Haro654: Thank you :D Those devils had no idea what they interrupted lol

FateBurn: Thanks!

naruto: I most certainly will. Well, he would have had to know which tooth was poisoned. In the split second he realized what she was doing he had no time to find it. Considering he is not torturer I doubt Dorian would have gone the "rip em all out" method lol.

Slayer Cross: At least they got what they deserved…the first one had no idea what hit him XD

Curse of Whimsy: Thank you, I am so glad you liked my new OC villainess. Of course they were, for as we know an uninterrupted date between main characters is a sin in anime…

Fbio: That means so much to hear :)

DJDrake: …technically not inaccurate lol, I most certainly will!

ahsoei: Essentially lol, she's already hyper enough, coffee is adding gasoline to the fire.

J0ker981: Can a woman be cockblocked….hmmmm I guess technically so if referring to Dorian's XD Truly a question for the ages.

AJR3333: Noooooo, don't stop talking! I am sorry I had to be so evil…come back! :D

fanficcyberman: You think a sacred gear originating from the future could be messing up time somehow….*thinks about it a second* …nah…what are the odds? XD I hope to not disappoint!

FenrisFiltiarn: Thank you! I couldn't help it! It's anime lovebuilding 101…interruptions, interruptions, interruptions…

And with that…ONTO THE SHOW!

"Not one prisoner…not a single one!" Odin slammed Gungnir down hard, the sound echoing throughout the hall of the throne room as the last of the details were discussed of the attacks across Asgard.

Dorian and all assembled flinched at the sound; they and the other teams that dealt with the devil's coordinated assault across the city were present. The story had been the same, suicide by poison by any who were not slain in the initial assault. Coupled with Dorian failing to apprehend the leader who continued to elude capture, they had nothing to go on. Casualties were thankfully low, though a handful of civilians and guardsmen were not so lucky. Dorian's had not been among them, even those attacked by Ona had survived the attack on the ice.

"You all performed your duties admirably," Freyja spoke up as her husband was clearly venting his frustrations, his blood-brother Loki standing tall and stern clearly displeased. Many owe you their lives, please go and rest for you have earned it. Mr. Held, we would ask you to remain."

Dorian remained kneeling as the others stood to depart, his eyes lingering on Rossweisse for a moment. They had come straight from the battle to the palace; his hand was still bandaged though the bleeding had stopped. Rossweisse's own hair was split and it was obvious hadn't been washed since the morning. They were both exhausted from the battle, despite that they shared a subtle smile before her departure. Only once all had left did Odin speak again as Freyja approached while Loki remained by the throne.

"You faced their supposed leader," he leaned back with a sigh as soon as the room was empty, clearly desiring a chance to relax from the long time acting his position. "What was your impression of this…Ona?"

"She was…odd," Dorian started as Freyja approached. Waving her hand gently over his, the residual pain started to recede until finally no trace of his injury remained save for the blood-stained bandages. "One minute she is proclaiming devil superiority, then the next she is demanding my name and where I came from."

"My my, quite the ladies' man I suppose," the familiar voice of Azazel echoed in the hall as he stepped from the shadows, clearly having been there all along. How was your taste of fighting a Barbatos?"

Dorian shrugged, "she was skilled, but nothing extraordinary." He went on to describe their match up to her literal flight from battle.

"Hmmm, that doesn't sound like their family…"

"You know this name?"

"A near-extinct devil family of the 72 pillars, to be honest I had no idea there were any young women of that line still around. There is a male heir I am aware of but he currently serves the Bael clan…"

"And why is his fight odd?"

"Cause during the war that family was notorious for being annoying bastards," Azazel put bluntly. "Apparently their trait has to do with predicting movement by literally seeing the immediate future of those around them."

"She could do that?" Dorian asked, surprised that such a powerful technique could exist.

