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
Ddraig began to open his eyes, and the first thing he saw was an endless night sky filled with stars.
"You finally wake up, partner." A voice called out to him.
Ddraig sat up and realized he was in the middle of a desert filled with corpse parts. Pieces of long deteriorated bodies were spread out in all directions. His eyes quickly found Issei sitting not too far from him.
"Issei, where are we?" Ddraig questions Issei.
As his eyes examined the boy, that now looked like a young adult, he found several scars around his mostly naked body and a copy of Bloody Ascalon resting on his shoulder while a copy of the spear Ouros was resting near his right leg. A red Buddhist rosary was tied around his right hand as well.
"The endless dream in which Gautama place me on. It feels like many years have passed since we saw each other. Time doesn't work like in the real world in here." Issei admitted with a calm expression that showed his solitude.
"Years? But we only saw each other a few days ago? That shouldn't be possible." Ddraig said in a confused tone.
"Gautama has his ways of testing people out. This dream will continue until he feels that I have achieved his expectation or something of the sort. Ignore that for now, and let's speak about other things while we can. Tell me, how's the outside? How's everyone doing?" Issei asks as his eyes continue to watch the sky.
"..." Ddraig keeps silent for a few moments. "50/50. Our family is alright, although they have concerns about our health and your disappearance. We went on a trip to the Golden Archipelago to recruit Hephaestus, and things were going well until we got involved in a fight with Zeus."
"Zeus? Did someone die?" Issei asks with a concerned tone. His face turned towards him with concern.
"No, that I know. I lost consciousness after my fight with Heracles. It is hard to control our "body" without you. If I push it too far, I feel close to losing control. The body is fine but my soul…. I fear the worst if I go too far."
"I can see that. Although we look fine in this dream, you and I are still broken souls. Things won't get better and only will get harder from now on. Even then, I trust you, partner. You can do it even if you can't hear my voice. I'm still beside you. I trust your judgment, so never back down and keep moving forward." Issei smiles for a moment before his face turns serious.
The ground begins to shake, and a giant beast emerges from the sand, turning its red eyes toward Issei.
"Issei, this is impossible. That shouldn't be here." The dragon stands up and takes a fighting pose as his instincts scream that he needs to fight.
"Go back to them, Ddraig. I promise to return went the time is right." Issei says as he stands up. The boy grabs each weapon in one of his hands as he prepares himself for the hunt of a lifetime.
"I can't-" Ddraig gets interrupted as the sand below his feet climbs his legs. The sand drags Ddraig down before he has time to reach Issei. His eyes watch in shock as Issei marches on to face a copy of Trihexa alone.
"You had your chance to speak. Now go back, Ddraig. The trials shall continue." A voice said to him as Ddraig was expelled from the dream.
Back to the real world.
Ddraig woke up in the real world while sweating profusely due to the sight he saw. His hand was reaching out as if trying to grab his partner's hand. "Issei."
"You finally woke up." A voice said.
As Ddraig turned to the side, he saw Ereshkigal sitting in a chair close to his bed while she knitted a pair of little blue gloves. They were in an urgent care room similar to the one he had days ago.
"Ereshkigal, how long was I out for?" The dragon questions the goddess.
"7 hours have passed since all of you arrived at the doorstep of the alliance. Tiamat, Shemhazai, Artemis, and you were brought to urgent care for your injuries. Everyone is recovering at a decent rate. Tiamat's room is to the left of this one. Your daughter and younger bride are with her as we speak. Michael, Athena, and Serafall were also treated, but their injuries weren't as serious. Got to say that your small recruitment trip was far from peaceful." Ereshkigal says calm tone as she continues to knit.
"... Right. Are there any more injured?"
"None. Thankfully, our side had no deaths, although Artemis and Shemhazai had a close call. Now, tell me about your fight with Heracles. Did you use "Infinity"?"
"I didn't." Ddraig rests his head back on the pillow. "I try my best without using it, and even then, I felt myself close to losing control over my powers."
"A broken soul can't hope to push the limits like before. You're better off fighting using your brain and instincts than trying to reach the same spectacle as before. You can't die, so do whatever you have to return alive. I won't accept you dying so easily, understood?"
The dragon turns to her. Their eyes met, and her cold expression told him everything he needed to know. "I understand."
"Also, Azazel and the others are planning an event to ask Athena and the others to join the alliance."
"An event?"
"Call it a proper political ceremony. Azazel and the others want to show their followers that recruiting other groups into the alliance is possible."
"... I imagine I need to be present."
"Everyone has to, even your family, so get used to it. They even prepared a new uniform for you to wear." Ereshkigal signals the clean clothes hanging from the wall next to Bloody Ascalon.
"They are serious about this. I get it; I'll go. Issei would have taken over for this if he was available, but I'll do it in his place."
"Very well," Ereshkigal says approvingly before continuing to knit.
The dragon admires her actions for a few moments in silence before he talks. "Knitting? Are you making it for someone?" Ddraig asks.
"... Is for practice. I need to get back into the habit for went the time comes." The goddess replies. Her tone was sad yet a bit hopeful. "I missed knitting things for "him." I hope to do the same for my next one. For now, continue to rest."
