Hollowreaper 93: I most certainly will! It is always nice to see your reviews and hope you like the answer to all your questions ;)
FateBurn: Thank you.
Wacko12: Kuroka certainly has her eye on him, he'll have to watch his back lol.
Fabs: I hoped to do her justice even in the short cameo given. :D I am so glad you like Hikari's role in the chapter.
The Chaos Phoenix: I couldn't agree more, those little respite chapters (and in-between arc stories) can give much needed downtime, laughs and character development needed to make the main stories all the more engaging.
God of War: To answer your first question, Thrud felt from the start that she could act herself around him more than others which led to her being a less serious, more approachable person. Her first inklings of feeling more for him would have started in Olympus when she thought he was dead (showcased in her smackdown of Heracles). From there it increased as time passed though she didn't want to interfere with him and Rossweisse despite her feelings. To answer your second question...Akeno and Zepar do work quite well together don't they? :)
fanficcyberman: Thank you as always for the review and kind words :D Writing that end was so hard to do for the characters, but I knew it had to happen. Thank you! Little Skye is such a good dog and has been adjusting well to life here, I cannot help spoiling her rotten. I wish you a fantastic day as well!
naruto: Indeed, that knife from over 20 chapters ago comes back full force. You are so welcome and thanks! She is such a good pupper :D
Slayer Cross: For your first question, indeed Kara was Loki creating an illusion. He was surprised as last chapter was the first time Dorian created a layered rune that resulted in a power separate from the 2 runes added to it. Like combining red and blue to make purple, it created something new he did not expect. To your second question...your knowledge of DxD lore is impressive :D I will admit I am torn whether to include his part in the machinations in this story or a separate one detailing his interference in time. And lastly, I cannot tell you EXACTLY (spoilers) but I can tell you it is only a few arcs away and will be AFTER Issei's. As for Thrud, not to worry as she will not be left out in the cold ;)
tamagat: I am not sure I understand lol, Dorian and Rossweisse already kissed in previous chapters.
GunBlade2019: Too true, they like making their moves after long-planned machinations. Just wait until the good guys have their own trump cards to play. I most certainly will!
OBSERVER01: I'll second that, they'll all need to pull out the stops against Loki and his plan :)
And with that...ONTO THE SHOW!
"Hmm, security seems to have picked up," Kuroka mused as she waited for a new patrol to move on. "Did those little devils alert them so quickly? Wait a minute, who is that?"
The nekoshou's Sage Arts sensed the new presence too late as a bolt of lightning struck at her feet, sending her flying into the ground barely recovering with a quick movement. Looking up, her surprise quickly turned excitement as she saw her attacker, subtly adjusting her Kimono and hair accordingly to hide the winded appearance from the fight with Issei.
"Dorian? They sure sent the big guns, intent on seeing me do hard time?"
A second blast of lightning missed her head by scant inches, causing her to focus more than she was already. A look of pure frustration was etched into Dorian's face, Kuroka unaware of his fruitless search for Loki since fleeing the gala. He marched up to the woman who just tilted her head, loving the more serious side she had not seen before.
"Where is he?" The Einherjar held up Twilight Star, the head already split into its crackling trident form. "Where is Loki?!"
"That xenophobe? I may be after powerful men but even I have standards," she winked again to denote her interest. "Was he here tonight? No wonder Vali wanted Arthur with him while Bikou and I remained in the dark as reserve."
"Have you hurt anyone tonight?" Dorian's expression narrowed towards her, the possibility that she and the others had aided the attack at the forefront of his mind.
"Hurt, yes. Killed, no," she answered bluntly. "Shirone made her choice however loathed I am to admit. I had no idea anything was happening this evening or I might have followed my orders a little better."
"You don't mind being left out of information like that?" Dorian only slightly lowered his weapon, senses trained in case Loki should appear or the unpredictable femme fatale try anything.
"He is our leader and that dragon-aura of his MORE than makes up for any decisions of what to reveal to us underlings. I guess it wouldn't affect you very much but those tied to dragons are quite…enticing. No doubt it's the same way for the ladies near that Hyoudou kid. Oh, if only Vali would say yes. We could have SO many brats running around."
"Vali was after Loki as well," Dorian turned the subject away as he spotted her cheeks start to grow flushed with the images she was imagining. "Help me track him down before he gets away!"
"As much as I adore this forceful side of yours, I don't take orders until you say yes. Vali is the one who says he'll help me fulfil my goals even if it isn't in the way I'd prefer."
"Repopulating the nekoshou species?" Dorian half muttered as he scanned the area with the light of Alfheim. To his growing unease, it did not detect any sign of the intruders to even guess at what direction to check next. "That is why you are so forward?"
"Well, not the ONLY reason but it does give more urgency," she smugly answered, adjusting her hair and popping her hips seductively. "Everyone is always talking about how selfless you are, I am surprised you still smell like a virgin…so what do you say hero? Care to 'help' a girl in need and remove that unnecessary V-card at the same time?"
"I don't have time for this," Dorian rushed past her, missing the scowl of annoyance cross her face. "I need to look for Loki."
"He isn't anywhere near us, I can tell you that." Kuroka purred with a song in her voice, showing off her mastery of Sage Arts. "A God would be hard to miss, even from here I can sense the bigwigs still at the main hall. Oh how risky it would be if we tried anything so close."
"When you fought Rossweisse," the Einherjar remarked as he took a step back. "You saved her from the poison. I never got a chance to say…thank you."
"You DO realize I was the one who poisoned her right?"
"The gratitude stands; beside I got a hit or two off a moment ago. We can call it even in that regards."
This guy is really something.
"When there is time to spare," Dorian hesitated before continuing on his search. "I may be able to help with your dilemma. Before your team leaves, come see me. I may have a proposition for you."
"Do…you mean…?"
Dorian did not hear her answer, having already rushed back towards the others in case they had found more information. Kuroka decided to follow as Vali was in the same direction all the while subtly adjusting her clothes with special attention to ensuring her cleavage was generously visible.
I KNEW I'd break through that shining armor of his. So he actually wants to give me a hand or two to help out? I'll have to put on my best face and prepare, oh how strong our little ones will be…
Later in the early hours…
"About two dozen dead, mostly guards and a few devil families will be out for blood for the loss of a child or cousin," Azazel reported. After the area had been secured, noncombatants evacuated and preliminary searches finished, the leaders had gathered to consider their next steps in response to the attack. "We found where the bastard entered Hell but no sign it has been reused and a patrol in the northern quadrant was found dead after the party. As far as we can tell, he has not departed."
"He will stay until his goal is fulfilled," Vali stepped forward assuredly. "He has been working against his own people for some time; tonight was his first outright move."
"But what could he be after, Odin escaped and Loki already did gods-know what to Uncle Baldur. And what are YOU doing here anyway?"
"Calm heads everyone," Azazel tried to quench Thrud's frustration as he saw the look of anger thrown towards the White Dragon Emperor. "While I admit I didn't see this merry band joining us, it was their arrival that drove Loki and Fenrir off. I for one think a temporary alliance is better than more trying to kill each other for the time being. Even so, I would love to know what pulled you away from your bosom buddies in the Brigade."
"I got what I needed," he answered simply. "I have no further reason to follow Shalba or Katarea's commands."
The rest of his team was present, Kuroka and Bikou flanking either side as Arthur stood stoically in the back. Lastly there was a small woman almost hiding behind the tall swordsman. She had a slim build with large blue eyes and blonde hair curling down on either side. Her attire screamed 'sorceress' along with the white robe, tall blue steepled hat and matching cloak with very out of place pink flowers adorning it. She teleported in before the meeting and had yet to be introduced to the assembled teams.
Rias was present with Issei and Konkeo staring daggers at Kuroka who had attacked them only the night before. Koneko especially was unwilling to look away, her expression of frustration growing only worse as her big sister just waved cheerily to her as if nothing had happened at all. Neither noticed Thrud's occasional glances, eyes wide at the human-sized cat ears sitting atop her head. The daughter of Thor's love of feline creatures born from her days caring for Freyja's sleigh pullers barely contained in their presence.
