FateBurn: Thanks.
firestarter1188: I'm sorry to hear that but understand. Canon Issei was definitely my least favorite part of DxD as well. If it means anything, Kyoto is when I plan to steer him down a more mature path while still keeping him who he is deep down.
WinterRuneWolf: Thank you very much :D If I can make someone smile and laugh then it was all worth it. Ah, the Riser arc I mention happened before that via an OVA/Short Story in the LN. That is the setup for why he is so okay with Ravel joining Kuoh Academy later and even asking Issei to take care of her.
Issei ODR: Yep XD For now the 3 are helping out as supporting cast on the show. Poor Ddraig...we'll get to see his shame at being known as the boob dragon when the show goes live lol.
Hollowreaper93: Thank you as always for the kind review :) Happy Father's Day to you too!
Gan315: Thank you very much for the review and kind words :D I am actually hoping to have Iggy or Zepar put to art next, I hope you'll like it when done ;) You guessed it, Iggy will become their go-to seamstress for costumes and disguises with another trick I show this chapter. I like slipping in bits of the main story even in side chapters, I hope you enjoy the next 2 chapters before they head to Kyoto.
deathwing17: LOL You probably aren't wrong...though his reason for cloning Issei was a good idea in theory, he just had no idea the depths of Issei's perversion without his personality to restrain himself lol.
King0fP0wers: Hehehe, no denying the smile! XD I never understood that kind of show being for kids...the Underworld is a silly place. Oh, no intention of Issei being a butt monkey, but when the universe of DxD doesn't change to fit him, the outcome for his shenanigans felt very natural to me. He's not so much losing them, rather the women are taking paths without the plot requiring them to gravitate to Issei, especially the ones introduced to not be fond of perverts (Irina, Rossweisse, Koneko, etc.). I took a path for the characters I felt fit their starting personalities better than the inevitable "They were closet perverts and want Issei outcome" lol. They probably thought it would be more chaotic than help to use Issei clones XD Though they later show that Sacred Gears can be replicated via Euclid so it is odd they never tried something similar.
DragonXDelinquent: Actually a very close look to what I imagined, combine the Dis Astranagant look with the Freedom Gundam. And you are close on the show as well, a more shounen/Sentai feel to it more for teenagers with stories based on other mythologies to help teach them about their neighbors.
trexboy164: Wow, that is a very in-depth review and it is really appreciated :D I sent you a personal message with the full reply :)
Spectrvs: Lol, glad I was able to update before you sent the PM XD I am glad you agree, I loved Akeno's promiscuous side in the show, but felt it went a bit far a few times. A great leader with a "foxy" mind you say?...you are actually closer to a plan of mine than I can reveal lol. Oh no need to worry about Ravel, she was one of the few I thought worked really well with Issei and her relationship with Koneko is hilarious. You stay safe too!
ahsoei: They first met at the Peace Summit, Zepar revealing her father taking the blow for her. Since then I set up several times they've been spending time together in meets. They had a lot of time to talk over the last several months :)
fanficcyberman: Thank you very much! I love these chapters too, sweet fun moments to break up the serious nature of the main plot. I am doing great and hope you are as well! :)
Slayer Cross: Thank you :D And no judging of show preferences XD Thank you very much for the kind words, Dorian atop Fenrir? That would be both awesome and hilarious considering their relationship. You stay safe and healthy as well! :)
OBSERVER01: Oh poor Baraqiel...he didn't know! XD XD
CaedmonCousland: I do appreciate the in-depth reviews you do for my stories :D I have sent you a PM with the full reply :D
Reinhard: I am glad you have liked my story so far, thank you :D In truth, the background and setup for DxD was always my favorite part. Don't worry, this is still a harem genre, I just felt the main canon went WAY too far with the overall size of the harem. If you make too many, it cuts down the individual development in my opinion and makes the romance feel rushed or out of nowhere. This was the same reason Akeno is with Zepar instead of Issei or Dorian, with her emotional past I felt she needed one man to be there for her instead of competing with other women.