"... Alright." Ddraig closes his eyes. The dragon starts to think about Ereshkigal and the status quo between them. He knew how much pain he had caused her, and he only hoped to make it up to her in any way possible. "Could you wake me up in a few hours from now?"
"... Sleep well; I'll be here until the time comes."
The atmosphere was a bit cold between them, yet they have come to an understatement. Ddraig couldn't die, for he had to make it up to her for the rest of eternity. It was simple as that, so he only accepted the path ahead. Ddraig was sure they would be around each other for many years, whether he wanted it or not; it was better to accept it and have an amicable relationship with her.
Several hours later.
Ddraig, Tiamat, Ereshkigal, Le Fay, and Tosca were admiring the "Unicorn" from one of the balconies of Grigory's main base. Each one was wearing a uniform prepared for each of them as they would participate in a particular event.
"Is an amazing creation. I never saw something similar before." Ereshkigal said.
"It is indeed. Eurydice is a very talented goddess. I didn't get to explore the insides, but I heard it has a mini-realm inside. It seems that Athena asked Eury for something to which she could call home for her and her family." Tiamat says.
"A realm? Are her skills that advanced? That would put Eurydice on the same level as the primordial gods. I need to hear the details from Hephaestus when we go inside." Ddraig says with a curious expression.
"Let's go then. I want to see the insides already." Tosca tried to take off, but Le Fay grabbed her tail to stop her.
"Just calm down for a second, Tosca. We need to wait for the rest. This day is an important event for the alliance." Le Fay said.
"Come on, Le Fay. Aren't you excited to see it?" Tosca turns to her friend.
"I do, but we need to wait. So calm down." Le Fay says.
Tosca turns to her parents.
"It is exactly as she says, Tosca. Just wait for a bit." Tiamat says.
"Listen to your mother, Tosca. There will be time for exploration afterward." Ddraig tries to cheer her up.
"You promise?"
"I do, but we need to ask first."
"Yay." Tosca cheerfully jumps up and down briefly while Le Fay holds onto her tail for dear life.
The others have a small laugh at the actions of their younger allies before they continue to wait.
The group waits a few minutes until the other alliance members arrive. Serafall, Sirzechs, Ajuka, Falbium, Shiva, Ganesha, Azazel, Baraqiel, Uriel, Raphael, Gabriel, Michael, and others, such as the missing members of Ddraig's family or the heads of other devil families, make their appearance. Some members of the reformed church were also present, to the surprise of some. Each was dressed for the occasion as they were about to witness a turning point in history.
Several armored ladies emerge from the Unicorn as soon as the large group comes together and starts to guide inside in an orderly faction.
Inside the unicorn.
The alliance members were welcome into an island with its personal greenish sky and surrounded by clear waters. The size of the island was comparable to Greenland, with a pleasant climate that supported its vast forests and open plains. There were also a few mountains but nothing at the level of mount Olympus.
Ddraig and the others now found themselves on a large dock where Athena and her "family" awaited them after being guided by the guards.
"Be welcome to Neo Elysium, our home," Athena said as she received the alliance into her domain.
The goddess was dressed in a white silk dress, and her hair was carefully combed into a braided ponytail adorned with flowers. Pandora was resting on her arms in matching attire.
Apollon and Hestia stood to each side of her while Hephaestus stood a bit away from them while wearing a red and golden jacket of the alliance over his shoulder as an obvious sign that he was already part of Ddraig's group. Eurydice was standing proud next to him with a similar jacket.
"Thank you for your welcoming invitation Athena and members of New Elysium," Azazel said as he took the lead by bowing first. The other members of the alliance did the same. Everyone, including the younger ones, wore uniforms, and to the surprise of everyone, even Ophis was wearing one.
It was a political event that would start a new era, so everyone present did their best to uphold the peace, from Tannin and his children to the angels that had come along with the seraphs. Everyone supported what was about to happen.
"The pleasure is ours. We fought together not once but already twice for a common goal. Thank thee for the help thou offered my sister after the events just a few hours ago. Many of us were enemies in the past, but today I hope we can reach a mutual agreement for the sake of the future." Athena says.
"That is our hope as well," Sirzechs says.
"Shall we continue with the discussion?" Raphael says.
"Follow us, members of the alliance," Apollon says.
The large group starts to move as one through the streets of the main city of New Elysium. The architecture of the houses and buildings was similar to that of an old greek city, yet it also possesses its modern charm as Eurydice carefully planned each detail.
The residents of this new city welcome the alliance with smiles and cheers. Even the tall and muscular amazons show welcoming expressions instead of doubt and distrust.
As the group approached the city's center, a tall temple stood before them. It was massive, and to nobody's surprise, statues of the central figures of the realm stood in the front of such a building, from Eurydice as its primary creator to Apollon as one of its protectors and Athena as its principal leader.
"Got to give it to them; they really like their statues," Ddraig told himself as they made their way around them. The dragon smirked as he saw the one for Hephaestus. "That new mechanic leg of yours makes you seem taller than before."
One by one, everyone was guided to the inner chamber of the temple. The alliance members and figures of New Elysium filled at least three levels of seats. The significant figures sat on the first level on a large table prepared for the event while the rest took higher-up seats.
