StraxyX: I wish I could write so fast lol, by my estimate on average I can update every 2-3 weeks depending on RL stuff.
Hollowreaper 93: I hope not to make you wait too long. :D
FateBurn: Thank you.
Grimraven V: I am trying to build their relationship in (what I hope to be) a believable way as the sudden shift to the girls just falling for Issei so quickly is one of the aspects I was not a fan of in canon DxD. I can assure you that it is very close, within 1-2 arcs ;)
PixelatedWriter342: I aim to surprise and please :) Hmmm, the mysterious golden-eyed girl whom Dorian has seen glimpses of dating back to his first outing against the trolls...mysterious indeed...
fanficcyberman: I have been doing very well! Thank you and I hope the same is true of you, I am so glad you enjoyed my update.
DJDrake: I most certainly will!
GunBlade2019: Indeed, I feel in series with this kind of stop and go arcs that, to keep the upbeat path, that a rest is required between most of the more serious arcs. He is, he is actually the youngest at the age of 17, Rossweisse is 19 which is why they made him an assistant in terms of experience towards his major.
Guest1: Not to worry, as I mentioned before you will NOT have to wait the entire series as I saw some were worried of. Dorian and Rose are not the fastest at that sort of thing, but with all they have been through those three words are not far off ;)
Fish on Land: He really is, the way he sees it the two hold back more than is healthy for people their age. I believe you are right, I could not recall anytime that Akeno and Koneko just...talked unless it was singing Issei's praises or trying to get with him. That is part of why I was not a fan of most of the romance in canon, so many women okay with marrying the same guy and most have hardly been seen talking to each other lol. Kassumi will be...a slow-burn character, I hope not to disappoint :D
naruto: I most certainly will! I liked to think in canon that Odin had a reason for "forgetting" Rossweisse on Earth, but nothing is ever said. I'd think that, even as a pervert, the leader of a Pantheon would have a better memory than that lol.
OBSERVER01: It is a good one for helping characters realize things they'd never attempt awake XD. They really do, two women who repressed their special powers out of fear of becoming like a relative to a people they don't want to associate with? Very close lol.
Slayer Cross: The good ol Allfather watching out for those under him lol. Indeed, when he just did what he wanted to without worrying how it may come across, Dorian can be quite forward...as Ratatoskr said, they are too polite for their own good.
Guest2: I'm not quite sure what you mean. Some of his abilities are situational though I ensure he still makes use of magic/strength augmentation which are his Vanaheim/Asgard powers, not just his Balance Breaker. The Jotunheim roots he has gotten very proficient with, he can't use Nidavellir very often and Musphelheim he uses with his swordspear. He does use the Niphelheim smoke screen though I believe you are referring to the Hel mists from his fight with Modi. He can't actually summon the mist. His power is to call forth ice from Hel (like the shield he made of ice to rebound Vali's powers), which would then need to be evaporated as it was by Modi's lightning. In that form he cannot control it and it would affect anyone nearby. Unless there is no other option, Dorian would never subject anyone to their worst nightmares even if he could cleanse it quickly with Alfheim.
And with that...ONTO THE SHOW!
"Class dismissed!" Rossweisse called out as the bell rang to coincide with the end of her lesson. "Do study the next chapter as I assure you it will be on the exam."
The class shuffled out of the room, nodding or paying compliments to their new teacher who had settled in over the days since she started. Issei was the last, grumbling at the extra assignment he'd be spending the day completing. Between the lessons left by Ms. Nakamura and Rossweisse's own plan, they had mountains of work. Rossweisse sat up straight and proper at her desk, nodding at her students as they passed while starting to grade their work. She looked like the picture perfect example of a diligent teacher, at least until the last left and she slumped backwards in her seat, utterly exhausted from teaching for 2nd and 3rd year students.
