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
Odin gasped for air as his consciousness swayed. His vision was blurry, and his body was unable to do anything. He heard things, but most of them he couldn't clearly remember.
"Michael, good job. Baldur dying would be a hit too big for Asgard to take. We'll cure Odin and depart for the train."
Yet the voice of Ddraig was the one he couldn't forget. His mind didn't allow it.
"Gabriel, Grayfia, how is Odin?" The dragon asked with a concerned tone.
"..." Gabriel answered, but Odin couldn't make up what she said.
He couldn't remember the words of most of those present that day.
"Shit, do what you can. I don't know what that spell was, but we can do nothing about it. Just make sure he is alive." The dragon said.
"Should we get his son?" Another voice asked.
"Do it. We'll leave Odin in his care and depart. I can't keep Infinity active for much longer. Getting out of Asgard is the goal."
The voices became much harder to understand until he fully recovered his consciousness. When he opened his eye, he was back in a room he remembered all too well.
"Father." A voice called out to him.
As Odin turned to the left, he saw the face of Baldur and Vidar alongside Tyr. Everyone was still covered in bandages and seemed much more tired than he remembered.
The royal infirmary.
"Can you recognize us?" Vidar asks.
"... Yes…. I lost." Odin said with visible difficulty. His voice and body had aged to no end. He was a husk of his previous self, and the injuries around his body were proof of that.
"... Yes, you lost against the Welsh Dragon. But he didn't do all this to you. Why did you use such an accursed spell?" Vidar asks with anger.
"Is no time for those questions, brother," Baldur says. The god turns to Odin. "You have missed a lot, Father. It has been a week since the attack."
"A week?" Odin looks surprised.
"A week since Asgard was almost completely destroyed. Ragnarok or at least something similar took place," Tyr says as he summons a map of Asgard. The map showed several areas that were affected by the fights. "We lost at least 300 lives during the attack of Fenrir inside the capital."
"Fenrir? When?" Odin was trying to grasp the idea of such a creature inside his beloved capital.
"While you were fighting Ddraig, … someone else invaded Asgard and surprised us. My personal guess is that Hel dropped Fenrir under Loki's orders. We still have no confirmation, but based on the alliance's actions and the fact that Loki tried to kill Baldur, I infer he is responsible." Tyr said.
Odin turned his eye to his son. "Loki?"
Baldur nods. "While the alliance retreated from the capital, Loki and Hel entered the castle and tried to kill me. We lost many good soldiers and allies due to Loki's and Hel's actions. I was saved at the last moment by an unexpected holy beam which I can only see as the alliance's interference. Nobody else could have saved me at that moment."
Odin remembers the aftermath of the fight. The voice of the Welsh Dragon and the few things he could catch up. "Michael?"
"The Seraph leader? It is a possibility. We don't have a clear profile of the individuals the alliance sent to Asgard besides Ddraig. They kept their identities hidden at all points." Tyr says. "Nonetheless, they seemed to have achieved their objectives and even left us with an unexpected gift."
"Objectives?" Odin questions them.
"The dragons and their family. They took them." Vidar says. "You fighting Ddraig was all a distraction."
"They…. recruited Thor and took him alongside the prisoners. Thrud also left with them based on our investigation. Thor, his family, the valkyries, even Sieg and the hammers, all left with the alliance." Baldur says.
Silence invades the room as Baldur stops talking.
"... Thor…. Left us? How? Why?" Odin tears up as he realizes that his first son has abandoned Asgard.
"He… did," Vidar admits.
The two brothers evade Odin's eye while Tyr looks at him.
"We believe the alliance came to Asgard to rescue and recruit them. I also believe that Thor and all of them left for one reason, you. Your previous actions were likely the reason for Thor's defection to the alliance." Tyr says.
"..." Odin says nothing as he knows he is the only one to blame.
"We tried to keep it hidden from the public, but they have known about Thor's defection for the past two days. There have been questions and a few public demonstrations, but everyone is mainly focused on rebuilding. You should also know about this." Tyr invokes a new image before him, and what it depicts makes Odin panic.
