I don't own anything. All characters and all rights belong to Ichiei Ishibumi*
M for mature topics. No children allowed. *
The Broken Boosted Gear
By Try Another Time
Inside one of the most impressive Japanese-inspired residential complexes within Shangri-La, a curious situation developed as youkais were kicked out of the main building by one single entity.
"Mom, come on. Let us apply the medicine to your burns. You won't recover if you keep running away." Kunou said as she slowly approached her mother alongside the other household members.
Yasaka backed away into a corner of the main living room as she bared her fangs and claws against any that dared to approach her. The former leader of the West Youkai faction was covered in bandages that were helping her heal from the burns she had received while trying to calm down the Welsh Dragon, but right now, not even the pain of such injuries was enough to stop her from "defending" herself.
"Keep that slimy thing away from me, Kunou. Its smell is disgusting." Yasaka hissed like a wild animal as she kept her eyes focused on the mysterious, smelly green paste that her daughter and attendants held in their hands.
"Mom, you're not a kid. Stop acting like this. It is just medicine, and yes, the smell is disgusting, but it will help to heal you. We both know this will only end one way, so stop running away." Kunou said as she took a step forward.
"Don't you dare come closer!" Yasaka growls as she points her nine tails at her daughter.
"Try me," Kunou replies, pointing her multiple tails at her.
The attendants that were aiding Kunou in this task kept a safe distance from their leader as several of their fellow Youkai now lay unconscious around the outside of the main building.
Mother and child access each other as neither was willing to take a step back. It was a ridiculous situation but not a surprising one for those used to the shenanigans of the mother and daughter.
Things like this were common as they shared an uncanny talent for the ridiculous when things seemed too peaceful. Even something as silly as who gets the last "Shiroi Koibito" cookie led to Yasaka and Kunou fighting as if it was a severe issue.
Now, the situation was no different as they challenged each other.
Yet before any of them could move, a new attendant arrived with a panicked face. "The Welsh Dragon is at our doorstep. Yukime, the youngest daughter of Tannin, is accompanying him."
Her words set alarms in everyone's heads. The attendants looked around as their minds rushed to plan how to clean the mess and properly receive their visitor, while Kunou seemed as worried as them.
Her attire was not in the best shape, and after being embarrassed once by him, she wasn't looking for another point to add to her growing list.
But while everyone else was concerned about receiving Ddraig, Yasaka saw a way out. The nine-tailed fox rushed forward and evaded everyone as she sought to reach her freedom. "Thank you, Ddraig!"
Yasaka smirked as she ran away from her staff and daughter, but her actions drew the ire of Kunou, who wasted no time before chasing after her.
"Get back! You're not presenting yourself in that state before him." Kunou ran like a wild beast determined to capture her mother and prevent her from getting away from her.
Yasaka laughed as she continued forward.
Meanwhile, with Ddraig and Yukime.
Ddraig continued forward with Yukime as they approached the residence. Like Tiamat and others, Yasaka had built her home away from the center of Shangri La. The dense forest that covered the area offered the home of the nine-tailed fox and her attendants some privacy from any who dared to approach without an invitation.
Thankfully, a clear and well-made stone path acted as a guide through the density of the trees.
"I'm glad to see that they had no problems with moving their homes to Shangri-La. I hope none of those who took the step forward to move here had any difficulties." Ddraig said as he took in the fresh air of the area.
"Her Majesty has worked hard to allow the transition to flow as smoothly as possible. She even saw some humans from the reformed church amongst the arrivals, which shows that the relations between the races continue to improve, although slowly. One day, this city will likely become a center that cements the union between the separated realms and races." Yukime added as she enjoyed the time she was currently sharing with Ddraig.
"Hopefully, it won't take a century or two to become a reality," Ddraig said as he tried to relax.
Although it lacked the distinctive sounds of small birds or critters hiding amongst the flora, the area still held some sense of allure, and hopefully, some friendly underworld fauna would move in as time went by.
It was a perfect spot for a walk or to simply relax, but even amongst the forest's silence, the dragon could still detect several presences that kept a safe distance.
"Yukime?"