"She should, but from what you said she wasn't very apt at fighting you until the end. She didn't seem untouchable during the fight, one step ahead of you?" Dorian shook his head, far from it as he had the upper hand their entire battle. "Interesting…"

"But why would devils attack us, and such locales?" Odin had explained the other attacks were on civilian populations. The skating rink, adult venues, restaurants, theatres, places where their army would have been delayed in reaching. "Asgard has no standing with the biblical religions at this time."

Odin and Freyja glanced to each other awkwardly, the goddess of fertility and life subtly nodding to her husband.

"There is to be…a meeting in the near future," she informed him. "A summit between the three factions to discuss a more permanent peace beyond the shaky non-aggression pact they currently have in place. And Asgard was invited to the table several days ago."

"Clearly that invitation was made with less than true intentions," Loki remarked with a sigh as if it were a small inconvenience. "We can't trust them Allfather, as I have said."

"As you have said quite often enough," Odin admitted, not being fond of Loki's prejudice against mythologies yet was unable to dispute him with the current situation.

Dorian's mind processed the new information, slowly but surely coming to the same conclusion he had no doubt the gods had already considered. He understood the three faction's acceptance to allow the Norse gods to assist; they were a neutral party that had arranged a peaceful resolution to their own myth's internal strife.

"Someone doesn't want Asgard at that summit."

"The very devils we seek to befriend," Loki repeated. "The myths ruled by children are clearly as fractured as they have ever been. Why should we risk our people to shore up another's problems?"

"I'd bet my life and the clothes off my back it wasn't them!" Azazel stepped in, glaring daggers at the Norse god. "Your invitation came directly from Sirzechs; if he was so opposed he wouldn't have needed to say anything. I can't imagine Serafall would do such a thing. If Ajuka were a part of it, this would have been FAR more convoluted…"

"I will not make assumptions when my front door is being kicked in ya pup!" Odin snapped, still slouching in his throne before finally leaning forward. "Their connections must be high to have learned our introduction to the talks so soon. I nearly lost my Frigga the last time we were betrayed…I shall NOT allow a repeat performance!"

The room fell silent as the tension rose; Azazel clearly was trying to keep the hope for their inclusion alive while Odin's rare fury started to show. Not even Loki dared say another word, glancing away with a hmmph as if looking at the Grigori Governor-General for another moment sickened him to the core.

"Did you have anything else to add?" Freyja asked Dorian, clearly hoping for privacy before continuing the argument.

"I'm afraid not," Dorian sighed sadly. "I was surprised she had the skills to fully suppress her demonic power AND split into a swarm of bats. A four-winged devil shouldn't be capable of that."

Azazel was walking away as Odin looked downward, however at those words they both turned, all three now focused squarely on Dorian. Only Loki did not turn, though his fingers subtly clenched tighter, turning his knuckles white with pressure.

"What did you say?"

"Her wings," Dorian repeated. "She only had four, if the correlation of wings to power is the same as fallen angels she is only middle-tier, I don't believe…"

Odin raised a hand, commanding silence which Dorian quickly complied with.

"You are…COMPLETELY certain…that she had four wings?" Dorian nodded once more.

"I knew it!" Azazel approached, patting Dorian on the head and ruffling his hair until he looked like he had just gotten out of bed. "There isn't a single modern devil family with more than two wings! Is that enough Allfather?" He asked almost with a song in his voice.

"They have the resources to breach Asgard's barriers? I was unaware of this news." Loki asked at last after a moment of silence.

"The Old Satan Faction has been pretty silent beyond trying to rile the masses against the current leadership." Azazel's planning side took over. "Pinning an attack on defenseless civilians on the current administration WOULD have greatly damaged Hell's relations with Asgard would it not? Perhaps they had someone open the front door for them, a new benefactor?"

Odin nodded, he and Freyja thinking the same yet not wanting to speak their thoughts with Dorian still kneeling before them.

The same traitor who aided Hrotti's theft.

"I also heard they may have a new leader, someone exceptionally powerful…."