"Surtr! No, he-'' Odin is stopped.
"He is dead, Father," Baldur says as he grabs his father's remaining hand. "The alliance…. They took him down when he invaded Asgard. Loki destroyed the barrier, and Surtr took the chance offered to him."
The image showed a gigantic red body floating in the vast ocean under Asgard. Its chest was split in half, and where a heart should be, nothing remained. His broken blade was slowly sinking right next to him as well.
"They slayed the primordial giant and took his heart with them. We saw a group taking Surtr's heart after a devastating attack cut him in half. The giant fought not to be killed, but his attempt was fruitless. His army retreated after the alliance claimed his heart. My theory is that Surtr's son is with them, which could only mean that they might create a new primordial fire giant in the future. I don't know if that new primordial will be our enemy, but I hope that is not true." Tyr says.
"Father, with all of that… we ask that you surrender the throne. You cannot lead Asgard in this state nor after all of what has occurred." Baldur asks as he takes the choice to step forward. "Loki caused all of this, and he could access Asgard because of you. Surtr came to destroy us because of you as well. You can't be our leader any longer."
"But the alliance," Odin argues.
"They took what they wanted and helped us even though we were ready to kill them. It sucks, but I admit they are not to blame for all this mess. The deaths were thanks to Loki, and Thor leaving is due to you. You also lost, and your actions left your body in such a state. We can't even regrow your arm with our tools because your body rejects any help. You can't fight, and we can't trust your choices. We ask that you surrender the throne." Vidar joins his brother.
"... Who will take the crown?" Odin asks.
"Officially, it will be Baldur, but we plan to rule as a council. We, all of the generals, will share the power and lead Asgard from now on. We can't have one god having a say in everything, and there's much to do. Frigg is waiting outside, so take the time to converse with her. Even if you don't surrender the crown today, we'll continue our plans. We won't antagonize the alliance nor join them for now. Our main objective shall be hunting Loki down for his crimes against Asgard. Well, finish him off, so step aside." Tyr stands up and walks away without saying another word.
Call it holding a grudge or simply seeing the mistakes of Odin as his blood path with Loki put all of Asgard a risk. He was recruited into Asgard long ago and saw many things he wasn't happy with, but Loki had always been a torn he couldn't remove until now. He didn't trust the mischievous god; he had shown his true intentions that night.
Tyr no longer needed to hold back, and now he had the support of almost everyone.
Loki was the target, and his death was the mission.
As Tyr left, Odin's sons were alone with the broken god. None dared to face him as they knew what he wanted to say.
"Loki-" Odin was interrupted.
"I don't care. Baldur almost died at his hands, and we won't try to force Thor to return. It might have been for the best that he left when he did. We have been under your orders for too long, and it is time to choose our own path." Vidar said before he stood up and began walking away. "I'll be meeting the others. I'll see you outside."
Baldur nods as his brother departs.
"Baldur, if you kill Loki, it would be like killing me. There's a blood pact between us. You can still fix-"
"Fix what? Father, we almost die at the hands of Surtr, thanks to Loki. Are you still willing to put that damn blood pact before us, your family? Just how insane are you?" Baldur asks. "You don't know when to stop? Just how much are you willing to sacrifice to achieve your personal goals? Is this why you did those things to the Valkyries? There must be a limit, but we'll do it if you can't stop these insane plans of yours. You can't move a finger now; there's no Gungnir either. Nobody outside this room will allow you to do as you please. Mom will take care of you but won't help you either. Goodbye, Father." Baldur stood up and walked away.
Odin tried to stop him, but his words weren't reaching him. He had control of Baldur's and everyone's actions through threats and violence. For centuries his spear had been the tool that directed everyone forward. For centuries everyone feared him, and now that he had no way of doing such things, everyone was walking away.
Not even the blood was enough for him to hold his status as leader.
"Husband?" A voice called out to him.
An older blonde goddess entered the room with visible regret.