"I have a new appreciation for the instructors of Midgard," she sighed, trying to stretch the kinks out of her neck. Her efforts were in vain until she felt hands on her shoulders pressing down firmly yet gently just where she needed. Within a matter of seconds she was moaning softly as her stress bled away.
"Better?" Dorian asked, having finished collecting the last of the work and bringing it forward. Among keeping order in the class and assisting with exams, the Einherjar instructor had been looking over the premade lesson plan. Between his and Rossweisse's careful analysis, they had streamlined the material to fit twice as much into each lesson without losing time on each topic. He could tell when she needed some relief and his fingers molded into her shoulders and upper back to provide just that.
"Much," she sighed, leaning back into his hands. "Just a little to the...yes..." She could have let him do that forever, however after a few seconds she realized how the scene must look if others walked in. Shooting up, she returned to the documents at hand, Dorian taking a seat on the opposite side of the desk and claiming an equal-sized stack. "You don't have to; your next class will be…"
"I have time," he assured her truthfully. "I wouldn't be much of an assistant if I let you deal with this," he motioned towards the sizable stack. "You'd never get out of here."
"At least it is real work," Rossweisse asserted. "No more fetching slippers…" The two let out a simultaneous chuckle at the memories of their time in Asgard. "I hear requests for the Crossroads services are starting to trickle in."
"At last, Misty and Herja should be returning from an escort duty to the Underworld soon and Thrud completed hers last night." Dorian knew a large rating game tournament of some sort was starting soon among the devils. Consequently, many were returning home from their various posts around the world. One had even deemed to test the services of the Crossroads, enlisting two of their Valkyries to ensure he made it home safely. It was requested to have the utmost discretion as it would be seen as weak to need protection.
"It is a start, in time I am sure our duties will grow."
"I had an idea in regards to that," Dorian put down his pencil to give her his absolute focus. "Perhaps we could expand our publicity by attending."
"Going to Hell?"
"We'd need an invitation first, but from what Rias told us, the other members of the alliance will be present. Getting out there will show we can take the initiative."
"How wonderful," the silver Valkyrie remarked at the thought. "We must watch out for any invitation opportunities when our scholarly duties allow it, perhaps over summer break next week."
This is all new to her; she needs some time to adjust to living on Midgard. If we are going to attend this Rating Game, some relaxation beforehand could be good for us.
"My next class is the last for the day," Dorian finally broke the silence after they had made some progress on the exams. "I've gotten the layout of the town pretty well. Let's have an evening out like we used to back in Asgard."
Rossweisse's pencil snapped in half at his words, nearly impaling Dorian as it flew past his head to embed in the wall.
"You don't have to, considering our positions now…"
"I want to; I am a teacher now too…sort of. Would it be so out of place for two colleagues spending some time together?" His smile was sincere, his interest clearly beyond his words and she knew it. "We never did get around to that talk of learning more about each other."
"V-very well," she interrupted him, both hoping for and fearing the words he may utter. "After classes have concluded at the front entrance, I shall await you."
"You will not wait long," Dorian announced with absolute certainty. "If you'd like I could even bring my lyre…"
Should I say something? Rose doesn't seem the type to want to move too fast, neither am I for that matter. Ragnar would be ashamed. He chuckled internally at the thought of his fellow Einherjar and his giantess of a wife. What we have is…nice, I have time.
After the events of the morning before she became a teacher, it was clear this was more than simple dating. They were going slow but they were going and Dorian wasn't about to try anything that could ruin something so perfect.
After 2nd Year Classes…
The class parted like the sea as two of the idols dubbed the goddesses of Kuoh departed their final lesson of the day. The mysterious and indomitable exchange student from across the sea and the dark-haired Japanese beauty entranced all who saw them. The men especially stood wide-eyed as the two conversed as friends which had been done sparingly since her arrival. Akeno had taken to practicing her holy lightning in secret together with Koneko doing the same for her Sage Arts. The two decided to relax for a day with normal devil contract work and having a calm conversation was a welcome change of pace.