Ddraig watched his family sitting on the second level behind him and Tia. Ddraig's eyes also notice Yukime and some of her siblings sitting close by to the left while Rias, Sona, and their peerages sit to the right.
Yukime teased him by blowing him a kiss; Rias waved her hands alongside Shirone for a few moments, Sona took a few photos as she waved, and the children under his care continued to smile. Asia looked happy as she held the tears back due to the event taking place. Gasper and Valerie focused on him like two proud siblings watching their older brother making history. Raynare and Kuroka gave him the thumbs up while Ophis silently admired the scene with an uninterested expression. His eyes also notice how Tosca, Le Fay, Elaine, and Isaiah sit close to each other where the two groups meet.
"Everyone seems happy and excited." His eyes keep looking around until he finds Vali, Akeno, and Akeno's mother sitting down, not too far away from Tosca and the others. The two girls seemed to be discussing something he could barely hear due to the commotion, but he noticed that Vali's right arm seemed unusual. As his eyes moved past them, he saw one last figure sitting alongside a few fallen angels. "Rossweisse…."
The lone valkyrie patiently watched the alliance's every move while she prayed for their plans to rescue her allies in Asgard to move faster. Ddraig could feel her eyes telling him to help her. "...I know. I'll do what I can."
"Dear, eyes on here," Tiamat said calmly. The true dragon king holds his hand with care.
"Don't lose sight of what's ahead of us," Serafall says from her seat on his left. Serafall copies Tiamat. Her actions make her sister and family tear up as they see her taking steps forward with the relationship.
"Be proud, Ddraig; even after so many missteps, you helped create something like this. You're no longer the same dragon from the past." Gabriel says with a cheerful expression.
"Took you some time, but you helped to make something wonderful, my child." Mini Gaia said as she woke up on top of Tiamat's head.
"Right…" Ddraig turns his attention back to the table. His eyes could see Ayuka sitting next to Suzaku with a big smile on her face as she chatted with him. Next to them was Shiva, who silently enjoyed the current event as he relaxed on his chair. The other heads also seemed at ease, although Shemhazai and Artemis weren't present for obvious reasons. "I should visit, Shem, when I get some time."
It took a few minutes until everyone settled down, and the meeting could start. The eyes of those present turned to the table as Sirzechs began to talk.
"The story between our ancestors and creators was not the best. Many of us were enemies in the past, and grudges might remain deep in our souls, but we have started moving forward."
Azazel continues after the red-headed devil.
"The alliance wasn't in the plans almost two years ago, but many events led us to join for common goals and the promise of a new era of peace."
Raphael follows after the legendary fallen angel.
"After our union under one symbol, we have started to share resources and rebuild relations that had been severed because of the war. We also began forming new ones with those we once saw as enemies."
Shiva opens his eyes and looks at those around him before the god stands up from his chair and bows his head.
"Athena, Apollon, Hestia, and members of Neo Elysium, as one of the prominent faces of the alliance, I hope that all of you join us as we march toward a future in which pantheons are no longer divided. An era in which our differences don't divide us and bring us together. I'm the destroyer, my task as a primordial god was to erase the failures to offer a blank slate for my fellow gods to create life once more. Unfortunately, many of them no longer exist with us, and many tragic events have divided us. One could see the current status between the realms as a failure and seek the destruction of everything to clear out the defects, yet I wish for a different path. Perfection is impossible for all of us, yet we can be better. We can overcome the challenges that await us in the future together. So be it humans, gods, yokai, reapers, angels, devils, or any other creature in the realms, I believe we can come together and achieve the future that my eyes have sought after amongst millions of dead ends." Shiva says.
Athena takes a few seconds before standing up. She looks at the god momentarily before bowing her head. "My people and I are more than interested in joining the alliance. We have no problems joining such an ambitious group. Yet I need to ask something of thee."
Shiva raises his head. "What would that be?"
"Many are listening and watching this event from their homes. I feel that thou knows a few secrets that shouldn't remain hidden. Thy eyes have likely seen things that no other being has and are understandable to try to keep hidden, but I hope thou can reveal them right now. Hiding it won't help, so we shall face it head-on. I ask that thou reveals those secrets to those watching. Letting others know will prove the alliance's determination as a whole."
The other heads of the alliance lower their faces as they ponder if revealing what they know will help. They couldn't tell who the possible culprits were as that would force their enemies to move their plans much faster, yet revealing even a little might turn the balance in their favor.
Ddraig and the others look at each other for a few moments. The dragon looks around momentarily as the eyes of those present remain fixed on them. "Let's hope this works." Ddraig stands up and turns to Shiva. "Let them know. Everyone should know and choose what they will do with that knowledge."
Shiva lifts his head. "Are you all sure?"
The other heads of the alliance slowly nod their heads. It was a bet that could either go wrong or really well.
Shiva clenches his fists. "Listen well, everyone. Believe my words or choose to ignore them. My eyes have seen millions of possible paths, and from those visions, three things I have learned. Three calamities will come for all of us. Nobody will be safe, no matter where you hide or how protected you are. The first of the three is the one we seal away in the war. The Beast of the Apocalypse, the Curse of the Gods, will return. Trihexa will return no matter what we do."
