KurokamiTendou: Yea! :D
DJDrake: Wonderful to hear! Indeed, to make it to Volume 21, quite a few chapters/adventures to go...but well worth it ;)
FateBurn: Thank you
Hollowreaper93: I am so glad you enjoyed it :D
AJR3333: Odin that clever? Surely not! xD I completely agree, to our knowledge Odin was the only one who did that and considering he only chose Valkyries and the range of their duties...he probably just wanted an excuse for a gorgeous maid to attend to him lol.
tamagat: Well, in his defense he takes the overall power while Dorian actually rebounded his ability back at him. That and the fact he only saw the Red Dragon Emperor as a worthy challenge, having someone else fight so well frustrated him. Well, up until now Dorian has only ever seen the peaceful, kind and healing Freyja...seeing her covered in blood arrayed for war was a pretty shocking sight to see the first time. No, Iggy is the equivalent of a sapling compared to her mother, she'll need time to have an inter-dimensional pocket of her own ;)
Slayer Cross: Thank you very much for your patience, I hope it wasn't too long. I'll trickle out the downtime chapters leading up to the next arc before going in full swing. It would only be demon energy. The idea is she can learn the magics unique to the realm she "eats," therefore she wouldn't be able to learn the magics unique to a specific individual or family.
naruto: I most certainly will :) Yep, Katerea made it out alive albeit barely. Ah, the mysterious presence watching Dorian...oddly familiar turn of events since he returned to Earth...
andresf1703: Thank you very much! A big milestone and I am so glad you enjoyed it!
fanficcyberman: You are very welcome, hopefully the wait was not too long lol.
The dude: Oh no, I won't spoil too much but I assure you it will happen LONG before 3-4 chapters left in the story lol. Unlike canon I wanted the romance to feel earned and genuine. That and neither Dorian nor Rossweisse are the type to just jump headlong in so fast. I will say...it is coming soon in a certain arc ;)
StraxyX: Thank you! I hope not to disappoint.
GunBlade2019: Hi! Indeed, it is quite fun to write her drunken states lol, however rarely she gives into that side of herself.
Unown: Not that I am aware of unless it is in a not-yet translated or obscure side story. Not quite sure what mythology he would keep loyalty with...but a certain Faction of "heroes" is coming up soon...
OBSERVER01: Exactly, she can begin that process early, shoring up that emotionally unstable side that never got resolved in canon. Odin ships them? XD XD That is...oddly accurate lol.
Unown: I pictured his voice I pictured a normal-sounding teenager, yet in a pinch and situation his voice personifies his determination and fortitude. Think a combination of a young Nathan Drake and Jonny Young Bosch is the initial thought in my head.
And with that...ONTO THE SHOW!
Dorian groaned as he opened his eyes, the familiar ceiling of his room in the tower greeting him. The wallpaper was a deep aqua with intricate designs that were almost like one of those artworks that shifted if you stared at them too long. It helped him get to sleep at night and made his brain think first thing in the morning. With a sigh of force, he rolled towards the edge of the bed; it would not do to stay in it much longer.
After the battle, all sides had gotten together to tally their injured and assess the situation. The Old Satan Faction along with their Khaos Brigade allies had been driven off; though it was obvious their power was far from broken. The leaders seemed certain that Vali would not attack again, the chance for an easy assassination lost and their path to a full war far in the distance.
Despite the conflict, the summit had served its purpose, the three factions now part of the alliance including Olympus and the Nine Realms. The various leaders assured they would begin seeking candidates to join the Crossroads to represent their people, but in the meantime rest and recuperation were needed most. It hadn't helped when Rossweisse showed up half in tears at being let go of her duties as bodyguard to Odin. She had to vacate her home within the palace and thought of nowhere else to go beside the Crossroads tower.
Why would the Allfather just fire Rossweisse out of nowhere like that, he thought as he groggily collected the clothes he had set out the previous night. Still blinking his eyes to focus, he started following the armor, weapon and fur-lined walls towards the bathroom. It can't be for the battle, I can send a message to Lady Freyja. After I get ready I can find what room Rose is staying in and…has the bathroom door always been this color?
The Einherjar turned the knob, pushing open the door that, until that morning, had led to the bathroom connected to his room. The next few moments happened so fast.
