DJDrake: Thank you! I am so glad you liked how the battle progressed. And as for Thrud...let's just say I have plans when Kyoto comes around ;) And yes, the next few chapters will be downtime for fun, fluff and development.
The Amesiac: Bingo, we don't get much/any description of the Old Gods Azazel mentions so I thought that inspiration fit well. Close on Midgard's powers, no major spoilers but I will say it created a pocket of "life" that will be more clear later. Correct on his balance breaker, he isn't god-level I (Yet) but each myth's powers have different purposes and by infusing that magic with his armor it changes what it can do best. That is a good question about the Astaroth clan, I assumed it had to do with barriers like Diodora's as canon doesn't specify.
King0fPowers: She is among the gods that created Gogmagog, the last that stayed behind when the rest left beyond the gap. Exactly lol, they mention Ophis was born in the gap so she isn't truly infinite, and these gods were around long before the first myths took root (pun intended). She would be immensely strong as their magic is unknown, her staff was worried it would consume Olympus after all. She doesn't look very highly on our world though so sees little reason to use it. I know what you mean, he brought other villains like Freed back, however briefly yet his first God is one and done lol. That is so true, ever since Vol. 25 it seems like Issei is just being god-modded to annihilate the next god that comes his way XD
Gan315: Thank you! I agree the song out of nowhere calming him felt pretty forced in the LN. No, Cthulhu himself won't be in the story, but her people have strong Lovecraftian inspirations so you are on the right track. Her interest in him will be a bigger aspect when we get closer to the Trihexa, and not to worry...Dorian will have to face that dilemma of killing in the near future...
Hollowreaper 93: Exactly, their leaders are all dead or captured, they won't be doing anything for a while. Downtime chapters are coming up so those 2 just might get some time alone XD And yes, I noticed that her and Raynare's designs are so similar...but canon never approached that topic.
DragonXDelinquent: Her name was the inspiration, though the similarities (other than maybe a few tentacles in her true form lol) ends there. And good question XD, though serpents feature pretty heavily in Norse myth. It's almost like everything ties together ;)
deathwing17: Didn't he? I never did say what Thrud did to him XD The imagination can be a terrifying thing :D
WinterRuneWolf: It means a lot my story will be your introduction to Season 4 and beyond, I hope it is a worthy extension to your enjoyment of the series. I will have a break after this chapter for the end of the arc, but I'll do my best to make it not too long :)
Slayer Cross: Perhaps ;) I will say the power we saw of Midgard was just a fragment of its potential limited by Dorian's energy reserves. It will grow later :D. Sorry I killed your dreams XD The gap has always been described as a void dimension, so it made sense to me it's separated from Yggdrasil's roots and is a middle dimension all its own similar to the Roads. That line about Salem was to show just how old she is and that she's been around...who know what else she got into lol, and you take care as well, thank you! :)
giovvaniauditore: Aaallll the Lovecraft XD
Fish on Land: Thank you very much! The meat of the arc is done but one more epilogue is left, I hope you like it. That it is, considering how mysterious the old gods are in DxD...it felt like it works well :D
OBSERVER01: Suspicions you say? I bet they are good ones, he hasn't really come to terms with her murdering him at this point, combine that with how closely Akeno resembles her...
Cchang3: Kassumi? The student that approached Dorian to help out many chapters ago...your memory is fantastic my friend ;) Thrud is many things, she may be only a year older than Dorian but through her father she's seen situations where death is a necessity. How that affects Dorian will be revealed when he learns of her actions ;) I most certainly will!
fanficcyberman: Thank you! Hopefully not too many questions lol, each one will be answered in time. Your words mean so much, I can't say enough how touched I am you've loved my storytelling all this time. You stay healthy and safe too my friend!
ahsoei: Not the exact mythos, but the old gods will have Lovecraftian inspiration 100%.
trexboy164: In my defense Asmodeus had very little in canon lol, I felt keeping his presence minimal made most sense. Nah, not shafting Issei, he will still be very powerful and a main character, but he won't be getting every broken OP power in DxD all for himself. I know what you mean in terms of the different fics, I do plan Issei to mature more as time passes in mine, but he will ever remain a pervert lol. There are different levels of pervert that can make him more likable imo. I am so glad that my story stands out to you, how fast you read mine was really impressive! :) No worry, I need a good rant now and then too lol. And yes you heard right, I will be including an Egyptian and Sumerian arc tied in with their research into the Trihexa (even mixing Shinto in with the Kyoto arc). I hadn't considered Hindu since they join the cast later but that could change. As for events AFTER the Trihexa, currently my story is set to go up to that point, however if fan request is high enough and inspiration hits I may create a sequel series for Volumes after 21. Not to worry on Issei and Dorian understanding each other more...Kyoto will be the arc that comes to a head ;)
Critias204: Thank you! I hope to never disappoint :D
And with that...ONTO THE SHOW!
"3…2…1…GO!"
Rossweisse fired the starter pistol signaling the start of the three-legged race. Issei and Asia took off running, one arm around the other smiling as they haphazardly stumbled towards the finish line. After the exertions of the battle Issei had been unconscious for three days under intensive healing and care finally awakening just in time for the sports festival.
The day was perfect for the event, the sun was shining without a cloud in the sky and a renewed sense of calm could be felt throughout the school. The teachers ensured there was enough water to go around and everyone was enjoying themselves despite the friendly competition between classes. For some, the competition was more terrifying than others.
"Pull harder!"
"I'm pulling as hard as I can! Are they budging at all?"
The third-year classes tugged at the rope pull but could make no headway against their opponents including the three goddesses of Kuoh. Thrud, Rias and Akeno held their ground alongside the other classmates unaware of the insurmountable strength within their numbers.
"Do you think we've delayed long enough?" Rias smirked to her friends who assured their team victory.
"Aw, I wanted to watch the anguish on their faces a little longer," Akeno's smile widened a touch more than necessary. "It's so adorable."
"If you insist," Thrud grinned, flexing her arms with conviction. It took all her willpower to not pull as hard as she could, worried she'd send the opposing team flying.
She nearly succeeded, the third-year class falling forward piling atop each other in the sand. The sound of a whistle signaled their victory, overwhelming in every activity for the day. The three took more pride in the win as the other class, made up of far more burly students, had been very boastful up until the competition began. A few murmurs had made uncouth remarks that the three goddesses would need to date them if they should lose, the possibility of that in any regard was always zero.
