I don't own anything. All characters and all rights belong to Ichiei Ishibumi*
M for mature topics. No children allowed. *
The Broken Boosted Gear
By Try Another Time
"Hello, child engulfed in crimson flames. You don't know me and I don't know who you are but I needed to write this letter as a way of expressing my gratitude towards you. You might not even remember my home or the war that you stopped in 7 nights but I do. I remember myself back then, back when I was another child soldier. My hands were stained with blood and I was only another mindless being following the orders of those that sat on top of the rest.
I didn't have a home or a family to go back to. I only knew how to fight, how to kill to live for another day. My rifle was my only partner as those that fought alongside me at the beginning of the conflict were dead by the time you appeared on the battlefield.
When you appeared for the first time, my eyes couldn't believe what they were seeing. Your body was engulfed in flames and yet you were still alive. Your voice was that of an adult and I couldn't see your face but I did see what you did. You took my rifle away, the rifles of my fellow soldiers, the ones of my enemies, and every other weapon in the conflict. Your flames consume the weapons that we once held in our hands.
"You have no more weapons but some of you still have the will to continue to fight in this meaningless war. You have two options, give up and search for peace and a new age or get up and try to face me with your own fists. I will offer you the death of a warrior and erase all of your past from this world. Choose now."
Those were your words. You wanted an end to the conflict but you knew it wasn't going to be that easy. I watched as many of my fellow soldiers died by your hands that night. I also saw how many of my enemies died similarly. Each one burned until nothing remains. You stood there as an enemy that none of us could defeat and that broke us. Are you a demon, a god, or maybe an ancient spirit that came to end the meaningless war that started ages ago? I had many questions but I got no answers.
The next night as I laid on a red cross tent I heard through the radio how the same thing happened in another place of our nation. The same burning child taking out both sides of the conflict and their bases. Thousands of people were being burned alive by the crimson flames that had judged me as well.
As I laid in that bed, I cried while reflecting on my past. The things I have lost and my own place as a human in this world. Why did I even continue to fight? What was I doing in this war? If you're a god does that mean that all of this war was a mistake since the beginning? I continued to reflect while hearing about the same thing night after night until nothing was left from both sides of the war. Our nation was in shambles.
Whole cities were cleansed by your flames. Our leaders were eliminated alongside each weapon in the war. Nothing remained except for survivors that lacked the will to fight back.
The last thing that remained of the war was a single monument that you put on the remains of what was once our capital. A single chained black coffin that had a message on it.
"All of you are mortals, different in so many ways, and still the same in the end. If you can't change and talk before picking up a stone to attack another person I'm going to come back to finish the job. I'm giving you a second chance to start again. Remember your past and move towards the future or I will end your lives."
All of us read that scripture and knew that we had one chance of making it right or facing the consequences. It was the final ultimatum for our small nation and we know that it was a real threat.
Six months have passed since the end of the war and the monument still stands as proof of your existence. Proof of our errors and the thing that has pushed us to start again while avoiding the mistakes of the past. The rest of the world calls you a legend and a myth while also telling us that we have gone insane for believing such a thing but we know the truth. You're real, and you're watching us even at this moment. You're the judge that we shouldn't anger.
I now live in an orphanage that is run by the reformed church and I'm getting the help I need to move on. I still remember the war and the things I did but I hope to move on like you want me to. I fear you but I also respect what you symbolize in my life. I thank you and hope that you don't come back."
The letter ends and the child that is reading it puts it down before grabbing a coffee mug. His hair is longer than before and his green strands have started to take over. He was a bit taller than before. His eyes were as green as they were back in the day. He was wearing a red t-shirt and a pair of short brown pants. "Rael, why do I keep receiving these letters?"
"They are yours, Mr. Enforcer. Maybe you prefer another one of your many titles given to you by the humans; the Flames of Cleansing, the Crimson Child, The Judge of the Gods-" Rael says.
"Stop! Just how many names are they going to give me?" Issei puts the coffee mug away. "I shouldn't have accepted any of those missions even if Mitsuya was involved somehow. I'm not a hero nor a symbol of justice. They should fear me and stop sending me letters."
"But you are the Enforcer of the Alliance. Issei, you're the one that wanted us to intervene in the human world and these missions are just a way of letting humans learn about our presence. You're the one that wanted this." Rael smiles. "Look at the church now, it has evolved into the thing that it was supposed to be. An actual helping hand that understands the complexity of humans and not just a misguided image of our father's message to humanity. You helped to create all of this."