"Frigg…." The god couldn't help but drop his face in shame.
The goddess approached the broken god with visible sadness on her face. Seeing him in such a state was painful. The once proud Odin was nothing more than a grandpa unable to defend himself like he used to do.
But his physical state didn't hurt as much as realizing that Asgard had suffered a severe blow.
To Frigg, Thor wasn't a stepchild; he was another son she helped to raise from an early age, even if she wasn't his birth mother. Now, he was gone, and so was his family.
"Husband, how deep have you fallen while I was asleep? How did you allow all of Asgard to come to this? How did you allow yourself to become this?" Frigg asked the god as she sat next to his bed and held his hand. "You promised us everything was going to be fine."
Odin tears up as he faces Frigg. There were no excuses he could make up on the spot to push the blame onto others.
His visions of Ragnarok, which he had taken upon himself to save Baldur (unknown to said God) from his fate as the prophet of Ragnarok, had turned real in several ways, yet he had been wrong.
Every critical character had appeared in one way or another, but all played their papers in ways he had never expected.
Even Odin had played a completely different paper as he had not even faced Surtr in the end.
Back to that night, General POV.
Vidar was brought before the broken body of his father. The mysterious team of the Welsh Dragon was treating Odin's injuries, although he could see that the most serious of the injuries remained unchanged even with the usage of Phoenix Tears.
"You, why have you offered mercy to my father?" Vidar asked the dragon, who was looking for something in the distance while one of his allies supported his weight. Even from his current position, he could see the many injuries he had received at the hands of his father, which supported the idea that it was a fair fight as both came out battered and injured.
"... I never came here to kill him. He fell for the trap, and I did what I needed to do. None of us came to Asgard for war. Those are not the goals of the alliance." Ddraig said. His purple flaming scarf was still resting on his neck, and his horns were still burning, blazing red.
The red rosary was still on his right arm as Issei was still conscious, which meant that Infinity was still active.
He was still worried, so he held both weapons in his extra hands. He expected something else, and until all of his allies were out of Asgard, the Welsh Dragon would stand ready to fight.
None of his allies dare to ask him to power down. They all knew it was best to expect the worst, even when all seemed calm.
Aurora was smiling like an insane stalker who admired the being of her obsession. As she felt the heat of his body, she could only lower her head in the face of his presence as the difference in power became much easier to admire. Yet amongst all her madness, she could still detect the scent of his blood and the situation's tension.
"Master, you feel something is coming, don't you?" Aurora told herself as she awaited orders.
The other members were in similar states, although Serafall remained calmer than the rest as she stood beside him. As a veteran, she knew remaining calm was the best decision.
"We are almost out of here. Just a bit more, and we'll be safe. I'll be right beside you until the end of this mission." Serafall thought as she supported his weight.
"Ddraig, nothing else we can do about Odin unless we have other resources. Whatever power he used blocks most of the effects of the Phoenix Tears. He's stable, but… Odin might never wield a weapon again." Gabriel said as she stopped her treatment.
"Just what power is that? Phoenix Tears should be flawless against most injuries and diseases. Vidar, do you know anything about your father's powers?" Grayfia asks the god as she stands up and turns to him.
"..." Vidar approaches his father and looks at his broken body with careful attention to detail. The symbols that plagued his body made his eyes grow wide in surprise. "Idiot… just how far were you willing to go. You sacrifice your body for this stupid power. There's nothing you can do. He won't regain his former body, nor will most of these injuries heal anytime soon. I lack the name of the spell, but I know its effects. Father talked about how it was a gamble that he would never teach us his sons or generals. I saw the effects of similar spells on some of my former allies back in the day. None of them survived after using the spell for long. Father might be an exception, but he won't be the same. I thank you for offering him mercy and trying to help. Just get out of here and leave us alone."
The god had accepted the complete defeat of Asgard and lacked the will to stand up against the alliance right now.
"Soon. Release Vidar's shackles. Take Odin and go to the capital. Baldur might need help. You had a rat within your home, and my allies barely stopped his assassination." Ddraig says.
