Ahsoei: Indeed, forward progress as Dorian starts to admit how he truly feels about her :D
Hollowreaper 93: I have no idea what you mean *glances left and right awkwardly* I am sure it'll be a normal, eventless party... XD And thanks again!
Guest1: sshhh, don't read ahead in the script ;) LOL, most definitely. The wearing of Honda in canon was part of why I felt he made such a perfect Rook. His combination abilities are varied.
AJR3333: No kidding, when it comes to savings those mean more to Rossweisse than solid got...as counterintuitive as that comes across XD What joke? *whistles nonchalantly* Sixth floor in room sixty-six? What could 666 possibly mean in a DxD context? XD :D Don't worry, the entire point of it taking till now was proper buildup to show how they care (As I felt the romance of the series was rushed and felt out of place for a lot of characters). Now that momentum has been reached, it will start picking up though I can't spoil when it will get to PFFFFFHAHAHA!
FateBurn: Thank you.
naruto: I will most certainly :D I am glad the details worked well together with a canon event from the LN. Yeppers, that mysterious girl grows bolder around the team, I hope you enjoy where I take that as the series continues...
runelt99: Dorian is pursuing Rose, he is no Issei...but I said nothing about a certain other character not being drawn to him, forcing our Einherjar to make a decision ;) If it makes you feel better, I could never leave our favorite daughter of thunder with no resolution.
Famond: Always glad to meet another Rossweisse fan as favorite girl :D Her lack of screentime compared to the rest was part of what motivated me to write this. Don't worry, Dorian has started to realize how limited even amazing training can be and will be on the lookout for ways to strengthen himself and protect the others. And you are not the only on who thinks that about Issei's breast translation power lol. My guess is you are right and he is hearing their hearts/souls...but Dorian is like us and refuses to believe breasts speak, retaining his sanity by believing Issei reads their minds and focuses in the wrong place XD
God of war: Sorry I made you wait so long for the kiss lol. I hope it was worth it and what follows as the two move forward ;) As for an eventual clash between Dorian and Issei...I have plans ;)
Wrath of the Sun Deity: Lol, all I will say to that is...things will progress for the two ;) And yes, I have a picture in my head of Rossweisse's dress and would LOVE to see it put to art :D
fanficcyberman: I always feel so motivated when I read your reviews since the beginning. That I have kept it so consistently interesting to you while working on this just fills me with pride. I have been doing very well, just got a new puppy and I love her to death! Thank you for asking, I wish the same of you :)
Slayer Cross: Oof, Dorian vs. Sairaorg? Sairaorg would be loving it that's for sure, Dorian on the other hand... XD
The Lion's Pride: That means so much to hear you think so :D I agree, the Norse Pantheon was woefully underused in DxD imo. I hope to never disappoint.
GunBlade2019: Dorian and Rossweisse take a step in the right direction as Thrud contemplates what she wants...what next course will she take?
ARSLOTHES: Thank you very much for the input, that has been one of the trickier decisions writing this story. No huge spoilers here...but I have a plan ;)
And with that...ONTO THE SHOW!
Hold it right there, yes…like that. Okay, now very gently I want you to grip it firmly and…
"Done!" Dorian sighed in victory having completed his latest braid. After the Seekvaira fight he had been meaning to have it added yet wanted to do it himself, requiring the wait until his arm had healed.
He was running out of strands of hair to add braids onto, opting instead to twist the two originals together into a new one all their own. If Thrud had taught him anything, it was that wrapping braids together counted as a new one.
Maybe I should grow out my hair, how do I look?
Stunning, whether you approve or not…you are starting to look the part of an Einherjar.
Iggy appeared beside him to give an honest appraisal. Dorian was more than a little surprised to see she was now wearing a more ornate green gown similar to the one he had seen her mother Yggdrasil wear last he was in the roads.
I had no idea you could change your appearance.
I can, considering the festivities I thought it was only fitting to blend in.
You didn't have to do that, you always looked gorgeous and I am the only one who can see you after all.
I prefer it that way, what, she hesitated, do you really think so?
"I wish more could see you," Dorian switched back to talking as it felt more comfortable than simply thinking his responses. "I bet they would mistake you for your mother."
"Dorian!" Thrud's voice alerted him accompanied by a knock at the door. "Are you ready? The others are already on their way over."
"In a minute!" He shouted back, squeezing his tie one final time for good measure before approaching turning to answer. "We can swing my Rossweisse's room and can…thrub…gonna….something...stuff."
Dorian's words devolved into blubbering as he opened the door expecting to see Thrud; instead his brain received a shock he was ill-prepared for though in no way complained. Rossweisse stood in the entryway wearing a snug form-fitting dress showing off her frame with special attention paid towards her ample breasts and hips. It was a silver low-cut gown he had never seen before, a strategically placed slit allowing one of her long pale legs to be visible almost guiding his gaze towards the matching heels of a similar make to those worn with her armor. A band of gold was prominent on her finger; the very draupnir ring gifted the previous day though Dorian barely noticed, so entranced on the rest of her including a blushing look showcasing her innocent nature. Behind it though was a smile that she had the courage to accept Freyja's gift and actually wear it.
I knew I wouldn't need to use Azazel's gift…he already does look at me in that way, at least I think so. Is the dress too revealing? Does he mind that?
"R-Rose," Dorian's own cheeks flushed as he tried in vain to keep his eyes above shoulder level, a failure Rossweisse noticed with a smirk of contentment. "Where did you get tha…?" He couldn't even finish.
"A gift," she admitted, her confidence soaring at his reaction eyeing her up and down. "I can't even remember the last time I wore something like…"
"Olympus!" he blurted out before even Iggy needed to remind him. "You had an Olympian gown there; it was the first time I saw you like that."
"That…wasn't mine; I returned it after the party." She paused upon realizing Dorian was stepping closer, hands reaching out to grasp her waist.
"And got a new one tonight!" Thrud stepped from the shadows having used her voice to lure the unsuspecting Dorian from his room earlier. Her sudden appearance caused him to take a quick step backwards, bringing an arm up to his neck to disguise what he had been considering doing instead. The daughter of Asgard's strongest warrior slipped an arm around Rossweisse's shoulder, pulling her in close so the two were practically bumping against each other cheek to cheek. "Is it not the greatest sight you've ever seen?"
Thrud had her own formal dress on, wrapping just as tightly as Rossweisse's though in a swirling mixture of red and gold. Strips of cloth snaked down each arm coving only half of her sleeves while leaving previews of the skin beneath across the rest both to create an atmosphere of allure as well as strategically hiding her remaining burns. Her hair was styled with her numerous braids even more immaculately than usual. Standing side by side with Rossweisse, the two were a glimmering vision of silver and gold perfection, Dorian's heart beat a little faster, struggling to keep his thoughts from straying too far. He had seen Thrud naked many times, even fighting her in such a state; however those had been different times. Seeing her now beside Rossweisse as she was, the young man could not help but appreciate just how beautiful the two lifelong friends were.
Do not feel guilty for thinking that way, beauty comes in many different hues. So long as you appreciate what lies beneath, it is not harmful to have such thoughts.
Dorian internally scowled at the well-meant but still awkward comment. Recomposing himself with a shuffle of his clothes, he answered as truthfully as was possible.
"It's…perfect." A twinge of guilt still stabbed at his chest upon realizing he was uncertain to whom he was referring.
"Good answer," Thrud maneuvered the still-blushing Valkyrie to his right side while she stood on the other. "No more dallying, we don't want to be late. Rossweisse may get your dance of the evening but that doesn't mean we don't still need to keep up appearances." She winked while gripping his left in a way near-identical to their first introduction of Hell. "Let's get this show on the road!"
