Wacko12: You think so? It's true Dorian would make a strong father, though she sees how he cares about Rossweisse. Personally I rather liked Kiba and Xenovia's chemistry during the early episodes until she started focusing solely on Issei. A sort of comrades in arms with a potential for more that never happened.
DJDrake: We'll have to find out, though alas Dorian is off in Olympus as the girls travel with the scheming Diodora... ;)
God of War: LOL of that we can agree.
StraxyX: Thank you, he was one of the funner creations for my story. Every time I get to write dialogue for him is such a treat :)
Ronmr: An interesting statement, all I can say is you are very close :D
FateBurn: Thank you.
Slayer Cross: He really is, a devil cliche if there ever was one. As for Kiba, it is true with Xenovia that makes at least 2-3 throughout the series whose eyes he drew...Issei would be jealous lol. Wow, that is a good guess, all I can say is that it is coming.
The Chaos Phoenix: To answer that, yes I did hope to use the sword in the stone at a later date. As for a descendant of Mordred, Arthur Pendragon already is one being a descendant to both Pendragon and Le Fay. As for another one, that I had not considered but thank you, I am glad you enjoyed the chapter.
naruto: Thank you and I most certainly will. He will try, should he succeed he'll have quite a lot more problems than he is prepared for...
OBSERVER01: It's true, it was XD I thought it was a good story to improve upon (Issei won in canon by literally doing nothing lol) and gave good interaction for development between Xenovia and Kiba while showing more serious sides in a small way of Rias and Akeno.
AJR3333: Not sure what you are thinking, but we can agree that Diodora is quite the worm lol.
tamagat: Indeed Diodora can XD Sorry you felt that way about the battle, always a chance to sneak some development into even the most innocuous of fights ;)
Mackdaddy3ful: Thank you and it's true lol, according to official numbers Rossweisse has the 3rd largest chest of the main group but the largest waist. If Dorian goes exploring...he may lose himself XD You are very welcome and the next arc (After a 2-chapter interlude mini-section) is the Devil Gathering leading up to the Rating Game between the most talented heirs like Rias.
Exiled Soul Nomad: It always is lol, the DxD universe seldom lets the quiet moments last very long...
fanficcyberman: Thank you so much for the review and kind words :D I hope your week is going fantastic as well! Mine has been going great, all is well.
GunBlade2019: Diodora seems to be good at that lol, I most certainly will! :D
Leon Alexander: That is the question of the hour, I wish I could tell you one way or another but all I will say is...the possibilities are open ;)
Frostyoblivion: I will try to weather the storm lol. It may be slow-brewing, but unlike canon it was my hope to set up a believable romance that didn't feel rushed or forced by plot. I can say I have had the moment the pairing becomes official set in stone since chapter one...and it's not too far off :D Akeno and Thrud joining Rossweisse?...the poor Einherjar won't stand a chance XD
Unown: Anything is possible, he has been speaking with her more since the reveal of her father's selfless actions. Plenty of time for something to blossom.
jeskes: I hope those are good ellipses LOL.
And with that...ONTO THE SHOW!
Dorian stepped out of the portal into the fields of golden grass. Breathing deep, he remembered the smell of that blessed place, the home of the Greek Gods he had walked what felt so long ago.
"Hoplites…HOLD!" The head of a column of Last Spartans shouted. His troops were obedient, raising outstretched spears back into a holding formation as they were well-aware of the incoming travelers. There was no way they could track Dorian's use of the Roads, but he would never enter a friend's home unannounced. "Welcome back to Olympus Mr. Held and it is good to see you again Chiliarch."
"That title is no longer necessary Perseus," the former commander bowed in respect. "Where is my cousin Helian? I doubt I can remain long and wished to see how he fares.
Dorian did not recognize the new man standing before him. He looked young with short brown hair styled neatly. He wore bronze armor of a different style than Hecuba's with a sword and shield yet no spear. Dorian recognized the name Perseus though knew this was not the half-god son of Zeus of ages past, rather the mortal descendent and bearer of his soul much as Hecuba did with Hector.
"Your cousin fares well, though regretfully became ill several days ago. But fear not," he stressed as he saw Hecuba prepared to ask more. "It is a light fever and is already breaking; he recovers in the halls of healing and will return to his duties within the week. Until that time, I lead the Last Spartans."
Dorian turned with a nod back towards the portal, holding out his hand as another took it to be led out of the Roads. Hafga thanked him with a toothy smile as she returned to the land she had grown accustomed to.
"Thank you darling," she kissed the back of Dorian's hand unexpectedly. "That was an enjoyable diversion though I do need a nice meal." No one questioned what her meal may be as she wandered off.
"And this," Dorian reached out to accept another hand politely. "Is Irina Shidou of Heaven, she will be visiting as well and recently became attaché of her people among the Crossroads."
"Charmed."
"A pleasure indeed," a voice boomed from behind as a tall man approached. "No need to be so stiff Perseus, they are guests after all."
Another warrior was behind him even taller than them to which Dorian had no doubt he was a god though did not recognize him either. He was garbed in armor similar to Perseus but more humble though shining bright. He wore metal greaves, a red mantle favoring the left side of his body with wavy black hair that barely reached his shoulders. On either hip he wore impressive short swords though clearly had no intention of using them.
"Of course, Hecuba this is the new overseer god of the Last Spartans, this…"
"Half-God technically, the name is Percelos, son of Zeus," he extended an arm to each to give a stern yet warm handshake.
