FateBurn: Thank you.
Hollowreaper 93: Omg, Gasper with bagpipes is too good lol. Not directly Scottish, the idea is that kilts were included in his wardrobe given by Asgard…he just had no reason to wear them before now.
Curse of Whimsy: It seemed like a good interim wardrobe lol. And yes, canon made note several times of how genius-level skilled Rossweisse is, they just have Issei overshadow her so often after a while it really doesn't come off that way.
OBSERVER01: Better than looking up to helping Issei freeze women to grope XD Iggy will have to work on her seamstress abilities…while watching out for that certain dragon behind the scenes…
naruto: I most certainly will. I understand, though DxD has shown before that there are many uses for particularly powerful blood…
fanficcyberman: It means so much to hear you say that :D You are very welcome!
Slayer Cross: Hopefully the curiosity didn't kill you yet…the update is here! XD
fabio mp19: He really is, he just needs the confidence to be himself. That is precisely the feeling I was going for! Sure he can't stand Issei's perverted mind and Issei hates his conviction to thwart him at every turn…but that doesn't mean they have to truly despise each other. :)
And on that note…ONTO THE SHOW!
The shrine loomed in the distance, Dorian was surprised Shinto sacred ground was selected for their meeting considering neither Hell nor Heaven would have ties there. He noticed Issei looking quite nervous as they approached.
"Are you alright?"
"F-fine," the low-class devil adjusted his jacket awkwardly. "President just mentioned a few times that devils are supposed to avoid places like this. I suppose you don't have that problem."
Dorian shook his head, devils were weak against holy magic and receiving prayers from realms opposite them would hurt. As an unaffiliated mythology, the Einherjar did not feel such pain though his mind would flutter like an old television filled with static. It did not take a great leap in logic to know this must be what Xenovia felt each time she prays to her fallen God.
"Issei-kun, Dorian-kun, thank you for coming."
Awaiting them ahead atop the many steps was none other than Rias' queen Akeno with her signature smile. She was wearing a white and red shrine maiden's robe that clung to her frame and accentuated her figure. The two men waved at the approach though were confused by her presence.
"I hope it was not too much trouble coming out this way at such short notice."
"None at all," the Einherjar representative assured her. "I did not know you would be part of the meeting."
"I won't truly," she clarified. "This is a middle territory; an agreement was made with the higher-ups so even devils have protection to enter here. I'm needed to allow all parties to enter as well as assisting on some required business for it."
"So you live here then?" Issei spoke up, finally snapping out of his apparent hypnosis at seeing Akeno in her robe.
"I do, the last priest passed away before I was born. It was condemned until Rias acquired it. Considering my…family status, she felt it was a good place for me when not in her service."
"What do you mean by…?"
"Ah, Red Dragon Emperor, Einherjar of the Crossroads, it is a pleasure to meet you both."
Someone new emerged from the shrine; he appeared to be a young man with platinum blonde hair even brighter than Dorian or Kiba's. He was wrapped in a white robe with ornate metal pauldrons adorning each shoulder as if he were part priest and warrior. Issei and Dorian had to shield their eyes slightly at the light emanating from him matching six pairs of wings. They were identical in shape to those of a fallen angel; only these were shining gold as bright as the sun reminding Dorian of the brilliance of Alfheim. The halo hovering over his head made his identity all the more obvious as he approached to shake their hands cordially.
"Mr. Held, Mr. Hyoudou, thank you both for coming this day. I am Michael, highest among the Archangels of Heaven. I have had no ties with Yggdrasil in ages past though I see her daughter has been forged into a device of our design. I can also sense Ddraig's aura," he smiled at Issei. "What memories of his struggle it brings back. I am also happy to say that our other guest arrived just a few moments ago."
The two men looked over the archangels shoulders, spotting a woman approaching from the back. Dorian's smile widened as Issei's eyes drifted downward slightly, eliciting a slap on the back of his head when Michael turned around.
"Lady Freyja!"
Inside the Shrine…
"Insult against your people was never an intention," Michael continued. He had been conversing with Freyja since the group reached the main shrine. For the most part it was a large wide-open room kept immaculately clean despite Akeno's assurance she was the only one who lived there.
How hard does she work here on her own?
"Yet it was there," Freyja kept her calm, taking a sip of the tea provided by Akeno. "Your secret Sigurd Institution existed for the sole purpose of creating wielders of one of our oldest blades...and then lost it no less."
