The Roots of Hope

by Dunedan

The apocalypse could not be stopped, at the end of creation a fragment of hope is cast back upon the winds of time to prevent this fate. One young man will awaken from his death into a larger world he never imagined. Trained by Gods, Valkyries and men, can his newfound power stop the coming storm? A power tied to the foundations of Yggdrasil itself...

88. First Steps into a Larger World

Supremum Rex Stulti: Oh wow! Such an in-depth review, I am touched and honored you went into such detail with the good and the bad. I sent you a full reply via PMs :)

Guest1: I mean, the Ophis snakes didn't give that much of power ups for really anyone but Issei in canon. Every single person who used a snake outside him lost the fight they were in. I don't doubt they'd be much stronger, but I don't see them "easily" beating the Trihexa when dozens to 100+ gods in canon combined couldn't do it. You are right though ;) I intend my Trihexa arc to be much different, I loved the concept but felt the end was a bit anti-climactic in canon.

Lorenzo Macchiaveli: Thank you so much! I am so glad you agree, I've known for sometime I was going to have Misla appear to both inspire Sairaorg and witness the fight. It was so satisfying to finally write it out.

Gan315: I am so glad I can brighten your day even a little bit :) As always I sent a full reply of your review via PM. I am honestly surprised they didn't use the lion's axe form in the show. They brought it up, then never showed it when weapon versatility is always fun to use. It means a lot you liked the mental altercation, I know it was a small change from canon but I felt stating firmly that they were the reason for Issei's murderous outburst goes a long way as canon left that rather vague. As for Seekvaira, no spoilers but I will say that not every woman who interacts with Dorian will be romantically interested (Don't want it turning out like Issei in later canon novels lol). It is a tricky balance as I do want to show how close he can bring people through his actions, but not just romance default. To reply to your mention of the art...DEFINITELY XD I have a long list, but those 2 ideas are DEFINITELY on it lol. It's all a matter of when, not if ;)

reality deviant: I get that, to be honest in canon I was rooting for Sairaorg the whole time XD If I had kept the powers and such as they were in canon, Sairaorg's team would have won here 100%...but building Rias to being a devil who can stand both on her own and with her team was something I felt would be the tipping point to victory for her. Alone she and Issei lose to Sairaorg...but that connection between them is the one thing that gives them an edge.

Hollowreaper 93: Hahaha, I'll admit I haven't calculated size compared to Akeno, but they're only bigger in the destruction form...Issei taking a biiiig risk to try and grope those XD

xXWolfsterXx644: Hope the wait wasn't too long ;)

Dragonx411: That is quite the synopsis :D I am glad you enjoyed it so much! Not to worry, Thrud and Rose love seeing each other happy...only a bit of jealousy when seeing the other with him but nothing life threatening XD And yes, this chapter will be the end of the arc. Thank you so much! I hope you have been staying safe as well!

theLawbringer: I'm sorry you did not like the route I went with this arc and chapter, I have sent a full reply in regards to your review via PM :) If it means anything, I do intend the next arc or two to focus more on original aspects, but this story at it's core will always be an OC perspective with rewrites of canon events.

Uday Sra: Thank you!

TheLycan2026: I am so glad you've been enjoying this for so long! I hope to never disappoint. :D

OBSERVER01: Yes! I was so glad to finally write the part of Misla awakening, been planning it for a while. Precisely, alone neither Issei nor Rias could take him...but together they overcame even his strength ;)

WinterRuneWolf: Daaaww, you are too kind :D Thank you for such kind words, and you are so right. I may be in a minority...but I always liked it best after feelings are aired and the relationship can begin. Too often that happens offscreen or after a time skip right before the story ends XD

fanficcyberman: Too true, lots happening and with the end of an arc, after I come back to writing it they'll be sure to have some nice relaxing, wholesome adventures. It'll give Hades time to process what to do about an Old God lurking about Dorian...and I am so glad you agree about actions and consequences. In canon, it bugged the heck out of me Issei tried to straight up murder Kuisha and no one bats an eye or mentions it later. I get heroes having flaws, everyone needs em...but it felt like they were sweeping that one under the rug so to speak. This way, he learns relying TOO much on emotions and takes it into an account to grow for the future. As always, it is so appreciated seeing your review, I have been doing well and pray the same for you and your loved ones.

FateBurn: Thank you!

Gilgamesh50: You mean Gasper's childhood friend? Still a bit off before we see her...though it's funny you mentioned her as I have a very brief almost reference to her here XD As for how she and Dorian will interact...I can't spoil :D

And with that...ONTO THE SHOW!

"Everything hurts," Koneko groaned from her hospital bed. The young nekoshou had remained in the recovery ward with the other members of the peerage and was loathing every moment of it. By her side, Kuroka was administering healing of her own, hissing at nurses who tried to get too close.

"They're just trying to help," the Rook winced with each movement as the last one left. "Where is everyone?"

"They all got their own rooms-nya," her older sister explained. "Your entire team got messed up, doubt any will be visiting for a while."

"But we won?" Kuroka nodded confirmation, giving Koneko a chance to lean back in relaxation as she told the story. News teams would be later to interview her as they were with everyone else. "Thank goodness, that perverted idiot never ceases to amaze, to think they were able to beat him together."

"You'd be so much happier if you found your own perverted idiot," she teased, reveling in the looks of restrained annoyance. "That someone who does progressively stupid things just for you. You are always too serious around boys."

"I don't see that happening, once I can get up, I'll…" The pair paused as the door opened unexpectedly behind them to show a familiar face. "Gaspy?!"

"Thank goodness you're better," the young vampire smiled with innocence that could have put Irina to shame. His assertions of seeing her healthy were undone somewhat by the fact he looked absolutely awful. He was covered head to toe in bandages and healing runes leaning weakly on his IV stand as if he'd pass out the moment he let go. Despite that, he now stood in his teammate's room. "I'm so glad."

"What are you doing here?" Koneko chastised with restrained fury at the sheer force of will he was taking to be there. "You should be back in bed!"

"I was worried about you," he answered honestly. "You weren't moving after the fight. I couldn't stand for the first hour but once I could get up, I had to see. Being able to freeze everyone has its perks."

"That was stupid," Koneko bluntly reprimanded. "You could make it worse, you're not thinking right, like a…"

"A perverted idiot?" Kuroka whispered low in her ear grinning as if she'd just swallowed the canary. Gasper inched closer, finally slumping into the nearest chair. "Maybe he can drink some blood from you, he'd feel aallll better. Or you could drink something from him when you're old enough…"

A resounding smack echoed through the hospital as Koneko punched the back of her sister's head, the older nekoshou just continuing to laugh despite the lump growing at the point of impact. Gasper could only chuckle despite the pain with each motion. All the same, the three stayed there together talking about their plans once they got out.

It's so nice seeing Koneko and her sister getting along. The young vampire started falling back on an old nearly forgotten feeling of nostalgia from before he'd been taken in as Rias' Bishop. It almost reminds me of Va…

"Koneko," he looked to her meal tray laying beside him, interrupting his thoughts. "What is that?"

"Oh, that? Just some food the orderlies brought me. The fish was good but the bread was a little..."

"GARLIC!" He wailed in fear upon realizing the type of bread prepared by the nurses at the Agares Isle Hospital. Despite his sheer terror at the food hurtful to members of his kind, Kuroka couldn't help but notice he refused to budge a single inch from the bedside.

Not Far…

"At least they didn't have any serious injuries," Dorian sighed in relief as they made their way to the last room in the hospital.

"If I didn't know you better, I'd think you were meaning to imply otherwise, an insult to our facilities," Seekvaira asserted, turning her nose up just a bit to stare at him down her glasses. It reminded him a bit of Rossweisse at their first meeting.

The Crossroad Leader and Agares heiress had been making their rounds checking up on their friends after the match. While not quite as effective as Twilight Healing nor Phenex Tears which were in low supply, the members of Team Gremory were recovering nicely. They had skipped Akeno's room, noticing Zepar at her side with an especially large bouquet of flowers and an assortment of exotic foods unique to Agares Isle. From the look of things, the two had already started to dig in with Akeno eating the strawberries in a very suggestive manner.

Kiba's was another they had decided was best not to interrupt. Through the window they could see Xenovia and Sona's Queen Tsubaki flanking his bed on either side. Both were gripping a pillow, each intent of fluffing it for him over the other. Instead, it had devolved into a tug of war, leaving the blonde knight with an awkward expression alternating between looking like he was in Heaven or Hell. Despite most getting private rooms, Issei and Sairaorg had been put into the same one, making the next visit one for both sides of the conflict. By the time they arrived, it was clear they'd already been speaking.