"It's tough not being able to show off," she huffed with pride. "You're sure they don't have any wrestling? Oh, this takes me back, how many months ago was that festival in Asgard?" She fell back into the memory of holding Dorian's hand at a play so long ago, wondering why his eyes watered within her titanic grip. "At least there is no booze here to summon father, I wonder how the others are doing."
Not Far…
"And the winner of the second-year marathon is…Hecuba!"
Dorian passed the line just behind his teammate panting heavily. He slumped forward, wiping beads of sweat from his brow as the gracious winner offered a water bottle.
"How…did you do that," he gasped before downing a refreshing gulp. She had kept pace the entire run only to use a reserve of energy saved to blow past him, the pair leaving all others in the dust.
"Brute power…can't…do everything," she gasped clearly winded from great effort accomplishing the win. The young Spartan was sweat as much as him, drawing the eyes of more than a few men in the crowd. "I thought it could for a moment there," she smirked, giving him a proud nod.
"That was incredible!" A group of female students gathered around Hecuba starry eyed at one of their idols. They were so enamored with the redhead they brushed past Dorian who stepped back as her normally indomitable demeanor softened in embarrassment.
"It was close," a soft voice drew Dorian's attention.
"Oh, Kassumi," he smiled at the young woman. "I didn't see you; did you compete too?"
"My class did ball throwing; it wasn't very interesting. I got a B on the last exam, thank you for that."
"I told you that you had it in you," the young man congratulated her improvement since he had a chance to walk her through the formulas. "You don't need to know the answers off the top of your head, just how to find them."
"Learn all the formulas and you'd know everything," the young woman chuckled.
"There's always more to learn," he half smiled while watching the other sports events playing out around him. Everyone was happy spending the day with their friends, he spotted Koneko blowing past a panting, frustrated Bennia. It was clear she wanted to use magic but couldn't in such a public setting. "It's impossible to know everything."
He missed Kassumi tilt her head slightly in an almost condescending expression, upon turning around she only held an innocent if not confused look in her eyes.
"Like learning more about Professor Rossweisse?"
"W-what would make you say that?" Sweat dripped down Dorian's face as he looked away nonchalantly.
"Just a hunch," she teased with a look that would make Akeno proud. "You watch yourself with such a forbidden affair, also I think she was looking for you."
"Looking for me?" Dorian turned only to see Kassumi had disappeared again as before. "How does she do that?"
"Dorian!" Rossweisse called out on cue, approaching from the far side of the field beyond the track. "How did you place?"
"Second," he announced proudly, the slight shame of falling short not hampering his enjoyment of the day. "Hecuba got me beat in track and field. Sorry I couldn't make it to the teacher's event."
"Don't be," she waved her hands frantically. The teachers had performed shapes stacking upon each other like a human pyramid. Despite the fact she and the young Einherjar shared the same bed, Rossweisse was certain she'd die of embarrassment if he'd seen her contorted to hold the base of the pyramid. "We can…oh?"
Dorian and Rossweisse turned as they spotted Issei and Asia slip away from the 3-legged race after winning it. From where they ran few could see them, the pair could not hear what was being said but Asia's smile was shining brighter than ever. Unable to resist, they snuck a little closer while remaining hidden.
"Issei," she whispered before planting a soft yet passionate kiss on the confused teenager's lips. Issei's eyes went wide not believing what was happening. Rossweisse nearly gasped, Dorian barely putting a hand gently over her lips to prevent their being discovered.
"St-students should not be doing such things at the school," she stuttered. "Who knows what Issei is plotting, he could be…"
Dorian pointed as Asia broke the kiss, her head tilting to the side with stars visible.
"I love you Issei, I want to be with you forever. Even if it's not just me, I'll be at your side."
"Asia," he whispered, the clear vision of restrained jubilation behind them. Yet at the same time, Dorian was confused he was not more vocal considering how he normally acted around women. "Of course!" He thumped his chest confidently. "I won't give you up, not to anyone ever again! I don't care who comes after you!"
"Maybe," Dorian offered sheepishly, "we can let them have this one time?"
"I…suppose," Rossweisse acquiesced, realizing how close together they were. With a soft affection, she clasped his hand tightly. "Perhaps when we are back at the tower, we can have some time just for us?"
Dorian's heart skipped a beat he was certain she felt from how close together they were pressed still hiding from Issei and Asia, obscured from the rest of the festival at the same time. He couldn't contain the smile at some time alone with her. After how much they had been through the previous few days, he welcomed the reprieve.
"It's a date then."
Elsewhere…
"Why didn't you tell me the kid had an Old God playing stalker?" Azazel asked the rulers of Asgard. The trio were sitting in comfy chairs within a lounge set up to allow quick access to Kuoh Academy for the Sports Festival. Once again, they had witnessed the event watching Dorian's competition in secret, even then Freyja couldn't bring herself to show Dorian their arrival on Earth.
"Who knew he had it in him," Odin beamed with pride. "I remember the first time I attracted the affections of an unknowing, mysterious being."
"An Old God?"
"No, my wife," Odin accepted the crack over the back of his head. It was worth it for the jest.
"To think she has been in and out of the palace so easily," Freyja was more disturbed by the connotations of her following him since his reincarnation. "We must improve our defenses it seems."
"I wouldn't worry about it," Azazel assured while pouring another glass. "If what little intel we have on these beings are accurate, our magics are like child's play to them. We need prepare for them coming after us anymore than ants needing to prepare themselves against a human that wants to look at their colony through a microscope."
"Until they decide to step on it," the room fell silent at the queen's accurate statement.
"With your permission, I would like to keep an eye on him further. He's living next door to Issei who I was already watching over so it wouldn't be any bother. No more experiments, I promise."
Until you come up with a new idea. Freyja was fully aware.
"I did think it was very suspicious that he was completely unaffected by Balor's gaze or any time related magic," Odin pondered aloud. "That is beyond Yggdrasil's power which means it has to do with Dorian himself or Iggy."
"But he has no special ancestors…does he?"
"None that stand out," Odin accepted a long parchment from one of his many ravens flying overhead. "He is of our people with a bit of Greek and Egyptian but no heroes, gods or anything in between as part of his family line. "Michael confirmed that with his parents. We could always invite him back to Asgard where we can keep a closer eye on…"
"That won't do," Freyja quickly interrupted though with a glance showing she was torn on her reply. "He is making a life for himself; we shouldn't try bringing the bird back to the nest just as he learns to fly."
