Hello, this is the update for the month... or technically a part of it. Ahh damn, didn't make it home early enough to have update on August 31 instead of September 1. Haaahhhh...
Anyway, thing is after looking at Baka-tsuki and finally reading the latest volume of HsDxD... I was alerted that the next volume (after Rossweiss) was in fact an Irina-centric volume. It was also revealed that there was a "promise" between Irina and Ise back in their childhood... hence I had to delay the actual chapter 10 because Irina plays a large role in the story and I want stuff to be as canon as it can be.
Hence the events that follows the last chapter, an omake and the conclusion of the current arc (They have all been written but will be subject to change according to what i can find about the next volume of HsDxD) will be posted next week. September will have that and the start of the new arc so two more updates in that month.
Don't worry about the next chapter. There will be no more delay since it is mostly written.
For now, this is the conclusion of the Journey segment, the continuation of Ophis and Great Red's conversation and the method Ophis had used to reach the new world.
tl/dr:
- This chapter is the end of the journey segment. Those little tidbits at the end of the recent chapters. This reveals some important details and a bit of foreshadowing.
- Next chapter is the arc conclusion and will be posted by next week. It is already written, just needs some editing to conform with canon
- The omake segment will also make a return in the next chapter.
- The chapter that introduces the new arc will be posted by the end of the month. (this one's half written)
Answers to some of the reviews:
Gary29:
Thank you and I'm glad that the length of my work didn't stop you from reading it~
RandomNEET:
For the first question, No. There is a scene in the next chapter that will show why I had decided against erasing the parents' memory. For the second question, No, Great Red was still roaring and the enemy didn't understand a word of it. An omake in the next chapter will take that for comedy purposes~
Thank youfor reading and look forward to more.
Mad Random Writer:
I have recently gotten my hands on an editor! Hopefully he can help me reduce the amount of typos and grammatical mistakes in here since i could be rather careless...
Ahh if you are referring to the [** *** **] it was actually there to symbolize when Ophis would feel the painful sensation in her head. The increase in length and frequency was to symbolize how badly it was getting for her. I apologize for failing to clarify this before.
Thank you and I'm glad the execution was done well. This one was ever so slightly late but the multiple updates in this month would hopefully make up for that.
WarriorMan199456
Yes, the relationship between Ophis and great red will be one of the focuses of the story as could be seen in this chapter.
I'm glad that was noticed, I am starting to slowly build the changes in Ise's character compared to his canon counterpart. Subtle foreshadowing can be rather troublesome though~
Ahh unfortunately the massive beatdown will occur in the next update (to be uploaded next week since, no delays, i swear)
Thank you for your input and please look forward to more~
Karlos1234ify:
That made me laugh quite a bit... ahahah thank you
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan:
I am quite happy that was the case~
Disclaimed: No, me no make money from this.
Okay... time to start this thing...
==The Dream of the Infinite==
==The End to the Journey==
"Great Red, I want you to lend me my power so that I can realize my dream"
They were the words that the Ouroboros dragon had spoken.
The red dragon's view of the Ouroboros was that of a pure and empty child. One who personified the void perfectly. Right now, the Great Red had trouble reconciling the current Ophis in front of him and the Ophis in his memories.
They had had many encounters, most of them battles for the rights to settle in the gap and through all interactions they had had, the Ouroboros dragon had always been the same. She always had that blank and expressionless face. She always spoke in a monotone fashion. Any facial expression she would show were nothing more than mere imitation born out of observing other beings.
The only exception Great Red could recall was when they had met during Issei Hyoudou's death within the Dimensional gap. It had been, for what he could recall, the first time that Ophis had shown any semblance of actual emotion.
However, right now it was different. In truth Ophis' face had remained blank yet the red dragon could see the burning determination it held within. Her voice had vigour and passion, though not apparent, was plainly obvious to one who had known the Ouroboros dragon for so long. It wasn't just a semblance or a hint of emotion anymore, Ophis had truly started to show emotions.
'Was the boy the cause of this? Had the boy truly been able to do this much?'
The red dragon couldn't help but question. For the Ouroboros, one who had remained unchanged for an amount of time that non immortal beings could comprehend, had actually reached such a point could be considered a miracle that not even the god from the bible could manage to accomplish..
That was why Great Red listened intently. Willing to see what the Ouroboros wanted. What kind of dream she had that she couldn't accomplish despite her level of power.
[Are you out of your mind Ouroboros?]