Critias204: Oof, hopefully Issei never finds out...Dorian would not take too kindly to that lol.
Guest1: Good to hear from a first-time reviewer :D And with such a detailed review, it is really appreciated. Funny enough, a time-travel story is an idea of mine after Kyoto...give a bit of a sneak peek for fans ;) I actually FULLY agree with the Issei remark, though it seemed more he was so traumatized by Raynare that he refused to admit which at least gave reason for his density...but everyone just blaming him felt way off and won't be in my story. He and Issei will have that "Bro moment" in Kyoto, a bit earlier than canon. You mention "Dress Make"...I think you will enjoy this chapter lol. Other enemies will be greater threats, so many 1-off foes felt a little episodic to me so I wanted them to have more lingering threats...Loki among the highest due to the Norse-focus of my story. Thank you for your opinion on the Riser chapter, I am writing it now and hope to not disappoint :D
And with that...ONTO THE SHOW!
"You cloned him?" Rias stood up from behind her desk on the top floor of the Occult Research Clubhouse absolutely beside herself. Azazel and Dorian had successfully slipped away from the chaos to meet the others in a secure location currently free of the numerous Isseis running around.
"In my defense, I thought it had failed," the teacher tried to parley. "Nothing happened when I ran the Red Dragon Emperor through the machine so I was certain nothing would come of it. How was I supposed to know it had a delay?"
"You BUILT the thing!"
"So that's why you wanted me in that tube?" Issei recalled Azazel asking him to step within a strange cylinder and flipped a few switches only the previous day. As the fallen angel swore, nothing had happened beyond a few wisps of smoke leaking from the equipment. Both had left disappointed.
"We were nearly victims as well," Hecuba explained. "Three of them jumped us on the way to classes, two were slain but we captured one."
"He almost got Asia," Xenovia fumed. "But we were able to stop him with…minimal casualties." She would not admit she had been struck by the dress break, being fortunate enough to find a spare uniform before meeting up with the others. She tugged at the skirt, feeling it was a size or two too small.
They motioned towards a cage summoned in the corner holding one of the faux Isseis. Even captured, he was still reaching through the bars towards Akeno, eyes glazed over half drooling as he strained to attach the dress break seal to her body.
"Boobs, give them to me!" He demanded again. He had been repeating the desire over and over without responding to any questions posed.
"I'm nothing like that!" Issei defended himself defiantly at Dorian's look which irked him as much as Kiba used to. Acting like he didn't have similar thoughts around beautiful women despite sharing a bed with one, how he was so blind to Thrud made Issei even more frustrated with him. "What the hell is wrong with it?"
"Higher brain functions weren't exactly a requirement for the experiment," Azazel continued. "They are running mostly on instinct without inhibitions, I would guess without your personality in place that the perverted tendencies naturally present have been amped up to eleven. Don't worry, they aren't as hardy as the real thing. Do enough damage to one as you saw, and it will turn to smoke."
"How many did you clone?" Azazel paused.
"The system was set to a maximum of three hundred, I didn't decrease it before leaving."
"An army of perverts, no woman is safe," Koneko bluntly remarked with eyes wide in worry. "I told you, you are the enemy of all women."
"Oh, come on Koneko," Issei lamented as he glanced towards the main campus with his binoculars. "You are so cruel, I'm not as…oh wow, those things are really going to town." He clenched his fingers tightly around the sightseeing instrument. "They are dress breaking everyone, you can see them running!"
He did not get another moment of the chaotic vision as the nekoshou lashed out, crushing his binoculars in an instant.
"Those were new!" He admitted with a sob, straining to see the vast distance with his own eyes. "I won't let those things make me out to be a monster! We have to stop them."
"I set up a barrier," Azazel acknowledged Issei's determination while focusing on the situation. "Those with low enough devil energy will be able to pass through it. It should allow any who seek to escape to do so while containing the clones. Sona and her peerage are trying to clear them out, however considering most are girls they are having a hard time, they are targeted as much as anyone else."