"It certainly doesn't help that this has become an international incident," Ajuka pointed out the obvious. "The assailants were a god of Asgard and his son. Normally Asgard would provide input on how they want this handled but…"
But they aren't responding, Dorian thought with all the rest of them. After Freyja commanded the emergency Bifrost evacuation there had been no word from the Nine Realms nor were any messages being replied to. Since the previous night, there had been a complete communication blackout with the Norse pantheon including attempts for Skilja to reach his parents back home. What if that means Baldur has…?
"I can use the Roads, make my way to Asgard directly," Dorian offered. "Get the input from Odin and perhaps find Thor to help deal with Fenrir. It will be a long journey back, even with the dilation it will be most of the day."
"I'd prefer to not have the person Loki seemed most interested with beyond your Allfather wandering very far even with an escort," Azazel warned. "Why don't you just tell us how you think Asgard would want the situation handled?"
"Me?" Azazel grinned at his apparent obliviousness.
"That was in the Crossroad charter wasn't it? That in the absence of higher authority the current commander is given emergency powers until such a time as the chain of command is restored?"
Dorian recited the section back in his mind, having read through the original document a hundred times after being named the commander. He never thought the situation would arise anytime soon but Azazel's words were correct. Until a member of Asgard's leadership answered their summons he could make urgent decisions.
For the meanwhile, Dorian was Asgard.
Despite that fact, he turned towards Thrud expecting objection. She held no standing in the upper echelons of the pantheon but was still the daughter of one of the strongest beings to walk the Earth.
"I am a member of the Crossroads," she replied as if reading his mind. "I was never fond of leadership, politics or anything in between, that was my father. To be at the front fighting in the mud with you, meeting a strong opponent head on, that is where I want to be. You are the commander, where you go I will follow and help as best I can."
Dorian's fist tightened, his resolve strengthening with it as he looked out at the assembled peerages, devils, leaders and the rest of the Crossroads assembled. He drifted from Rossweisse to Xenovia, Irina, Bennia, Hecuba's absence painfully obvious as the fire in his heart kindled at the crime forced upon her. After only a few moments he raised his voice to those around him.
"As Loki is considered Odin's Blood-Brother, I believe that he would prefer capture over death if possible. However, so long as Fenrir is with him I do not see how that is possible. If the wolf could be dealt with, the options for containing Loki drastically increase. But before that, no action should be taken against Hecuba until we hear from them."
"She did assault a god," Diodora pointed out. Even his Peerage was present as one of those chosen for the Gathering. Seekvaira and Sairaorg flanked him on either side with their escorts.
"I stick to my claim of her noncompliance with that attack," Dorian snapped before restraining himself. "Proof will be found once we have time to analyze the evidence thoroughly. We can do that once Fenrir and Loki are dealt with."
"As you say," Diodora bowed politely, Sairaorg was practically grinning beside watching the Einherjar work.
"Gleipnir was the only thing that could contain him in years past," Rossweisse stepped forward with her knowledge of Norse history. "And that was broken when his sons Hati and Skoll worked to free him. The pieces have been in the keeping of the dwarves ever since. We were assured up until last night that his father had him under control since maturing."
"I can look into devising a countermeasure," Ajuka assured. "Though it may take time…"
"Well, Fenrir isn't the ONLY son of Loki," Thrud added with a raised finger. "He did have a younger son. As the so-called laziest dragon, he has made it very difficult to contact him."
"Hmmm, the younger to help us out with the older?" Azazel stroked his chin with the remaining hand, his prosthetic still under repair from the attack. "Don't worry your pretty little head about summoning him though. As fate would have it we have everything we need to call him in this room." With his all-knowing grin back on his face, a welcome change from the terror at the sight of Fenrir, he motioned towards Sona and Rias. "However, I will need to borrow your dragon servants for a little bit."
As the genius fallen angel regaled them with his plan, the representative of Heaven approached Sirzechs without drawing attention to himself.
"Hecuba is to remain incarcerated for the duration?"
"She is, whatever magic may have been done, she did commit the crime herself. I cannot risk setting her free until we are sure…even to prove her innocence."
"In that case," the archangel sighed with a solemn smile. "There is but one recourse I can see before us."
In the Waiting Hall…
"I hate waiting," Bennia sighed as they awaited the meeting to let out. Only the higher-ups had been permitted to stay with the other members of peerages and groups to wait in the main hall.
"I'm sure it'll be alright," the Gremory team's resident vampire remarked with a hint of doubt. I mean, it's all of Hell against two of them."
"Don't be so sure," Bennia warned cautiously. "Those who are in the top ten are absolutely terrifying. I've met Hades…would you believe he's supposedly even stronger than Fenrir?"
Gasper gulped loudly as his throat dried suddenly.
"I won't be worthless in a fight," he stomped his foot in a release of frustration. He'd been dispatched so easily in the Rating Game even if he'd been restricted from using his powers. "I-I've been practicing with Issei's blood."
"Gross…but inspirational," Bennia admitted. With a smile upon realizing Gasper looked like he took the comment harder than she meant, she clapped him on the back reassuringly. "Blood is just a supplemental right? Give it time and you'll be freezing the best of em, you've been practicing since the summit right?"
Gasper nodded, "Every day. Though I haven't been able to duplicate the draugr abilities I had after drinking Dorian's blood."
"Hmmm," the young reaper cupped her chin in thought. "I'm sure if we asked our fearless leader he'd be more than happy to…"
The doors swung open across the way, several of the delegates leaving, noticeably fewer than had entered. To their surprise, Sirzechs himself broke away from the pack making his way towards the two.
"Is everything okay?" Bennia peeked around the imposing Satan noticing that only Rossweisse and Thrud emerged from the chamber, Dorian had not followed.
"They have additional matters to attend to; you and the others are free to wander the halls. Please do not leave the building until Loki has been apprehended. I recommend the cafeteria; our food is not so terrible as some would say. I did wish to speak with you Ms. Bennia."
"Me?" She asked as Gasper bowed politely before brushing off his kilt and wandering towards the promised food. "If this has to do with replacing the wine with fruit punch…"
"No, though that does explain Serafall's seven glasses. No, I wanted to express my eternal gratitude once more for your actions during the attack."
The Satan recalled back to when Fenrir had emerged within the crowd tear bared without a sound. Millicas had been spinning with Bennia, his mother approaching quickly to applaud his skill. They had been the first focus of the wolf's ire, lunging forward to tear both in half. It was only thanks to Bennia instantly forming a teleportation rune beneath the trio's feet that they had fallen to safety, the oversized monster slamming into the opening too small to accommodate his size.
"I only did what anyone would have," she answered modestly, feeling utterly out of place with one of Hell's most celebrated rulers speaking to her in such a way.
"I disagree; you escaped with Millicas and Grayfia at the last possible moment. If you'd simply escaped there would have been no danger to yourself alone."
"Well…yea, if I wanted to be the world's biggest heel maybe."
Sirzechs' appreciation swelled all the more at those words.
"More than that, you formed even a short-range teleport despite the wards set up in place. That displays a remarkable skill in one so young." Holding out his hand, a mass of void-black energy formed within before containing itself into a solid black sphere. "Are you aware of the reason why higher-tiered Grim Reapers wear black robes?"
"Gifts from papa Hades," she answered bluntly. "He likes to play favorites with those who think as he does so he puts them in positions of power. A nice way of creating his own team of lackeys."
"You are partially correct. Yes, they wear black as Hades desires them to. However, the reason for the color stems from their drastic increase in power. The stronger one of your kind is, even a half-human such as yourself, the darker their robes become."
Bennia glanced at her light-blue cloak, the same color it had always been since joining Hades' ranks. "I suppose that means I have a looong way to go."
"Your former master would grant power to those he deemed trustworthy, pushing them to the higher levels. That is not the only avenue to do so. You saved my son and wife, the two things I care most for in this world. In thanks, I grant this to you."
The Crimson Satan extended his hand, offering the dark orb to her.
"What is it?" Bennia accepted his gift, turning it over for any obvious answer to her question.
"The energies commanded by Grim Reapers are similar to my family's own unique talent. They are dark but not uncontrollable. Think of this as a way of looking into the darkness to understand it on your own."
You'll have to look into that darkness if you want to go anywhere… The cryptic words of the strange girl at the Rating Game came to mind accompanied by a chill up her spine. How did she know?
