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
The children of the Chaos Residence and their close friends patiently waited for the adults' return. Le Fay, Elaine, Tosca, Asia, Valerie, Kuroka, Rias, Shirone, Vali, Isaiah, and Akeno were told to stay in the Chaos Residence by Tiamat while the adults took care of their business. She promised them that Ddraig would return soon, yet two hours had gone since news of his awakening had reached their ears.
They felt anxious to see him, and the questions inside their minds continued to pile up as the minutes went by.
"Are they really going to come here?" Isaiah asks.
"Tiamat said they were coming here as soon as they were done with the meetings. You already know this; adults must make plans for the future and agree on them." Kuroka says while putting her snacks away.
"Aren't you an adult in their eyes?" Gasper questions the nekomata.
"Yes and no. I might fight alongside the adults, but I also lack the maturity to plan with them. Give me time, and I'll join them in their boring meetings once I'm old enough." Kuroka replies.
"I don't think even eight more years will help you to get invited, Nee-san. You're too much of an idiot." Shirone says while she plays with a metallic sphere.
Kuroka feels offended by her sister's comment. Her face turns red in anger. "I feel so betrayed right now."
Shirone smirks and turns to her sister. "Nee-san, don't be mad about a small joke."
"She's no wrong. You won't be able to stay awake in one of their meetings. They mostly plan things for long sessions in which nothing fun happens." Vali joins in.
"Maybe she'll change later on. Kuroka is not that big of an idiot." Rias follows in.
"Right, Kuroka does have more brain cells than normal idiots." Akeno teases the nekomata.
"It is not my fall that I act on instincts in most cases." Kuroka inflates her cheeks and crosses her arms in anger.
"Kuroka-san, they're just joking with you. Don't take it too seriously." Elaine tries to comfort the girl.
The other kids chuckle a bit at the reaction of the nekomata.
Amongst their laughs, the front door gets opened. Their eyes quickly turned towards the door until they finally saw the Welsh Dragon. He looked much taller than before, now, he possessed a pair of crystal horns, and his hair was much longer than before, but all of them knew exactly who he was.
"Sorry to keep you waiting for so long," Ddraig says as he smiles at them. The dragon watches as most of the kids rush and try to tackle him to the ground with their hugs.
"Idiot, we were so scared." Rias cries.
"We thought the worst, nii-san." Valerie follows suit.
"Are you really ok? Do you need me to use my powers?" Asia questions him.
"Nii-san, please don't die," Gasper said as he held his right arm with all his strength.
Ddraig smiles as he tries to calm down the kids, and his eyes quickly see Le Fay trying to hold in tears next to Elaine, who is supporting her.
Ophis, Raynare, Tiamat, Gabriel, Ereshkigal, and Serafall enter the room as well. All of them watch the display in awe.
A few minutes after.
Everyone takes their seats around the living room. Le Fay took her seat on Ddraig's right side on the couch while Tiamat took the left side. Ophis claimed ownership of his tights.
"Are you really alright? We heard that they couldn't fix the damage to your souls?" Akeno asks.
"I'm stable. I just won't be able to use my full powers for some time." Ddraig says while he pats the head of Ophis, who is eating a snack.
"What about Issei? Is he alright?" Rias asks.
"He's unavailable at the time. He's in the same boat as me but is currently under Gautama Buddha's care. We won't see him for some time." Ddraig admits.
"Issei-nii." Valerie and Gasper's faces sadden alongside the rest of those present.
"Don't worry; he will come back when the time is right." Ddraig tries to cheer them up.
"Right. Issei won't stay away for too long. He's bound to show up at the most important moment." Gabriel follows suit as she tries to brighten the mood.
"Yes, Gabriel is right. Now we just need to focus on keeping Ddraig safe." Kuroka says.
Yet the mood of the adults quickly turned sour.
"Kids, there's something you should know," Tiamat says. "We already have a new mission soon. So dear is going to go back to the battlefield once more."