Gasps are heard from many of those present. Those who already knew, such as the heads of devil clans and high-ranking angels/fallen angels, kept calm expressions. The others start to shake in fear at the mention of the name.
"Yet we shall not back away and fear the beast nor the other calamities. The alliance will face the three calamities, including the beast. Together will make the impossible a reality. The alliance will slay Trihexa and put an end to the curse. So I ask those hearing us right now to make up their minds and take a step forward for the sake of the future. Trihexa is our curse, we gods awakened it, and our war drew its attention to our homes. Now that we have learned from those mistakes, we will face the beast and slay it when it comes. Either we stand together or die alone." Shiva's voice reaches out to all of those present.
The strongest god was now asking each of them to join the alliance's effort in facing the threat that once almost ended everything.
Rossweisse, watching all of this, couldn't believe what she had just heard. "Liv, is this real?"
"... I think his words are true, cousin." A feminine voice replied, thanks to the connection between their minds. Liv, the mysterious lady on the other side, seemed as surprised as Rossweine.
Rossweisse looks around and sees the different reactions of those present until a blond-haired lady in her 40s, a young male in his 20s, and a young girl stand up.
"The Phenex clan will stand with alliance no matter the challenge." The lady says.
Sona's and Serafall's parents stand up as well. "The Sitri clan won't betray the alliance."
The Gremorys follow suit as well. "We will always stand alongside the alliance."
The remaining clans stand up as well to show their support.
The higher rank angels and fallen angels stand as well. "We will also follow the path, no matter how hard it is."
The amazons and other members of Athena's group are surprised by the alliance's support. Their eyes turned to Athena, Apollon, and Hestia.
The three gods smile as they stand up and bow their heads. "We will join all of you as well."
Meanwhile, on earth.
Gaia, who was transmitting everything happening around the planet, watched with joy as humanity continued to be pushed to make a choice. Human nations continued to try to decide what they should do. Temples, churches, and sacred places were packed with believers praying to their deities of choice.
Some hoped for miracles, and others hoped for guidance. The confirmation that angels, devils, and gods were real was a heavy blow to human society as the doubts they once held about what existed after death became a much more realistic concept.
Heaven was real, which meant hell, or the many depictions of a place for sinners, was also confirmed.
Those who understood the threat of Trihexa were either thinking about how to get away, while others were thinking about how to protect themselves.
The human world was in chaos, and Gaia patiently awaited the aftermath.
"The age of blind human supremacy wasn't meant to last. Children of mine and the bible God, choose to go off on your own or accept the age of union. This day is a point of no return."
Back on the meeting, Ereshkigal's POV.
The goddess claps her hands to draw the attention of those present. "Settle down as is time for the treaty. As the goals include peace amongst the members of the alliance, your representatives have discussed with me the creation of a treaty that shall not be broken from now on. This will confirm your intentions to continue to stand next to each other as equals." Ereshkigal stands up, and a large scroll appears in her hands.
The scroll unravels itself before it starts to float in the air.
"The conditions have been written down already, and others will get added later. Once your representatives sign the treaty with their blood, the pact will be sealed. Your lives and those of your descendants or followers will be bound to the treaty. Breaking the conditions of the treaty will mean death. This is the true test of your convictions. Will you put your souls on the line to secure ever-lasting peace, or will you walk away now?"
Ereshkigal's words echo through the room as a challenge to everyone present. The treaty descends to the table. Its length exceeds the table's and rolls down into the floor.
Pure silence surrounds the room as everyone awaits for the first one to sign it.
Yet to the surprise of nobody, Shiva took the first step.
"I have nothing to fear, for my conviction is true. I will put my soul on the line for the alliance." The god cuts his finger and signs his name in blood.
His son, Ganesha, stands up and follows after him. "I, too, will put my soul on the line."
Azazel, Baraqiel, The Seraphs, and the Four Great Satans do the same. As the representative and leader of the Himejimas, Suzaku doesn't doubt for a second before she also signs her name.
"I, too, shall sign my soul away," Athena says as she approaches the treaty while Pandora rests in her arms.
"I won't back down, Athena." Hestia does the same.
"I follow you to the end of the world, sis," Apollon says.
"Us too, dad," Eury says as she stands beside her father.
Finally, the time comes for Tiamat and Ddraig, who stands up and approaches the treaty in silence.
"For the sake of peace amongst the realms and members of the alliance, we shall respect these conditions:
Reject the chase of conquest.
Forsake the desire for malevolent conflict.
Offer a hand to those who need it and accept it.
Accept the past and walk for the sake of a better future.
Embrace and respect the differences between us.
Forsake the ideas that prevent one from reaching an era of unity.
Protect the world in which many were once born.
Violence shall only be used when completely necessary, such as self-preservation.
Allow the dead to rest in peace.
The leadership will be shared. Nobody is the main head of the alliance.
…
…..
…
Slay the curse that the primordials awakened so that new lives continue to be born."