"If you do not fear that place and your current power fails you," he gave a final word of caution. "Glance into these depths for some insight into what makes your people strong. I will aid when I can."
"Th-thanks Mr. Lucifer sir."
"For what you've done for me and my family, call me Sirzechs." He finished with a wholesome smile and pat on her head that made Bennia agree with Gasper. For once, everything might just turn out alright.
Holding Cells…
The chair was the last furniture she had uprooted, Hecuba's frustration growing to such a degree she could take it no longer. With a final heave she sent it flying to crack against the wall as ineffectually as the last object. Her cell was now a tattered mess of splinters and shredded sheets. With all her outlets expended, the former Spartan slumped to the floor, mind racing with the events of the last few hours.
I killed Baldur…with these hands. I recalled everything but couldn't do a thing to stop it. What kind of hero can I call myself? No better than those taking the name for their faction.
A loud clang followed by the raspy voice of the guard alerted Hecuba that someone was entering, the first since her incarceration.
"Visitors."
"Hecuba!" The orange-haired angel of the Crossroads flew into her arms, embracing her tightly before noticing the destroyed room. "Are you okay? Have they been treating you okay?"
"They have, this was my doing," she replied flatly as Xenovia followed behind.
"I saw your eyes as well," the azure-haired Einherjar answered calmly despite the clear frustration behind her words. "It was Loki who made you do that, not your own will. It was the dagger, where did you receive such a weapon?"
Hecuba recalled the story of the festival just as she had to the guards hours before, the old dwarf Otr whom had gifted it after her sound defeat at his hands in craftsmanship. At first she had just treated it as any other weapon but as the months went on she started cherishing it more and more, even being unable to part with it for the gala in opposition to the no-weapons law. All of this had transpired before she ever met her fellow swordswomen of the Crossroads, the two being unaware that it was any different from the many weapons in Hecuba's small armory brought from Olympus.
"Once Odin returns with the dagger they'll surely be able to deduce foul play. I mean, magic that powerful has to leave a trace, if only Asgard would answer our prayers…"
"Even in the midst of such conflict, your optimism is a light in the darkness."
The three women had not seen the last visitor, quite a feat as his presence upon entering the room bathed the cell in a divine light. Irina immediately bowed her head and brought her hands together in reverence.
"Lord Michael!"
"It does my soul good to see you two working well together as you did for the Church. I wish I knew what evil transpired to bring us to this situation," he turned to Hecuba. "But I have good news; your bail of sorts has been posted so you are free to go."
"Free to go?" Hecuba repeated as her cell door swung open, offering the avenue to freedom.
"This is wonderful!" Irina blurted out, Xenovia looking over them curiously.
"That is correct; you are free to walk the grounds and most importantly, help to prove you did not aid Loki under your own will. Your weapon will even be returned to you should battle be joined."
"I…don't know what to say," Hecuba slowly stuttered as she walked out of her cell into Xenovia and Irina's waiting arms. "I won't let you down, as soon as Loki reveals himself I will…"
The three had been so transfixed on their reunion that they did not notice Michael slip in around them, taking a seat inside the cell just as the door closed behind him.
"What are you doing?"
"Paying the bail," he answered as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "You are free to prove your innocence while I remain here in your place."
"Let me back in!" Hecuba grabbed the bars, shaking them vigorously in vain. "I am not worth your imprisonment! You should be the one out here!"
"I can take your place!" Irina stepped forward.
"No, me," Xenovia was next. "Hecuba can wield Durandal in my stead."
"I humbly disagree; you are the one that should be free. You do not deserve this. Besides, none of you are of high enough standing to be accepted as substitute for the crime. Only I would suffice."
"But why?" Michael smiled a bit wider as he asked his next question.
"You have heard the tale of Roland?"
"The knight of Charlemagne who we thought wielded Durandal first?" Xenovia answered first. "Before she told you about her ancestor Hector in the days of Troy?"
"The very same, excellent memory even though you no longer practice. There were many Durandal wielders before you Xenovia and I am sure there will be many after. In all that time there was one connection between them that Heaven could determine; they all could in some way trace their lineage back to Roland, you included."
"But," it was Irina's turn to realize where he was going. "If Hecuba's family were the original wielders…"
Could our people be so connected all the way to their roots?
"We came to the same conclusion," the archangel crossed his fingers. "The City of Troy was sacked, its people scattered to the winds. Who is to say a portion of Hector's distant relations did not flee to what would later become Christian lands while the greater portion, your ancestors Hecuba, remained in Greece?"
So, that would mean Xenovia and I are…what? Distant cousins? And what's more, our cultures very foundations are built into one another. Did Roland know any of this? Did Charlemagne or was it another act of their God before his death?
"Too many heroic names have been tarnished from this 'Hero' faction of the brigade. I will not see another, especially one tied to the beginnings of our own history.
Heroic name, I wanted that for myself. Can I call myself one after this? Or are we all doomed to fall from grace in time?
"No," she muttered, her resolve returning as the idea of the highest leader of Heaven taking her place in the cell, not all was lost.
Humanity needs heroes; it is what inspires others to rise above their perceived limitations. I won't let this break me, and I WON'T let that faction besmirch our name across the realms. I'll make it through this and keep them from shattering the image of heroes of old.
"I'll do it!" She held back tears threatening to push past her restraints. "I'll prove it, I'll help stop Loki and if I die trying I'll drag myself back here to secure your freedom before I pass!"
"Hecuba…" Irina could barely believe the determination coming from her voice. "You won't be alone!"
"We'll stand shoulder to shoulder with you behind Dorian," Xenovia clapped a hand reassuringly on her shoulder. "We will prove your innocence or perish in the attempt."
"I am grateful," Michael nodded before the women. "That the tenets of our respective peoples are strong within each of you. I have no doubt of your success between the old and new family of Durandal wielders and my ace of Heaven working together.
Irina's cheeks exploded red at his mention of her title given after her reincarnation despite the near-immediate departure to represent Heaven among the Crossroads.
"Godspeed in your endeavors, I will await here for your return. The others are already conferring on a means to deal with the feared wolf. If it comes to fruition, you may yet get your chance against his traitorous father."
Summoning Circle…
"Everybody ready?" Azazel looked about the room at the assembled participants. Issei and Vali stood beside each other apprehensively, Saji next in line as the fallen angel was next with the Dragon Tannin bringing up the rear. "Okay then, spread out as I showed you along the circle. Dorian, you are in the center."
"What is all of this?" Issei asked as they complied. An intricate pattern had been drawn into the floor of the chamber so complex even Dorian could barely deduce it was a summoning circle.
"Well, there is only one sibling of Fenrir we have access to contact, complicated though it may be. We'll be opening the Dragon Gate to summon the World Serpent himself."
"Midgardsormr?" Dorian knew the tale of the dragon fabled to be wrapped about the world itself. He was the youngest son of Loki and one of the five Dragon Kings.
"The laziest dragon," Ratatoskr educated from his shoulder.
"We'll just be summoning his consciousness," Azazel continued. "His actual body rests at the bottom of the waters in Northern Europe."
"He was sleeping that close to Norse lands?" Ratatoskr whistled, clearly impressed. "I guess he went for the hiding in plain sight strategy. I barely remember back when he left Asgard, lazy fucker thought the world was too much of a bother and asked to be woken when everything ends."
"Yet he has so much power?" Dorian asked. "And if it's a Dragon Gate, why am I here?"
How did someone like that become a Dragon King?
"Midgardsormr loves his naps and will avoid doing anything at all costs. With this many dragons," the fallen angel pointed around the room. "Vitra through Saji, two Heavenly Dragons, Tannin and myself he shouldn't be able to resist being summoned. Just in case though, having the daughter of the symbol of power from the realm that bore him would never hurt. If we had Tiamat and Yu-long here as well we could practically pull him here physically."
Yu-long? Dorian recognized Tiamat, the Dragon overseeing the Rating Game, but not the other given beyond an old memory of reading "Journey to the West" in school.
"Wait, why yourself?" Azazel held up his golden dagger, the embodiment of the artificial Sacred Gear he had used at the Peace Summit.
"I have a dragon of my own, Fafnir hailing from Asgard itself.