At the Gala…
The hall was barely recognizable from the first meeting weeks previously, almost looking to have been completely remodeled for the event. To celebrate the Gremory victory as well as the conclusion to the opening ceremonies, a grand dance had been arranged in their honor. Each of the younger devils from Seekvaira to Diodora were present, their entire peerages as well as the guests from foreign lands. This was where Akeno Himejima found herself, after arriving with Rias and the others the team had split their separate ways to relax and celebrate over a hard-won match.
I am sure Issei is enjoying himself, she thought with a chuckle recognizing the absolutely transfixed look he had at Rias and Asia's gowns that showed off a bit more than was expected. His…unorthodox ability is what allowed us to win after all; he's earned a little bit of a treat. I wonder where Koneko scampered off to.
"Enjoying the festivities Lady Akeno?"
"Quite, they did well setting everything up so quickly," she greeted Zepar approaching from the far end of the room. He was arrayed in a simple black and white tuxedo suit that caused his mismatching eyes to stand out. She had long since discovered during their back and forths that it was his preferred color scheme.
"Your team performed admirably," he complimented her in his usual tone. "Your mastery over the lightning of Heaven is inspiring taking into account how little time you have been practicing."
"Ara ara, you just can't loosen up even at a party can you?" She teased, causing the man's eye to twitch somewhat, the first real emotion she had gotten out of him. "We talk all the time at our meetings, is that truly all you wish to do when we have some time to celebrate?"
"In truth…no," the fallen angel held out his hand, bowing slightly before her, his looks over her black dress showing off her ample cleavage not getting past her. "A dance would be most agreeable, more so in fact if it is with you."
The hesitation lingered only a moment before Akeno took his outstretched hand, the hatred she felt towards most of her kind no longer applying to the young man. The pair made their way to the central floor left open for dancing as the sides were for mingling and conversation. The song was an upbeat but still reserved piece for slow dances. The two swayed back and forth, occasionally getting into it as the tempo picked up.
"Thank you," the man said at last sounding much more casual than she'd ever heard him.
"What for?"
"For not looking at me or my lord in the way you had before. I…heard of your disdain for our people."
Akeno paused a moment before replying, her face looking troubled before reverting back to her ever-present smile remembering the words imparted to her.
"If we blamed the individual for the crimes of the race, we would all be guilty," she repeated Dorian's words at the shrine. "You…we are not the ones who sought chaos and war, and I have come to enjoy our conversations."
"As have I," Zepar's gaze shot to the left for half a moment before returning to hers. "And, do you feel that way about certain other fallen angels?"
"I have come to," she admitted without needing to speak of who she was referring to. "I wish I had more time to speak to him."
"Wish granted."
Zepar spun the half-fallen angel girl expertly for the next stage of the dance, a rotation of partners. While he veered off into the waiting arms of Hecuba, Akeno found herself face-to face with a tall dark-haired man. The two segued perfectly into the next step all the while their eyes remained locked, Akeno whispering the words she had withheld for so long.
"Hello…father."
"Akeno," he answered slowly as if carefully choosing every word after an eternity of contemplation. "Your technique yesterday was…I never thought you would finally use it, I am so proud."
"We have a lot of time to make up for," she assured him, gripping his powerful arms tightly as they continued the father/daughter dance. In that moment, any hatred spun towards him over the years fell away, seeing the man she had refused to acknowledge trying his hardest to hold even a single conversation with her despite how out of his element it made him. "We can just…talk."
"Of course," he grunted while clearing his throat, amazed and shocked that they had lasted so long speaking to one another. "What would you like to talk about?"
Thank you Dorian, would I ever have thought this way were it not for that day at the shrine?
"Everything, all that there is a father and daughter could ever want to talk about. Your time with the Grigori, mine with Rias' family," she looked down at the glimmering band on his finger. "And a few topics we have not brought up in far too long."
Across the Dance Hall…
"I never thought I'd see this day," Kiba remarked as he danced with Xenovia, the Einherjar swordswoman having intercepted him on his way to the gala having been very insistent on having a dance partner. With no other planned escort for the festivities the young devil knight could not refuse her nor wished to. "Akeno is smiling so genuinely."
The pair was not far from Rias' queen and Baraqiel, the two clearly speaking though being too far to hear. They did not need to know what was discussed as the occasional smiles, awkward glances and chuckles between them was all that mattered.
"She's never acknowledged her father in all the years I've known her," He explained while dipping Xenovia low and bringing her back up. "But now they look…content."
"She thought him a monster for so long, yet now that that illusion has been dispelled he still loves her as ever. True love as a father should, the kind I am sure you will have for our children."
Kiba skipped a step, quickly recovering without anyone noticing save for his partner, twirling her in place. Finally bringing her in close, he gripped the small of her back with a strong tug that brought a smile to her lips.
"Must you always do that?"
"Until it is a fact, yes." Xenovia kept her stoic expression yet the Gremory knight could just sense the smirk lurking behind it. "Kiryuu lent me some protection aids for afterwards if you wished to continue this in private. I found some fascinating reading material being passed around the school involving yourself and Dorian…"
"I will have to confiscate that next time we are in class," the calm voice of Sona's queen Tsubaki threatened. The pair turned to behold the young woman wearing a sleek black dress with thin straps. Between hers and Xenovia's chosen azure Kiba found himself caught between the colors of the night sky. "An excellent strategy today," she complimented with a nod.
"Yours as well," Kiba scanned the room, spotting Honda standing stoically near the refreshments despite being unable to enjoy any. Gasper and Asia were not far, the gentle vampire spinning to clearly show off the latest kilt design he had discovered for the party to an ever-cheerful Asia taking it all in. "I am not sure where Issei and Rias got off to, haven't seen Koneko either."
Xenovia scanned for her own friends, Bennia was mingling as usual, Dorian and the other two had yet to arrive but she spotted Hecuba leaning against a pillar once her dance with Zepar concluded. She could not help but tilt a head as her fellow swordswoman looked rather distant, not paying attention to any passing guest.
Hecuba?
"My teammates are here as well, though few are apt for dancing." Tsubaki snapped her attention to the present as she paused, the hesitation and flushed expression noted by Xenovia instantly despite the queen's normally calm demeanor. "May I borrow your partner for the next song?"
Is this what they call a love rival?
"Only if you give him back in the same condition," she smirked, allowing Tsubaki to relax a bit at her teasing nature. "The night is young and there is time to spare. I can await his return, I am not going anywhere."
"I would offer another partner, but he appears to be taken."
Kiba pointed to the front entrance as the doors flew open, revealing Dorian entering with Rossweisse and Thrud with hands clasped tightly.
Not Far…
Thrud waited until eyes were no longer affixed on the newcomers before reluctantly releasing Dorian's arm leaving Rossweisse as his sole companion.
I saw them at the hospital, she contemplated. I should give them space; this can be for just the two of them. Rossweisse deserves this after so long.
"You can have him this evening," Thrud winked to the pair as she took as step back. "Have him home by eleven and don't do anything I wouldn't." Before the couple could voice a flustered protest, she had already ducked away towards the refreshment table, catching an unprepared Bennia regaling one of their stories with over the top embellishments.
"We could go right to the dancing," Dorian tightened his hand around hers, deciding to speak with Thrud later, her momentary glance of apprehension not missed by him.
"I would like that," she assured him. "But we should mingle a bit, um…" She scanned the room, seeing the leaders conversing at the far end though she felt it would be inappropriate to approach them just yet. "Perhaps Seekvaira? Her family does hold the title of Archduke and the fight with you was televised.
"Archduke?"
"One of the higher titles for a devil family, the Agares earned theirs apparently by founding the mines through which the substance Evil Pieces are made from can be found. Oh wait, there, that woman is Hikari, one of Sairaorg's two pawns. Considering what happened perhaps we could strike up a conversation. "I'll get some punch."