"Yes?" The young hybrid turns to him.
"12 presences have been following us for a while. I've meant to ask, but do you have anything to do with them? You seem rather calm for our main espionage and infiltration expert."
"Oh, so you noticed them?"
"I did. It is hard not to pay attention to the sounds they make. They are good since I can detect their scents, but they can't perfectly hide their presence that well. Are they your students?"
Yukime claps her hands. "I'm glad to know that you could find them even when they had a clear mission. I'll admit, they are the members of the team I formed. All of them are young people from different races I have met throughout the years and since the inception of the Alliance. Each one has the potential to become an excellent spy for us, but they are still diamonds in the rough. I'll present them as official agents once they are ready."
Although he couldn't see her face, Ddraig could tell she felt proud of her small team.
"... I see. You have also been working hard to create a perfect team." Ddraig pats her head. "Don't be too rough with them. I understand there are high expectations, but don't be too harsh. I'm guessing many are young and inexperienced, so be a little lenient."
Yukime grins behind her veil as she enjoys the praise. "I appreciate the affection, but don't do it too much, or I'll seek more, Ddraig. I promise not to go overboard with their training, but they must sharpen those skills. I'll bring them into harsh environments where they'll risk getting killed on sight, so there won't be a place for mistakes. I want them to be successful and return in one piece, so each must take it seriously. They must be shadows comparable to reapers that go in and out."
"Do your best and ensure they get the rest they'll need after each mission. We don't want to overwork anyone."
Yukime grabs his hand and interlocks her fingers with Ddraig's. "I know. Even I need some time to rest and take some time to enjoy the pleasures of life."
Ddraig could see her intentions from a mile away. Her emotions were laid before him as clear as water. "You choose the worst amongst all of the male dragons. You could have chosen anyone else but me. Tell me, do I really fit what you seek?"
"I mean, who else but you." Yukime starts to walk with him. "Who else would play along so well for a year without falling for my traps? Fafnir? Yu-Long? Midg?"
"They are open and available if you feel like they fit the bill for a husband."
Yukime shakes her head. "Don't, you're the only one. Midg and I have barely met, and Yu-Long has his queen; I doubt he will take another bride. Fafnir is out of the question; amongst all the dragons I have met, only you fit the bill for what I seek, my d-a-r-l-i-n-g." Yumike playfully swings her tail as she speaks. "I told you before, but I want what mom has with that. I want a family where my descendants feel welcome, and I want a husband who's strong and has a mature attitude about what he wants for our children. Do you feel like playing around and leaving without a word for months to no end?"
"I can't do such things. I have Tosca, the others, and the Alliance to consider."
Yukime snaps her fingers. "Exactly, you get it. You take responsibility for those around you. You're the family type, which is exactly what attracted me to you from day one. You planted the seeds for Shangri-La, you trusted Tiamat with ruling over it, and I know that if anyone threatened this land, you'd be the first to take arms to protect it. You did all that to ensure the future of not just Tosca but all your descendants and family members."
Ddraig shakes his head with a sad expression. "I don't know if I could do anything in this state."
"I know it must be rough for you, but we both know this won't stop you or him. You're determined; I know you'll push through even if you were to lose all of your limbs." Yukime reaches out with her tail and touches his chest. "These two hearts in your chest are still beating with an unbreakable will that seeks to protect his "treasure," and we both know it is not jewels and gold. You care for all of this that you have helped to build; you care enough to put even your own life on the line, which is admirable. How can someone not fall for your charms? How many girls can say that their crush is willing to lose an eye, an arm, or his complete body to protect his family? I bet few girls my age can even claim such a thing."
"Few girls would dare to steal their crush's underwear." Ddraig jokes.
Yukime shrugs her shoulders. "I won't deny what I do, but you can always be sure about one thing."
"What's that?" Ddraig asks.
Yukime closes the distance between them and places a kiss on his cheek. "I care and feel strong emotions for you. I'll patiently wait until you feel the same for me." She internally thanks the veil for hiding her expression.