"The Crossroads, who were still on campus, are helping too," Dorian advised while thinking of everything he could. He stood among the group in his Kuoh Academy uniform without the jacket having left it with Yukiko and having no time to change. "Zepar and Rat don't have to worry about being dress broken, I think Issei will agree even with his perversion maxed out he wouldn't use it on men."
"Damn straight!" They both shirked a bit remembering the accidental shattering of Dorian's clothes at their first meeting.
"So, they will be more mobile, helping out where they are needed. Rat will lead students to the barrier so they can escape. The rest will try to destroy as many of these Isseis as possible without falling to the Dress Break."
"I'll do what I can," the Grigori leader promised. "Who knows, maybe I'll see results from the experiment during containment."
"Then let's head out," Dorian commanded without realizing he had the room's full attention. "Rias, I believe I can do most at the center if you and your team reinforce the borders. Other than Issei, Gasper, Honda and Kiba your team is women too. Once their numbers are thinned and the students are evacuated, we can try to crush them with overwhelming force. Is everyone ready?"
"Always," Kiba raised his sword with a determined look, quickly stabbing through and finishing off the clone they had captured. "Don't worry Issei, we'll contain this dark side of you before they can harm anyone."
"Uh…thanks man," Issei smiled while swallowing nervously, Kiba's words sounding a bit more intimidating than intended after having just destroyed a version of him. All the same, the group took their positions on the various teleport platforms, prepared to drop headfirst into the warzone that had become Kuoh Academy.
Kuoh Academy Main Campus…
Meguri performed a bone-shattering high kick, annihilating the closest Issei clone that jumped towards her. Her cheeks lit up bright red at the embarrassment, she was already completely naked from a previous Dress Break she had missed. Despite that, she continued fighting as best she could to distract the horde of perverts from the remaining students.
Sona squinted with frustration, lashing out with a wooden sword to clear out another attacker. Under normal circumstances they would have had an easier time but with the added desire to keep their status as devils secret from the remaining students, all were fighting without magic. They would adjust the memories later but seeing too much risked the spell not being as effective with residual memories behind.
"Mine!" A trio of Isseis charged at Sona while she was dealing with another pair. She turned too late to be able to stop them.
"You look at every other girl, don't even think of even glancing at the only one for me!" Saji shouted as he risked his Sacred Gear. A cord of light lashed out to wrap around the ankle of the closest clone. With a powerful tug he dragged him into the other two, all three slamming into the brick wall vaporizing on impact. His abilities were more easily disguised as mundane.
"Well done Saji," Sona complimented him standing back to back. She did not dare turn around lest he see her subtle blush. "Their numbers are subsiding, but," she glanced over at Meguri and Hanakai both fighting naked. Her second bishop Kusaka and queen Tsubaki had barely dodged a similar fate half a dozen times. They were losing ground, "we need to regroup, maybe we can funnel them."
"We can go that way," Saji pointed towards the college buildings as he grabbed Sona's hand to pull her to safety. Behind them, another group of Isseis waited. They feared being completely stripped before reaching safety, however a sudden burst of smoke revealed their wall of enemies disappearing one after the other until only one shape remained.
"Fall back this way," Zepar called out motioning the women forward, dropping his black coat over Meguri with Saji doing the same for Hanakai with a moment to breathe. "They appear to be taking on hit and run tactics with their decreased numbers, be wary."
"How did you make it to us so quickly?" Sona sighed with relief at the breathing space only then noticing Saji was gripping her hand securely refusing to let go while there was even a chance of danger.
"Fortunately, as one of the male persuasion, these clones had little interest in dress breaking me. They are not as strong as Mr. Hyoudou and so are easy to deal with when they actually try to fight without higher numbers."
"The same can't be said for the girls out there," Sona pointed out to the campus beyond. "Most were done for the day but there are sure to be others trapped with them."