"Hoping the branches of the Crossroads spread far?" Azazel smirked confidently, leaning back in his seat comfortably. "They aren't quite the elite force I pictured just yet, but we can't deny what they have accomplished in such a short time. Stopping Loki, TWICE, infiltrating Helheim and most of those ladies really proved themselves in the battle against the Brigade to say nothing of Mr. Held holding his own against a raging Juggernaut Drive. Sirzechs has expressed the gratitude of the Glasya-Labolas family for reuniting Zaebos' soul with them. They are now in full support of our coalition."
"Iggy, that is to say Laerad Ragnarok, seems apt towards adapting the different magics into her overall power. Who knows how many combinations there are once he masters each one? I wonder how he learned the Olympian one so quickly without a teacher."
"They all deserve something nice; they are still kids after all. After this festival they can use some vibrant relaxation."
"A party you mean? Splendid idea! I know this great club that we can…"
"An…APPROPRIATE celebration would be in order," Freyja smiled at her husband in a way that appeared wholesome on the outside but underneath warned him against the venue he was surely considering. "I will make some calls…"
Crossroads Tower…
"Welcome home nya!" Kuroka floated down from the ceiling as the team returned from the festival beaming from ear to ear. "Have you ever thought of dropping out of high school? It is terribly dull around here without you. If you let me leave when alone…"
"That would be against the terms of your probation," Dorian warned her again. "One of us have to be with you at all times until further notice."
"Yet you won't let me share your room, then you could keep an eye on me full time. That would be a change for the better."
"I trust you when we aren't around Kuroka," he tried to shake off her latest remark towards what she wanted from him. Ever since joining she had attempted such remarks yet nothing more, instead hoping for him to accept them. The memory of that dream mixing with Issei's ideal passed through his mind, the Einherjar quickly shaking it away when Rossweisse's smile overrode all.
Never make that smile waver.
"I-I'll be upstairs," he pushed past her quickly, the nekoshou releasing a huff of frustration. The rest of the team trickled in, none noticing Rossweisse swiftly slip upstairs close behind.
"Speaking of changes, are you wearing that all the time shorty?"
"I am NOT short!" Bennia's eye twitched as Kuroka's playful nature rounded on her. "The color doesn't want to be the way it was before…"
They were referring to her grim reaper cloak which previously had been a light shade of blue. Ever since the battle against Loki where she had tapped into the orb given by Sirzechs it now held a darker hue leaning closer to the black her kind was known for.
"It means you're packing some real heat now, Hades might want you back at this rate," Kuroka threw her a wink. "The dark suits you."
"Well it shouldn't," she harrumphed, crossing her arms in a pout. "I quite like the sunshine thank you very much."
"You are taking this oddly serious," Xenovia remarked, noting it was not often she saw Bennia as the frazzled one.
"I just…I look a bit more like the old foggies back home," she admitted. "I didn't know the color was actually a permanent change, every time I try to change cloaks the new one gets dark too!"
"Growth often comes with unexpected side effects. I worried I'd never be able to safely draw Durandal from its dimension without worry of harming others."
"You can do that now?"
"In a way, I realized how easy it was wielding shortly before the last battle. It seems Angurvadal's power tempers Durandal to an extent. Perhaps they are more comfortable in the other's presence. My point is you need not worry of changing just because of your clothes. You are more than that."
Bennia sighed in relief that she thought that way. Ever since she and the azure-haired fighter had bonded over their praying to gods outside the expected, the two had gained a calm ambiance between them. Being able to relax around someone like that was refreshing.
"Come on," Bennia motioned towards the sizable kitchen. "I think there's a few slices of pizza left. We can shar-"
A soft beeping warned the group that visitors were requesting entrance via the Bifrost tunnel leading to their tower. Dorian and Rossweisse had already headed upstairs but the others shuffled to the room in curiosity over who was arriving.
"Huh, I wasn't expecting any visitors. Woah…what are THEY here for?"
Upstairs…
"Rossweisse, that's...!"
Dorian had stepped into the room after washing up, with the young Valkyrie's previous statement of having some time alone he had considered where they could go. It was immediately apparent she had other plans. Rossweisse stood before him wearing a thin pink nightgown very nearly see-through with nothing to cover her legs leaving them bare. He could hardly take his eyes off her smooth skin to see how much was visible with the new outfit drastically different than her normal full pajamas. It was low-cut leaving considerable cleavage visible with soft frills to accentuate her figure to its fullest.
"I-I saw it…for a deal!" She quickly added as if that would be a better reason for its purchase, the Saleswoman had given her such a look when she rang it up. "I h-heard that it can be more comfortable to sleep in. Do you like it?"
Dorian's head bobbed up and down rhythmically on autopilot of absolute honesty. Deep down he was worried about moving too fast since the two had officially started dating. In that moment however, such thoughts were completely pushed from his head.
I need to think of something nice for her. What is the equivalent of that for men?
A nice ceremonial outfit?
Nothing at all? In Olympus I saw some men wear some assless...
Dorian quickly pushed the conflicting thoughts in his head to the back, stressing privacy much to their frustration. The distraction was enough for the timid Valkyrie to clear the distance, coercing him towards the back of the bed.
"You nearly died again," she asserted.
"So did you. With what we do it is something we'll have to face often."
"I know," she blushed redder, fingers clutching to her chest as if contemplating covering up. "How long did it take before we finally said the words? I don't want to waste time anymore."
"You are sure?" He asked as she sat atop his lap, his hands instinctively falling to her waist.
"Maybe," she whispered as they drew nearer. "We can indulge ourselves j-just a little bit…"
"Hey! Dorian, Rossweisse!" The door flew open as Thrud stormed inside unaware of the situation until it was too late. "You are going to want to…take a look…at…this?" You could have heard a pin drop a mile off with how silent the room became as her eyes focused on a shirtless Dorian, Rossweisse in her new nightgown sitting atop him. Eyes grew wide between the three, mouths hanging open as each strove in vain to find the words.
Has Rossweisse always looked like that? The daughter of thunder stared at her as much as the Einherjar. For a moment, just a moment, her stern outer shell fell away as she imagined what may be said if she bared it all. Rossweisse saw the brief look of contemplation, confusion setting in for her longtime friend.
