Wacko12: Locked away in the Roads by Gleipnir, you'll get a bit of that today.
ahsoei: Only time will tell, for now he is Dorian's prisoner in the Roads. Not yet, but that is the plan as Ajuka needs to complete the system first. I am not quite sure what you mean...they made it pretty official last chapter lol.
King0fP0wers: Oh he isn't gone, Dorian just locked him away in the Roads where he currently lies chained. Lol that is true, though Kuroka will still be loyal to him, she'll just be at the Crossroad Tower for the foreseeable future. But yes, no Fenrir for Vali. I am so glad you agree, the rushed nature of romance in the main canon was partially my inspiration for the route I took on this. It is my goal to make all the romances believable and naturally flowing. A silver arm? That would be something indeed, he will need to find something before the school term begins again...or what will he tell the class? XD
AJR3333: Lol I am glad you approve and thank you for the input. That was my intent, only showing in detail when necessary for the story and development.
A Plexx: You've been..."rooting" for her? Lol sorry sorry couldn't resist. I won't give spoilers...but I will tell you that Thrud will not be left in the dark :D
deathwing17: Not to worry there, she'll be living with them and isn't done going after Dorian yet XD
FateBurn: Thank you.
Primordial Entity: Whew, glad to hear about the poor tables lol. Thank you for such an in-depth review, I can't go into every detail you went over here but if you'd like to feel free to PM me. You have no idea how much it means that you've enjoyed the romance development as well as Thrud. I originally crafted her solely to be Dorian's combat instructor but her character just evolved so naturally since the beginning. And thank you for your input on how detailed to go on future encounters, I wish you well and hope you enjoy today's chapter! :D
1Batman4u: Oooof, don't mess with Iggy apparently lol
michael68: Too true, you know how those pesky fragments of godly beings can pop up later ;) That is very detailed, they've never got into limb-growth in DxD but considering what else they've done who knows?
Hollowreaper 93: Whew, glad the Independent Avatar aspect wasn't caught on. I tried keeping it subtle like the fact she could touch the sand at the beach, etc. Lol you love those Thor/Baraqiel moments...best supernatural dads! XD
AlucardTheDragonicGod: Thank you, I will take that into account in later chapters :)
God of war: Dorian: Please don't shatter my arm again...I only got 1 left XD He better watch his back around Sairaorg considering he wants to face the man who beat a god (Twice in Dorian's case). Lol, Dorian sure can pick his moments, gotta watch around Kuroka now too in that regard. Thank you for your input as well, I'll admit I adore conversing with my fans via AN like this. I hope the wait wasn't too long :D
fanficcyberman: Oof, he wouldn't have much left by then at this rate XD I am so glad you've been loving the foreshadowing set up in past chapters. Payoff to previous setups can be so satisfying I have learned. I'll tell Skye you said hi, she is the best writing companion a guy could ask for!
Waspy: Interesting idea, though gods are immune to reincarnation in canon DxD lore. They'd have to get clever to implement something like that :) Oh gosh, not just Freyja...I've set up that Thrud adores cats thanks to tending to those that pull Freyja's sleigh... Baldur: A niece should not be doing this! Thrud: Not stopping...more petting... XD
naruto: Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you as well! That is true, the only instance in canon of an arm being regrown and not simply reattached is Issei getting a full Great Red body infused with Ophis' power (Though the creator admitted he intended that to kill her to do it with Lilith replacing her but he couldn't bear to kill her at the last minute lol). I have a feeling he'll get a temporary fix if only to not have to have an awkward conversation with his fellow students at Kuoh ;)
KurokamiTendou: I am so glad you thought so! :D
GunBlade2019: Oh yes you are quite right, Fenrir munched on his arm...no getting that back in any form that'd be usable lol. I most certainly will, thank you!
DragonXDelinquent: Time to track down those dwarves again XD
The Chaos Phoenix: I am so glad to hear that, I adore conversing with fans like this :D I will take that into account ;)
Guest1: Not in this case, Ambrosia is known for turning someone into a god but not overly healing injuries. Even if it could, the substance mixed with mistletoe on that dagger was...very potent per DxD canon ;)
OBSERVER01: LOL That made me laugh, been a while since I heard the CSI: Miami YEAAAAA XD Yes...I am sure Loki's final words have more for the future knowing him. In regards to your last remark, I am sure you'll like this chapter :)
Slayer Cross: That isn't a bad comparison to Gilgamesh lol. Dorian's SG does open a path to the Roads...so all he needs to do is pile his preferred weapons/items at the entrance and he can just call them on command XD. Kuroka isn't done going after Dorian yet either LOL. A Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you as well! I wish you all the best in 2020!