Many conditions were written down, many of which involved the many themes they have discussed since the idea of the alliance was born. Everything was brought up, from things such as the reformation of the church to the rules devils should abide by from now on when making contracts. There were doubts, and they still discussed a few issues occasionally, but this was the closest anyone ever was to unite so many groups under one symbol.
Ddraig looked at the symbol drawn on the top of the treaty. A large tree surrounded by the wings of a dragon, an angel, a devil, a fallen angel, and one halo. The symbol they had come up with almost a year ago.
"... Am I allowed to do this? Can I really be part of something so important? I'm not a hero. I have my share of sins….."
"We need allies, Ddraig. The stronger we get, the higher the dangers we'll face. We're not devoid of sins, yet we can be better. We have to continue on for the sake of those we have alongside us. For our sake."
The conversation he once had with Issei repeats itself inside his mind once more. His eyes turned back to look at the members of his family and friends until he met those of Ophis.
The Ouroboros dragon was analyzing each one of his movements. Her eyes showed no emotion, yet her mouth seemed to say something only he could understand.
"Do as you must, my sword."
Those words were the last push he needed.
Ddraig then turns back to the treaty before he bites his finger and begins to write two names in blood.
Tiamat smiles as she does the same, and by the end, three names are written down.
"With that, all of them have agreed to the treaty. All of those that wish to sign it come as well." Ereshkigal says as she invites everyone else that wishes to do the same.
Almost all besides the children sign the treaty, thus reaffirming the conviction of those within the alliance.
Hours after, Neo Elysium.
Celebrations continue amongst the alliance members as new allies enjoy the new status quo. From the streets of Lilith, the new Vatican city rebuilt on top of the ashes of the past, the city hidden inside an upside-down castle, and now to the streets of Neo Elysium, the celebrations continue.
One could see the interactions between the diverse groups as they slowly bonded over their new fellowship.
Yet a particular pair of males stayed away from the rest for a few moments as they talked about their lives. Ddraig and Hepahaestus were sitting on top of the ceiling of one of the houses while looking at the finite waters that surrounded the island.
"How long did it take her to create all of this?" Ddraig asks as he pours some hard liquor for his friend.
"Let's see, Athena came to Eury with the idea of a realm around her 46 birthday. Eury is past 500 years, so a few centuries, I say. She worked hard on it and barely asked me any questions. Athena, Apollon, Artemis, and their followers provided materials, but Eury worked alone. She said it was her magnum opus so that nobody could interfere. My young child surpassed me with this." The god smiles as he talks about his daughter.
"Hey, don't sell yourself short, my old friend. You're the reason why Tosca is alive today. If I didn't have the egg, I wouldn't have been able to save her back then."
"Right, how is she as a child? How's Tiamat as her mother?"
"Tosca is a bit impulsive and hard-headed, but she's a good girl. I'm making sure she doesn't inherit any of my bad traits. Tia loves her and does her best to raise her alongside me. She will kill to protect Tosca, and I'm not joking. Tia does have strong maternal instincts, after all."
"Aren't all normal mothers like that? Hestia is highly protective of Eury as well. We discussed the prospect of Eury getting married in the future, and she kept saying, "If someone wants her, they shall fight me and win the right to even date her." I imagine she wasn't joking."
The duo laughs about their experiences with parenthood.
"Hey, are you and Hestia married?"
Hephaestus spits his drink. "No, Hestia is like a second mother to me."
"Eh? Then what about Eury?"
The god's face saddened as he grips his glass. "Promise you won't get angry."
"Hephaestus, you're worrying me, but I promise I won't say anything, no matter what."
Hephaestus takes a deep breath. "Eury is indeed my daughter, and Hestia is the only mother she acknowledges, but her maternal mother is…. Aphrodite."
"..."
"..."
Both males go silent as the truth surfaces. Nobody says anything for a few moments. The atmosphere is cold yet not as tense as one would have imagined.
"When?" Ddraig asked.
"At least 15 centuries after the great war, I was traveling to Alfheim for a job. Aphrodite tracked me down and asked me to remove the curse."
"She used her charms?"
"No, it is not as simple as that. I was angry and threw all my emotions at Aphrodite. I threw all my anger and repressed frustration at her, yet she said nothing. After feeling too drained to continue, I removed the curse. I asked her never to come in my presence ever again and returned to my room. But she followed me. She offered her body to me, and I rejected her. I asked her to leave, yet she continued. We kept arguing with each other until I gave in to my past. Those wishes in which she and I finally got together came back one last time only to bite me back. As I made her mine for one night, I realized there was no love in her eyes for me—only lust, like many others before I had fallen for it. Aphrodite moaned and screamed my name, yet it was all empty. I felt disgusted with myself for even falling for it, and after all was done, I left angry with myself for falling for it. That night, whatever remained deep inside of me for her died. I didn't want to see her again after that night, so I traveled even farther away from home to avoid the chance until one call made me come back."
"Eury's birth. How did you learn about her existence?"