Dorian craned his neck to look in the direction she was pointing; amazed he hadn't spotted the woman before. Near the support pillars out of the way a tall woman was leaning against the wall. She had dark tanned skin, long luxurious purple hair nearly reaching her ankles and was wearing a rather revealing crimson two-piece more resembling a swimsuit to the Einherjar. No one around seemed to be reacting negatively to her attire, lending Dorian to assume it was merely another tradition of some sort. With a deep intake of breath he walked over for introductions.
"That was quite a match," he started upon reaching her. "An unorthodox strategy at the end but it worked."
The woman did not turn or acknowledge his presence, Dorian stood a little taller as he cleared his throat.
"Your Lord Sairaorg is incredibly strong to fight Thrud like he did, I doubt your peerage will have much trouble in your upcoming match against that Zephyrdor."
It was only at the mention of Sairaorg's name that the woman finally turned, squinted eyes falling on him as if in deep confusion.
"Are…you talking to me?"
"Yes," Dorian was uncertain how else to answer.
"You can see me?"
"Yes…"
"Oh how delightfully unexpected," the woman extended a hand for him to take with a bow, looking only a bit disappointed as he pulled back without kissing it. "You must be that strapping man who took that colossal punch, how strong you must be to survive one of Lord Sairaorg's attacks."
"My arm would disagree."
"Speaking of arms, I saw those two lovely ladies on yours, they are lucky to have won such a specimen. If Hikari was a bit more adventurous she'd try to tag along for some fun."
"Wait…aren't you Hikari?"
"She's not…I am."
Another woman stepped around the tall figure looking much less flashy than her companion. She was shorter in stature, barely reaching Dorian's shoulders wearing a much more modest dress, hair consisting of short unkempt black strands looking as if she had fought and lost against them preparing for the evening. She took up position between them, the whole while glaring daggers at the other woman.
"Lupa, we talked about this…"
"You said I couldn't have any fun but nothing about pleasant conversation. Who else but the world leaders in this room can even see me?" Dorian's expression gave away his utter confusion at the two as Rossweisse finally joined them with punch glasses in hand.
"My name is Hikari," she answered bluntly. "Pawn to Lord Sairaorg, this…unfortunately is Lupa, my Sacred Gear."
"Charmed," Lupa shook Dorian's hand again despite him already having done so.
"Dorian, what are you doing?" Rossweisse tilted her head as from her perspective his hand had just shaken at nothing but thin air.
"Oh, my apologies," Lupa's body started to glow; Rossweisse gasping as she suddenly became visible. "I have to put a little extra oomph into it for most to see. Not to worry as I have energy to spare."
"But, how can we see your Sacred Gear spirit?" Dorian was confused but intrigued. "I'm the only one who can see Iggy."
"She's an Independent Avatar Type." Hikari continued as it was apparent neither of them understood. "She can manifest herself as a separate being with her own will. It would be like if that gauntlet on your arm could jump off and walk away."
"And I can do ANYTHING I wish," Lupa winked at Dorian suggestively, causing her wielder to face-palm. "I just need to borrow some energy from my partner."
"Sometimes I wish I was the only one who could hear her."
"Then you'd be alone to hear me whispering to see if the young man is open to more company, oh if only you went for his type."
"Move move move move move! It was nice meeting you Dorian, MOVE MOVE MOVE!" She shoved her spectral companion away from the pair as she awkwardly waved farewell. All those around were quite confused as to their point of view Hikari was pushing at thin air.
Imagine if we were like that, Dorian chuckled to Iggy. That other people could see you.
I prefer it this way, I feel more...secure knowing it is just you. More safe.
Iggy, is everything alr…?
The tempo changed, signaling the start to a new song. Dorian felt a hard tug as Rossweisse gripped his arm, a shining light having erupted within her eyes.
"Oh, I love this song!" The glowing Valkyrie knew the melody recounting a band of friend's trip up the boughs of the physical Yggdrasil. It would start slow signifying the preparation for such a climb before building up to a tone invoking the ethereal wonder of the tree. Finally, it would conclude in a booming crash as the battered and exhausted band completed their trek and turned to gaze upon all the nine realms visible from the peak. She theorized Freyja or Odin must have recommended the inclusion as it was not a known melody of Hell. "Come, dance with me."
Dorian could never refuse her, barely having time to down his punch before being pulled from the table. Taking the silver Valkyrie's waist with his free hand, he pulled her close thankful in that moment that Rossweisse was taller than most women, the size difference not quite as noticeable when they stood close. They took to the floor, intermingling with the other dancers as it became a sea of bodies moving in tandem with the tune.
"One, two, three and one, two, three," a certain squirrel whispered to himself as he watched the dance while half imitating the moves himself. "Step on her toes and no fun time tonight."
"Oh, they are so sweet together," Freyja gushed, her hand overlapping Odin's a little tighter as the romantic air between the Einherjar and Valkyrie grew contagious. "We can speak to them when we aren't interrupting."
"Fifty bucks says his hand makes a move southward," Odin blurted out, causing Freyja to silently groan, repeating how her husband was more than he appeared over and over to convince herself.
"Seventy-five," Ratatoskr took the bet. "That our little Rossweisse does it first in such a fashion to make the Gremory girl blush!"
"Deal," Odin and the squirrel exchanged handshakes, the other absolutely certain of victory as the Crossroad's pair waltzed through the crowd.
Speaking of the Gremory girl, Freyja mused while absentmindedly swirling the contents of her drink. She is the guest of honor yet she is nowhere to be found.
In the woods nearby…
"What do you think you're doing here?" Koneko narrowed her eyes towards the intruder who had slipped past the patrols and was currently lounging in the tree above.
"Is that anyway to talk to your big sis?" Kuroka purred lazily with the slyest of grins on her face. A black cat was curled up against her leg, bait that Koneko had recognized immediately and followed knowing it would lead to her. "Vali told us all to wait on standby for something big, but with so many powerful men AND my little sister to boot how could I stay away?"
"I told you back at the peace summit, I'm NOT going with you," Koneko planted her feet with determination.
"You've grown up Shirone," Kuroka smiled with pride. "You are acting so big…and with an audience no less. You can step out of the trees; I can sense you are there no matter how well you obscure your presence."
A trio of shapes stepped into frame led by Rias Gremory still wearing her red evening gown. Beside her stood Issei Hyoudou, having followed her out of the hall upon noticing Koneko's absence from the party. Lastly, Bikou, the Monkey King descendant and fellow member of Vali's team slipped out of the shadows having spotted the two even before his teammate.
"No use hiding," she teased. "Sage Arts allows us to sense the flow of energy, considering how impressive you two are it was like a beacon. Even you little dragon," she winked at Issei. "A little stronger and maybe you'll make an acceptable mate."
Sage Arts, the magic that cutie from Asgard uses? My god the difference between her and Koneko's shapes are night and day…wait did she say mate?
"D-don't try to distract me," Issei shouted while his reddening cheeks and nosebleed gave away his internal thoughts at the nekoshou's proposal.
As much as I'd LOVE to embrace sweet melons like hers…Rias and Koneko are nearby and what would they think?
"Is this another terrorist attack?" Rias asked while taking up a stance.
"Nah," the monkey-youkai explained. "Just looking for some fun while Vali takes care of the hush hush business. Let's leave Kuroka, we've been spotted now and it's not like we could make the party anyway. I doubt they'd look the other way just for a chance to hop into bed with you."
"Such an insult, I can be VERY persuasive," she smirked playfully while never taking her eyes off Koneko. "But I suppose you are right, we can go…but Shirone is coming with us. I have waited long enough."
"Vali won't like that."
"She'll make a wonderful member of the team; did you see her performance yesterday? So young with very little training yet she can use Sage Arts even that much. Ophis and Vali would agree with me."
Ophis, Rias recognized the name of the Ouroboros Dragon and named leader of the Khaos Brigade though the being known as the infinite dragon had yet to make an appearance.