"There is much to speak, but we forget our audience. Mr. Held, you may take your leave as we shall take it from here. Thank you for the…insightful information. You may tell your team that Ullr was quite grateful for protecting his patrons. He wanted to express his thanks at your excellent work taking charge to get the innocent out of harm's way. The entirety of The Crossroads has been given lifelong free passes to skate whenever they wish at all of his establishments."

Ullr, Norse god associated most with archery and snow, was the proprietor of the Jotun's Breath skating chain across Asgard and extending to the nine realms. Unlike many of the Pantheon, he relished in living a calm life beyond the troubles of political turmoil. Dorian had yet to meet him, yet now felt the desire to, if only to thank him for the generous reward.

"Yes Allfather," he stood as Freyja patted him on the shoulder, smiling that he had made it through okay. Dorian reciprocated the gesture, as he turned to go he could not help but overhear the final words on his way out.

"There are doubtless more traps laid before the summit, if they were aware of this much they must know where we intend it to be held. It is too late to change now."

"I still do not agree…"

"We'll come up with something Loki, buck up" Azazel assured him with a pat on the back the Norse god clearly had no desire for. "I have agents at Kuoh Academy; they'll do their best to clean up anything in our way."

"Yet we have none," Freyja lamented as the door closed. "When it comes to that oddly important little town…we are quite blind."

Outside…

Another chance for peace and keeping a war like Kokabiel described from happening, Dorian contemplated as he walked the halls after departing the meeting. The looks of worry yet hope for such a meeting on Freyja and Odin's faces frozen in his mind. Why are there so many against it?

"Dorian!"

The Einherjar froze, subtly flattening his hair and smoothing out his tunic. They were futile gestures as the clothes beneath his armor had taken a few hits from Ona's attacks and they were now scorched and frayed in places. Rossweisse still wore her purple sweater dress while hair showed signs of combat and wear. Ignoring it, he spun on a dime.

"Rose!" He smiled, greeting her with a cordial head nod. He almost reached out to hug her as she did the same, however both froze a moment before meeting, fidgeting and scratching the back of their heads awkwardly at the same time. "Sorry about the da…our outing," his courage failed at the last minute of what to call their excursion.

"Don't be," she proclaimed. "It wasn't your fault and I am sure we will get a chance to," the young Valkyrie coughed a few times as if to cover her words, "finish it at another date…time!"

"I would like that, hopefully next time without an audience."

Rossweisse's face turned a sharp shade of crimson. They knew full well the reason their friends had been present at The Jotun's Breath for the attack. Considering it worked out in the end they decided to not bring it up, but both were embarrassed that they had failed to sneak out and the others were aware of what had grown between them.

"Despite everything, I had a good time. I believe I have made the calculations required to remain upright on their skates."

"Then we're in luck, apparently everyone on The Crossroads has been given a free pass to skate there as much as we want."

"We have all the time in the world now," she smiled, causing Dorian's heart to melt. "Asgard is at peace again, the barriers reinforced where they were breached. There is nowhere else we need to be." She bowed politely with her composure restored. "I wish you a pleasant night Dorian, until next time."

"A-and you," he replied as she spun, hair flipping around before she disappeared down the hall.

We could just stay here couldn't we? Remain in Asgard until we are directed to go elsewhere. I can relax as Freyja's retainer and she as the Allfather's bodyguard, everyone else would work on missions as they trickle in...

Dorian clenched his fists, barely holding back a frustrated growl. No matter how much he tried to sugarcoat his desires, he couldn't purge the thoughts that flooded his mind overriding those dreaming of himself and Rossweisse.

And we could be just like Hecuba on Olympus, oblivious to anything beyond our realms. Unable to prevent anything until it is literally banging at our gates…just like tonight. I want things to stay as they are now, a time of peace to allow time for…

But Freyja's words of them being blind in Kuoh would not go away. He had faith that the Allfather and his wife would think of something, but what if they didn't? What if they decided to delay or put off the summit and the enemy would get what they wanted? Then there was his dream born from Iggy, Freyja and his own desire to see everyone brought together without boundaries, could he do that staying here? Dorian had an idea, but it would mean moving from the home he had found among the Norse people.