"Athena and the others. It seems that Aphrodite was broken after our night together. Something cracked inside her, and she could not feel love for others. Her emotions were damaged either due to the curse or what happened that night. Eury has a particular gift for sensing the real emotions and desires of others. When she was born and put in her mother's arms, she appeared to have sensed the lack of any emotions from Aphrodite. A child that feels emotions getting no love from their mother was a recipe for disaster, and as a child of mine, Eury didn't take it too well. Athena told me that she had set the whole room in flames. Her siblings were quickly forced out as she and Aphrodite were trapped within the flames. Athena and the others rescue them. After that, they called me."
"Aphrodite let go of her? She didn't object?"
"She couldn't. Eury liked Hestia, and Aphrodite was in no shape to raise her in that state. Her siblings couldn't control her powers, so Aphrodite let go of Eury. Hestia and I have raised Eury alongside the others since then. Aphrodite has tried to approach Eury through the ages but still has no emotions for her daughter. Eury has only known Hestia's maternal love and nobody's else. To Eury, Hestia is her mother, while Aphrodite is the one that gave her life. They say that children don't get to choose their parents, yet Eury decided who her mother is."
"I see." The dragon takes a sip from his drink before he looks towards the horizon. "I won't judge you, brother. Aphrodite was your wife; you loved her, and I can understand that you gave in in the heat of the moment. Yet you realize that it wasn't meant to be. That's all that matters. One shouldn't try to return to an unhealthy relationship. What's done is done, and thanks to it, Eury was born."
"Are you sure? Aren't you going to say I was an idiot for even allowing myself to fall for her charms?"
"Hephaestus, my brother in arms, you're an adult. You're bound to make mistakes; we should always learn from those mistakes. After marrying someone like Aphrodite, you have learned what you want from a wife. You won't settle for the minimum anymore. The next female you marry will likely be someone different from Aphrodite, and I hope she can make you happy. You deserve someone that truly loves you. That's all that matters to me."
Hephaestus tears up a bit at the words of Ddraig. "I hope I find that woman one day, but I won't rush into it. I have other things to take care of first. Anyways, less about me and more about you, Mr. I will make my harem into a reality."
"Don't. I don't just fall for the first female that shows up."
"Oh, then what about Serafall? Tiamat? Are there any others that I have yet to meet? Maybe you have a thing with Gabriel." The god teases the dragon.
"Michael and the others will kill me if I dare touch Gabriel. We're allies, maybe close friends who live in the same house. For Gabriel and me to get together is highly unlikely. Not because I don't like her but because it will lead to conflicts nobody wants. Also, she won't fall for someone like me."
Hephaestus understood the severity of the theme and decided to move on.
"I get it. Then tell me about your family and the women in your life. So much has happened since we talked like this."
Hephaestus seems excited about the subject.
"Alright, I'll tell you about my family. Let's see; we can begin with Issei."
"Who's that?"
"My partner. The one with whom I share a body. He is the last wielder of the booster gear, and we have been working together since I escaped the depths of the booster gear. I can't remember why I saved him due to the memories taken away from me, but I know I promised to guide him to find happiness. This body is as much as his as it is mine." Ddraig says.
"Sharing a body with another soul? That's unexpected, but I can see why it happened. Well, can I meet this Issei?"
"I wish, but he's unavailable right now. Gautama has his trap inside a trial. I think he's facing Trihexa in an endless dream as we speak. That's what I think I saw in my last dream."
"Gautama? Wait, do you think he's trying to make him into a Buddha?"
"I have no idea. Issei doesn't possess the qualities of a normal Buddha. He hasn't prayed to Buddha for enlightenment. Gautama likely wants to help in some way to slay Trihexa, although I'm not sure how he knows about it. Shiva said to leave it to Gautama, but even then, I'm concerned about Issei."
"You, the big bad dragon worrying about a human is a first. I never expected to hear you worrying about someone else other than maybe Tiamat back then."
"Things have changed, brother. I have Asia, the descendant of one of my previous hosts, and I worry about her all the time and consider her family. I want to be there for her and see her grow while she chooses her path. I also have Gasper and Valerie, a duo of dhampirs that we rescue from the Tepes faction. They are my siblings in all but blood, and I will do anything to keep them safe. There's Kuroka, a nekomata who's a bit impulsive and silly, yet I cherish her as much as the rest. Tosca, Ophis, Raynare, Rias, Isaiah, Vali, Kuroka, Akeno, Shirone, Sona, Gabriel, Yukime, Serafall, Le Fay, the other heads of the alliance, and Tia of them have become people that I wish to protect. This life alongside them is something I never dreamed of, and now that I have it, I'm willing to endure as much pain and injuries as possible to protect it. I won't allow myself to die, for I want to continue to experience each new day with them. I know that Issei feels the same."
Hephaestus watches as Ddraig places a hand on his chest. "Oh, so you have found a place to belong." The eyes of the god notice a small luminous bird watching them from afar. "Curious little fellow, wait…. That's a spell. Is someone spying on us?" His eyes try to track down the source of the spell until he notices where it came from- The tavern in which most people were celebrating.
"Hephaestus, is something wrong?" The dragon questions the god as he notices his eyes looking in another direction.
"... Is alright. I was just curious about your young bride. She's adept in magic, isn't she?"
"Le Fay? She is; why are you asking?"
"Is alright, just curiosity. Want to tell me how a dragon like yourself ended up with such a young bride?"