"..." Ddraig is left speechless as he feels the cold lipstick that now sits on his cheek. "Yukime-"
Yet before he got the chance to speak, his attention was drawn to the sudden screams of two females. As Yukime and Ddraig looked at the house a few feet before them, they saw a pretty unexpected sight.
In front of the main entrance, a mother and daughter were pulling each other's hair as they growled at each other like animals. Attendants try to stop each of them, yet Yasaka and Kunou seem too far gone to care about the visitors watching them.
"Yukime?"
"Yes?"
"Should we come back at another time?"
"No…. we have other places to visit."
"... Alright. Can you take care of this?"
"With pleasure." Yukime releases his hand before she steps forward and fires an ice beam that freezes Yasaka and Kunou in seconds. Only their heads were spared as their bodies were now trapped inside ice. "Now, are you two cold enough to greet us appropriately?"
Yasaka and Kunou couldn't answer because of the extreme temperatures. They couldn't even move their mouths to speak.
A few moments later. Inside the residence.
Yasaka and Kunou had changed attires and now sat across Yukime and Draig while holding two cups filled with warm tea. The mother and daughter duo also used blankets to warm themselves up after getting released from the ice.
Some attendants sat on the side while ensuring they did not disturb the meeting as they remained silent.
"Now, would you please explain why you two were fighting?" Ddraig asks.
"Bandages….. This old vixen couldn't be an adult and let us change her bandages after putting some medicine on her healing burns." Kunou said with some difficulty.
Yasaka sneezes before she takes a sip from her tea. "The scent of that green paste is horrendous!"
"It was for your-" Kunou sneezes. "Good."
The pair glares at each other but dare not move an inch as Yukime watches their every move.
"... My bad. Yasaka wouldn't have to deal with such burns if I had listened to her." Ddraig bows his head.
Yasaka and Kunou smile as they wave their hands at him.
"There's no need for your apology. I read the reports, and I understand your anger back then. Serafall is your girlfriend, and Gabriel is like your family. Seeing them in such a state was bound to send you over the edge. It was a dire situation, but thankfully, nobody on our side died." Kunou says as she tries to act as a proper heir to her mother.
"Kunou is right. There's no need for an apology. I'm happy to have you visiting me after such an end to our mission. I feared the worst as I held your head in my lap. You had just fought a complete army on your own, and I couldn't do anything to help you." Yasaka said.
Ddraig shakes his head. "I should have remained in control of my emotions. I put you at risk, and this is why you're hurt now."
Yasaka laughs. "A few burns won't stop me. I'm a leader of the Alliance, and it will take more than your flames to take me down." Her laugh stops as she looks down into her cup. "If anything, I feel proud of being able to work alongside you. I enjoyed working alongside you. We shared many moments throughout our trip together, and thanks to it, I made a few choices that will affect my future. I thank you for bringing me along, and I hope we can continue to work together for many years to come, Welsh Dragon."
Ddraig sees her smiling with newfound determination. "... I'm glad."
Kunou sees the expression on her mother's face and can't help but sigh. "I also want to thank you for protecting her. I was scared about letting Mom go alone into a new realm, but she returned in one piece. I thank you for protecting her, Welsh Dragon. I know we didn't start with the best first impressions, but I'm glad to be working alongside you as well. I ask that you continue to support our people for the years to come."
The attendants bow their heads alongside Kunou.
"The pleasure will be mine. I hope your people grow within the embrace of Shangri-La and the Alliance." Ddraig says as he does the same.
"Oh, look at you being so diplomatic! I wish I could get a camera to save this moment for later." Yukime said as she admired the exchange with pride about her crush.
Ddraig raises his head. "I'm glad to see that you're doing well. We have other places to visit, but I'd like to know about Aku before I go. Has there been any progress between all of you?"
Yasaka and Kunou look at each other.
"... I don't think it is the time to speak about him, but I appreciate your concern. If possible, I'd like to speak to you privately at a different time." Yasaka says.
"Is there a problem with him?" Ddraig asks.
Kunou shakes her hand. "Is not a problem. It is more like a decision that Mom would like to share with you when you have the time."
"I can step out if needed," Yukime says as she senses some tension regarding this theme.