"Dorian is heading there himself, he felt he could make the most impact at the epicenter and perhaps lure out the bulk of their numbers due to their less than cordial rivalry. Mr. Hyoudou is providing strategies to lure in as many as possible."
"This is insanity," Saji muttered as he rushed to keep up while they made their strategic retreat. Sona's peerage had been separated with Yura fighting who knew where. "I thought one Issei was enough, even with the damage we did there are so many more out there."
As the team withdrew pursued by stragglers, a familiar raven soared overhead overlooking the school. Skilja, having grown over the many weeks and nearly full-grown surveyed the pockets of students, fighters and clones coordinating all he witnessed back to Dorian as well as the others with lorgnettes permitting vision. With him, they could work as a single unit as the Crossroads were getting more proficient at. With him, they hoped, this entire ordeal would be over in no time.
Kyoto…
"What a pleasant afternoon," a tall woman with flowing blonde hair remarked to those around her. Half a dozen men in various traditional Japanese garbs surrounded her talking among themselves after an uneventful meeting while protecting her within their numbers as they walked towards the city still lit by the remnants of daylight. "The forests are breathtaking this time of day."
"It went smoother than expected Lady Yasaka," the masked man nodded. He wore a tengu mask to obscure his features as they all did, his own sporting a great horn to denote rank. Their shape-shifting powers were sufficient to keep their identity as youkai hidden; however, it was a custom they still followed. "It has been so long since a meeting with the five clans went so well."
"You just need to know how to talk to them Goro," she answered humbly yet with a hint of a playful chuckle. "Suzaku is a treat as always, I trust next week's will be just as productive, it even left us time for a little shopping. That and a special order was finally ready." She held up a small bag proudly. "Kunou will love it I am sure, oh it's days like these I wish he were still with us."
Goro nodded understandingly having served the leader of the Youkai clans for many years. Since her husband passed away, their daughter Kunou had become more rambunctious as children often did as they grew up. As a now-single parent, Yasaka did her best to balance being a mother and being a leader, but it was a losing battle. As a father himself, Goro knew her tribulations.
"When we get back, you can…what is that?"
Goro stepped defensively in front of Yasaka as they noticed the pathway ahead appeared to be blocked by a fallen tree. The meeting had taken them to the forests surrounding Kyoto and their procession had not yet returned to the city. The chief bodyguard worried of the possibility of an ambush, but Yasaka had trusted their contacts within the Five Shinto Clans to act honorably.
This smells bad, have we been betrayed?
"We'll go around easily enough," he grunted while analyzing the situation. "Lady Yasaka, please…"
"I am afraid it will not be that simple."
Ahead of the group, a young man with black hair and glasses stood atop the fallen trunk holding a hand out towards them. He was dressed in a robe clearly those of magicians, Goro fell into a defensive stance with a growl.
"Who are you?" His fellow guards did the same.
"We have come for your mistress," he answered flatly. "You are within my territory, there is no escape." Sure enough, a purple mist billowed from his hands to surround the group. Even as ill trained as he was with magic, Goro could sense the very air around them warping, sealing off from the outside world.
"A dimensional pocket," Yasaka confirmed. "We will need to defeat the lad to proceed." With a snap, nine fluffy appendages burst from her lower back, the tails unveiling her status as the strongest fox-youkai. Power flowed from her as she tapped into what she could. "I haven't gotten to play in years."
A savage crunch made her turn, two of her guards slumped to the ground dead with snapped necks wiping the grin of superiority from her face. A wall of muscle standing two meters tall was crushing the chest of a third, his blue-grey hair flowing in the wind to show his sinister smile of absolute enjoyment of the carnage. Goro turned, deeming the man behind to be the greater threat. To protect the last of his comrades, he caught the next punch from the colossal man, eyes locking with his through his mask.
"Oho, one of you is actually a little strong," the man known as Heracles complimented. "But that won't save you from the strength of man!"