"Is this normal?" Thrud asked, the affectionate stares of those around them a new experience for her. In Asgard, most men had looked on her either as a means to meet her father or perhaps as a challenge to fight. Only the other Valkyries had looked up to her with such stars in their eyes.
Them and Rossweisse, ever since we were little girls.
"You get used to it," Akeno smiled back. "It is quite adorable in its own way. Just smile and keep waving."
The two had gotten more chances to talk since becoming neighbors. As directed by Azazel, the entire Gremory peerage had moved into the Hyoudou residence to the great surprise of his parents. Thanks to the enhancements the house-turned mansion had more than enough room for them all. True to his word, Azazel had adjusted Issei's room to be connected to both Rias' and Asia's as he had for Dorian. The rest were scattered on the various floors, even Kiba and Gasper had their own accommodations. The house stood alongside the Crossroad Tower like a pair of indomitable fortresses, all with the people living nearby none the wiser as it seemed completely normal with a bit of devil magic. Being the same year as Akeno, it hadn't been long before Thrud started striking up conversations with Rias' queen on the way to and from class.
"I hear you have been out," Akeno continued.
"Nothing major, a few escort requests from the exorcists and Grigori staying in town in case the Brigade tried something. To be honest training Dorian on his first hunt was more fun."
"First hunt?" Akeno had not heard the story before. Thrud proceeded to regale her with the story of Dorian's outing against a pair of trolls resulting in injury though he succeeded in slaying one despite being prior to the full activation of his Sacred Gear.
"His bones were so badly broken I actually had to use a bit more, shall we say, physical contact for Sage Arts in order to heal him before he passed out. The look on his face was…"
"Like you could just eat it up?" She understood Thrud's implications perfectly, having gotten a good feel for Dorian's character since he first ended up at the Occult Research Club building.
The two women let out joint giggles, each understanding the feeling. When he'd first joined the team, Akeno had teased Issei in a similar fashion. While initially it had been to drive him away by acting the role of a loose woman, she realized from the revelation at the shrine that there was no need. He may have been a pervert, but beneath it he was kind and tried to do the right thing. Whether they'd admit it or not, in that small regard he and Dorian were quite similar. She wished Rias and Asia all the joy in the world if they could find happiness with him. The raven-haired beauty imagined it would be quite interesting with his vibrant dream of being a Harem Devil King. Her own search for peace was not so simple, but she had taken the first steps and a sense of normalcy with friends was always nice.
"So you and Dorian must get along quite well," she half winked to the daughter of thunder.
"I've been training him since he woke up," she reminisced with pride, missing Akeno's coy insinuation. I've never seen such an increase in strength in such a short amount of time all while remaining so…kind." A flash of how harsh her brother Modi had become with his increased strength passed through her mind remembering he was still recovering in Asgard. He was getting better yet still retained no memory and seemed would be unlikely to recall any. "Dorian and Rossweisse have been almost inseparable since they met even when apart."
"Just as a trainer?" Akeno understood more than the young Valkyrie-goddess let on. "Strictly speaking, being his second wouldn't be so bad if he is open to it."
Half the men nearby fainted at seeing Thrud's face turned a soft shade of pink, having picked up what Akeno was implying. It quickly faded as she recomposed herself, looking more serious than before.
"I…shouldn't."
"You won't know until you ask," Akeno laid a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "But I am getting sidetracked with fun talk; I wanted to ask about your specialties I have heard of. You mentioned being able to perform Sage Arts and you have Norse lightning from your father correct?"
"That's right, why do you ask?"
"Well, I happen to know two certain individuals who were hoping to expand similar powers. They aren't ready to let too many people know about it and would appreciate the…proper discretion. Do you believe such an arrangement can be made between the Gremory Peerage and Crossroads? That is, if Dorian can spare you for a few moments."