"I believe we are missing one," Irina pointed out upon releasing his powerful grip.
"I'll get her," Dorian turned, leaning towards the portal. "Aella! We're here!"
On command, the energetic harpy burst through the opening, giving it leave to close. She soared through the air, adrenaline pumping and absolute joy coursing through every inch of her.
"Such skies within your roads!" She gushed, finally landing at their side. "A flock sired within there could fly for their lives and never seen another being unless they worked together to make it so! May I return there sometimes…please?"
Mother will be flattered to hear, thank you; he could hear Iggy blush from within his mind.
"When we can," Dorian tentatively promised. "I am sure your family misses you."
"I was not gone long *Squawk* though I believe they will be joyful to meet the one responsible for their births in a place of safety."
"Who is tha…"
Dorian's question was cut short as a dozen small bird-like beings slammed into his chest and drove him to the floor. He flailed about for a moment before realizing they were all small harpy children in the process of hugging him and pressing their faces into his own curiously chirping furiously as English was not yet in their ability to speak.
Just like baby birds, Dorian thought with repressed laughter as they were tickling him with what few feathers they had. Like normal birds it appeared their feathers were still coming in to reveal their more human characteristics.
"It's got me! It's got me!" Ratatoskr cried out as a somewhat larger male harpy had seized him and was fluttering as best he could with the hapless squirrel locked in his claws. He was not making much headway as it appeared the entrapped ally was as heavy as his captor.
Aella shrieked and made various sounds of which the others, save Ratatoskr, could not understand. After several seconds the boy dropped him, the flock taking off to circle overhead as they banked, flew and otherwise tussled about as children were want to do.
"They are adorable," Dorian and Irina exclaimed simultaneously before he took over. "Are they all yours?" Aella nodded with a proud smile.
*Squawk* "Forgive him rodent-one; Dorian has always been boisterous to his instincts." *Caw* No one said a word at the mention of the chosen name for the sole male born to her nest though Irina and Hecuba shared a playful smile behind their Dorian's back.
"So I was not the only one so affected by your arrival," Percelos chuckled. "A half-God like myself able to work to a position never before dreamed, harpies flourishing among our skies. It is indeed a different place from even six months ago. I have wanted to thank you Mr. Held."
"Me? Why?"
"Do not play humble," he merrily slapped the young Einherjar on the back harder than he should have. "Were you not the one who wished, with all the treasures and women of Olympus to pick from, for the lesser forgotten children of the gods to be given a chance to prove themselves regardless of birth? There were more of us than you may have realized, Olympus has not been so alive in ages."
"You did that?" Irina looked immensely proud at her childhood friend as if she was going to tear up right then and there.
"Against my better judgement," Ratatoskr remarked while brushing himself off.
"It…was the right thing to do," Dorian scratched the back of his head awkwardly yet held his composure.
"Thank you for returning Aella and Hafga, I presume you would also like to see the staff?"
"Katerea's staff?" Dorian was intrigued. "No, but has it already arrived?"
"Several days ago," Percelos confirmed. "So far it is beyond our scholars but we are still looking into its secrets. From how its usage was described, it is incredibly powerful. Before you relax with our hospitality, could I spare you to perhaps look at it as one who witnessed its use?"
Dorian looked to Irina and Hecuba who both nodded; it was no trouble to stay a little longer.
"Excellent, Perseus, do see that our troops are back in formation and on patrol. I will show them to the…"
"If I may Lord Percelos," Perseus interrupted. "I would like to speak with the former Chiliarch while I have the chance. There is much I could ask to improve our formations as they had been under her."
"Geez, Perseus AND Percelos," Ratatoskr tsked from Dorian's shoulder as he and Irina followed the demigod away from the primary palace. "I think you guys need to get cleverer with the names or it's going to get VERY confusing around here. Where is that buxom bombshell of a goddess?" He glanced around left and right while rubbing his hands. "We have a lot of catching up to do!"
"It would be my pleasure," Hecuba stepped up eyeing the temporary mortal commander once they were alone. "I don't know how Helian runs things but your second and third lines are too far apart, they need to be closer in case of emergency. You will need a spear as well; it may not be your chosen weapon but…"
"I will take all of your advice into account for your cousin, I promise," Perseus interrupted, suddenly growing more serious than he had been. "However before we do that there is something I wish to discuss with you…from one human to another."
Train to Hell…
"Please, please make yourselves at home, every accommodation is at your disposal," Diodora Astaroth welcomed his escort and guests aboard his luxury train.
The interior was stunning, red velvet and gold trimmings lined the floors as extravagant tapestries dotted the walls making it seem more akin to an ancient castle of royalty than a means of transportation. At the far end was an ornate oaken table behind which the Devil heir took a seat. The foliage was just as impressive with a large sanguine-colored plan producing six petals covered with thorns sitting beside the guest chairs. With a snap of his fingers a trio of women in robes appeared around him to take his shoulder cloak and produce a tray with empty glasses.
"I wonder if Rias has something like this." Rossweisse mused out loud as she looked around. The Gremory Team had departed for Hell shortly after their stay at the Abe baths for her family home and would meet them at the opening ceremonies introducing the various prospective devils who would compete for the title of strongest.
"All of the noble families do," he clarified with a proud smirk. "It would be pretty unreasonable to traverse our territory otherwise. My own is quite sizable; we are passing through it now, ours is the most prominent for taking the test to raise one up from a low-devil status to middle tier."