Ddraig scratches the top of his head. "Don't judge me on this one."
The conversation between them continues.
Not too far from there, Le Fay POV.
"Should we be doing this?" Le Fay asks Tiamat who's drinking alongside Raynare, Yukime, Serafall, Ereshkigal, and Gabriel.
"No, but I was curious about where those two disappeared. Sometimes it is good to keep tabs on your mate's actions." Tiamat said as she placed her drink down. "But this was too cute to ignore." The dragoness turned to the others and noticed the blushes on most of their faces. "Is that a blush I see on your face, Gabriel?"
"... I …. I need to take a walk!" Gabriel hides her face as she runs away from the place.
"Oh, even seraphs get embarrassed," Serafall smirks as she watches Gabriel exiting the tavern.
"Don't tease her too much. You're likely in the same ship as her." Ereshkigal says. "You're blushing as much as her."
"I have the right to blush after hearing something like that. How can I not fall for the Welsh Dragon? You don't understand how much chemistry we have. The way he looks at me during our dates, that silly cheeky smile of his, those seductive pickup lines he comes up with when we're alone. Tia knows damn well that his charming points are too hard to ignore. He is the first male that has ever accepted all of me, and I would love to have a big ceremony with him. Mom and dar will likely cry as I walk to the altar with my wedding dress." Serafall says while looking a bit drunk.
"Serafall-sama, I think that's enough alcohol for tonight." Raynare tries to take Serafall's glass away from her.
"Raynare, don't you think the same? Isn't the current Welsh Dragon a fantastic male that anyone could fall in love with? You live with him, don't you agree with me?" Serafall questions the fallen angel.
"I…. I prefer not to answer that question." Raynare tries to ignore the question.
"Oh, come on. Tell us what you feel-" Before Serafall got the chance to continue to harass Raynare for an answer, she was quickly put to sleep by Tiamat's quick hit to the back of her head.
"You're right about dear, but don't harass others for answers. Raynare, you don't need to answer. Anyone who falls in love with "Dear" should take their time to figure out their feelings." The dragoness turns to Le Fay. "Thank you for the spell; you can stop. Go ahead and join Tosca. When it is time to leave, I will come to get all of you."
Le Fay lowers her staff and dissolves the spell. "Are you sure?"
"I got what I needed to hear. He is just having a calm one-on-one with an old friend. Go ahead and have some fun with the rest." Tiamat says as she dismisses Le Fay.
"Thank you, Big sis Tia." Le Fay bows to Tia before she departs in search of the other kids.
This leaves only Tiamat, Yukime, Raynare, and Ereshkigal on the table.
"I'm still surprised; You have accepted her so openly as a bride for him," Yukime says.
"I have an easier time accepting it after I meet them and get time to get to know them. Le Fay is still young, but I know that her heart is in the right place. She's like a little sister to me. I know Le Fay likes "Dear" from the bottom of her heart, and those feelings will grow with time, so I feel at ease knowing she's the second. I have the right to feel a bit jealous of the others that come after me, but as long as I get to know them, I will learn to accept them. Serafall will likely be the third unless you stop teasing him and start being open about what you feel for him, Yukime. He won't take you seriously unless you show your true feelings. There's no place for games in a dragon's harem." Tiamat says before she takes a sip from her drink.
"... I see." Yukime puts her glass down as she thinks about her actions.
"Then would you be against me asking him to father a child with me even if I don't love him?" Ereshkigal asks.
The atmosphere drops a few degrees as those words escape Ereshkigal's mouth. The others slowly turn their faces toward the goddess in complete shock.
"Ereshkigal-sama, are you serious about something of the sort?" Raynare asks the goddess.
"It was just a question. I intend to have a child in the future and ask Ddraig to protect that child with his life. He killed my only child before, and I could have taken a child of his to make him feel the same pain as me, but I chose not to. I'm alone; no other gods of my pantheon remain. Nobody to call family. I want that connection once more. The joy of motherhood, a happiness that nothing else can compare to. I want that, and this time I want to ensure my child doesn't die. So Ddraig will be the father of that child and do anything to protect it." Ereshkigal says with cold eyes.
"..." Tiamat says nothing even after hearing that.
"Ereshkigal, I have no right to speak about this, but asking that to Ddraig is insane. Your emotions for him are not the best; fathering a child with him is ridiculous." Yukime argues.
"Then what do you want me to do? Just fuck the next guy that enters the tavern and asks that Ddraig cares for it as if it was his own? I will not do such a despicable action. I'm the queen of the dead, and I will not lower myself to fuck a random male to get pregnant, nor will I do something similar to what Hera did. I want Ddraig to care for that child with his all, to love and cherish it with all of his heart. I want assurance that he won't kill another child of mine. I can't get my son back; instead, I will give all of my love to the next, and this time I will do anything in my power to keep it safe. That's all I want." Ereshkigal turns to Tiamat. "Please, give me your answer."