"So, I lost," Sairaorg sighed, Issei lying in a separate bed next to him covered in bruises, still healing from the legendary pounding they had given each other. "My memory is…Oh, Mr. Held, Seekvaira. Please tell me you got to see the end of our conflict, the finest fight I have ever had!"

"Only you could call that a fine fight," Seekvaira huffed. "You beat the tar out of each other and nearly destroyed the arena. You're lucky there is no permanent damage!"

"That's the way it's done," Issei grinned, wincing as a wave of pain wracked his body. "Wouldn't have had it any other way."

"Thought this may help," Dorian generated a sphere of Hestia-fire between them, soothing the pair and causing the pair to lean back with a satisfying smile. "Seeing that even made me want to face you two. That was…intense, but I'm all better, see? I can fight at full power again," he flexed his arms to showcase his renewed strength and energy.

"Someday Mr. Held, to be sure and you must regale me with how you overcame your weakened state. To face the Red Dragon Emperor himself and come out ahead," Sairaorg sighed contentedly. "And then to see a new evolution of my dear cousin, nothing could have happened to make that bout more satisfying, not even my own victory."

"What about your backers?" Seekvaira asked with a worried expression, Dorian understood. They followed him before due to his strength, with having lost the match, that support for his ideals was in jeopardy. "You worked so hard to..."

"Fear not!" He bellowed with a laugh, hiding the pain. "They visited as my rival slept. While I lost the match, I won the fight with Mr. Hyoudou in their eyes. The following loss to Rias with her brandishing a form reminiscent of her exalted brother was impressive even to them. They will continue to follow and recognize me as the next Bael heir despite my father's continued objections. I can still build upward, that is what matters most here. Ms. Sitri even stated she wished to discuss a proposition with me later."

"Did someone mention me? My ears are burning," A red-haired man entered the room flanked by two others.

"Lord Sirzechs," Issei sat up in his bed. "Lord Ajuka, Mr. Azazel, what are you doing here?"

"Firstly, to congratulate you two on a superb fight," Rias' brother started. "The children especially are STILL here talking about it. We can just imagine what future matches involving you both will be like."

"Exciting news to be sure," Ajuka added next. "We have decided to take up Azazel's proposition. Starting in the next season, tournament matches shall be opened to ALL comers be they devil or otherwise, at least for public matches. We will hold our own rankings of course among our kind; however, fights shall include any within our greater alliance."

"You'll need a peerage team of your own soon to compete," Azazel teased Dorian with a jab. "You have plenty of volunteers by now, I am sure. Imagine it, a Rating Game Champion from every faction with a Grand Champion above them all."

"So quickly!?" Everyone in the room was shocked. "They are willing to make that switch over one match?"

"Well, not just due to the match," Ajuka stepped up to Dorian, placing a hand on his shoulder. "It's also thanks to you."

On cue, the door swung open, the gentle squeak ushering through a woman in a wheelchair. She looked a little ragged, clearly doing her best to stay as perky as she could despite clear exhaustion, it was the face they all recognized from the previous week that the audience saw upon the jumbotron.

"Mother," Sairaorg wiped tears away again. "But you were in the Sitri hospital…"

"It is true, I felt so exhausted I could barely lift my head," she admitted with a growing smile of joy. "But then, a strange blue portal opened right next to my bedside…" Both mother and son glanced over to Dorian simultaneously who couldn't resist a proud grin of his own.

"I maaaayyyyy have stopped over after the fight, Sitri territory was surprisingly close through the Roads. The doctors said it was okay as long as a few of them got to come on through as well to monitor her."

"And what a beautiful realm you travel," her eyes sparkled at the memory of the trip being pushed along the branches of Yggdrasil. "It was as if being there was enough to give me the strength to make the journey."

I'm sure Yggdrasil had something to do with that.

"My memory was so jumbled after taking those hits; I was afraid that part seeing you had been a dream." He tried to get out of his bed, immediately regretting the decision and collapsing back into it from the searing pain.

"Will you please get me closer before my son kills himself trying to reach me?" Misla said only half-jokingly, the orderly quickly followed her orders. She was practically engulfed in Sairaorg's mass upon reaching the bed as the two embraced, whispering to each other things no one would dare try to overhear.

"Seeing an ailment that has afflicted our people for so long cured within a matter of weeks made the majority consider what else may be possible through interacting with other realms," Ajuka finished while they were busy. "It is a truly interesting question."

"As for you Issei," Sirzechs turned to the young student. "There has been talk of a promotion for you and the rest of Rias' peerage. With all you went through against the Brigade, coupled with your splendid performance today, that it is more than earned. It is rare for one as young as you all to receive it."

"We're becoming middle-class devils?" His eyes lit up along with Sirzechs' happy expression. "I thought it'd be years before then!"

"Considering your punches just annihilated a small dimension, I'm pretty sure you go beyond middle-class in everything but name right now," Dorian remarked in honesty.

"And you are considered a hero to the children of the Underworld," Sairaorg added to help Issei process the great honor being bestowed once he finally released his mother from the warm embrace. "You have accomplished so much with your friends; I saw the children cheering for you. Your series has inspired them in ways not seen in years. Why, I've even caught a few of my own team watching it in their spare time."

Had to get past a small army, Dorian sighed with a chuckle, recalling the hordes of fans waiting to see Issei get better, more than a few coming after him upon recognizing the Einherjar as the High King. He had to promise more than once not to attack the Oppai Dragon while he was recovering, thankfully they took his word for it.

"The kids..." The mention of the children reminded Issei of what he'd nearly done, sending a wave of guilt through him. "Sairaorg, about Kuisha…"

"No need to say the words. Regulus was able to sense the darkness within the gear influencing your actions toward Kuisha and explained it all to me, she has already forgiven you as have I. She is making sure the others are recovering well as she was the only one who emerged unscathed. I am sure forced bedrest is driving Hikari insane. If you still desire to apologize in person, it can wait until later."

"Thank you," Issei smiled wide, barely able to contain his relief with a wipe of welled up tears from his eyes. The look of happiness only lessened a bit as he pondered what to do when he left that bed.

The things I said to Rias…I need to talk to her about that, the school festival will be the perfect time. She's probably recovering in a room just like me right now. I can't back down now that I found an answer to give her.

"Dorian," Misla Bael turned to face the Einherjar who was preparing to depart to give them privacy. "They told me it was your body that led to the cure. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for giving me back to my son. I could hear my niece before I awoke, like we were connected somehow."

"That must have been Issei's Boobling…his ability he tried to use to wake you up before. Maybe when the cure started working, your minds were still linked. I didn't do anything," he tried to deflect, her gentle eyes hard to bear looking right at him with such light. "The doctors are the real miracle workers."

"But without you, they would have had nothing to work with. Your name is being spread among the upper levels of the Underworld as we speak. They were already discussing replicating it for use on the other patients from what I was told, I am sure you'll be getting a call asking for more samples soon." Dorian internally cringed at the thought of going through the tests again. "If all goes well, that wing of the hospital will be empty by the end of the year and countless families will be reunited…all of them with your name on their lips. I may no longer be the Bael Matriarch, but I swear that so long as I live, you and your Crossroads shall have my friendship and support."

"And mine as well," Sairaorg asserted. "But don't think that'll make me lenient next time we cross fists."

"That's one Hell of a way to get your name out there," Azazel slapped him on the back. "Even our Ms. Agares has family with the Sleep Disease who must be grateful, isn't that right?" Seekvaira looked away, hiding a soft blush, and refusing to answer his question.

"Perhaps this room is too crowded," Sirzechs sweat dropped as he stood up again. "I will send you the promotion details later Issei, for now you both deserve some rest, and I am certain Sairaorg would like to catch up with his mother."

"I can leave too," Issei tried to get up but was motioned back down by Sairaorg.

"Nonsense! This is a blessed occasion, and I am sure my mother would cherish the chance to meet the man who gave me the best fight of my life before meeting my peerage! Mother, allow me to introduce Issei Hyoudou, the Red Dragon Emperor of his generation. Your speech to Rias was SPLENDID, I am glad you two have finally unveiled your feelings."

"It was...great," Issei leaned back into his bed with a smile yet still an uncertainty behind it. "But I still need to give her my answer in regards to my harem dream. I don't know how she'll react."

"All you can do is tell the truth," Misla offered with a kind smile that somehow reminded him of Sairaorg's battle grin. "I was briefly linked to her thoughts and...well, I won't reveal what I saw, but you have a strong place in her heart. She is lucky to have one such as you."

A strong place?