"Are they ready yet?" The voice of Bennia called out behind her, the goddess only barely stepping in front in time so she and the others gathered could not see. "I can't hold the secret any longer!"
"Just a minute!" Thrud worked to cover for them. "I don't think it's time to sleep just yet you two, it seems there is a bit of a surprise planned for us and it would be a shame if you were…preoccupied."
Jotunheim…
"Dorian Held!" The thunderous booming voice of the King of the frost giants echoed throughout the gargantuan halls as the collected teenagers stepped off the Bifrost. "You swore to return for my hospitality, that day was long in coming and I have heard news of no ill words towards me or my halls, welcome back!"
"Lord Ymiron," Dorian bowed politely upon addressing the ruler of Jotunheim. "It was not my intention to wait so long, merely…" He did not finish as the colossal king approached, seeming to shrink down to a more manageable size though still towering over the Einherjar. Pulling Dorian to his feet, he wrapped him in a mighty bear hug cracking bones with each squeeze.
"You have grown well since our last meeting, though not in stature," he released a barrel laugh joined by the other giants nearby. "Your team and friend's accomplishments against the treacherous God Loki and his foul allies within the Brigade are well known. For that, we have prepared this feast!"
The enormous expanse within the giant-king's halls was filled to the brim with food, dancers, instruments, refreshments and various amenities of all types clearly for a celebration of special significance. The Gremory and Sitri Teams were there in addition to Sairaorg, Seekvaira and a few of their Peerage. The next arrivals made the young man's heart pull with nostalgia right before he was tackled into the ground.
"Dorian! Long time no see!" A large group of young Valkyries pushed towards him. The remaining members of his former class whom had not joined the Crossroads together for the first time since their graduation months before.
"Congratulations on leading the Crossroads!"
"What was it like facing Fenrir?"
"You and Rossweisse are such a cute couple!"
"Can you introduce us to Lady Thrud?"
"I hate Goldie," Issei could not help but remark at the sight before his eyes. It reminded him too much of how Kiba was with the female classmates of Kuoh Academy. "Then again, there are so many of them." He looked from Valkyrie to Valkyrie taking note of how cute and beautiful each was in their own right. His mind started envisioning each out of their armor right up until his eyes locked with Thrud's beside him. She didn't say a word yet the message coming across through her pulsating aura screamed a silent warning.
Don't even think about it.
"This time is yours!" He boomed to the collected guests. "Eat, drink and revel to excess! Let this feast continue until all are spent and joy filled! Come Mr. Held, we shall share a drink again. I surmise you can lift it without aid from your Gear this time."
Into the party…
"Ye…won't win," Ragnar grunted in a locked struggle with Thor's youngest son Modi. The pair were butting heads while arm wrestling atop a sturdy oaken table.
"By my father's beard, I won't lose to an Einherjar again!"
Ygritte and dozens of spectators roared for their chosen champion only starting to die down as the pair had been locked in struggle for the better part of half an hour. With their supreme strength such a conflict could last the entirety of the party, yet both were set on seeing it through to the end. Hecuba and Xenovia were placing their bets while Bennia shouted who she thought would win, her answer mysteriously changing each time the other gained an advantage.
"You've gotten bigger," Ratatoskr raised a comically small mug to Rassei, Asia's sprite dragon who was wobbling across from him. "Flying up to tshat monster durig the flight to try and helb, I undereshtimated you." He slurred his words as he pulled the tiny dragon into a hug. "You'll be a Heavenly Dragon in no time!"
The dragon chirped drunkenly before leaning against him, the pair giggling as they watched the others around them.
"Play a song!" Irina called to Dorian who had been given a lyre by another of the performers very similar to his own. "It has been so long."
"It has," he smiled as he raised the instrument up. Inhaling to calm the nerves as the others gathered around, he started to strum softly.
The audience noticeably shirked back as a sharp piercing sound was emitted. Dorian tried again with similar results only catching a tune on the third attempt, however it was crude and not as melodious as it had been in the past. Despite the change, the crowd acted as if it was as calming as it had been in the past. Dorian could tell the difference however, a sense of melancholy passing over him.
It's the new hand, it can do everything the old could, but the muscle memory is gone. That will take some getting used to. Only Rossweisse noticed the less pronounced smile at his lips while playing.
"He hasn't let it get to him," she admitted to Freyja watching alongside her. The Queen and King of Asgard had arrived fashionably late with Odin already off trying to drink Ymiron under the table. Seeing the two reconciled despite the differences of their forebearers warmed her heart. It also helped seeing her husband relaxing in a way that didn't involve breasts. They had a running bet how long before it changed. "Losing a limb, he does twist in his sleep though."
"I owe Azazel for easing that burden, despite his flaws," the Queen of Asgard admitted. "You two have been…well?" She could not think how else to ask tactfully of their relationship.
"We have," she blushed to her queen before taking a sip of her drink. Not wanting to make a scene in front of so many she had steered far from the alcohol. "Kuoh has been nice, Dorian's grades are progressing, and he has been really taking to his assistant teacher position."
"And the nightmares?"
"They-," she hesitated a moment. "He still has them, but they are not as bad as before."
Gee, I wonder what could be calming him, Freyja could barely stifle a motherly chuckle. Thank you Rossweisse, you are just what he needs. Someone he can consider close, a family. As Freyja nearly lost herself deep in thought, a familiar raven landed on her shoulder gazing at her with familiar eyes.
"Sorry to interrupt, but I was hoping for a moment with my granddaughter," the bird spoke clearly. "It will not be long."
"Of course Göndul," Freyja excused herself as she walked closer to Dorian's attempt at playing the lyre, his expression brightening as he saw her.
"You worry me so much Rose," Skilja channeling her elder stressed. "Being part of not one but TWO assaults on our own deities not to mention facing against a heavenly dragon."
"It is part of my position, grandmother," Rossweisse tried to explain. She hated making the woman who raised her worry but with her current job it would happen often. "I can take care of myself."
"I know girl," her stern demeanor didn't let up even as her voice grew a touch softer. "But it does these old bones good to know that you have a man looking out for you now. I am more insulted you never thought to tell me."
She knows I've been sharing Dorian's bed? How?