"Wait…Fafnir's hoard Fafnir?" Dorian's mind raced back to their search for Hrotti, the sword that opened a pathway to Fafnir's endless treasure. The fact the owner of that place was now in front of him made his jaw drop.
The same whose greatest treasure within was a pair of panties once belonging to Freyja… Dorian and Iggy simultaneously facepalmed at that recollection.
"The most cultured of dragons," Ratatoskr stood tall, removing a non-existent hat as if in reverence.
Being surrounded by such legends is…intimidating.
Don't let them get you down; you are the daughter of Yggdrasil. You gave me the power to survive against fallen angels, vampiric devils and angry gods. You have just as much a right to be here as any of them.
I concur with his assessment; a new voice entered their mind not heard since their clash against Kokabiel.
Albion?
The same, the White Dragon Emperor cordially replied. I did not get a chance to apologize for my actions at the summit. Know that I would never seek your harm, it was the instinct of being caught up in a battle with the Red Dragon coupled with my wielder's will.
You don't have to apologize; mother said she remembers your talks and wishes you well. I can't imagine being forced to do something you hate. If nothing else, I trust Dorian would never put me in a situation like that.
Iggy…
[Someone has a girlfriend it would seem; will you be courting her properly? I imagine that would be difficult with your respective wielders. Don't you think she's a bit young for you?]
Silence Ddraig! If you try to drag me down to your master's level…
"And begin!" Azazel thrust the dagger into the final point dramatically as the very air of the room seemed to change.
Light began to flow from each of them, red from Issei, white from Vali, gold from Azazel, black from Saji and purple from Tannin. Following the flow of the inscriptions, they began to merge as the circle lit up around them. It wasn't until the flash of light that Dorian saw a rainbow prism slink out from beneath his feet and collide with those of the other dragonic powers. The entire room was forced to cover their eyes at the release of energy, none being able to withstand the nova of power.
When their eyes opened, Dorian gasped along with Issei and Saji, the only ones not expecting what they beheld. Coiled about the entirety of the room many times over until it was hard to move was a colossal grey-green serpent-dragon. Were it not for the massive chamber, still too small to accommodate its size, the group had no doubt it would be stretching far into the distance on either side. The Dragon-King was transparent, only his mental projection having been pulled into the room accompanied by a low growling sound. At least, they thought it was a growl.
"Is he…snoring?"
"Oy! Middy! Get your world-crushing fat ass up!" Ratatoskr yelled as he tried to pounce atop his head, falling through into the floor instead.
It was only then as his small frame struck the floor that the enormous head lifted up, eyes barely lidded open as he glanced around the room in a daze.
"Oh, the red and white dragons in one location. Are you two fighting again at the world's end?" His voice what low but still rumbled, giving the idea of how thunderous it could be if he had the wherewithal to raise it.
"No," Azazel replied. "The world is fine."
"Oh…well if that is the case…" The dragon softly groaned, his head already starting to drift back towards the floor.
"We need your help!" Dorian stepped forward, putting himself in front of the maw. "We need to stop your father and brother!"
"Oh?" His head lifted again bobbing as if threatening to fall back down at any moment. "Dealing with big bro and papa is so much of a hassle. Not many beings that can survive a bite from his jaws."
"Anything would help," Azazel chimed in again. "Apparently the only method used in the past doesn't work anymore."
"Gleipnir failed?" Midgardsormr sounded confused. "Maybe papa augmented him somehow, of course if his pups also interfered that would make sense. The chain is only unbreakable to he whom it binds. Outside help from my nephews can still break it with enough effort."
I hate impossible item rules.
You are not alone in that Dorian.
"If he can't help us…"
"Here," a parchment shimmered into existence, falling into Dorian's hands who looked it over. "If it'll get me back to sleep, it should be a simple fix to repair the chain and make it better than before. I can't say if it'll prevent Hati and Skoll from breaking him out again, however."
"And Loki himself?" Vali asked from the back, clearly trying to move the conversation along.
"Papa is strong, but not close to the strongest. Attacking him normally should work; he is still a god after all. Just use a weapon that can hurt a god."
He makes it sound like that would be a simple task.
"You are on par with the gods!" Dorian stepped forward to confront the dragon. He did not notice Azazel try to calm him down, clearly thinking they had pushed their luck with Midgardsormr far enough already. "Loki might have killed Baldur; your power could be the weapon we need!"
"I never even met Baldur and don't much care one way or another if papa wins or you do. I'm not my sister. I will agree," the dragon opened one eye a little wider to analyze them all. "That you are all pretty weak. Papa is stronger than all of you, none are in the realm of the gods, for you I weep the most little Einherjar."
"Me?"
"Your aura is wrong, I can't quite place it but I do not see fortune in your future. The White Dragon can halve an opponent, the Red doubling his own power; even Black can drain opponents and with more understanding even remove shielding abilities."
"I can do that?" Saji muttered, realizing his gear had grown since Azazel implanted more fragments of Vitra. His rivalry against Issei flared anew, seeing a chance to catch up to his classmate.
"But you…you are tethered to your own power. You may have some bite, but you are nowhere near papa. He would crush your skull with one hand, no powers required."
All that time training, magic with Rose, strength with Thrud, it can't be all for nothing! In the face of the gods, even amazing training and improvement means so little!
Dorian grew frustrated, squeezing his hands until the knuckles turned white. He had barely won against Modi and while he had overwhelmed Forcas it felt as if that was a one-time event. Kokabiel would have killed him were it not for Vali, his fight with Ona too close for comfort due to her vampire abilities and the unknown power boost provided by the Khaos Brigade. He defeated the Hero Faction member at Olympus yet Sairaorg had pulverized his arm with a single blow. For every foe he proved his mettle against there was always a line of others waiting to stomp that sense of accomplishment into the ground. And among all whom he had fought, Fenrir and Loki were above each one.
"Dragons form pacts, right? Then make one with me now!" Dorian proclaimed to a shocked room, realizing that of the fighters present he was the sole one not linked with a dragon.
Silence filled the summoning chamber, so total that the breaths of the gathered men echoed louder than it should have. For the first time, Midgardsormr opened a second eye, releasing a great bellow from his seemingly endless belly. At first it appeared to be a repeat of his snoring, however the true intent behind it became apparent quickly enough.
He was laughing.
The deafening chuckle reverberated through the room shaking the very walls. It continued until the Dragon King finally had his fill, the sound dying down to snorts before rounding on Dorian.
"Vidar once asked for a pact such as you, I gave him the same response. The Norse Pantheon told me to keep myself busy until world's end because they couldn't command me. If Odin Allfather and Thor Odinson themselves asked it would hold no interest for me and I would choose slumber for another millennia first. So tell me, why would the desperate request of an Einherjar who doesn't even smell of Valhalla sway me to parting with a whiff of my energy?"
"Kid," Azazel laid a hand on his shoulder. "I admire your determination but you do NOT want to mess with a Dragon King, especially one who doesn't care about anything but himself. We got the schematics for Gleipnir; let's take that and call it a win."
A win, but not THE win. I will not be left behind, I'll stand with the best of them or die trying. He only cares about himself and everybody has a price. A pact is all about finding what that is, I mean…
Dorian stopped cold as the answer hit him, an answer so simple that surely it wouldn't work, it couldn't work. Subtly, he glanced towards his right arm both to confirm the idea in his head and run it by Iggy.
It could work and mother would be most agreeable, that I can assure you.
"You WILL make a pact with me," Dorian started, stepping forward out of the fallen angel's grip and putting himself directly in front of the dragon's teeth. Midgardsormr gave him his full attention, intrigued by the absolutely smug grin even Azazel would have been proud of stretching from ear to ear. "Because I have EXACTLY what you want. The ONLY thing you want."
"How can you possibly know what that is, much less possess it?" The body of the dragon, despite being nothing but a projection of his mind, started coiling around Dorian threatening him to not waste his time. Even as an astral form, it was obvious it could still harm him if the whim crossed his mind.
"You sunk yourself to the bottom of the ocean, hid yourself with the most complicated of rituals needed to even have a chance of reaching you. For all that power at your disposal, you just want to be left alone to nap."
"Yes, and if we could hurry this along I can get back to that."