Dorian opened the door, being greeted with the most heavenly sight he could have hoped to witness first thing in the morning. Rossweisse was sitting up in a large lilac bed, eyes barely open as if she had just awoken herself due to the noise of the door opening. She was wearing a baggy jersey depicting crossed lightning bolts that was low-cut in the front; from the angle he could tell she was wearing nothing beneath, no pants with only deep purple panties.
Oh, Dorian thought as the image caused a smile to form on his lips. No wonder the door looked different, I must still be asleep. How many of these am I going to have before I find a time to just come out and…?
"Dorian?" Rossweisse asked, clearly as groggy as him.
Maybe talking to this one will give practice for the real thing. It's about time I told her.
"Are you feeling better?" Dorian asked, wearing his emotions on his shoulders as he gripped her arm gently, ignoring her state of dress for surely it was but a good dream. "Koneko mentioned that poison was very strong."
"I am better," she laid a hand over his, amazed how real it felt. "Lady Freyja tended to my injuries personally as I slept back home."
"Why didn't you tell me during the battle," he asked with a hint of remorse in his eye. "I could have…"
"You were needed elsewhere," she interrupted. "If I had told you, would you really have left?"
"No, I suppose I wouldn't' have," he admitted after several seconds of silence. "But if it weren't for Koneko you would have died!" His fists tightened at the thought of that possibility.
"Not just Koneko."
Dorian looked to her with a confused expression as she finally told him of what had transpired. She went over Koneko's heritage, trusting him to keep it secret, going on to explain how the Khaos Brigade Nekotama had shown Rias' rook how to heal her mist and that without her tutelage; Koneko's efforts would have been insufficient.
"Kuroka saved you from her own poison?" Rossweisse nodded an affirmative. Before she could continue, Dorian pulled her into a tight embrace, thankful once again for her safety. The young Valkyrie was speechless, being reminded of that desperate embrace he had locked her in at Olympus after his time amid Elysium.
"D-Dorian," she started to protest before remembering it must be a dream. Tenderly, she returned the hug, squeezing him tighter than she ever had before. It felt nice, his muscles were coming in and had become toned from the rigorous training. Surprisingly, his arms were strong, yet not crushing. Pulling back after they both enjoyed each other's embrace, she gasped as he laid a gentle hand on her bare smooth thigh, squeezing gently while caressing it up and down. It was an action she did not dispute, having been so long since she had such a good dream.
"I should have done this a long time ag…"
Don't you dare say a word to ruin this.
You are so bold this morning; Iggy's voice rang in his head, interrupting the Einherjar's thoughts of how to proceed, he was confused as his eternal companion's inclusion. Do you wish me to withdraw? She asked with obvious hesitation.
Iggy? I thought you always said you'd always ask permission before entering my dreams.
There was an awkward moment of silence.
Dorian…you are quite awake right now; I would never invade the sanctity of your dreams unannounced.
A cold sweat broke out on Dorian's brow, eyes widening and pupils shrinking as he realized where his hand was currently resting, taking a great deal of willpower to dislodge it. In a flash, he disappeared, leaving only a dust silhouette as he withdrew back to the mysterious new door, barely noticing Odin's Bodyguard tilt her head in disappointed confusion. Unbeknownst to him, she had also thought it was a dream due to the sudden appearance of the man whom she had grown so close to from a door that had certainly not been there the previous night.
"What is going on?" Dorian asked loudly to no one in particular once he was back in the sanctity of his bedroom looking over the details thoroughly. The area was the same larger size it had been the previous day, however now there were extra doors. The first had led to Rossweisse's room; he prayed the second would go to the bathroom he sought, which would leave the third.
Once again, the universe heard and supplied an answer as the final mystery door slid open to reveal a shape. It was a tall, beautiful woman wearing only a towel with a second wrapped around her dripping wet hair. It took Dorian only a moment to realize her identity through the cloth which clung to her frame and left little to the imagination. He could never mistake her green eyes or shape which he had seen in detail on more than one occasion.
"Dorian?" Thrud asked with a raised eyebrow and no hint of embarrassment despite her state of dress or lack thereof. "What are you doing in my closet?"
"Closet?" He paled at her words as the door to Rossweisse's room opened. The Valkyrie peeked in, still wearing only her underwear, jersey and a confused expression.
