using balance breaker. But I need you use it, after that I'll continue my instructions.] Seeing how serious he was I decided to just follow his directions.
So looking to Asia I spoke quickly. "Asia please hold her for a bit, but be careful of her blood. It will burn you if you touch it." Nodding her head with a determined look, I gently passed Ophis to her. Then standing up I jumped back twenty feet, before bringing my dragon gear over my face. It was time to show just why the dragon gear was the strongest Longinus, and also just what made it completely unique. Focusing my power into my sacred gear the white gem started glowing. Closing my eyes, the wind started to pick up around me as an ethereal glow surrounded me.
It was white and I knew everyone but the two fighting were watching me. When I finally opened my eyes they had turn into yellow reptilian slits. Then I spoke with a slightly distorted voice.
"Dragon gear Balance breaker… Birth of the true dragon!" When I said this the glow that framed me covered my entire body. At this point I heard the fighting stop, probably to watch what happened to me. As for myself I felt my bones, skin, organs, everything about me start changing. It wasn't painful though, no it was more pleasurable actually. As if my whole body was taking a pleasing hot shower. When the glow had finally settled and I could be seen again. Everyone who was new to my group was staring up at me with pure astonishment. Because where once was a human male. Was now a medium sized dragon.
I was now twenty feet tall, and thirty five feet long. I looked like a normal western dragon, except for the fact that I didn't have any horns. No instead I had large spikes coming from the tip of my nose, all the way down to my tail that had a spade shape spike at the tip. My scales were blue in color, except for my underbelly which was pure white. Also there was a white gem in the middle of my forehead.
Flexing my long neck I cracked it as I talked to Kuros, although now my voice sounded a lot deeper.
"Okay Kuros what's next?" He quickly answered me.
[You need to lie down with Ophis on your side. Then you have to focus all your power and turn it into pure void energy. Then you need to direct it into her wound as Asia continues to heal her.] Nodding my head I quickly laid down as I talked to Asia.
"Asia bring Ophis over here and lay her on my side. After that continue to heal her as I give her my energy." Though still surprised she quickly followed my orders. Closing my yellow eyes I focused my entire being into pure void energy and sent it into Ophis. It was difficult especially when I heard Yuloto start speaking.
"Now isn't that a sight… never would I think that you'd have a true void dragon on your side. HA! I guess the girl is saved then, so much for me poisoning the girl."
He did what?! I was about to snap at him when Kuros calmed me down.
[Not now Rodrick! Just focus on Ophis, don't waste your energy. Instead just calmly listen to me.] Begrudgingly I calmed myself and listened. [Okay now you're now calm that's good. Now then… did I ever tell you the reason why the Void and Aether joined forces during the great war?] I gave him the mental equivalent of a no before he continued.
[Well that's because the Abyss and Nether also joined forces. Or at least that was the biggest reason… The other was because the Void is the opposite of the Nether, and the Aether is the opposite of the Abyss. Now most think it's the other way around. With the Void always fighting the Abyss, and the Aether always fighting the Nether. But that isn't the case… You see the reason because of that is because the Aether is poisonous to the Abyss, and the Void is poisonous to the Nether and vice versa. The opposing energies simply cannot mix well.]
At this point I was beginning to understand where he was getting at. [You see… all sides have a natural resistance to their opposites. Which is the reason Ophis' attack didn't work. Something I must apologize for, because I didn't think her connection to the void was that strong. Still because of this resistance each side usual fought the other's ally. However if one is wounded by their opposite, than they would be poisoned by the energy coming from the other. So for not realizing that Ophis was more in tuned with the void than I thought… I am truly sorry…]
As he finished speaking I now understood why Asia wasn't able to heal Ophis. She simply didn't have the experience to heal a wound such as this. At least not by herself, but now with me purifying her with void energy she should be fine. Looking down at Ophis I watched as her breathing leveled out, and her wound slowly closed. However me and Asia were starting to tire, Ophis' power was vast. As such it took a lot more out of me to send my power through her core. Thankfully we were showing progress and I wasn't about to give up.
Hearing the sounds I fighting, I turned to see that Red had started attacking with even more ferocity. At this point I knew it was only a matter of time before he destroyed Yuloto. As it seemed that that Nether lord was tiring quickly. Feeling movement beside me I saw Shirone next to Ophis and gently rubbing her head. Looking up at me she spoke.
"So this is your balance breaker…" I nodded my head as she looked back to Ophis before continuing. "Is she going to be okay? I don't want to lose my closest friend." Smiling a soft smile, or at least as soft as I could make it seeing how my teeth were like butcher knives… I reassured her.
"Don't worry my kitten, our Dragoness will be perfectly fine." She sighed in relief before turning back to the fight. Turning to look myself I saw that Yuloto was on his last legs. The entire battle had been him either dodging or shooting large energy based attacks at Red. Who was also doing the same. However unlike Red he didn't have the almost infinite energy the apocalyptic dragon had. Hearing a gasp I quickly turned back to Ophis who now had regained consciousness.