Issei sighs. "I really need a break from all of these missions and not more letters that keep calling me a savior. I'm not a god and killing people shouldn't be seen as an act that should be praised. They need to remember that I'm the one that can end their lives. I'm not their hero. These letters need to stop."
Rael stands up. "You're not a hero or a savior but your actions are affecting the world as we know it. Issei you need to learn to accept the fact that this is how humans are seeing you. As long as they don't start any cults or religions surrounding you it's going to be fine. I need to take care of some things back in heaven. I'll see you back tonight."
"Take care and tell your siblings to stop asking for my intervention. I'm not going to join another mission for a while unless it is a complete emergency." Issei says.
"I'll let them know." Rael transforms before she disappears into a beam of light.
Issei covers his face with one hand and continues to relax on the couch. "Hero? I'm none of that. I just follow my own path and do what I feel is right before my eyes." Issei reflects for some time before he feels the weight of someone in his legs. "Ophis?" Issei moves the hand away.
"I'm hungry. I want food." Ophis says.
Issei smiles before he grabs her cheeks and pinches them. "Did you brush your teeth? A dirty dragon doesn't deserve any breakfast."
Ophis allows the playful interaction to continue for a few seconds before she moves his hand away. "Do my fangs look dirty to you?" She shows him the inside of her mouth. Her fangs were like knives capable of cutting anything in her path.
Issei looks inside for a second. "They look clean to me. Did you also take a shower?"
"Are my clothes not proof enough?" Ophis stands up and shows him her black hoodie with the word void stamped on the front, a purple blouse, a black skirt, and sneakers.
Issei smiles. Then he notices a brush and bag of hair ties in her hand. "I see that you didn't brush your hair. Want me to do it for you?"
Ophis nods before she sits on his legs once more.
"What do you want for today?" Issei asks the girl. He takes the brush and starts to work on her hair. "You have gotten used to me touching you without getting angry or defensive. You have grown a bit since last year."
"Twin tails. I saw them on the TV and I found them interesting." Ophis admits.
"Interesting you said. What other things did Ms. Endless Dragon find?"
"Not much. The TV is filled with many things but not everything catches my eyes."
"Got it. What about food? Anything that captured your eye this time? I need some help to decide what we should eat for today since Raynare is still on that mission with Kuroka and Shirone."
"I want meat, but not fried chicken or fish. I saw a show about American BBQ and I admit it looks very appealing."
"American BBQ? So, you want to try western cuisine this time. We might need to take a small trip for that and read a few recipes to know what to do. Maybe I should give Baraqiel a call just in case he knows about this." Issei says before he finishes with the twin tails. "Done. Go and look at yourself in the mirror."
Ophis gets up and disappears.
Issei gets up and walks towards the kitchen. He checks the clock on the wall. "7:13, they should be getting ready." He approaches the stove before he begins to work.
"Looks fine." Ophis comes back and sits down on one of the chairs near the breakfast countertop. "What about the food?"
"Give me just a second. We're having pancakes for today." Issei replies why he continues to work.
"Fluffy and sweet?" Ophis's eyes shine with interest.
"Like always but remember that mines aren't as good as those made by Raynare."
"Doesn't matter. Move those hands faster and give me those pancakes." Her aura grows.
"Relax. Just give me time." Issei continues to cook while thinking of all that had taken place during this time. "Besides the missions and training, I have been enjoying a peaceful life since I came out of the egg."
Some minutes go by and Ophis keeps waiting patiently for the food until…
"Good morning!" The cheerful voice of Tosca draws the attention of Ophis.
Ophis turns towards the direction of the voice and then she finds Tosca, Asia, Valerie, and Gasper who are wearing their elementary school uniforms from Kuoh Academy.
Tosca's appearance was practically the same except for the fact that she was a bit taller and she had finally learned how to control her transformation. Her tail and horns were gone but she would get her tail back whenever she wasn't in front of normal humans. She was still training under the supervision of Tiamat.
Asia was also taller and she was gaining muscle mass thanks to her training alongside Gabriel. Her hair was shorter due to this same training but she didn't mind it. She was still caring and a light of hope but a bit more mature at the same time.
Valerie looked much different now. After being brought into the chaos residence she was able to gain weight and lose that skeletal appearance that she used to have. Her hair was long and brighter, not like it used to be in the past. An aura of happiness and calmness surrounded her at all times. Her height hasn't changed that much since she was brought to the human world.