"If you please. It should only take us a few minutes." Yasaka says.
"I'll be back. Take your time." Yukime says.
Yukime stands up alongside the attendants and walks outside the room. The trio heard them all walk away until only they remained within the tatami room.
"... I'm all ears," Ddraig says.
Yasaka takes a deep breath. "... During our trip, I realized that I can't see myself sharing a future with Aku anymore."
"Really?" Ddraig asks.
"I had a conversation with Ereshkigal, and thanks to it, I realized that my feelings for Aku had long died out. I couldn't see myself walking down the aisle with him anymore." Yasaka admits.
Kunou holds her hand for support.
Ddraig remains silent as he takes this information in. "I see…. Have you shared this information with him?"
Yasaka nods. "He showed up on the same day we returned to check on me. We talked, and I told him I couldn't see him as my significant other anymore."
"... It must have been hard for him. Did he say anything?" Ddraig asks.
"He said that he expected it," Kunou says. "He told me as he was leaving that he felt it would be the case. The time for him and Mom to be a couple had long expired, is what he said."
"He gave up before it even began. Are you sure of this, Yasaka?" Ddraig asks the fox.
"I… can't. I just can't go through it again. I don't want to try to fix it. I'm moving on." Yasaka turns to Kunou. "I won't interfere with Aku and Kunou's relationship. He can try to form a parental connection with her, but I won't get back with him."
Kunou remained silent as she reflected on her father and what she wanted to do. She lowers her face as she is unable to speak a word. It wasn't easy for her to move on or give him a chance to approach her. The young heiress found herself at a crossroads where either path seemed too hard to choose freely.
Neither seemed the right one to take.
Ddraig watched Kunou as she was unable to speak. It wasn't hard to see that she couldn't easily choose what to do. "Don't force yourself to choose."
"Huh?" Kunou raises her head.
"It is expected to be confusing. Aku, your father has been missing from the picture for quite some time. You're practically an adult now, but even then, you can feel the need to want to have something with him, but there are still those other feelings that want to push him away. You can take one step at a time." Ddraig tells Kunou. "Aku might not be perfect, but at least he's here. Just take it slow."
"...I'm still not sure about him…. but I'll try." Kunou remains unsure about her father. On the one hand, there were the undeniable feelings of a girl who still wanted her father around, and on the other side was a young girl who couldn't forget the past. It was a complicated situation, but with time, Kunou might be able to make a final decision.
Several minutes afterward.
After thanking Yasaka once more, Ddraig departed alongside Yukime. Yasaka, Kunou, and those under them watched as the weakened dragon slowly made his way out of the residence.
Even if he smiled and tried to appear to be healthy, each of them could see a change in the Welsh Dragon. No one overlooked that he had to use a cane to walk. Nobody could ignore the weakened aura that surrounded him.
"Is it okay for him to walk around in that state?" Kunou asks his mother.
Yasaka shakes her head. "He put everything on the line. He knew the risk, and even then, he fought to protect his team and those he cared about. This is the price one has to pay for power but also one that he's willing to pay each time he goes out. Never take your eyes away from the path he's following, for that path leads to our future. Weakened or not, he is still the Enforcer of the Alliance."
"... Our path to the future," Kunou said as she reflected on how the Welsh Dragon had slowly woven his way into their lives and possibly their future in ways neither could dream of.
Meanwhile, Tosca and the other children.
Tosca continued to fly at full speed while she carried Asia and Isaiah. Shirone and Rias were flying on each side of the dragon while they kept up with her speed. They had gone to visit Ddraig but discovered he had departed alongside Yukime.
"Just wait until I grab you, old man!" Tosca screamed as she tracked his scent.
"Calm down, Tosca. Ddraig just needs some time out of that room to breathe some fresh air like Gabriel said." Asia said as she held onto one of the horns of Tosca.
"It must have been hard for him to stay on that bed for so long. He must have been depressed as everyone else was able to walk around." Shirone argues as she flaps her wings with tremendous strength to keep up with Tosca.
"Shirone is right. I doubt that he must have felt happy with staying in one room for so long." Rias joins in. "He keeps putting himself in danger, and I can't support him like the rest. I need to grow stronger if I want to stand by his side as an equal."