"Huh? But he just came out from a near-death experience." Shirone says.
"There are problems we need to take care of. We're going to Asgard on a rescue mission." Gabriel says.
"The plan involves Ddraig dragging Odin's attention away while separate teams go in and rescue our future allies," Ereshkigal explains. "Thor, some valkyries, Thor's family, the dragons on Asgard, and Ymir are on Odin's claws, and the alliance has to rescue them."
The small Gaia awakes once more and looks at the children. "This mission is important to me, so Ddraig and the others are going to join the mission to make sure that it is a success."
"But he almost died! It has only been three days." Asia shouts.
The other kids seemed as worried as she was.
"The life of a dragon is never that easy, child." A blue jewel appears on Vali's right hand. Albion decides to join in the conversation. "As children that live the day to day with him, you should always know that there are times in which adults have to act even when their well-being is in danger. So you need to support him and not get in his way."
"Albion, you-" Ddraig is cut short.
"Let me finish, Vali. Ddraig, don't you dare die, idiot. If you're going to face Odin, you must promise me that you will come back. You should never fall to a god ever again. When you face him, make sure you punch him a few times for me." Albion says before the jewel disappears once more.
"Albion, you care that much about him?" Vali questions her partner's words. How much did Albion care about Ddraig was still a mystery to her.
"See, even Albion understands why he has to participate in this mission. Just trust my lord, and everything will be fine." Raynare says as she looks at the kids.
The children go silent for several moments as they try to come to terms with what they hear. Kuroka is the first to break the silence.
"Who's joining the mission?" Kuroka asks.
"Ddraig, Tiamat, Yukime, Sirzechs, Shiva, Serafall, Gabriel, Uriel, and Azazel are the initial members, alongside a valkyrie working with us. Others will join over the next few days as we finalize the main plan. We consider bringing Gasper, Valerie, Asia, Le Fay, Elaine, and you, Kuroka, as support. Your sacred gear and abilities would prove helpful if we bring you in. Vali, you should talk to your parents if you want to join the mission. The plan is still being prepared but involves a three-team assault." Ereshkigal explains.
"Ddraig is in team A. His task is to draw the attention of Odin and most forces. The goal is to buy time for the rescue to succeed and for the other two teams to retire. We're considering sending up to four or five other members alongside him. Gabriel and I are offering ourselves in that group." Serafall says.
"Team B is under my lead. I need to guide Yukime, the valkyrie, and other members through the back door into Asgard. Our goal is to free Ymir and all of those within Odin's grasp. Based on the information we got, we're going to make our way from the mines under Asgard to Odin's palace to rescue most of them. We will also take care of recovering Ymir and destroying Odin's lab. I need at least one healer and other capable members that can join such a dangerous operation." Tiamat says.
"Team C is the main crew who's going to use a vehicle to infiltrate the capital of the realm and pick up Team B. Shiva is leading this team, and their job involves protecting the vehicle while also creating a clear path to take Thor and the others out," Raynare says. "With this in mind, you can see how delicate this mission will be. Kuroka, if you're up to the task, I recommend you for Team B alongside Asia. Le Fay, Elaine, Valerie, and Gasper will stay with Team C and support them by either protecting the vehicle or healing the injured."
"Infiltrating Asgard? It sounds like a challenge but a welcome one. If you allow me, I'll gladly join the team." Kuroka says.
"You will depart for Grigori in three days to start training exercises with Tiamat and the rest. Asia, are you willing to join the team?" Gabriel asks his student.
"I…. I want to join in as well. I want to help even though I'm a kid." Asia says.
Gabriel nods. "Then, Asia will depart with Kuroka when the time comes. All of you can decide on the next five days: Gasper, Valerie, Le Fay, and Elaine. Keep in mind that we're sending those in Team B to Lilith so they can train and get ready."
The four kids nod as they understand the severity of the situation. Elaine turned to her student and gave her a thumbs up as a sign of her support.