Goro grunted as he felt his bones buckle, leaping up he caught the attacker in the jaw with a kick, spinning for a follow-up blow to his face. The giant's grin widened as he caught the foot, an explosion emanating from his very fist engulfing the outmatched youkai. Goro slumped to the ground, body smoking from the blast unable to move. With what strength he could, he looked up towards his mistress.
"Lady…run…"
"I will do no such thing," Yasaka raised her hand generating a wall of foxfire within it. Goro's hope soared as he saw it, her power matching that of Dragon Kings or higher while within Kyoto's limits. The assassin was mighty but based on the attacks he could not hope to match against her. "You will pay for every drop of blood you spilt, I…"
Yasaka's demeanor faltered as her foxfire building to an apex which would have surely reduced the man to ash suddenly died in her hands. The youkai leader extended her fingers again clearly attempting to reignite the spell only for it to fizzle and die once more. Worry marred her features, plummeting Goro's heart into despair before a spear pierced his back.
"You will find your powers quite useless," a new voice approached from behind Heracles. He was another young-looking man with dark hair arrayed in what looked like an ancient Chinese robe mixed with a Japanese uniform top. He carried in his hands a magnificent spear now covered in blood surrounded by seven spheres, one of which was glowing bright implying an ability was active she did not understand. "This power only works on women, so it will be enough even for one such as you."
"Whoever you are, I w-"
The powerful world leader slumped forward, the purple smog around her coalescing in her moment of distraction into a powerful sedative. She did not last much longer than the last of her guards, her magic nullified just as Yasaka's had been. The small package prepared for her daughter fell away unnoticed by her attackers.
"Too easy," Heracles remarked with a huff clearly disappointed in the ease of victory remembering his defeat months before. They had gotten lucky, he kept telling himself always out to prove it on those uninvolved. "Let's get this over with."
"It is not so simple, and you know it," the magician pointed out as he took the youkai's arm, leading her as one in a trance to her feet. "We will need a great deal of Kyoto's energy to open the Gate. Seeing as how she won't be doing it under her own power, it will take days to complete."
"We have the time Georg," the spear-wielder and clear leader assuaged the worry in his voice. "Take her to our base and make your preparations while we clean up this mess. The Shinto Clans and her fellow youkai will be none the wiser as to our intentions until it is too late which makes her the strongest threat in the city. With her dealt with, who could possibly stop our plans before we are ready?"
Kuoh Academy…
Dorian slammed into the ground catapulting multiple Issei clones in all directions. Laerad Ragnarok was deployed, having evolved since Iggy revealed herself it now spread all the way up to his shoulder even in the simple form. She had told him he didn't need to manifest it as a gauntlet any longer, but he preferred the feeling he had grown used to.
Looking over the area, he saw a group of female students already dress broken huddled against a wall being protected by Yura of Sona's Peerage similarly naked. She was in the process of fighting off a group who had advanced, slowly being overwhelmed. Magical weapons were prohibited to maintain secrecy as much as possible, leaving the Einherjar with a wooden bowstaff provided before his departure.
It was all he needed.
"Hey!" He called out, drawing their attention. As he had learned, the clones were far weaker than Issei physically by a wide margin. One strike augmented by Asgard's strength was enough to disperse each clone on contact. The last two fled, the fight knocked out of even their lust-fueled minds once the others had been dispatched. Yura could not help but blush, his movements had become even more refined than when she saw the fight against Kokabiel. There was no wasted movement whatsoever.
"D-Dorian, please don't look," Yura asked as he finished the fight, moving to cover herself even as he glanced away. He'd never admit thinking in that moment she looked just as she had in the harem dream he had where she'd been among those in his bed. "I'll get these girls out of the barrier."
"Before you do," he reached out a hand to halt her retreat. "You can't run into town like that."
"It's not like we have a choice," she huffed, sneaking a glance at the Einherjar. "Not after that move of his."