"And if we need help later, we can contact you again. The ritual is difficult but as we've shown today, the various dragons can work together when necessary. You made it difficult but not impossible; we could summon you in the future."
"Boss, I don't think you understand your positioning," Ratatoskr warned, noticing the scales of Midgardsormr's body closing in with each passing second.
"But there is an option!" He shouted, causing the scaled-wall of death to cease its advance. "A place you can sleep all you want with NO chance of being interrupted by anyone from the outside world. No one that is, except me."
Laerad Ragnarok exploded to life in his hand, the gem set on its default azure setting. With a snap of his fingers, a portal opened barely the size of one of the mighty World Serpent's eyes.
"Make a pact with me and I will open a path for you to the Road Between Realms. There is no way of bridging the gap between our world and that one except through me. No summoning magic, no communication abilities will reach you. Instead of many knowing how to contact you, I will be the only one and all you need do is share your power with me. Do this and the people who can disturb you lowers to one."
Mother would welcome the company of more children beneath her boughs.
The silence was far shorter this time before Midgardsormr leaned closer, face practically inhaling Dorian before he gave an answer.
"No more interruptions, summonings or someone stumbling across my body on the ocean floor?"
"None, there are other beings in the Roads but with an area the size of all creation there is space to spare."
"It's true!" Ratatoskr chimed in. "Lived there eons and I could count the number of times I ran into anyone else unintended on four paws!"
The laughter returned at those words, but rather than the mocking cackle it had been before this one came off as more of a robust belly laugh. The friendly ambiance allowed Azazel to relax, his entire body having tensed up as even the others in the room feared for Dorian's well-being. It was clear now that Midgardsormr meant no further harm to him.
"I will admit, you piqued my interest kid. An uninterruptible sleep, oh what a joyous feeling that would be. I can't believe I'm saying this…but you got yourself a deal."
Dorian released a pent up breath he did realize he'd been holding, his grin widening further at his successful gambit.
"I'm not like the others here," Midgardsormr motioned towards the assembled fighters. "I won't be locked inside your gear, but if you let me into that Road of yours then I will allow access to my energy through the link when you're in need, if you can handle it that is."
"I'm sure I can manage," Dorian replied, his confidence in full force. "Let's shake…" He extended his hand before it dawned on him the size difference between the two.
"I got this one," Midgardsormr interrupted with an all-knowing cheeky grin not shown in centuries. Their ears popped as the serpent's form suddenly condensed, snapping down to a length barely taller than Dorian himself. A clawed hand reached out that he took, exchanging a firm handshake with his left hand.
"Tch!" Dorian winced as he felt a claw cut into the flesh, leaving a cross-shaped indentation.
"That is my mark," Midgardsormr explained. "My body can follow my consciousness and once I am within these Roads I will send power as is your need. I would advise to only tap into it when in your Balance Breaker, wouldn't want you turning into a puddle now would we?"
No, can't say any of us would want that. Though his body is quite large, I'll need to really focus to make a portal big enough.
"Finally," Vali sighed in utter annoyance at how long the talks had gone on. "We have the plans, now we just need to find someone who can repair the chains."
"I know some guys," Dorian assured him. "But first, Issei if I could borrow a transfer of yours. I'll need a bit more oomph to get Midgardsormr into the Roads."
"I gotcha covered Goldie!" The devil-pawn jumped at the chance to show up one of his perceived rivals. "With my new Balance Breaker I can give you all the energy you'll need."
"You obtained your Balance Breaker? When? How?"
"You're not gonna believe it," Ratatoskr smirked widely as Issei started to regale a slowly-paling Dorian with the tale. "If you'd had a catalyst like his, the battle at Olympus would have been far more interesting."
Back in the Guest Rooms…
"It was him, it HAD to be!" Thrud growled, punching a nearby wall as soon as she was alone in her room. Loki's words about Dorian dying in the vault had her thinking and her conclusions only fanned the flames of rage inside her.
If Loki was in the vault, he HAD to be the one that orchestrated Hrotti's theft. And if that's the case, he was the one that pulled Modi into it. If he was the one who fried his mind and twisted him in his teenage years, so help me…
They had no idea where Loki was and not even Thrud was so sure of herself to seek to challenge Fenrir. All the same, the daughter of thunder threw another series of punches and kicks, sweat running down her face as she continued to vent in the only way she knew a final spin she threw a high kick towards the door, barely missing Rossweisse as her foot passed by the right side of her head.
"Rossweisse!" Thrud dropped out of her stance upon realizing Akeno and Koneko were with her. "What are you doing here? Where is Dorian?"
"Still with the others," she explained. "I heard there was quite the noise complaint coming from this area, it sounded like you."
"That son of a bitch!" She rounded on them, having someone else to vent to at last. "All that time playing our ally when he was working against us! If he was part of the vault theft, then he was part of your framing!"
The two gave a rundown to Rias' rook and queen of how Hrotti had been stolen shortly after Dorian' introduction to Asgard. How the Einherjar had braved trials against a son of Thor to prove her innocence, suffering hardship, battle and permanent scars on his body from where he had been impaled by a mysterious classmate who never existed. In the end he was victorious, but Loki's involvement had been kept secret while her brother was left in a state he was only recently recovering from.
"And now, what he had Hecuba do to Uncle Baldur…"
"And we will be ready for him," Akeno offered soothing words. "Drowning in your uncertainty and anger will help no one. Believe me, I know how that feels."
"Our resident pervert and the others are up to some big plan, only fair we devise our own," Koneko was next to chime in. "Just in case."
"And besides," Rossweisse approached her friend with a look of true concern. "You know how you get if you lose control. I hate seeing you this way, and I know Dorian does too."
Thrud subtly glanced down at her arms, remembering the pain of the recent use of her powers. It dawned on her she did the same back in Olympus when she thought Heracles had killed her Einherjar pupil. She had been SO angry, ignoring the detrimental affects her family's power had on her body. It was surely a practical joke of the gods having inherited her father's strength but not the affinity for their power.
"I can show you some exercises," the fallen angel queen offered, knowing of her weakness from the training sessions with Koneko. "Something to help acclimate your body to magic a little better. It may not help entirely, but with how much you've helped us it is the least I can do."
"If only I could be back in Asgard," Thrud lamented. "I always felt so calm when I would guard for Lady Freyja, playing with the cats that pull her sled when my services were not required."
"Playing with cats you say?" Akeno smiled mischievously, glancing over to Koneko who could only tilt her head in confusion. "Ara ara, I may just be able to help you cool down then."
"What are you looking at?" The young rook took a step back, not liking the incorrigible smile etched upon her upperclassman's face. "Don't you even think about it."
She would never know how she was talked into it, but within a matter of moments Thrud was as calm as a new puppy sitting on the bed. Kneeling in front of her with a growing blush of embarrassment was Koneko, nekoshou ears prominent on her head. Rossweisse could picture few times Thrud looks so calm and content, clearly having wanted to do this since first discovering her lineage.
"They are…so fluffy!" She sighed with an exhalation of joy as her fingers rubbed the rook's ears over and over again. The anger towards Loki persisted, but in that moment she felt at peace silently thanking the fates that the nekoshou lived just next door to the tower. "I could do this all day!"
"Just bear with it a little longer," Rossweisse whispered to the trapped Koneko. "We'll make it up to you."
"Y-you better," she stuttered as Thrud's fingers slid across her ears once more, Thor's daughter wholly entranced by the opportunity.
We need everyone at their best, the silver Valkyrie though to herself. Whatever we may have to contend with, Dorian is sure to be facing something worse. What could he possibly be doing at this very moment?
Jotunheim…
"YE MAGNIFICENT SON OF A BITCH! NO OFFENSE TO YER MA MAY SHE REST IN PEACE!"
Dorian found himself hoisted into the air despite the size difference between them, powerful arms wrapped around his frame threatening to crush him. He had hardly stepped out of Roads, having made a path for the realm of giants as fast as his and the hart's legs could carry him, before being met with the energetic reunion.
"Good to see you again too Brokkr," he gasped between the pain and creaking bones. "How have you been?"
"Bored outta me skull that's what!" He proclaimed before plopping the Einherjar to the ground. "I waited and waited and ye never came by to upgrade that masterpiece of ours. Were we not good enough fer ya?"