Bennia plastered herself to the nearby window gazing out at the land below. A sprawling dull green landscape covered in fog stretched as far as the eye could see. Overlapping the landscape, hexagonal shapes that were clearly far-off cities could be made out. It was like the pattern recognition games played by children as they all interlocked like some great mural. Rossweisse appreciated the meticulous mathematical precision to the placement which was noticed by their host.
"You approve I see? Indeed the number six is very prominent in our society, the remnant of some old way I suppose. I would be more than happy to give you all a tour once this gathering is concluded; I suspect it will not be too difficult to claim victory. You met most of my peerage coming in, but this is my beloved Queen Rosalina."
Diodora emphasized his statement by taking the hand of the woman beside him and kissing it tenderly. She was dressed in a regal gown of blue and white, emerald hair clips flanked either side. Thrud wouldn't admit that with her silver-purple hair she somewhat resembled Rossweisse. Only her piercing yellow eyes shattered any hope of mistaking the two. Despite the loving assertion of her master, she remained stoic and focused, no different than if he had given a standard greeting.
They were all like that, Rossweisse and Thrud thought simultaneously; remember the similarly dull stares of the other members of his peerage.
"A pleasure," she bowed ever so slightly, pouring a glass of a red liquid into the three glasses presented, Diodora sat back content to go without.
"Thank you Rosalina, that will be all," he gestured her off in a way more casual than his previous display. "I was intrigued by your presence on this…hybrid force," he focused on Thrud specifically. "The daughter of one of the strongest warriors in existence, I suppose this was a pleasing distraction from the day-to day."
"Father was never fond of organized teams," she explained somewhat. As she spoke, Thrud noticed Rossweisse fiddling with her glass, remembering her tolerance for alcohol yet not wishing to offend their host. "We differ on that, also I trained Dorian, it seems only right to continue that improvement for him."
"And I have tutored him in magic," Rossweisse added. "He is…an extraordinary man."
Diodora's left eyebrow twitched.
"No need to worry about your pupil," he continued, his voice unchanged. "This is your task though I am sure it will be a dull one. Few would dare attack the heir to the Astaroth family.
"Sure is fancy in here," Bennia spoke up, drawing his attention and pointing behind him. "Any chance I could buy one of those?"
Diodora turned to see what she was referring to, revealing a large black tapestry with the letter "A" embossed upon it with a trailing green design that became lost in the pattern.
"I am afraid that is the sigil of House Astaroth," after a few moments he turned back, shocked to see that Thrud and Rose had apparently downed their wine in a single gulp while he was turned away. They were placing the now-empty glasses upon the tray and politely wiping their lips, the young devil's smile widened as he continued. "The only way you could obtain one is by marrying into the family."
Thrud and Rossweisse smiled awkwardly as he clearly glanced in their direction when uttering the statement.
"This was most unexpected," Rossweisse broke the silence. "Your older brother Ajuka is the current holder of the Beelzebub title is he not? I would have expected security for your passage to Hell to be of the highest quality."
"It is with you both here," he smiled serenely. "However as the heir to the Astaroth family it would appear…weak if I were to simply surround myself with an army. Thanks to your little task force, I am well protected without showing any sign of fear. I am even more elated for arriving since hearing the Gremory Family will be attending."
"Oh?" Bennia asked, still cradling her wine cup not having taken a sip.
"You may perhaps have met the latest Bishop Lady Asia Argento?"
"Oh sure, she is just the nicest person."
"You have no idea," Diodora clarified. "I wish to speak with her, in truth that probably means more to me on this trip than the gathering itself. I thought she was the most beautiful woman I'd ever laid eyes on, though I had yet to see the fruits of femininity that grew in the realm of the Norse people."
Thrud and Rossweisse could only stare in silence at the awkward yet flattering statement.
"Perhaps we should get to work," Thrud took charge to break the silence that had formed. "We are here to protect you after all."
"Your Reaper friend could take the first watch," he insisted. "I would adore a further exchange of our people, relax and enjoy another drink."
"Sounds good!" Bennia floated to her feet, more than eager to work as she didn't think she could take much more of the political finery and subtle compliments. She saw herself as someone out doing, not sitting and talking.
Sorry you two, she thought as she half-skipped into the next train car leaving her untouched glass of wine behind. I guess he has a thing for Valkyries too.
Bennia sighed as she entered the connecting car, immediately freezing as she realized every member of their client's peerage was in the other car. Unlike Rias and Sona who still had open slots, he was one of the few with a full eight pawn, two bishops, rooks and knights with a single queen. Eerily, they all did not appear to be doing anything, merely sitting in their seats as if awaiting commands. Unlike the other peerages, all were beautiful women of every hair, eye and skin tone known to man. All their faces rose to meet hers as she appeared; only looking away upon realizing it was Bennia.
This is weird, not like Sona or Rias' peerages at all; they're more zombie-like than anyone who worked for Old Man Hades.
"Don't suppose any of you will be patrolling as well?" She asked with a final burst of energy hoping to get some sort of reaction.
"Did Lord Diodora command it?" The Queen Rosalina asked.
"Um…no."
"Then we shall remain."
"Aalllrighty," Bennia acquiesced, not planning to push the issue. Without another word she walked through the room which might as well have been empty to the back car. Other than the front two compartments, the rest were full of supplies, furniture and just about everything imaginable to ensure wherever Diodora was staying for the Rating Game would have all the lavish amenities of home.
How do you fill a dozen train cars with that much junk? Devil Aristocracy is odd, though I can't say Olympians are any bette….