Great Red's roar reverberated inside the dimensionless gap. The sky filled with iridescent colours momentarily shook from the roar. Ophis simply stood in front of it without moving a muscle.
Great Red had expected countless things yet even then what Ophis had wanted to do was crazy enough to make him roar in disbelief.
[Even for myself, accomplishing something like that would be extremely difficult. You understand that what would happen, if we fail?]
"Yes"
There was no hesitation in her face, in her voice and in her actions. Great Red had to marvel at such a sight. It had a thought that maybe the Ouroboros dragon in front of it was actually a replica and not the real one.
'If couldn't tell who you were I would say you were an impostor and erase you right here… Tch… I have this idiotic sense of loneliness for some reason'
[Heh… so you would go this far for the boy?]
The red dragon in all honesty was more impressed than anything else. Great Red set its sights directly on Ophis, looking for any signs of doubt. Being stared at had always been a good way to put another into discomfort.
Great Red had put some power into its gaze. It was powerful enough to shake any god.
Ophis simply gave one of her own. The response made the red dragon scoff.
[Fine. Go. Get yourself ready. I'll do so as well. When everything is prepared, come back here]
With those words, the Ouroboros dragon rushed out of the dimensional gap and, if the red dragon wasn't mistaken, she had done so while smiling.
The fact that Ophis can smile had probably been the largest surprise it had had since its birth.
[Heh… centuries and millennia have passed yet that had been the first I've seen such an expression on that idiot's face]
Great Red looked up to the sky. Contemplating how far the Ouroboros had gone.
[You didn't even spare a glance to this sky that you had been pursuing for so long… the same sky that you had stubbornly fought me for countless times… compared to him… does this sky hold no more meaning to you?]
==The Dream of the Infinite==
She looked at him, waiting for an answer to her inquiry. She had already decided that she would find a way to get to him no matter what it took and her answer came from one who had been Ise's enemy in the past.
"Parallel worlds? …There really isn't much proof but they should exist. That fairy that Ise had summoned some time ago should be sufficient to at least allow us to think that there are some. Though none of us had seen it, I doubt that both Ise and Ddraig would lie about such a thing."
Azazel commented under the expectant glare from the dragon god. He wore the usual clothes he had on when he taught in Kudo but this time had a clean white lab coat on. He looked casual and carefree as he usually did but when he had mentioned Ise's name, she noted that there was slight hint of sadness in his voice and his facial expression.
She had recently become more accustomed to seeing and understanding other people's emotion and general moods. She noted how that the slight changes in the tone of voice and subtle changes in other people's expression were a good way of telling how they felt.
Most of the others had a similar expression and tone of voice when mentioning Ise's name. Some of the others said the name with reverence and respect, some with nostalgia and fondness, some with vigour and excitement. She could tell such things now that she had expended effort in trying to understand and observe
'Ise… I am still lacking with regards to understanding other beings… but I have made progress...someday I will show it you...'
For now however, she needed some way to reach him. There was certainly a way. If the devil called Rizevim had pursued it, if Ise had done something that proves it, then the things called parallel worlds certainly exist.
"A method"
She spoke concisely, to which Azazel reacted with a raise of the brow.
'I see. He had not been able to understand the exact meaning of my words. I must elaborate then'
"A method to go to a parallel world"
Azazel widened his eyes, most likely realizing the intent behind the whole visit. It took several minutes before he spoke again while eyeing Ophis suspiciously. He had started and stopped several times until he took a deep breath and spoke slowly.
"There aren't any properly established methods to go to a parallel world. For one thing, we don't even know how many there are or even how to find one. We have no knowledge on how to safely open a path and the possible consequences going there may have."
Azazel spoke, explaining very carefully. His tone of voice was serious, something that was only happened in dire situations.
'Consequences?'
She tilted her head, unsure of what the fallen angel had meant. Azazel understood the action and continued his explanation.
"… Let us take you for example. You are a very powerful existence. Your mere presence is enough to disturb the surroundings and its inhabitants. If you were to manage to travel in a parallel world, we would have no idea what kind of impact you would make. There is also the fact that two Ouroboros dragons would then exist in the same place, if fiction is to be believed then that may have catastrophic results"
Azazel sighed, there were far too many factors to even consider.
"The effects could be minor enough to be considered negligible or severe to the point that you may end up interrupting time and space itself. What's more is that doing such a thing may also have a severe effect on you."
He finished, keeping the explanation simple, making sure that Ophis was able to digest his words properly.