"But my troops," Vidar argues as he is released.
"Your troops are unconscious, but none are in danger of dying. Your father is. Send a group once you get home to recover them. Go, Vidar, and stop second-guessing yourself." The Welsh Dragon said as he turned to look at the god.
Their eyes met, and after seeing his expression, Vidar couldn't help but obey.
"... Thanks." Vidar approaches his father's body and carefully grabs it before he departs.
The god doesn't even try to recover the pieces of Odin's spear as he flies away. Gungnir was the last of Asgard's worries at that moment.
As the god departed, the group sighed in relief as Vidar did not attempt to face any of them. Shortly after, the sounds of the train alerted them to its approach.
Like everyone else before, the group jumped on top of the train as it got closer to them.
With all of his passengers aboard, the train made its way to the south, hoping to leave Asgard behind finally after a long night full of fights.
Inside the train, General POV.
The Welsh Dragon was tackled onto the floor as his daughter rushed forward alongside his siblings, Asia, Le Fay, and many others rushed to meet him.
"You did it. Nii-san, you did it." Gasper claimed as he teared up.
"I never doubted you. I knew you were going to win." Valerie said.
"Look at you; why are you so injured?" Le Fay asked. She was checking every corner of his body until she noticed the rosary and the expression on his face. "Issei?"
The dragon smirks as he scratches his cheek. "I guess that even you can tell that I'm back for now."
Le Fay tears up as she smiles. "You dummy, I thought you wouldn't be back soon."
The Welsh Dragon smiles momentarily before feeling a solid punch in his abdomen. "Tosca?" Issei calls out to his daughter.
"How dare you smile like that, idiotic old man? Do you understand how worried we were about you?" Tosca asked as she lifted her hand once more for a second punch.
"Tosca, stop. Punching him won't be good for him. He's already injured enough." Asia said as she held the hands of Tosca.
"Let me go; his smile makes me mad. We have all been worried about this idiotic old man. We have been enduring the fear that his souls would crumble at any point, and then he disappears to who knows where and comes back all dandy. He annoys me to no end. This idiotic old man left us without telling us when he would return." Tosca tears up as she sees her father.
Having Ddraig was fine, but not having Issei as well felt wrong. It was as if her father was not complete, and although she couldn't admit it, she missed him. She missed the former human that saved her life and cared for her.
The one that offered her a second life.
Issei sees the tears on her face and feels the pain in his heart. The other members of his family move away and leave an open path for father and daughter to meet. "Sorry, I know I hurt you, but it was something I needed to do. I missed you, Tosca." He looks around the room. "I missed all of you. For me, that dream with Gautama is an eternity without rest. It has been challenging, but all of you made it bearable. Becoming a Budha in training is far from easy, and I feared the many things I might miss because of it, but as long as Ddraig is awake, I know everything will be fine. I am Ddraig; Ddraig is I. We're two sides of the same coin, so as long as one of us is present, there's nothing for you to fear or doubt. His choices are my choices, and I will know everything you say or experience with him once I awake. Be at ease, ok?"
The dragon pats the head of his daughter. Tosca tears up even more and lunges forward to hug him.
"Is alright, Tosca. I will always be here for you." The dragon embraces her.
"She is still a child, but one day she will be a strong dragon." -Issei.
"You really think I can do it without you?" -Ddraig.
"Ddraig, you know the answer to that question. Even if one of us disappears, everything will be alright. You do not need to doubt how to be a parent. Everything I know is because of you."
"Don't say that. We will be next to each other until the end, right? We're two sides of the same coin."
"Yes, we are the Welsh Dragon."
A few minutes later.
The leading members of the mission meet alongside the representatives of Thor's and Midg's families.
The train was on its way to the gate, and before long, they would be out of Asgar, but before that, they needed to inform each other about the whole mission status.
"First, I would like to thank everyone who participated in this mission. Although we had a few unexpected developments, we achieved the mission's goals." Shiva says.
Everyone clapped their hands around the train as the conversation was transmitted to each car through the speaker system.