"And if that one in a million happens that all does not go as you planned," Sairaorg interjected. "Then see me afterwards and I will drown that sorrow until only joy remains!" He cleared his throat upon seeing his mother's eyes wondering just what he'd have planned for the young man.

Well, if nothing else I have a fallback plan, the young Red Dragon Emperor chuckled. But I'm not giving up, whatever happens next...I'll be able to say I was honest and tried with all my soul to try and make mine and Rias' dreams into one.

Outside the Room...

Dorian and the others slipped out before hearing any of the private conversation, closing the door softly behind them. Ajuka was the first to turn to him before he could get too far, speaking softly.

"We found no signs of further anti-monsters nor who could have smuggled it onto the island. I am afraid we don't know any more of that strange device you and Ms. Agares described either."

"I don't like it," Dorian admitted with a grimacing expression. "They wouldn't have sent something that strong just to hide in a room. There had to be another reason."

"And we shall find it, sooner or later." Sirzechs interjected. "Do not let it weigh on your mind, I'll be visiting my sister next. I had no idea she'd come even close to such an evolution of her abilities; it took me centuries to fashion my own and even now its powers can be…temperamental. Perhaps she…oh, it would seem you have a visitor." To his joy, Freyja could be seen approaching clearly looking to speak with him.

"Will you be staying long?" She asked, patting him on the head by reflex. "Vanaheim awaits your return home."

Home, I seem to be finding a lot of those in recently months. I like the feeling.

"I think we are good?" He asked Seekvaira, uncertain if she had any further business in her family home.

"Indeed," she looked over her schedule. "Father insisted on taking over the continued investigations of the infiltration despite my objections. With that done, my day is blessedly clear. I am a member of the Crossroads after all, my Agares duties will not come to the forefront until I inherit their position."

"I saved the apple," he started to reach into his pocket only for Freyja to gently take his hand to halt the attempt.

"Not here, we have much to discuss regarding that but let us do that later now that it has been given. I believe you had something planned upcoming?" Freyja clapped her hands with excitement. "A festival of some sort at your school? Oh, we would just be elated to attend! Tell Iggy we have heard such stories of her sewing work. Can she hear me right now?"

"Iggy…" Dorian answered slowly, uncertain how to explain it. "Is sort of helping out a few friends right now."

Within Dorian's Mind…

"Boob Dragon…BOOB DRAGON!" Ddraig sobbed as the pent-up frustrations of the recent months were released all at once. "I was the most feared Dragon of my era and now I am remembered for that!? And a Sponge Dragon too!?"

"Second most feared!" Albion corrected, the White Dragon sitting next to him in the landscape of Dorian's mind. "And to be referred to as a Butt Dragon, you have battled me for ages past, yet to reveal that to the fair daughter of Yggdrasil was the lowest blow yet!"

"It's okay," Iggy tried to calm them, the three currently residing in a section of his mind where she could communicate with other Sacred Gear spirits if they were close enough and open to the contact. "I know you aren't like that, and mother says we rarely get to pick how history remembers us. What is best is to try and live how we can. More tea?"

"Please," Albion extended his empty teacup, allowing the daughter of Yggdrasil to pour him another from the steaming pot on the table between them. "Your hospitality and kindness are rivaled only by your patience giving an ear to our plights."

"Tea?" She offered the pot to Ddraig next.

"You do realize this isn't real, right?" He looked at her with an initially cold expression. "This is just a mental construct of…"

The Red Dragon froze, the smile on Iggy's face lessening somewhat at his words anticipating what he was going to say next. The young daughter of Yggdrasil clearly had taken great pride in her creation set aside for them and he risked bringing that elation down. He even thought he saw her lips tremble ever so slightly.

"…I would love another cup," he sighed in defeat, holding it out to her renewed joy. "Is your wielder also participating in this festival?"

"Oh yes," Iggy remarked enthusiastically before taking a seat to join them. "They'll be showcasing all my creations. Admittedly I am very nervous, some of these were a first for me."

"Vali never went for such frivolities," Albion admitted. "We had…other things on our minds."

"Anything you want to talk about?" Iggy laid a hand on Albion's scaly hand, her smile brightening up even that ancient dragon's demeanor. "Or perhaps you'd like something set aside for him? I make stuff for men too."

"That won't be necessary, but thank you. More please?" She could not refill his cup fast enough. While the White Dragon would not talk about his and Vali's past, that did not prevent them from other discussions such as personal opinions on the actions of their possessors. Iggy, as always, kept their words in the strictest confidence.

"The kid did good," Ddraig complimented Issei to the pair. "He may have lost to Sairaorg personally, but without him even that new form of Rias Gremory wouldn't have stood a chance. Though it does get my blood boiling, I'll have to have a rematch with that devil-lion one of these days after we get the hang of the new armor!"

"You are not alone," Iggy added quickly. "Dorian too has been getting a bit anxious to test his strength against him. Ever since their first spar where they only used their fists. He isn't usually like this; it must be a leftover of the Einherjar magic. Ragnar and Thrud would be so proud."

"Think we could work some of that into Issei?" Ddraig asked both making a jest while being half serious. "I got a glimpse of that side of him today; I want to see more."

"I could ask Dorian," she tilted her head upward in thought as she took a sip of her own cup. "But I don't think it works that way." Ddraig cursed slightly under his breath, looking up sheepishly as if making sure Iggy did not hear. "But I want you two to make a promise, that you won't let these nicknames get to you." The two dragons glanced at each other grumbling under their breath as if trying to make a halfhearted agreement. "I said promise me!"

"I promise, I promise," they both stuttered at the same time as the fellow spirit's cheeks puffed out almost pouting at their hesitation.

"Perfect!" Her chipper smile returned. "And if it ever gets bad, just come back here and we can talk again. I quite enjoy this having someone new to visit." Despoina had hidden with the dragon's arrival, worried how they may react to her presence after her original self's actions at Olympus.

"That is an oath I will wholeheartedly make," Albion agreed. "But only if you promise to continue making such delicious tea. "If there is nothing else…"

"Oh, but there is!" Iggy quickly added as if it had slipped her mind. "You both haven't had bodies in so long. I've only been in my gear seventeen years and can manifest myself, but you have been centuries and don't have that luxury. I am sure there are…niceties that you have missed." The two dragons glanced at each other as she stood up, approaching them, and leaning forward with her wholesome smile intact.

"Wh-what did you have in mind?" Ddraig asked sheepishly.

"Why…to see if you'd like the try on a few of my ideas! I wondered what if a dragon needed to look fancy!" None would have believed the Heavenly Dragons who had shaken Heaven and Hell in their age-old struggle could have looked so perplexed and trepidatious in that moment as a vast wardrobe prepared in secret opened behind them. "Two words…Dragon Tuxedo! Can you both take humanoid forms? It doesn't matter, I always love a challenge!"

Agares Territory Airspace…

"We were right," Moloch remarked into a crystal set into the table before him. The elder devil succeeded in making it to his personal airship before the investigation had a prayer of reaching him and was on his way back to friendlier territory. "An energy source unrivaled in both power and intensity. Agares Isle will serve our purposes when the time comes. That, and the other aspect I mentioned…"

"One of the First Beings returned…and stalking that Asgard boy. Or maybe they never left," the voice of his subordinate echoed from within the crystalline construct. "It is disappointing you could not make contact with it."

"I would have been ill prepared to stalk one of their kind and increased the likelihood of being caught." He insisted, though scratched the back of his head as if uncertain if he were remembering the events of his search correctly. Something didn't feel right and he didn't like the feeling.

"Just imagine the knowledge that could have been gleamed from it. Why, with power like that not even the current Satans could stand against us. Does your finger still pain you?" Moloch flexed his still-missing ring finger taken during the fight with the Gremory rulers, the flame of hatred fanned once more.

"You've no idea how tempting it was to try and destroy that arena just to take out their daughter," he ignored the question, tipping his hat over his eyes to relax during the long flight home. "For now, there are too many eyes on the boy, we can turn our own to him later. Are your own machinations proceeding apace?"

"I need more samples to complete the emulation, but the data we acquired from the Grigori has moved up my timetable by years. I have to admit that Azazel is cleverer than I assumed, artificial Sacred Gears could be a reality in less than a year. I looked over that boy who the elder one is interested in, his beloved is quite fetching, she reminds me of...nevermind. Considering he bested one of Leonardo's best constructs, I will add him to my calculations.

"Excellent Euclid, I'll be back shortly and we can plan the upcoming excursion. The Heroes may have their war and we may make our preparations unmolested. I must admit, I am quite curious to see what things look like at the end of the world…"

Kuoh Academy, several days later…

"Tickets please," Irina called out as a group of students approached the entrance to the first floor. "Thank you, please enjoy! And remember everything seen on stage will be on sale after the show with proceeds going towards the school."