Bikou sighed while gripping the top of his head, realizing he was getting nowhere trying to talk her out of it and the situation would just lead to more trouble for him. Nevertheless, he nodded before rounding on the younger sister, Koneko backing up with concern.
"It's too bad the blonde one didn't show up instead," he lamented. "You could have had your man and there would've been a chance for the lovely strong girl to show up. Oh how I wouldn't mind having my arse thrashed by her again..."
"Not a chance!" Issei stepped between them, Ascalon emerging from the depths of his Sacred Gear. "She is a friend and important member of the Gremory family!"
"And my servant," Rias did the same, spheres of destruction energy forming in each hand.
"Sister trumps friend or master," Kuroka fired back. I know what's best for her, someone claiming to own her doesn't get that luxury. I've dealt with enough masters for one lifetime." The sultry nekoshou's expression darkened for a moment as memories flooded her mind that were quickly pushed away.
"I am happy with my friends!" Koneko called out, more than a little touched by Issei and Rias' pronouncements. "I want to stay with them, even if you want what's best for me…I get to choose that, no one else! I am growing stronger every day, I don't need my big sister to watch me every step of the way."
"You just think that now, but you don't know how cruel the big ol world is like," the black-eared nekoshou remarked, her tone growing slightly agitated. "But if these 'friends' of yours are the reason you want to keep away from your loving sister…I suppose I can just kill them and remove that problem."
Issei breathed in heavily as the air around them suddenly took on a strange smell, it was a pungent odor that burned his nose and forced him into a hacking fit. A chill ran through his bones until he felt like he couldn't take anymore. Similar to how the world would look when Gasper's powers were affecting it, so too did such an ominous presence seem to fall upon the trees.
"She's erected a barrier around the immediate area," Koneko warned. "Sis doesn't just know Sage Arts, but devil magic as well."
"Space is easy to bend," she giggled at her own skill. "Time is a bit more complicated but I'll take what I can get. And the added plus of a barrier means my little present will spread much faster."
Rias immediately reached to cover her nose but it was too late. She started to cough, collapsing to a knee as her entire body started to go numb. To her horror, Koneko did the same slumping beside her clearly trying to stand yet failing to do so.
"I was able to refine the mixture since the fight with that silvery Valkyrie. I would never risk harming you little Shirone," her face reflected only truth at those words, "but it will keep you less feisty while I take care of the others."
"President! Koneko!" Issei darted between the two, trying to get them back on their feet. Despite his best efforts, the two remained unable to stand.
"I-Issei…"
"Huh, I guess it still needs work when it comes to dragons. You really have gotten stronger since we last met haven't you?"
"You fix them right now or else…"
"Or else what?" It was Bikou who asked, stepping between the Red Dragon Emperor and Kuroka. "You have gotten stronger, but don't make me laugh. In order to beat me you'd have to be a…"
"A real dragon?"
One moment Bikou was in front of Issei, the next he was being propelled at great speeds in the opposite direction by a red blur clashing against his bowstaff.
"Mr. Tannin?" Issei asked, barely able to keep up with their movements yet sensing the presence of his tutor who had half-killed him day after day in the mountains over the last month.
"I never imagined that following you out into the woods would get me caught in a barrier!" The air shook and trees flattened as the dragon and youkai clashed, each pushing the other to their limits beyond the fighters around them. "Fight on Issei Hyoudou! Show me the month in the mountains was not time wasted!"
"Don't have to tell me twice!" Issei readied his dragonic holy sword against Kuroka positively grinning across the field.
"You've got more balls than I thought before, I'll give you that. It's a pity I'll have to cut them off, I am not as gentle as little Shirone."
Not as gentle as Koneko? She kicks my ass every day…
A pair of wheels made of white static-like energy took shape around Kuroka's hands. With the lightest of throws she chucked them towards her opponent. Issei cut through the first only for his arm to spasm, affected by the same internal damage Konkeo had used in the Rating game transferred through his blade. He had no defense as the second caught him square in the chest, sending him reeling to the ground.
"D-damnit!" The determined pawn would not be kept down as he struggled to his wobbling feet. "I won't let you take Koneko or hurt the President!"
"You can try little dragon," Kuroka winked while generating another pair of wheels in her hand. "Let's dance."
Back at the party…
The dance concluded with the final flourish, ending as Dorian dipped Rossweisse low but kept her steady. The two were panting, the final portion having picked up quite a bit requiring them to keep up. The couple never looked away from the other, lingering on the dance floor a few moments longer even as the other dancers started dispersing until the next song. In the back, Odin silently slipped coins into Freyja's outstretched hands frustrated that Ratatoskr had vanished before the conclusion, neither Dorian nor Rossweisse having made any questionable moves during the waltz.
"They were basically doing each other with their eyes," the grumbling Allfather rationalized. "That should count for something!"
"We'll make an honest man of him yet," Azazel chimed in having approached the pair during the festivities. "Issei knows what he wants, Dorian on the other hand…"
"You will do no such thing," Freyja interrupted with a condescending glance. "I do not think the Underworld could handle another Azazel."
"I never said anything about making him like me my lady," the fallen angel let out a chuckle, his mood greatly improved since spotting Baraqiel dancing with his daughter. "I said more honest with himself. What that may mean is entirely up to him, he looked so nervous to be seen as a pervert that I fear him falling into the same cage of propriety your daughter of thunder was in before meeting him."
"Speaking of cages," Sirzechs lowered his voice somewhat. "Has there been any further updates on the movements of the Khaos Brigade?"
"Nothing substantial," Ajuka was the one to answer. "My new 'assistant' has been quite forthcoming with information but was not part of their upper echelons of power. She did confirm Ophis' presence commanding them and that they have multiple groups within working independently but not much else."
"That fits," Azazel jumped in. "This so-called 'Hero' Faction we saw at Olympus is one such group. They took losses but I doubt that'll be the end of them, not by a long shot. There are rumors they were sighted next in Kyoto but our intelligence there is spotty at best."
"That is the Shinto youkai territory isn't it?" Odin asked with a stroke of his beard. "I hear their leader Yasaka is a true beauty, remarkably endowed in all the right places."
The Allfather of the Norse gods was quickly silenced after a quick yelp as a three inch high-heel plunged upon his foot courtesy of the Queen of Asgard.
"We could send the Crossroads to check it out; a few more missions under their belt would do them some good."
"They may not be the best just yet," Sirzechs pointed out while looking at the dance floor.
The Crimson Satan could not help but smile upon spotting Millicas dancing with Bennia. Despite being the younger of the two, it was he walking the Grim Reaper through the steps trying his best to keep her from stumbling over her own two feet. Xenovia and Kiba were sitting together on the side, the Gremory knight's cheeks clearly red as she was whispering into his ear. Irina was socializing with the others, Hecuba nearby though doing little more than standing. Dorian and Rossweisse had split up to mingle, the thrifty Valkyrie chatting with an assorted group of devil women. Dorian had turned toward the terrace, following Thrud who ducked out quickly during the dance. The collected teenagers were doing what their group had been founded to do, show that the various myths could live together beyond the wars they had fought over in ages past.
"But," he continued. "They are the finest symbols of cooperation we could have asked for. In time they will go far and do great things."
"They have already started," Ajuka chimed in while claiming a new glass of champagne, failing to notice an unfamiliar shape inch towards the densely packed area surrounding the punch bowl. "Why, just the other day that Dorian lad had the most intriguing idea for the evil piece system I am looking into…"
On the Terrace…
"Where are you going?" Dorian asked as he caught up to Thrud on the impressive terrace overlooking the area. It was a further trek than he expected, being far enough that the sounds of music from the far-off party were muted against the nightly noises. The size of the building never ceased to amaze.
"Just…fresh air," she lied while refusing to look at him.