CrimsonBlade11: Wow! The whole story so fast? I'll admit I am so touched and happy you enjoyed it so much all the way to the current chapter :D Thank you so much for your kind words, I truly wanted Dorian to be a well-rounded character as I have rarely been a fan of OP-stomp all foes characters unless it's meant for parody or satire. LOL He really needs his own hospital room, he'd use it often enough, funny you mention that as I planned it to be comedy moments later as Dorian struggles to NOT be put in another hospital room again XD Glad to hear, I wish you a wonderful New Year and all the best in 2020!
weslyschraepen: Noted ;D
And with that...ONTO THE SHOW! I hope everyone enjoys a bit of an early Christmas Present ;)
"And if you look on your left you will find your room," Irina motioned for Kuroka to see. It had been a few days since returning to the tower before the nekoshou had turned up with a pack of all her belongings. Hoping to acclimate her to the impressive structure, Irina had volunteered to be her guide and show Kuroka around.
"Hmmm, I would have thought Dorian's room would be on the uppermost floor," she purred, noting how her room was only on the third floor out of four.
"It...is," she answered tentatively. "On the fourth floor, but YOUR room is here."
Throwing open the door, Irina showed off the spacious accommodations prepared for her. As it would be hers, it was mostly empty in order to allow the newcomer to decorate it with her own belongings. They had clearly underestimated her personal effects as it was doubtful the contents of her case would fill even a quarter of the room.
"It'll do, and my beloved sister is nearby too nya?"
"She's in the Hyoudou residence next door, yes."
"I'll need to go shopping to fill the place out. Oh what wonderful times we'll have," she gracefully leapt, landing on the bed barely moving as if she were as light as a feather. "Must be tough to be in this BIG tower with only one guy, how does he get any work done?"
"Breakfast is at the first floor of the Hyoudou household in the morning," Irina blurted out with a spin to leave. Her face flushed red as she quickly jumped topics fully aware of her insinuation. "We will have to determine an alias for you when talking with Mr. and Mrs. Hyou…"
"Wait little birdy," Kuroka called out before the reincarnated angel could escape. "I won't bite, promise. I had a question if you don't mind nya."
Irina turned; giving a confused expression as the playful catgirl suddenly sounded a touch more serious. Kuroka glanced over her fingernails nonchalantly, acting as if the topic was a spur of the moment question which meant little to her.
"I heard you were reincarnated as an angel using some system of Heaven fashioned after the Evil Pieces. Is that true?"
"It is, the Brave Saints!" She beamed, ever joyful to find a chance to gush about her chosen position in Heaven. "I was Michael's chosen Ace, the first angel reincarnated since they developed the technology and picked SPECIFICALLY for…"
"A yes then?" She cut her off before the speech could truly begin. "Playing cards eh? I guess they like to get unique for each variant. I am a Bishop after all, I suppose Dorian's Bishop now."
"I wouldn't look at it that way. This is not a peerage; we are not Dorian's servants. Everyone here can represent their respective factions to better our cooperation and understanding. Your probation may require your service, but there are no masters here. Always feel free to speak your mind."
Sounds purrrfect, almost too good to be true. I suppose I can stay a little longer, if he's lying at least I can get some kids out of him. If he's not…
"Oh well," she rolled over while kicking her feet and swishing her tail back and forth. "Until this Senet System is done I suppose we'll be roomies. I already gave up a few strands of my hair, who knows what else your little Einherjar will ask for next. What do you do for fun around here? Are angels allowed to…experiment?"
"Classes will be starting up in a few days," Irina ceased her retreat, stepping back inside to continue the conversation. I know Thrud and the others will be practicing but there is so much else we can do! You could help with the roof garden, oh, I was thinking of making a series of DeviTube about studying in a foreign country, you could lend a hand on…"
"I meant the FUN kind of experiment," she moved her eyebrows up and down suggestively with the most incorrigible grin.
"I…no!" She grew flustered again. "Such things are forbidden in Heaven, sinful acts like those would cause me to fall!"
"You mean angels can't get it up? Wow, no wonder the Fallen Angels came about, so you're in the same boat as my people then?"
"W-we CAN do such things," Irina swallowed the embarrassment to educate her new teammate. "But it w-would require a lengthy cleansing ritual and pure thoughts during the…encounter must be maintained."
Kuroka just stared flatly at her as if trying to read whether she was joking or not.
"Sweety, there is no such thing as pure thoughts during THOSE encounters. It's no wonder angels aren't born very often."
"P-please have a good night!" Irina could feel how red she had become before spinning to rush out quickly. "I look f-forward to our time together!"
"About time nya, if you ever change your mind about a nice slumber party just say so," Kuroka purred as she checked the nearby clock. "That should make sure our innocent little angel stays faaarr away when Dorian returns. He'll get a welcome-home he won't soon forget."
Within the Roads…
"Dorian, you don't have to do this yet," Iggy cautioned as they walked the Roads. She had taken a physical form to be by his side but was still worried for his safety all the same. "He isn't going anywhere; you can get better before seeing him."
"I want to," the young man asserted with what confidence he could muster. "It was my decision to drop him in the Roads; if he is going to stay here then he is my responsibility."
"The pup has been quite rambunctious," a melodious voice rang in their ears. "He has exhausted himself for the moment, if you wish to talk then now is the time."
Dorian's eyes perked up as the physical embodiment of Yggdrasil stepped out from behind a nearby tree. He never ceased to be awed by her presence; if her daughter could be mistaken for a princess then she was surely a goddess.