To remain in a place of peace and power, or head out to ensure the safety of that same place, that same home.What did Hecuba say? Have faith, but do not let it take over who you are…

Crossroads Dormitory, the next day…

Blades flashed, clashing against one another as sparks flew in all directions. Monster's Bane and Durandal became interlocked, their respective owner's dripping with sweat as they glared each other down, neither giving in to fatigue. The two were arrayed in skin-tight training suits; red for Hecuba and a black/blue striped one for Xenovia reminiscent of her Church attire but with a new design she had made since arriving in Asgard. Their arms and legs were left bare for greater range of movement while training.

Hecuba led with her shield, causing Xenovia's blow to scrape off it. The new reinforcement received since their victory at Kuoh made it truly impressive. Not even Durandal was easily denting it, and repairs were much easier almost as if the metal itself became malleable in her hands. She ducked beneath the former church fighter's swing, aiming for a feint towards her throat.

Xenovia saw her plan, cartwheeling over her shoulders to avoid the swing, spinning around just as Monster's Bane and Durandal interlocked again. This time, the blades were forced from the owner's hands simultaneously, each falling towards their opponent. In a flash, they switched, Hecuba taking hold of Durandal as Xenovia claimed the sword of Echidna's bones. A shine of light almost obscured the outcome.

Hecuba, now holding a Greek Legendary sword and Xenovia, wielding Hecuba's weapon were both settled against the other's neck, a stalemate. After several tense seconds both relinquished the stern face of warriors, letting smiles take root as they clapped the other on the back.

"Encore! Encore!" The young audience member clapped over and over, putting her fingers between her lips and releasing a sharp whistle.

With the day to themselves, the members of The Crossroads kept themselves busy until their next mission. Both swordswomen agreed that honing their skills would be the most productive use of their time while Bennia hung around to watch.

"It does my heart well to know that Durandal can truly be wielded by another should I be unable," Xenovia remarked. The two switched weapons back, the Holy Blade returning to its initial shape and alignment.

"And that my own skill can match one of the Church's best," Hecuba replied. "Perhaps we could try our luck against Thrud next."

"Good luck with that," Bennia teased. "I think Dorian has the monopoly on her fanny whoopings. "I don't care how many balances he breaks that is NEVER getting old."

Hecuba lifted an arm, her nose scrunching with a sniff or two of herself. They had been sparring for hours and the smell made it painfully obvious.

"May I?" She asked, taking up a nearby towel and heading towards the showers. Hecuba extended her hand, giving her approval to go first."

"How do you do it?" Xenovia asked once their Spartan teammate was gone. The Grim Reaper looked at her confused, begging an explanation. "Always have such joy in every step?"

Bennia was floating in the air, tilting so she was upside-down she cupped her chin as if deep in thought at the question like she was pondering an ancient riddle.

"I find adjusting all of Hecuba's belongings in her room by a couple of centimeters perks me up from any calamity."

The team had learned that the young woman was quite the stickler for everything being perfectly aligned and in a proper place, noticing even the slightest of adjustments. Bennia's cheeky grin faded as she saw Xenovia's face remain utterly flat. Her question had been genuine. In an almost-uncharacteristic moment, Bennia's smile flattened to match her, righting herself and dangling her legs over the edge of the table not quite reaching the floor.

"Truthfully? I like to make people smile. You can probably imagine how weird it was growing up with a human mom and Ultimate-class Grim Reaper dad?"

Xenovia shook her head, unaware that her teammate was of a mixed heritage. She took a seat beside the young girl, her yellow eyes looking far wiser than she normally acted.

"It was awkward, and I didn't really like how dad was buddy-buddy with Hades, but they made it work. Sure he doted on me WAY too much and mom only promoted it, but he never once let a bad day or unpleasant meeting follow him home. It got to the point that, well…I wanted others to have that same feeling."