'I see… so such things must also be considered. However, I have no intention of stopping '
"Even so… is there a way?"
She asked despite Azazel's words and the fallen angel couldn't help but let out a sigh. The words 'properly established' had meant that there were no standard procedures that could be followed to achieve the result, but it had not meant that there wasn't any other option to take.
"… That damn Rizevim would probably know more than me… and I have reviewed both his research and that of other magicians…"
He paused, considering whether he really would tell Ophis the truth.
"Haaah… but if you really are insistent then I can give you something that may possibly work"
The fallen angel stressed his last words. Making sure that Ophis understood that it was nothing more than a mere possibility.
"Know that if you are doing this, I will have to come and aid you. This method requires a lot of power and would put you in extreme risk"
He added, slightly hopeful that Ophis may actually be dissuaded.
Unfortunately, such a thing was impossible to begin with.
"If the possibility exists, no matter how small, then I will pursue it"
==The Dream of the Infinite==
There were countless thoughts that ran through her head as she flew in the sky, Vali and Lilith accompanying her. She flew higher than both of them, lagging slightly behind as they made their way to their destination.
They had needed t go to a certain spot before utilizing her power to open a gate to the dimensional gap. It was more or less a precaution done in order to prevent other beings from taking advantage of the opening they may make in the future.
Things had gone well. Vali and Lilith had agreed to her plan without any question. The only left to do is to return to the dimensional gap to meet with Great Red and Azazel, who had gone ahead there, and actually realize it.
'Yes… it had gone well… yet right now I am feeling a slight sense of hesitation'
She took a glance at the two. Both wore the expressions they had usually worn; a calm and collected face for Vali, a blank and indifferent face for Lilith. No fear or anxiety were present in those faces.
[Having second thoughts?]
Ddraig questioned in the depths of her mind.
'… I am fine with paying the cost for as long as I do so myself, even if we fail. However it would mean that both Vali and Lilith would pay the costs as well'
[They have agreed to it. It's not like you hid the information from them. In fact you had told them the consequences plainly and clearly from the start. Despite that, they had agreed to help so there's no need for you to worry about it.]
'You will not dissuade me by saying that others would make sacrifices other than me to achieve an improbable goal?'
[No. I doubt it would work anyway. Besides, it's not like I'm against the idea of seeing my partner again.]
She didn't respond further with that. She was in actuality, thankful that Ddraig had not argued that fact. There were many things she learned but out of all of them, the importance of lives of others, especially that of your comrades should be protected no matter what. It should be placed above all else and not risked on endeavours that did not even have a high chance succeeding.
It was apparent to her. She knew that what she was doing now was completely selfish. She was aware that many others would be affected by her actions. She was aware that her actions may even possibly cause a disaster at worst.
However she wanted to see Ise. She wanted to be by his side again. Those feelings within her heart overpowered every other thought and emotion within her.
'I truly am being selfish… it is rather strange to be aware of it myself.'
She felt it odd that not only did she know the significance of her actions, she was also aware of the possible impact it may have on others. Though this was normal to some, it was rather new to her.
She was concerned about their chances of succeeding.
She was worried about the thoughts of Lilith and Vali.
She was nervous with going through with the plan.
She was determined to go on regardless.
They were all apparent to her now. Unlike in the past, she could now tell, describe and understand her own thoughts and emotions.
'If I had stayed as I was in the past… would I have ever experienced such things?'
She clenched her fist, being reminded once again of the person who she sought to be reunited with. She felt anxious, yet another emotion she had the chance to experience.
'Ise… I hope to see you soon'
==The Dream of the Infinite==
[Are you ready for this Ophis?]
Great Red asked her as they gathered within the dimensional gap. Vali stood on her right while Lilith stood on her left. Great Red was at a good distance behind them. Azazel, was in between the group of three and Great Red.
They had made preparations to travel to a parallel world. Only Vali, Albion, Ddraig and Ophis however where going. Lilith was been there to assist Great Red with the procedure and to continue the plan after the procedure was performed. Azazel would take charge of the procedure.
"Alright, all of you, we are now going to start"
Azazel spoke, his tone completely serious.
"I'm going to go through the procedure again. I want this to be perfectly clear to everyone so no matter how many times you've heard it just put up with it. What we're going to do is mostly known only in theory and most of said theories were taken from the bastard Rizevim's research."
He sighed and shook his head to get back on track. He took in a deep breath and started.