"We were able to rescue our allies and reached where Odin imprisoned Ymir," Tiamat says as she sits next to Ddraig and the rest.
Rosweisse nods as a live stream of the car specially prepared for Ymir is shown to everyone present.
"Our experts are working on Ymir as we speak. It is horrendous, but we believe that once we get him to Gaia, he will recover from this horrible situation. I calculate that it will take Ymir at least five years or more to use his powers and regain his strength. Until then, keeping him secret from everyone outside the alliance will be best." Azazel says.
"I support the idea. My brother is still too weak to act or defend himself. I thank all of you for rescuing him from Odin's claws." Mini-Gaia says before she turns to Thor and the Valkyries. "I hold no grudge against you or Asgard. What Odin did is his business, and you proved your worth to me in more ways than once. You have my support in any way you might need."
Liv shakes her head. "We Valkyries still need to pay back our debt to the alliance for their help. We hope to aid the alliance in any way from now on. Our strength and alliance is to our benefactors."
The other Valkyries nod as they hope to aid the alliance.
"With us is the same case. Once we have recovered, we'll be ready to act for the sake of the alliance. My hammer and power will be used from now on for the alliance's goals. We will do the same if you trust us with your lives. Let us work together." Thor says.
His family offers no objections as they agree with his choices.
"Although I doubt there's a need for me to talk, I'll affirm this. I, Midgardsormr, Dragon King of the End, fully support the alliance and King Tiamat. I have my own goals, but I suspect our goals match each other. As long as you trust me and aid me, you'll receive the same from me." Midg says.
"I, Fafnir, the Golden Dragon King, also offer my support to the alliance. I fear our path is bound to be troublesome, but it's best to stand side by side as things develop. Before we move to another subject, shall we discuss Midg's brother and Loki? I fear that we saw only the tip of the iceberg." Fafnir says.
"Sure," Michael says as a new hologram appears. "Fenrir is currently unconscious and secured. We have started to analyze his body and blood to figure out what happened to him. Our first conclusion is that Loki likely used him as a guinea pig for unknown goals. His blood contains several dangerous substances that few could survive. The blood offered to us by Midg has shown few similarities, but the acid that you offered us is a more surprising match. The acid that Midg uses to attack closely matches Fenrir's acidic blood. Whatever he tried to do with Fenrir involved making him a dangerous weapon. Your brother might need long-term treatment, but we will do our best to heal the damage he has received. It will also help us neutralize anything that Loki might be planning."
"In regards to Loki's tracker. We are keeping taps on his possible location as we speak. Loki fell for the trap we placed, and the coffin is currently giving us all the information we hoped to obtain. Once we determine his base's location and gain enough information, we will discuss the possibility of a new operation. This operation is likely to involve the elimination of Loki and his associates. It might not happen anytime soon, but we'll set out to eliminate the Mad God one day." Shemhazai turns to Thor. "We'll expect your full collaboration regardless of past alliances with Loki."
"My hammer won't offer mercy to him or his allies. Loki is no friend to me or my family." Thor says.
"Very well. I believe-" Shiva is stopped as alarms go off all around the train.
"We have problems, gigantic problems," Eury says through the speakers.
Images start showing up in every car on the train.
Nobody can close their mouths as they see what appears to the north of Asgard.
A gigantic red blade pierced through space and descended until it opened a rift large enough for its user to pass through.
From the rift, a horned titanic blazing body comparable to a supercontinent in size walked into Asgard. Its height overshadowed Asgard, and its power was comparable to a particular god of destruction.
"Father?" Secundus' eyes grew wide in fear as he saw the Primordial Giant of Fire appearing in enemy territory.
Several seconds later.
Most heads of the alliance climbed to the top of the train and admired the spectacle that was taking place. The night had turned to day as Surtr came to Asgard. The sky turned bloodshot red as clouds of ash invaded every corner.
The temperature had risen several levels as the ocean below Asgard began to boil.