Such a simple answer, if only my own questions could be answered so…

"And right now, you look like you need a pick-me up," Bennia leaned forward, floating yet posed as if she were relaxing on a table. "So spill, what's got your panties in a bunch? Don't make me bring out the puppy dog eyes…you know I'll do it!"

Xenovia lowered her head with an inhalation and slight grin, realizing there should be no harm in it.

"Have you ever believed in one thing, but followed another?"

Bennia tilted her head adorably, clearly not understanding.

"I am so grateful to Rossweisse for bringing me back, and your Norse Pantheon as much for giving me a home considering the circumstances of my arrival. I do not regret my decision, but I still believe…in the faith I was raised by."

Bennia crossed her arms, nodding again and again as if it made perfect sense to her.

"Then why don't you still pray?"

"I get a headache each time I try," she admitted. "Nothing too bad but my prayers seem to get...scattered. Would it even matter? God is dead; I would be praying to no one…OW!"

Bennia had softly whapped the former Church fighter in the head with her scythe she had pulled from seemingly nowhere. She was shaking her head at Xenovia like an older sister to the younger.

"You haven't always thought like this, have you?" She asked innocently yet with potency in her voice. "I grew up in the underworld, served Hades my whole life yet am now here. I may not agree with my old man, but I'll always respect where I came from. I believe in what The Crossroads are doing, but I still have the shrines to our household gods in my room. Hecuba is the same way; she gets up at the ungodly crack of dawn to…"

Xenovia listened on to their morning rituals; rubbing the back of her head yet no longer cared too greatly for the soreness left behind by the blow.

So a strong family…a happy environment can lead one to peace of mind at such a young age? Would that be a selfish desire? I can no longer work on the path to God, but what about a path to my own happiness? Could a child to pass on my strength and skills be in my future? I saw a book on the Norse people's traditional values, perhaps I should read it in more detail.

"If you'd like," Bennia finally sat down on the table proper, patting the spot next to her. "We can pray together, me to my people and you to yours."

Xenovia let out a laugh, a wholesome heartfelt laugh. Bennia looked utterly ridiculous atop the table yet sure enough, the azure-haired woman sat next to her, both kneeling in a way respectful to their own belief.

"And here I thought Hecuba was the wise one of our little group."

"Yea…well…don't let it get around," she winked back. "I have a reputation to uphold."

"Your secret is safe with me."

The two closed their eyes, Xenovia's face contorting at the minor headache that came on when attempting her prayers. Despite this, she pushed on and spoke her mind to the god she knew couldn't hear. They were so deep in prayer that neither noticed a slight shadow out of the corner of their eyes duck out of the room. A certain blonde teammate who had arrived looking for Hecuba and inadvertently heard everything left to give them the privacy they sought.

If this summit goes through, would Xenovia be able to pray more openly without feeling so conflicted?

Freyja's Office…later

"And this one is from Olympus," Dorian handed a missive to Freyja who started to read it over carefully. "Another shipment of blank Aethir will be arriving by week's end, Heimdall is aware of when they will arrive. Aela's flight will be running escort though we expect no complications."

"I see," she sighed heavily. Blank Aethir was the byproduct of the flame of Olympus not tied to a specific god and was very valuable. "I had intended to be out with my children that evening. I suppose I will have to reschedu…"

"I took the liberty ma'am," the young man bowed. "I noticed it conflicted with your schedule so I moved up your dinner date. Both Vidar and Baldur confirmed the previous evening will work with both and leave you free to accept the shipment. I thought to invite Thor as well but he is out hunting for quite some time and Sif will be checking on Modi's status too regularly to make it."

Freyja leaned back, smiling most impressed at the initiative he had used without her involvement. She got to see Baldur and Vidar seldom enough and it would have been quite a disappointment to miss another dinner with them.

"You are welcome to join us if you wish."