"We are going to open a rift in space and time with concentrated brute force. If we combine the powers of the True Dragon, the Dragon God and the two heavenly dragons, we are sure to be able to at least create a small rift in reality"
Ise had once summoned another being, thought only in spirit, by force of will and his uncanny ability to do the impossible. He had also once shaken and distorted a fabricated space with the power of his Triaina Bishop form. If such things are taken into consideration then creating a rift wasn't all too farfetched.
What came after that was the truly difficult part.
"We are inside the dimensional gap in order to maximize our chances. This is also done in order for Great Red to more easily establish a connection with the other world"
The dimensional gap was a location that lies between the many different realms that existed in their world hence it may be possible that it can connect to a realm not part of their own. If a gate to the parallel worlds were to exist, then it would surely be in the place they were standing on right now.
"When the rift is open, Great Red will proceed with establishing connection with the parallel world."
The thought behind it is simple. Even if a rift in reality was present, there would be no actual assurance that the said rift would be capable of leading them to a world they wanted. Their aim was for a world similar to their own where Issei Hyoudou would exist.
Great Red, an existence that defined the world Issei Hyoudou lived in, would be the best land mark to identify a world where Ise may exist.
"Great Red should be able to easily track down a being similar to itself. When Great Red succeeds in locating an identical existence, it would then immediately search out existences similar to yours. While this is happening, your job will be to keep the rift open and stable"
Great Red was the ruler of dreams and illusions. The red dragon was capable of creating a connection between two beings through their dreams.
"Great Red will then connect you and your counterparts in the other world through your dreams. Your consciousness, not your physical bodies, would be then sent through this connection, hopefully sending you through the space between the two worlds safely"
The point of what they were doing was to allow Ophis to be with Ise. For as long as she herself was able to experience it, there would be no need to bring their physical bodies along. There was no stable path between both worlds that would assure the safety of their physical bodies and there was no telling what the impact of having two identical existences there were to the world so they took this alternative.
There was also assurance that they would be able to properly ferry their consciousness to their counterparts in the other world nor were there any assurance on what would happen once it does, but that level of risk they were willing to take.
"… When the transfer is complete, Great Red, Lilith and I will do what we can to close the rift. What happens after that is up to both of you. Don't worry about things here, we'll handle the aftermath"
He breathed out after the explanation. Azazel was still extremely worried and reluctant but he couldn't stop Ophis or Vali. The two would most likely simply find another method on their own, one more dangerous that what they were doing now, so it was better than he assist instead of resisting.
"Vali… Ophis…"
He called, wanting to talk to both of them. Neither faced him but he knew both were listening. This was the one chance he had. If they were to still remain stubborn with their decision then there was nothing else he could do.
"I know I can't stop both of you. What we're going to do is completely crazy and no matter what the result, what both of you will do will be considered 'dying' so I can't help but feel reluctant to do this…"
He paused to consider what to say.
"..All I ask is that if there is any way I can dissuade you from doing this then say so now. I am willing to do anything so please. Please tell me there's something"
He begged. Despite his age, despite his experience, he threw away any semblance of pride and begged. Whether they fail or succeed, both Ophis and Vali would be 'dying' in his eyes in one way or the other.
He had lost many things before, friends and family alike who died in many different battles. He had also already lost a precious student; he didn't want to lose more.
""None""
The two answered in tandem without hesitation as he expected. He was disappointed but he had no other choice.
"Then we're just gonna have to make sure that we succeed no matter what the hell happens! Let's show Ise that we can do the goddamn impossible as well!"
He shouted out, partly to steel his will, partly to cover his sadness. Feelings of regret started to creep inside him again. Regret at not being able to do anything for Ise and not being able to do anything to stop Vali and Ophis from going.
"Alright… EVERYONE GO!"
With that signal, a coalescence of untold level of power was concentrated into a single point in space. The impact it made shook not only the dimensional gap but also every realm. Every being, even those unaware of the more fantastical side of the world, could feel it.
==The Dream of the Infinite==
'Well damn it… we actually succeeded… every damn bone in my body hurts like hell and my power is completely depleted, barely enough to let me exist here, but we actually did it…'
He looked around to see the fallen bodies of Vali and Ophis, now considered dead. Lilith was holding Ophis' hands looking almost lonely and Great Red had simply stood in place and seems to be in deep thought.
[Hmph… Oi fallen angel. I had done what you said. Are you sure about doing that?]