"Asgard will fall," Thor says as he admires the Primordial making its way to the capital. "I can't face him, and I doubt Father can fight him. Not even with all the generals together can they face him and hope to win the fight."
Everyone watched as Thor fell to his knees.
"But we can try to reason with him. There-" Tosca was stopped.
"He won't. Father won't offer mercy to Odin or all of Asgard. He created me to sever any sense of hope or mercy from its main body. I hold no grudge against Asgard, but Father is only grudge and anger. The day Odin attacked Ymir and prevented Father's entry into Asgard, he created an enemy like no other. He has been sharpening that blade for ages with the only purpose of ending Asgard. There's no salvation." Secundus says as he steps forward. On his shoulder, Mini-Gaia was sitting as she saw the chaos.
"Is that your opinion or a fact?" Gaia asks him.
"A fact, Auntie. Father won't stop until Asgard is nothing but ash. This incomplete heart of mine is sure of this." Secundus admits.
Thor, his family, the Valkyries, and Fafnir can only lower their heads in sadness as they force themselves to accept the possible end of Asgard.
Yet, two figures step forward past everyone else.
"Lift your heads; the show is not over until we say so," Shiva said. The god removes his mask, and a halo appears on his back as he starts to release his power. "Student of mine, can you dance once more?"
"I'm ready when you are." The Welsh Dragon says as he summons both of his weapons.
"Ddraig, Shiva, what are you doing?" Gaia asks.
"Put a stop to this. We got Ymir, and if we do nothing, millions will die at his hands. Secundus, it is time for you to reunite with him." The Welsh Dragon says as his back is facing them. "All souls are precious but innocent lives are even more. As a Buddha, I have to act. This is the path I have embraced."
"I chose him for a reason, after all." Shiva smirks.
"What are you talking about? This is not your home, and you will face that for Asgard's sake?" Rossweisse asks Ddraig as she steps forward.
Their eyes meet, and she questions his expression. He seemed calm in the face of danger.
"This is a lesson for everyone to remember. In the face of complete oblivion, none should fear or back away from danger. We're going to face such things from now on. The alliance should not only fight for the sake of those under the alliance but for the sake of all of Yggradsil. This is one such moment; protecting this land is as important as protecting the lands we all belong to. Be it Earth, Paraiso, the Underworld, or any other realm." The Welsh Dragon says before he spreads his wings.
Those present are in awe as the wings shine with intense light.
Everyone sees a small circle on his back for a second, as if a halo is starting to take shape.
"Those that are ready and can fight, follow us. The train will continue-" Shiva is stopped.
"We'll follow you while keeping a safe distance. Everyone, new orders have been given. Those who can fight and keep up with Shiva make their way to the top of the train. Gasper Welsh, we'll need your help." Eury said as she changed the train's direction.
Those present alongside Thor and the others smirked as they stepped forward. Sirzechs, Michael, Athena, Tiamat, Gabriel, everyone was ready for a second round, and even Midg and Fafnir joined them.
"Gaia, tonight, we'll reunite Surtr's hearts and make him whole. You shall not lose a brother tonight but gain a complete nephew." Shiva says.
The goddess takes a few seconds to answer. "Secundus, do your best. I entrust the future to you and them. Your father's grudge shall perish tonight."
Secundus is motionless as he reflects. He feels the hand of someone touching his left shoulder, and as he turns, he sees Sirzechs.
"We're right beside you. You're not alone." The devil leader says with a smile.
The other members of Sirzechs peerage smile and take their position next to their friends.
The reincarnated devil holds his face as he tears up. "We're insane for doing this, but so be it."
Thus he makes his decision right there and then.
Tosca's POV.
*Lisa-Ash*
The girl watched as her father stood alongside the other adults. His armor had barely regenerated, but she knew her father was still injured.
She knew she couldn't join them, so she took a last look before going inside.
He was still enduring the weight of his power.
The weight of his position.
The weight of the alliance's hopes and dreams.
Her father is still standing proud with unwavering determination.
Yet she couldn't help but worry for him.