"I…would not wish to impose," he turned shyly at her generous request. He was appreciative at the offer from the woman he saw more as a mother than any other, yet the idea of being surrounded by three deities when he was not actually part of their family made him nervous.

"The offer remains open dear, if you change your…"

The door flew open as Thrud entered, closing it silently behind her with a bow. Despite Dorian being considered more than capable to be Freyja's bodyguard as well as retainer, Thrud remained in her service.

"It is too bad Mr. Held," she said loudly in a playful tone forcing a grin on the young man's face. "She JUST missed the third assassination attempt on my life you handily thwarted."

"Then the fourth shall be mine, we are quite fortunate to have so many foes," she smirked back. "I suppose Mr. Held's physical training has been progressing at an acceptable pace. Your balance breaker lasted an impressively longer time than your last exertion." It did Freyja's heart good to see she had come out of her shell. Their time together before Dorian had been mostly silence barely broken by the occasional loud scribble or a throat clearing with making note of the weather that day.

As she usually did, with no threats nearby Thrud sat by the fire, allowing one of Freyja's many cats to hop onto her lap as the others crowded around. The Goddess of love and fertility raised an eyebrow, noticing her enthusiasm for her feline sled-bearers was oddly restrained. No doubt due to the presence of the retainer in the room.

"So, other than the unexpected complications I hope your evening out was pleasant."

Dorian's eyes widened at the goddess' question, while still filing and writing he tried to act as nonchalant as possible unaware that his nervousness had already been noticed.

"It was…nice, until the interruption. Skating is far harder than it looks though I think I can get the hang of it. Rose…Rossweisse was very sullen after what happened to the car." In an official capacity he tried to remember to call the Valkyrie by her full name out of propriety.

"It just takes practice, sometimes all it takes is watching others do it enough," she coyly eyed Thrud out of the corner of her eyes. The daughter of thunder saw her glance and immediately looked down towards the cat on her lap. Nothing got past Lady Freyja, having already deduced the reason for The Crossroads being at the right place at the right time and who had been responsible for the decision. "Do make sure our Rossweisse does not worry about the car, it is being repaired as we speak."

Freyja smirked somewhat at the memory of her husband's reaction to the charred husk that had been brought in after the battle. Gungnir clacked to the ground as he collapsed to his knees right behind it. Not only had his hope for Dorian to be less than a gentleman in the backseat failed, but the vehicle was reduced to scrap from a blast of demonic energy. Freyja had to admit it was a sad sight for the car she and Odin had used so frequently, but she was getting too much enjoyment out of how over the top the normally smug and cocky Allfather was acting.

"She just wanted to help their path to adulthood!" He cried to the heavens before being told they could have her supped up good as new in no time. He calmed down considerably after that but Freyja already had that memory burned into her mind.

"Speaking of learning, have you selected your new school to study at? I will miss your work with the limited time but those three lovely Valkyries volunteered to help out during school hours. So you can pick the best schedule to suit yourself."

"I don't have to worry about losing my job do I?" He replied sarcastically.

"Only if you wish it, regardless of their skill I have come to enjoy our conversations."

She's so kind and thoughtful.

"I am afraid not my lady," he admitted, remembering the many institutions he had looked through yet was up till then unable to make up his mind. "I fear I have been very indecisive…"

"You mean having trouble making up your mind?" She turned with just a slight hint of annoyance. "It's me Dorian," her voice softened. "You don't have to act the part of the noble Einherjar ALL the time. You are a 17 year old boy; you are allowed to be that once in a while."

"My la…" he had to stop himself, even Thrud stifling a chuckle from the back. "Sorry," he replied more casually, feeling awkward doing so in her presence. "I was just trying to be…"

"Proper?" Thrud finished his sentence for him, knowing his feelings better than most. "That is fine, but don't let it consume who you are. We haven't heard you play your lyre in some time. Are you alright? You've been out of it since last night."