"Those that will not join the mission should know that is due to the difficulty of the mission and the things that we're taking into consideration. We're trying to keep the deaths to a minimun, but that doesn't mean that the Asgardians won't try to kill any of us. Once you have grown and developed your abilities, we might ask any of you to join a future mission such as this one." Ddraig says.
The other kids understand the severity of his words. For example, Rias, who had previously participated in one mission, understands how delicate the whole thing can be.
"One day, we will join them as well, guys. We should continue to train until then." Rias looks at the rest.
"Right. Master is far more capable than me now, but one day I'll reach his level and maybe even surpass him." Isaiah clenches his fists as he comes to terms with his low mastery of the blade.
"Nee-san, make sure you listen to Tia-sama. Do your best and make sure to come back." Shirone says to her sister.
"You bet I will," Kuroka replies with a cheeky smile.
"Tia-sama, what about my father? Is he joining the mission as well?" Akeno asks the dragon king.
"We have yet to ask him, but it is likely he stays back to protect Grigori while so many of us are on the mission," Tiamat replies.
"Right, you're only trying to bring the best of the best within the alliance. I'm too young to join. Right?" Tosca asks her mother.
Tiamat turns to Ddraig. The dragon sighs. "You might join the mission if Shiva deems you worthy to join the team. The vehicle's protection is crucial, and your abilities focus on defense, but you need to prove that you have what it takes. There's time left, so if you want to join, prove your worth to Shiva."
"Alright. I'll prove my worth to Shiva." Tosca stands proud as she thinks about the chance to join the mission.
"I might also do the same. Azazel is going, and someone needs to have his back." Vali says.
The group continues to chat amongst themselves.
Le Fay leans on and starts to say something in Ddraig's ear. "Can we talk just us two?"
The Welsh Dragon nods and starts getting up alongside her.
Some minutes after, on the roof of the residence.
Le Fay continues pulling Ddraig's hand until they finally reach a place to sit on the roof.
"I'm so happy to see you awake. I feared that you and Issei were going to die." Le Fay says as she leans her head into his shoulder. "You also grew way too fast."
Ddraig smiles. "Does it make you afraid? Maybe I should change it back?"
"You can?"
"Maybe."
Le Fay ponders for a second. "Leave like that. You look much nicer as an adult. It makes me want to go around, saying to everyone, " Hey, look at my groom."
Ddraig scratches his chin. "Don't. People will think the worst if you say something like that." The dragon looks up to the sky. "Tiamat told me about what happened with the crown of England."
Le Fay's face turns sad. "Yes. They banned my entry and threatened me with killing dad if I put a foot in England."
Ddraig holds her cheek. "Le Fay, you shouldn't be afraid of what they say. They won't kill your father. They want a living Pendragon at all times. Call it an obsession or just them carefully planning to continue the bloodline. They won't kill him until they have Arthur within their claws."
"Why are they so obsessed with my brother? Can't they just give up?"
"Humans… no, everyone can become obsessed with something for unexplainable reasons, like an alcoholic who cannot let go of their addiction no matter how much damage may be due to their body or those around them. The royal crown has likely grown attached to possessing King Arthur's blood as merchandise. Every single one of those who had taken a bride or groom from the Pendragons likely did it to show their so-called pedigree."
"My bride is a young and beautiful woman of the Pendragon family. My kids will have the blood of a king in their beings."
"My husband is an outstanding man born from the Pendragon family."
Ddraig started to mention possible examples of what crown customers might say about their purchase. "Is all a business to them, and if they were to lose their man breeding bull, they'll go mad. Not having Pendragons show up is likely tarnishing their name, thus why they're set on capturing him. Uther is no longer young, and they are probably looking to replace him as soon as possible with Arthur."
"Only merchandise in their eyes?"
"Just that and nothing more. I doubt the current royal family has even a drop of Arthur's in their veins, thus why they only sell you. Have you ever heard of a prince or princess being shipped off to America to get married to an oil magnate or maybe to a nation in Africa to marry a wealthy businessman?"