Thrud turned to face the half-fallen angel, her playful wink and smile hiding a more serious connotation to her request. The woman born of the Himejima clan was extraordinary indeed, having gleamed so much from Thrud that not even her childhood friend had. In a way, accepting her offer would mean taking on a secret of hers, though Akeno already knew one of Thrud's.
"I am sure an arrangement could be made. If it's training your 'clients' need I am their woman, plus there is this magnificent practice yard in our tower complete with privacy filters…"
Occult Research Clubroom…
"What do you mean Issei is unavailable?"
"Just that," Rias repeated to her fellow third-year classmate Kiyome Abe. The woman had burst into the clubhouse as Xenovia met to go over the Crossroads status per their agreement studying in Gremory territory. Neither overly minded as the reports were standard and the meeting dull. "He is completing makeup work and won't be able to take part in club activities for several days leading up to our departure. What did you need him for?"
Kiyome was a full-figured woman with long brown hair braided and curled into an extravagant ringlet style almost resembling drills. She was well acquainted with the supernatural world, hailing form a family of beast tamers priding themselves on commanding the monsters of legend. Prior to the Crossroad's introduction to Kuoh, she had challenged the Occult Research Club to a game of tennis narrowly losing thanks to the antics and actions of Issei Hyoudou. As a result, she had hoped to enlist their aid in a new matter, only to have her hopes dashed upon arrival.
"I wanted to borrow him," she replied at length hesitantly. "For tomorrow only, it's urgent!"
"As I said, he is not here, however if it is urgent enough I may be able to bring him in from his studies. What did you need him for?"
"My father has arranged a marriage for me," Kiyome admitted after a moment, having hoped to keep the true purpose secret only to Issei to save face. "He found some boy from overseas and is coming to finalize the arrangement. But I'm still in high school; I don't want to start on that life, at least not yet. I told him I had a boyfriend and…"
"And was hoping their Issei would be an ideal candidate?" Xenovia finished her sentence. Kiyome nodded quickly looking defeated; she slumped forward with a groan, her previous composure shattered in the face of her future.
"Father said I could only break off the engagement if my 'boyfriend' bested him in a battle of tamed creatures. If he gets here and discovers I have no one…"
"You are aware we have two other eligible bachelors among the club?" Akeno giggled slightly, ever maintaining her image of elegance and maturity having arrived recently from her conversation with Thrud. Despite Rias' hesitation to assist after the tennis battle several months ago, Akeno remembered her king's face when she was engaged against her will to Riser Phenex before Issei managed to defeat him. Regardless of friend or foe, she wouldn't want someone else to go through that. "I am sure one of them could help."
"I…I can't Gasper muttered hiding in the corner of the room. Since donning the kilt as a gift, he had emerged more from his box, frustrated by the lack of movement from the swaying edges. Even so, he was far from over his fear of the outside and others.
"He doesn't look the part either, in order to impress my father they must have an aura about them like the Red Dragon Emperor. An air of…"
Kiyome's eyes fell to Kiba standing stoically in the corner ever on guard duty. She raised an eyebrow at his determined look, how he stood tall and proper and even the way he held his composure ready to summon a sword to defend his friends at a moment's notice. The daughter to the Abe family cleared the distance in an instant, causing even Kiba's eyes to widen as she poked and prodded him, taking note of everything unaware of Xenovia's furrowed brow and clenching fist.
"The male idol of the school and a swordsman…he'd do perfect!" Kiyome half gushed, spinning to face Rias. "May I borrow him for tomorrow morning?"
"Well Kiba?" Rias asked, glancing to her knight with a sly smile certain of his answer. "Sound like a morning you'd want to take part in?"
"I have no skill in beast taming," he bowed politely. "However if my king commands it…"
"That will depend on Kiyome," Rias looked back to their guest. "I believe you were an acquaintance of a Dullahan visiting our school?" She nodded a confirmation. "Let's hash out the details."