The train suddenly lurched forward far too suddenly to be merely from the winds buffeting the train so high up. Wrapping her cloak tightly, she opened a portal to the roof and cautiously peeked her head through.
You've got to be kidding me…
Trailing behind the train several hundred feet at first glance looked to be a flock of birds, only upon closer inspection was it revealed to be otherwise. Dozens of foot soldier demons similar to those used as shock troop bodyguards at the Peace Summit were quickly gaining on them. At the head of the swarm was a warrior in blood-red armor styled after those of Western Europe. His face was bare save only for a circlet of seven gems atop it blazing bright to show off his dark black hair. The shake had been from him as a blast of fire from his hands, rocking the train once more. Bennia ducked back in to avoid the attack, spinning fast while drawing her scythe from the void dimension within her robes.
"THRUD! ROSSWEISSE! If the pleasantries can wait I think we have a problem!"
Asgard…
"Rubbish, rubbish, utter rubbish," Loki flipped through the book in front of him before finally slamming it shut in frustration. He had been pouring over writings in the secrecy of his lab of doomsayers, prophesiers and those possessing impressive foresight on the end times of their people, a day called Ragnarok. Even Rossweisse had accumulated an impressive amount of knowledge despite her youth, though her theory for the end of days was quite different from the rest. Each account was as vague as the last containing contradictions left and right. "As if I need MORE desire to want to see it all ended. If the Allfather is slain then that should jumpstart it no problem…"
"That is incorrect."
Loki spun on a dime, a hand reaching out instinctively towards the voice. He had placed wards, spells and forbidden arts to hide his pocket dimension from all eyes, anyone within should have been impossible. A shockwave of pure energy, enough to level a mountain chain with ease, erupted from his palm towards the shape looming in the shadows. To his utter surprise and shock, his attack was canceled by an equal and identical burst from the intruder.
"Who in Hel's name are you?" He asked; face contorting in confusion as he recognized the face of the newcomer all too well.
"Is that anyway to take your daughter's name in vain? You already know the answer." They retorted, stepping closer. "In any case, you are wrong. Odin's death will result from Ragnarok, but it does not start with him."
"Then how…?"
"In order for Ragnarok to begin…light must die first."
Loki scoffed; no longer fearful of the company though still did not understand how he was there. "If the God of Light, our dear blood-nephew, must die then it is a fool's errand indeed. The vaunted Allmother saw to that at his birth using the abominable combination of Aesir and Vanir within him. Any weapon is powerless against him...Asgard's cherished son."
"All but that which is most innocuous."
"You are sounding as damnably vague as these scriptures!" Loki swiped his hand across the table, sending all the assorted documents and books flying until none were left.
"There is little choice; if I am specific things will not occur as they must. If I say more then the accursed pursuer will divine my location and this will all come crashing down. Fear not, as you delayed I took the liberty of sowing the seeds for you to reap. Even this may be too much, but be sure to keep an eye on that little Spartan girl who smells of mistletoe but first you must draw him out. Our foolish Allfather will be vulnerable at two points in the near future, once at the gathering of the lesser myths and again after the fall of the Duke. It is up to you to decide when our family must strike as I…"
The God of Mischief shielded himself as an incredibly strong portal tore through his defenses as if they were nothing, blasting him backwards. The magic was powerful and unknown to him which was more unsettling than the raw force behind it. He could scarcely see the intruder slip out another gateway, a shape of gold-silver lightning chasing through it.
"Tyrson! Ever do you hound my steps…accept the inevitable and leave me be!"
With that final shout, the room returned to normal with no sign either infiltrator had ever existed. Scorched pages and other objects fluttered or collapsed to the ground until all was calm. Upon realizing no one had seen his unseemly state; Loki picked himself up, smoothing out his robe and checking a nearby shelf. With a sigh he readjusted a sailing ship model that was untouched by the commotion.
"Soon Naglfar, soon. It seems we have a decision to make, I certainly hope my son and grandchildren are hungry…"
Olympus…
"I am glad you have found the mortal world as enjoyable as I," Perseus remarked as he walked with Hecuba. He was leading her away from the palace following the course of Dorian and Percelos. "Few can imagine the simple joys until they leave Olympus."
"I have," Hecuba cracked an uncharacteristic smile. "Despite what we go through on a near-daily basis, having normalcy at Kuoh is…refreshing. And to have found so many friends, it is different than having an entire army of soldiers."
"I cannot attest to that last part, but after I departed Olympus the first time I walked the Earth from end to end. During that time I met many great men, they showed me how sheltered I had been, blind to the injustices forced upon mortals."
"Injustices?" She could hear a taste of animosity in his words. Hecuba had not known Perseus long before he left Olympus mysteriously but had heard he was an exceptional warrior.
"The injustices of the gods."
Hecuba tensed up, this was not a conversation she wanted to be having yet he continued.
"We are taught that the realm of the gods are so grand, belittling the wonder to be found below. It's not just restricted to Olympus but Heaven, Elysium, Moksha, Nirvana, Takamagahara…each myth or religion elevates their plane to that which all should aspire to and leave the world that bore them behind. Just how much control do the gods have over even your Crossroads, putting their machinations over those of humans?"
"Dorian commands the Crossroads," Hecuba asserted, her voice sterner than before at his insinuation. "Not the gods."
"And you trust this Einherjar?"
Hecuba paused, her eyes widening as she thought of what she would entrust to him or believe what he told her. She had been trained for years to be wary, see enemies in every corner and deal with them efficiently. So it was quite a surprise when she heard the answer leave her smiling lips.