"How can they afford to sell these so cheap?" One girl gushed, seeing that a series of tables had been interconnected to make a runway where currently several women were walking across. All around, students from every class and year were gathered admiring the exotic clothing being showcased. "These are nicer than anything I've ever seen!"

"And on the runway, we have the lovely Hecuba sporting a teal ensemble native to her home country of Greece," Dorian stood at the back where the curtain led to the changing rooms. He was decked out in a fitting tuxedo that was nearly as popular as the women's clothes holding cue cards. "Fashionable and very comfortable for that warmer weather when you just want to look good and feel better."

"Aika did good on writing the lines," Sona had to admit as she watched with an intensity that made those around her nervous. As head of the Student Council, it was her job to make sure the show adhered to school protocols, particularly in the clothing. So far, while one or two had come close, none on display had broken the rules and she found herself enjoying it more and more. As a thank you for writing the cue card lines, Aika had been permitted to take part in the show, currently strutting across the stage in a southern bell dress that, while modest, hugged her features a bit too closely for comfort.

"Think you'd want one Pres?" Saji asked ever at her side. "A few would suit you."

"I don't have time for such things," she quickly shot down before glancing to the young man's nervous expression. "What did you do?"

"I…might have bought one for you already, that black and purple number with the big hat that was up a few minutes ago. You just seemed to really like it." He flinched back as if expecting a retaliation that never came. Instead, she turned to the side, speaking so low Saji barely was certain she'd said anything.

"That was unnecessary…but thank you." That simple line brought a bigger smile to his face than was expected, his confidence soaring at her clearly trying to avoid his gaze.

"Just breathe, you're doing great!" Bennia asserted to Hecuba onstage who was looking a little nervous. "Pretend like they're your troops!"

"I don't know how you talked me into this," she whispered back harshly, her discomfort at being the center of attention in that manner starting to get to her. "I may have bathed with my troops occasionally but never wore something like this before them!"

"Think of it like a battle," Thrud spun on the runway once, causing a pair of third-year students to fall over from shock. "I'm sure more than a few of your men back in Olympus fancied their intimidating commander, maybe some liked that sort of thing." The look of horror on Hecuba's face at the insinuation was beyond priceless.

"And the enchanting Thrud, one third of Kuoh's Goddess Trinity decided to bring you all this powerful ensemble. A modern take on the 18th century Renaissance-era tunic and belted dress. Whether it's enjoying the rugged countryside or defending your home from bandits, be sure to know how to look beautiful and practical."

"Each pack allows up to ten photographs with two separate outfits," Zepar explained, manning a booth just off to the side of the stage dressed in what appeared to be a pharaoh from ancient Egypt complete with headdress . "You may select your options here, if you wish to purchase them, please place an order and it will be available for pickup at the end of the festival."

"I'll take two sets," Katase from the Kendo club requested with a smile. "One with the Edo-period kimono and the second with him!"

She pointed to Ratatoskr, currently deep in his acting as a normal squirrel. He'd been provided a miniature Hawaiian shirt and black sunglasses, his enthusiasm running around as if confused by it being a high point among the class bringing in a lot of business from the other students. Motioning to the girl as if trained to do so, the small squirrel bounded to her shoulder, riding it, and reveling in the ear-scratches as she entered the photo booth.

"You're making a killing," Zepar sat up straighter as Akeno approached wearing her priestess outfit he never got tired of seeing. "I had a break with Koneko watching our shrine and wanted to see. I am glad I didn't miss it."

"And Bennia Orcus!" Dorian announced with more enthusiasm as he got more and more into the role. "Has donned an elegant evening gown hailing from the distant country of Turkey!" The half-grim reaper spun, letting the emerald-green sleeves sway in the air and the veil hanging off her hair swirl around her. "Give them a round of applause!" The students attending were more than happy to oblige.

"I never imagined it would be so popular," Zepar straightened his ornate mantle. "With our profits, Kuoh will have an even larger budget for next year by a considerable margin. "It will open the options for what we can do. Hecuba even had time before her class's play to help and Irina's turn on stage just ended."

"Well, here's something to help the budget further," Akeno placed a stack of money in front of the surprised fallen angel. "I'll take five sets…all with you."

"That…" He cleared his throat at the hungry expression she was giving him. "…will give you the option of up to ten different costumes. Did you have any in mind?"

"Hmmmm," She looked over the racks of clothes though seemed to have an answer already prepared. "Do you have anything with a Cleopatra look?"

"Well, we did, but it was deemed too revealing and didn't make it into the lineup. It should be somewhere in storage." He stopped as she saw the wide smile on his beloved's face, clearly having found great joy in the fact the costume did in fact exist.

"Well then, I'll take a few sets with what we have here…and the rest with that later when it's just the two of us."

Backstage…

"They love them!" Iggy peeked through the small opening of the drapes separating her from the stage as the girls walked around. "More than half of what I made for today has already been reserved for sale!"

"Sorry that so much of your work is going," Xenovia buttoned up her uniform shirt, having finished her time on stage and preparing to see the rest of the class projects. Iggy only shook her head in response to her words.

"No! No apologies, this is wonderful! They'd just be sitting in the Roads or back at the Tower otherwise. This way they are used, really used, and worn by everyone. I was amazed how fast the military uniforms went."

"A lot of the boys at this school are fans, apparently, to say nothing of the history club," she shrugged her arms with a restrained smile. Iggy was always so innocent it was contagious. "Don't you want to be out there? You are dressed for it." The young spirit had donned an ornate gown mixing Victorian-era attributes and those of the more traditional kimono made of a hue that brought out her eyes and hair.

"Oh, no," she tried to wave off the sudden question. "Seeing others enjoy my work is what is important, I don't need credit."

"But you deserve it," she slowly advanced on the young spirit. "Sorry, if you need to blame anyone, blame Dorian." With a single push, Xenovia gently bumped the young woman through the drapes. Before Iggy could tumble over, she was caught with each arm by Thrud and Hecuba in what was clearly a coordinated effort.

"Smile Iggy, your gushing fans await," the daughter of thunder whispered as they spun her around to face the audience, Dorian flipping the microphone with a flourish as he took great pleasure in the next part.

"Fellow students of Kuoh Academy, allow me to introduce the magnificently talented Ms. Iggy who is responsible for designing, sewing, and otherwise making all the wonderful creations you have seen here today. She is a little shy, so be sure to give her a warm welcome!"

Iggy looked to be turning as red as the Gremory's hair as cheers and applause erupted from those still in the room for the runway show. Her first thoughts drifted to how she would smack Dorian again and again for the plan, however they soon fell away as she saw the looks on the student's faces. They were so happy, several still in the process of taking photos in the outfits she had spent so long making. She was nearly brought to tears of joy, bringing her hands to her face as Dorian handed her the microphone. She accepted it, though scored a jab to his ribs for good measure.

"Um," she shirked at loud feedback from the microphone but quickly adjusted. "Thank you everyone. When I started doing this, it was just to keep busy, so that I felt like I was doing…something." She paused, Dorian taking a step closer, her words sounding more serious, running deeper than he expected. His spirits rose as her voice did. "But, seeing you all enjoying what I've made, cherishing it, and having so much fun, it makes it mean so much more than that! From the bottom of my heart, thank you and I hope you get many years of enjoyment from everything you see and do today!"

"That is so sweet," Freyja gushed at Iggy's speech as many moved in to introduce themselves, Dorian eyeing Motohama who had moved in with a suspicious expression on his face. The Einherjar's worry seemed warranted as the member of the perverted trio ducked out upon seeing the Einherjar advancing. Aika just grinned at his misfortune, following him on his way out still wearing her dress.

The goddess was dressed in a humble sweater and skirt combination, Odin similarly wearing an inconspicuous outfit to blend in with the other parents. "Oh, look at this one!" She held up a gown clearly inspired by ancient Nordic culture that had yet to be claimed. "I am pretty sure I owned one just like this a few centuries ago."

"I remember it looking more appealing on our floor," he eased up behind her in a tender fashion. "It is on sale after all, we could relive those memories."

Even he was surprised by how quickly she paid at the stand, Zepar only halfway through his sets with Akeno in the photo booth. It wasn't much longer before the show started winding down, hours having passed yet few realized with the excitement of the day. As expected, the wardrobe had all gone, every article of clothing from full ensembles to hats and accessories had sold. Already, the young daughter of Yggdrasil was contemplating her next creations.