"You might, if I may," he held out a hand to her."
Of course, Iggy granted approval. I would be heartbroken if they were being forced to sit alone unused.
"May what?" The blue-haired rook gasped as he tapped her shoulder, an intricate seal forming upon it almost reminding her of the one that appeared preceding Issei's Dress Break. "What did you do?"
Within the seal, a tiny portal to the Roads opened. From its depths, a purple dress reminiscent of Summer clothing flew forth, wrapping around her. The young woman found herself re-clothed, the dress a size too big, forcing her to adjust it slightly.
"What was that?"
"Dress Make?" Dorian smiled nervously having hoped a more fitting outfit would have come forth. He still had no way of picking what emerged and as of yet Iggy had not made any underwear or bras. He'd been toying around with such a move and was ecstatic it could finally be put into practice.
"Got another 7?" She counted the girls hiding in the next room to be sure. With a corresponding number of taps on the ground, a handful of clothing popped out into Yura's appreciative arms ranging from ballroom gowns to t-shirts and shorts. "You are incredible Dorian; I'll get them clothed and on our way to the barrier. I'll make sure their memories are tweaked so they have no idea this happened."
"I'll do the same for anyone else I find," I believe Mr. Azazel is working on altering the barrier to affect their memories en masse. With any luck you won't have to do it one by one. Keep the clothes, we insist."
"Now I know who to come to if I need a custom outfit," she winked with a blush, her embarrassment forgotten in the moment.
They parted ways with a nod, Dorian rushing to seek out any more copies in the area. Realizing they were being hunted, the clones had gone to ground hiding where they could. It was getting harder to locate them. Fortunately, Dorian had not come into the center of the danger zone alone.
Xenovia and Kiba slashed their wooden swords cracking clones out of existence left and right. Kiba held an awkward expression the entire exchange, finding it odd he was facing his classmate and trusted fellow member of Rias' Peerage. He knew they were not truly Issei, yet the feeling settled into his gut all the same.
"A pity, and I had an enjoyable evening planned for us," Xenovia sighed as she side-stepped an outstretched hand.
"I thought you had training with Hecuba," Kiba ducked so her blade could pass over his head to strike another foe, the Gremory knight impaling one that tried to attack her turned back.
"That was clearly a deception so that when I revealed my plans had fallen through it would be all the more impressive I could devise a backup so quickly," she answered flatly without a hint of embarrassment at her confession. "Perhaps a nice film if we can clean up here soon."
"You could have just asked," the young knight sighed, being completely out of his element. "I truly enjoy our time together no matter what we do."
"You do?" Xenovia turned, the man she had chosen as the most ideal to start a family with being a bit more honest than most days. In that moment of distraction, the last clone she had not dealt with leapt for her.
Before it could reach, the copy of Issei slammed into the ground as if struck by a hard force though nothing could be seen. With a giggle, Irina appeared out of thin air standing victorious. She flicked the bow tied to her arm; her incomplete Excalibur being transformed into an inconspicuous form to allay suspicion from any watchers.
"Excalibur Transparency," she explained. "Guaranteed to keep me safe from any wandering hands or witnesses. Praise be to God." As quickly as she had appeared, she was gone again.
"Are you alright?" Kiba asked while looking Xenovia over now that the area was clear. "He didn't…?"
"I am fine," she assured him, blushing the tiniest bit at Kiba's concern that she'd been dress broken. "Let's rendezvous with the others, I believe this area is clear. How would you feel about a romantic historical piece? I purchased a few foreign DVDs the other day with Asia and Hecuba if you would prefer to stay in. I promise to restrict my cuddling."
Not Far…
"Shame on you, and you and you!" Irina called out to each pervert she discovered during her seek and destroy mission. Unable to see her, she had no difficulty dispatching each clone she found without risk of her clothes being destroyed.
I still can't believe how many of these sinful clones that Mr. Azazel made. How terrifying to come to face with an uninhibited form of yourself…what would mine be like?