Looking around she looked at me and smiled. "Rodrick… thank you for saving me…" letting my balance breaker go, there was a bright flash of light before I was shown again. I was also holding Ophis close to me. With her last bout of strength, she sat up and kissed me softly before lying back down and falling asleep. It was certainly a relief as I heard her breathing normally again, while a calm look overtook her face. Hearing one last explosion, we all turned towards the battle to see a weakened Yuloto lying on his back. He was breathing heavily, and there was black blood flowing from his crystal like body.
Glaring at the demon I gently gave Ophis to Shirone, before making my way over to Red. Red acknowledged my presence by asking me a question.
"Is she going to be alright?" Glancing at him I spoke up with a nod.
"Yes she'll be fine… but she'll need rest for a few days. If only to regain all the power she lost due to the Nether energy in her body." He gave me a grunt in acknowledgement, before both of us turned our full attention onto the Nether lord.
Looking up at the two of us the monster chuckled before speaking. "Hehehe… whelp I never thought that I'd go down like this… still… I've got to admire your power. Fighting you reminds me of the time I fought in the war. But I suppose this is the end of it… so at least let me say that me wounding the girl wasn't personal. Nor me killing anyone really…" Hearing enough Red raised his left palm and pointed it at him. However despite the threat of annihilation the Nether lord continued speaking. "After all… everything I did was just part of my nature…" Red then fired a blast of pure energy at the Nether lord.
However at the last second something seemed to land in front of Yuloto, and an explosion rocked through the area. As the smoke cleared I couldn't help but let my eyes widened at what I saw.
Because there standing protectively in front of Yuloto was yet another strange creature. It was six feet tall and extremely thin, but that probably had more to do with how he was nothing but a skeleton. The skeleton was wearing an old tattered wizard's robe that opened in the front. However it was held together at the top with the use of two clasps. The robe reached down to its feet, which were covered by dirty tan wizards boots. The boots were slip on boots with pointed toes, and also had the cuffs of the boots folding downwards.
The robe itself looked like it used to be green, but now it was covered is so much dirt and blood. That it looked a brownish red. The sleeves were also long and had wide opened ends. The robe also came with a hood that was up. Also on its left hand was a remnant of what used to be a brown leather glove. Also in that hand was a brown rotting four foot long staff, which had a three foot long double edged blade attached to it. However it was the glowing orange eyes, coming from its exposed eye sockets that unnerved me. Turning to Yuloto it spoke with a ghastly voice.
"Yuloto… my master wished to meet with you once more… I shall now send you to him… while I handle these cretins…" Not really caring as long as he was a saved Yuloto spoke to the skeleton quickly.
"Well as long as I'm alive I don't care, just get me out of here!" Nodding his head slowly the skeleton pointed his bladed staff at the demon. This caused a purple magic circle to appear around him. Realizing what was happening I materialized Masamune while jumping at Yuloto.
"Noo!" However as my blade stabbed downwards the Nether lord was already gone. Turning back towards the skeleton magi, I also materialized my sacred gear while pointing Masamune at him. Speaking with malice I questioned him. "So… judging from your appearance I can only assume that you work for Xilo correct?" The skeleton cackled before answering me.
"Yes… my master is Master Xilo the Mal Rathor, or Dark Wraith in your primitive tongue… you see he needed Yuloto for he is an old friend… Now though I shall deal with you vermin…" As he said that he started to float slightly off the ground. Seeing how he was a hostile, Red launched another wave of red and black energy at him. Another explosion and we couldn't help but stare as the smoke cleared.
Because there completely unharmed was the undead magi.
Laughing at us he spoke. "Hahaha! So sorry… but your power couldn't possibly get through my magic barrier... No matter how strong you are, if one has the ultimate defense… then how can you truly retaliate?"
At this point my anger started to grow at seeing him so easily dismiss us. It probably didn't help that I was still furious about what happened to Ophis. So growling and losing myself to a blind rage. I reared my left arm back as three, foot long black metal claws, came from the holes on top of my sacred gear. Watching me as I charged him the magi laughed as he spoke.
"I already told you! You can't…." He stopped speaking as I punched my arm forward, and my metal claws stabbed right through the barrier he had around himself. The barrier was grey in color and was made up of multiple octagons that formed a sphere one and a half feet away from him.
As such my attack stopped as it reached my armored hand, but it was still surprising as I managed to pierce his so called ultimate shield. "That's… That's… not possible! How?!" I didn't answer as I was still too blinded in my rage to care. But the truth was that over their time together, Kuros had managed to put some of Masamune's cutting power into my claws. Unfortunately they weren't long enough to reach him, so I held up Masamune and sent a vertical slash at him.
Seeing her coming he jumped back as I hit nothing but air. Now staring at me in a new light he gathered some energy in his free hand and then pushed it out at me. The energy turned into a fireball which I cut in half with Masamune. Then I pointed my dragon gear at him, and launched a few darts made of ice out of the hole near my wrist. Surprised he didn't take any chances and dodged out of the way. Though in truth they didn't have the same cutting or piercing ability as Masamune.
