Persephone had managed to create a glassy, flickering orb through which she could observe. She hadn't needed it before, because what happened on the surface wasn't her concern and what happened down here she could see for herself either with her natural godly vision or by physically going to it. The orb could see the Underworld perfectly. The surface was a little flickery, but it worked. Kuro found her hovering anxiously (both figuratively and literally) by this new orb when he arrived.
"So, what's happening now?" he asked dully.
"My sister has been fending off Palutena's forces with the wind," said Persephone, turning to Kuro. In doing so, she turned away from the orb, and the Dragon shuffled behind her to investigate it. Kuro ignored it as it sniffed about the new object.
"What about the other gods?" Kuro asked.
Persephone considered. "Few have any kind of power that could work despite Viridi's wind, and she is the main land power. She can hold off any land attacks just fine."
"And the sea? What about that?"
"Poseidon only cares about his ocean, and not much for the humans."
Kuro folded his arms. "So that leaves... us."
Persephone looked nervous. "Maybe. True, the Peacekeepers wouldn't be affected by wind, but I hate to ask souls to fight in such a large scale. And… besides, what about you? You won't be able to lead them..."
"Viridi can't destroy them. They'll just have to fall back if they get scattered," said Kuro. "And let's just say that I'm-" he choked on it for a moment- "-immune to wind."
"True..." mused Persephone slowly. "I just... She is my sister, Kuro."
"Honestly? I don't think you've been her sister for a long time," muttered Kuro. "She got on just fine."
Persephone lowered her eyes, darkening at this thought. Kuro cleared his throat. "Besides, it's our duty. Don't think about it too much."
"I... I suppose. And..." She turned to face the Dragon suddenly, catching it mid-attempt to gnaw on the orb. "Fair Spirit Dragon!" she declared. "Will you assist us in restoring the balance?"
The Dragon snorted its surprise, then tilted its head. Persephone clapped her hands and bowed low. A goddess, bowing-? Kuro watched closely. He might have a chance to figure out what the Dragon's deal was. Persephone continued, "I know it's not your habit to interfere, but if this continues, the cycle of life and death could be broken. That is your domain, is it not?"
Kuro's eyes widened. "Hey," he said, catching her attention. "Its domain is what?"
"Yes, Kuro. Now is as good a time as any to tell you. The Spirit Dragon watches over Life and Death." Behind Persephone, said Dragon was deep in thought.
"How is that possible?" he asked. "The Sacred Beasts control the elements." But Persephone was shaking her head.
"There are two sets of Sacred Beasts, Kuro. Four to control the elements, in two pairs, partnered with four gods. And then... Four above everything, above the gods, who existed at the beginning of time. Their existence is a little more of a secret, because not many know very much about them. The Spirit Dragon is one of the higher four."
"What are they?" asked Kuro, folding his arms.
"I don't know all of their names or shapes," said Persephone. "I think no god does until they see them. But I believe there's... One for Fate and Luck, one for Time and Space, one for Magic and Energy, and the last... Life and Death. They created the earth and the gods, then split apart to guard their domains, so the tale goes. Normally, they don't interfere. Most don't interact with anyone at all." She turned back to glance at the Dragon. "I was surprised when the Dragon appeared to us."
"They're more powerful than the gods," said Kuro, starting to understand her mysterious clues. "They control things that no god should have power over." Behind Persephone, the Dragon watched him silently. Persephone nodded. "They keep some things in balance. Just like a god will keep the balance with their natural power, so do these creatures keep it. And like a god may exercise their influence on their particular domain, so may the High Sacred Beasts pass judgement and act if they see fit. Which is why," she said, finally turning back to the Dragon, "I am asking your assistance."
Kuro watched her, watched the Dragon. "What if they die?" he asked.
Persephone paused, turning back to him slowly. "I... I don't know."
The Dragon finally broke its silence with a chuffing laugh. It pushed forward to nuzzle Kuro's chest and looked up at him with its version of a smile.
"Will you be reborn, if you die?" asked Kuro. It returned his gaze with large, gentle eyes and nodded. He scratched its head. "Good. It'd be terrible to lose such a good fighter. You're the only one that can match me."
It purred and pressed its head into his chest, nearly knocking him over. "Okay, okay," he growled. "Enough with the affectionate stuff. I don't- yes, okay, you're welcome. Happy?"
It backed off, glancing coyly at him and curling its body gracefully to gaze at Persephone. A silence passed between them, which Kuro watched. They did this often. He was used to it.
"You will help us," said Persephone at last. The Dragon nodded, not breaking eye contact. She reached out to hover her hand over its head. "Thank you."
"So, we have a plan?" asked Kuro.
"Yes," said Persephone. "I think so. I will have to ask the Peacekeepers-"
"We do have an abundance of souls lately," muttered Kuro, getting a glare from her.
"-but as soon as they agree we may proceed."
"Good," said Kuro, already turning away. "I'm going to go choose a weapon."
"I'll try to make a stronger Blade, if you like," offered Persephone. Kuro considered. "Yes," he said. "That'll work." He started to grin at the thought of battle. "Viridi won't know what hit her."
"Yes..." murmured Persephone. He glanced back at her. "It's fine. Don't worry about it."
"I'll try." She giggled as the Dragon nudged her. Kuro hid his smile and turned back.
My apologies if the writing for this chapter is a little choppy. I've had a long day, and while I was trying to write with the usual finesse, this sort of chapter is all too easy to pound through.