"I am sorry for bringing Fenrir Lokison here," he apologized with a bow, his etiquette in full swing. "I could not think of how else to deal with him before…"
"I witnessed your plight," Yggdrasil calmly interrupted his words, eyes lingering on his missing arm. "I believe my daughter informed you of my love for more company. Fenrir may be among the most powerful beings born, however within Gleipnir he cannot harm my boughs in the slightest. Though I do worry if he and his brother should meet, they were not fond of one another."
"Mother," Iggy smiled as she embraced the avatar of the World Tree. Her elder pulled back when finished, looking her over like a parent checking for dirt after playing outside.
"Oh, how you've grown. Did I not tell you that hiding was unnecessary?"
She nodded with a smile. "I had no idea what it could be like. Even this place is so…different in person."
"I am sorry to interrupt," Dorian stepped forward. "But may I speak with him?"
"You will not understand him; he is intelligent yet has never shown enough interest to replicate your kind's manner of speech. If you are to communicate…"
"You'll need a translator!" A small squirrel plopped on Dorian's head gently. "Haven't gotten to stretch my linguistic muscles in a while!"
"Hi Rat," Dorian smirked as he gave his friend a soft pet to the head, sneaking a handful of strawberries out from his pocket. "Staying out of trouble?"
"Oh you know me, a little prank here, couple of shenanigans there," he mumbled with a mouthful of strawberry. "Fenrir is one angry doggo for what you did. Don't step past the white birch or you'll lose more than an arm."
"Noted."
The one-armed Einherjar walked the rest of the way in silence, spotting the panting body of the immense wolf in the distance. Fenrir was still licking the wounds of the battle, clearly fatigued from escape attempts. The glowing chain Gleipnir was still wrapped around his legs, torso and neck affording some range of movement yet clearly rooted him to the platform. Yggdrasil had manipulated the terrain so that he had his own segment, none of her denizens would come across him by accident. She and Iggy held a respectable distance while Dorian approached the small white birch tree before stopping.
"Fenrir," he called out in a deep voice aiming to show no weakness to the Alpha wolf. "You…"
Fenrir moved faster than thought possible in his lethargy, maw agape he cleared the distance to the unwanted jailor. Just as it seemed he would take the young man's head off the chains snapped tight, stopping the wolf's approach as his teeth snapped shut mere inches from Dorian's nose.
Holy! He thought at the sudden attack, holding his composure externally despite his heart leaping through his throat. I suppose that's the white birch's purpose, a leash marker.
"You and Loki have done terrible things," he started without wavering as Iggy and the others watched. "You did something to Baldur, tell me how to fix it and I will do what I can to ask for leniency."
Fenrir's teeth widened into a mocking sneer, his tongue licking across as a low growl rumbled within his stomach.
"Um," Ratatoskr hesitated translating.
"What did he say?"
"Nothing that'd make sense to you, but roughly it'd be something along lines of asking…if you needed a hand?" Fenrir laughed, fully understanding the group. The sound reverberated across the realm at how little he cared for those that stood before him.
"Hold thy tongue!" Yggdrasil boomed at the mocking tone as branches the size of skyscrapers uprooted themselves and snaked over his head. "Or I shall bind thee so totally that you cannot even breathe without my consent!" That threat alone caused a wave of concern to spread across the god-devourer's visage.
"It's okay, he can't do anything as is," Dorian placated Yggdrasil's wrath with a smile, stepping ahead to face Fenrir head on. "You took my arm and helped wound Baldur; I took your freedom and imprisoned your father. Neither of us have ANY reason to like one another but what's done is done. "Keep my arm; I probably wouldn't want it back as is anyway. What I WANT is to know is what Loki used on Baldur and if there is a cure."
Fenrir stared him down, analyzing every aspect of his tiny visitor before lying down and crossing his paws like a dog preparing to take a nap. Letting out a series of snarls and growls with a snap or two, it was apparent to anyone he was giving a lengthy speech filled with spite. Ratatoskr's frown made it apparent he had nothing helpful to say.
"Sorting out the insults to your pack and mother, he claims to have no idea what Loki used. Apparently he wasn't the question asking type when daddy dearest commanded him. Only said a boney bastard and second father dropped off the ingredients but he doesn't seem to think that means very much. He DOES say that even if he knew how to cure Baldur that he wouldn't tell you for...the freedom of eternity."
Huh, a poetic wolf, wonder what a second father is to him. Dorian swore internally, having hoped that Fenrir could tell him how to save Baldur. He didn't even want to think of how Freyja and Odin were reacting to their son's slow decay.
"Then we have nothing else to discuss," he answered with a touch of spite at Fenrir's unhelpful words. "You will stay here for the duration."
He did not acknowledge the enraged prisoner as roars and snarls followed him until he was far in the distance. The Einherjar knew the way back home and was eager to arrive, feeling fatigued from the journey and gripping his remaining stump. He knew it was just his imagination, but sometimes it felt as if it should still be there.
"Do you…wanna know what he said?" Ratatoskr asked from his shoulder while pointing him in the right direction to ensure they did not get lost.
"That's okay Rat, I don't need a translator to get that last part."