"Listen to them, Tosca. Your father will be fine." Isaiah said as he patted the head of his friend.
"I'm not worried about him. I'm mad about him not contacting me or Mom when he woke up." Tosca said.
"Liar!" Everyone internally said as they could see right through her. Even if she tried to hide it, she was as worried and maybe even more than everyone else.
Compared to any other visitor who had gone to check on Ddraig, Tosca tied first alongside Tiamat. Even if she tried to hide it, she worried for her father, which made her even more adorable in the eyes of all others.
It was hard for her not to worry about the only father she had.
"I'm almost there, Old man. You're not getting away, Dad." Tosca told herself as she pushed her body to go even faster.
"Wait for us!" Shirone screamed.
Rias just smirks as she goes even faster.
Back to Ddraig and Yukime.
The pair continue to walk through the streets of Shangri-La at a calm pace. Although many eyes were focused on them, neither Ddraig nor Yukime was affected by the stares.
"It is amazing how many buildings can be built in just a few weeks. Not too long ago, this place was just a long-forgotten city filled with ruins, but now it is all different." Yukime said as she took in the picturesque mosaic of different architectural inspirations that drove the several projects that had taken place within the city.
From buildings that reflected the Japanese influence to those that Rome and other places in the human world and other realms inspired. It was a collage of different backgrounds coming together to create a city like no other. It still held a close relationship to nature as trees and shrubs could be found all around, with even some buildings being trees themselves.
Ddraig softly smiled as he saw the joy in the faces of some of those who walked around them. Not even in his wildest dreams would he have imagined a place like this, but it was a reality, one that was still in the making and far from being complete as the Alliance continued to gather support. "... I'm glad. I hope Tia is not struggling with all the paperwork."
Yukime chuckles. "She's fine. Suko and the others are getting used to the tasks related to running the city. You can rest assured that Her Majesty won't be overwhelmed that easily. Some of my siblings have joined her, so you can feel at ease knowing she has all the support she could ever need."
"Bova is not part of that group, right?" Ddraig asks Yukime with a curious look.
"Never. We both know that Bova is better for combat than tasks involving using his brain for paperwork. But I'll admit something."
"What?"
"I'm surprised. Bova was one of the first to move here alongside me. I never expected him to choose to leave the nest so easily."
"... Maybe he felt like it was the time for him to grow as an adult."
"Bova being mature? I wouldn't have believed that in the past, even if he's technically older than me by a few years. But I guess it is time for him to spread his wings. Maybe even getting a bride in the future." Yukime expressed as she imagined her brother being a mature dragon for once. "I guess we all get to a point where we grow out of our infancy shells."
"Some earlier than others," Ddraig adds.
"Yes. Some do take time. You feel Tosca is going to mature into a full-fledged adult any time soon?" Yukime asks.
Ddraig looks up to the sky and takes a deep breath. "I don't want her to grow too fast. I mean that for all the younger generations. I want them to enjoy their time as children for a bit longer. There will be time later on for them to take on missions without our supervision, but until then, I hope that they continue to enjoy the Academy and be allowed to play around. Is my task to worry about the Alliance and the fate of the realms, not theirs, at least for a bit longer."
"Even Le Fay?"
"Even her. Her brother can do his thing, and Le Fay can worry about her studies and future singing career." Ddraig replies.
"You really think she can be a singer? Do you want your young future bride to take the stage?" Yukime asks.
Ddraig closes his eyes. "... I still remember when we met, when she wanted to prove to the royals that she could be more than a trophy bride to whoever paid the highest price. I want Le Fay to chase her passions and dreams. If those involve singing, I will support her, for she's not a trophy bride to me." The dragon opens his eyes and turns to Yukime. "None of my brides are trophies. They can choose their paths and follow their passions; I will support them in any ventures they seek to follow-"
Suddenly, Ddraig lost balance and almost fell to the side if not for Yukime's reaction. The hybrid supports his weight on her shoulder as she helps him to stand up.