Gasper was the biggest surprise of the rest. Now that he was eating a decent diet his body had changed a lot. His appearance was the livid image of a shota with the addiction of sharp red eyes that captured the attention of many. His hair was growing more with each day which led to the girls trying different styles on him. Right now, his hair was set loose with a small braid that hangs from his left side. His face usually causes discussions as his androgynous characteristics would usually confuse people. Is he a boy or a girl? The question was always brought up. It didn't help that his clothes would also help to further improve his appeal. From short pants and shirts that would make him seem like someone from the Victorian era to other cute outfits that the girls would get for him. His only salvation was his attitude which was deeply influenced by Issei.
"A man is not defined by the way he looks. A man is defined by his attitude, the path he takes, and many other factors besides appearance. Keep your head high and never let anyone get the best out of you." Those words became his bible and Gasper continues to follow them to this day although his appearance continues to grab the attention of many.
"Good morning. Take a seat. Breakfast is almost ready." Issei says.
Tosca and the others do as told. Each of the kids greets Ophis as they take their seats.
The endless dragon just nods towards them. She didn't talk with them that much except when it was something that grabbed her attention.
"Old man, what do we have for breakfast today?" Tosca asks.
"Pancakes. Just wait a few moments. Also, give it a rest with the old man title. I don't look that old." Issei replies.
"Never, old man. No child that I know is drinking coffee or drinking alcohol like you do. You're old and that isn't going to change." Tosca says with a smile.
"You better give it a rest or I will make you regret it, Tosca." Issei jokes.
"Try me." Tosca replies.
The other three children laugh after listening to the pair's argument.
Asia then stops laughing and looks around for a few seconds before she talks. "Is Tiamat sleeping?"
"She is. She came back really late last night." Issei admits. "Ajuka is working on the new rating games and Tia is helping to make sure they're ready by the end of this year."
"The devils had been waiting patiently for the return of the games for a while. I remember talking to Rias about them and hearing a few conversations from the devils in Lilith." Tosca explains. "Ajuka gave them the games and now they have become a crucial part of their society."
"I wish to see one of those games in person. They sound interesting." Valerie admits.
"Isn't it just devils fighting against each other? I only hear about the big fights that took place in the stadiums back when they were open." Gasper asks.
"Mostly right but there are a few different ways in which the games can go. We might go to one once they are back." Issei finishes with pancakes and serves them to the kids. "Eat up and don't forget your Bentos. They are in the fridge. Make sure you come back home on time; we're having something good for today."
"Got it. Thanks for the food." The kids replied in unison before they began to eat.
Issei walks back to the couch and sits down before taking his coffee mug back. He takes a sip of the coffee and finds out that it is cold. "It's still good."
The kids continue to eat in peace while Issei relaxes.
Meanwhile, Grigori.
Cleria Belial is sitting down on her bed while looking at her new prosthetic arm. She was wearing a new uniform that was provided to her by Ajuka.
"Well, Ms. Belial, what do you think about it? It has been many months since the operation. You should be able to use it with ease." Shemhazai explains.
Cleria lifts her new arm and moves it around for a while. "It feels so real. I can't even tell if it's really a mechanical arm or not."
"That's the magic of Azazel's inventions. He made it like his own bionic arm, not just a replacement but a limb that can feel and give the user the same sensation as a real one. Now about your wings, please get up." Shemhazai waits patiently.
Cleria gets up and tries to activate her new wings. Some seconds go by before a pair of metallic demonic wings grow out of her lower back.
"We gave them a dark color to match the normal colors of the wings of devils. We made adjustments based on your comments and fears. They should feel more normal and work as well as your original ones. We added a few runes to increase their durability and resistance against attacks of most kinds. With the wings out of the way, there's one last thing we should talk about."
"My powers." Cleria makes her wing disappear. She was scared of what she was about to hear.
"Yes. When we brought you into Grigori and started with the surgeries we found an artifact incrusted into your back. The artifact was sucking and suppressing your powers like a parasite. Although we removed the artifact a long time ago, its aftereffects are still present. Your powers won't go back to normal for some time. Your body is still getting used to the absence of the parasite but one day you're going to be back in full power. Don't force yourself and try to avoid most fights until your body is back to normal."
Cleria seems relieved after hearing the prospect of her powers returning to normal. "I understand and I thank you for your help. It has been a long process of rehabilitation and your employees have made sure that I feel welcome. I appreciate your help."
"It has been a pleasure. We are proud of our abilities to take care of our patients. Now follow me, Ajuka is waiting for you." Shemhazai opens the door and allows Cleria to exit the room.
The pair walks through the hallways until they reach a room in which Ajuka was sitting down.