But using them as a distraction I charged at the skeleton and lashed out at him. Dodging my attack he stabbed out at me with his staff. Battering it aside with my dragon gear, I retaliated with a stab of my own. Moving to the side he dodged, and gripped his staff in two hands and swiped at my midsection. Seeing the attack I blocked it with my sacred gear, however he was able to push me back a few yards. Spinning around he put the staff on his shoulders before sending a lightning bolt at me. Easily deflecting that with Masamune, I swung my claws at him shredding his barrier.
Grinding his teeth in frustration he jumped back again and sent a blade of wind at me. It missed me as I moved to the left, making it slice through a few trees instead. Increasing my speed I charged him one last time and swung upwards at him with Masamune. Unable to dodge thanks to my speed, Masamune cut through his barrier and right through him as well. For a second I stood there panting seeing how I spent most of my power healing Ophis.
Then suddenly I was pushed back as he exploded in energy. As I watched I saw multiple souls fly out of him as he spoke to me in pain.
"This isn't possible! No one should be able to cut through my barrier with ease!" Slowly lowering his head to see me he looked like he came to a realization as he laughed. "Hahahaha! I see now! It seems I never stood a chance to begin with! Still your luck will run out… as for my master please forgive me….." He then disintegrated into dust as his clothes and staff also disappeared.
Trying to stand up I collapsed onto my knees in exhaustion. Breathing heavily I felt a hand on my back, turning around I smiled lightly as I saw Vali. Smiling at me she spoke.
"It looks like you won." Grimacing I spoke back to her.
"Yeah it seems like I did… but in truth… I lost."
Like I'm the line break~! And you should you know… bow down to me? Yeah…
The Necromancer (J/N the following conversation is in Abyssal)
"As for my master please forgive me…" I couldn't help but sigh as I watched the last moment of my servant's life. Because unlike my corpse puppets… my liches aren't quite as replaceable. But he did his job well and I'll remember Hermit for a while to come. For thanks to him I had my special guest to greet. Speaking of whom…
"It's good to see you my old friend, it has been too long." Turning behind me from where I stood in front of my throne I saw my old comrade Yuloto.
Greeting him myself I spoke. "Yes it's been too long, a couple thousand years yes?" He chuckled at that before I continued speaking. "However I wouldn't have brought you to this pitiful world, just for a reunion. After all those kinds of things… are best done in the home, not in a completely foreign dimension." At my words he nodded before questioning me.
"True words comrade… so tell me… why have you brought me here then?"
Taking a breath I spoke. "I plan to once again try and usurp the thrones of my brothers. However this time I have a plan for that…"
He seemed surprised as he spoke. "You're trying again? I thought Shadow almost killed you the last time you tried?" I sucked in some air at having to remember that moment. The pain and humiliation from my last attempt made me involuntarily shudder.
But I answered my friend all the same. "Yes… well last time I was fairly direct about what I wanted to do. This time will be more… subtle…" Intrigued by my words he spoke.
"What do you have in mind my friend?" Chuckling I began my explanation.
"The first part of my plan is to gain power. You see in this world there are four great powers. You met three of them today in fact, one was the girl you almost killed, the other was the boy, and the last one you met was the one who almost killed you." He grunted at my words but let me continue. "Now you see we'll need to work our way up a bit. But by killing those three and taking their power, we'd then be able to go after the strongest in this world with ease. After that we'll have enough power to deal with my brother Shadow. After him we'll get rid of Night, then Darkness! Then finally I'll be in charge just as I always should have been!"
At my words he laughed before speaking himself. "I see! Then after them we'll deal with the other side and once we're done we'll rule all of this reality!"
"Yes! I'm pleased that you're still as sharp as ever! Still for this to work we'll need you to bring in your Netherlings and Netherim."
Nodding his head in consent he spoke. "That shouldn't be an issue, but are you sure that's necessary? Are you sure your forces won't suffice?"
Sighing I answered him. "Yes I'm sure, because despite those four I've mentioned. There are other powerful forces in this world, and each one has an army of their own." He nodded his head in understanding before asking one last question.
"So… when exactly do we begin our little infidelity?"
Laughing I answered. "Be patient… we've already began phase one, now it's time for phase two!" After saying that I looked behind Yuloto to something behind him. Turning around himself he stared for a bit before speaking.
"Well… I see what you mean by phase two at least." At that the both of us couldn't help but laugh at what was to come.
Like I'm the line break~! And you should you know… bow down to me? Yeah…
Eight days later…
The President
I couldn't help but sigh as I signed off on another piece of paperwork. True I knew I signed up for this when I became student council president. But still… did that have to mean everything that a teacher could deal with, has to turn into something I have to deal with?! I mean seriously! Permission to give their students detention? What's the point of sending me the work, which would take at least a day for me to get back to them on it?