Hope is not lost yet, Yggdrasil gave a parting message before he left her domain. Do not lose heart; know that I will look for any way to help. But until then, are you aware that there were a few feet of Gleipnir leftover after Fenrir was bound…?
Crossroad Tower Downstairs…
"Mistletoe is thought to have special properties associated with easing illness and woes yet in high quantities is toxic," Hecuba muttered sleepily as she poured over the growing library of the Crossroads tower. "Seen as a sign of male fertility…"
"Knock knock," Herja tapped lightly on the library door. She, Brynda and Misty slipped silently inside each holding a cup of coffee and candle. Only Herja had a second which she set down in front of the exhausted Spartan. "Late night?"
"I was just…" she tried to hide her books only for Misty to snatch one, reading it over quizzically.
"Plant life of the gods, Myths of the Ages, Cooking for the Clan?" She read before Hecuba reclaimed each one by one. "What are you doing?"
"Researching a way to help Baldur," she admitted at last. "I can't just sit and do nothing."
"We heard of what happened to Lord Baldur," Misty nodded solemnly; remembering the times he had played in the square for the crowds. Seeing him such was part of what inspired her more theatrical tendencies. "How can we help?"
"If a way is not found, his soul will be bound for Hel," Herja pulled out the nearest tome. "Such is the fate of any who die without a true battle!"
"The Norse realm of the dead?"
"The very same! Loki's daughter presides there, Hela herself. It is well-known that she and Freyja cannot stand each other, she's been hoping to get ahold of Baldur's soul for years."
"Why would she want that?"
"The bards say that she is a collector," Brynda explained. "Accumulating her army of souls for some purpose only she is aware of at the end of days. Baldur is a joining of Aesir and Vanir royalty, there is no other like him in all the realms."
"All the more reason to help find a cure, the gods have all the knowledge of their realms at their disposal so I started looking in other myths for answers. Thrud's arrows from the hydra were a good start, the poison was quite virulent but nothing even close to what has been affecting Baldur if what Thor told us has any truth to it."
"You look terrible," Brynda pointed out. "Let us research a bit longer then go to bed, it will not do to…"
"You all can go to bed!" Hecuba snapped, the guilt of her controlled-actions still lingering despite Michael's words. She did not think herself wholly irredeemable, however until Baldur was well again she felt any leisurely or time beyond finding an answer was wasted.
"Not without you," Herja stood resolute as the others flinched at her sudden outburst. "We'll ALL help, but you can't let this destroy you. "Lord Thor told Dorian to live his life during this time, that referred to ALL of us, you included." She nudged the nearby coffee a little closer, the steam still rising from the cup. "I can bring Bennia up here if you do not see reason."
To Hecuba's infinite surprise, she let out a sputter of a stifled laugh, quickly covering her mouth embarrassed. Despite the insanity she brought, the redheaded fighter had to admit that every day was a little brighter when she came around. With a sigh of defeat, she accepted the cup, taking a long satisfying sip. The strong taste ran down her throat, clearing he sinuses and making her feel at peace if only for a moment.
"Perhaps…one more hour," she acquiesced. "I am still working on Heaven but if you could delve into Fallen Angels and similar works we can clear out a section in that time."
If these do not help, the only other place I can think of is somewhere the concoction would have been devised. Did Loki have a lab of some sort?
Upstairs after Nightfall…
Okay, the angel and blue-girl are nowhere to be seen, Kuroka mused as she snuck through the tower hallways. Thunder thighs and the wilting silver flower are in their own rooms and I haven't seen hide nor hair of the others. Time to strike.
The incorrigible nekoshou gave herself one last look-over, making sure she was as irresistible as ever. Her hair was perfect, kimono pressed down to be even more form-fitting than usual with just the right amount of visible cleavage. There wasn't any conceivable way he could say no a second time and once she got started it'd be too late to stop. Surprisingly, she felt a twinge of pity for his lost limb despite her words the previous day as she turned the doorknob. Dorian was working on a way to help her; it was only fair she returned the favor.
I'll make him forget aaallll about his problems for the night. By the time I'm done with him he'll be the happiest…
Kuroka's thoughts were interrupted as the bite of cold air struck her full in the face causing her to wrap both arms around herself as the feeling spread across her body. She was outside high in the air with the ground approaching fast. She barely had time to realize what happened before becoming submerged beneath the waves. Sputtering, gasping for air and growling low with her ears twitching angrily she flew up, landing on the nearest dry surface.
"Wh-what was…?" She gasped, spitting up water and looking around. She was in a wide expanse of grassy terrain pulling herself out of a small lake. The cold, soaking wet nekoshou did not recognize it but could see the city of Kuoh off in the distance; she had been teleported into the countryside. "That Reaper brat!" She roared, catching the whiff of Olympian teleportation magic in the air. In the focus of her conquest she had missed the magic seal set as a trip mine just outside the Einherjar's room. "When I get my hands on her….!"
Back at the Tower…
The day was too long, Dorian sighed in relief as he reentered his room through a portal. Kicking off his shoes he stumbled into the bathroom to begin the nightly rituals that were far more problematic with only one arm. Even brushing his teeth became frustrating as he was not left handed. Classes will be starting again soon, what will I say to everyone?