"You seemed back to full health, Cleria Belial." Ajuka stands up.
"It's all thanks to the fallen angels, Ajuka-sama." Cleria bows her head.
"You don't need to do that. I'm the one that should be thanking you. You're responsible for the cleansing of Rating Games and the end of the Royal Faction. I can't thank you enough for what you did for us." Ajuka bows his head. "I owe you a lot, Cleria." Ajuka raises his head.
"It was my responsibility Ajuka-sama. I did what I did for the sake of the devils. I paid the price but I did it for a bigger reason. I do have regrets about it but I'm determined to continue forward as a way of paying respect to my former peerage." Cleria keeps her head up while talking although she is still hurt deep inside.
Ajuka looks into her eyes and finds no signs of lies or doubts. Before his eyes, Cleria was one of the strongest devils he had ever seen and he couldn't hide the smile forming on his face. "What you say is true and something that I respect. That is why I'm willing to give you something as an initial payment for your actions. Your actions are something I can't overlook and I will make sure they get recognized by the rest of the faction. If you follow me, we can discuss my proposal in better detail back in Lilith."
"It would be my pleasure, my lord." Cleria turns around once more. "Thank you for everything, Shemhazai."
"It was nothing. Take care and come to visit us once in a while. Our doors are always open to you." The fallen angel vows his head.
"I will." Cleria smiles before she approaches Ajuka and both are teleported away.
Back in Lilith.
The pair reappears within Ajuka's office.
"Cleria, please sit down." Ajuka walks towards his own seat.
Cleria sits down.
"First of all, I want to offer your position as the devil in charge of Kuoh Town. Before you accept you should know that the Welsh Dragon, his group, and several fallen angels also lived in the town. They are our allies now and we expect that you will continue a good relationship with them." Ajuka says.
"I understand the situation, the fallen angels made sure to let me know what happened outside at all times. But are you sure about this? Isn't there another devil in charge of the town already? I also lack most of my powers at this moment."
"We had temporal devils that filled the spot from the Gremory family but nobody became the permanent representative. You're the only devil who can take care of the town. You did a good job back in the day and even with the rumors about your relationship with an exorcist, I can't deny your great job. There's also the fact that Kuoh Academy was your original project and you have the right to take care of it now that it is real."
"You… made the academy?"
"We did shortly after your disappearance. We have a few heirs that want to live in the human world while getting educated. The idea of a school in which devils can study while in the human world is a good one but we took the liberty of making some changes as well. We want the heirs of all the families to end up in Kuoh Academy and use that opportunity to grow stronger or even fill their peerages. Rias Gremory and Sona Sitri have shown interest in the prospect of studying in the human world. We're planning to send both of them to the academy alongside the peerage members that they have already. Sona has a queen while Rias has a knight and rook. We have big expectations for them once they join the school."
Cleria stays silent for a few seconds before forming a smile. "I couldn't say no after hearing that my project became a reality that is going to be used by actual heirs. I also need to leave the underworld for some time. After being trapped in the lower levels and having to endure many hardships I need a different environment for me to start again." Her smile goes away after she remembers her traumatic experiences. "I promised them that I was going to continue on even with this pain."
Ajuka connects the dots and takes a comprehensive approach. "Your former peerage members were the reason behind your survival weren't they?"
"They…. They died while protecting me. I couldn't have asked for a better queen and bishop. Hanna and Kikyo were my friends, allies, and family. They died because I trusted my aunt. They're gone but I won't forget them for the rest of my life." Cleria places a hand over her heart. "This second chance at life is thanks to them."
Ajuka nods. "I understand your feelings but I also want to offer you the chance of getting new evil pieces. There's always a second chance, Cleria."
Cleria shakes her head. "I can't. I won't get a new peerage. I had one and they died while protecting me. I can't replace them and I lack the power to lead a new one."
Ajuka sighs. "I won't push you but please remember that the offer is on the table. Let's discuss a few other things before you go back to the human world." Ajuka says.
The conversation continues for at least one more hour before Cleria was allowed to go back to the human world.
Back in Kuoh Town.
Cleria stood in front of the chaos residence alongside Ajuka.
"Are you sure about this Ajuka-sama? This is their residence and not a hotel." Cleria says.
"We talked about this before with him and Tiamat. This is the safest place in all of Kuoh and there's room for other inhabitants. As a representative of the devils on Kuoh, we want you to have a good relationship with him and the rest of his group. Living in the same place is a good way of making sure that there are no problems between you and them." Ajuka says.