"I…I didn't think it was meant to be shared," steam erupted from her ears as she threw her hands up in an attempt to explain herself. "How did you find out?"
"I have eyes!" She tutted. "The battle at Helheim was broadcast quite a way, I saw your little excursion atop the tower. Seeing you wielding that spear of his was hard to miss."
"Dorian's spear?" She recalled wielding Twilight Star against the Loki's possessed body. She had returned it right before their assault on the Rating Game.
"I knew the boy was sweet on you and you gazed at him often enough, but to think he would have proposed already…"
"Proposed!?" Rossweisse's hair stood on end, eyes wide in shock at the conclusion her grandmother had come to.
"That is a good sign of his character using our traditions, passing on a sword as an engagement gift is more practical than some silly ring. Your firstborn will make good use of it as a warrior."
"Firstborn?" The normally calm Rossweisse's brain was overheating as the images of a gold or silver-haired child flashed in her mind. No matter how hard she tried to fumble out an explanation her words were lost amid a sea of plans around caring for and raising such a baby. "We aren't, I mean…"
"No need to explain yourself to me Rose," Göndul waved off her weak attempt to speak. "I haven't felt so at ease in years. You be sure to take care of him as well as he takes care of you. I was starting to get worried, thought you'd be hanging around with your friend Thrud the rest of your life. I stand by my approval to do what you will with him and be sure to enjoy yourself tonight."
Göndul's eyes faded from Skilja's, replacing them with the expressionless face that now pecked playfully at her arm looking for food. Rossweisse had none to give and could barely feel the beak, a cold sweat crossing over her brow at what had just occurred so quickly.
She thinks D-Dorian and I are engaged? I should set her straight, but she's so calmed by it, oh what am I going to do now?
Across the room…
"You have to have fun sometime," Kuroka teased her angel teammate at her choice of water over the infinitely stronger drinks available. "Maybe loosen the tongue up a bit to have a real talk with a boy."
"I am having plenty of 'fun' thank you," Irina asserted confidently. "Not everyone has the same tastes as you."
"Like sitting on your duff drinking the basic necessity of life?" She downed the mug in one gulp to express her point much to the enjoyment of the Jotuns watching.
"Not everyone acts like such a…such a…"
"Heathen? Oh, don't look at me like that, Arthur is a lot like you. A real stick in the mud except when talking about his misses in waiting. In fact, he mentioned you just last week."
"Me?"
"You were interested in his Excalibur, weren't you?" She grinned ear to ear at having caught the angel's attention at last. "As much as your order seems to think otherwise, he's still an old softie. You MUST hear his reason for leaving his hotsy totsy family behind if he ever feels like telling you, you'd find it all gushy I am sure."
"What did he say about me?" Irina pouted a little at the teasing she had to cut through to reach the meat of the conversation.
"For that…" she passed a mug her way and smiled. "…you need to have some fun."
"I am still underage."
"Not in the Nine Realms you aren't, they have different rules here. Here, we can make a game out of it." She leaned closer patting the angel on the back. "You take a sip, then I'll take one, then I tell you a bit of what Arthur was so interested in, then you tell me what kind of guy ruffles your feathers in the best way."
Not Far…
"So his own dress break backfired?" Hikari of Sairaorg's peerage did her best to stifle a giggle at the Red Dragon Emperor's expense as the tale of the battles at the Rating Game were told. Koneko was clearly enjoying her reaction far too much. "Sounds like quite the counterattack."
"It wasn't my fault they were so unflinching," Issei crossed his arms sitting at the table looking frustrated despite Kiba patting him on the back. "Those women were really something."
"What happened to them?" Seekvaira asked before downing another glass of root beer abstaining from any alcohol. The party was far more unorganized for her liking, but she made do. "I saw them being led away after the fight."
"Funny you should mention that," Rias walked calmly to a door beside the table. "Most of them were…" she paused with a serious expression on her face. "…unable to cope with Diodora's death. My family are trying to help treat them, not all of them were so broken however."
A shape emerged from the half-opened doorway. A young woman wore the Kuoh Academy female uniform fidgeting a bit, clearly unaccustomed to such a short skirt. Her pink hair was tied into a simple bun in the back as her brown eyes shifted across the room to everyone with great unease until they fell upon Kiba beside Issei. His presence calmed her nerves.
"Allow me to introduce Catherine Sienna, former Sword Saint of the Catholic Church and the second knight of the Gremory Family."
"Here here!" Dorian shouted, parting with the lyre just long enough to start the cheer.
"To a full peerage!" Sairaorg roared congratulations.
Those closest started an applause which flowed like a wave across the room. Catherine looked like she wanted to run, Kiba's approach taking her hand the only thing preventing it. Xenovia narrowed her eyes at the young woman suspiciously but restrained herself, knowing full well what she and the others had gone through.
"Rias is nothing like him," the blonde knight assured her. "We can help you find your life if you will let us."
"I-I will!" She answered with a confident assertion that made Rias smile. "I will find a path for me, so I may show it to my sisters and bring them out of their turmoil."
"Then come, take a seat!" Xenovia pulled out the bench to allow her access while quickly ensuring Kiba sat down as well. "It is always nice to speak with another former swordswoman of the Church. Your style was superb, perhaps you could share a secret or two."
"Welcome to our little family," Akeno gave her best sisterly smile while leaning forward to pat her on the shoulder. As she did, her eyes briefly locked with Issei's. While his face was currently back to his normal, innocently perverted grin, she recalled the look of pure anguish as he had gazed upon her during the battle.
So, I remind him of Raynare, Akeno sighed. Issei was a kind soul deep down and she knew his proclamation of accepting her was genuine. All the same, the idea that she resembled the one who had killed him and ushered him into the supernatural world caused those memories of her own disdain for the crimes of her people to rise once more to the resurface.
"That simply won't do," a deep polite voice interrupted her dark thoughts. "This is a day for smiles, not frowns."
"Zepar," she turned to him with a bow certain that she had retained her outward appearance of propriety. "Whatever do you mean?"
"That aura about you, that slight downturn of your lips," he pointed out having gotten to know her more than she knew the previous few months. "If you wish to talk, I am here."
You always seem to be.
"I just…" she decided to trust him. "…found out I remind a friend of someone who hurt them. It is not a pleasant feeling."