"As if I'd ever have such poor taste in craftsmanship!" Dorian shouted despite the clearly mocking town in the old dwarf's voice. "I just haven't had several weeks I felt I could be parted with my weapon."
"Aaah, been keeping busy? Rescued any other Valkyrie damsels in distress against a god?"
"No…just one."
"And how's that been goin? Gotten her to lead you to the Promised Land, or have you been the one doing the carrying every night?"
Dorian didn't know how to answer that question. He cared for Rossweisse more than anything and yet each time the thought came of going further with her faster than they already were something caused a chill to run up his spine shared by Iggy. A cold sensation as if he knew deep down if they did move forward that something would destroy it and he couldn't understand why.
Dorian, are you…?
"Stop jabbing the poor boy," his brother Eitri called back with a condescending tone. "Ya don't hear him pestering ye about yer romp life!"
"That's cause he couldn't' keep up if'n he did," the burly dwarf let out a raucous laughter, gripping his gut as if to hold it in place. "But enough LONG stories about our conquests, what can I do ya for, finally here for that upgrade?"
"Something a little bigger than Twilight Star in fact," Dorian reached into his tunic, pulling out the instructions provided by Midgardsormr before presenting them. "I could hardly make heads or tails of it."
Eitri put his bellows on hold as he approached, the two seeming to understand the complicated instructions more than the Einherjar. The younger brother took them to read in more depth at his workstation as Brokkr stood staring at Dorian, eyes wide in shock.
"My god…Twilight Star? What happened to Bright Star!?"
Dorian winced, realizing he had never actually told them about the shattering at Olympus and subsequent reforging.
"Don't leave me hanging, whip it out lad or so help me I'll take yer arm and find it meself!"
With a sigh of defeat, Dorian summoned Laerad Ragnarok, presenting Twilight Star. Brokkr attempted to snatch it from his hands only for the weapon to resist, sending the dwarf staggering back and nearly losing his balance.
"Hmmm, reinforced arrangements, adequate spongework for magic containment…Olympian metallurgy? By all that is sacred son, if it weren't for it bein so perfect I'd smack ya over the head for messing with my baby! What prompted ye to make the alterations? If'n I didn't know better I'd think you had this made in the heart of Nidavellir itself."
"It wasn't intentional, Bright Star broke so…"
"SHE BROKE!?" Brokkr seized his collar, dragging him down to show a nose in his face. "WHAT IN HEL'S NAME WERE YE FIGHTING?"
Dorian quickly gave a rundown of what transpired against Forcas, his Balance Breaker and how the shattered fragments had fused together in his hands. Only once he had finished did the blacksmith drop him, eye darting back and forth concerned.
"Yer Balance whatsit gave ye access to Nidavellir? How ye weren't consumed soul and spine I'll never know! The dark heart of Nidavellir was there before my kind's forefathers stumbled into those caverns so we can withstand it for a time. An Einherjar like you should have had your very being twisted and ripped apart."
That is why I will not open it for you Dorian…not even for a second!
I know Iggy.
"My point bein…that little lady on yer arm is a real goddess if she can channel the dark heart of Nidavellir to allow craftsmanship of THIS quality in an instant."
"We can do it!" Eitri called back, rushing around the table carrying the instructions. "It's an ancient technique, doubt it's been common practice since our grand da's time but still sound by today's standards. We would need an impossible item as a catalyst to hold the base together while we work but it can be done!"
The brothers turned to Dorian simultaneously, eyes falling towards the swordspear in his hands.
"Well…what d'ya say lad? With that there catalyst we could be done if these instructions are accurate. Where'd you get em?"
"Midgardsormr, are you sure it's the only way? No other impossible weapons nearby? I would rather not be weaponless when Loki attacks."
"Just ol' faithful here," Brokkr tapped the hammer at his belt. "But seein as how she'll be busy with the work we canna very well give her up…wait did ye say Loki?"
Dorian nodded, explaining the situation as fast as he could.
"No offense Dorian…but if Loki came after ya do ye think Twilight Starna over there could really help on her own? Give it to us, we'll make Gleipnir better than ever AND give her that element we promised."
He's right; Twilight Star isn't strong enough to stop Fenrir or Loki without Gleipnir. I'll need to rely on you Iggy and my own skills in the battle ahead.
I would never let you down Dorian; her voice was gentle filled with complete certainty at the words being spoken. It was those words and those words alone that finally caused Dorian to hand the shaft of Twilight Star over, relinquishing permission to be held temporarily.
"That a lad, thank ye, I will not let a single scratch mar her beauty. Did you have an idea of which element ye wanted added to her?"
"Well, I can sort of already do lightning, fire and other powers through Iggy."
"Any you don't that ye'd want?"
Water.
"I don't have any water abilities," Dorian shook his head at the ringing echo in his ear. How about something in that spectrum?"
"Consider it done, give us five days and that Gleipnir upgrade will be finished!"
"Loki could attack any moment, we know he's still in Hell, is there any way it can be done sooner?"
"Impossible, no pun intended. There is no way we can make it quicker; we burn the time just talking here."
Mother has an idea Dorian, but she demands the dwarves swear to not crack so much as a single branch in order to allow it.
Dorian relayed the message, causing the pair to tilt their heads confused at the request.
"Crack branches of what?"
Laerad Ragnarok shimmered to life, a pulse causing a bubble of energy to cascade outward until the entire room was sealed within. They appeared to be in the Roads and yet not in the Roads, able to see branches, pathways and trees stretching to the corners of the room. And yet, despite the details, all not of Jotunheim were transparent as if a mere projection, however Yggdrasil's warning proved that they were very tangible. The matron of the Norse people appeared out of nowhere, approaching the three with a tall regal bearing.
"I permit this as a courtesy under the circumstances and a favor to my daughter from afar," the avatar of the ashen tree spoke. "While you are within this realm, the time dilation of my world shall be yours."
Twenty times speed; five days would only be six hours!
"Y-Y-Yggdrasil?!" Brokkr fumbled with his words upon realizing who stood before him. "By my hammer, life, skill and beard no harm shall come to even a splinter of your grace. "Such an honor to craft within an echo of her realm, get yer head down fool!" He seized Eitri's neck as one would an unruly cat, forcing both into a deep respectful bow. "We'll get started working at once!"
The two immediately scrambled behind their station, working furiously without another word. The fire within the furnace burst higher than ever before, heat flooded the room in waves while failing to affect the tall divine woman in the center.
"You may return Dorian," Yggdrasil assured him, smiling as the image of her daughter rippled to life beside her. "I will maintain this field; once Gleipnir is completed I will send it to you through your gear." She laid a hand on his right arm tenderly. "It is the least I can do for the man who guards my daughter."
"She guards me more times I think," Dorian chuckled, barely noticing Iggy reach out as if to stroke his cheek, pulling her hand back at the last moment much to the disappointed shake of her mother's head.
"Let us head back, if we go now with the time field the chains should nearly be ready by the time we make it to Hell."
"Good luck kid!" Brokkr yelled back without slowing. "I'll let the king know you couldn't make his party again. Best not keep him waiting much longer; I hear he's been planning quite the shindig just for you."
Back at Hell…
"I'm never getting to sleep," Issei sighed. After the attack those that remained had been given lodgings but with the wayward god still in the area few could sleep long.
My unfathomable power, Ddraig moaned deep within his Sacred Gear. Unlocked by poking your master's breasts, what will become of my name when that becomes known?
"Sorry man," Issei scratched the back of his head awkwardly. "I just went with what came to mind."
Your mind wasn't what you were thinking with!
"In any case, I won't be as useless in a fight. I beat Kuroka; I can actually stand on the frontlines without leaving it to Kiba, Koneko and Honda."
Issei sat up as his door slowly creaked open, revealing a silhouette against the light he could never mistake having memorized the contour and shape long ago.
"President!" He shouted as Rias slipped in. "Wh-wh-what are you doing here?" He realized she was wearing red lingerie matching her hair which left very little to the imagination. She had taken to sleeping naked alongside Asia since the upgrades to his house had been completed, however the perverted dragon had never in his wildest dreams believed he would get to do the same while in Hell.
"Do I need a reason to see my servant? We could be called to fight at any moment so a good sleep is paramount…you always did say you slept better with me nearby didn't you?" She winked at her pawn in the way she knew he could not resist while slowly walking closer.