"Dorian, why did you leave?" It was then she spotted Thrud, realizing either her dream had taken an unexpected turn, or…
With a quick shriek, she ducked behind the door to cover herself; Thrud unmoving from her door equally perplexed, though she took the opportunity to glance between both, unable to contain a playful grin. The three must have been quite the sight, even more so when a familiar teleportation circle opened in the room to reveal a certain incorrigible grim reaper.
"Lots of mouths to feed now, Asia and Hecuba went all out. I hope you're hung…" Bennia opened her eyes, finally seeing Dorian in his boxers, Rossweisse in her pajamas and Thrud in a towel all staring back at her like deer caught in headlights.
No one said a word, only stood there gawking at the unexpected visitor as the seconds ticked by. Bennia's left eye twitched slightly, jaw agape at the sight before an awkward smile finally took shape before she bowed as well she could with only her neck and head currently through the portal.
"Sorry for the interruption!" She shouted before ducking back inside, a distant sound of her voice calling out was the last they heard before the portal collapsed. "Guys! It's finally happening! You owe me twenty bucks!"
"Will somebody," Dorian finally found his words. "PLEASE explain to me what is going on?"
A little while later…
"You remodeled the house in our sleep?"
Azazel threw his head back, unable to contain a hearty laugh after hearing what had transpired that morning. The scheming fallen angel held the laughter for longer than most found comfortable.
"Well, technically Rias' father remodeled your house; I just requested it along with a few suggestions from your Lady Freyja and Allfather to give enough room for your new members and preparation for more."
"And the point of connecting our rooms?" Rossweisse asked with reddened cheeks. It was true that with her and the Valkyrie trio's inclusion that the tower could use some adjustment, but no one had heard about the particular design choice. Even the Hyoudou house had undergone extensive construction, now being six stories tall that Issei was still flabbergasted had been done while they slept.
"A moment of inspiration between me and Odin," Azazel winked. "After all, as the leader of the Crossroads you may need to have emergency meetings, late-night strategic planning or last-minute cram sessions. The good Lord Gremory even had a similar idea in mind for Issei's new room. Your indomitable daughter of the Thunder God did not seem to mind, never know when you may wish to call upon her 'services.' Having accommodations connected with those closest to you would seem beneficial, would you not agree?"
"And Lady Freyja agreed to this?"
"Well, she didn't know my EXACT details, but she trusts this 'young punk' as your Allfather has taken to calling me. I certainly hope you didn't mention too many details in your little report back home."
Dorian kept calm, not letting on he had inquired on Rossweisse's dismissal to Lady Freyja. Skilja wasn't connecting to Odin as she had in the past so he sent her home the old fashioned way. Perhaps she would have more information. Though the message was sealed, the look on Azazel's face screamed he knew full well what the Einherjar had sent back.
"On an unrelated note," he continued while talking to Rossweisse, surely to imply his knowledge. "All of your belongings arrived last night and are being moved to your room as we speak. There should be more than enough space in your accommodations, especially for that intriguing shield of yours."
"It wasn't damaged was it?!" Her face lit up at the mention of Dorian's gift from the festival that felt so long ago. She had been using its visual aid as reference to locate information that had slipped past during her college days. Even in so short a time since it was made, she had uncovered such minute ties to the beast etched upon it. "I was VERY strict with the delicacy of that particular item! It was…" Only then did she realize how she must sound and calmed down, coughing nonchalantly as if that would erase the last few seconds. "Rather, it was a cherished gift."
"No doubt," he grinned like the proverbial cat that had swallowed the canary. "Interesting design choice too, whatever could have inspired that?"
Rossweisse and Dorian glanced back at each other, neither certain how to answer that. Fortunately, Azazel moved on, clearly not expecting a true answer.
"But fret not, I am sure your position among the Crossroads is secure," he glanced at Dorian, taking a moment to realize as the leader that he was the one who made such a decision. "She must have plenty of references."
"O-of course!" He blurted out upon realizing the silver-Valkyrie looked as if she would produce a resume and full portfolio at any moment. "I don't know why the Allfather would do such a thing, but you will always have a home here."
"Dorian…," she whispered; Azazel's presence the only thing preventing a show of affection they'd not had a chance to share yet. "But surely I cannot remain in this tower all day."