"No. Is only us Pendragons." Le Fay says.
"Exactly. It is all about money. But their time will come at some point. Arthur will be the one to put an end to it." Ddraig says with confidence.
"Can you tell me what you know? What is my brother doing? Is he putting himself in danger?" Le Fay throws as many questions to her groom.
"Slow down. I don't have the whole story either, but there's more to Arthur than what the normal eye can see. He hides his emotions, but there's a reason. The past of your father is deeply connected to your brother. When the time comes, you'll know everything but until then, believe in him. He asked me to protect you and Elaine. He is walking a dangerous path, but he will come back. That boy is not going down until he accomplishes his goal." Ddraig smiles as he embraces Le Fay.
The young magician feels the warmth that he provides and closes her eyes as she settles down within his embrace. "I'll believe your words."
Ddraig continues to smile as his eyes look up to the sky.
Meanwhile, Location: Unknown.
The bodies of multiple demonic beasts lay on the floor as a young teen with a coffin on his back continued to harvest the spoils of the fight.
"Not enough. I'll surpass father. I can't return until I'm ready." Tristan told himself as he continued to cut the meat of the beasts.
He was alone on this path, but he preferred it that way. Allies will get in the way of his goal, and he couldn't make the same mistakes that his father did.
Better.
Sharper.
Stronger.
Devoid of forgiveness.
He had left those he cared for in the hands of the only person who could understand the darkness that dwelled inside his heart. The endless grudge that not even a different life could take away.
"Don't forgive. Don't forget. The life that got taken unjustly should be avenged. They'll pay for it. I'll make sure of that. Every single one of them. Until the last one."
Thus his path continues.
Later that night, Pendragon Residence.
Guards patrolled the premises with explicit orders to shoot first and ask questions after against any that dared to show up unannounced. Each one knew the orders given to them, and although they knew it was cruel, not a single one dared to oppose the royal family and lords of the nation.
Then as they continued to check every corner of the residence, a magic circle appeared in front of the main gate.
Two figures appeared, and the guards quickly opened fire against the two figures without a second thought.
"Is that how you welcome your visitors." A youthful male's voice asked them. The deep hint of anger in his voice made every single one of the guards shake.
As the dust settled, their eyes widened at the Welsh Dragon's sight. His wings were protecting him and someone else from the bullets.
"Elaine, let's make this quick," Ddraig says with a cold tone.
"Right, Lord Welsh." Elaine lifts her staff, and the bullets that once had been blocked by Ddraig are now levitating around them. "I'm giving these back." Elaine shoots the bullets back with impressive speed. Each projectile hits the guards in places that are not lethal yet puts them all on the floor after a few seconds. One after the other, the guards fall to the floor.
As the bullets ended, Ddraig began to step forward. "Elaine, let's go. Is it time to talk to Uther."
"Yes, my lord." Elaine follows after him.
One of the guards tries to lift his rifle to shoot back at them.
"People never learn, do they?" Ddraig summons his second sword and activates its power. "Obey, maggots."
The power to dominate the will of its enemy quickly affects all the guards.
"Don't move a muscle until we have left the premises. If you try anything funny, I order that each of you put the gun against your heads and shoot yourselves." Ddraig's tone is severed and devoid of any sense of mercy. "Gabriel, please forgive me for using the sword like this."
The pair continues to walk into the residence while the guards outside start crying due to the harsh situation in which they found themselves. Dying due to blood loss or suicide neither sounded good to them.
"Was that necessary?" Elaine questions the dragon.
"I try to offer them some mercy. If they die tonight is due to their own actions. Close your heart for just this night, Elaine. The royal crown wouldn't let you go free once they had you in their hands. These are the enemies of Arthur; they are not going to offer you any mercy." Ddraig turns to her. "Understood?"
Elaine sights. "I understand, my lord."