Looking around the student council room I gave another sigh. Usually the room was full of the members of my peerage. Today however, was a rather slow day when it came to running the school. So instead I had them all working on different devil contracts. But as I was all alone… I couldn't help but let my mind wander; I couldn't help but think of a certain golden eyed boy. Rodrick had been acting strange lately. He hasn't exactly said anything, but with the way Vali and Koneko were acting around him… It also didn't help that he along with them were missing for three days. In fact Ophis is still missing for some reason.
Rodrick also looked haggard and irritable. There were bags under his eyes, and he seemed to be constantly muttering about something. I know he's plotting something, an idea that was reinforced when my sister tackled me in a hug earlier this week. At the time when I asked her why she was here her cheerful demeanor became apprehensive. She then said that Rodrick had called in a meeting between a few different factions.
Understandably I was rather surprised. It got me worried that he seemed to be planning for something serious. In fact he didn't even come back to school willingly! No! Instead Koneko, Sakuya, Vali, and Red had to drag him back here. It was really worrying. It also didn't help that Koneko seemed to be completely avoiding Rias, and the rest of her peerage. Speaking of Rias and her peerage… Her new trial member Jing O'Dyna was kind of strange but a nice fellow all around. He at least took his duties seriously, and he isn't even truly part of her peerage yet! This is a contrast to my latest pawn Saji…
I let out another sigh at that thought. It wasn't like he was a terrible worker, or a despicable guy he's just… well I know he has a crush on me, and the fact he took four pawns has gone to his head.
Unfortunately for him I think I may like someone else… Blushing a bit at that thought I heard a knock on the door. Quickly composing myself I called out to them.
"Yes?!" After a moment I heard a familiar voice.
"Kaichou can we speak to you for a moment?" The voice belonged to Koneko, but at her tone I couldn't help but frown.
"Alright you can come in." As the door opened I was surprised to see that Koneko wasn't alone. No she was also with Vali Lucifer who seemed to be still getting use to the school uniform. If her stiff posture and holding the hem of her skirt down was any indication. "Not that I mind seeing you two… but what are you doing here?" Looking at each other nervously they stepped in and closed the door behind them, before finding a spot to sit.
After a moment of tense silence Koneko spoke up. "Look I'm going to be a bit blunt here…" She then took a breath before continuing. "Sona we need your help with Rodrick." I blinked in surprise before questioning them.
"It's not like I won't help, I mean I've also noticed just how strange he's been acting. But why do you need my help? I'm sure between the two of you and Ophis you'd be able to help him." Apparently that was the wrong thing to say as both seemed to wince and grimace. "Okay what exactly is going on here? Did Ophis and Rodrick have a falling out or something? I mean she's been missing for a few days."
Vali shook her head before answering. "No don't worry that didn't happen. If it did then the situation would probably be worse, only for different reasons. However as it is… the current situation isn't any good either, mostly considering Rodrick blames himself for what happened to her."
Now with a worried look of my own I questioned them. "What exactly happened? It hasn't been just Rodrick you know, all of you have been acting a little off. Especially you Koneko, you've been avoiding Rias and the others these last eight days." Once again looking at one another Koneko took a deep breath before speaking.
"Fortunately my slight falling out with Rias is something unrelated. I'll deal with that after we help Rodrick, he's already done so much for us. The least we can do is help him with his issues before working on our own." I nodded my head in agreement before she continued. "Now what we tell you can't be told to anyone else yet. So you have to promise us you won't say anything. For this information is confidential and could start a panic." I was going to say something against promising, when I noticed the look in her eyes. It was completely serious, as if what I was going to be told would change the world soon enough. Little did I know just how correct I was…
So despite my reservations I nodded my head. "Alright if you feel that strongly about this then you have my word. I promise I won't reveal any information shared with me here." Both girls visibly relaxed before tensing up again as Vali spoke.
"Thank you Sona, I can see why Rodrick trusts you so much." I blinked in surprise at that but didn't say anything as Vali continued speaking. "Alright as you know eight days ago Rodrick took all of us to get familiars. Koneko was invited and tagged along. In regards to familiars it was a huge success, well besides a few… interesting familiars." I looked at them confused as Koneko and Vali, seemed to develop glazed looks before snapping out of it.
Thankfully Koneko quickly picked up where Vali left off. "Rodrick probably got the best deal though. Now it wasn't until we got Mittelt's familiar that things started to go sour. You see Mittelt ended up getting a young hellhound as a familiar. However for some reason she can turn into a human." Again I was surprised but didn't interrupt. "When we found her she was scared and had a bite taken out of her leg. You see there was a rather vile monster roaming the forest, and Fay the five year old hellhound watched as it brutally murdered her mother."
I couldn't help but gasp at that which prompted Vali to speak angrily. "Yeah I know what you're thinking. In fact I still want to kill the sick bastard who did it. Trust me the creature took a sick pleasure in what he did. He also had the gall to blame the whole thing being his "nature". But we're getting ahead of the story. You see after they found Fay they ran to catch up with us, since we decided to split up to cover more ground. It was after that point that Cirno an ice fairy, had ran up to us and practically all but begged Issei to make her his familiar."