"Yes, I do. Following him from Olympus is how I found the fate of my family blade Durandal. Until he gives me cause to do otherwise…I trust him with my heart and soul."
"Then he sounds to be quite the man," Perseus sounded just as surprised as she to hear those words. "Though he is an Einherjar, so not fully human anymore though very close. Tell me, what do you know of the Old Gods?"
"Ancient," Hecuba recalled her tutelage in the Archaic Wing. "The first beings to hold the title of gods we are aware of. We know so little, however as their kind left beyond the Dimensional Gap long before any modern myths took root."
"Anything else?" She shook her head, admitting only basic knowledge. "They were as different from us as we are from a snail if my sources are to be believed. Much is obscured by time but there is one thing that is known for certain, they were monsters."
"What are you getting at?"
"I want to show you what these Old Gods are capable of," he motioned forward toward the same secret facility Dorian was heading to. "For you to see what gods are capable of and how there is no guarantee ours will not become as twisted as the old ones before they grew bored with our realms."
"You would turn your back on Olympus a second time?" Hecuba looked shocked that he not only had returned but been elevated to such a post with his mindset.
"Humans can be trusted to protect humans," Perseus sighed. "You are not the only one to find allies in your time abroad. As I traveled I met a great man and joined a Crossroads of my own…a Crossroad of Heroes. Once you see what such powers are capable of unchecked, I am certain you will understand the gravity of what is inevitable."
Train to Hell…
"Were the term locusts based on these things?" Bennia shouted as she appeared over the attacker's head, bisecting it as the dark creature dispersed into a cloud of black dust. She performed the maneuver again and again yet they were still gaining on the train, already several had gotten past, boarding the rear cars.
The creatures were numerous but not overly strong, one by one they dropped either by javelins of magic or arrows the size of ballista bolts. Rossweisse and Thrud rained magic and arrows courtesy of Heracles' bow, their Valkyrie armors arrayed for battle. They advanced through sheer attrition led by the mysterious warrior in red who had drawn a pair of fire whips reducing Thrud's arrows to ash before they could reach him.
"Think they'll help at all?" Rossweisse called out, floating up to avoid the flame whips.
"We're on our own!" Thrud shouted over the winds, remembering the blank looks of Diodora's peerage as they walked calmly into the head car. The collected women were focused on their master's defense above all else, they must have been powerful as Diodora was still smiling as the Valkyries had departed the train to drive off the attackers.
"Kill them all," the fire-wielder called out to his troops. "Ensure that the false Satan's ilk do not leave this train alive."
Rossweisse swept in first, easily parrying his whips, the second shattering off her seal carefully crafted to repel heat up to a specific temperature. Thankfully, it appeared his powers did not match the requirements. The warrior fired blast after blast, each as ineffectual as the last against her.
"You are strong indeed for a monster," he spat. "But your days are numb…"
An arrow pierced his shoulder armor with a scream shattering his bravado. Thrud stood confident as she had not been aiming for him, but the demon behind him. His composure-breaking shriek had made it all worth it and the incorrigible smile on her face was just salt in the wound of his bruised ego.
"Y…you!" He roared, the circlet atop his forehead glowing brighter. "Flame Shake…Inferno!"
A sphere of bright orange flames formed atop his head amplifying brighter and brighter until he released it towards Rossweisse in the distance. The conflagration obscured her from him right up until the moment it dispersed utterly, a torrent of enchanted water evaporating it from existence before continuing towards him. With a simple adjustment layer to her seal, the water solidified into a javelin of ice cracking his armor as he flew backwards landing with a crash. The enemy leader's power may have been weak compared to the foes they'd faced in the past, but its energy was unmistakable.
"A Sacred Gear?" Rossweisse observed. "He's no devil, he's human, his skills must be lacking to require backup from so many lesser monsters to..."
"Silence!" He yelled as his resolve returned. "They are but tools to the end result, I am a hero and your monstrous overseers shall fall this day!"
He launched a pair of fireballs in their direction though Thrud was not needed. Rossweisse effortlessly parried the shots to the side, a counterattack spell of her own catching the unprepared assailant in the chest. He flew back to the rear train car, scarcely preventing being thrown clear. Looking on in despair and rage he saw that his demon flocks had been significantly reduced between Thrud's hail or arrow fire and Bennia's aggravating combat strategy. He had been forced to work with such mongrels for the mission but had not foreseen to block teleportation.
"I won't lose…I…I CAN'T!" He roared in utter frustration, the circlet atop his head, the embodiment of the Flame Shake Sacred Gear, exploded into a full crown as a layer of flames consumed his armor and melded with it.
Rossweisse shielded herself from a rain of lava-like projectiles crashing down around her, falling back to shield Thrud as they stood side by side. To her horror, a direct hit cracked her seal unlike the past which had scarcely managed to dent it.
"Why does this always happen to us?"
"Flame Shake!" He muttered to himself. "At long last, was this what was needed? Flame Shake…BALANCE BREAKER! Pyroclastic Collapse!"
"Thrud! Stay ba…!"
Rossweisse's warning was short-lived as a cascading wall of fire, lava and superheated ash consumed the roof of the train, overwhelming the defending Valkyries and disintegrating all demons that persisted in a fraction of a second. Only the barrier of Diodora's peerage prevented the front car from sharing the same fate.
"Thrud! Rossweisse!" Bennia called out from the safety of the skies, unable to get near as the heat started eroding her cloak when venturing too close. The temperature was so great it even warped the air, destabilizing any portal attempt to get her friends to safety.