I was too slow, but did I want this? He and Rossweisse were sweet from the first day he said her name wrong while I only saw him as a pupil for so long. I shouldn't be selfish.
"You left so quickly," he inched closer. "Are you alright?"
"You…are a real conundrum," she spun, an accepting grin on her face to hide the conflict in her mind set ablaze at the sight of Rossweisse and Dorian dancing. "When you were brought in you were an Einherjar barely scraping past the requirements of the reincarnation magic. Yet now," she motioned at his appearance, his numerous braids now overlapping and his improved build. "Look at you, a presentable Einherjar in every sense of the word."
Yet you didn't change who you were to do it. She was reminded of the darkness that settled over her brother Modi's mind as he sought the strength of their father. At the last update she was told he was improving but still couldn't remember anything. Ironically enough, the nurses claimed he was a gentler soul than he had been in ages.
"What brought this on?" Dorian approached, leaning on the railing beside her looking up at the starry night sky. "I could have never done this without you. Who was it who whipped me into shape, showed me the ropes and actually turned me into a competent fighter?"
"Oho, competent now?" A touch of her snarky side bled through. It seemed to be the norm when he was around, whether it was before when she played the part of cold proper warrior or now when trying to appear that all was well, she could not help but be herself around him. "Be careful or that head may grow too big to contain that ego."
"Hey, I've improved," he glanced away rubbing his neck, somewhat embarrassed. "Come on back inside, you haven't even danced yet."
"Like finding a dance partner would be so simple."
"Well, there's always…"
The crashing sound of a potted plant jarred the two back to their surroundings. A suited man, clearly one of the visiting lesser nobles came stumbling out of the room wobbling on his feet with lidded eyes. Thrud and Dorian glanced to each other as they each came to the same conclusion, that he was nearly passed-out drunk.
"Come on sir," Dorian approached the man to redirect him back to the festivities. "If you need to lie down we can…"
The Einherjar's eyes shot wide; as he had laid a hand on his back he pulled it away quickly with a slick wet feeling. His palm was now covered in blood from a gaping wound on his back.
"R-run," he gasped before falling forward, all life drained from his eyes. It was only then a blood-curdling scream and thundering howl could be heard from within the gala. Dorian and Thrud wasted no time racing for the hall cursing the distance once more.
Absolute pandemonium greeted the pair as they reentered the room. Tables and chairs were strewn about, windows shattered outward by the titanic roars echoing from the source of the chaos. In the center amid the carnage, a trio of devil-soldiers confronted the intruder though with the looks of fear visible through their helmets, they knew how poor their chances were.
The monster, resembling a giant wolf with ashen fur, swiped forward at such speed it caught two of the men with a thundering crunch of broken bones through their armor. It scooped up the third in its jaws, throwing him with the greatest of ease out the already-broken window to an uncertain fate. The entire exchange was over in scant few seconds and made it perfectly clear that all of the security forces had suffered thus, dead or dying men and women littered the hall. The Satans, along with Odin and the other delegates, had joined forces across the room creating as tight a defense as they could to protect the rest and themselves.
"Rose!" Dorian shouted, his armor and Twilight Star emerging in an instant.
He spotted her among the others, soul lightening as he saw she was alive, armor already donned with seals ready for battle though she kept a distance with the rest. Fragments of various peerages were present; Tsubaki and Kiba on guard, Gasper and Asia working on the injured watched over by Honda. Diodora was surrounded by his servants, not a one leaving without him yet many others had withdrawn to safety. Only Sairaorg, his pawns and scattered numbers of Seekvaira's own servants remained with their king.
"Fenrir," Thrud muttered as she followed suit, grabbing Dorian's arm before he could rush in. "Don't get near him! He is a literal God-eater, not even the Allfather would be assured victory against him!"
"I have to help, but what is he doing here?" Dorian asked as his mind raced for a solution. He could not see most of the team and his imagination was painting a grim picture. They spotted a wounded Azazel, his mechanical arm sparking from obvious damage. His face was warped into an expression of fear and uncertainty very unlike the smug know-it all they had seen in the past. It was painfully obvious he knew full well what they faced.
Thrud grabbed Dorian's face, pulling him close with a serious look of concern; he could not recall ever seeing her sweat so much or expressing such fear.
"Don't try it without backup; he is listed in the top ten strongest beings in all existence, just one bite would kill a god! We need my father, what could he be doing here? He is supposed to be sealed away in Asgard by…"
Fenrir leapt forward, dashing towards the barricade of world leaders making for the first target to catch his eye, Akeno Himejima. Even in her risquély tattered evening gown, Rias' queen raised a hand, bringing down bolts of Heavenly lightning upon the mythic beast. To their horror, the strikes did not even slow its approach, fangs reaching out towards her breast.
"You will NOT TOUCH HER!" The words of Baraqiel's aid reached them before his own as the dual fallen angels raised their hands as one, bringing lightning and holy spear blasts down as Akeno redoubled her own efforts. The three struggled with all their strength, somehow forcing the monstrous beast to change course, missing them by the smallest of margins while bounding back for some distance. Zepar caught a staggering Akeno, ensuring she did not fall before retreating further back to safety. The distraction allowed Dorian and Thrud to reach the defense line seeking answers.
"Dorian!" Hecuba was the first to greet him. All weapons had been confiscated upon entering the hall yet somehow she held her unique dagger having been strapped beneath her maroon dress. Despite the command of no weapons, something had caused her to sneak it in all the same, unwilling to part with it. "Thrud, we thought the worst."
"What is happening, where are the others?" They could see Xenovia and Irina nearby but no sign of Bennia nor half of Rias' peerage.
"They are fine, don't worry. Bennia teleported the Gremory child, Millicas, his mother and several others to safety as soon as that thing made its entrance, I didn't see where Ratatoskr went but he was not here during the attack. I don't know how it got in; one moment we were celebrating, the next it just appeared in the densest portion of the crowd. Its skin is too thick for our weapons; even Durandal could not harm him! Everything happened so fast."
A renewed duet of howls broke the air as massive wolves stalked from the shadows; the larger of the two dropping upon Fenrir's back and biting into his neck. The second latched onto a leg, teeth sawing in vain to sever it. The bodyguards of Odin and Freyja, their wolves Freki and Geri had finally arrived having kept distance for the celebration. Even as mighty supernatural beings as they were, they were woefully outmatched by the fearsome wolvine. Lightning rained down, holy arrows flew and devil magic crashed around them even from Sirzechs himself as a sliver of wrath emerged from his visage at how close Millicas and Grayfia came to death had it not been for the Grim Reaper's quick thinking. He owed her a great debt.
All attacks struck yet none found the proper mark, the combined magics insufficient to even mar the pelt of one of the strongest beings to walk existence. With a whimpering cry, Freki was torn from Fenrir's back and hurled through the air, barreling through a line of defenders with his body. He slumped down, critically wounded yet still alive while Freyja rushed to tend to their selfless defender. Geri soon followed suit, neither could hope to match such ferocity. As the siblings fell, only then did Fenrir seem to calm, pacing the room back and forth like a hound having cornered the mouse.
A pompous, chuckling laughter shattered the commotions of the hall, silencing all save for itself. High above the remaining guests, a grand bombastic magic seal appeared, splitting down the middle like a doorway. Rossweisse could tell at first glance that the majority of the seal was unneeded for its purpose, having been added solely to provide flair to the magic circle. A robed individual recognized by the procession stepped through as if it were the most natural thing in the world.
"Loki, what is the meaning of this?" Odin glared towards his blood-brother. "Reign in your son and explain yourself IMMEDIATELY!"
"Oh I can assure you, Allfather, he is quite reigned in. As it has ever been he obeys only my command. It is about time someone made any sense around here." He turned, only then spotting Thrud and Dorian among the group. "Ah, the plucky so-called Einherjar, much of this would have been unnecessary if you had simply rolled over."