Looking ahead, she spotted two final students. One was unmistakably Aika Kiryuu hiding stealthily beneath an awning with another girl beside her. The second student, who appeared to be a third year, was not recognized by Irina in the slightest. She had long black hair and looked very mature for her age. A spark shot through the angel's head as she turned to reveal her golden orbs and porcelain face.
"Kassumi, Aika!" Irina called out as she lowered the invisibility, the names of her two friends coming to mind instantly. "Are you okay?"
"Just peachy, but the school has gone mad," the mischievous girl assured while pushing up her glasses. "All these weirdos look just like Issei, how is that possible?"
"A prank," Kassumi answered smoothly, her voice sure as if there was no hope of being wrong. "Right Irina?"
"R-right," she sweat dropped a bit as lying was not her strong point but in the current situation couldn't be helped. She would ask for forgiveness later. "I'm sure the teachers and student council will have this all cleared up by tomorrow, if you come this way…"
"As if I'm missing this," Kiryuu grinned maliciously. "First, I'd love to see their makeup work to look like that, second seeing a gang of Isseis get their comeuppance would make my week! You might enjoy it too Irina, considering how much he's changed since you were little." Stories that Issei was childhood friends with the new transfer student had circulated quickly, how half the school knew so much Irina would never know but she had learned long before to never underestimate Kiryuu.
"I am sure we wouldn't want to get in their way," the reborn angel tried to placate her mischievous side. "Come on, we can get out this way."
"You can go if you are worried," she held her ground. "This is too big a mystery to pass up. My radar is saying every one of them is the EXACT same 'size' as our favorite pervert if you know what I mean. I am a master of stealth, they won't even…know…what…huh? Irina what are you doing here? Classes are over."
As she spoke, a shower of sparkles descended from the sky clearly being dropped by Azazel's barrier. As they made contact, the 2nd year student seemed to forget what she was talking about, no longer recalling the horde of Isseis that had run by.
Azazel worked the memory adjustment into the barrier? Irina's heart soared, worried if she had to lie any further her hair might burst into flames or end up falling. He said it would reset any short-term memory related to the supernatural for those with lower amounts of devil energy.
"Just finishing up some work," she smiled with a disarming smile. "You enjoy the trip home."
"Will do," she suddenly turned to Kassumi at her side. "Um, who are you?"
"It's me, Kassumi," the girl replied flatly. "We've been studying together all semester, are you feeling alright?"
"Kassumi?" Kiryuu asked as the two walked down the path to town. "Which class are you in?"
It must have worked TOO well, Irina sighed. We can look into that later. For the moment, back to purging the sinful lust of my childhood friend made into the flesh. God give me strength, amen.
Elsewhere…
"That's everyone," Azazel confirmed once they were in the clear. "The school is now officially civilian-free with none the wiser what happened. There may be lingering memory that Issei peeped on them but nothing of the supernatural."
"That will simplify things," Rossweisse opened her arms wide. With no fear of witnesses, she opened a half dozen seals over her head to unleash a barrage of the elements the clones around them struggled to avoid. "We have to clear them out quickly before the risk of a containment breach grows too high. What was worth such a risk anyway?"
"You don't have to look at me with such judgmental eyes," Azazel teased. "Sometimes you have to take risks outside your comfort zone to get what you want. Just look at you and the good Einherjar, had any fun sharing the same bed yet?"
"M-Mr. Azazel!" Her face turned bright red. She was no longer known as the Valkyrie who'd never had a boyfriend; however, it seemed her hesitation to go to the next level was just as infuriating a hurdle as finding him. "That comparison is ENTIRELY beside the point and unnecessary!"