"If that is your concern," the Grigori-General jumped in again. "I happen to know a certain location is short-staffed and I am positive they would welcome such an intellect as yours. You enjoy enlightening others, don't you Mr. Held?" Dorian nodded hesitantly much to his grin. "Excellent, this little project can include you as well and the benefits are excellent for supplementing the recently finalized Crossroad's incentives.
Despite the changes of the last few hours, those words caused Rossweisse's eyes to light up at the mention of improved financial security, training her ears to ensure she didn't miss a think of Azazel's proposition.
"What…did you have in mind?"
Azazel grinned, producing a folder and handing it to the woman. It did not take more than a few seconds for her eyes to widen to ridiculous proportions and mouth to drop open at the contents. She had underestimated how enticing the benefits of a group could be when supported by multiple major super powers.
"We offer full dental, accumulating spending account AND paid vacation days?!"
Asgard…
"Of course she was 'honored' to perform for the Allfather himself. I am sure even you could have found someone." Odin bragged before the assembled nobles and his blood-brother Loki in particular who looked supremely bored.
"I am surprised the rumors of Musphelheim stirring do not worry you more Allfather," Loki mused, tipping over a glass before resetting it to pass the time. He despised the meetings of those beneath him discussing events he couldn't care less for.
"We're all allies here," Odin remarked with apparent dismissal. "Rumors are but that...rumors. Surtr knows better especially after that whole matter with his clone." The official meeting had concluded and they were in the process of planning the 'extracurricular activities' to follow. "I will criminally need to cut our night out short, however as I am…."
The doors to the massive halls burst open in a single swing despite the considerable weight required to do so. The Queen of the Nine Realms stood silhouetted by the shining radiance behind, a look of restrained rage focused squarely at her husband as she held a crumpled letter in her hand.
"Out my lords….OUT!" She boomed in her queenly voice of which none could contest.
"Per…haps we may continue once I have spent some time with my beloved wife," Odin calmly replied after a moment of terrified silence from the others. "I have been quite remiss in my husbandly duties as of late."
"Of course brother," Loki bowed in an exaggerated fashion, eyes darting between the Allfather and Queen, an unseen flash of annoyance marring his features for half a moment. The collected royalty only nodded to go along with his boastful statement, shuffling out past the Vanir Goddess who ignored them all, remaining silent until Loki, the last to leave, closed the door behind them.
With his little intellect of a bodyguard gone, the Jotun-turned god mused once he was alone with his thoughts. I'll have to use what knowledge I already took on the Beast of the End for the future, a pity as she was making such headway researching that unsightly creature for me. Just how much of those ancient bindings would be weakened if Ragnarok were to come early this year...?
Inside the Throne Room...
"How could you?" Freyja threw the letter at the Allfather who caught it expertly, unfolding Skilja's message as best he could while starting to read.
"Good for them," he smirked upon reading of Rossweisse's arrival at the tower and subsequent ideas by Azazel for her employ. "Renovations seem to have gone well and…"
"You KNOW how he feels about her!" Freyja interrupted, finally unleashing her anger to echo throughout the sealed hall. "How much he cares for that girl, only a blind man wouldn't and you still have one eye left last I checked! How could you make a decision to send her away without consulting me? If Rossweisse is no longer in your service and on Midgard then…"
"Then the lad will have less reason to return 'home' as often as you hoped?" He folded the paper neatly, leaving it on the edge of the armrest. "What was your overall goal for the Crossroads again? Please tell me as you did many times before."
Freyja's eyes drooped in confusion, not understanding what he was inferring.
"A true unified force between all the member groups unbiased towards any….correct?" She did not need to answer. "So how could the others truly trust in its purpose when the leaders are so biased towards any one realm, Asgard for example? Did you ever consider that?"
"What does that have to do with dismissing Rossweisse?"
"Perceived bias is impossible to avoid my dear if the leaders of the Crossroads spent too much time in any one. It'd be the same if he went to Olympus, Hell, or even Heaven. Spend too much time in one and the others will believe he would put that place above them and not trust should it come down to a choice between them. With this act, he will remain on Midgard near her and our little birds can spread their wings beyond the nest, so to speak."
"But," Freyja interrupted, her fury burning low as she saw the wisdom in his words. "He's just a boy."