The pair waits for a few moments in silence before they hear his voice.
"Ajuka! Hey over here." Issei approaches the pair while holding many bags alongside Ophis.
"Welsh Dragon, Ophis." Ajuka bows his head. "It's good to see you."
Cleria sees the pair and her eyes can't believe what she sees. "Lilith, dear mother of devils, I'm meeting the Welsh Dragon for the first time. And that girl, is she the Ouroboros Dragon? Don't screw this up Cleria. Be respectful and everything is going to be fine." Cleria bows her head as well.
Issei continues to approach the pair. "Good to see you too, Ajuka. Is this Cleria Belial?" Issei asks.
"She is. She has accepted the position as the devil in charge of the town. Thank you for accepting her into your home." Ajuka says.
"It's alright. We have empty floors and as long as Cleria follows the rules she can live with us. Let's get inside before we continue with this conversation." Issei says before he approaches the main gates.
Ophis follows right after without saying a single word to either of the devils.
"Is she really Ophis?" Cleria asks herself after seeing her appearance from much closer.
A few minutes afterward, inside the home.
"Well, Ms. Belial, this is the sixth floor of the building. The floor is practically yours for now. You have everything you could ever need and you have access to the rest of the floors as well. Just follow the rules and you're going to be fine." Issei says as they walk around the floor.
It was very similar to the seventh floor with only a few small differences.
Cleria was amazed after seeing the whole home. "This place is amazing. My previous home can't compare to this." Cleria lowers her head. "I can't thank you enough for this opportunity, Welsh Dragon."
"Relax. You don't need to be so formal. Just do your best and let's make sure that Kuoh stays as peaceful as possible. Go ahead and choose your room. I need to go back to the seventh floor to take care of the food for today. Tiamat has to be awake by now and there's a BBQ I need to take care of. If you need help just come to the seventh floor. You're welcome to join us if you feel like it." Issei starts to walk towards the elevator.
"Wait for me, I want to talk to you." Ajuka turns towards Celia. "Here's some money. Go back to Lilith and buy anything you might need." Ajuka gives her a medium size bag that is filled with the currency of the underworld.
Cleria grabs the bag and feels its weight. "This is too much money."
"Don't sweat it. I owe you a lot and no amount of money can ever repay what you did for me. Go ahead Cleria Belial. Use this second chance to do what you want." Ajuka turns around and follows Issei.
Cleria is left alone while holding the money bag. Her eyes wandered around the place for a few moments. "It feels so weird. So many things have changed since I was in this town. I lost so much and yet I'm gaining things that I never expected. I should give Diehauser a small visit now that I'm able to move on my own."
It was the beginning of a new life for her.
On the seventh floor.
"Are you sure about making her into the devil in charge of this town right away?" Issei asks while he starts to prepare the meat for the BBQ. "She just came out of her rehabilitation and hasn't been outside of Grigori for the last year and six months."
Ophis moves around the kitchen to give him whatever he might need to make sure that the BBQ goes well. The excitement was visible on her face.
"I am. She is capable of this task and I owe her this. The town needs a devil that stays permanently and not just a part-timer. The devils in this place need to be monitored by a head devil to make sure that the contracts they have with humans follow our new guidelines. There's also the fact that the academy needs a principal to keep it running while making sure that the students are safe. She is perfect for both of these tasks. I can trust her with the town and academy." Ajuka explains.
"If that's what you want I'm not going to argue about it. If she finds herself in any kind of trouble I will lend a hand to her just to make sure that the town is safe. I doubt that any straight devils will dare to come to this place but we can't ignore the chance of one making its way into the town or the Shinto exorcists that keep popping up once in a while." Issei sighs. "I don't know how long it is going to take for them to realize that they aren't welcome here." His hands continue to move as they cut and prepare all of the meat while following the pieces of advice of Baraqiel.
"Are they still trying to get to Baraqiel's family?" Ajuka asks.
"Yes. I have run into a few of them throughout the past 6 months. Between them and a certain frozen beauty that keeps getting inside our house, I don't know who keeps me more alert." Issei admits.
"Aren't the fallen angels keeping them safe? And who's this frozen beauty?" Ajuka seems interested in the subject.
"Azazel has put a few permanent guards around their home but I do help once in a while. I don't want another tragic event in Kuoh, especially if I can do something about it. Regarding that frozen beauty, we're talking about Yukime, Tannin's youngest daughter. It seems like she is really interested in me and she comes to "visit" regularly." Issei says.