"What are you talking about?" Dorian demanded while aiming his weapon threateningly at the floating god. "We've barely even spoken!"
"As if I would waste my words on an abomination to our realms. Just look at you, a mere human cradling the heir to the embodiment of our power mixing it with those of lesser mythologies. You should have just died in that vault…"
What vault? Asgard's? Dorian's chest tensed, the scar beneath aching a bit more than before at the memory of his second near-death that had led him to the roads half a year back.
"What did you do to my brother?" Thrud roared in rage, her knowledge of the strength of Loki's son nearby all that stayed her hand at wishing to crush his skull.
"It doesn't matter, it's time we start over," Loki continued as the young man's mind became clouded with confusion. "Once our dear Allfather is dead, Ragnarok will commence. The realms shall be ripped asunder reducing all existence to the building blocks to begin anew."
Ragnarok, the prophesied end of the world, the Norse name for the Twilight of Gods and men, and this deity before them was talking about enacting it. What unnerved everyone most was how calmly he discussed it, as if ending creation was no problem and could be completed with the greatest of ease.
"I knew you did not condone our alliances," Freyja scowled at Loki, causing even the God of Mischief to lose his sneer, his lack of respect for her shining through at last. "But seeking to break everything simply because it does not conform to your wishes…"
"Silence!" Loki snapped as he rounded on her, his son Fenrir growling in tandem with his raised voice. "If nothing else I will not have to listen to the shrieks of a Vanir harlot for another moment longer. I swear the satisfaction I will feel when Fenrir rips the head from your…"
A seal of defense shimmered behind Loki as a blast of Musphelheim fire crashed into it, causing it to flicker yet dealt no additional damage. In a rather uncharacteristic manner; Dorian had foregone Thrud's advice, crashing into the seal only to be stopped in his tracks. Despite the supreme strength he had developed during his time among the gods, he was no match for a true deity.
"Well, better late than never I suppose. Fenrir," he clapped his hands to summon the monster's attention. "Do your father proud."
The terrifying eyes of the wolf locked upon Dorian, narrowing ferociously with a lick of his lips. The outmatch Einherjar's mind scrambled for a solution, any tactic available in his repertoire to help delay death clawing so closely at his doorstep. At last, Dorian threw up his hands, the light of Alfheim exploding outward just as Fenrir neared, blinding even a being as mighty as he. For that brief moment, he had no idea where Dorian was.
The power of his Balance Breaker would not help. Knowing this, Dorian planted a pair of runes on the ground, overlapping a new one overtop it using the advanced technique he learned first during his time in Asgard from that mysterious Kara. A rune of warding overlapped with an inverted gravity seal.
If I pour everything into it, maybe it can hold him a second or at the very least slow…
"Don't you touch him!" Freyja screamed, her armor donned despite being fully aware of how much stronger Fenrir was. With a surge of power she blasted towards them far too slowly to reach him in time. Thrud, Rossweisse and the remainder of the Crossroads moved next, scattered world leaders hesitant to move in with full knowledge that a single bite would be their end.
The wolf pounced, forcing Dorian back maneuvering so that it had to stand atop his magic seals to get a vantage point on him. Fenrir swiped forward, missing Dorian before slamming down atop the expertly-designed seals.
The effect was as incredible as it was unexpected. Where Dorian had thought at best it would paralyze the monster, instead a shockwave struck Fenrir full in the face, causing him to fly backwards, crashing into one of the few still-standing tables and shattering it beneath him. Even Loki raised an eyebrow in annoyance and confusion.
"How did you manage THAT?" Thrud asked as she landed beside him, she had no weapon but that hardly stopped her from preparing to defend him.
"You altered the base formula!" Rossweisse blurted out, eyes wide as one of the few in the room who understood what happened. "You merged the seals yet their mixing created a third effect, absorbing the kinetic force of the attack and rebounding it back upon the attacker! I have never seen one so intricate to work on a being of Fenrir's caliber, can you do it again?"
Dorian stared like a deer caught in headlights, he could certainly create the seals once more but with absolute certainty he could replicate what he had just done? Not a chance under the circumstances, even less so as they could see Fenrir stagger back to his feet while shaking his head in frustration.
"You managed to hurt my son, how unexpected. You can brag about it in whatever afterlife is unfortunate enough to claim you, sham of an Einherjar!"
Now fully recovered and the rune having dissipated from serving its purpose, Fenrir leapt towards him so quickly Dorian could barely follow his movements. A fraction of a second before the fangs would have found their mark, a force slammed into the great wolf, crashing it into a nearby pillar and through the wall. Only the defensive barriers prevented the fight from spilling outside.
"Uncle!" Thrud cried with joy at the recognition of their savior.
"You keep yer boyfriend back lass," Baldur, son of Odin and Freyja remarked as he delivered a double fisted strike downward upon Fenrir's snout, cracking his jaw into the pavement. "Sorry I was a bit late, the ale of the Underworld certainly lives up to the name. "Get the others ta safety; I'll tussle with the beastie."
Fenrir batted the Aesir/Vanir hybrid as Thrud and Dorian got to a safe distance. Pouncing upon his foe, the son of Loki closed fearsome jaws over his torso and bit with the force that would have sent even Odin to the next world. Instead, only the joyous laughter of the God of Light could be heard, his skin utterly unscathed from the attack.
"Bad pup, no biscuit!" He grinned before delivering a cataclysmic uppercut followed by a series of quick punches. Fenrir swiped again and again, claws raking across Baldur's flesh yet refusing to pierce. The youngest child of Odin was not as strong as his brother Thor or even Fenrir, yet so long as his skin could not be pierced there was no way he could lose.
"Dorian…Thrud," Freyja cupped each in a concerned hand as they reached them, wishing silent thanks that they had survived. She barely had time to squeeze before Rossweisse was beside her, arms wrapping around the pair.
"W-we can gather the wounded now," the former bodyguard advised. "The delegates can withdraw while Baldur deals with Fenrir. That just leaves…"
The group looked up at Loki whose face was etched in one of pure rage. The fact Baldur had been shadowing Odin and Freyja in case of renewed attack from the Khaos Brigade had been kept a secret from all. One of the few beings who could contend with his son had been under their noses all along.
I don't understand…HE said that they would be vulnerable at the gathering, yet Baldur is as strong as ever! If this keeps up, they'll have my son bound again before we can…
Loki scanned the room, spotting Hecuba standing on the fringes as guard alongside Irina and Xenovia. She was one of the few armed individuals, holding an ornate dagger in her hand in case Fenrir drew too close.
Interesting, Loki's near-manic smile of understanding returned as he took a whiff of the air, then a second to be certain. Mistletoe…what a rare and exotic oil to coat one's blade with.
In the woods…
Issei was blasted across the clearing; Ascalon sent flying far out of reach to embed itself in the ground. He was battered, bruised from head to toe and his fingers wouldn't stop twitching as the Sage Arts energy disrupted his body. Grunting in frustration, he punched the dirt hard, having been unable to land a single blow on Kuroka.
D-damnit! Koneko's hot sister is too strong, but if I don't do something she'll kill the President.
"Let them go! Koneko yelled even paralyzed by the mist as she was. "I'll go with you, just spare them!"
"Don't you dare!" Rias found the strength to speak. "She may be your sister, but she left after killing your original master. The things you saw, how you were treated, I feared you'd be scarred by them for the rest of your life! That is why…why I will only show you the fun things in life, those that bring you joy. I will do that for you Koneko for as long as you are my servant!"
"And as a fellow servant, I'll protect her," Issei staggered to his feet, blood dripping from open wounds across his body. "I may be a worthless Red Dragon, can't even attain a Balance Breaker after a month of half-dying every day in the mountains…"
"You aren't worthless," Koneko's voice broke through the mist and pain. "You may be the worst of mankind, the weakest Red Dragon in history, the most perverted…"
"You can stop now," Issei half-begged as his underclassman came to her point.