"... You're reaching your limit for today. We might not get enough time to meet everyone. Should we try to meet Rossweisse and Liv before we go back?" Yukime asks him.
"... I'm sorry, but at least help me meet those two," Ddraig asks with a weak voice.
Yukime shakes her head. "Is the least I can do for you right now. We're close to the Azure arena. They are likely to be there. Just a bit more."
The bystanders watched as Yukime helped him to walk the rest of the way to the arena. Many wanted to help her, but she waved her hand and kept everyone away as she wished that nobody would get involved in this. She brought him outside, and it would be her who carried the weight to the finish line.
Meanwhile, in the Azure arena. General POV.
Sparks flew in each direction as Rossweisse and Liv exchanged blows with each other. Each Valkyrie demonstrated a mastery of their weapon and showed exactly why they had been part of the strongest group of this generation amongst hundreds of Valkyries.
Liv movements with her lance were sharp and precise as she pushed her cousin to adapt while she sought any openings with her bladed tonfas.
Rossweisse fell behind in raw physical strength compared to Liv, but her reflexes were outstanding alongside her speed as she also used runes to activate several spells that couldn't get easily blocked by the new shield that Liv was wielding in her left hand.
On the sidelines, several alliance members watched the encounter with interest in challenging either Valkyrie for a sparring session. Yet amongst those watching were also non-fighters such as Elmenhilde, Gasper, and Valerie, who were surprised by the exchange between the cousins.
"They are impressive. I can see why they were chosen for the last mission." A fallen angel escorting Elmenhilde said as he watched the fight alongside them.
"Nii-san trusted them to accompany them, so they had to be strong," Valerie added as she took in the girls' movements before her. "... Gasper, will we ever get to their level? Will we ever fight like them alongside Nii-san?"
"... We will. We have to. He gave us our freedom and a home, so we must stand by him. It is just going to take time. Isn't that right, Elmenhilde-san?" Gasper asks the vampire.
Elmenhilde nods. "You two are young, but I assure you that as dhampirs, you can grow even stronger than many pure vampires. You just need to remember to drink lots of milk and sleep at least 8 hours every night. Doctors orders."
Both dhampirs turned to her with unsatisfied expressions. They wanted to be taken seriously.
Elmenhilde smiles as she pats both of their heads. "Don't worry. I know you two can grow into strong Alliance members one day, but don't try to rush. Ddraig doesn't want either of you to be an adult soon. Leave the heavy lifting to him and the rest."
As soon as those words escaped her mouth, the scent of a certain individual reached her nose and those of the young dhampirs sitting alongside her and her escort. Their eyes looked around for his presence until they saw him at one of the entrances to the arena.
Valerie stood up and screamed as loud as she could. "Nii-san!"
The sparring match stopped as everyone in the arena turned to the target of such a scream.
"Sir Welsh!?" Rossweisse and Liv ignored their match before they rushed forward to meet the smiling dragon, who barely stood up, thanks to Yukime.
A few moments afterward. Arena's private room.
"Stand up, you two. There's no need for your apologies." Ddraig said as he sat on a leather couch within the room. Valerie and Gasper sat on each side of the dragon.
"We failed you and left you all alone." Liv continued to say.
"We were supposed to support you and not fall unconscious while you fought the enemy forces alone. We failed our mission." Rossweisse added.
Ddraig shook his head as he saw the two Valkyries acting this way. "Please, stop. I don't want to talk more than I have to. If anything, I failed you as I was the leader of our team. You two got injured because I dropped my guard."
Liv and Rossweisse shake their heads.
Rossweisse raises her head. "We can't blame you for what happened. We are only apologizing for not waking up on time. If we had been awake, we could have interfered and supported you before you used "Infinity." We could have prevented your current state if things had been different."
Liv nods. "We promise this won't happen again. Next time Crom Cruach or any evil dragon shows up, we'll be ready to support you. I promise on my honor as a former Valkyrie of Asgard."
Their determined faces overwhelmed Ddraig as he couldn't help but applaud their desire to improve and fight by his side after such an event. "I understand, but please take it easy. I'm happy knowing that none of the team died during the mission. I promise not to apologize anymore if you two do the same. It is best if I don't do any dogeza either." The dragon still held his cane.