I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow before questioning her. "An ice fairy voluntarily became Hyoudou's familiar?" Vali chuckled before explaining.
"Yeah at the time we had no idea what was going on. However after the monster that traumatized Fay came out of the trees following her it kind of made sense. You see Cirno thought that becoming Issei's familiar than he'd protect her. Also to his credit Issei did but that's another story. Now at that point Kuros, practically screamed at us to let Ophis and Red handle it." I pursed my lips at that, Rodrick had told me about Kuros and his sacred gear before.
So if he was telling them not to fight something than it had to be serious. Seeing my troubled look Koneko nodded her head in understanding, before continuing where Vali left off.
"Yes I understand, still what happened next was a huge shock. Yuloto as we learned he was called ended up mocking Ophis on her height and she didn't take that too well…" After she said that, I heard Koneko mumble angrily about being petite and not short. Thankfully she continued after a moment. "So telling Red to back off she tried to obliterate Yuloto. However it was after that when things took a turn for the worse. You see Ophis' attack did nothing allowing for Yuloto to wound Ophis severely." I gasped at this point since things were becoming clearer.
Seeing this Koneko nodded her head sadly before continuing. "As you may have guessed Rodrick didn't take this too well. In fact none of us did, but Kuros had warned us not to fight. So instead Red attacked him. I'll admit… because of that I remembered that underneath all the joking, gentleness with Mittelt, and uncaring attitude. That he is the apocalyptic dragon. So with all that going on, Rodrick tried to have Asia heal Ophis only for her sacred gear to not work. I'm not exactly sure what happened but, I did learn that Yuloto was a Nether lord. As such he was able to poison Ophis with his energy. Something about her being connected to the void."
Koneko shrugged her shoulders at that before continuing. "If you want to know specifics about that you'd have to ask Rodrick. All I knew was that unless something was done Ophis was actually going to die. Luckily Kuros knew of a cure, and Rodrick was able to heal her… or at least for the most part. However even being out of critical condition, Ophis was out of it for three days. When she woke Rodrick still didn't want to leave her side, but with her order we forcibly dragged him out of the house." I couldn't help but smile at that, while also feeling relieved that Ophis was okay for the most part.
"Well that's good to hear, still I suppose our dear Ophis is still bed ridden at the moment?"
Nodding her head Vali spoke. "Yeah she is, in fact even she's getting annoyed with the way Rodrick's treating her. Seriously the girl may grumble about having everything done for her. But the doctor's orders, or in this case Kuros' orders… have been for her to rest until all the Nether energy is out of her system. Still back to the story at hand." Nodding my head she continued where we left off. "Now Red would've killed Yuloto if it wasn't for some interference from an ally of his. You see a lich who specialized in barriers came by and saved him by teleporting him somewhere. In anger Red tried to erase him from existence, but the liches barrier held strong."
As this story went by I couldn't help but find my worry growing. It only got worse as Vali continued. "Thankfully that barrier was useless against Rodrick. Seeing how he sliced it and him to ribbons in a blind rage. My guess the reason why that happened was because he was already angry about Fay. Then his anger just grew as Ophis got hurt, and then to have the one responsible just teleport away… Well I think his rage just broke. After that he's been beating himself up over it. Blaming himself for not being strong enough. At the moment he can't even bring himself to look into our eyes. He loves all of us, but being unable to protect Ophis hit him hard."
I couldn't help but sigh at what she said, because that really did sound like Rodrick all right. It did match his character. Heck even though he hadn't told me exact details, I know that he still blames himself for his twin brother's death. Seeing Ophis dying in his arms probably brought up a lot of bad memories.
Still that left one question. "So what do you need me to do? If you three can't snap him out of it what hope do I have?"
Glancing at each other Vali turned to me to explain. "As you may have guessed the three of us truly do love Rodrick. He also really loves us. But no matter how much he loves us he still has stronger feelings for one over the other. He doesn't mean to and it has always bothered him. He also knows that we know, and feels terrible about it. We however have accepted it, seeing how his heart is large enough for all of us still. In fact we've even made a ranking system for all of us." Intrigued I leaned in closer. "The first is obviously Ophis, seeing how she was his first love and even friend. The second is our dear Koneko here who he adores."
At her words Koneko blushed a bright red but Vali still continued. "Then there's me at fourth place, but only because we were nothing but good friends until recently."
I nodded my head in understanding until I realized something. "Wait a minute… you said that you're in fourth place. If that's true then who's in third?" Both smiled at me before pointing their index fingers at me. To say I was shocked was an understatement. In fact all I could do was point my own finger at myself as my mouth opened in silence. Both nodded at my gesture, and before I could deny anything Koneko cut me off.
"Sona please don't say anything, he loves you and that's all there is to it. We also know that you love him and we're willing to accept that. As long as you admit it to not only him, but also yourself." Sitting back heavily in my chair I began to think.