His strength sapped, Dorian fell forward into his bed at last, his body still warm from the shower. With a contented sigh at the welcoming blanket he crawled forward ready for a good night's sleep.
"Eep," he heard as his hand found a rather squishy yet firm rounded indentation in his blanket. He squeezed a little tighter, moving it around trying to determine its identity before finally giving up and throwing off the blanket.
"Rose?" He gasped to find a pantless pajama clad Rossweisse lying atop his mattress facing up. She only wore her suit shirt, already several buttons undone, with purple thong underwear, her hair was down without any ribbons and already disheveled from being beneath the sheets. The indentation he had felt was none other than an ample breast, her face flushed red with embarrassment at his fingers which had not extricated themselves from her yet. "What are you doing here?"
"I…well I was surprised you didn't come to my room," she stuttered out every word barely able to hold eye contact. "A-after all that was said in the battle I thought you would want to seal the pact of our relationship."
"Pact?" Dorian was so confused he failed to realize he was still in an awkward position, not that Rossweisse was in any rush for him to move.
"Per tradition," she explained. "When a relationship has been solidified i-it is expected that we are to…" Rossweisse stopped as if saying another word would be the end of her. "We are to consummate our union."
Dorian's eyes shot to the size of dinner plates.
"You mean, right now?" He asked, mind running overtime trying to process what was happening. The woman he had seen as more than a Valkyrie and mentor was lying before him, shirt undone threatening to expose her chest and all else that lay beneath her pajama top. "You haven't been drinking have you?" He sniffed her breath tentatively without finding a trace of alcohol. "I never thought you'd be so…"
He didn't finish as Rossweisse hooked her arms around his neck, pulling the Einherjar into a passionate kiss. What started hesitant and slow quickly picked up pace, Dorian caressing up her sides as best he could with his remaining hand. He deepened the kiss, eliciting a gasp of surprise from Rossweisse who had grown bolder than he ever imagined. His objections died in his throat as he started undoing the remaining buttons of her shirt. With adrenaline pumping through his veins, Dorian kissed down her belly before planting one on her inner thighs. The kiss caused him to suddenly pause, the only thing halting his sudden explosion of energy.
She's trembling.
"Rose, are you alright?" He asked, letting her catch her breath as the silver Valkyrie appeared to have been leaning back and letting him go to work. "You're shaking."
"It's just a little cold," she asserted before reaching down to finish off the last of her buttons, the sides of her breasts visible already barely shielded by her shirt. "We can continue to…"
"Rose," he took her hand with his, eyes boring into aqua pools. She finally stopped; blinking faster than ever as if that would change the situation. He knew her, Rossweisse was level-headed, mature except when it came to her love life and planned for her future every step of the way. He never imagined her in such a position and that knowledge ate away at his curiosity. "Why are you forcing yourself like this?"
"I-it is expected," she blurted out quickly. "I've never felt this way about any boy I've met, if I don't do what is expected then…"
"You are afraid I'll lose interest? Rose that's never been me, I'd never think like that just because we haven't moved to…THAT stage yet."
Rossweisse sat up, closing her shirt a bit shyly as the two stared at each other, her breathing finally calming as she returned to her comfort zone. Dorian tried to understand her thoughts. For years she had been known as the Valkyrie who'd never had a boyfriend, the Virgin Valkyrie, among others. This was a first for her, for both of them, and she was doing everything she thought to ensure that what she had found didn't slip through her fingers.
"I am MORE than interested, never doubt that," he squeezed her hand as the two relived the brief passionate exchange of only a few moments ago. "But if you feel like taking it slow, I understand. I want this to be perfect Rose. I'm not going anywhere."
But what if you are? Dorian shook his head as the sudden sense of dread washed over him. He refused to bow to it again and pushed it aside.
"But," she pushed back a lock of hair between her eyes. "We are expected to be 'together' now that our feelings are known. If others would learn that we are courting and yet in separate rooms it could be misconstrued."
To hell with what others think, Dorian wanted to say but held his tongue. He had learned since meeting her that Rossweisse held the traditions of her people in high regard, especially when it came to family. Mixed with the insecurity over her qualities, however unfounded, caused Dorian to seek a compromise. It did not take long for him to think of an alternative, an idea that his adrenaline and hormone-driven state found more than satisfactory.
"Well," he muttered almost under his breath. "You could always move into my room, there is plenty of space. I believe sharing the same bed would constitute being together, we can work up to everything that comes after."
The look of relief that swept across her face allowed the young man to breathe easy. With a single nod of her head she leaned closer, embracing him as they wrapped arms around one another. They were both inexperienced but willing to learn.
"I can move my things in tomorrow," she smiled back. "For now…let's just stay like this for a little longer."
Asgard…
Freyja's body rose and fell steadily from her seat, dreams troubled by her continued failure over the passing days. No matter how much energy she poured into Baldur or techniques to heal the most grievous of injuries used, his condition never improved. His body was covered from head to toe in green varicose veins thickening with each passing minute. The Goddess of life and fertility stirred, fidgeting with uneasy dreams. Her breathing calmed, if only a little as an immense cloak was laid over her to block out the cool Asgard air.