Great Red established a mental link with Azazel in order for him to understand its words. Azazel sat up from his position and replied while stretching his body. The backlash of opening the rift was insane and almost blew them away, keeping it stable strained him worse than anything he had ever done in his life and closing it took every bit of power he and the others had.
"Yeah…. They're gonna need it. We may have succeeded but there's no telling what will happen to them and how they will deal with it from now on."
He stated. He instructed Great Red to send over the memories of the existences within the vicinity of the dimensional gap. He had done so as an assurance that Ophis and Vali would have the heavenly dragons to rely on and also give Ise a guardian.
He closed his eyes and recalled the last moments they had when the rift was open and the transfer took place.
'Thank you. Despite everything, you were the closest thing to a father I had'
They were the words Vali told him before he transferred. It was short and casual but the words the silver haired boy had spoken were ones he never expected to ever hear.
"Tch… I'm not really father material… but you weren't really a good son either…"
He covered his face with his arms. Tears started to fall from his eyes.
"Heh… you idiot… I thought of you as a son as well you know…"
There was a long moment of silence before Great red decided to speak.
[Heh… to think the Ouroboros would be capable saying such things to me…how truly strange… I can only regret not having to have spent more time with the boy]
Azazel had wanted to ask what the meaning behind those words was but he decided it was about time to do damage control.
"Two bodies without a consciousness, two sacred gears without the dragons in them to give power, an impact strong enough to shake reality itself, Lilith's ascension as the new Dragon God… its going to be damn troublesome to handle everything that comes after…"
He scratched his head in irritation and sighed.
"… but I guess it's still worth it… I hope those two do well on the other world"s
==The Dream of the Infinite==
== From the Infinite to the Dream==
Great Red, thank you.
These words are what I would like to express to you. I have yet to understand why I was unable to do so in person but someday I may learn the reason.
I am still not skilled with regards to expressing myself however I intend to learn more in the other world so for now please bear with me.
I apologize for not having tried to properly interact with you Great Red in the past. It is only now that I realize what meaning your actions held. I had been stubborn and unwilling to cooperate. I had been far too unwilling to touch upon something beyond what I already knew.
From everything you've done, to every word that you have said to me. I can tell… you are… an existence similar to myself. One who others would not even bother themselves attempt to understand much less actually properly understanding.
If I had realized earlier, if only I understood earlier then things might have been different…
Great Red… you were lonely as well weren't you?
Just like me who had looked to the sky for comfort, you had flown in it for the same reason.
We were alike, very much so. We both needed someone to understand and care for us. We both needed someone to be able to talk to and play with but we neither had the means or the opportunity to actually do so.
I have learned that friends are wonderful existences. Family, even more so. Meeting Ise, becoming his friend ,and joining his family had allowed me to experience living. They allowed me to experience happiness and sadness, pain and pleasure, excitement and anxiety… and I could not help but be thankful for it.
I realized that this is what Ise had wanted me to understand. When I get to the other world, I will be sure to show it to him. I will talk to him, show him my emotions, show him everything I've learned... and then I will be able to live a life with Ise, fully comprehending and fully experiencing the happiness and sadness she would experience with him.
I wish that both you and Lilith to experience such things as well …
Also, as she had been born from my power, Lilith… is one similar to us. Please take care of her. Now that she will hold my power, she will bcome the new Ouroboros Dragon of the world. Please become friends with her and treat each other well.
I hope that I had been clear with the intent and meaning behind my words. I had taken some time to compose them though even now I feel that it may be inadequate…
It may have been far too late to say… however, I am glad that there was an existence like you who could relate to me.
In the other life I will live… I will make sure to become good friends and family with Great Red.
Thank you for everything. Thank you for allowing me to realize my dream.
So for the first and last time I will say these words.
Goodbye Great Red.
==The Dream of the infinite==
A/N: For clarification, the last part was what Ophis sent to great red before she transferred to the parallel world.
This one was rather short mostly because it was originally supposed to be part of the chapter to be uploaded next week. I did my best to make the method they had taken seem plausible but it has no basis whatsoever aside from select scenes in the Light novel.
Also, to those who review and or send me a message, please know that I only ever log in here when I need to upload a chapter so i apologize if I do not reply until a month at least...
It has actually been quite a while since I've last been able to simply sit down and read in this place... hopefully i can change that soon...
Ahh well look forward to the next one, leave a review if you would like, any thoughts and criticisms are very much welcome.
Thank you once again and hope to see you in the next updates.