Michael nodded, accepting the accusations directed towards him. His own tea was long gone, yet he held his ground.
"All true, yet no longer. The Sigurd Institution has since been reallocated towards more honorable goals."
"Then there will be no more like that Freed?"
"There will be no more, though I cannot say he was alone. His siblings did not inherit the madness that claimed him I assure you. They have been treated and raised well by us; I can set up meeting them if my word is insufficient."
"I trust your word Lord Michael; all the same a meeting sounds agreeable. Though raised among your people, they are of the blood of Asgard. If they are happy and content in their station, we will give them the choice to remain or return to the home of their ancestors."
Issei and Dorian sat politely as the two deliberated; Heaven was the last to come to the table due to the tensions from Hell as well as between them and Asgard for the questionable tactics unearthed by Freed's body. The Runic Legendary Blade, Gram, one of the strongest up there with Hrotti was lost in ages past through the actions of the original Siegfried. It seems that it came into the Church's possession, however as it was no holy blade, none among their ranks could wield it. Thus the Sigurd Institution was created using DNA of the original Siegfried to birth artificial humans capable of holding it. Michael noted the desperate actions taken in the later years of the Great War and some less-than savory decisions before the end made in the name of victory. Apparently the weapon had been lost years later from another clone's successful escape attempt.
"She's so…so," Issei muttered towards Lady Freyja, his eyes lingering lower than her own. "You work for her?"
"One word Issei," he whispered back out of the corner of his mouth threateningly. "Just one more crack about her and I'll…"
"Thank goodness," Michael smiled back to the goddess. "I was truly hopeful we could get past that unsavory rift between us. Are we clear to move forward?"
"We are," she nodded politely. "Asgard would be proud to serve as a neutral party for your peace summit, to ensure all deals are made with the utmost fairness without coercion or threats. I will stand at the meeting personally on the morrow."
Dorian and Issei exhaled simultaneously, both relieved that things had concluded with such a promising outcome. Asgard was the ideal choice for a fair fourth party having negotiated an end to their own mythology's infighting not to mention the arrangement with Olympus still going strong.
"I must credit your attaché," Michael started as they got to their feet, motioning for Dorian and Issei to do the same. "She was able to coordinate much of our efforts as well as ensure an available time for all parties involved. Our own could barely keep up."
"That is our Rossweisse," Freyja remarked while glancing over to Dorian subtly. "When she has the chance to flex her muscles she is extraordinary. We can count ourselves lucky she will be there tomorrow, though I would very much like my personal retainer to assist in the capacity he used to."
She turned now fully to the young Einherjar.
"Dorian, I have selected The Crossroads to serve as my escort to the conference tomorrow. Sirzechs has chosen his sister's peerage for his own with Serafall doing the same with her sister. The old bird Azazel will have the Vanishing Dragon and a few members of his team."
"And I have my own associates accompanying me," Michael added.
"As a result, the Crossroads are perfect to represent Asgard. I trust your clerical duties have not suffered in your time away? Your replacements are enthusiastic but have not caught on as quickly as you had."
"I hope your trust is not misplaced," he smiled, his professional nature crumbling between the praise and realization that he'd get to see Rossweisse again the next day.
"Is…that why I am here?" Issei finally asked once he had an opening. "Wouldn't it have been better for Rias to be summoned?"
"Actually," Michael spoke up. "I requested your presence as there was something I wanted to give you."
Issei shivered as he felt a pull of energy, glancing up he realized the source very quickly. An ornate sword Dorian recognized as shaped after European design with a red and gold hilt was drifting down from the ceiling. The handguard was shaped like four golden claws reaching up the blade, there was no doubt it was a holy blade on par with Durandal.
"I present to you, the blade of our Saint George, the Dragon Slaying Holy Sword, Ascalon."
"The Saint George?" Dorian asked, Issei's face betraying the fact he had never heard the name though Ddraig was in that moment berating him for his lack of knowledge. "Praetorian Guard for Roman Emperor Diocletian?"
"The very same," Michael nodded. "He was also an accomplished Dragon Slayer which is why I feel you should have it Mr. Hyoudou."
"M-me?" Issei stepped forward, watching the sword tentatively. It was still a holy sword and he was a devil. If he even touched it, the power could be fatal.