"Rest easy," Odin muttered to himself more than her. "Damn these old bones good for nothing but fighting and lusting. If giving up my other eye would give us the insight to save Baldur I would…"
"The Mimir Scholars have had no luck father," Vidar reported solemnly from the entrance unwilling to enter and risk disturbing her sleep after so long. "I have been gathering men to make for the well…"
"He'll be dead before a trip could be made and back, we are on our own for now. What of that bastard I once called brother?"
"Loki has been contained in our lowest dungeon, Hades is willing to bury him in Cocytus if need be but I was certain we would need him for the immediate future."
"Too true, has he given us anything?"
"He has not said a word, only stares at me as if I weren't even here. Rossweisse's seals are truly amazing, not even he can move a muscle. Perhaps he is still humiliated at how he was beaten."
"I will make him speak myself," Odin would have slammed Gungnir into the ground were it not for the likelihood of waking his wife. "Has he not given anything away?"
"Nothing, he does not even acknowledge us. It's almost…"
"Almost what?"
"It's almost like Modi was after the magic rune on his mind was activated. The lights are on, but no one is answering."
Odin did not like the sound of that. The Allfather had enlisted Loki for the war and knew him better than any other among the gods. If he was not speaking, whether to gloat or curse, then it meant he was up to something. And if there was one thing they did not want it was Loki further conspiring against them.
"Don't," Freyja mumbled in her sleep softly unheard by the others. "Don't take him, don't take my boys…don't take either of my boys…"
Next Morning…
"Whew!" Thrud sighed with relief as she stepped out of her shower wrapping her body and hair in the nearest towel. "I'll never get tired of that!"
The daughter of thunder let herself drip dry before stepping out into her room to seek clothes for the day. They still had time before classes started up and she was in the mood for some well-earned relaxation. Worry towards her uncle and Dorian's dismemberment rested in the back of her mind but she refused to let it bring her down. Instead she focused on their vain attempts before returning home to give the replica Mjolnir back to Thor. Each time Dorian had materialized the weapon, the instant Thor touched the haft it would dematerialize again, retreating within the Roads with his other gear.
Until Dorian finds out how or why Laerad Ragnarok won't give it back, he's stuck with it…just like Fenrir.
She quickly donned a baggy grey jersey and shorts before making her way to the interconnecting door between her room and Dorian's.
'Wakey wakey, Seekvaira's fight will be on soon and you don…"
Thrud froze, eyes wide as she beheld the state of Dorian's bed. She knew he was a vibrant sleeper and expected a mess, but she was unprepared for what she saw. Dorian and Rossweisse were lying beside each other under the covers, arms intertwined sleeping peacefully.
When did she…? Is this another misunderstanding like before Olympus? No, he was on the couch then. I suppose they did admit everything to one another pretty decisively. Thrud smiled, happy for her lifelong friend who looked content where she lay. Rossweisse never had a boyfriend, I…I should let them have this. Oh mother if you could see me now.
With a smile, she approached the bed ready to wake them up with a teasing jab at their current placement. Gripping the edge of the blanket she pulled back, only to receive her second shock of that morning. Rossweisse was on Dorian's left but snuggled up to his right under the covers was Iggy sleeping soundly nuzzling his back adorned in the dress she had been wearing the previous day. The three looked entirely peaceful, the vision calm and serene while sparks of energy pulsed from Thrud's body in pulses of frustration.
Without a word the energy suddenly ceased, Thrud turned to walk back into her own room as her left eye twitched the slightest bit. All was quiet until she was back inside, the door slowly closing behind her. A tremendous crack of thunder shook the tower, sending Dorian shooting out of bed and tumbling over the side. He held onto Rossweisse as the two slumped to the floor, landing onto a familiar face.
"Iggy?" Dorian gasped as Rossweisse looked to cover up. "What are you doing here?" The daughter of Yggdrasil did not stir, still locked in her pleasant dream from her first night sleeping in a physical form.
"Not thank you," she mumbled with a goofy grin. "I couldn't drink another drop."
Later, downstairs…
"She can materialize in her sleep?" Bennia was gripping her sides laughing. After realizing what she had accidentally done Iggy had retreated back into Dorian and would not come out.
I didn't know that could happen, I physically couldn't manifest while I was hiding in the gauntlet. I guess opening myself up also caused that to occur.
"We'll make sure to knock in the future," Akeno giggled, absolutely loving the embarrassed expression Dorian was trying to hide. "You and Issei have more in common now than you may admit." She of course was referring to Asia and Rias sleeping naked in the perverted Red Dragon Emperor's bed each night, a decision by the two women that still baffled the Einherjar. Even Rossweisse wore pajamas.
"A devastating blow!" An announcer called out on the television screen. "The last of Seekvaira's pawns goes down, can she and her knights turn the tide of this match!?"