"Beast taming?" Xenovia approached Kiba while the two women spoke, Gasper and Akeno returning to discussions on his new clothes. "Do you have such monsters amongst your ranks?"
"Well, we have familiars," Kiba was already strategizing a plan. "Though I would hardly call them battle-ready. Asia has the closest with Rassei and he is still far too small…"
"Say Uncle, SAY IT!" Ratatoskr called out from the back of the room. The squirrel of Yggdrasil had accompanied Xenovia to the meeting, having been phenomenally bored back at the Hyoudou house. He was in the process of trapping the sprite dragon Rassei in a headlock. The poor dragon squirmed and thrashed as best it could but was unable to escape the surprisingly strong grip. "If you can't take a rodent, what kind of dragon can you call yourself?"
"…I see your point," Xenovia replied flatly, already considering how she could help the devil knight with his task.
If he is to be the man to raise a family with, it is my duty both to him and our cooperation with his people to assist with his success…though I have no desire to see him act as her boyfriend. Is this what jealousy feels like? How strange.
"I will ask, if it's okay then you have a deal." Kiyome acquiesced to the Gremory heiress' deal, living up to the legend of devils giving those what they needed for a price.
"Excellent," Rias held out her hand as the two women shook on it. "I will warn you that we do not have tamed combat beasts, however."
"No worries! I have a few ready, they may not be in the same league as my father's but I am sure we can make do."
"I have a suggestion as well," Xenovia held up her hand to call attention. "There is a favor I could call in."
Without awaiting an answer, the azure-haired Einherjar pulled out her mobile and dialed a number they did not see.
"Hello? Yes all is well, do you still have contact with your home? Okay…later today? Perfect, I will meet you there." Snapping her phone shut, she looked up at the stunned room, smirking a bit at the shocked yet somewhat impressed expression on Kiba's face. "I have a feeling we'll be just fine in the tamable beast department…"
Somewhere else...
"She is still among them?" The short silhouette asked a shadowy servant clinging to the darkness near the entrance to his chamber.
"Yes my Lord, the girl Asia has remained with the Gremory family and moved into the Red Dragon Emperor's home. Their security and facilities are most impressive, it is highly doubtful any incursion would remain undetected."
"That is what you said about that pompous Glasya-Labolas son," he sneered in memory of how flawlessly his plans had been carried out. "That house is occupied by lesser devils and humans, if we decided to strike even that pathetic Red Dragon may..."
"We would need to take the Crossroads into account as well."
The master sighed as if it had completely slipped his mind. "They have taken up residence next door as well have they not? So many in such close proximity can become somewhat...problematic."
"Their task force was created to aid all of the factions, we devils included since the Peace Summit. If we attack, they are sure to aid in the defense and that daughter of Thor..."
A sinister smile warped across the devil's lips at mention of her name, a new plan forming in his mind.
"Well, in that case perhaps we can enlist their 'aid' if that is their purpose after all. "Valkyries are the nuns of the Nordic people, correct?" The servant shrugged his shoulders, their duties being far from similar yet he dared not refute the master's statement. "I never considered branching out, as I seek out reclaiming Asia...perhaps I could broaden my horizons and add a little spice to my existence."
The Streets of Kuoh, hours later...
"Tis not a single celebration of a grand nature," Misty sighed in defeat, taking a lick from her ice cream cone several layers too high to be feasible.
"They can't have festivals EVERY day," Herja explained. "But their confections are delicious! I would back more excursions to Midgard even if all we got to see were more of these." She took a solid bite out of her chocolate bar, making sure to keep even a single piece from falling to the ground in waste. "And some food is just what we need after that assignment."
"You think Rossweisse would show some mercy to her friends," Brynda, the third and final of the trio, remarked. "The sports festival coming up after break will…oh, a café!"
The college-level Valkyries came up to a brightly lit and vibrantly colored building as part of the shopping complex they were currently enjoying. The three let out a collective sigh at having found somewhere that looked interesting, being inseparable since their younger years they were nearly always in sync, leading others to joke how they must be the same person split into three.