"Are you alright to come out?" Gasper asked.
"Should you be resting?" Valerie followed.
"... I won't lie. I'm going back to Grigori after this. I'm still too weak to be outside, but Yukime convinced me to walk and check on the team. I'm sad as I didn't get to meet everyone." Ddraig admits.
"Kokabiel-dono is currently in the human world with his family. We can tell him to come to visit your room." Liv says.
"Ereshkigal-sama should be around Shangri-La. If I see her, I'll let her know you're awake." Rossweisse adds. "Eury-sama has been busy with work, but she'll be happy to meet you as soon as she knows."
"I hope to be awake by the time they come around," Ddraig said with a saddened smile.
"Is it hard to stay awake?" Elmenhilde asks. The vampire looks worried about the health of her ally and friend.
"Is hard to even stand up for long. I feel weak, a prisoner of my own body. I'm improving, but I… can't protect anything like this." The dragon admits.
Gasper touches his right hand. "Is alright, Nii-san. Let others protect you for once. Everything will be fine until you're back to full strength."
Valerie nods as she grabs his left hand. "Our big brother can take a break for once. I know we'll be happy to have you back home with us. Tosca misses you the most, although she denies it."
Ddraig smiles as he hears the name of his daughter. "Tosca… I also want to…." Suddenly, his eyes grow even weaker, and he starts to lose consciousness. His hand loses the cane he is holding, and his body leans forward, but once more, Yukime catches him before he falls.
"You did good," Yukime said as she held his unconscious body.
"Nii-san…." Valerie is saddened as she sees her adoptive brother in such a state.
"He will get better, right?" Gasper asks the adults.
Rossweisse, Liv, and Elmenhilde can't face either of them, nor can the fallen angel, but Yukime is different.
"He will, but it is going to take time. Don't lose hope. He hasn't let us down, and he will never do so." Yukime says before she lifts the unconscious body of her beloved dragon in her arms. "I'm going back to Grigori. Let everyone know that he-"
The door is slammed open by a kick, which draws the attention of everyone present.
"Old-" Tosca stops as she sees the unconscious body of her father in Yukime's arms. The girl slowly steps forward until she can grab his right hand. "... I wanted to speak to you. Why didn't you look for me?"
Seeing him in that state was hard for her. Even if she tried to hide it, she cared.
"He did. Trust me. He wanted to talk to everyone, but his body betrayed him. Don't lose hope. He will be back." Yukime said as she cleaned a single tear, she saw on Tosca's left eye.
"When?" Tosca asked.
"Tomorrow, the day after, it could be tonight. We just need to wait." Yukime said. "I'm bringing him back to his room. Want to come over?"
Tosca turned back to see the faces of Isaiah and the rest. The kids were telling her to go ahead. "I'll… go."
Gasper gives her the cane that Ddraig had brought with him.
Yukime nods as a magic circle appears beneath them and transports both of them back to the intensive care wing of Grigori.
Nobody says anything as they speak; they walk until they reach the room. The guards outside salute them as they opened the door for her.
The pair settled the dragon down into his bed before they took some of his clothes away and carefully covered him with the bed sheets.
"... Thank you for caring about him," Tosca says.
"I like him, so it's normal for me to care for him," Yukime replies.
"Do you like him, or are you just trying to play-" Tosca stops as she sees something she never expected to see before.
Yukime lifts her veil before she speaks to Tosca. "I like your father. I want to be with him as much as any other of his brides. I want a family with him, so don't ever think I'm playing with his heart. I will try my best to make him fall for me. Expect me to go all out until his heart beats for me like no other." After she's done, Yukime brings the veil down. "Keep it a secret. You are now one of three individuals who have seen my face."
Tosca slowly nods as she tries to understand what she saw. "Eyes can't have so many colors!"
"Don't overthink it. I have to leave. See you at another time, Tosca-chan." Yukime departs after that.
Not another word, not one last kiss. It's just a declaration of a maiden in love.
Next Chapter: Mission: Cursed Inverted Forest PT1