"Many dragons perished by this blade, so as a special courtesy I am gifting this to you…a devil that holds the strength of the dragons."
"Why?" Issei asked tentatively.
"The reason we are so set on Asgard attending is to expand the purpose of this meeting," he motioned towards Freyja. "Heaven and Hell both lost their leaders while the fallen angels lost so many of their numbers that their future is in question without outside aid. Do not worry; I am aware you know God is dead as well as the original four Satans. We know that Azazel is vehemently against another war and I have no desire as well. With our Asgardian relations on the mend, it is the Underworld we wish to show the sincerity of our desire. If we continued to fight, even in small skirmishes, no side will be able to recover and face annihilation either from the slow decay of time or from invasion of another power. Fortunately, thanks to the union of Olympus and Asgard, we need not fear that front. Don't feel awkward, I have presented gifts to the other powers as well. Your side even gave us several Holy Demonic swords to study so we are grateful."
That must have been the meeting Kiba was sent to…
"Our sides had peace to defeat the dragon you now possess," the archangel continued. "If you wield this sword that can be a symbol showing such cooperation is needed once again. Not too dissimilar from the Sacred Gear Mr. Held now wields for his Crossroads. It will make an excellent weapon to support your Sacred Gear. I hear you could use it."
Issei's mood immediately darkened; apparently his nickname in the devil community was the weakest natural wielder of the Boosted Gear in history. The crack, however minor and unintended, towards his combat power was amplified by Vali's remark the previous day.
"Can I even touch it?" He finally answered, apparently resolved to become stronger so such statements could not be made. "Considering it is both a holy AND dragon slaying sword…"
"We performed a combined purification ritual with Ms. Himejima's assistance at this shrine. From today forward, even a dragon-devil may touch it." Akeno nodded to confirm his words.
Dorian held his breath as Issei stretched out his hand, claiming the sword with a wince expecting the pain he had felt in small part during his match with Irina. He gasped a sigh of relief as it became obvious there was none; the holy aura shined brightly yet bypassed his devil attribute leaving him unharmed. Issei seemed deeply focused on the sword, after a moment his Sacred Gear burst to life, the weapon dispersing into holy light that disappeared within. In a sudden lurch which caused both men to jump, the blade of Ascalon burst from his gear almost like a sword-length punching dagger.
"Ha!" Issei let out in victory. "I did it!"
A Sacred Gear wielded by a dragon-devil integrating a blade of Heaven, Dorian mused at the similarity of it all. You're not alone in that anymore Iggy.
I've never been alone with you Dorian…
Something about her tone caused the Einherjar to blush.
"I believe it's my turn now, the reason for your inclusion here," Lady Freyja stood and approached Dorian smiling. "As I said before, the Crossroads shall be my guard and attaché for the summit and should this be successful they will be far more active than before. As such, it is past due to have an official leader selected when higher authority cannot be reached."
"I understand," he nodded with her. "Thrud is an obvious choice; Rossweisse would also be superb at…"
"It has been decided that you will be leading them from henceforth."
You could have heard a pin drop, Dorian's words cut off at her own and his jaw fell open, flopping like a fish trapped on land. He stared at the older woman for far longer than was appropriate before remembering how his mouth worked.
"Why…me? Thrud is far stronger, Rossweisse better at magic by a wide margin. Even with my balance breaker…"
"Your power has grown impressive with much room to continue, but is not why we chose." Freyja calmly yet with a stern tone interrupted. "You were the one who proactively decided to come to Kuoh Town for the greater good despite your comfortable station in Asgard. You led the excursion here the first time though it was unofficial then to say nothing of your previous actions since joining us and at Olympus, but most of all was your conduct at The Jotun's Breath."
Dorian blinked for the first time since the news dropped, completely focused on her despite the others all watching with interest.
"The others fought admirably and held their ground against the attackers, yet YOU were the first to focus on the civilians. It was your quick thinking that got them out before the battle concluded knowing the best way each of them could work together with their individual skills, coordinating with your team to complete the task with no casualties. These are the truest qualities required."
Dorian's mind was racing, this didn't feel right, he was alone here and the others training. A decision like this shouldn't be made in secret.
"I would feel more comfortable if we discussed this with the others first. Perhaps when we return…"
"They are already aware."
Once again Dorian was left speechless.