He faced the impossible before, but his child couldn't help it.
"Tosca." A voice called out to her.
The young dragoness lifts her head. Issei's face turned to face her, ignoring the others around him.
"Honey badger."
"What?"
"You asked me to get you a pet before."
"... Is this the time for such a thing?"
"Hey, parents should make time for their children even if they are about to face a god. The honey badger is the one creature that fears nothing. It is such a little being, but it fears nothing. How does it sound for a pet?"
"Old man, that is a wild animal."
"And you're a dragon."
"Still."
"It doesn't have to be a honey badger. There's this thing called a Demonic Albino, based on what Ddraig remembered from way back in the day. It is practically a honey badger with triple endurance and the same size but far angrier. It is a demonic beast that lives in certain parts of the underworld. If you like the idea, we can look for one." Issei asks as he smiles at her.
"Idiot who talks about these things before a decisive fight," Tosca replies. A cheerful smile takes over her face. "... Let me think about it."
"I hope you say yes. I'll be back, I promise."
"... I'll be waiting with the rest. Good luck, … Dad." Tosca says with visible embarrassment.
"Thanks." The dragon turns around and takes off alongside the rest. He could barely contain his joy as he heard her calling Dad for the first time.
"So that is the Welsh Dragon. He seems nice for a father. That's a good thing to look for in a leader." Liv says as she walks past Tosca while mounting her horse with Rossweisse. Her eyes showed interest in the unwavering dragon that led the charge against Surtr.
"He is also a good dragon," Rossweisse admits. The blush on her face was barely visible as she spoke about him.
"Don't fall behind. We're joining the rest." Thrud says as she mounts one of the goats.
Tosca watches as the trio goes after them. The young dragoness kept smiling confidently. Her trust in her father's power and his allies was unwavering.
"One day, I'll stand with you too. I promise." Tosca said before turning back.
"Formless Style: Mugen Cut!" Her father's scream and the loud sound of metal being cut told him all she needed to know.
The alliance's victory was assured, and everyone would return in one piece.
There was no need for doubts.
Asgard ARC: done.
Back to the present. General POV.
Tosca kept reading a book that explained what one should know about having demonic beasts as pets.
On a bed next to her, her father slept peacefully as he was cared for by a group of nurses.
The status of the Welsh dragon was stable, but he was still under special care conditions.
He had been sleeping for several days, but everyone decided to let him sleep after such a performance while in Asgard.
Suddenly, the door opened, and Ophis came inside. The girl wore one of her everyday attire while bringing two small water cups in her hands.
"Here," Ophis said as she offered the cup to Tosca.
"Thanks."
"How long is he going to sleep for?"
"Who knows? Maybe another week."
"And you're okay with that?"
"50/50, he needs it. You're the last to complain since you slept throughout the mission."
"I wasn't needed, and none of you can expect me to join your affairs."
"He could have used the help… you also miss him."
"I know, but he'll be back. Issei will return. He has to."
"He will. When we need him the most." Tosca said as she put the book and cup aside before reaching out to grab her father's right arm. "We'll be here, patiently waiting, old man."
Author's notes:
I know some will be mad about not showing the fight against Surtr, but maybe I'll show it as a full-on flashback in a later chapter. I want to keep a few secrets until then. Anyways, the next mini-arcs might be Cursed Mount Fuji, the trip to the realm of Ra and the Jungle Blessed by the Feathered Serpent. Share your interest on which shall be the order.
After the three mini-arcs comes a peace period leading to the final arc before a new time skip; the final arc will be called Duel Under the Remnants of the Broken Moon. It will focus on Ddraig and his sins from the previous war. It will place Ereshkigal, Ddraig, and the Shinto Pantheon on the main stage as his actions return to haunt him. The time skip will likely be between 1 and 3 years.
Expected OST for Arc:
Must Die- Daisuke Ishiwatari (Those who know this one know what to expect.)
Rain- SID
Unravel- TK from Ling Tosite Sigure
Always smiling- Saori Hayami (This one hits too hard.)