Dorian suddenly missed his musical instrument, realizing he hadn't picked it up since his class graduated. How much else had just slipped by?

"I've been thinking about stuff," he admitted. "A decision or two, I know what I WANT to do, but not what I should do…"

"Are you so sure?"

"Wh-what do you mean?" The goddess set down her pen, her eyes boring into his.

"Is it a question between what you should do…or rather between what an Einherjar or Dorian would do?"

The words clicked in his head, the perspective suddenly becoming far simpler than he had been trying to make it.

An Einherjar would never leave Asgard; he would stay, live and fight to serve working towards one day entering Valhalla. What I would do is…

"The Crossroads are meant to represent everyone we have an alliance with, right?"

"It is," Freyja crossed her hands over her lap settling in for the long conversation sure to follow.

"Then that would include those who aren't yet with us but we'd like to be? Dorian was looking calmer and more focused than he had been all day. I know about the potential dangers leading up to the Peace Summit and I want to help."

"I appreciate your concern," she leaned forward, pulling him into one of her awkward hugs he had grown accustomed to as she nestled his head against her impressive bust exemplified by the low-cut nature of her gown. "But you needn't worry, focus on yourself first."

"But I do," he continued despite the embarrassment. "After Olympus it's obvious there are groups out there that won't just let this happen. I want to help…and I have a proposition that I think can help assist with the safety of the summit as well as solve my dilemma of a school to attend. To make it work though would probably require your connections with the Gremory family and Mr. Azazel."

Solve my question, your dilemma, and help give Xenovia some closure.

Freyja was intrigued now, raising an eyebrow while Thrud listened in, both proud that he had made a decision and fearful where it may send him.

"What did you have in mind?"

Elsewhere in Hell…

"Dammit!" Ona slammed the table in frustration as she mustered all her willpower to not shatter the unhelpful instrument before her.

Metabolic panels, chemistry panels, hormone tests, even analyzing trace amounts of magic chronal or otherwise in the system…how can there be NOTHING extraordinary about it?

The devil scientist had been going over the blood retrieved from the Einherjar, while it was true his strength and innate magic were augmented by Asgardian magic with a dash of Olympian, it was nothing special she had not seen a hundred different times.

I SHOULD have been able to see him, predict his every move until the last…

The door at the far end of the room flew open, bathing the dimmed chamber in light. Ona scrambled to cover the blood samples she had left in the off chance there was an effect light may have on it. She could take no chances with what little she had.

"Any progress?" The voice asked, the clearly voluptuous feminine silhouette blocking much of the light from entering. Ona shirked back in worry.

"N-none yet mistress, the boy's secrets elude me. It is possible his power is not restricted or contained to his blood…"

"Not your side project!" The shape snapped, causing Ona to nearly knock over a flask but stopped at the last moment. "The Balor manipulation!"

"Oh," Ona calmed down, setting the flash aside as her interest dropped. "That was child's play. Once we have to subject in our possession it will be quite easy to artificially initiate the balance breaker. Of this I assure you. I have already trained a handful of disciples who can both perform and maintain the ritual."

"In that case," her superior's voice lowered. "Then you are free to pursue your little fascination, but ONLY as long as it does not interfere with our plans. Be grateful for our blood ties that I allowed you to live after the failure of the previous night."

Ona bowed low, biting back her disdain for being treated such yet knew she could do nothing about it. The one standing before her while also being her distant cousin was among their higher echelons and could snuff her out with a single word or thought.

"As ever, Mistress Leviathan."

The Satan-class devil turned on a dime and vanished, returning the young Barbatos to the sanctity of her dark solitude.

My task for her is complete, so I can focus on what is really interesting. But his blood is insufficient. I am certain I can find a purpose for it, yet I need more samples to find the secret of his immunity to my power. But how will I manage to gather more as he waits safely behind the walls of Asgard?