"I approached each of them and asked their opinions on the future before arriving, they all agreed with our assessment. The girls all found our points valid and were more than willing to accept the decision, if you would take the post of course."
"I-" he admitted in a moment of feeling unworthy of the task." Thought that Thrud or Rossweisse would be the ones to lead."
"Thrud has told me MANY times of her preference to fight in the field; she has never been fond of leadership. And as for Rossweisse…who do you think put your name forward to begin with?"
"Rose…" That was what snapped him to attention. Even in their time apart, only seeing each other a short while every day through Skilja, she had such faith in him. He wouldn't let her down. "In that case I accept, at least for as long as I do it right," he bowed low before her.
"Excellent," she clasped her hands together, clearly resisting the urge to pull him close as she was want to do while Michael was watching. "I believe that concludes our business here does it not?"
"Indeed," the highest angel nodded. "We still need to get the meeting hall a look over so security can be adequately prepared for tomorrow. Farewell Mr. Hyoudou, Mr. Held, Ms. Himejima, we shall see all of you at the conference."
With that last word, a magic light wrapped around them all, Freyja blowing Dorian a confident kiss goodbye before she evaporated in a wave of sparks and energy. The collected teenagers just stood there, each contemplating what the morrow may bring until the sudden shout of Issei Hyoudou broke through the silence.
"DAMNIT!" The Red Dragon Emperor called out only after they had departed. "I completely forgot to ask my question!"
Not long after…
"Another?"
"Please," Dorian accepted a new cup of tea from Akeno. After the delegation had departed she felt it was only polite to offer some tea and food until Rias arrived to depart with Issei and Dorian home.
"So, were you the one who helped purify the sword?" Issei asked, eyeing Ascalon jutting from the boosted gear on his arm curiously."
"Yes," she replied softly. "At least in the portion requiring equal parts devil and fallen angel input, there were still instruments in this shrine that could serve both purposes. We were at it all morning."
Dorian nodded, understanding her special circumstance since he heard during the battle she was Baraqiel's daughter. That would have made her a fallen angel before becoming a devil. He did not say a word but took a sip of the tea; it always seemed a touch bitter when she made it.
"That is a great gift," he complimented Issei. "A holy sword of your own."
"Yea well," Issei looked very uncomfortable. "I've never been much of a sword-guy myself, that's more Kiba's thing."
"I am sure Kiba would gladly show you the ropes if you ask. If there is time perhaps I could even help." Despite the animosity between them personally, this had been a gift granted in the spirit of cooperation. It seemed a shame for it to go to waste. "Thrud trained me herself; I have been improving over the past months."
"I don't know…" Issei muttered again, looking over the blade more. He seemed to be distracted for another reason which became apparent as he looked up. "Are you really the daughter of a fallen angel leader?"
Dorian internally facepalmed, the young devil only barely knowing the name Baraqiel from Rias' tutoring of their society, his curiosity towards his upperclassman got the better of his common sense. Akeno's slightly darker face came back at mention of the question.
Issei, if she doesn't want to talk about it…
"I am," she answered after a moment hesitation. "As you heard, Baraqiel is my father but my mother was human. She was a priestess at a shrine just like this one; I was born from their meeting after he collapsed outside its borders from injuries sustained in battle and she tended to him."
Without a moment of hesitation, she lowered her robe from her shoulders, baring her breasts as Dorian stood to his feet in surprise. Before he could utter a word, a pair of wings erupted from her back. They were not the devil ones he had witnessed her fly with during the battle, but were rather mismatched. One was a devil's while the other was that of a fallen angel.
Did she use illusion magic on them before? Good lord she's more well-endowed than Rose!
"Akeno-senpai…" Issei started, clearly unable to stop staring despite his worry for his senpai.
"They are dirty wings," she stated solemnly as if what she said was an absolute truth while running her hands through the black feathers. "I possess them both, I thought I hated these most of all, then I met Rias and after becoming a devil turned even viler than…"
"Please stop," Dorian gritted his teeth. He couldn't bear to hear another word from her, from the kind, gentle Akeno whom had greeted him outside the clubhouse at his first visit. There was nothing vile about her he could see, and the fact she was so certain of it was churning his stomach.