He's my boy…
Odin sensed the root of her conflict. All the time Dorian had spent as retainer he had given her such an air of calm, talking with the goddess into the late hours about anything that came to mind, all the while growing as close to her as family. She didn't want to see him go, despite all the young man could do. It had been the same way after they had Baldur.
Freyja could scarcely believe he had thought through the situation so thoroughly, it was quite unlike him. Odin had considered how best to advance the Crossroads while simultaneously easing Dorian onto a path he could walk on his own while still under their raven's watchful eyes if need be.
"You truly considered this vision of mine," she finally admitted. "Why?"
"Because it was yours," he answered simply while grinning that smug look he often had, yet it was so honest she couldn't help but return it back, taking a seat beside him. "I can always find another fetching member of your Valkyries to attend to me," he avoided eye contact with her lest the return glare bore through him. "The two will be quite happy, Thrud as well at the Hyoudou Residence of which her father has no qualms about. On the contrary he was more ecstatic than I've seen him in years, though I am not certain how in agreement he is in with Sif. The Issei boy may be a pawn of the Gremory Family, but the Red Dragon is an unaffiliated party and thus his home is considered neutral territory. That should help to placate any who would fear the Crossroads playing favoritism until they grow and find somewhere more fitting. I am sure he will do fine, Yggdrasil's daughter would not have chosen him otherwise."
He's right; Dorian couldn't remain my retainer forever, much as I would like that. I suppose I have gotten soft, not that that is such a bad thing. This lecher, this…impossible man…it is no wonder he became the Allfather of his people. To balance so closely between his personal fascinations and duty, is that what I saw in him to begin with?
"You are wiser than you let on," she clasped his hand gently, their thrones close enough to allow such contact. "And should he ever need us in guidance or advice then we shall be here together...Lord Odin."
If Odin's false eye was a real monocle it would surely have fallen out in that moment. He glanced between her hand and the expression she was giving him, focusing on her last word. She had not called him by his name in so long.
"To…gether?" He asked, stroking his beard. "You would accept this despicable excuse for a god back despite my vibrant outings?" He made sure to use the exact expression she had referred to him as when she walked in on a rather active show many years ago.
"You have your oddities dear husband and I have mine though you know hardly a one even after all this time. I trust you WILL try to contain yourself somewhat going forward I do hope…"
Odin burst into laughter, the sound echoing through the halls much to the relief of all who heard it after Freyja's initial outburst. "No promises my Frigga, an old goat such as me has his interests yet lacks the will to break old habits, though it shall never extend beyond that, as I said long ago."
A new face appeared, summoned by the jubilant laughter. He was tall, eyes glowing as gold as the suit he wore with a matching belt and blade at his hip. He approached the throne and knelt.
"I…pray all is well," he asked sheepishly, surely afraid of the reply.
"More than well Heimdallr," Freyja was the one to answer. "Though some time to relax will be good for us. You may inform the others that for the next few hours your Allfather," she glanced to Odin with a smirk, "and the Allmother will be taking a nice leisurely stroll through the gardens."
The title she had forsaken years ago, left behind had been uttered once more. The union of Asgard's thrones was complete, stronger than ever. Though even as he took the hand of the woman he loved and walked the halls together, Odin could not help but think a single thing in that moment with a tear in his eye.
My outings, how wonderful they'd be with her by my side. My Frigga and the many assets of the women of Asgard before my eyes at once. Not even Mimir could see a more pleasant vision of the future!
"And what will you tell the lad?"
"We must tell him one day, but not yet," Freyja asserted. "For now, let him believe as I did for so long, that the Allfather of the Nine Realms does as he will on a whim. He will be upset for a time and it will hurt, but the path to growth is laid before him. If he takes it, we may tell him the truth in due time. Until that day, we may need to enlist the Crossroads for duties here in Asgard from time to time…"
"Not too far off," Odin agreed. "Our new friends in Heaven and Hell have been true to their word and provided such interesting insights to their technologies. It is surprisingly compatible with ours and already we are whipping up a few things that are quite interesting..."
Occult Research Club…
"Keep your feet firmly planted! A weak stance will break instantly regardless of brute force!"
Kiba called out to Issei, rushing forward with his Holy-Devil sword drawn. Issei raised his new blade Ascalon, deflecting the first blow though was thrown off balance and stumbled into the dirt. He barely had time to scramble back up as his friend charged again.