Kuoh Academy…

Issei Hyoudou sneezed, leaning forward in his seat bored to tears. Homeroom was about to begin but until then there was nothing to do. Normally his partners in crime, Matsuda and Motohama, would be showing him their latest find such as a juicy dirty magazine or video to watch later. Unfortunately, the two were currently fuming with him ever since finding out that not only Asia but Rias had also moved into his home. For the meantime, their little group having been infamously known as the perverted Trio was broken up, but it was only a matter of time before they came back seeking gossip on Rias and her measurements.

"Lousy traitors," he grumbled, outside the Occult Research Club they were the only ones in the school who would hang out with him. His reputation as an unrepentant harem-seeking pervert was well known. It had gotten harder to peep on girls since they started watching out for him, the kendo club was especially unforgiving when caught.

"Well all dried up today?" A familiar grating voice interrupted his stupor, though he would much rather have preferred the silence.

Aika Kiryuu, fellow second-year student in the same class as the others, stood over him. She always looked so smug as she pushed up her glasses and tossed around her brown pigtails on either side of her face, this morning was no different.

"Not…today," he groaned. She just loved teasing him along with the others of the trio, fully aware of how to screw with each one of their heads.

"Come on now don't be like that," she half-sneered at him playfully. "I hear things have been going well for you and Asia. Have you made any moves or still weighing your options with Rias? I can judge your goods if you are worried it won't be up to par."

"Don't you even….!" Issei started but the professor entering cut him off. The class stood politely, bowed and took their seats as he started talking.

"Good morning class," he started as he always did. "A rather unorthodox last minute change but we shall be having several new students among our class this year."

The room exploded with commotion, neighbors whispering to each other with more than a few glancing back towards Asia. The blonde girl had been the last new student to join them and some thought she might have been aware but she could only shrug and shake her head.

"Oh I hope it's another hot girl!" Matsuda exclaimed far too loudly as his neighbor Motohama nodded, earning a glare from many of the girls in the class as Issei agreed. As Kuoh had only recently become coed, the girls to boys ratio was quite high.

"Settle down, settle down," the teacher continued. "They will be joining as part of a foreign exchange program. The first was actually meant to attend our class sooner but was forced to delay due to complications back home so do make him feel welcome. Young man, do you wish to introduce yourself?"

The first exchange student standing just out of sight entered as the others, all clearly women, waited their turn. He was dressed in the Kuoh Academy's men's uniform; a long-sleeved black blazer accented white with matching pants. His jacket was buttoned properly and immaculately worn. Everyone watched the new classmate approach the blackboard, turning to write his name in English and sloppy kanji of which he was clearly unaccustomed to.

"Oooh, another blonde like Kiba!" A few scattered girls exclaimed, flattening their hair and uniforms. "Think they'll be friends?"

"If not we can still dream right?"

"Right!"

"Tch, another pretty boy," Motohama grumbled.

"Or another ally," Matsuda pointed out. "They have MUCH better material overseas; maybe he has some connections and can hook us up."

Such were the conversations being quietly whispered throughout the room as the newcomer completed writing his name on the blackboard. Issei's left eye started to twitch as he spotted the familiar face and braided hair, uttering only two words while biting back the disdain before the new student's introduction began.

"Goldie bastard…"

"Good morning everyone, my name is Dorian Held," he started in broken Japanese haphazardly learned at the last minute due to not wanting to rely on the translation magic or risk it being noticed. "It is a pleasure to meet all of you; I look forward to studying with everyone throughout this school year."

Dorian and the members of The Crossroads take new steps outside the safety of Asgard and the Nine Realms. Resolved to protect his home and loved ones at all costs, the young Einherjar enters the institution of Kuoh Academy, that High School seemingly at the center of great changes across all of creation and beyond.

The big chapter 30 :D I can't believe we've made it this far since I started this last year. All of you reading and enjoying are who make this so worth it. The Kuoh arc begins as Dorian's story mixes more with the one we know…but not for long as their presence causes ripples of change across DxD canon. As always, I hope everyone Reads and Reviews…but most of all Enjoys! :D