"Very well. Let's hope that the inside is much better." Ddraig opens the front door
Bullets fly out once more.
"This is going to take a while." Ddraig quickly protects Elaine as the magician prodigy attacks back with her spells.
Ten minutes afterward.
Uther continued to wait in his office while guns surrounded him patiently. At least nine guards pointed their weapons at Uther as they waited for the intruders.
"Don't back away. Keep your guns on him and bring us the girl. She will be useful for our plans." A loud voice was heard from within a radio.
"Not even having the world turned to sand for a whole hour has changed their ways. The royal family is rotten even when they are against the wall." Uther continues to wait and ignores the radio.
Suddenly, a knock on the door draws the attention of the group.
"Yes?" Uther asks.
"Elaine Westcott has returned, my lord. Can I enter the room?" Elaine asks.
"It wouldn't be the best right now. I have visitors, Elaine." Uther says.
"Oh, then give us a moment," Elaine says.
As quickly as those words escaped her mouth, a wave of power forced every guard to the world.
"What is this?" The leader of the guards asks.
Elaine opens the door and, alongside Ddraig, enters the room. She bows to Uther. "Is nice to see you again, my lord. Forgive me for my lateness. A lot has happened."
"Don't worry, Miss Westcott. I thank you for caring for my daughter in such dire times." Uther says before he turns to Ddraig. "Welsh Dragon, I might have to thank you for this. Your actions put the whole world upside down."
"... I won't apologize. I did what I needed to do at the time." Ddraig takes a step forward. His attention gets drawn to the radios in the room. Every single one was blasting the same annoying voice. "Shut up for once."
Ddraig snaps his fingers, and small flames consume each radio within seconds.
"Much better. Now, should we talk about my young bride?" Ddraig focuses his eyes on Uther.
"Very well. Take care of her. My time together has come to an end. I should await Tristan in this place until the time comes." Uther says as his hand looks for the small packages he prepared in advance on his desk.
"Tristan?" Elaine asks due to the curious name he used.
"That's Arthur's name. Not the one given to him by the royal crown but the one given to him by his "mother." There's a lot that you have yet to know, Elaine. Everything should be inside this package." Uther presents three packages. One is a bit bigger than the other two. The biggest one has Elaine's name written on top.
"..." Elaine slowly reaches out for the package.
"Don't be afraid. Tristan chose you, and I believe you'll be a great wife for him. You have my blessing. Just ensure Le Fay doesn't get hers until the time is right." Uther shows a sad smile.
Elaine blushes as she realizes that Uther knows about her relationship with his son. "I…"
Uther waves his hand. "I'm happy that he got to find someone who cares for him at such a young age. My son is walking a path filled with darkness, and once the darkness settles, I hope you can be the light at the end to which he returns. I want him to live a life beyond this dark stage. Tristan deserves this, and I'll continue to await his return in this cage of mine."
"But why? Why are you staying here? We can get out and escape their influence. You could be free." Elaine questions Uther.
The older man shakes his head. "I was free once, Elaine. I was once happy, but I lost everything. I wasn't able to protect them, and for that, I blamed myself. When I was brought back to this cage, I became an alcoholic. I drowned my pain day and night in alcohol while the crown kept sending girls for me to procreate. I was all alone except for the ghost of that who never had the chance to be born. It wasn't until Marie arrived that my situation changed. She struggled with me but never gave up and helped me stand up again. We were trapped inside the cage, yet our friendship kept us sane. She was my second friend, and she held my hand with joy to the last moment. All my past is in the diary inside that package. Elaine, please love Tristan even when he tarnishes his hands with blood."
Elaine is left speechless as she tries to absorb everything Uther told her. "I…. promise. I will stay at his side no matter how bloody his hands get. Thank you for your trust, father-in-law."