"Fallen angels killed Issei," she motioned to her underclassman sitting stunned. "Asia too, you were here when they tried to destroy the city. They…"
"Tried to burn Olympus," Dorian spoke louder which caused her to pause at his words. "Impaled me through the chest, killed a lot of people including…" he bit back his words, hands resting over his breast, tracing the hidden scar tissue beneath. "No race is completely innocent, humans just as much. A fallen angel started the fire that killed me, but it doesn't matter and do you know why? You…aren't…them."
"I do hate fallen angels," Issei finally found his words. "But I like Akeno-san!" Her face softened somewhat at the combined assurances of two how were far from friends, yet agreed on this point. "I shouldn't have asked, I was a moron and I'm sorry. You don't have to say anything else about your past, but…"
"You shouldn't be sorry, I have the blood of a fallen angel in me, that man I call father." She glanced to Dorian, his parting words from before having occupied her thoughts to the exclusion of all else. Even when teasing Issei or draining him of his dragon energy, she had cut the sessions short, removing any playful nature she may have once considered. "Neither of you should be forgiving me…"
"You did NOTHING wrong," Dorian stated again despite feeling awkward at the center of attention.
If I'm going to lead the Crossroads I suppose I should get used to it.
"If you blamed the individual for the crimes of their race, we would all be guilty Akeno. You have been nothing but kind to everyone around you since I arrived both in class and as a devil. My team…my goal is to show that the various myths and their people can work as one, a step towards that is not blaming the individual for what occurred beyond their control."
"And you have been a good senpai since day one!" Issei picked up where Dorian stopped. "You are a fallen angel, but you are also the Vice President of the Occult Research Club, Rias' queen and I have never once disliked you! Not even hearing about your fallen angel family could make me hate you!"
"S-stop you two," she was crying. Issei looked terrified that he had said something wrong but she wiped her tears away to be replaced with a smile.
"Your father was the first fallen angel I met who proved your race was not as like-minded as Forcas." He saw her mood darken at the mention but continued. "I still do not know what transpired, but he loves you, still wears his wedding band, he stood up to Thor in a drinking contest toasting to you and your moth…"
Akeno struck Dorian across the face with an open-palmed slap, shocking the Einherjar as the hit had true force behind it. Her hand was subtly shaking with restrained anger, Dorian having unwittingly done the same thing he mentally berated Issei for moments earlier. His lack of understanding at the divide between Akeno and her father was wider than he could have imagined.
"Senpai!" Issei called out concerned for his friend, stepping forward as she rounded on Dorian.
"You…can't speak about him like that. He is not that man, if he was then mother wouldn't have…"
"AKENO!"
The half-fallen angel froze, realizing who stood behind her at the entrance to the shrine without looking. As if a switch had been flipped, she stood up straight, falling back into the big sister refined demeanor that she had shown before. Only once her wings had receded and her robe closed again did she turn, bowing politely.
"Yes President?"
"Did everything go smoothly with the sword?" She asked sternly, clearly sticking to business as she realized what had set off the scene upon which she had interrupted.
"Issei acquired the blade without difficulty," her pawn nodded a confirmation. "Michael has departed along with Lady Freyja. Mr. Held will be the one representing her attaché for the summit tomorrow."
"Is there anything else?"
"No, President."
"Then business is finished. Issei, we are heading back. Mr. Held, I believe your team are awaiting your return as well" she turned with that business concluded, marching down the steps with Issei close behind. As he caught up, she gripped his arm in a manner far more personal than between a king and pawn.
Dorian was left alone as Akeno left to begin putting away the table and tea set. Silence had fallen over the room to accompany the gloaming outside. Dorian opened his mouth to speak.
"I…"
"Please leave," Akeno interrupted. Her voice was back to the proper, calm and polite one, yet the snap obscured within was obvious. There was nothing he could say in that moment to placate her, deep down he knew that.
The new leader of the Crossroads bowed as always though she was turned and did not see it. His adherence to her request caused him to miss the cracks forming on her visage. The cracks in the big sister, confident upperclassman mask she wore remained, allowing a single renewed tear to fall at the thoughts of what he had said that day. She had convinced herself it was all his fault, and the idea her view on Baraqiel may be untrue gave her pause that she was unaccustomed to. She pushed them aside for the meanwhile, the next day was very important and she couldn't allow her thoughts to be clouded by uncertainty…not yet.
Akeno…
The surety, almost desperation to see her father as a monster tore at Dorian's chest. It wasn't his matter; he was an outsider, anything he did could be seen as unnecessary meddling.