Am I really in love with Rodrick? And if I am, do I want to share him? Thinking back to all the time we've spent together, and all the secrets he's told me after revealing himself. Back to all the strategy games we've played. To the times he was able to get me to smile or even just laugh at one of his jokes. I realized that I truly did have deep feelings for him. On top of that I just asked if I was willing to share him… So really how obvious could it be? At that point I also guessed that I was indeed willing to share him. I mean based on what the other girls have told me about him treating them like princess's despite having three girls already…
Well I guessed that just little old me wouldn't be too much for him.
But that left my original question unanswered. "Fine I concede that I am willing to share him among the three of you. But you still didn't explain to me about what you wanted me to do for him. I mean I'll do anything to help but you two haven't explained yet." Both ended up grinning at me with a look in their eye that reminded me of my sister. Gulping nervously I only had one thought…
What exactly have I signed up for? Luckily it's Friday but still?
Like I'm the line break~! And you should you know… bow down to me? Yeah…
After school at the Booker residence…
Fidgeting nervously I was outside the door that led to the training area. I had already talked to Ophis who seemed to be completely up for my joining them in Rodrick's bed. Ophis' words not mine… and now I'm in the outfit the three girls had me for this quote unquote mission. It embarrassed me… and I couldn't quite understand how they got me to wear the outfit of their own making. At the moment I was wearing something that Vali had bought prior to our meeting. Apparently it was one of the reasons why we just now talked.
At the moment I was wearing a tiny black mini skirt that that was smooth, and was held together by two clasps on the right side. It wasn't tight around my legs like a business skirt but flowy like the uniform's skirt. I was also wearing white tights with black short boots. For my upper body I was wearing a low cut white tank top, with an opened black bolo coat over it. The sleeves reached my wrists and opened out. That's not even to say what kind of underwear they forced me to wear!
It was rather different than what I usually wear. In my hair on the right side of my head, was a clip they gave me that was made to look like a silver western dragon. After they explained the reason for the clip I decided it would be something I'd always wear.
You see apparently they've all had a piece of jewelry, that they had which basically said they were Rodrick's. Koneko had a ring which she usually kept off at school, Vali had a bracelet, and Ophis had a necklace. Of course they said they were waiting for me to join them, before wearing them out in public let alone in front of Rodrick. Apparently they knew I was going to join them. On the other hand… Rodrick himself had no idea that what those three were doing. But I figured being one of the wives to a draconic gentlemen such as Rodrick wouldn't be too bad.~ I giggled at that thought before becoming serious.
Taking one last breath I put my hand on the metal door. Waiting a bit as circular seals appeared on the door. They eventually faded and I pushed the door open. I quickly let out a sigh of relief at that, because although Sakuya had assured me that I was put into the security matrix for the house. I was still worried that something might've gone wrong. And based off the details Rodrick gave me about his houses defenses… Well I really didn't want to chance anything, although I couldn't wait until Sakuya finished my key so I could come here anytime I want.
In fact… I might just move in here. I mean if I'm going to be one of his wives I might as well. Blushing a bit at that thought I shook my head while slapping my cheeks. Now gaining a determined expression on my face, I descended the steps that led to the training room. As I made my way down I remembered what my job was. You see the other girls had already tried to talk him out of his self-destructive attitude. However all of them were in extreme danger while in the forest. As such he blamed himself for putting them in it. Ophis bleeding out in his arms certainly didn't help any.
However they said since I wasn't there, combined with the fact that I'm also a king of my own peerage… well they just said I'd be able to do something about it. They also said I didn't have as much emotional baggage either.
Not exactly sure what logic led to that conclusion… but I was willing to do anything to help my love out of his self-doubt. I really shouldn't have said anything though… it was what made me end up wearing this outfit. Luckily for me Koneko stopped Vali from getting a tight, black, French maid's outfit with an even shorter skirt and short sleeves… Though when I saw her exit the store with four boxes... let's just say I got kind of worried.
Said it was a for a surprise occasion. This had ended up worrying both me and Koneko, while Ophis took it in stride. She still wasn't used to the concept of modesty and dignity yet… My thoughts were interrupted by the sounds of exertion. It seemed like the others were right, Rodrick was pushing his body to the absolute limit. Now don't get me wrong, that was just fine. But he was pushing himself pas the point of exhaustion. His body needed rest and he wasn't giving it any.
When I finally made it down I noticed that the sounds stopped. Worried I moved faster and when I entered the training room. I couldn't help but marvel at it a bit. It was large and was covered in panels. When I heard Rodrick first brag about it I didn't really believe him on its incredibleness. But now I couldn't help but agree to why he boasted it. Something to which he normally never does. Eventually while looking around I spotted Rodrick. He was on his right side slightly curved and was breathing heavily.
In panic I called out to him. "Rodrick!" Running over to him I knelt on his right, while grabbing his side and pulling him so he faced me. He was breathing heavily but for the most part he was completely fine. Sighing in relief I noticed him stirring awake. Backing up a bit he opened his eyes and gave a long yawn. Looking around he spotted me. Moving so he sat upright he looked at me in confusion before speaking.