"So, another one has joined the battle for your heart? You male dragons have it good." Ajuka laughs.
Issei doesn't look amused. "Those visits are getting a bit too weird for my taste. She has taken a few of my clothes and she left a few gifts that I'm still trying to figure out what to do with them. Female underwear is not a gift that I find amusing and I don't approve of some of the behaviors she has. Tiamat is not happy either."
"What kind of behaviors are we talking about?"
"Entering my bathroom while I'm taking a shower and trying to go all the way with me. Sleeping on the bed that I share each night with Tiamat. Stealing some of my underwear and clothes. Leaving love letters that have been written in blood. Do I need to continue?"
Ajuka grows pale after hearing all of this. "That's too extreme. Did you give her a reason for her to act this way?"
"None. Things have been escalating as time went by. She has a crush and I don't think I can make it go away. Dragons are extremely emotional but she is a whole different case. Her mother is a yuki-onna, her father is Tannin and after meeting her mom I realized that I can't stop Yukime. She's the perfect combination of beauty and insanity, a true stalker that won't back down. I just hope that she never picks up a knife and tries to write her name on my body." A chill runs down his spine after remembering the occasion in which he met Yukime's mom.
"A knife? But you're a dragon." Ajuka argues.
"A dragon yes, but have you ever seen what an enraged woman is capable of? I doubt that the knife is going to be a normal one."
"Sounds rough. Have you tried talking to her?"
"I have and the thing is that she doesn't want to stop. She claims that she likes me too much and that she wants to get closer to me until I fall for her. She argued that she won't do what her mom did to Tannin but I have my doubts."
"So, you have an obsessive stalker which is not going to go away. I don't think I can help you with this. Your only way out would be to kill her and I doubt that you want to go with that option."
"I know. I admit that she is not a bad person and that I do enjoy a few of our conversations that don't involve her feelings towards me but I hope that she can stop these kinds of approaches. I already have a good relationship with Tiamat and I'm still developing my other relationship with Le Fay Pendragon but each one took time. I don't hate her or anything, I even find her cute but these extreme acts of love push me away. I don't like being pushed to these lengths." Issei says before finishing the preparations for the meat. He washes his hands right after before putting the meat away for now.
"Relationships are complicated, Welsh Dragon. Not everyone follows the same guidelines and some choose weird ways in how to show affection. Give it time and wait for a change. She might find a different approach that you might like." Ajuka says with a calm smile. "She might even try to follow in Serafall's steps."
"I have no idea of what you're talking about." Issei tries to ignore Ajuka's words.
"Oh, come on. Are you going to deny the facts? She has invited you to several dates for several months. She looks very happy after each one but she doesn't tell us anything. Are you going to spill the beans?" Ajuka asks.
The Welsh Dragon looks away. "I have no idea of what you're talking about." Issei tries to hide his blushing face. "No, I can't talk about those days. I promised myself that I wouldn't talk about any of that. That's a big no." His eyes turn towards Ophis.
The endless dragon looks indifferent and says was present but she wouldn't talk about the privacy of her precious soldier. She had high expectations for him but she also was enjoying the lifestyle with which she was getting involved. Watching him fight, having him take care of her needs, seeing how the rest of the house interacts with him, all of it was an enjoyable experience for her.
"Please Ophis. Keep your mouth shut. I will give you anything." Issei tries to communicate his thoughts towards the dragon.
Ophis keeps her indifferent face. "Ddraig I can't read minds. Just give it a rest and focus on the food. Ajuka will never learn any of your secrets from me."
Ajuka seems surprised by this. "So Ophis knows about it? This is just getting more interesting."
Before anyone can say something else, the voice of another of the inhabitants of the house is heard.
"Ajuka? Are you visiting us?" The voice of Tiamat draws the attention of the group.
Tiamat enters the room while wearing a robe that covers most of her body. Her hair color had grown darker and it was almost purple now. Her draconic tattoos had spread out even more. Her body was more mature than before. All of this was thanks to her skin shedding process which allowed her to fully use the power she had gained from Great Red which allowed her to grow stronger. A small blue fire crown was now floating on top of her head as a sign of her new titles as the True Dragon King and True Karma Empress.
"You can call it that. I came alongside Cleria and decided to stay and chat with your dearest mate." Ajuka says. "Do you know anything about his dates with Serafall?"
Tiamat's eyes switch from Ajuka towards Issei. She sees the hand signs he is making which makes her smile. "You call them dates? I wouldn't call them that personally but each to their own. I do know about them but that's private information, old friend. My mates affairs are private business." Tiamat takes a seat. "Dear could you get me some coffee?"