"I set aside a few for Rossweisse," Iggy promised Dorian as he leaned back on the steps catching his breath, tie loosened and shirt unbuttoned to let him breathe. His voice was hoarse, and he was sweaty from wearing the suit all day under the hot lights, yet all the same could not stop smiling.

"It's too bad teachers can't participate," he sighed with a daydream of what Rossweisse would have looked like onstage with the dress he'd made her back in Kyoto. "I haven't had this much fun with a school project since the Christmas pageant in England. You really are a miracle worker." Iggy could only fidget next to him at the words, not even realizing she was remaining in her physical form despite her discomfort rather than retreating into his mind as she often did before.

"I-I think she was sent to oversee the Occult Research Club's festival submission," she pointed out, having overheard Sona discussing the day's tasks with Saji. "She was afraid she'd be there all day."

"Why didn't you say so earlier!" Dorian stood up, extending his hand to her. "I have a coupon from Gasper, we can take a load off and see how she's doing."

"O-okay," she wiped a strand of green hair from her face as she accepted his outstretched hand. "I have always wanted to see a haunted house, you and Irina always talked about them years ago but never saw one. I wonder how scary it is…"

Elsewhere…

After finishing the follow-up commentary for the Rating Game, Azazel made his way towards the VIP room with a satisfying yawn. He had to miss out on the festival, but he was okay with that. Just another sacrifice needed to act the adult, a role he wasn't fond of but had adapted to playing well. He almost held out hope he could get some rest, a hope shattered as he spotted someone exiting the very room he hoped to enter.

"Ah, Lord Śakra," he greeted as was proper but with as little extra flair as possible. Despite the god's laid-back appearance and aloha shirt, Azazel knew full well he was anything but. "I hope you enjoyed the match and my glowing commentary the other day."

"It was smoking hot!" He blurted out with enthusiasm. "Oh fallen-angel brother of justice of mine, especially since your student's team won the match, too bad he couldn't quite seal the deal himself. He and the others have powers that go beyond common sense, I don't see any teams other than professionals standing a chance."

Azazel held his composure before the god of indomitable power surpassing even most other gods. One known as the Emperor of Heaven among the top five strongest in the world that even Asura had fallen in battle to. Cracking his neck, he took the plunge having planned to ask a question to the deity eventually. That moment seemed as good as any and saved him time later.

"There is something I wanted to ask you."

"What a coincidence! I had questions for you as well, but I am ever the picture of propriety, you may go first."

"I fought with that kid, Cao Cao in Kyoto and noticed a certain…familiarity to his style. It wasn't obvious, subtle almost like the leftovers of training one would have as a child. I couldn't quite place it until recently, your style. You knew about Cao Cao, didn't you? For quite a while now, ever since he was a kid." He did not like the god's smirk in response.

"Is that so wrong? That I happened to know a brat ages ago and showed him the ropes of combat? Are you more upset I knew him or that I didn't tell you about it?"

"Indra, you…" Azazel uttered his true name, utterly baffled by his cockiness not even caring who knew the secret, having gone out of his way to reveal everything himself.

Was he…grooming him for battle? To what end?

"You look so serious, what dark thoughts about myself are you contemplating now?" He laughed a bit while speaking. "Don't make that face young Aza, I'm not the only one with their hidden agendas. Me, Odin, Zeus, Hades, those old relics hiding out in Egypt, even you, or did you think I couldn't see your little discussions?"

Azazel paled at the smug gaze locked solely onto him. There was no doubt in his mind, Indra knew of his recent talks with a certain questionable individual and could spill the beans at any time.

"Everyone thinks they are so clever, talking about peace and negotiations when in their mind just plot how their myth can come out on top or wipe out the others. I think that naïve excuse for a god Odin and Zeus are the only ones not thinking like that every day. So many gods fell low because one's territories or another took away followers, that's how we got reduced from realities to myths in the first place. They all plot in their own ways, and I will sniff them out."

"How is that going with our dear Einherjar then?" Azazel quipped, drawing a frown for the first time from the Hindu god. "You must know aaalll about his secrets if you are so set on sniffing things out. What are the Crossroad's plans for the future?"

The silence was palpable and filled Azazel with a swell of confidence. For the first time he'd ever seen, Indra's arrogance was lessened if only a little to be replaced by anger. It was a dumb move he was fully aware, but a satisfying one.

"I know full well how leaders think, having been one for a spec of time compared to you," Azazel started before Indra could speak reply. "Everyone would take an opportunity if presented to them, we aren't much different from humans in that respect. But what matters is the present, with the Khaos Brigade running around, none can make a move like that lightly else they be on the outside alone next they attack. Once the Brigade are dealt with, then you can think about squabbling with the others. Until then, everyone needs allies."

"That day will come, mark my words, the Khaos Brigade won't be around forever. You send this message to your little protégé and his friends," Indra stuck a finger towards Azazel's nose. "He fought well, but if he keeps growing and becomes a threat to the world then I'll eliminate him myself down to his very spirit so nothing remains. Enough of us claim the name of Heaven, we don't need more dragons doing it too. As for that Einherjar…"

He paused, Azazel couldn't believe it, he was uncertain. He knew well that his vaunted clairvoyance was included in the time-based abilities that couldn't touch Dorian. How many millennia had he seen clearly the intentions of those around him with utter clarity? To have one that suddenly is a complete mystery to him looked quite frustrating, and the Grigori leader was loving every second of it.

"He may be the biggest danger of them all. He is an anomaly, an aberration in the world that should be burned out. Loop him with my previous warning, if I deem him a threat, I will take his head myself. A shadow follows him that will be the doom of those closest, mark my words. Until that day, I will cooperate from the outside. The alliance is not certain and there are many other nuisances like Ophis running about. But you know that better than most, don't you?"

Indra left with that final word, allowing the last jab at his clairvoyance to sink in. Azazel breathed deep that it was finally over, at least for the moment.

Indra, Moloch, Hades, Ophis, Cao Cao, even that Kassaegtha, just how many more are going to pop up? Ophis feeds them her snakes making them drunk on power while this scary stalker entices secrets making them bold. How much more chaos will ensue before this is done? I hope the kids are up to it, this may be a bit beyond what we old fogies can handle. Why does that thought actually give me a bit of hope?

Occult Research Clubhouse…

"One coffee and one hot cocoa?" Rias asked as she laid the drinks on the table, Dorian and Rossweisse happily accepting them with a smile.

Their friend was wearing one of the waitress uniforms provided by Iggy as were the other women of Occult Research Club working. The line had been longer than Dorian thought but it was nice to get off his feet with Rossweisse at last. To their surprise, Honda had been outside handing out fliers showcasing the café in addition to the fortune-telling stands at the end of the hall and around the corner. With a faux helmet courtesy of the prop department, none were the wiser it was in fact an empty suit. Bennia, once she was done showing off her dress, had returned to start prophesizing the love lives of her fellow classmates.

"It looks like this was a resounding success," the Einherjar complimented, unable to hold back a chuckle at Iggy sitting at another table talking with several girls he recognized from the class. They all looked very confused as the young woman had already drank a half dozen cups of tea and was working on her fifth piece of cheesecake. "Though you may regret that free coupon…I gave it to Iggy."

"Not at all," she looked up at the group while scanning the room. "Look how happy everyone is, the outfits you sold made our photo option even more popular!"

Sure enough, around the room people were taking photos with each other and the members of the Occult Research Club. Already Asia was giving a "v" sign for some photos with a group of boys dressed as if they'd walked out of the American Civil War. Catherine in her own dress was similarly held up as a few third years eagerly took pictures on her way to the next table. Issei pulled off a butler attire quite well, answering tables with a smile.

"Issei, you're up!" Kiba called out emerging from the haunted house portion deeper within. He was decked out in green makeup and covered with props of every sort including bolts on his neck clearly meant to invoke the image of Frankenstein's monster. They had been taking turns scaring the classmates venturing within to find the shrine manned by Koneko and Akeno.

"Coming!" He called out, trading out costumes with Kiba of whom the female patrons sat up straight, a fresh round of orders coming out at who would be waiting on them. The incorrigible Pawn disappearing into the back.

"Congratulations by the way," he smiled to the devil heiress. "With Issei I mean, he certainly went big with the confession." Rias' smile was too sweet, for once letting her more serious side fall away.

"I was worried it would never happen, but we still have to talk about it. Akeno told me about what you all did for him before the match…thank you, for everything. You two have become such good friends." She could barely contain a giggle at the look of sheer terror on Dorian's face at that observation. "Will you be returning to the tower? Classes are starting up again soon."

"We'll have to, technically speaking I don't need the healing anymore," he looked at his hands, flipping them over to show their youthful appearance. "Next week everyone will move back in, until then I got a few more days. You'd like it there."