"Much like reminding a young woman of her estranged father?" Akeno did not know how to reply, fortunately Zepar did not expect her to. "You saw me as more than an extension of Lord Baraqiel, I know Mr. Hyoudou will see you as more than a shadow of that woman. From what I heard he doesn't even remember what occurred during his time in the Juggernaut Drive."
Which means it's deep down, how much of her still haunts him? The only silver lining is we'd never have met otherwise.
"Thank you," she whispered while laying a gentle hand on the larger one of the 4-winged fallen angel. He cupped it tenderly, making her feel more secure than since the battle. "No alcohol for you?" She noticed the tea in his hands, falling back onto her more playful side.
"Much like the Lady Rossweisse I cannot hold my liquor," he spoke truthfully. "I tend to get…rambunctious."
"Well then," her violet eyes gazed deeply into his with a wink. "I may need to offer you a real drink someday."
Amid the merriment…
"You were a worthy opponent!" Sairaorg announce proudly while helping the battered Jotun to his feet with a grin of satisfaction. "Who is next?"
None stepped forward, over two dozen of the largest soldiers attending the celebration lowered their heads already having been beaten by the indomitable devil. Seekvaira adjusted her glasses, the outcome predictable having known the man for so long. Size did not matter in this case, being the strongest young devil, Sairaorg would not lose to normal soldiers.
"But they are just beating each other up!" Gasper and Asia remarked glancing at each other shocked by the fights happening amid the party.
"That's our way," Thrud nonchalantly replied. "If the festivities ended without somebody bruised it would be boring." She so badly wanted a rematch with the monstrously strong devil but was well aware that a real fight wouldn't be allowed lest they wreck the palace. Anything less would just frustrate her more than she already was.
"Mr. Held!" Sairaorg pointed to the Einherjar only just wrapping up his attempt at improving at the lyre once again. "You are the one who bested the God Loki on two occasions are you not?"
"I…am," he admitted hesitantly still remember the shattering blow he had taken from Sairaorg at the exhibition fight. "Not alone though."
Of course, I've gotten far stronger since then. Midgardsormr's power courses through me even passively.
"Then come! Let us have a fair match here among the halls of giants. A champion of the Norse people and of devilkind!"
"You wish to fight him?" Seekvaira was confused. "I would have thought you'd want to face the Red Dragon Emperor after his display in the battle."
"No can do," Koneko denied the thought without hesitation. "That battle was taxing on his life energy; I'll be reinforcing what he has left with my Sage Arts for a long while. No serious fights so soon!"
"Koneko..." Issei smiled at his underclassman's concern for him. He had been informed after the battle that his life had been significantly lowered through use of the Juggernaut Drive. Most devils lived almost forever but as he was, he'd be lucky to live longer than a normal human. Koneko's ministrations with Sage Arts was intended to give him some years back but it would take a long time to do that.
"Don't get any ideas dummy," she warned. "I couldn't let you wither away, now could I?
"Not only that," Sairaorg continued. "But we shall have our fight at the Rating Game, my confrontation with a Heavenly Dragon is assured." The final match between his and Rias' peerage for the last round of the Rating Game had been announced days earlier. "However, I will not have many chances to face Mr. Held in battle. Now is the perfect opportunity!"
"I don't know…"
"Do id!" Ratatoskr called out drunkenly from across the way. "Show that wall of man meath what fur!"
"Oh, this I got to see," Thrud grinned from ear to ear enjoying Rossweisse's own glance of worry far too much. "Don't look so scared, they won't be trying to kill each other…yet."
"You can do it!" Herja shouted above the rest as the class joined in on her cheers. The cascade reverberated throughout the room until refusal became an impossibility.
"Just, be careful," Rossweisse gave Dorian a peck on the cheek filling him with resolve. Taking a final breath, he leapt into the arena. It was nowhere near the size of the one where he had done battle with Modi, but it was close.
"So, who do you think will win?" Odin smirked to the other rulers present as the combatants entered the ring.
"It is a tough call," Ymiron stroked his beard thoughtfully. "I do not doubt Mr. Held's prowess, however that Sairaorg is known as the strongest young devil AND did just best so many of my best. I also witnessed his interruption with Thrud's fight back in the Underworld. I must side with the air of experience."
"Dorian," was all Freyja said before taking a longer than necessary sip of her drink.
"Oho, a conflict of opinion? How about we make this interesting." Odin held up the glass he had in his hand. "Perhaps a few barrels of this delectable wine if our Dorian emerges the victor?"
"And if he loses?" The Jotun King raised an eyebrow. "What would I get?"
"A sneak preview," Odin opened his palm revealing a lone tafl piece denoting the rank of High King. Ymiron smiled wide, the rulers exchanging handshakes without another word between them. The trio leaned back ready for the interesting spectacle about to unfold.
In the arena…
Sairaorg cast off the ornate coat he had donned for the party to reveal his rippling muscles in all their glory. Even Modi would have been put to shame by the size of the man, Dorian's own height appeared comedically lacking side by side.
"Any rules?" the Einherjar asked as he slipped off his own tunic keeping just the undershirt beneath.
"Use whatever you wish," the devil heir to the Bael Clan announced before taking a combat stance.
I don't sense any magic from him, he's going purely physical again? Okay.
If we use our normal Balance Breaker with Midgardsormr we will have the advantage. I can…
Not this time Iggy, he's fighting alone so I should too. Dorian planted his feet, taking an expert stance preparing for the match eliciting a look of confusion from Sairaorg.
"You are not unleashing your Sacred Gear?"
"Do you have one?" Dorian asked in return with only a headshake from his opponent. "Then I will not use one either."
"Are you underestimating me?" Saiaorg's muscles flexed reactively in clear annoyance at the perceived insult.
"Never, I'd be a moron to do so. I remember what you did to my arm, but if I go all out against you while you are still holding back how can I possibly call that a win even if I come out on top?"
Half the room swooned at those words, none more so than Rossweisse in the back and the blushing face of a golden Valkyrie behind her.
He's going to fight him with just his bare hands? Thrud did not want to admit how much the thought got her heart racing even with how nervous it clearly made Rossweisse. Sairaorg's laugh echoed through the chamber, a powerful chuckle of satisfaction for the battle to come.
"A fine answer! In this situation of honorable combat such limitations to test the mettle of your foe can be excused. You do not belong to a noble house yet I am certain your parents are very proud!"