While Mr. and Mrs. Hyoudou were out on a much-needed personal outing, the two groups had gathered in front of the enormous plasma screen television on the first floor of their home. On it, they got a channel straight to the Underworld which was currently broadcasting the Rating Game between Seekvaira Agares and Diodora Astaroth. The match selected had been a siege battle with Seekvaira's team having won the coin toss as defenders. Despite the advantage, Diodora had smashed through with a frightening display of demonic power, his queen Rosalina protecting him every step of the way. Seekvaira's Queen, Alivian, a former dragon-turned devil stood in defense of the keep. With his overwhelming power it appeared that the line would hold, none imagined the move when Diodora's bishops sacrificed themselves in a colossal explosion, retiring themselves, the powerful dragon along with half her remaining numbers.
"Diodora is far stronger than I imagined," Rias mused while watching the screen. "I knew he was powerful, but he must have been training his peerage harder than I have the last month. His tactics are also quite ruthless despite his demeanor, even for this competition."
"He's relying on his own power for the end," Thrud commentated, uncertain how she felt about the personal sacrifice of troops. While the retirement system would ensure their survival, there was no doubt they would need substantial healing afterwards. "In his mind as long as he reaches Seekvaira it doesn't matter who else does."
"The keep is breached!" The television continued. "Can Seekvaira's knights hold the line? Only one of the young Astaroth's own melee fighters remains!"
True enough, a young woman with pink hair stepped forward arrayed in blue-grey steel. Atop her head, nearly hiding her brightly-colored locks she bore a helmet flanked by eagle wings, the beaked visor adding to the predatory appearance. Once again, Diodora and Rosalina stepped aside, allowing her to fight alone unaided.
Seekvaira's knights charged, one a powerful red-headed man wielding a greatsword nearly the same size as his opponent wreathed in flames. The second, a tall imposing woman, drew matching warglaives moving to flank her. They were Alexander and Meira, knights long in the service of Seekvaira whom had fought together many years and perfected their team-attack styles. Despite their confidence of skill, their foe scarcely moved.
Diodora's remaining knight, the fallen Saint Catherine was her name, drew a pair of blades similar in build to a katana and wakizashi leaving the third longer weapon on her back. With incredible speed she darted between her opponents, parrying their strikes with each of her weapons. Despite the clear size difference she knocked both off balance, flipping the shorter sword over and burying it in Alexander's chest. Runes glowed across its surface, shattering his triple-thick armor thought to have been unbreakable. His look of shock was just visible before he was teleported out, his injuries severe.
"Alex!" Meira growled as she redoubled her efforts, performing swing after expert swing of her exotic weapons the same color as blood. Despite her best efforts, Catherine kept a nigh-supernatural calm and stoic appearance, back stepping and parrying every attack.
The two were a whirlwind of blades, both the speed masters of their respective teams. Having seen the unbridled power of the blade, Meira took no chances striking fast and retreating after each attempt. For a moment, if only a moment, it seemed that she would come out on top until a blast of energy struck the focused swordswoman in the back, retiring her in an instant. Catherine merely bowed lifelessly before her defeated opponent as she shimmered away.
"She has no pride in her victory," Hecuba remarked while popping a kernel of popcorn into her mouth. "Had they continued either one could potentially have won. Instead her king robs any joy of competition from her."
"And she doesn't even care," Xenovia agreed to a solemn-looking Irina. "It looks like all sense of self-worth was snuffed out long ago."
"Just like on the train," Bennia informed while floating upside down above, an act she could perform once again while the parents were away. "Complete zombiefication."
Diodora, his queen and knight finally reached the chamber where Seekvaira was forced to await her foes per the rules akin to the final boss of the dungeon. She had intended those left to retreat back for a final stand but had lost most in the explosion at the gate. Instead she stood alone, a bead of sweat trickling down her face despite the calm façade she kept up.
"You are too confident!" She shouted, raising a hand as a pair of emerald orbs emerged from each side of the door. This was the ultimate trump card of the defending team for the rating game. "Everyone donated energy before heading out. You face my ENTIRE peerage with this attack!" The Agares heiress formed a bolt of energy, focusing it forward adding to the orbs made up of her team's power.
Rosalina's shield collapsed instantly, Catherine's blades useless as both were blasted from the field and retired. All remaining power fell upon Diodora, crashing down like a wave with no backup left. The seconds ticked by until even Seekvaira's cool shattered at the realization that it wasn't working. Diodora just stood there with a single hand outstretched, holding the orb back, his smile never wavering even a little.
"You have been a worthy opponent," he complimented while stepping forward with a polite bow. "But if I am to win back the heart of the woman who saved my life then I cannot let something so minor beat me, you may have this back."
With a heave of strength, the sphere of demonic and dragon energy was cast back amplified by the Astaroth's own power. Seekvaira held out her hands, unfurling black wings including the maimed half-wing remaining from her match against Dorian. It did not avail her as the young woman was consumed in the blast shattering the throne beneath her.
"And Seekvaira has been bested in an INCREDIBLE fight! Diodora Astaroth and his peerage will continue on to the next round against the Gremory Team. Stay tuned for highlights from the…"
Rias switched the television off, not wanting to see anything more especially with his announcement to winning back the woman who saved his life, clearly referring to Asia. If she left the screen on much longer Issei's furrowed brow would no doubt have deepened even further. She knew Diodora had impressive demonic power, but to repel a blast of Seekvaira's coupled with most of her team gave even the sister to a Satan pause as strategies entered her mind for the upcoming match.