Unnecessary my ass, he finally resolved with clenched fists. It would take a call back to Asgard, but he put a plan into action. A plan he knew would either sow the seeds of reconciliation, or make things much much worse…
Outside…
"Should we really leave Akeno-san like that President?" Issei asked Rias as they departed. He was shocked she didn't say something about the outburst she clearly saw.
"Akeno's relationship with her father is…complicated. If I try to interfere in a personal matter like that it would be problematic, especially so close to the summit. If it remains an issue it can be approached after. In any case, it is also her story to tell, I will not breach that confidence."
"I see, thank you President, for telling me even that much." Issei smiled solemnly, trusting her judgement above anyone else. He did not expect her next words.
"Akeno is the Vice President, but you call her Akeno. I am the President, and you call me President."
"Because, the President…is the President," Issei answered simply. "My master and high-class devil." He was entranced by Rias, especially her chest, this was true, but she was also his master as a devil. Anytime he tried thinking of her as anything else, a sharp pain stabbed through his heart, snapping him into the role of pawn. His perverted tendencies appeared to bypass this odd restriction. Of course, this residual memory of the woman who killed him was completely unknown to Rias whose face softened in a disappointed manner.
"Yes, I am the President…and also Rias."
"What did you say?"
"Nothing at all," Rias asserted, her previous words whispered enough to prevent his hearing. "Be sure to rest for tomorrow…it will be a long day."
Across the City…
"Tonight is finally the night," Vali sighed, hovering over the new school building from a safe and undetectable distance. He shining blue and white wings held him aloft despite their lack of movement. "Tomorrow the higher ups are gathering to discuss the most boring issues ever to be discussed."
Azazel had given him leave to wander. "There would be no threats until at least then," he had assured him. All the same, the young Vanishing Dragon had nowhere else to be, everything that mattered would be right here at the oddly important school.
"Do you just seek battle?" The Governor-General had asked before he departed.
"I was born in a world without god," the silver-haired bodyguard lamented. "I really wanted to be the one to kill him, after all who could be stronger?"
"With that outlook, you won't live very long. Though I have to admit you were paired with the perfect dragon for your view on the world."
This insignificant place, settled in a bubble of…
Vali glanced to the side, spotting someone sitting at the top of a nearby building, too high up for it to be anyone normal. Truly, it was a young woman with long black hair reaching her hips and matching eyes. She was dressed in a gothic lolita black attire that only seemed to cover her arms and back, from the front she wore poofy white pants that stopped above her knees, a bow keeping the robe clasped at her neck and ribbons covering her stomach. Only a pair of black x-shaped pieces of cloth covered her relatively small breasts.
"Wh-what are you doing here?"
"There is nothing left in this world to interest me, that is what you always say isn't it?" She asked with an incredibly smug expression.
He didn't reply, knowing full-well her identity. Not even he could halve such a being once, though even a hundred would not help him in the slightest.
"You're wrong."
He raised an eyebrow at those words though did she seem overly forward about elaborating her point.
"They may be back," she winked as they continued to stare at one another. "And it's all thanks to him."
Across the city, fully aware of their conversation, was another young woman, no older than high school wearing a Kuoh Academy uniform, the skirt reaching her ankles unlike the rest. Her hair reached to the small of her back similar to that of the mysterious girl speaking with the White Dragon Emperor. The greatest difference between them aside from her older appearance was the piercing gold eyes seeing through all eagerly awaiting what the future may bring.
The next morning…
Dorian twisted in his sleep, wincing as the fire surrounded him. Iggy wasn't there, everyone was gone and he was alone, staring down the creature which adorned the shield he had presented Rossweisse as a gift. This time was different; glancing down there was one other there with him. It might have been a little girl, or was she an adult? Was it even a girl at all? In some cases it just looked like a dark void with gold orbs staring into him, finally it opened its mouth to speak.
"Wakey wakey."
Dorian's eyes groggily opened, a certain Grim Reaper's head hovering over his bed through a portal smiling at him. As always she was completely oblivious to the breach of privacy but he couldn't blame her. After the events of the last night, it was welcome seeing a friendly face first thing as they had all already turned in for the night by the time he snuck back into the tower avoiding hers and Hecuba's traps all the way.