"... It is insanity. Fathering a child with someone you still hate is complete madness, but I understand your wish. I love Tosca and will suffer as much as you do if something happens to her. Although I wouldn't do something like this, I see why you would go that far. Yet I ask that you reflect on this a bit longer, Ereshkigal. If you were to go ahead with this plan, you'd have to become his mate. You'll lose the freedom to enter a relationship with someone you like. You'll be trapped in a relationship with the guy that killed your first son. Don't do this on a whim, and think about it carefully. Ddraig is willing to put his life on the line for you and even a child that is not his own; I'm sure of it, but this is another level of madness. Don't rush into it. Dear will accept anything but this can hurt both of you and the child. What will you tell that child once it sees how you act around its father? It is something that you need to consider. I won't interfere, but I ask that you reflect on it before anything takes place."
Tiamat showed her maturity with those words. The subject took her by surprise, yet she understood the ins and outs of the situation. She knew that Ershkigal's actions were driven by her pain and desire, but she also hoped that Ereshkigal wouldn't jump into a situation that would seal her fate for eternity.
"... Very well. I will reflect on it for now, but nobody can object to it when the time comes," Ereshkigal says.
Thus a chapter closes, and a new one opens for the alliance.
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…..
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Next stop, Kyoto.
Extra chapter: Kokabiel's Punishment.
The traitor of Grigory began to open its eyes in pain. As he looked around, he found himself trapped in one of the cells he had used for enemies many times before. He no longer possesses arms or legs, as he had to sacrifice them for the power to slay dragons. His torso was now attached to the cell wall by a series of tubes and chains that kept him alive.
"Bastards! Just kill me. Isn't that what you wanted? You won, so finish me off. I know you'll send my soul straight into Cocytus, so do it and get this done." Kokabiel snarled.
"Oh, you want the easy way out. Like always, you expect everything to be given to you in a silver tray instead of putting in the work. This time won't be the same, Kokabiel. Last time you escaped and took your allies with you. You burned a child and his family without no reason. Everyone pays for their sins, but you won't get away that easily." The voice of Shemhazai was heard through the audio system installed in the cell.
A few compartments opened up in the room.
"You wanna know something good, my old ally? Everyone was waiting for you. All of the residents of Grigory were waiting for the moment we got our hands on you. Your actions almost led to the Welsh Dragon erasing Grigory from the map. Can you imagine our whole base being burned to ashes by one titanic flying behemoth? We had to experience that. Azazel almost lost his life due to your actions as well. There's no way we can forgive you, but we do thank you for something." Shemhazai says.
Kokabiel watches as millions of small worms make their way into the room. The small reddish bugs were slimy and were slowly approaching him.
"What is this?" Kokabiel asks.
"Thanks to you, we agreed to a pact of non-aggression with the Welsh Dragon. Thanks to you, he is what he is today. Your actions became the seeds of the alliance. You should feel proud of it. You tried to eliminate him and created the being that led to your own doom. If you're asking yourself about the worms, be at ease. They are called twisted demonic silk caterpillars. They are a rare species of demonic beasts highly-priced amongst silk producers. They have a special diet that involves feeding on the blood and flesh of other beings. The silk they produce will be of the highest quality, depending on the food source." The voice of Shem sounded wicked.
"You wouldn't dare. Kill me now, bastard." Kokabiel said as he felt the caterpillars climbing his lower abdomen. Their small mouths started to chew his flesh.
"I discussed your punishment with the Welsh Dragon many times. He was personally going to take care of you, yet he couldn't and let me take care of you. I will keep you alive for as long as possible. You won't get the chance to sleep or rest as I will keep injecting you with drugs that increase the sensation of each of their bites. The pain will be endless until your final moments. I should also say that these caterpillars can reproduce without turning into butterflies, so your flesh will also serve as the home in which they breed and eat. How long will it take before you pass away? One month? Six? A year? I will do my best to extend the punishment for as long as possible." Shemhazai starts to laugh maniacally as he sees the fear in Kokabiel's eyes.
"Stop this. Azazel wouldn't approve of something like this!" Kokabiel argues.
"Oh, but he is watching. All the adults in Grigory are watching. I have prepared a 24-hour stream that any adult can join in and hear you scream endlessly. I also accept donations for extra punishments such as shockwaves and similar acts. Say hi to the cameras, Kokabiel. Your death will be a slow one." Shemhazai continues to laugh.
"Why? Why? Why?"
"You bought this upon yourself. You put all of us in danger and ran away like bitch. Vali got put in danger because of you. My little girl, the daughter of my sweet Dianne. I won't ever forgive anyone that threatens Vali!" Shemhazai says.
Kokabiel feels how his body is injected with the mentioned drugs. Tears fall from his eyes as the pain increases by the second.
His fate was a cruel and long one.
Notes of the author: Another one bites the dust. I have been planning many ways in which to end Kokabiel. There was even one in which Issei got to kill the fallen angel himself later on, but I discarded those plans. Kokabiel was just a stepping stone. A character that was never meant to be more than just that. Although the payoff could have been cathartic, it would have been empty for the dead don't come back. The pain would have remained, no matter what. This is why the story was never focused on Issei and Ddraig chasing after Kokabiel endlessly. It wasn't meant to be; they faced far more important enemies. Anyways, see you next time for the Kyoto mini-arc. An arc where we enjoy my favorite delicacy, Oyakodon…. Just kidding… or am I?