Rias and Asia watched from the sidelines, the two women lounging in the sun though never taking their eyes off the sparring before them. Asia was prepared to heal any bruises or injuries Issei took while training, she had already taken care of quite a few already and looked worried for more. After the last battle where Ascalon's power had helped to best Vali, Dorian recommended becoming more proficient in its use. While Issei was not a proponent of the idea, Rias was and as his master he had to obey her commands. Swordsmanship courses from their friends to the North and Kiba were added to Issei's daily regimen.
"Dorian is set to spar with you tomorrow," Kiba half threatened with a slight smile of enjoyment between friends and comrades. "I am sure he will not go as easy as I am."
"You're going easy?" Issei blurted out before the flat surface of Kiba's sword cracked him in the chest after easily parrying his feeble defense.
"Issei!" Asia rushed forward, healing the slowly spreading bruise before it could fully take shape.
"I'm fine Asia," he assured her with a smile to placate the former nun's worries. "If I'm going to be a harem devil king I can't let this slow me down." He spoke with what confidence he could, but beyond Asia's affections it was clear he was far from a harem.
The two had formed a connection since he first ran into her shortly after becoming a devil which only grew since he'd saved her from death. Issei's more perverted tendencies adored the fact she was allowed to stay at his house before any others, even preferring to sleep in his bed. For the first time, however, he restrained his desire to touch and fondle her breasts as he actually felt a twinge of guilt at her innocence. After Rias started doing the same it became more out of worry how she would feel.
As Issei and Asia mumbled through pleasantries and veiled small talk, Koneko and Akeno were not far. The half-fallen angel was busy pouring cups of tea for everyone, smiling more genuinely than recent days as the secret Nekotama approached nonchalantly.
"Senpai," Koneko started, pausing as Rassei passed by. Asia's sprite dragon was getting much needed exercise as well. Already he had noticeably grown since he first chose the young girl as his master over Issei. The group was considering illusion magic to permit him a chance to fly beyond the confines of the Hyoudou residence or Occult Research Club building. "Do you have a moment?"
"Always for you," Rias' Queen smiled back, motioning to a nearby chair which Koneko took.
"You…suppressed your magic for a long time, right?"
Akeno's expression softened yet did not break as she nodded. For years she had seen the holy-lightning powers inherited from her father as a representation of him. She'd use her ability when needed for Rias, yet never truly tapped into nor worked to understand it better. Since the discussion with the young Einherjar after the Kokabiel incident, she had risked exploring its potential in secret. Clearly, her nightly practices had been noticed.
"I did," she leaned back, glancing at the sky as a gentle breeze caught her hair. "I did not want that power to be who I was, to become my…"
"Sister."
"Father."
The two paused as their announcements coincided, easing the tension somewhat as they realized how much they had in common. Koneko's trepidation lessened as she continued with what was on her mind.
"Same here, I didn't want to be her, but my power helped save Rossweisse, something my strength alone couldn't have done. I want to learn to use it more but don't know where to begin…will you help me?"
Akeno's eyes lit up, overjoyed that Koneko's shame at her lineage, a belief she understood better than most, seemed to be burdening her mind less than before. Stepping forward, tea left behind, she wrapped her arms gently around her underclassman to comfort her and show their bond as close as sisters.
"Of course, but only if you do the same for me. We can discover what our powers make us...together."
Not Far…
It won't be long now, Rias mused while lounging as her peerage continued their activities around her. The Rating games for the gathering will be starting up very soon and I have yet to fill my last knight and rook.
She lowered her sunglasses, blocking others from noticing she was watching Issei and Asia still laughing together. It stung more than she let on, he was so close to her yet around Rias, barring times talking about her impressive assets, he was the President to him and nothing more. He had yet to even call her by her first name yet. She had commanded him to call her President or Master at their first meeting, yet she was slowly hoping he did not follow EVERY command given.
Focus Rias, if I am to prove I can stand without my brother, I'll need to show what I can do in the upcoming gathering. Issei has improved drastically, Kiba has discovered his balance breaker, Asia is the ultimate support, and the others…
She glanced to Akeno and Koneko speaking not far, sighing contentedly as she saw they were smiling genuinely while talking.