Within the magically-charged cloud of death, Rossweisse was slumped to a single knee, both hands raised with her best seals somehow holding though it was a losing struggle. She refreshed them again and again, causing sweat to run down her brow, evaporating as it struck the reddening heated metal.
"Even weaker Sacred Gears have incredible Balance Breakers," Thrud remarked feeling quite useless in the defense. She could not help but notice the bubble of safety was getting smaller and smaller.
"I-I can make an opening big enough for one, please run," Rossweisse begged as her legs started to buckle. "I can't hold it…" She paused upon feeling the tingling up the back of her neck of static buildup.
Thrud's eyes were glowing azure-white, crackling as the power her body was ill-equipped to handle surged into the axe in her hands.
"If you think I'd do that, you've been growing up alongside the wrong woman," her voice boomed with thunder as she held Gullbjorn out surely, refusing to let herself or her truest friend come to harm. "If I let you die I'd never forgive myself, neither would Dorian I fear."
"Dorian…"
"You're the smart one, where was he standing?"
"T-to the left. She groaned, her impressive memory doing overtime recalling at what angle, elevation and position their enemy had been prior to being obscured. "Too far, about fifteen degrees to the right, a bit more…there!"
With a roar, Thrud chucked her lightning-infused godly weapon as hard as she could sending it spinning head over haft. Unimpeded, it smashed through the wall of heat, creating a small opening just big enough for the weapon to continue its path. Rossweisse's memory had seen them through as the overconfident assailant's face warped at the sight of the axe barreling his way. Still holding the wave of death on the Valkyries, he had no chance to move. The enraged scream echoed as Gullbjorn pierced his armor, biting into his collarbone cutting off his attack and freeing the women whose bodies and armor were smoking from his attack. The possessor of the Flame Shake Sacred Gear took one step backwards before falling over the side of the train.
"Get back here!" Thrud held out her hand, summoning Gullbjorn back to her with the enemy leader in tow. Her eyes widened as he drew closer and she spotted his wound leaking lava for blood producing explosions where it fell. With a quick jerk she wrenched her weapon free as he collapsed three train cars back, she knew what was coming. "MOVE!"
The two Valkyries flew to the front car where Diodora and his peerage awaited with the impressive defensive barrier combining all their skills. They could not see it, but within the car, Diodora's previously smug expression had given way to one of warped confusion. Bennia was far back trying to catch up with the train while maintaining a safe distance from the impending blast.
"How could they fight so well?" He snapped to his Queen who shirked back expecting a strike from years of experience. "You said that drink was more than sufficient!"
"It should have been my lord," she replied obediently. "If they drank even a single gulp their muscles and magic-control should have been cut by more than half."
"They drank it," he growled back at her unintended insinuation of his own failure. "You must have botched the mixture; it's the only explanation for being able to keep up with the 'hero."
The two continued to watch the battle, failing to notice that the plant resting beside his desk had started to discolor and wilt courtesy of the drinks poured into it while the devil heir had his back turned at the start of their pleasantries.
Back above, a ray of light was emitting from the Flame Shake Possessor's body growing larger and larger, he could not handle the unstable energy so soon after unlocking the Balance Breaker coupled with his injuries. He was going to blow.
"I hope our benefactor doesn't care about his junk," Thrud could not help but remark with a chuckle as the enhanced barrier cut off their train car from the rest, allowing them to slowly drift further away…too slowly.
The man's body noticeably ballooned a fraction of a second before the dazzling orange and red explosion forced the women to squint their eyes. The blast erupted outward, consuming the rest of the train and obliterating the track. The last thing they saw was their car being knocked from the track, throwing them still sealed within the protective bubble towards the distant ground below.
Olympus…
"I missed this place when I was last here," Dorian muttered as he and Irina followed Percelos through the ominous hallways.
"No shit," Ratatoskr mumbled while looking at the impressive surroundings.
The demigod had led the pair to an innocuous building not far from the observatory where Dorian had met his Spartan friend for the first time off the battlefield. Once there, a hidden elevator had started them on a rather lengthy trip down into the bowels of the landmass upon which Olympus resided. The young Einherjar could only theorize that it led to the center of the floating island, the most secure location the Greek Pantheon had at their disposal. There was much silence until they were nearly at the bottom, Percelos explaining it was a facility for their most secretive studies and prison for any too dangerous to be held elsewhere. He was thankful Forcas' attack had not known of its location lest they had armed themselves with terrible weapons before storming the gates.
"The staff is…unique," the son of Zeus clarified as he opened a door with his handprint. "As I am sure you heard it matches none within our alliance. Azazel was as perplexed as us, he seemed quite annoyed at its reluctance to give up secrets."
"That sounds like him all right."
"Not even from Heaven?" Irina asked with wonder. "But our knowledge dates back so far…"
"And our Archaic Wing even farther Lady Shidou," Percelos continued. "We moved a good portion of it here to research. All we have discovered is that it is NOT Titan and likely much older. Scholars who study even further back were to be called in by week's end, though with your return I felt it was best to get one more opinion prior to their tests."
Like they'd really know real Titan magic anyway…
Dorian shook the side of his head to drive out the buzzing. "Have you or your mother seen anything like this Iggy"
I have not Dorian, mother seems to recall something but is uncertain. Whatever it is, the assessment of age must be accurate.
"Plenty of things older than record, the problem is remembering what they are."
"But what is older than…?"