"Sona? What are you doing here?" At this point I could tell he was still half asleep, seeing how he didn't comment on my clothes. However knowing that would change soon I moved quickly. Leaning in close I did something I've never done for anyone before, despite having tons of guys after me. I kissed him on the lips.
I can't believe I'm doing this! Yet at the same time I also thought this… Yes I'm finally doing this! At the moment I was half embarrassed, half invigorated. After a few moments I broke from the kiss with a face the color of a tomato. His face was also red but also was completely surprised.
"Uh… Sona not to say anything bad… in fact I liked the kiss. But I need to question why… and what are you wearing?!" He was awake now, and I knew he couldn't help but let his eyes wander over me. Thankfully that was kind of the point… However when his eyes moved lower, his face turned even redder and he quickly looked up. However I already knew that he had seen under my skirt. However with his quick actions I couldn't really get mad at him. Plus as I said before… that was kind of the point.
Instead I decided to start talking. "Rodrick I kissed you because I love you, and the other girls have already accepted me." He turned to look at me in the eye to see if I was serious. Seeing that I was he shook his head before speaking.
"Huh… I knew that this would happen one day. Not that I am going to complain, I love you as well but that doesn't explain the outfit or why you're down here." Blushing at having him actually admit to loving me I spoke to him shyly.
"The others wanted me to wear this. Something about getting your attention more easily…" While my words weren't necessarily lies… I also didn't mention how the others wanted me to talk to him. Thankfully as the conversation went he seemed to be slowly getting better. Especially when he messaged his temples like he usually does when exasperated. Unfortunately I needed to speak to him about his problem.
So taking a deep breath I spoke. "Rodrick… I ask that you don't be mad with the others for telling me, but I was very worried about you. So I know what happened back at the familiar forest." That got him to freeze before looking at me with a depressed look. Then turning to look at the floor he shifted his position, so his left knee was up and grabbed it with both hands. He then sighed before speaking.
"If the girls let you join us, that means they've probably told you about my true origins?" I nodded my head sadly before he continued. "Don't worry I'd probably would've told you myself. But this thankfully saves time." Closing his eyes he spoke softly. "I held him as he died you know?" I looked up at him and if sensing my question he explained. "My brother… I held him as he bled out in my arms. Sure we were twins but I was older by ten minutes. As such I grew up with my parents telling me as the big brother I had to look out for him. They also said the same thing for any other younger siblings we would have."
He gave another tired sigh before continuing. "You see when I heard at first that I was going to have a baby sister I was ecstatic. Both of us were, you see we were hoping we could get an adorable younger sister to play with. But when she died of birth complications… well that was when I began to truly become protective. Really it was only thanks to the advice I got from Bladedancer my personal hero that I didn't end up a sociopath. After that when my parents died I ended up shutting myself in. It didn't help that me and my brother were bullied thanks to our hair and eyes. But when I came here and met Ophis… things changed."
A light smile appeared on his face as he spoke. "Ophis accepted me easily enough, and she became my first friend outside my brother. Well to be accurate Masamune and Kuros were my first friends. But Ophis was the first that I could truly interact with. Then I just kept meeting more people that became precious to me." After saying that his face fell as he continued. "But that night in the forest where Ophis was dying… the same way my brother was… well it just brought up to many memories. Luckily thanks to Kuros she was saved, but I wasn't strong enough to protect her in the first place."
When I saw his face contort in anger I put my hand on his shoulder as he spoke. "It reminded me that I wasn't strong enough to save my brother… That I wasn't strong enough to save Isaac! And though I know logically it isn't my fault, that there was nothing that I could do! Well that's what I'm angry about! That I knew I couldn't do anything! I didn't work as hard as I did, just to have those I love die right in front of me again! If I only had power, more power than maybe I could've done something anything! But just like before I could do nothing… as such I'm still the same failure as I was before…"
Hearing him say that about himself made me angry. Though I understood why he thought that way, why he was so hard on himself. It didn't mean I liked it… no in fact I hated it! Because if there was something he was it wasn't a failure.
Now even with those thoughts I still don't know what happened to me, but when I heard a loud slapping sound and saw his surprised face… along with a slightly red cheek I realized that I slapped him. Also when I spoke to him as he turned to me I kind of went on auto pilot.
"Rodrick Booker! You are selfless, brave, kind, strong, understanding, intelligent, mature, and creative. But you are not a failure! If I hear you say that about yourself again, I promise you'll get a lot worse than a hard slap." He was about to say something but I quickly cut him off.
"No you'll listen to me and you will listen well! Rodrick you've been holding onto this guilt for much longer than you should. Things happen that you have no power over. Sure if you were stronger than you could've fought in Ophis' stead. However you forget that despite her looks, despite her behavior. She is thousands of years older than you, so of course she's stronger! But you also need to realize that you've made amazing progress Rodrick! You're as strong as Rias' brother! And he's also much, much older than you. You've also gained this strength steadily, and by steadily I mean at an incredible rate! This is even when you were not just focusing solely on that!"