"But, you are gentle. Many other Red Dragon Emperors were cruel or obsessed with their power and became consumed by it, but you aren't. You are a good friend Issei, flaws and all."
Partner, Ddraig boomed within his gear. The training with Tannin might be enough to achieve Balance Breaker. That is, if you can find that radical catalyst.
Fuck! How am I supposed to figure out what that is?
The young pawn's mind raced. He knew Kiba achieved his through meeting the spirits of his departed friends while Dorian had supposedly earned his after watching the buxom silver Valkyrie get struck in the face. Neither seemed plausible for him, having a relatively normal life before meeting Yuma nor had seeing Rias hurt in previous battles pushed him over that edge including her most recent poisoning.
That was Goldie's catalysts, I am not him. What about me could…
"President!" He shouted as the answer hit him full in the face. "I know what I can do to push myself to the next step, but I need your help!"
"Of course Issei!" Rias announced as she stood as best she could onto a knee. "What do I need to do?"
"Let me poke your titties!"
You could hear a pin drop as Tannin and Bikou simultaneously facepalmed above, their titanic fight feeling out of place amidst the strategizing below.
"A MONTH BEATING IT INTO YOU AND THAT IS WHAT YOU THINK WILL DO IT?" The former Dragon-King roared in frustration. "ALL THAT WORK FOR NOTHING?"
"Not nothing," Issei flexed his fingers. "Without the stamina I built up from that I doubt my body could handle it, but I think it can work…maybe." His cheeks were as red as Rias' as he imagined poking her nipples inward as Azazel had told him women loved. His master's face went even redder than his, eyes full of embarrassment mixed with a bit of hope at what the situation could bring.
"O-okay," she agreed. "Just…just make it quick."
Without a second thought, Rias unlatched her top, allowing it to fall down, exposing her impressive breasts trembling as the cold air struck them. Blood dripped from Issei's nose though he quickly wiped it away knowing there was no time to enjoy the sight now burned into his mind. Index fingers extended, he inched closer to the pink nipples, hands alternating back and forth trying to determine how he should approach the heavenly situation he found himself in.
"But…but which should I poke first? HEY! OLD MAN TANNIN! WHICH OF HER JUBLIES SHOULD I POKE FIRST?"
"Does it matter?" The dragon bellowed back while deflecting Bikou's staff with a wing. "Just pick one and let's get on with this!"
"It is one of the truest questions of our time."
Issei recognized the voice, turning to spot a familiar rodent dropped from the trees, bouncing off Kuroka's bust with a great leap before sliding onto his shoulder with an over-the top dismount.
"Ratosram?"
"Ratatoskr! Remember the name! You sure are interesting to follow; here I was hoping to find ways to convince you to teach me that boob language of yours only to find you under attack by an impressive set of them." He tipped an invisible hat towards a smirking Kuroka.
"Nice reinforcements, what are you going to do, nibble my ankles?"
"I'd nibble more than that if you'd let me. Look kid, we both may appreciate the female form but our methods could not be further from each other. I am a connoisseur, you are a glutton. I hate to say it, but in this situation if the catalyst is based on your own person…go with what you know!"
Of course! The solution was so simple!
"President!" Issei shouted the title she had long ago asked him to call her. "Thank you for the view and meal!"
Without another word, his fingers shot forward, each claiming a nipple as he pressed into them simultaneously, digits sinking into her soft flesh. The Gremory heiress let out a soft moan of surprise caught by Issei; it was exactly the reaction he'd been hoping for.
The shockwave of power exploded from the young dragon emperor, evaporating the poison mist and shattering the barrier Kuroka had placed on the area. In a flash, the atmosphere returned to normal, Koneko and Rias breathing deep, the pain abating from their chests. Scrambling with her strength returning, the crimson-haired girl quickly redid her top to restore what modesty remained.
WELSH DRAGON: BALANCE BREAKER! SCALE MAIL!
Shining red armor in the likeness of a tailed dragon formed over Issei's body as it had during the Peace Summit. Unlike before, he wasn't working on energy borrowed from Azazel's device, instead powering the Balance Breaker all his own. There was a limit to his stamina; however it was substantially greater than previous battles.
"Now THAT is power," Kuroka licked her lips at the sight. "Almost as much as that Dorian showed against Vali. Let's see how well you handle a fusion of devil AND youkai magic!"
The wheels of Sage Art energy reappeared, this time superimposed by glyphs the others had never seen her use yet. With a smug humph, she released the attack spiraling towards Issei. With no time to dodge they collided into a massive explosion leveling the trees around and obscuring her opponent in a black haze of smoke. The cat-youkai reveled in her victory until the smoke cleared, revealing a completely unharmed pawn. To her shock, Koneko was standing on her feet as well; hand raised high having thrown her own sphere of Sage Art power and intercepting her sister's. It had not been as powerful, yet the interference had substantially decreased any damage to Issei, his Balance Breaker easily withstanding what had gotten through.
"Impossible! I put a good chunk of my energy into that att…"
Issei moved without a sound, dashing towards her so quickly that even Kuroka had difficulty following his movements. Expertly, she fired another volley of magic, mouth flopping open in confusion as he simply punched through each one like they were not even there. With the last of her attacks broken, the red fist stopped a fraction of an inch from her face, the wind pressure blasting past her and ruffling her kimono.
"Even if you are Koneko's big sister with an incredible rack, I won't forgive you if you come after her again."
Kuroka leapt back in an instant, disappearing into the trees as Bikou cracked Tannin against his snout, giving enough room to pull back along with his ally. The pair disappeared like mist though the members of Rias' peerage had no desire to pursue; driving them back had been their ultimate goal.
"Koneko! President!" Issei rushed to their side, allowing his newfound power to dissipate. To his relief, both were back on their feet, any signs of fatigue and illness lifting from them.
"We are…okay," Rias assured him, taking his hand, gripping it a little tighter than was necessary. "You finally achieved your Balance Breaker!"
"In the worst possible way," Koneko's expression was one of pure contempt, restraining the urge to hit him as had become the norm. Instead, she smiled up at her fellow classmate, giving him a thumbs up accompanied by one of the first genuine smiles he had seen her wear in a long time. "Thank you Issei, Rias…for everything."
And you Thrud…for helping me see what I could become on my own.
Not Far…
"Not even a scratch!" Kuroka exclaimed in her head, allowing her teammate to hear everything. "Not the slightest inkling of damage or disruption by Sage Arts…magnificent! I had no idea little Shirone had improved to such a degree already!"
"We went too far, Vali wanted us undercover near the party but not to engage. We'll have to retreat for now and hope their security forces don't catch us. We should split up to minimize our energy."
"Fine," Kuroka puffed in frustration. She may have been prouder of her little sister than she'd ever been, but the focused nekoshou had still been hoping to lay with at least one powerful being at the party. Vali had relegated herself and Bikou to standby while he and Arthur had gone off to do lord knows what, leaving her hot and bothered in ways she did not like.
No mission, no sister, no man…if I don't get SOME action tonight I am going to actually murder someone. Little Shirone truly thought I was serious…
Back at the party…
"Come now, ye can do better than that!" Baldur mocked while delivering a flying elbow drop onto Fenrir's nose.
The battle, if it could be called that, had taken a turn for the silly as it became evident Baldur was hardly seeing Fenrir as a threat. The great beast once feared as a pup to devour the entire pantheon of Norse gods was reduced to a joke before the invulnerable might of Odin's youngest son. The remaining leaders who had not retreated now surrounded Loki, the Norse deity far less threatening without his monstrous son at his beck and call. A barrier had been erected between the remaining Satans, Michael and the Norse rulers.