Issei sighs in relief. "Sure. Give me a second."
Tiamat continues to smile until her eyes meet those of Ophis. "Morning, idiot glutton loli."
"Morning, shota-lover boob dragon," Ophis replies.
Sparks fly in all directions as both dragons salute each other. They might live in the same place but that didn't mean that they didn't dislike each other.
Ajuka watches the interaction. "So even a year and six months haven't been enough to reconcile you two. Maybe female dragons dislike each other more than the males? But Ophis can change her appearance and gender so how does this work? Has Tiamat defined Ophis as a female regardless of her abilities or is it mostly due to her past? Such an interesting subject of research." Ajuka continues to observe the pair in silence.
Each dragon starts to bear their fangs against the other. Their auras grow and then…
"Calm down, you two. Tia, here's your coffee. Ophis go and get a cookie. Sit down on the couch and watch some TV until we start with the food." Issei interferes and disarms the situation before everything goes to hell.
"Thanks, dear." Tiamat lowers her aura and grabs her coffee mug with a smile.
"Cookie…" Ophis moves towards the shelves in the kitchen while looking hypnotized. She grabs one of the cookies before walking towards the couch.
"Amazing…" Ajuka's eyes turn towards Issei. "You seem to have it all under wraps."
"You learn a thing or two with time and practice. Ophis has a thing for sweets and Tia likes coffee as much as I do." Issei admits.
"But no amount of time or coffee is going to help the relationship between her and me." Tiamat joins in.
"Just you wait. One day you two will finally see eye to eye and walk hand in hand." Issei says with a smile.
"Never!" Both dragonsess shout at the same time.
"One day…" Issei holds hope for the future.
Ajuka seems satisfied with what he has seen. "I think I should leave but I have one last gift for you."
"A gift? For what reason?" Issei asks.
Ajuka looks inside his coat and takes out a small box. "Because you need this. We did destroy all of the king pieces after the war but we decided to keep this one as a memento and research object. I'm done with my research now and I want you to have it. I talk with the rest of the alliance and we have deemed it the best course of action to continue to make you even stronger." Ajuka gives Issei the box.
"Ajuka, are you sure about this? These things are dangerous." Issei grabs the box but doubts about accepting it.
"We have seen what you're capable of and you have proved yourself more than enough. This is the last king piece and I made some adjustments to it for your sake. Is your piece now but if you don't want it I will destroy it." Ajuka says.
Issei opens the box and sees the piece. The piece was the same one that Cleria had brought to them but it had been repaired and changed to suit Issei. Instead of the usual form of a king piece it had been changed into a chest piece with the form of a dragon. Issei grabs the piece and feels an abnormal amount of demonic power inside it. "What did you do to it?"
"Adjustments. I took my time to make sure it contains pure demonic power that you can absorb without getting affected by it. Is just a way of boosting your powers just a little bit more. Is not connected to any evil piece set so you can rest assured it won't create a mess. It won't turn you into a devil either. Is just a tool to boost your power." Ajuka explains.
"….." Issei grows quiet for a second before his hand starts to shine. "We need all the help we can get. Let's do this." The piece begins to get absorbed into his body. "This is how the power of a demon feels? It's so different." His heart begins to beat faster as the piece continues to go deeper. His tattoos start to shine as well and his eyes twitch for a few seconds. "This amount of power is nothing but it seems like an untamed beast that wants to be released from its chains. Bad luck, you're not the owner of this body. You won't go rampant as the other ones did with the devils." His aura expands and begins to surround him.
Ajuka watches the process with interest. The Kankara formula appears in his eyes which helps him to analyze the power of the Welsh Dragon. "Good, that's it. Absorb it and dominate it. Grow stronger for the sake of our future."
"Come on, dear. I know you got this." Tiamat thinks.
Inside of Issei's mind.
"So, we have a new visitor," Ddraig says.
"Seems like it. An evil piece that was made for us." Issei looks at the figure in front of them.
A crimson beast made out of pure demonic power was baring its fangs towards them. It had four heads and six tails. Two sets of wings and at least six legs.
"We can do this the easy way or we can do it the hard way." Ddraig in his human form walks towards the creature.
"You can't defeat us so give in now. Accept us." Issei starts to walk as well.
Alongside them, the husks of the previous users approach the creature as well. They have changed since the last time. They looked more human and their memories were almost fully back as well.
The beast growls and tries to back away but is completely surrounded.