"They…aren't around anymore," he answered quietly, Sairaorg's expression softening a touch in understanding."
"My mother lives, but is not with me either," he spoke only loud enough for his opponent to hear. "Come, let us forego such thoughts Mr. Held, show me the conviction behind your fists!"
As you wish!
Dorian pushed off the ground taking an enormous leap towards Sairaorg clearing the distance in the blink of an eye. Channeling all the power he could, he unleashed a tremendous right hook right into the hulking devil's face. The room gasped as Sairaorg lost his footing, staggering two steps before recovering and falling into his own stance.
"A fine blow! I can see how you have done so well, but can you take as well as you give?"
He had no time to reply or move before with surprising speed, the Bael heir appeared in front of him burying a fist straight into Dorian's gut. His vision blurred for a moment as he was lifted into the air before tightening his core to absorb as much of the attack as possible. The pair slid back several feet before he could secure himself and stop the push at great effort. Even Dorian could not help but grin as he looked up at the surprised and proud devil who reminded him so of Thrud.
"Your power is amazing, if that had hit me before my pact, I'd be out cold or worse right now. But I won't go down that easy!"
He counterattacked with an uppercut reverberating across the room making those watching flinch. Without letting up the Crossroad's leader spun, catching Sairaorg with a powerful kick sending him flying across the arena once more. They were done with words, skidding to a stop the two raced towards each other landing simultaneous blows shaking the entire room.
"Keep it up!" Ratatoskr yelled out running along the rafters for a better look over the cheering crowds placing bets for one or the other. "The overpowered hero can't lose!"
"Keep your guard up!" Hecuba shouted advice with Xenovia as Irina stressed caution and safety. "Protect your vitals!"
"Are you worried at all for your upcoming match?" Azazel asked Rias and Issei as the match continued. "Sairaorg is considered the strongest of the current heirs after all."
"That may be," Rias admitted. "But everyone has their faults. We have time before the game, and this gives us some insight to him. It's all about finding that way around his colossal strength."
"Leave it to me President," the Red Dragon assured her despite his internal worries. "I'll take him down no matter what."
"Easier said than done," the Grigori Governor-General warned. "He's keeping an advantage even though Dorian is no pushover, huh…that is true you two have never fought except in the Juggernaut Drive, have you? I suppose your confidence would be linked to how sure you are of beating him seeing as that move is certainly off the table outside of life or death situations."
Issei didn't say a word remembering Vali's words outside of Kuoh Academy. He had put Dorian higher on the strength list than he, but that was before his Balance Breaker or Juggernaut Drive. Dorian had gained strength since then as well, it both unnerved him but at the same time inflamed his curiosity if the two came to blows.
Back in the battle…
He just doesn't go down, Dorian grunted after their latest exchange knocking the two apart. Wiping a stray dribble of blood from his mouth he looked over his foe. His body ached all over and his fists were growing numb with each attack against Sairaorg's steel body. He's absolutely loving this, he doesn't even look winded.
"Two from your people who earn removing my seals? Perfect!" Sairaorg breathed deep, a white aura around his body shattering as it had during Thrud's fight. The full brute strength of the strongest young devil had been unveiled.
He was still holding back?
Shit.
I'm not backing down! The fist that could annihilate even high tier devils and had pulverized his bones to powder last facing it approached quickly. Thinking fast, Dorian planted his feet preparing for the cataclysm heading his way. If I can't withstand him, what hope is there against what else the Brigade can throw at us? That Hero Faction? Other treacherous gods?
I feel personally attacked.
'NOT AGAIN!" Dorian heard himself screaming as he wound up his own fist to meet him. He could have attempted a throwing technique, dodge or perhaps lift his ban on abilities to utilize Laerad Ragnarok. He pushed them all aside, his pride as an Einherjar pushing through common sense for a brief moment. He'd never admit it afterwards, however.
The moment came without any attempt to avoid it. Their fists collided in the center of the arena, the resulting wave nearly pushing the first row of spectators back into the second. The two warriors stared into each other's eyes intently, neither willing to let up or acknowledge the blinding pain as they pushed against the other until their knuckles turned white groaning from the pressure.
"That was the same punch," Sairaorg confirmed. "The same you intercepted before, how does it feel to face it in earnest?"
"Terrifying," Dorian admitted with a smile through the bruises. "But what kind of guy would I be if I ran from what hurt me? Even if I get every bone in my body broke I'll keep fighting, fighting for…"
"BOOB TRANSLATION!"
The combatants, crowd and observing deities all turned towards the proclamation, surprised for once to see Issei himself had not uttered it and was as confused as the rest. The Red Dragon Emperor turned hesitantly towards the television screen where the sound had come from. Sure enough, Issei himself was on it fighting in the Rating Game against Sona's peerage unleashing his ability to read the minds of his opponent's breasts. Azazel was grinning ear to ear apparently having edited the footage jumping to the more recent match of Issei getting pummeled by Diodora's peerage censored for their nudity for the younger Rating Game audiences.
"What…is this?" Issei looked shell shocked at the realization all his speeches had been recorded now being played for the assembly.
"Don't look so glum, you're famous!" The fallen angel leader informed. "Your matches, you in particular, are big hits among the children of the Underworld!"
"Children?" Dorian muttered much to Sairaorg's amusement. With the sudden interruption, the two pulled back from their clash to watch. Dorian thanked whoever he could silently for the reprieve, most of the feeling gone from his right arm.
"We may finish this another time," Sairaorg patted Dorian on the shoulder. "When we are both willing and able to show our true mettle."
"Oh yes, the way he was always shouting about breasts really caught on. They are calling you the Boob Dragon."
[THE WHAT?] Ddraig's voice reverberated so loudly Dorian could hear it through Iggy.
"And his Switch Princess," Kuroka raised a mug calling out the nickname Bikou had chosen for their odd relationship much to the Gremory heiress' embarrassment.
"Repeats of his battles are some of the highest rated requests we've had in recent years. And he's not the only one, some have gravitated to our foreign exhibitions."
"Me?" Dorian pointed to himself confused as the eyes of the room fell upon him.
Sure enough, the screen shifted to Dorian catching Seekvaira just before she would have struck the fiery pit below. The young devil heiress shifted uncomfortably at the reminder of his last minute save. Thrud and Sairaorg encompassed the screen, their intense match playing again right up to the moment Dorian emerged from his portal. Next, the moment he and Rossweisse shared a kiss upon the field of battle missing arm against Fenrir and Loki, his words of love caught on camera for all to see.