"That wasn't as bad as I feared," Azazel mocked as Sirzechs strengthened the barrier. "A child throwing a tantrum over the changes of the world and a wound up mutt. You'll pay for every death you caused here."
That's it. The Jotun-Aesir smirked internally. Just a little more to the right…
"I do not like this," Sirzechs Lucifer saw the smile and grew concerned. Only he and Ajuka were still present, Asmodeus having withdrawn while Serafall saw to the protection of her sister. With only two Satans he did not want to test their barrier even with Michael and Odin's aid.
"What are you planning?" Freyja held up her blades, armor already donned for war. She was wholly certain of the impregnability of her ward placed over Baldur at birth; all the same, she did not like how Loki was smiling.
With a renewed roar, Fenrir batted Baldur once more as he had done many times that night. The God of Light did not try to stop it, riding the blow all the way into the floor emerging completely unharmed. As he patted the tattered remains of his ornate vest, Hecuba approached from behind. Baldur could smell the shampoo in her hair, footsteps unmistakable to his well-trained ears.
"No need to worry yerself lass," Baldur assured as he turned. "I'll have this mutt broken in two shakes of a…"
A sudden exhalation of breath cut off the Norse God as a sharp sensation struck his chest. He squinted his eyes, mind working overtime to comprehend what had happened while glancing downward. A cold sensation was spreading through his body starting from the point where Hecuba's immaculate dagger, given by the mysterious dwarf at the Asgardian Fair so long ago, had entered his body below the sternum. The Spartan girl's eyes were glazed over shimmering blue-white as if a layer if ice had frozen over her pupils.
"H-how did ye…?" Baldur sputtered as he stumbled backwards towards the others. The dagger still lodged within him, Hecuba just standing there arms limp at her sides like a marionette with strings tied to the smug God of mischief above. Green varicose veins spread with an icy feeling, paralyzing him where he stood. For the first time in untold centuries, Baldur Odinson felt the unfamiliar sting of pain.
A seed planted early in secret has time to sprout unnoticed, Loki thought, remembering those words said by the ally whom had learned the sole weakness in the Allmother's ancient power fusing within an Aesir/Vanir hybrid like Baldur. Just how long did it take to piece together the favored child's weakness and slip the little one this dagger?
"Da…Ma?" He gasped at his parents before falling forward, Freyja dropping her blades to catch him. Her face was wracked with sorrow and confusion as to how her wards had been so easily pierced. He was growing cold, skin greying in her hands and no amount of magic she poured into him would stem the tide.
"YOUR PELT WILL ADORN MY WALL!" Odin cried, Gungnir's energy building to a point. A colossal blast of energy dwarfing that which annihilated the army at Olympus assailed Fenrir's body. The legendary monster held his ground, growling in pain as he was slowly pushed back all the while leaving claw marks in the floor. At last the wrath of the Allfather won out, picking the wolf off his feet and throwing him through yet another wall. He had won the exchange, however realized that despite the energy depleted he still had not broken the beast's fur.
"Baldur...BALDUR?" The Allmother cried in a voice that shattered Dorian's heart before locking eyes with Hecuba. "WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?"
She did not reply, looking blankly forward without emotion though Freyja could not see it in her grief. With a wave of her hand, the swordswoman of the Crossroads was sent hurtling into the wall, falling limply to the ground.
"Stay back!" Irina and Xenovia rushed to her side, taking up defensive postures at the other guards clearly seeing her as a threat.
"Uncle!" Thrud rushed from Dorian's side towards them, she did not get far before Freyja looked up to the skies with a cry.
"Don't worry my boy, please…don't…HEIMDALLR TAKE US HOME, NOW!"
"Please, I know how you feel my Frigga," Odin whispered only for her to hear after regaining his composure, looking over Baldur as his face turned Grim. "We will get help for him, yet cannot depart now, the others need…"
"NOW!"
In a flash, the overseer of the Bifrost obeyed his queen. A blast of rainbow light enveloped the trio in a flash of energy. When it died down, the deities of Asgard were gone leaving only an ornately-shaped scorch mark burnt into the floor of the hall.
"Watch as our beloved Allfather and Mother flee the battle!" Loki called while throwing his arms out confidently. "Come one and all, my son will still devour each of you in turn!"
Adding to the ferocity of Loki's statement, Fenrir shook off the injuries he had incurred from Gungnir and with a single terrifying motion shattered the combined barrier holding his father.
"Now for you Mr. Held," Loki turned to face the Einherjar, Fenrir rounding on him. "You and I have some unfinished…"
DIVIDE!
A shockwave washed over Loki failing to harm him; however the strength of his assembled barriers was suddenly cut in half. He did not need to turn to realize who it was.
"White Dragon Emperor," he sighed as another annoyance entered the fray. "I cut all ties with your brigade long ago, why are you here?"
"I am not here as a pawn of the Khaos Brigade," Vali replied, his white Balance Breaker armor shining bright. "My reasons are mine and you have something I want."
The room was silent as the White Dragon Emperor drifted down, his power aimed squarely at Loki. Beside him kneeled a man in a black suit wearing glasses whom Dorian recognized as the swordsman from the Peace Summit; Arthur Pendragon.
What are they doing here?
"Your dividing will do little against me or my son," Loki retorted. "He will…"
The Norse god's eyes shot wide as his gaze fell upon Vali's companion. He did not know the man yet he recognized the sword in his hand. The final blade not currently making up Irina's reforged weapon; Excalibur Ruler glistened within the sheath at his hip already half-drawn. Looking back to his son, Loki could tell Fenrir was tired from his battle against Baldur, minor bruises remained hidden by his fur yet he was slower than before.
They want to use that sword.
"Well, I suppose that you may all have time to put your affairs in order." His voice boomed loudly across the hall. "For once Ragnarok begins; the building blocks of all realms shall crumble. Use this time mercifully given to put your affairs in order!" He looked with an expression of pure spite towards Dorian once more before the grand runic doors which had heralded his entrance opened behind him large enough for Fenrir to follow through before closing tight.
"Search the grounds!" Sirzechs called out to what forces remained, the barrier surrounding their region of Hell would not be easily breached without notice. "He must still be here somewhere, find him! And as for you…" The Satan turned to a still-unconscious Hecuba cradled in Xenovia's arms. "We will have to place her under arrest for what was done here."
"She is innocent!" Dorian pushed forward through the crowd. "Didn't you see her eyes? She was being controlled, Hecuba would never do this!"
"Be that as it may, she still attempted murder and until we determine foul play she must remain under guard."
If only Rat were here…he could have smelled that magic a mile away knowing his nose.
"I'll find him; drag him back by his hair if I have to! Thrud, Rossweisse, keep the delegates safe. Xenovia, Irina…"
"We will make sure Hecuba is treated fairly and let Bennia know what happened."
Nodding, Dorian raced down through the shattered furniture towards the outside. The perimeter had not yet been secured and yet had a chance to intercept him. The fact that, as he was, Dorian stood no chance against the God or his indomitable son never once entered his mind.
"Dorian, we need to…!" Rossweisse called out after him but he did not hear. In a heartbeat the leader of the Crossroads disappeared around the corner, leaving the chaotic hall to search the grounds. Determination burned in his chest to avenge those who had died, the damage inflicted that night, but most of all…the tears of grief that had stained Freyja's cheeks, the cheeks of the woman who had most closely acted as a mother to him those many months.
The gala destroyed, many slain and Baldur, the beloved son of Odin and Freyja left on death's door. With the delegates of Asgard having retreated and Loki hiding in the shadows with his monstrous son, will our heroes be able to develop a plan to not only save their lives, but prevent the arrival of Ragnarok upon the shores of Hell?
I apologize for the longer time between chapters, got a new puppy so not as much time as before to write. Fear not for this story will continue, until then I hope everyone Reads and Reviews...but most of all Enjoys! :D