"Choose now, little beast. Be devoured or accept your place inside us." Ddraig offers his hand alongside Issei to the beast.
The beast growls but doesn't attack. It continues to look around trying to find a way out for several moments until it gives up. The beast starts to lower its four heads. The beast starts to move forward until Ddraig and Issei can touch it.
The beast starts to shrink in size until it becomes a tiny pup.
Issei kneels in front of the pup and holds it in his arms. "Another boost to our power. It's small compared to Ophis or Great Red's blessing but it might help us in the future." Issei pats its head.
The demonic beast stays silent and relaxes in Issei's arms.
"Maybe. Let's hope that this doesn't create any problems for us in the future. Let's return to the outside." Ddraig says.
Back in the real world.
"Dear? Are you ok?" Tiamat calls out to him.
"I'm okay. The pup gave in." Issei says.
"Pup? Are you feeling alright?" Ajuka asks, sounding confused.
"Yes. The piece accepted me. It feels weird having this sort of energy inside of me but I'll get used to it. By the way, you four used your power to boost the piece didn't you?" Issei asks.
"We did but I made sure to purify it into its current form. It has no connection to either of us now." Ajuka explains.
"Got it. I'll let you know if I feel anything weird. Thanks for the gift Ajuka." Issei lifts his hand.
Ajuka grabs it and shakes it. "Is my pleasure. With this out of the way, I can focus back on the rating games and my other projects. I'll see you around, Ddraig."
"See you later." Issei watches as Ajuka is transported back into the underworld. "His mind is as bright as Azazel but even bright minds need some extra hands. Maybe I should give my old friend a visit?"
"What old friend?" Tiamat approaches Issei and puts her arms around his neck.
"The same one that created your gift. Having Hephaestus around would be of great help to us." Issei looks into his hand. "I have a few ideas of what I want to create but only he can make them into a reality."
"Dear, we're talking about a Greek God. We can't get inside of the Olympian domain. Our relation with the rest of the gods is not that good." Tiamat strokes his cheeks.
"Who says that I can't? I know my ways of getting inside a few domains without being detected." Issei interlocks his fingers with hers.
"Like that heist in Asgard? You're crazy." Tiamat says.
"I know but I won't do it now. There are more important things that come before. We need to decide in which place we're going to use the bracelet's power. Tannin is waiting patiently for us to act."
"Lucifaad is a good choice. Its location is far from Lilith but closer to Tannin's territory. It has resources but no use for Sirzechs and the rest of the satans at this moment due to the many demonic creatures that have taken residence in the area."
"It is their former capital. They won't accept that easily."
"You never know until you try it."
"The bracelet is going to change the whole area. There won't be any ruins or old buildings standing up after the bracelet is activated. We have one chance of making this work. We need to be sure about the location."
"And we need the nest if we want to unify the rest of the dragons under one faction. We can't recruit the other dragon kings nor their descendants until we have the place for it. We need that land."
Issei sighs. "I know. Just let me take care of a few other things before we propose the idea to the rest."
Tiamat kisses his cheek. "I know how to wait. I'm the reasonable one when it comes to us."
"I know, Ms. Dragon King." Issei jokes.
"I'm the one with the crown after all." Tiamat smiles.
"Give it a rest, shota-lover boob dragon. Ddraig, can you start with the meat already?" Ophis decides that enough is enough.
"Idiot glutton loli, can you wait just a bit? We're having a moment here!" Tiamat turns her eyes towards Ophis.
"You get him during the night. During the day he is my caretaker, shota-lover boob dragon." Ophis argues back.
Sparks start to fly away once more.
"One day. Just give it time." Issei had hope in the future even if it took a thousand years or more.
Yet without him realizing it, Ajuka's small gift was slowly going to affect a certain peerage in ways that he wasn't expecting. Inside Issei's pocket storage, a small chess piece disappeared without him realizing it. When you think about absorbing an unknown piece, you should think about the what-if scenarios.
*Notes from the author: So, there you have it. The cast is back after the time skip. Some look different, others look pretty much the same. Major chances involved Tiamat finally achieving her next stage in power. We're going to see more of this in the future. Another crucial point in this arc is the creation of the Sacred Nest or just NEST (I'm still trying to figure out a final name for the faction and its territory). We're also meeting Hephaestus and other gods that might become allies or enemies depending on their positions. Some have learned from the past while others still hold grudges. We also get to see more of Tannin and his children since they are practically the first members of the new faction. Finally, the main leaders of this new faction are going to be Tiamat, Tannin, and Ddraig. Others might join later on. See you later. *