"Japan has always felt most home to me outside where I grew up," she admitted while standing up, realizing it was time to help out again. "I doubt anywhere else would feel right, but still I'd love to visit it once or twice. You two enjoy your drinks."

"I've missed this," Dorian admitted once he and Rossweisse were alone at last. "To be so calm, things just keep happening."

"Me too," she held his hand under the table, the two not daring to show too much affection surrounded by their classmates and students yet doing what they could. "How would the students react if they realized you and I were…"

"Well, technically I'm not a student in your class," he tried arguing semantics but saw her point. "Maybe somewhere in Kuoh Town later, just the two of us?"

"Not just the two of us," she squeezed his hand. "Thrud confessed, and you to her as well. Do not look so worried, I am so happy for you both, and me as well. If it weren't for her, I would have been even lonelier as a child and she the same without me. I want to see her happier more than anything, and the way she looks at you…how can this be anything but love?" Dorian risked dipping in, kissing her quickly on the cheek and getting out before anyone noticed.

"You're sure?" He asked to a quick nod in return. "I never imagined anything like this, the supernatural world is a different place. If you are certain, then I swear here and now to love you both with all I have. I don't know how this works in Asgard…" he pictured Vidar out with the many women of his harem, Ratatoskr mentioning there were primary and secondary ones. As much as he respected Vidar, he'd felt uncomfortable with that arrangement. "…but I will love you both. Saying I love you to one will not detract from the other. You have my word."

Rossweisse leaned in, a smile of absolute joy on her lips as she risked hugging him. He froze for a moment, realizing at least two dozen students had a perfect view of them. No doubt rumors would start to join the ones going around about he and Kiba or Issei. But in that moment, he didn't care, returning the embrace and holding her tight.

"It's just like page 9 of volume 17," he heard a girl at the neighboring table. "Koba will be heartbroken."

Wait, what? Who is Koba?

"Dorian!" The upbeat yet reserved voice of Ravel snapped him out of the musings on what the girl meant. "Do you know where Issei and Rias are? We finished printing the latest batch of tickets." Raising her hands, she presented the evidence of a stack of papers fresh off the presses of the newspaper club who had been helping the various groups with flyers, tickets, and other necessary paperwork.

"Rias is over there," he pointed her out serving a plate of tea before being asked to pose for photos once more. "I think Issei went into the haunted house, it's his turn at being a monster."

"I see," Ravel stood there awkwardly as if making a decision before finally tilting her chin upward. "I suppose I haven't seen this haunted house of theirs, best do that before it gets too busy. Those two eccentric friends of Lord Issei were outside complaining about the lines, but not actually waiting in any. That and it would be wrong to skip it entirely would it not?" Without waiting for an answer, she hurried over, disappearing through the decorated entryway to the darker portions of the old school building.

"She really can't be subtle about it?" Dorian remarked with a soft chuckle from Rossweisse. Her crush on Issei was both obvious and adorable, how he hadn't gotten a hint yet was beyond them, especially after she became his official manager.

"Did someone say subtle? That's my middle name," Bennia appeared seemingly out of nowhere between them. "Fortune for your thoughts?" She didn't ask the question truly, already gripping Dorian and Rossweisse's hands and looking them over. "I didn't see you two at our stall, so I came looking.

"I would have come by eventually," Dorian awkwardly replied, not entirely certain that he wanted to hear the future after what he'd seen in Iggy's mind and the nonsensical fortune back in Kyoto. There was no stopping his friend, however.

"Hmmmm, a good sun line, suppose you'll be someone famous someday?" She winked, nudging Dorian with an incorrigible grin. "Romance lines are super healthy on both of you and…wow, would you look at that, you two have identical fate lines! Fancy that."

"What lines?" Rossweisse looked over their hands completely certain no lines looked the same between them.

"Oh, it's unmistakable, then there's this one, means there is certain to be lots of…" she paused with a cheeky grin. "Extra hands and patter of feet in your future."

"Bennia!" Dorian turned about to confront her, but he was too slow. With a pat to his head, she had already summersaulted out of reach, giving a bow to the students who had taken an interest in her fortunes.

"Thank you, thank you, you are too kind. And you, young lady!" Bennia called out to a dark-haired student who was clearly older than her as she spun to the next table. "Care to have your fortune read?"

"I'm good," she tried to decline, only for the first year to lean closer, lowering her hood.

"Come on Kassumi," she begged as they started gaining the attention of the surrounding tables. "I gotta promote our stall somehow, just a palm reading or two, please?"

"Well, if you insist. Just one then." Bennia's eyes lit up as she took hold of the woman's hand, looking it over.

"Wow, look at that lifeline! Either you are seeing a new interest in your life, or you'll outlive us all!" She rubbed the hand, looking it over before closing her eyes as if seeing something. "Your future will be filled with new experiences, I see…"

Bennia's eyes shot open, stumbling backwards she nearly collided with the floor except for the quick movement from Dorian, catching and cradling her to the floor getting full use of his restored reflexes. His voice caught in his throat as for a split second he thought that the young reaper's eyes were pale white, however after a single blink they were back to the gold orbs he'd become accustomed to.

"Bennia, Bennia, are you alright?" He took a glass of water from the nearby table and offered it to her. She sipped at it, shaking her head vigorously from side to side.

"Hoo wee, that was a trip and a half," Dorian sighed in relief that her spirits were high. "Must have been my sugar," she went to feel her own pulse. "Got a sandwich or two?"

"What happened?"

"I…huh, I dunno," she answered with absolute honesty, the table she'd been standing in front of now totally empty. "I was looking for my next customer and just…fell, I think." She wouldn't mention the sudden chill in her body or strange image of a dark void that wouldn't leave her head. "I'm fine, honest, you can let me go before I get added as a love interest in your manga."

"My Manga?"

"AAAHHHHH! A pervert monster!" A group of girls screamed as they fled from the haunted house. "If you aren't careful, he'll get you next!"

Oh geez, never a dull moment around here, Dorian sighed as he helped Bennia to her feet, both of them missing a dark mist slip out through one of the many open windows that nobody saw or remembered. I think they found Issei…

Occult Research Clubhouse, Nightfall…

"Did they have to hit so hard?" Issei sighed as he made his way back towards the Occult Research Clubhouse. "I just jumped out to scare them like I was supposed to, the girls still think the worst of me."

Being a monster in the haunted house had been harder than expected, girls striking him to escape instead of simply running, his reputation as a pervert causing them to think he'd try something nefarious in the dark. Had it not been for Catherine dressed as a ghost stepping between them, they likely would have kept swinging. He needed to thank her for that again later They'd much preferred Gasper in his vampire costume, more running towards him than away. Ravel's arrival not just with tickets but much appreciated sweets was just what he needed to pick up his spirits. Even Sirzechs and Serafall had shown up briefly, however were quickly dragged away by Grayfia and Sona, neither in the mood for the potential embarrassment they could bring.

She's always so thoughtful, the best manager ever. There's no way devil managers are as good as her on average. Maybe she could stay in the tower or my house full time, it'd make things way more convenient...

The festival was waning as the sun had started to set, campfires lit up across the campus where the various clubs were having a final dance. He may have wanted to partake were he not still spent from the fight against Sairaorg from which he hadn't fully recovered from, letting out an exaggerated yawn that was far more satisfying than it normally would be. He had tapped into such power during the fight, even then the ideas of how to improve his new form were swirling in his mind. He'd planned to take a load off on one of the sofas, however upon entering noticed someone sitting in Rias' chair.

"Issei, is that you?" None other than the President herself asked, leaning forward out of the dark to get a better look.

"Pres? What are you doing here in the dark?" He clicked on a nearby lamp barely illuminating the room further.

"Just looking it over for the last festival," she sighed with a melancholic expression. "This is mine and Akeno's last year after all. Feels like I should be here as much as possible while I can. That and...I admit I am still feeling a bit lightheaded after using that form at the fight. It took a lot out of me."

"I can imagine, we both kicked it up a notch. Using the Balance Breaker the first time had me exhausted, that Crimson Cardinal one too, would some company help?" She nodded much to his relief, granting him the resolve to walk closer. They had been hesitant around each other since his public confession, she'd even replied the same while defending him, a defeat that still stung a bit at his heart. He'd seen the headlines from the Underworld afterwards, a dragon and his princess, they'd called it. "I'm sorry I couldn't finish Sairaorg myself."

"Why do you apologize?" She got up, walking around the table to his side. "Neither of us could have won alone, he was stronger than us both. It seems we still have some growing to do. All the same, even that power I found within myself wouldn't have beaten him had you not broken Regulus and given me your energy. You proved you were the strongest Pawn; I don't know any who could have beaten Regulus, much less when acting as his armor nor how you did it."