Dorian froze as he and Percelos spotted the same thing ahead, a pair of guards lying face down in their own blood. In a flash, the demigod had his dual blades drawn as well as Dorian bringing forth Twilight Star.
"What hap…?" Irina gasped, Excalibur emerging from the pocket dimension to contain its power. Heedless of her own safety, a quality of her Dorian had come to expect and admire, she rushed forward to check the vitals of the men despite their obvious fate.
"Can't we go ANYWHERE without somebody ending up six feet under?" Ratatoskr sighed in an aggravated tone.
"Percelos, do you…?" He didn't even finish his question before the man shook his head sternly glancing in every direction. There was no sign of the attackers yet their goal was unmistakable as the two soldiers only protected a single hallway deeper into the facility.
The staff!
The three took off running almost leaving their furry companion behind, the chamber housing the uncertain weapon was not far but they had no idea how recently the guards had been slain other than the bodies were still warm. Dorian saw the entrance that was clearly the vault chamber, pulling ahead of Percelos he kicked the door open barely noticing it was already slightly ajar.
Dorian had to hold out his hands to catch another Olympian Spartan thrown across the room as soon as he entered. The wounded man was covered in blood, his bronze enchanted armor cracked and dented as if he was filled with a hail of arrows though none were present. He still lived, but it would be close if he made it. Ahead they saw his two remaining brothers-in arms locked against not one but two intruders. The staff hovered within a defensive barrier in the center of the room suspended in air as they could not trust it to even touch the floor for fear of what it was capable of.
The two were dressed nigh-identically, wearing the toga-styled tunic indicative of archers from the area. Over-top them, however were thin chainmail of clearly magical property each with bladed bracers and knee-high armor guarding their shins. Even their faces were covered as they wore masks chiseled to resemble the many male statues dotting the area. Dorian and Irina had no idea at the time they were meant to symbolize the men of Greek mythology who stood in opposition to the gods. They were both armed with bows currently dominating the soldiers armed with short swords and shields. The weapons matched the color scheme of their armors, green and blue respectively, each ornate and clearly powerful covered with spikes at each end and a long curved blade along its length allowing them to beat even the trained Spartans with apparent ease. They noticed the newcomers almost immediately.
"I thought we stopped the alarm Orion," the first in blue remarked. Without any effort he cracked his battered opponent across the face, sending him sprawling to the ground.
"We did Philoctetes," the emerald-clad ally growled while parrying his own opponent. "Let us deal with them so we may continue."
The one called Orion raised his bow high, though a moment before it had no string or arrows one materialized from the air. Without a moment's hesitation, the green-energy arrow loosed at full draw towards them. Dorian's collapsible shield unfolded to take the hit, missing a second arrow behind that in an instant altered course mid-flight towards Irina. The new angel deflected the bolt with Excalibur, darting in towards the wounded soldier, her drive to protect others overriding all else. With an evil sneer, he took aim and fired once more.
Dorian shattered the attack with a swing of his shield. His face warped in anger at the underhanded blow at Irina who wasn't even focused on him. Closing the distance, Twilight Star clashed with his weapon, Orion sliding backwards under the pressure.
"I'm your opponent!" Dorian asserted, kicking him square in the chest to drive the air out of his lungs. The armored intruder looked shocked at the power of the unknown individual, easily being pushed back and overwhelmed.
"Kick his ass boss!" Rat called out, grabbing an arm of the unconscious soldier and, with surprising strength, helped Irina pull him out of the battle zone.
Percelos leapt over them towards the one who had been called Philoctetes, his twin blades being parried by the legendary bow. He could tell on impact immediately they were no normal weapons. They were both tremendously skilled, parrying and riposting their strikes evenly, neither able to gain an immediate advantage.
Be careful Dorian! Iggy warned even as he pressed his advantage. Those are twin Sacred Gears!
"Sacred Gears?" He asked Orion to his face. "What do you want with that staff?"
"We are the possessors of the Blue and Green Staring Gears who will bring about the end of the gods and protect the realm of humanity," he admitted proudly before leaping towards Dorian, his bow rapid firing arrows as he ran.
The Einherjar blocked or dodged each shot, dashing closer as the two clashed. The overconfident archer-hero shielded his eyes mid-jump as Dorian summoned Laerad Ragnarok, Iggy flexing as it had been too long since her last usage. Her gratitude passing like a wave through Dorian, his opponent used a Sacred Gear, thus he would summon his own. Dorian did not say another word, a spark of Olympian lightning from his blade causing his opponent's fingers to spasm in reflex. With his opening gained, he punched Orion square in the face, blinding him as the light of Alfheim assailed his eyes. Screaming and thrashing blindly, the would-be hero did not see the Hel-ice covered tendrils loom behind him slipping through cracks in the ground. The archer had overestimated his power, being woefully unprepared for one who had unlocked the natural strength of a Balance Breaker where he and his twin had not. In a matter of seconds he was completely wrapped up and trapped in the branches and roots coiling about to restrain and hold his weapon at bay.
"Orion!" Philoctetes called out only to leap back as Percelos was upon him.
"You had Sacred Gears all along?" The half-god glared angrily, recognizing the brothers as two who had returned to Olympus in recent weeks. "Neither of you will escape."
"You rely on your Gods; our Gears are bound to our souls and are our own!" Raising his bow high in defiance, dozens of blue energy-arrows materialized nocked within the weapon and surrounding his body. With a release of his hand they arched up and back down towards the lone fighter. A moment before they impacted, the arrows disintegrated, ripped from the skies by the crackling energy surrounding the son of Zeus.