"Not a festival of the gods, but nice all the same," Misty led the way as they entered.
"Welcome Mistresses!" A group of women dressed in French maid outfits bowed politely before them. "It will be an honor to serve you today!"
The three were unaccustomed to the welcome but adored the dresses which, in a way, resembled their Valkyrie armor. Misty was already eyeing up their uniforms, wondering what she may do in order to have one of her own as the confused women started leading them to a table. They did not make it there however, as a familiar head of red hair drew their attention.
"Hecuba? Is that you?"
The former Spartan commander was sitting in a moderately sized booth with the largest parfait they had ever seen sitting in front of her. She was clearly enjoying it, however fell into a more serious expression as her teammates came upon her. To their surprise, a petite girl they did not recognize was sitting across from her, somehow with an even LARGER parfait.
"I didn't know you liked sweets like this," Herja pointed out as she and the others took a seat with their friend. "What are you doing here?"
"I had to rendezvous with our guest," Hecuba motioned to the girl across from her, stealthily taking another satisfying bite of her meal. "Xenovia called me earlier and asked to call a favor for the Gremory knight, she was quite insistent."
"And who is your new friend?" The new girl was quite small, wide-eyed and swaying her legs in a carefree fashion back and forth under the table. Her skin was pale with her hair a dull blue and green on either side. In a manner that could have been called cute beyond reasoning, she was pulling at her sleeves like a child as if she was unaccustomed to them.
"Not exactly new, we go a ways back and I owe her my life."
"Aella, pleasure to *squawk* meet you. My family owes much to the Merciful One, will help friends of his. *caw*"
"You have…an interesting accent," Brynda pointed out with an awkward smile remembering full well the reports of what happened on Olympus and the identity of their new guest. The harpy had no feathers and arms instead of wings, employing illusory magic to mask her appearance for the time being. "The Merciful One?"
"Her flock's name for Dorian," Hecuba explained. "And yes, magic to hide her appearance can only go so far. It does not help in translating any easier I am afraid. How has your clutch been? Will you and the others be ready by tomorrow morning?"
"They are growing strong; the skies around Olympus are magnificent for my young ones. Of course! *squawk* the others will be here by then. We will be victorious for certain!"
"Sounds like quite the day planned?" Herja chuckled, seeing the light in Aella's eyes, she was looking forward into whatever she was talking about. The three were surprised hearing that the harpy was a mother, being unaccustomed to the perpetual small-build, youthful appearance of her people. "Care to spill?"
"I was not informed of secrecy; you see tomorrow Kiba is going to…"
As Hecuba started to explain, the chime of a nearby bell signaled that a new patron entering the café. Originally turning on a whim, Hecuba's eyes lit up at the identity of the newcomer, guessing the reason for their presence already.
"Well now, I didn't think we'd see you again so soon. How have you been? Take a seat, plenty of room and more food is coming."
Not Far…
"Kuoh has such a selection! I could buy just about everything I need for daily life all without breaking my budget!"
Dorian could not help but smile as the uncertainty of the first weeks at Kuoh fell from Rossweisse's shoulders. It seemed to him; at least he hoped above all, that she was happy with her move to the Crossroads tower since her dismissal from Odin's service. Lady Freyja had apologized to as much in her reply letter, berating her husband as she often did though oddly did not insult him nearly as much as the Einherjar had grown accustomed to. For the near future, Rossweisse was there to stay, and he couldn't have been happier.
The pair went around town, walking with hands clasped together. Dorian had slightly greater knowledge of the area though not by much and they took in what they could, at least until Rossweisse discovered the 100 yen shops. Her joy at such items at amazing deals surpassed even those of the discount shops of Asgard. After being distracted by their wares, they had finally slumped down on a bench near the park. Their legs were sore and aching from the long walks after a full day of classes, but neither cared with the upcoming weekend and summer break.