"I was able to do it because…because I love you Rias, I said it before, and I'll say it again as many times as it takes. Whether or not you agree with my harem dream, that doesn't change anything. I want to protect you always. I am your Pawn too after all but want to be more than that."

Rias looked like she was at a loss for words, tears starting to fall from her face making Issei worried he'd said something wrong only to see her following smile. She closed the distance, locking with his lips in a powerful kiss. They'd shared kisses many times before, but this one felt different somehow to the young Red Dragon Emperor. It wasn't teasing as it had been at first, nor desperate like in the sauna. This one…was perfect.

"I saw how you struggled against Coriana," Rias showed her softer side for just a moment as they parted, somewhat sliding off her uniform mantle. "I-if that would motivate you even further on future fights…"

Issei just went silent, pinching his arm harshly to ensure he was indeed awake. He didn't move a muscle as Rias sauntered forward, maneuvering him around so she could lean against on him against the table. With a simple pull, the ribbon holding her collar shut was slipped off floating to the ground. She already had two buttons undone, her breasts starting to spill from the top.

"This blows her out of the water by a mile," he muttered, the praise only giving Rias all the more confidence. "I would choose you over a hundred of her, Rias…"

"You called me my name again," she interrupted, spinning in place to show off her short skirt to him. "Even after I failed to see the effect Raynare's scar had left on you. Akeno told me everything, you could have come to me you know, not just as your master but as…"

"I didn't know if you'd want to go that far," Issei admitted with an awkward smile keeping his composure at the mid-dance discussion. "You told your mother you weren't like her in regards to a harem. It's my dream, been that since I was little. I don't think I can give that up, but it would break my heart if you don't agree."

"I don't agree, not with having every woman who strikes your fancy," she popped another button, her bra now clearly visible beneath. "I always wanted you to look only at me, and yet…" she sighed deeply as if choosing her next words carefully. "Your desire for a harem goes beyond perversion, I know you better than that by now Issei. You want to be loved more than anyone has been and to have a family, I could never take that from you. Even so, I want to love you Issei and for you to always look at me with the eyes you do now."

"What are you saying?" Issei asked, his brain trying to wrap itself around her words.

"What I am saying is this, if you look at the other women with the same eyes as you do me truly, then I could bear to share you with others you make feel this way. But I do ask for one thing, that any whom are with you must all agree upon adding more."

"So, if I want any others to join, you have to agree first?"

"Precisely," she pressed against him readying another kiss. "And if another comes after that we both must, and all three for the next so on and so forth."

"So, they'd all have to be on really good terms with one another," he analyzed the situation out loud, the gears in his head spinning at the ramifications. "If even one says no, then that would limit the size. That will make it difficult to be a True Harem King."

"To be a true king does not require great numbers alone, but the quality of those with you," a voice from the door repeated the lines from the Oppai Dragon vs High King finale.

"Akeno!?" Rias started buttoning her shirt back up and Issei took a step backwards as the door to the room flew open, the entirety of her peerage tumbling in with the exception of Akeno and Honda standing safely in the back. "Everyone, what are you doing here!?"

"Congratulating you," Kiba smiled from the floor with the other women piled on top of him. "We're all so glad."

"F-for you both!" Gasper called out, equally buried having been in the front. Koneko clamored atop him, eliciting a slight smile from the vampire.

"You two have fun, don't mind us at all, but make sure he doesn't try going too far. If he does, I'll send him flying."

Koneko? Since when did you actually approve?

"Y-yes," Asia answered sheepishly stepping forward. "We heard everything; I understand wanting him all to yourself Rias." She looked almost on the verge of tears. "I wish you both all the best."

"Oh Asia," Rias stepped forward, embracing her tightly and bringing lewd thoughts to Issei's mind. "If you heard everything then you heard the most important part, we agree on everyone who joins us." It took the former nun a moment to realize what she meant.

"We? A-as in…?" Rias nodded, bringing the tears out as she pressed forward, hugging her tighter in return. "Thank you! We can be together forever, just as he promised."

"You approve Asia?" Issei's spirits soared as he couldn't resist a smile of his own. "Of course! I swore it and I meant it!"

"Ara ara, who could be next?" Akeno teased with a chuckle. "Watch out for those who may be eyeing you Issei."

"Th-there's no need for that!" Catherine obstinately shoved her upperclassman. "Such things will come in time! Congratulations Issei, you deserve all the happiness. You are all so sweet together."

"Did someone say sweet?" Ravel emerged holding a large celebratory cake. "What is everyone doing here? I was looking for you as I finished baking the…" Only then did she round the corner to spot the pile of bodies on the floor and Issei in the room embracing Asia and Rias in a clearly tender fashion. Her eyes went wide as her jaw fell open, clearly unprepared and uncertain how to process the scene before her. Honda scooped the cake out of her hands as it started to slide from her shocked state, a hint of blush at her cheeks.

"Oh come on!" Rias called out in frustration. "This was supposed to be the big moment between us and you're all here! Is there anyone ELSE listening in we should know about?"

"…no."

Every eye in the room turned towards the open window and the hesitant reply to her thought-to be rhetorical question. Sitting on the sill was a familiar black raven whose eyes were shifting between grey, blue, gold, and other familiar colors. The Crossroads team had been below reveling and having fun with their classmates, all the same it seemed that they had known something would occur and made sure they would not be left out. Issei's frustration finally boiled over, storming towards the bird barely giving it a chance to fly off as he screamed to the starlit sky.

"GOLDIE!"

Vanaheim, hours later…

"I'm happy for them," Dorian leaned back against the window of their room once they'd returned. "We'll have to head back soon; I'm going to miss this place."

"It has a charm, good in small doses," Thrud admitted. "But if we stayed too long…"

"It'd get boring?" He finished, eliciting a laugh from both. "Nothing wrong with a boring place every now and again. This'd be a nice place to raise a family." He didn't even notice the neck snap in his direction from Thrud at the statement, her face back to normal by the time he turned to face her. "We haven't had a chance to really talk since the confession."

"What more is there to say?" She shuffled uncomfortably.

"Well, you said there was a celebration going on for a few days. Would you like to see it together before we head back to Kuoh?"

"I…" She was uncertain how to proceed until glancing just over Dorian's shoulder spotting a familiar Valkyrie floating outside the window watching. To her absolute shock, Rossweisse had been looking in, true to her previous words of encouragement in the pool, she was nodding enthusiastically able to hear every word. Dorian turned following her gaze, but she ducked out of sight to leave empty air. Thrud quickly seized his face, locking him back onto her. "I would love to, but don't feel shame if I win more prizes for you than you do for…"

"Hoho! It's so good to see you two hitting it off, I'm sure my son will be ecstatic his little girl is showing more interest in..." The Norse God Odin bellowed only to be shoved into the doorframe by the woman following behind.

"Dorian," Freyja smile without acknowledging what she'd just done. "Glad we caught you awake, we aren't interrupting, are we?" Dorian shook his head, he and Thrud scooching a little further apart under her scrutinizing gaze. "In that case, we have something for you we've put off far too long. Please follow us."

"Is everything alright?" He asked, following behind them as they led him to the front lobby of the villa they had been settled in. The area was enormous with balconies visible on all sides going up as far as the eye could see reminding him of the time he'd stood within the throne room of Asgard defending Rossweisse's name.

"Better than okay," Freyja turned at last, embracing him powerfully. "The apple did its work better than I'd ever dreamed. You are so strong again, so healthy. Seeing you in your previous state each day was hard to bear. But now, just look at you!"

"I have it here," Dorian reached into his pocket, producing the golden sphere he'd carefully wrapped. "With what one bite did, I didn't want to risk a second without knowing more."

"So, it was true," Thrud looked over the apple of Idunn. "I ate mine when I was only a little girl. They are the source of our immortality, long ago the Norse gods were mortal, but powerful. It was not until Idunn planted her garden, producing these fruits that we found a way to remain long-lived as the other gods of the world. But they are only reserved for the gods and…"

"And those we consider close to our souls," Odin stepped forward. "That is not solely limited to just to direct family. Remember how you mentioned Vali's presence in Vanaheim causing issues? Well not anymore, as of last night I officially adopted the punk," he couldn't help letting out a laugh. "That makes him one of us, no more most wanted list so long as he remains on good behavior which I will enforce as his new papa."

"And since Odin adopted a ward," Freyja stepped forward with a look of pure joy on her face, what she said next she did so with the utmost restrained enthusiasm as Dorian slowly understood what she meant. "So too may I. Dorian Held, approach and kneel."