"Well, Seekvaira will have more time to spend here once she's better," Rossweisse sought the silver lining to break up the silence. "Her room was prepared along with Kuroka's."
"Yea Kuroka," Bennia glanced over with a positively sinister grin spreading across her face. "How'd you sleep last night? Hope you FELL asleep pretty fast."
The nekoshou hissed at the reaper but held her tongue, too embarrassed to admit what had occurred.
"Well," Asia tried to diffuse the situation while feeding her dragon Rassei resting on a shoulder. "I for one am excited about the sport's festival!"
"That's right!" Issei jumped for joy. "Asia and I will be in the three-legged race, we'll have to get tons of practice in before the big day!"
"If you can focus on the race that is," Akeno giggled at the blushing face of Asia at the thought of competing alongside Issei despite how close they were nightly. "Have any of you ever been to a Japanese Sports Festival?" The collected Crossroads shook their heads, Irina was the only one who had previously lived in Japan and was far too young at the time.
"Oh you'll love it!" Asia jumped in with her impossible enthusiasm. "There is the three-legged race but you can also do the human pyramids, a relay race or the tug of war…oh, I'm sorry." The former nun apologized profusely as her gaze fell on Dorian, realizing that with only a single arm that most of the events were beyond him. She sheepishly fell into silent mutterings before growing silent entirely.
"Don't worry about me," Dorian assured her, covering the uncertainty in his voice. "I can still enjoy watching the events! Maybe acting as a teacher instead of student, though I have no idea what I'll tell everyone what happened to me."
I could keep up the false arm for you Dorian, Iggy offered immediately. A little extra power and I can make it look completely normal.
"You could barely hold it together for a few minutes Iggy, doing it that much would exhaust you 24/7. No, this is something I need to handle. Maybe I can make up an accident that happened during the break…"
"An amazing accident!" A familiar voice called out to them from the front door.
"Old man Azazel?" Issei asked as he saw the man he looked up to most stroll into the house carrying a long package in his arms. "What are you doing here? I thought you were watching Sairaorg's match."
"Oh that ended almost as soon as it began," he let out a laugh. "Zephyrdor never knew what hit him; a single punch was all it took to end their fight once the two met. I tell ya that new Glasya-Labolas heir is strong but is awful at telling when he is totally outclassed. His older brother might have stood a chance if he were still alive but not that one."
Over already? Well I suppose this is the guy who gave Thrud a run for her money, two blowout matches in a row, can't imagine the Underworld audience is very pleased. That'll put more pressure on the final two fights.
"Then what are you doing here?"
"Still a few months from Christmas but an early present seemed fitting," the Grigori Governor-General announced with a smile, planting the gift in front of Dorian. "A little something for handling that Loki fellow and congratulations, well go on…open it."
"What is it?" Dorian hesitantly tore at the wrapping remembering how the fallen angel loved to troll others. He was half expecting confetti, an explosion or another attempt to scan his Sacred Gear now that its true purpose had been revealed. It was only recently Dorian realized that was why his scanner failed at their first meeting; he was scanning the gauntlet, a mere extension of the true gear.
Everyone gathered around behind Dorian as he threw away the last bits, pulling open the lid of the package. An audible gasp escaped his lips, looking up at Azazel with an expression of absolute gratitude mixed with a hint of trepidation. It took everything to not embrace the man right there, the eyes of so many making him self-conscious.
"I can't accept this!"
"You have to, had a bout of inspiration and stayed up all night finishing it for you with everything INCLUDING the kitchen sink specifically to your measurements. It isn't the real thing, but I hope it serves for the meanwhile. I slipped in a few extra features your lady friends will enjoy I'm sure," he subtly winked mischievously to Dorian who half-missed it with a blush.
Gonna skip right past asking what that means…
Lying before him was a complete arm nigh identical to his lost one down to the length, skin tone, even fingernail length. Where the stump would be, metallic plates and plugs could be seen giving away its identity as a mechanical construct of the same technology Azazel made his own from after the Peace Summit battle. Everyone smiled, glancing between each other with Rossweisse gripping his remaining arm in a reassuring way. Dorian reveled in the comfort, happy beyond words growing even more so as Thrud patted him on the back with a grin. It was Bennia, as always, who injected her cheerful nature into the scene to complete the joy spreading like a wave.
"DIBS ON THE FIRST HANDSHAKE!"
The Crossroads return home to a restful life though the uncertainties and conflicts of the past hound them. One Valkyrie seizes the moment as the other ponders her desires. With a new arm to adapt to the school year at Kuoh continues. Classes resume next time but until then I hope Everyone Reads and Reviews...but most of all Enjoys! Wishing all my readers and your loved ones a Happy end to 2019 with best wishes for 2020! :D
A little bonus question for this last update of the year, there are many short stories and OVAs of the LN and anime of DxD. Are there any in particular like the past SOS chapter you would like to see a Roots version of? If so, it might appear in a later down-time chapter :D