"A new track suit, a laptop for our lesson plans with enough food to last the week…and I barely scratched my paycheck!"
Not exactly the best of computers at 100 yen, Dorian shifted a bit away as if afraid it may burst into flames at any moment.
"Well, we can splurge once in a while," he chuckled, unable to fathom that, even with making far more than she did for Odin, Rossweisse still refused to spend a penny more than she had to.
"We must always be preparing for our future!" She rationalized, barely looking up as it had become second nature to her over the years. "A good job to make a career of, solid retirement plan, benefits to help in your daily life, I've been meticulously planning it all to live comfortably since I started high school!"
"Back with the other Valkyries?" Dorian took the chance to ask about her past, a topic that had eluded him for some time. He knew she had been isolated during much of her schooling, yet it seemed anytime he tried to approach to topic she would avoid it or they would be interrupted. "I can't imagine working that much would leave any free time."
"I…didn't get a chance to get out like this," she finally admitted after a moment of silence and a sigh, leaning back to glance at the sky. Despite how she felt about her past, all she felt around Dorian was a sense of calm and contentment, like she could tell him anything. "After I failed to pass the family trials I made sure that never happened again."
"Family trials?"
"The tests to take up the crest that would have made me head of the family. As the only child it was expected that I would but," she paused a moment contemplating how open she was being. "I disappointed everyone especially Grandmother, in the end my cousin ended up proving far superior to me."
So she focused on improving her magic to the detriment of all else?
"I'm sorry," was all he thought to say, laying down a water bottle he had been sipping. "I know it's a little late, but no reason you can't start now. You're the most talented magic user I know, even augmented to my best I barely match your runes in that department. I suppose those trials are a one-shot deal?"
Rossweisse nodded with a smile at his words, "at least to be head of the family. The crests themselves can improve a Valkyrie's powers significantly but…there is no need to try again. I don't think being head of a family would fit me; a more modest lifestyle, that is what makes me happy. Like these shops!" Her eyes sparkled as she looked at the bags in their arms. "Oh, how I would love to open one of my own filled with every item anyone could ever want!"
"A Valkyrie owner of a discount shop who wants to train cross-faction women in Nordic magic," he teased, eliciting a pouting expression from her. "That is quite an unorthodox combination."
"No more than an Einherjar teacher and head of an international myth force," she fired back, surprising Dorian at how quick she was. "They'll have to construct the first school building in Valhalla." The two burst out laughing at the ridiculous image of someone like Ragnar sitting at a desk in the classroom. It only grew worse as they pictured Ygritte sitting beside him. "Can things just stay like this?"
"For now," Dorian comforted. "We have a school, friends, a growing team trying to make the world better. The only thing missing is…"
Dorian stiffened as he felt Rossweisse's soft silver locks brush against his arm followed by the rest of her. The new teacher had leaned to the side, resting her head on his shoulder as she sighed contentedly. She nestled up against him, squeezing his arm tightly. Dorian suddenly felt glad Iggy had decided to give them privacy. He felt bad when originally asking; until she assured him she felt no animosity, her final words sticking with him.
I had sixteen years alone with you Dorian, take all the time you need with her. No matter how long you two are together, I already had my fair share.
"Rose, are you alright?"
"Better than ever," she answered gently as if in a daze. "I know I'm still a novice at men and this moment is nothing special but…can things stay just like this?"
No interruptions this time, Dorian glanced around them almost defensively. No devils, half-vampires, demi-gods, crazed exorcists or fallen angels. Just the two of us, I'd say this certainly qualifies as something special.
"For as long as you want Rose," he cupped her hand as they sat in the part amid the cool breeze and clear skies. "For as long as you want."
Later that Evening…
"We were out too long," Rose lamented. The two had lost track in the park and shopping, it was already dark by the time they started slipping back into the tower. "If the others see us they could think we were, you know."