"Yes ma'am!" He shouted, flying up into a sitting position as Ddraig groaned within. "Any man would sleep sounder with a gorgeous pair of breasts at his side!"
Even Goldie, whatever he'd admit to.
"I believe these were what helped with your Balance Breaker," she teased, lowering her top in a similar way to before in the woods, revealing her impressive chest and nipples poking outward towards him. It took all his willpower not to reenact the previous evening.
"Yes President!" He shouted enthusiastically again, mouth hanging open with a grin on his face that would not depart.
The red-haired heiress inched closer, his words sparking a memory of their first meeting after his betrayal and death at the hands of the fallen angel Raynare.
From this day forward Issei Hyoudou; I will be your master, you my servant and pawn. You may call me as such or President of the Occult Research Club. I said that then, but he only was my servant. Now…what do I want him to call me?
"That's not fair Rias!"
Just as Rias had reached the bed, starting to push the expecting man backwards, the door had flown open anew, revealing the former nun Asia Argento in her own more traditional nightgown. She had the same idea as Rias, being only a few minutes behind her to sneak into the room of the man they mutually cared for. With a pout of frustration, she ran forward, crashing into both of them and sending all three reeling back into the bed.
This is friggin amazing! Issei could not help but think as both women were plastered against him snuggling closer each attempting to outdo the other. And this is just the start of my harem! Mr. Azazel said that dragons attract a lot of women; with my Balance Breaker unlocked I can actually get stronger and stronger to protect all of them!
"Ever since I healed that devil," Asia muttered to her bedmates. "My life has changed so much, but with all of you, I feel like everything will be alright!"
"We may be rivals," Rias comforted with a stroke of her face. "But I am still your master, I told Koneko I would make every day happy, Kiba to find peace he didn't know and Akeno a family she thought she'd lost. "I will make sure you always feel at home here Asia."
"President…" Issei sighed, the situation turning far more serious than he had expected. He cherished having their soft mounds pressing against him as much as he had dreamed possible, yet despite having the opportunity to do anything he wished, something held him back.
As if anyone could love someone as pathetic as you!
Issei clung a bit tighter to Rias at the memory, an act she noticed yet misunderstood.
"Issei, we'll need to get rest before things turn hectic again. We'll only have a few hours to…"
"AHEM!"
Oh come on!
In her fervor to reach the bed, Asia had left the door ajar, the small frame of a young woman now seen against the light of the hallway. Issei had seen her at the Rating Game the previous months and at the party, someone he had not expected to see again.
"Huh…the Fried Chicken's sister?"
"That's Ravel Phenex!" The youngest daughter to the Phenex family stormed inside face flushed red as she saw what the group was doing. The young bishop had formerly belonged to her brother's peerage before his defeat at the hands of Issei, throwing him into a bout of depression from such a humiliating defeat. As a result, she had become a free piece under her mother's team to the next peerage she decided to lend her talents. "I HAD decided to come with a gift but I had no idea you'd be busy!"
"Well, this was sort of…unexpected," Issei tried to rationalize, realizing how the situation must have looked. The young Phenex had approached him during the gala to greet him on behalf of her family despite seeming much more reserved than past encounters. Before they had gotten too far into talks had been when they noticed Koneko's disappearance, forcing him to cut their conversation short.
"You should not be doing such things under our very roof!" She chastised, storming closer. It was only as she neared the bedside that Issei noticed a short black object in her hand. From the look of it, she had been ready to hold it forward before realizing what she was walking into. "B-be that as it may, I wanted to give you THIS at the party!"
She thrust the object forward into the air, holding it until Issei tentatively accepted it. The offering was a black case with the emblem of the Phenex Clan inscribed on the outside. Other than that it was completely unmarked.
"Th-that is normally meant for high-class devils, be grateful!" She shouted, spinning to storm out of the room with her flushed cheeks. She glanced back only a moment with a huff before slamming the door loudly.
"What's her deal?" Issei asked while looking over her gift, finally laying it on the dresser near the lamp.
He did not see Rias and Asia glance back to each other and towards the door apprehensively. While Issei may have missed the blush from the young Phenex girl they saw it fully for what it entailed. She had that look anytime Issei was around since his victory over her brother Riser. While she was the picture of a proper devil-lady, the two saw the fascination that had bloomed for Issei as a result of seeing his strength. As the three got what rest they could before their plan in a few hours, the two women could not help but wonder if the next time they sought the arms of their Red Dragon Emperor that a third wouldn't try to find her way into his bed…
Asgard…
"No change my lord," the robed messenger whispered to Odin while trying not to wake an exhausted Freyja sleeping by her son's bedside. "Even with the Queen's powers, whatever broke the enchantments still ravages Baldur's body. We are losing ground slowly."
Odin tightened the grip on his spear, laying his robe over Freyja to keep her warm, her powers pushed to their limit trying to help their dying son.
"And the knife?"
"Soaked with mistletoe oil combined with a horrific poison of angel and dragon origins we have yet to identify. It appears that the mixture was intricately developed, it would have taken years."
"And the question I asked before?"
"Yes, a powerful enchantment was placed as well. Very subtle, we would have likely missed it without your request to search. Whoever holds the knife for too long would have their mental faculties weakened until they became open to suggestion and commands. Based on how it was made it could have taken weeks or longer to work.
Dorian will be relieved we found it.
"And Thor?"
"I wish I knew where my husband is," A powerfully built woman answered standing behind them both. She had long onyx hair braided with gold bands expertly resembling a certain Valkyrie serving the Crossroads. "He found some great hunt he could not be dissuaded from pursuing. Runners are already searching. When I get to hell…"
"You will do no such thing!" Odin boomed. "As long as Fenrir is loose none are to intervene directly."
"I will NOT leave my daughter there to fight alone!"
"She will not be alone," Odin's artificial eye darted back and forth in his head. He could see Hugin and Munin flying to monitor the various children resting in Hell. Even Skilja's vision was open to him, watching Dorian's journey through the Roads to Jotunheim and back. "I suppose Thor took Mjolnir with him of course?"
Sif, wife of Thor and Thrud's mother, nodded.
"It'll have to be me then," the Allfather sighed with a chuckle. "A little early to be tussling with Fenrir but if it's between myself or others to deliver the help…"
"Graend fa, let me do this."
"What are you doing out of bed?" Sif demanded, turning to the newcomer who had entered the room following the messenger's departure.
"I have slept long enough. Besides, you said you need someone to deliver aid. Better to send a wayward son than the Allfather."
Gates of Hell…
A portal to the Roads opened at the Gates of Hell ushering in Dorian riding atop a red hart to help traverse the pathways faster. The others had remained within hardly requiring all four to escort him as they had at Olympus. He could have appeared anywhere he desired, however understandably the leaders of Hell were hesitant to allow someone to come and go as he pleased. As a result, they agreed upon his return to meet up at the Gates of Hell themselves after many hours travel even with the time difference.
"Thank you Dvalinn," Dorian patted the great stag's side appreciatively. "I can walk from here."
"I would prefer not to depart yet," the spectral animal's voice rang in his mind. "Yggdrasil feared for Loki's machinations if he had an interest in you."
I will feel much safer when we are back behind the walls.
"You don't need to be so worried all the time," Dorian reassured the woman who resided within his soul. "You always seem on edge, do we get into that much trouble?" He chuckled though the jest was not shared by Iggy.
It's not that Dorian…
"Then what has you so worried?"
I thought you felt the same, deep down, I can't explain it. I just feel like something is coming…like a dream you forget when waking up.
Dorian's worry crept up again like a bad itch. The nagging, irrational worry that if he pushed forward too far with something that made him happy even a little that it would be snatched away.
"Sometimes, I don't know why but…"
"So predictable!"
It all happened so fast, something large collided with Dvalinn sending Dorian flying from his back only saved by a quick roll. To his absolute horror, Fenrir had emerged from the wall itself and was looming over him holding Dvalinn in his fangs, blood trickling down to the floor from the trapped stag's haunches.
"Close that portal to the Roads and he dies," Loki's condescending voice boomed down from above. Dorian went to move, however found himself locked by a half dozen gravity runes generated by a wave of the god's hand. "Ah ah ah, I can't have you leaving and if you die too soon I'll lose my window."