They are so strong, but strong won't cut it against the best. Brother mentioned Dorian's team alone will be receiving representatives from the three main factions in the coming weeks to say nothing of surpassing the other peerages from other families. More training is key, but also locating others whose powers bolster ours even further. She opened a roster from Kuoh including other prominent names that caught her interest, flipping through it in calm, laid back manner as each one seemed more promising than the last. Now then, who shall we look at first?
Kuoh Academy Halls…
"They could have hurried a little," Dorian muttered under his breath as he speed-walked through the halls.
With the morning meeting with Azazel and Rossweisse, he was running behind. Thankfully, at his current pace he would make it in time, he just couldn't be distracted. Making a last second decision, Dorian pivoted into a side hall to cut through an unused classroom. He was moving so fast he nearly collided with a woman coming from the opposite direction.
"Woah!" He spun, narrowly avoiding her as he recomposed himself. "Sorry about that, I didn't expect anyone in this room."
"Neither did I."
Dorian finally got a good look at her; she was quite tall nearly equaling Rossweisse's height though was not overly large. She wore the standard Kuoh Academy uniform though was constantly tugging at the skirt as if unused to its short length. Her hair was pitch black and long, coming together into a simple braid at the small of her back. Her eyes were a dull yellow similar to Xenovia's in a certain light though he could have sworn they were much brighter when he nearly crashed into her.
"I gotta go!" He half-jogged in place. "But are you okay?"
The girl nodded a single time, expression unreadable as she just stared at him, never breaking eye contact.
"Well, then I…" he suddenly felt an odd sense of déjà vu around her as he thought more and more, her features looking oddly familiar. "I hope this isn't an odd question but…do you have any siblings? A younger sister maybe?"
"I am the youngest," she answered short and to the point, the gentle voice never breaking an octave.
"I see, you just reminded me of…never mind. Maybe I'll see you around; my name is Dorian, what is yours?"
"Kassumi, my name is Kassumi."
"Nice meeting you Kassumi!" He waved as he now lightly jogged desperate to make up the lost time. Despite his training to sense anything out of the ordinary, he was none the wiser as the dull yellow eyes ignited gold watching him leave. The student faded away in a wisp of smoke unseen by any who may have been nearby, the fringes of a smirk dancing across her face just before disappearing from sight.
Kuoh Academy…
"I'm just saying," Bennia remarked, leaning back on a desk while poking at the hem of her academy uniform skirt. "It may have been just a misunderstanding, but I wouldn't mind my room linked with a cute guy's. Think they take requests?"
Hecuba groaned at her friend's gossip, rubbing her temple as they awaited classes to begin. "Shouldn't you be getting back to the 1st year classes?"
"Oh, I can pop back in before the second chime of the bell, they'll be none the wiser I was ever away," she winked mischievously, never tiring of playfully aggravating her roommate. She knew deep down, the proper Spartan enjoyed a little chaos every now and then.
"Your dedication to perfect attendance is awe inspiring," she replied dryly without a hint of emotion in her voice. It had been some time since the Crossroads took up residence in Kuoh Town and started attending the Academy. Hecuba was hesitant to admit it, but the days of relative peace compared to the constant bustle of Olympus was refreshing. She'd felt calmer than ever before including her previous trips to the lookout tower.
"Speaking of popping back up," she leaned in closer, prompting Hecuba to do the same. "I hear that fancy magic wand of Katerea's is really something. It doesn't match up with any magic they've seen. Rumors from home say they actually got permission to study it there."
"Home? Do you mean Mount Olympus, why there?" Hecuba asked, her interest piqued strongly with the new information.
"Apparently they need the most ancients of ancients to take a look, might find something similar before standard historical knowledge. I hear the Titans still had a few secre…"
The first bell rang, signaling the start of Civics Class. The various students started shuffling to their seats as Bennia snuck behind Hecuba, using her body to mask her retreat.
"Have fun," she stuck her tongue out with a playful wink. "I'm glad I don't have to take this course for another year…ta!" In a flash, she slipped through the floor, disappearing into a cleverly concealed portal that swiftly closed behind her. None of the others were wise to what just happened and the redheaded transfer student took her seat accordingly.
Magic similar to that wielded by the Titans? She clasped her hands together in thought. That would be ancient indeed; just where on Earth would the Old Satan Faction have acquired something like that? It was so powerful even the Governor-General could scarcely handle it. I can ask Dorian if he's heard anything when…where is Dorian?