"I rely on no one but myself," he muttered as power surged around him and into his ornate blades. With a crash he slammed the hilts of his swords together, forming them into a double-bladed weapon. "Zeus may be my father, many can claim the same…but this power…is MINE!"
A bolt of lightning almost rivaling Thrud's erupted from his sword; Philoctetes fired a final shot that went wide before the attack slammed into him. The electricity tore through his armor, setting his nervous system ablaze with energy he could not withstand. Carried by the force of the blow, the human struck the wall so hard it dented, slumping to the ground in defeat.
"Percelos!" Irina called out, having finally gotten the last of the still-breathing guards to the door. Her face was twisted in concern.
The final bolt fired from the Sacred Gear had missed Percelos, instead striking the barrier surrounding Katerea's mysterious staff. Though minimal damage was sustained, the attack seemed to have sparked something within the gem atop it. Already, the device was radiating with more and more power, the defensive field straining under the bursts threatening to collapse. A dark, primordial miasma started bleeding from the peak, an unnatural crimson-violet glow rising from within.
"Percelos, can we strengthen the field?" Dorian shouted, his fear of the unknown evident in his voice.
"It was at maximum power before; I cannot so quickly…!"
Dorian reached for his restrained foe, only for a final burst of strength to allow Orion to free himself with a green-nova. Ducking the man's grip, he fled back to the other side of the room, tending to his beaten brother.
"You fucking prick," Ratatoskr tried to turn. "Get back…!"
The warning came too late as the field sealing off the staff popped like a bubble. The swirling miasma flooded outward consuming the room all the while splitting off into tentacles of smoke and energy seeking prey. It found its first meal in the pair now separated between the others and the wall, there was no escape.
"LORD CAO CAO! SAVE U…"
Dorian heard the blood-curdling scream as the shadowy appendages seized them though it was short-lived. As the substance receded there was nothing left of the two men upon the stony floor besides silence and lingering fear. Finally obeying Percelos' cry, they picked up the unconscious guards and fled the room, sealing the door behind them.
"That won't stop that thing," Dorian was fully aware, his brain scrambling to determine its identity. "Together!"
The fire of Musphelheim and lightning of Olympus merged along the blade of his swordspear, Percelos calling upon his own divine storm-powers. As expected, the door was torn from its hinges by the entity within, the sentient cloud emerging to find new victims.
"Kid...any day now..."
"NOW!"
The attack was thunderous, the twin warriors unleashing all they had while it had nowhere to evade, even Irina summoned halos of light from her hands, hurtling them into the approaching mass. To their shock and horror, though the devastating attacks dispersed the closest tendrils, the energy was quickly consumed within, leaving it predominately unharmed and continuing to advance. They repeated the gesture again and again while backing up to equally minimal effect, no matter how much power they threw at it, the strange substance grew ever closer. Just as it was about to engulf them, Dorian slammed his fists down, a wall of ice from Hel sealing the hall.
"Get those men back to the surface," he scrambled to think of a plan as cracks began to form in the wall. He prayed whatever the substance was it couldn't evaporate the ice, doubting the tormenting effects would do anything to it and only hurt them. "I'll slow it down and…"
"I'm NOT leaving you Dorian!" Irina gripped his arm with a determined expression, tightening her grip on Excalibur. "We will all get back together!"
"Stop trying to do everything yourself," their furry companion chastised. "You may be the hero of this picture but you've got one hell of a supporting cast!"
"Zhat is very admirable, but if any of you depart it'll leave a giant open door for zhat thing to escape."
The new voice drew their attention as a mesh of violet light emerged from the end of the hall, latching onto the ice-barrier and reinforcing it. The cracks ceased and healed over, the power strengthening it and locking the unnatural wave of death behind it for a little longer.
"Zhis was a good move, Ms. Le Fay would have been proud," the new face sighed as he emerged from the end of the hallway, the strong Russian accent unmistakable. "I vas hoping to arrive before it ruptured but ve can at least slow it down with zhat wall. You can't just throw magic attacks at Old God voodoo like you vould a common brawl; you have to be clever, though it won't hold long."
The man was average in height, barely taller than Irina. He wore a forest-green robe that eerily reminded Dorian of the ones worn by the mages that attacked the Peace Summit. However, this one was more rustic as if he had owned the same set for years. With the hood down they could make out the unkempt brown hair falling down past his shoulders. Irina could not help but notice how stunningly attractive he was, feeling a blush creep to her cheeks as Rat pouted with crossed arms. A mantle made up of feathers of every color rested on his shoulders. In one hand was a staff from which the spell had emerged to give them respite. It was a gnarled, ugly thing as if he had just ripped a branch from the nearest oak yet the pulsating gem atop it ebbed with unmistakable power.
"Who are you?" Dorian asked, not recognizing their would-be savior.
"I can go into zhat in detail at a later time," he tried to redirect. "Though if you need it to trust me then my name is Volody, Volody of the clan Baba Yaga."
A new face appears as a manifestation of a bygone age threatens Olympus while the train to Hell derails fighting the mysterious Sacred Gear-wielding attackers. Dorian will face a glimpse of the entity that has stalked his steps next time. The character of Percelos is the creation of a fan and good friend of mine Jwebb96, a huge thank you for letting me use him for the next two chapters as he fit in with the return to Olympus perfectly! Until next time I hope everyone Reads and Reviews...but most of all Enjoys! :D