"You bastard," Dorian struggled, failing to make any ground against the seals created by one of the Norse Pantheon. "Trying to run like the coward you are?" The God of Mischief blinked out of existence, reappearing in front of the bound young man with a powerful slap across the face drawing blood.
"Watch your tongue against your betters. Modi knew his place though lied to himself about the equity of our arrangement. I lost a valuable pawn when you forced me to fry his mind like an egg."
"You…you're the one who stole Hrotti! Framed Rossweisse, what did you do to Kara?" His memory fell to the girl who never existed, seen only by himself and no other. Loki only stared at him with a confused expression.
"Still haven't figured that one out?" He laughed loudly. "If that has even eluded your pathetic senses then you must have no idea why I am after that little gem on your arm."
"Trying to escape Hell? The Roads are untraceable, can't hide behind your kid's tail forever."
"Please, as if I needed to truly run from those weaklings."
"The look on your face said otherwise." Loki cracked Dorian again across the jaw, bruising the bone for that.
"Quite the contrary, I left so that I would have another chance at my new target…you."
"Me?" Dorian tugged at the restraints as his gems cycled through each one unable to activate. Loki must have placed a seal to suppress his powers. "Odin got away, if you want to bring about the end of the world I doubt Ragnarok really cares about me."
"All this time and you understand so little," Loki mocked as with a wave of his hand, Dorian's gauntleted arm was pulled into the air. "Laerad Ragnarok, he who initiates the betrayal of Ragnarok. I suppose you thought it meant you would prevent it, but did you ever consider your betrayal is what brings it about?"
"You're insane! My gear could never destroy the world!"
"Not the gear itself you short-minded bug! There," he motioned towards the portal leading to the Road Between Realms. The very framework left behind from the creation of the universe," Dorian recalled Ratatoskr's comparison to the Roads as a form of scaffolding. "What better way to bring down castle walls; to smash them down from without…or undermine their very foundation within?"
His meaning hit Dorian and Iggy like a wave as they realized his intent. Yggdrasil had dissuaded protracted use of the Roads as he had during his month-long training so as not to damage the pathways, they never imagined the gravity of her words.
"Once within the Roads, I will obliterate everything, as if these woodland creatures could stop me." Dvalinn remained trapped by the monstrous wolf, struggling in futility for freedom. "Imagine the chaos in the outside realms, each one touched by your presence. Originally it would have merely destabilized the Nine Realms yet how many have you visited since? Olympus, Hell, even that brief jaunt to the outskirts of Heaven for your precious gift to that waste of a Valkyrie."
"Try releasing these runes and we'll see how tough you really are!" Dorian roared, pressing against the seals. Unnoticed by Loki, the powers groaned but a little at his resistance.
"Trying to act the role of a proper Einherjar? My blood-nephew and his brat would be proud. No I think not. You will be witness to the end of all as I ride out the waves of destruction to the new world after." He pressed fingers into Dorian's chest where the scars of his impalement by Kara were located. "Though before the end you'll have far more scars added to your collect…"
The coordinated strikes hit at once, a familiar greataxe slammed into Loki's seals of defense from behind, cracking one in his unpreparedness as Rossweisse manipulated magic circles of her own to directly interfere with his. Simultaneously, Fenrir howled as his planned meal vanished; a trio of Kuoh Academy uniform-clad women gently lowered the wounded hart to the ground as they worked to slow the bleeding. The renegade god soon realized he was surrounded by the full peerages of Sona Sitri and Rias Gremory as well as the Crossroads, weapons aimed squarely at him and his son.
"It seems you were right Sona," Rias stood confidently above even Loki. "Even for a god the place he thought to fight was obvious enough." She reveled in the absolutely furious expression Loki was throwing his way. The teams had put a plan together for Dorian's return, almost assured that Loki would choose that moment to strike. Fenrir leapt between the attackers and his father, snarling fiercely.
Iggy, we have to get out of these restraints!
Focus Dorian, you can do it, remember the pact with Midgardsormr…
"One step closer and he dies!" Loki roared, causing the assembled ambush to hesitate. "I can kill him with but a…"
Laerad Ragnarok exploded into the Balance Breaker behind him; even then the god did not worry having seen many times the strength and limitations of his strength. The confidence faded, however as he sensed the blooming power resonating with energy familiar to him.
"That is my son's scent…HOW DID YOU ACQUIRE THAT!"
Dorian reeled his hand back, the most movement he had yet mustered with a pained grin, the seals working overtime to hold him back.
"You should keep in touch with your kids better!" As he finished, great roots exploded from Dorian's back wrapping around each other until they resembled tremendous dragon wings. Not just the wings, but also the armor itself seemed to now be covered in scales still made of the bark-like material of Yggdrasil. Nine complete gems could be seen across his body radiating with the powers of the Norse Realms.
The revitalized Einherjar swung his fist forward with all the strength he could muster wrapped in every light he had at his discretion. Loki never imagined that the seals he had set up would shatter at the swing, allowing the follow-through to crack him across the face with a rainbow light of his Bifrost Barrage condensed to a single point. The pompous god could not stop him in time before he was sent sailing across the field, righting himself quickly and gripping the blemish now marring his cheeks from where the blow had connected.
"Now is a good time ladies!" Bennia shouted, aiming her scythe forward as all of Sona's team save Saji focused their energies beneath Loki and Fenrir's feet where he landed. An enormous teleportation rune etched itself into the ground, glowing with light as it threatened to consume the duo.
"No matter, I can get out of this easily before it activates!"
So he said, however as Loki went to move, he found himself frozen in place, Fenrir remaining as well without a command from his father.
IMPOSSIBLE! He thought upon realizing the source of his immobility.
High above beside Rias he spotted a young man with pointed ears and a kilted-version of the Kuoh Academy uniform. Gasper the Vampire's eyes of Balor were glowing bright. Loki would remain ever perplexed how the boy had succeeded in paralyzing one as strong as him, never spotting the vial of recently consumed blood marked with a symbol of a red dragon lying empty at his feet. With the power of Issei's blood coursing through his veins, all of the formerly timid bishop's powers were augmented many times. Even so, it was only just strong enough to hold the god in place for a moment. Only a moment…but long enough.
NOOOOOOO! Loki was dragged in along with his son; the portal destabilizing as the powers sustaining it began to falter.
"He'll come right back if we don't hurry!" Bennia cried, unable to move lest the spell fail. "First floor, reception, women's lingerie, insane megalomaniacal gods and worst pups in history...going down!"
Vali, along with Kuroka and Arthur were the first to dive in after him followed closely by Rias' team. Among Sona's peerage only Saji was free to move with the others generating the power to keep their passageway stable. With a nod of approval from his love and king he jumped in next.
"Dorian," Rossweisse ran to ensure he was safe, clasping his hand tenderly. Her eyes went wide as she beheld his new Balance Breaker, unable to sense the rapid loss of energy or stamina that had hindered him in the past. "We set up a deserted location to send him to so we can fight without collateral damage but we have to go NOW!"
The two looked over to see Irina, Xenovia and Hecuba having already leapt inside. Thrud was the last standing on the precipice, her gaze darting back and forth between the portal and the two holding hands. She was motioning between them and it all the while hopping up and down like a little kid waiting to jump in the car to get ice cream.
"Then let's not make him wait any longer," Dorian asserted as the pair started running towards the entryway, Thrud jumping in first with a grin of satisfaction at their approach. The two never let go as they jumped in last, the world warping away around them from the ancient powers rocketing the duo to their destination, the match against the god who would bring about the Twilight of his kind.
Loki is thrown to a chosen battlefield, our heroes' chance to bring him to justice without endangering the innocent. With a new power within him, Dorian goes to confront the man responsible for his first trials in Asgard. But will the power be enough against the God of Mischief and a being counted among the ten strongest in existence?
The final battle of the arc is upon us, due to the length it may be a bit longer before the next update and for that I apologize. After this arc is completed I may take a bit of an extra break to recharge my batteries, rest and update other projects before the next, I wanted to let everyone reading know just in case so you don't worry. This story will continue and until then I hope everyone Reads and Reviews…but most of all Enjoys! :D