Only then did the young Spartan notice Dorian's seat was strangely empty. Most curious as he had never been late for class and seldom came close to being tardy. It was only then she realized their group had left separated as often happened and she had not seen Dorian. A twinge of worry caused her to begin to stand.
"Stand! Bow! Sit!" The class representative called out almost coinciding with Hecuba's standing. She complied with the commands, realizing it would not do to depart yet. She could search for him and confirm his safety after the lesson had concluded.
"Thank you," the older substitute teacher adjusted his glasses with a silent cough to clear his throat. "I regret to inform you that Mrs. Nakamura's maternity leave has become more…permanent. She is taking the time to be with her family; apparently she came into money recently or something. In any case, I am here to introduce her replacement."
"Great, Mrs. Nakamura was pretty attractive," Matsuda sighed with a sulking slump forward. "Now we'll get some old geezer for…"
The door slid open, a cool breeze sweeping over the class as the replacement teacher entered. The renewed wind roused them from their lethargy, especially the men as they beheld her. Hecuba's jaw dropped, fully recognizing the newcomer.
"Rossweisse?"
"Greetings everyone, my name is Ms. Rossweisse. I will be your Civics teacher going forward and I hope to have a productive school year. I am still quite new at this so I hope everyone is gentle at first."
"A platinum beauty!" Motohama could hardly restrain himself at the phrasing of her introduction. Their new Civics teacher had silver hair, a grey suit complete with skirt that hugged her frame and bows in her hair. Already, he was contemplating how to use this to their advantage.
"We could organize cram sessions!" Matsuda whispered far too loudly. "If our grades slip a bit she'll HAVE to give us private lessons! Right Issei?"
Issei covered his nose, despite fully knowing their new instructors identity, his tendencies were in full swing. It was clear had few qualms, if any, of going along fully with their plans for the future. It was written all over his face.
"She is new to Kuoh," he continued. "As such we will be assigning an assistant teacher through the foreseeable future."
The students started muttering to each other on their identity. Most classes had an assistant teacher; civics had been one of the few holdouts due to Mrs. Nakamura's insistence that she did not require one.
"Oh please let her be a bookworm innocent type!" Matsuda crossed his fingers. "Maybe a bit of a sheltered younger sister to…"
Heavier footfalls quickly dashed their hopes of a petite wilting flower accompanying the new vision of loveliness that was their new instructor. The class' collective mouths dropped open at their identity, recognizing the man adorned in a similar suit and long pants.
"Mr. Held will be assisting Ms. Rossweisse in this class," he explained as Dorian wrote his name on the board as was expected despite being unnecessary. "I understand the situation seems very unorthodox, however this will be to work towards his education major for experience, though he will still be a student in all other respects outside this lesson. I hope there will be no difficulty having a new fellow student in such a position."
The perverted trio's eyes sunk at the realization of who would be at the head of the class alongside Rossweisse. It had been Azazel and Odin's idea long in the planning; Rossweisse gets a job on Midgard to keep busy with benefits supplementing those of the Crossroads. In addition, Dorian not only gets proper experience towards his desire to teach, but also a chance to study alongside the young Valkyrie instead of beneath her.
"Though I am sure Mr. Held would rather enjoy the latter option as well," Odin cackled as he drew up the paperwork prior to Rossweisse's dismissal. "Plus this way that pesky 'student/teacher relationship' taboo won't be a problem if he's one as well." The morally questionable Allfather of course ignored the societal impropriety of dating in the same work environment.
"Good morning everyone," Dorian greeted them as he had his first day arriving at the school. "I know this is an…odd situation, but I ask you to please think of me as just another teacher in regards to this class as you would Ms. Rossweisse and treat me no different than her."
The perverted trio felt a shiver go up their spines. They were not entirely certain, but the young gold-haired student's gaze seemed to linger on them for half a moment longer when he uttered those words.
"Those three will be in for a treat," Kiyruu muttered to her neighbor, grinning through the glare in her glasses. "I think the rest of this year is going to be even more fun than I thought.
The days at Kuoh Academy continue, our heroes given time to rest, prepare for the future and create fond memories among friends and loved ones. Dorian takes his next step towards his long-standing dream of teaching those for the future...though he does not take the step alone. As always I hope everyone Reads and Reviews...but most of all Enjoys! :D