"Breakfast in negative five," Bennia announced as her head ducked back inside, her voice trailing behind it. "She actually made pancakes this time!"
Dorian shuffled out of bed, getting dressed and showering in record time, selecting his best suit for the summit. With a delayed exhalation he opened his door.
Did I do the right thing?
You are trying to. I…feel that is what matters most.
Thanks Iggy, I wonder if…
"CONGRATULATIONS!"
Dorian slammed into the back of the door, nearly falling over as the collected Crossroad members stood before him. They all had pointed party hats which looked utterly ridiculous especially on Thrud and Hecuba who poked at them at regular intervals. Even Ratatoskr had been freed, a tiny version resting on his head. In front of them was a rather impressive red velvet cake with a sentence spelled out in green icing.
"Congrats New Fearless Leader," he did not need to ask who chose the words.
"Everyone…" Dorian could not contain a heartfelt smile despite the previous night.
"No tears, not befitting a team leader," Ratatoskr ordered.
"We can save it for after the summit," Thrud remarked, holding the cake aloft with one hand while posing. "There is not enough time to enjoy it, but we can have a nice breakfast before we leave…and a surprise Lady Freyja left behind."
"That sounds like a real treat," Dorian smiled as they headed across the way to the Hyoudou residence. To his shock and surprise, even Bennia accompanied them for Hecuba's cooking without a single word of complaint.
A nice breakfast before work with everyone, wait, what surprise?
A full spread of food had been laid out; the Hyoudous were relaxing upstairs as Hecuba and Asia had insisted flying solo for cooking that day. Dorian felt apprehensive as his team stood beside the table, Hecuba nodding to Bennia as if giving a signal. The energetic grim reaper's scythe appeared out of nowhere; waving it about like a magic wand from the shows she loved so much. A mist enshrouded the girls, obscuring them from the neck down. After several seconds the fog passed, clearing to reveal the change that had occurred.
Each of them was adorned in custom-fit suits, but not the normal kind he had witnessed the gods of Asgard and Rossweisse wearing. These ones were ornate with designs and patterns dancing across the arms and back. Over the top each had a shoulder mantle balanced on each side save for Thrud whose favored her left arm and a short cloak. They were a mix of gold and silver though each had a color unique to them. The choice of bottoms appeared to be up to the girls as while Bennia's was a full-length dress with a slit for ease of movement. Thrud opted for shorts to allow ease of combat, Hecuba had selected full-length pants with Xenovia's being a skirt whose length was on par with Kuoh's uniforms.
On top, Bennia's had an undershirt of violet with a blue tie; Hecuba's was a deep red with a lighter shade for the tie while Xenovia's both matched her hair alternating blue and bright green. Thrud stood proud in hers, a blue-gold coloration clearly meant to elicit the color of lightning mixed with her armor. Dorian admired each one, only then finally realizing they wore patches on their arms of what looked like four thin gold diamonds pointing North, South, East and west surrounded by a glimmering circle, the points extending slightly outside of the sphere's borders.
The symbol for a crossroad.
The backdrop of each patch was customized to the individual; Bennia's with a foreboding skull and scythe, Thrud's showcasing bolts of lightning with Xenovia's being a pair of crossed blades modeled after Durandal and Angurvadal. Hecuba's was that of a sword and snake intertwined, he didn't know what to say.
"I told ya we'd get matching uniforms," Bennia announced proudly, grinning ear to ear. "And as our new fearless leader…don't think you're getting away either."
Thrud was the proud presenter who held up another such suit, smiling playfully at Dorian, his cheeks turning red. His own was the same color though sported a short cloak over his right shoulder no doubt to denote rank. The only off-color was his undershirt, cloak and tie which were clearly a green matching that of Laerad Ragnarok with similar root-themed designs woven into it. His eyes locked onto the patch, the same crossroads symbol was present only surrounded by roots and vines intertwining over every inch of it. He breathed a sigh of relief that his had pants.
He heard a gasp of joy from Iggy in his mind, she clearly loved it.
"Well?" The daughter of thunder shook it a bit towards him with a wink. "Are you going to try it on before we go or will we need to do it for you?"
The Crossroads share a simple meal among their teammates before heading to the momentous Summit. Unified in appearance with hope for the future, will they be able to ensure the meeting's success despite the enemies arrayed against it? As Always, I hope everyone Reads and Reviews…but most of all enjoys! :D