Dorian glanced back to Thrud who could only muster a frantic nod, urging him to follow the instructions. With a fluid motion, the proud Einherjar took a knee before Lady Freyja who approached him, her eyes never deviating from his own.

"Dorian Held," she announced proudly, her voice echoing in the seemingly empty lobby. "You came to us not very long ago; many great warriors have spent far longer yet accomplished far less. You have defended our lands from those who sought to bring ruin both from without and within. You protected one who at the time you barely knew…"

Dorian glanced to the side, seeing Rossweisse emerge from a side room along with Hecuba, Kuroka, Bennia, Zepar, Herja, Brynda, Misty, Seekvaira, even Ratatoskr. Beside them all, Iggy materialized, desiring to see this moment through her own eyes. Everyone was there, and they were not alone. Above them, residents of the villa started emerging from their rooms at the booming voice of Freyja reaching far and wide. Within a matter of moments, hundreds of eyes looked down at the deity and kneeling Dorian. It was almost serene how calm he was despite having so many watching him.

"You brought our name to foreign shores, recovered one of our sacred weapons and even took the reins of the Crossroads. Though you were selected as a symbolic gesture, you have shown such aptitude and soul for the post. But most of all…" She glanced around as if for a moment uncertain saying such words before the gathered crowds. Only then did Dorian realize that behind Odin stood Vidar, Thor and Baldur, the latter smiling wide, winking Dorian's way when their eyes met. "…you gave my son back to me. What I offer today pales in comparison to that, but perhaps this will be enough for now. The apple given to you may have restored your body, but it was a result of what I offer now."

"He's all better-nya? I'll miss those bits of grey in his hair…at least until he gets them back the long way." Kuroka whispered to Irina with a teasing tone, the angel starting to picture it in her head as to how she preferred his appearance. Thrud and Rossweisse overheard, their imaginations running wild of Dorian in his prime and beyond.

"The apple is yours, take another bite," he complied, this time without discomfort. "Eating even as little as you have will reinforce your body, sturdy your soul and prepare you for the next growth in your life. Once you have eaten it all, you shall be as us, immortal with many long years ahead of you to continue such work as you have."

Dorian paused after those words, having consumed now nearly half the apple in his hands. The last part of her explanation sticking with him.

Immortal? As in, I'll never die? He glanced over to his team and friends all smiling for him eagerly awaiting him to finish the apple. But…

"I must ask," he brought up, his voice sounding more confident than he remembered. "Are Valkyries immortal?" Rossweisse gasped at the question, clearly understanding his trepidation.

"They are long-lived, but will not live that long," Freyja admitted. "That is why we have sought other ways of increasing our numbers as they are not infinite nor eternal. The same is true of Einherjar, you would have lived for centuries but time would have caught up eventually."

So…Rossweisse wouldn't be immortal, nor anyone else apart from Thrud since she's already a goddess. The realization gave him pause, risking only a single additional bite to have consumed exactly half the apple. To live long enough to see everyone gone, to lose them one by one…

"I don't know if I am ready for that yet," he admitted as genuinely and diplomatically as he could muster. "Is there any rush to eat the apple or will its effects be lost?"

Oh Dorian, Freyja could not help but step forward, cupping his chin in her hands like the mother she sought to be to him. How far your mind wanders in the selfless direction.

"There is no rush. The magics do not go stale nor lose their potency. This was a gift to you, not a burden. Keep it, hold onto it as long as it takes to determine if you wish to walk the path of the gods. When that day comes, you may make the final decision. Even without the full consumption you shall live far longer, and with that the ceremony is now complete. Only those we consider closest to us, those we consider family are permitted to partake of such a thing." She raised her voice aloud once more. "From this day forth, you are a ward of House Odinson, to be a blood-child to us." The last soft stroke across his face removed any remining question of how she saw him. He was no son of hers but she saw him as one, she had for some time now, the ceremony merely a formality at this point.

"Just like how Loki became blood-brother to grandfather," Thrud explained to those outside the Norse members of their friends and allies.

"Now that you are like family," Odin stepped forward next holding a thin ornate case before him. "That means you are privy to a few perks. I believe you especially will appreciate this most." Opening the case, Dorian noticed twenty-five pieces divided up between sixteen of one kind and eight of another with an ornate lone piece above the rest. He was right, Dorian recognizing their designs instantly reminiscent of his childhood and more recently, his jaunt through Jotunheim.

"Tafl pieces?" He picked the one representing the High King out of the box, looking it over. "I don't understand."

"As you know, our reincarnation system is…annoyingly specific," he tried to explain as simply as he could. "Requiring both those who die fighting for their beliefs AND needing to worship us or be unaffiliated has been inadequate. Our Einherjar numbers have been dwindling over the years, our real strength having to be held up by the Valkyries. With this, that is no more. The devils have their Evil Pieces, the angels their Brave Saints, Ajuka is designing one for nekoshous, and we…"

Dorian's jaw dropped as he understood what he now held in his hands, a Norse mythology piece system. The means by which they could reincarnate humans and other races into Einherjar to build up their population again. He recalled the complexity of their old system, barely managing to bring himself back and requiring a question of faith from Xenovia to succeed. He cradled the piece in his hand all the more tenderly, gently putting it back within the case.

"Lady Agares supplied us the minerals to craft these from her home personally," Freyja explained, Seekvaira looking on proudly, her stoic demeanor only strengthened by the confident adjusting of her glasses. "Their properties are magnificent, we were more than happy to trade some of our magical knowledge on Valkyrie armor for them."

"Pick your team carefully," Odin joked with a grin, his thoughts clearly dirty ones. "Thor got his own set, Baldur…Vidar has been seeking the most beautiful Valkyries for his own," the blonde god behind them looked just a tad nervous as every word spoken was true, Freyja looked more than a little perturbed at his requirements. Patting his older brother on the back, Baldur approached Dorian, a huge bundle in his arms.

"Ye saved me," he grinned from ear to ear, walking around behind him. "Pulled me straight from the jaws of death and worse, outrunning the dead to Helheim with the Roads. For that alone, to say nothing else of yer other deeds, I am proud to call you blood-brother."

The bundle turned out to be a huge flowing cloak similar to what Dorian had seen Thor and the others wear when at special events and gatherings, even Thrud had worn one he recalled back at the festival tending to her drunken father. Letting it droop over his shoulders, Baldur presented it to him, the white fur around the mane reminiscent to the old one he owned with his Asgardian armor but far more extravagant. The cape flowing was pure gold in color with detailed designs sewn into it, heavier than he expected, but it didn't bother him. Knowing what it meant caused his heart to feel lighter, the crowd's murmurs growing louder.

"Don'na think that apple will make it easy," Baldur punched him in the arm. "It opens the door for strength, but yer the one who will have to walk through it. I doubt my brother will forgive you if you slack on your spars with his daughter." Dorian paled only a little as Thor stared into his very soul hearing and agreeing with every word. He did not think his sense of worth could get any bigger…until Odin stood before him.

"As a blood-ward to our family, you shall need a title worthy of the post. To your friends and those you trust, you shall remain Dorian Held. However, among our halls and to your foes, from this day forth you shall be known…as Tyr of the House Odinson, for you have shined so brightly since coming to our shores. "Now my boy, rise."

Dorian never felt taller as he stood to the applause of the villa patrons, only once fully up did everyone, friends and strangers alike move in to see him. Freyja stepped aside to take her husband's arm, but not before planting a motherly kiss upon Dorian's forehead. Voices overlapped from words of awe to congratulations. He looked to his team, each of them among the crowd always there to stand with him. Only Kuroka and Thrud remained outside the bubble of well-wishers, the nekoshou whispering a single sentence into the goddess' ear bringing a blush to her cheeks.

"So…if he's all better now and doesn't need our Sage Arts, do you think he'll have any complaints if the two of us remain in his bed every night anyway? Bet you a night alone with him he doesn't even say a word about it..."

The Sairaorg Rating Game and Young Devil Tournament draws to a close and the Crossroad's time among Vanaheim is nearing its end, though another few adventures remain among that magical realm. Romances flourish as powers spike, what adventures lie ahead for our heroes both in and out of combat? The story continues...next time!

Thank you again everyone, with the end of this arc I wanted to express once more how wonderful it is to see so many enjoying this story. As always, I'll be going on a hiatus to rest, plan and begin writing the next couple arcs which, I will spoil a bit, will be focusing more on the Crossroads team more than the canon cast and take original paths from the light novel before familiar events occur again. Until then, I hope everyone is staying safe, Reads and Reviews...but most of all Enjoys! :D