"How did you get THAT footage?"
"Wouldn't you like to know? You and your lightning lady," he referred to Thrud with a wink. "She has garnered quite the fan club since her tussle with Sairaorg. You two have ratings through the roof with teens and young adults. The other my leaders and I had a proposition for the three of you…a little something to help bring our peoples together."
"You are very popular," Rossweisse remarked to Thrud upon realizing this was at least her second fan club, many members of the first being at that very celebration.
"Care to be popular with us? If you showed yourself more in fights I bet you'd have a few clubs of your own." Thrud couldn't help but enjoy the flushed expression her childhood friend showed at the possibility.
"What did you have in mind?" Dorian wasn't sure he wanted to hear the answer.
"Tell me," Azazel brimmed with pride that he had caught their attention. "During your time in Japan have you watched any tokusatsu programs?"
With the gods…
"Did you know about this?" Freyja realized she didn't have to ask her question. Odin's incorrigible grin was all she needed to see.
"It will be a nice surprise, I've already gotten the package to allow cross mythology television into Asgard," he grinned. "Rating Games, public broadcast stations, a few adult channels…"
The slap was missed by everyone save Ymiron who did his best to not laugh.
"They did not finish it seems," he leaned back looking disappointed. "Though your lad did better than all my warriors."
Our lad? Freyja's expression imagining if that were true in more ways than he meant was not missed by her husband.
"So, we both lose," the gargantuan king sighed as he leaned back into his throne.
"Perhaps not so, why does a tie mean complete loss and not a mutual win?" Odin finished the last of his wine only looking a bit tipsy.
"You would still share your…breakthrough?" He gazed at the tafl piece intently pondering the ramifications of such an invention.
"As long as you have the barrels to back it up," he motioned towards his now-empty glass. "Your people are members of the alliance and the Nine Realms. You have access to all the advancements the others come up with."
"I didn't realize we had done so much to mend old wounds."
"You saved Dorian, didn't you?" Freyja continued to watch the admittedly amusing recording while holding the conversation. "When Loki's Jotun's surrounded him in the snow. You gave him access to the dwarves for his weapon. Your troops were at Olympus and Helheim, the past is the past. We can be a better example than before."
"Perhaps one of our own may join the Crossroads someday," the older king daydreamed. "Your little counter to the Khaos Brigade, funny where your dream has taken us Lady Freyja."
"Yes, it has. And just imagine where it will go with those young men and women." From her perch she could see the entire Crossroads group and their friends gathered, Bennia and Ratatoskr clearly poking fun at Dorian and Issei's recordings, Irina trying to be polite as ever as Hecuba chastised any troublemakers. The Valkyrie trio were happy with their classmates, Rossweisse always at Dorian's side with Thrud not far and Xenovia linked in arms with Kiba.
They grow up so fast. The old can help the new, but as much as we want to do everything for them…they need to forge their own path.
Back at the Tower, nightfall…
"What have I gotten myself into?" Dorian mused as he slumped down at his desk. As expected of Jotun hospitality, the party had gone one well into the next day and was still going when he and the others dragged themselves home. Everyone was crashing into their rooms, Irina leaning on the shoulders of Kuroka having fallen asleep from a bit too much fun hours earlier. The Einherjar was ready to do the same thankful for the weekend.
So much has happened, but even more to do, he looked over the documents and paperwork across the table detailing the last few days. A letter from Hela on the egg's growth, dossiers on the youkai of Kyoto, one of prospective groups to join their alliance next. The most terrifying papers were next just below in the stack. Oh yea…I have to help grade those before my next class too. Oh and study for those exams. He sighed at the accumulating work of being a student and assistant teacher, even if it was only for one class.
His personal desk was more filled-in than before, the gold ankh he had retrieved from Zaebos now adorning a hook near the top. The devil had not recognized it nor remembered why he had it on his person yet was oddly relieved to be rid of it. Per Asgard's traditions, he had kept it as a sign of his victory over the Glasya-Labolas heir in the cold of Helheim. One item, however he did not recall being there before the party.
"Now how did you get here?"
He smirked knowing full well Freyja must have brought it in. Loki's model ship in a bottle he had selected back at the lab sat proudly above the rest waves roaring silently within its confines rocking the miniature vessel. It was the one trophy he had gotten for his besting of the wayward god that did not come at a cost, his new mechanical hand flexing reactively to the memory of the first battle. He had a better look at the bottle, turning it around to view a label on the back he had missed back at the lab.
"Huh, Naglfar, the farer of nails? That's an odd name. I wonder what it…"
"Dorian?" Rossweisse's voice called to him from the bedroom. "Are you coming?"
"In a moment," he answered while turning to her. "I just wanted to wrap up…a…few…things?"
His plans before bed shattered in an instant, the woman he loved appearing at the door wearing the same nightgown she had shown off before their summons. She was blushing, hands behind her back as she allowed him to look her over once more now that there were no further interruptions. The Einherjar forgot all that he had been thinking, walking like one possessed towards the silver Valkyrie.
"W-we have time now," she smiled stepping closer so they met. "I did want to show it off after all."
"Rose," he clasped her hands in his. "I can't think of anything else I'd rather be doing."
The pair made it back to the bed, alas for their hopes that was as far as they got. In a mutual state of exhaustion, the couple passed out in each other's arms. Even asleep, their feelings came across with Dorian's arm wrapping tightly around her basking in the Valkyrie's very presence as she reciprocated, face buried within his chest smiling contentedly that the surprisingly expensive purchase was more appreciated than she had hoped.
The Helheim and Diodora arcs conclude with both traitors defeated utterly and with Old Satan Faction dispersed save a single leader contemplating her role going forward. Our heroes finally have a chance to breathe and look forward to the future for a moment without worry for its survival.
As always with the end of an arc I will be taking a break to recharge and plan. Downtime chapters for fun and development are ahead leading up to the Kyoto School trip. As there will be more downtime fluff/comedy adventures coming, I would love to hear if there are any from canon or otherwise that you the fans would like to see a Roots of Hope version of. If so, do not hesitate to message me or review your requests. Until then I hope everyone Reads and Reviews…but most of all are staying safe and Enjoy! :D