Lowering my voice I cupped his cheek which I slapped before speaking gently. "Rodrick… there is no need to feel guilty. You've already helped Vali, Ophis, and Koneko start to get through their own emotional trials. So please allow us to start helping you… if not all of us at least let me. Because unlike them I know I've lived a rather cozy life. So at least let me help you through your burdens. Because isn't that what one does for people they love?" I then let go of his cheek only to put my arms around his head and bring him to my chest. Eventually I felt his arms wrap around my waist. He then lifted his head with a smile of his own.
It was a nice smile, one that got me blushing. However when he leaned forward and kissed me, I couldn't help be surprised for a few moment. But again that was only for a few moments, in which after those moments I quickly returned the kiss.
Like I'm the line break~! And you should you know… bow down to me? Yeah…
The Void king
Sighing as I stepped out of the shower I reflected on the events that transpired today. I was first depressed and angry with myself. Then after taking a napping break during training, Sona comes in wearing a strange outfit. Kisses me and tell me that she's now a part of my steadily growing gaggle of girls. I accept that before we talk about what happened in the forest. She slaps me after I say my piece about my failure. She then gives me a piece of her mind and hugs me after. Then I hugged her back and gave a kiss which she reciprocated. After that we left the training room where everyone including a now fully recovered Ophis hugged me.
After which we all have dinner like usual and they tell me to go take a shower afterwards. After I was done with said shower I got changed into my night clothes like usual. Yep… my day sure was unusual. However as I entered the room I shared with the others… well it got even more unusual.
"""Booker Sama!~""" I couldn't help but look straight ahead with eyes widened and my mouth slack. Because there standing in front of me in a line was my four girls. The first in line was Ophis, followed by Shirone, Sona, and then Vali. However each of them was wearing a maid's outfit. Now normally that'd be just fine, I mean Sakuya does run around in one. But these were a way more revealing than hers.
The skirt was extremely low cut and flowy. In fact it just barely, barely, barely did its job! They also had on black see through fish net stockings, even if they weren't wearing shoes. The top also had thin straps instead of sleeves. It was also extremely low cut, in fact a pure white full apron was the thing that really protected their fronts. Even if it stopped an inch above the skirts bottom, it also hugged their bodies tightly and was tied around their waists and necks. Besides the revealing outfits they each had on a silver dragon that suspiciously looked like my balance breaker. The details were so great that it couldn't have been anything but!
Shirone had a ring on her wedding ring finger, Ophis had a necklace, Vali had a bracelet on her left wrist, and Sona had it on the right side of her hair. But now that I thought of it I did notice her wearing it when talking to me earlier. After a bit of staring where it seemed that Shirone and Sona were the most embarrassed out of the bunch. I decided to snap out of it and speak.
"Well… I literally have no idea what to say right now. Not that I will complain… but I have to ask why? Because I'm absolutely confused right now." My question only got the four gorgeous girls to giggle. Apparently as I should've expected, they found my confusion either cute or enjoyable. Personally I was leaning more towards the latter. But before I could even try to ask more questions.
Ophis came up to me and kissed me sensually on the lips. It was different than before since those were usually filled with love only. This was filled with that and also lust. After the kiss ended she stepped back as Shirone came up and did the same. After that it was Vali then surprisingly Sona. Then all four of them led me to the bed. It was here that I noticed the backs of the clothes showed off their entire back. But it stopped two inches above their waists.
We then had a brief snuggle before they all looked at each other. Then as they nodded firmly to one another, all but Ophis got off the bed. Finally my confusion was cleared up as they all started to undress.
My thoughts were akin to such… Holy Void! Are they doing what I think they're doing?! Hey give me a break… I'm just some red blooded teenaged dragon. I had no experience in this sort of thing. In fact I wasn't planning on this until both me and Shirone were at least seventeen!
Fortunately or unfortunately, an opinion that changed based on which of my… "heads" you were asking. A red glyph appeared on the ground in my room. One which I saw belonged to the house of Gremory. Then there was a flash of light and there standing in the room was Rias.
"Issei make love with me…" She trailed off as she realized this was indeed not Issei's room.
So I quickly spoke to her. "Uh Rias? What are you doing?"
Slayer: Whelp there we go… now despite it being substantially shorter than the last version. I do believe this chapter was better.
Judan: You deleted my lemon... It had story purposes you know?!
Argentum: Like what? Because I can honestly see none. I mean you can just as easily get the point across by mentioning that they did the deed.
Shadow: Kind of like what we did in the Black dragon White cat story.
Slayer: Let's be honest he's just wanted a scene with sex in it.
Argentum/Shadow: Agreed.
Judan: Why are all of you so mean to me?
Rodrick: Probably because we don't like you all that much.
Sona: I have no choice but to agree on that point.
Judan: I hate all of you…
Slayer: Like I care about what you think. In any case let's end this properly. Sona care to do the honors?
Sona: Very well it has been a while. Ahem… this has been a Dark Guard production now signing off.
Everyone/minus Judan: Goodbye!
Judan: I will get my revenge… Just you wait! I will have it!
Slayer: Yeah whatever.