Would that really be so bad?
"Maybe they all turned in by now," Dorian hoped, knowing full well that, despite the upcoming weekend, they should not have stayed out late. "We can just take the stairs up to our rooms, slip in and no one…"
"MERCIFUL ONE!"
Dorian was driven into the ground as a small but solid shape slammed into him. With a loud "oof" he crashed into the marble floor of the tower entryway finding his face nuzzled over and over again by a feathery woman he immediately recognized.
"Aella!? Wh-what are you doing here?" He tried to speak through her cheek rubbing against his before doing the same between noses, her feathered wings wrapping around his neck.
"Here to help friends in battle! *squawk*" After seemingly satisfying her joy at seeing Dorian again, the harpy hopped up to her feet almost as if perching. "Have brought allies to help! *caw*"
"I don't want to know who you brought do I?"
"Well, I hope you want to know about one person at least." Dorian hadn't noticed a shape waiting towards the back stairwell, the same the Valkyrie trio had run into at the maid café. With the reveal of her presence, the newcomer stepped out into the light.
"Irina?" Dorian rushed forward to embrace his old friend, not having seen her since the battle. "It's so good to see you! Were you waiting up this late for me to return?"
"Not too long," she let out a stifled yawn almost to show the deceit in her words. "But Lord Michael was QUITE insistent I meet with you before settling in. He trusted you would have no objections."
"Settle in?" Rossweisse stepped up in confusion, Aella hanging off her back, saying hello to her as well.
The orange-haired devout catholic stood up straight and tall, bowing low in complete and obvious pride at her next words. "I was personally chosen by Lord Michael and Lady Gabriel to which I accepted the prestigious honor of representing all of Heaven among the Crossroads."
Dorian was surprised, but could not hold back a smile. The first of the Three Faction representative members had already arrived and better still it was the one person he had prayed more than any would be chosen. As always, Irina was a little enveloped in her pride of working for the Church but in that moment Dorian didn't mind so much.
"I am looking forward to working alongside Xenovia again! Oh I am truly so blessed to be chosen to endure the trials ahead alongside my old friend and former partner," she clasped her hands together in prayer. "Oh God, though I know you are dead and gone, your eminence continues to watch over us in some way."
The lobby became illuminated as a bright glow shone forth from Irina forcing those present to shield their eyes. The trio watched on, hoping the surge of power did not wake those sleeping upstairs. A great pair of white angel wings exploded from Irina's back along with a golden halo atop her head. It seemed to be by reflex as she was merely praying when it occurred. Only after she had said her words and noticed the shocked expressions of her audience did Irina suddenly look very embarrassed.
"But, I thought that angels were in dwindling numbers since God's death!" Rossweisse blurted out at the impossible sight before them.
"Oh, I forgot to mention that didn't I?" She scratched the back of her head awkwardly with a grin giving Dorian a sneaking suspicion she did it on purpose so she could draw greater attention to it. "Well, there have been some changes thanks to the shared information from the Underworld. Who knew that the basis behind their formerly cursed Evil Piece system was the very thing needed to replenish the ranks of the faithful in Heaven? I have become an angel since we last met, Lord Michael's true ace!"
High above in the rafters, a familiar squirrel sat lazily watching the encounter, having found a fitting pair of black shades to block out the divine radiance. He munched on a strawberry pilfered from Dorian's "hidden" stash all the while pondering only a single thought on his mind.
We're going to need a bigger tower, are the kid and I the ONLY men in this building? If he actually pushed it Dorian could have a grander harem than the dragon perv could ever hope to match.
The Crossroads accept their newest member as Dorian accepts his place in Kuoh alongside the woman he cares for, unaware of other wandering eyes towards him. The Knight of Gremory steps towards a mission of his own, aided by Xenovia he will fight to allow another to choose the life they wish. As always, I hope everyone Reads and Reviews, but most of all Enjoys! :D