"Is my pleasure, daughter-in-law." Uther turns to Ddraig. "Keep them safe. I still disagree with the marriage, but I can entrust her to you. Make her happy and let her shine as bright as the stars. I want her to be as free as the fairies from the tales I read as a young boy. Welsh Dragon, take care of Le Fay, Tristan, and Elaine."
Uther stretches his hand.
Ddraig takes it and shakes it. "I will. Leave it to me. I'll see you when the time comes. Don't die until then."
"I won't," Uther says. The current head of the Pendragons watches as the duo takes the packages and departs to continue with their mission.
Fifteen minutes after and both were gone while he stayed behind.
He was still caged, but he felt calm. He just needed to wait until his turn to rest came.
Back in the Chaos Residence.
Elaine sat on the couch holding the package Uther had prepared for her. Her mind pondered whether to open it or keep it closed until Le Fay got hers.
"Open it," Ddraig said as he grabbed his.
"Why are you so calm?"
"It will be best if you know the story that Tristan hides from his sister. The teen that you know as Arthur is a curious case of life having its way of making everyone pay for their sins. Read the diary, and you'll understand." Ddraig says as he opens his package. A small letter and box were found inside.
Ddraig starts to read the letter in silence.
After a few seconds, Elaine turns to her package and starts to open it. "Let's see what lies within this diary."
What awaited her was a long night of tears.
Two days later.
"And here we are," Ddraig said as they arrived at the shore of a small island. "Welcome to the Golden Archipelago."
"Is so sunny." Tosca said as she covered her eyes.
"Need some sunscreen, my cute child?" Tiamat teased her.
"No, dragons don't need those things." Tosca rejected her mother's offering. "I just need this hat."
Her attire was perfect for the beach.
"Was it really alright to bring her with us?" Michael questions Ddraig. He was wearing a white military uniform with the symbol of the alliance.
"Is alright; she needed to meet her uncle anyways. She's alive thanks to his work." Ddraig was dressed in a red uniform that was similar to Michael's.
"I should have followed Tosca's choice," Serafall said as she summoned an umbrella to cover herself from the sun. Her black uniform matched those of the rest.
Tiamat was wearing a sapphire one, Shemhazai was wearing a platinum one, and Shiva was wearing just the pants of his golden uniform. Le Fay was also present, wearing a red and white uniform that matched her groom's.
"Well, let's go. Hephaestus must be waiting for my visit." Ddraig's nose was cheerful and relaxed.
The others were taken a bit back by his calm attitude about the whole affair, but nobody was willing to sour his mood.
Based on what he had told them before, Hephaestus and he were like brothers, and he even asked Tosca to call him uncle when they met. A cheerful Ddraig was a lovely sight to behold; hopefully, everything will be alright.
As they approached the small wooden cabin, the group saw many humanoid golems walking around the area of different sizes. Some were tall as basketball players, while others were small as kids. Some were bulky, while others were slim.
The golems turn to them for a moment but quickly ignore them and continue their tasks.
"Are they going to attack us?" Tosca asks.
"No. Hephaestus is a peaceful guy. As long as you don't anger him, it is going to be fine." Ddraig approached the front door before he knocked three times.
"Give me a second." A feminine voice said.
A tall, muscular lady then opened the door with flaming heart eyes. She appeared to be in her 20s, and her hair was tied into a small bum.
"Who are you?" Ddraig asks the lady in front of him.
"I am….. Eurydice, Goddess of the Burning Metal Heart, child of Hephaestus." The girl grins as she poses like a bodybuilder.
"Child!" Everyone gasps in shock except for Ddraig, who starts to laugh.
"Lucky bastard, you finally found a good bride," Ddraig smirks as he removes his jacket and starts to pose and show his muscles. "Your father has taught you well, child."
The group listens as a pair of steps approaches the door as well.
"Eury, who's out-" Hephaestus stops himself as his eyes meet those of Ddraig. "Brother?"
*Notes of the author: Thus begins the meeting of muscles. Saido Chesto! Shake the hand of your brothers in arms. See all of you next time.*