"My point being," he mercifully backed off, having gotten his enjoyment from her embarrassment. "I wanted to see if specific Sacred Gears could be copied. With how powerful and kind Issei is, just imagine if we could have an army of good men with similar powers. The overactive sex drive wasn't factored into the equation. It seems I proved the negative in this case, none of his doppelgangers have any Sacred Gear let alone the Boosted Gear. Maybe the mass production caused a glitch, they do have devil energy for the Dress Breaks. Or…"
Rossweisse could not help but notice his eyes went wide in a way identical to the look he got when caught in one of his pranks. It disappeared quickly as he smoothed out his suit nonchalantly.
"I-I'm sure you three can handle things here," he motioned to Kuroka and Thrud not far clearing the gymnasium. "I need to check on something."
"What…" Rossweisse started but could not finish as the Governor-General vanished in a flash of light. He was gone.
That won't be good I am sure. We could CERTAINLY use his help to… Her internal thoughts were interrupted as an Issei they missed shot out of the bleachers. Hand extended, she had walked right into his trap, his dress break seal glowed bright with power.
The gymnasium windows burst open to reveal Dorian dropping down from above. He was winded and out of breath sweating profusely while his jacket fluttered in the breeze of his descent. His face was almost frantic as he locked eyes with Rossweisse's would be assailant. Falling faster than the clone, his feet impacted its back, driving the faux Issei into the floor vanishing upon impact.
"Dorian! Thank you, that was far too close for comfort. We are clearing the gym and are set to…mmmmmm!"
The blonde Crossroads leader had pulled Rossweisse close, placing a hand on the small of her back he cradled her while planting a passionate kiss upon her lips. Kuroka looked on with a hint of jealousy inching closer as she noticed the Einherjar's hand sneak up under Rossweisse's suit jacket.
"You can get handsy later!" Thrud gripped his shoulder and turned him around. "We still need to…mmmmm!"
Silence filled the room as Dorian spun on a dime, with Rossweisse still embraced he wrapped his free arm around Thrud kissing her just as deeply as the Valkyrie before. Rossweisse's mouth dropped open, cheeks flushed still recovering from her own kiss uncertain what was happening.
"I didn't know he had it in him," Kuroka purred. "I may have more of a shot than I thought."
Dorian, Thrud's mind was swimming as he kissed her. The young man who had only been a guest of her grandmother half a year past was now holding her like a lover. Unnoticed by the others, she reciprocated the gesture if only a little, easing into his arms. What are you doing? Did you see as Rias and Issei did? Why didn't you talk to me first? Rossweisse is right there; another time would have been better. He's so focused, his look so…so…blank?
"It's not him!" Thrud pulled back with a snap. Winding up her first she delivered a full blow into his chest tearing him away from her and Rossweisse. Dorian slammed into the wall leaving an imprint of himself behind.
"Thrud?" Rossweisse glanced between the flattened Dorian and her childhood friend. "What's going on?"
"He didn't have his jacket at the Research Clubhouse!" She called out, wiping her lips to hide the blood rushing to her cheeks before pointing to his clothes. "He gave it to a student who was dress broken. This one still has it; Azazel must have cloned him too!"
Dorian's doppelganger flipped upon impact, clearly far sturdier than the Issei clones due to being the only one created. Ducking below an attempt to subdue him by Rossweisse, he made a break for the door only for a black kimono-clad nekoshou to stop him.
"Ah ah ah," Kuroka tutted as she grabbed him around the neck, pulling the clone into her breasts. "You kissed them; only fair I get one too." She delivered a peck to his cheeks for good measure.
"Hold him still," Rossweisse's hair was standing on end from the wrath of her aura, the realization that the one who'd kissed her wasn't the true Dorian sending a spark of anger through her. Holding out a hand, she generated a seal augmented by her grandmother's teachings; a javelin of fire wreathed in lightning and ice narrowing towards the clone.
"My silver Rose," the clone muttered slowly as if picking every word took great effort.
"Cat girl!" A previously unseen Issei copy slapped Kuroka on the ass as her attention was diverted. Her kimono and sandals exploded into fragments, a distinct lack of undergarments among the clothy rubble. The nekoshou bishop was no stranger to nudity, all the same she spun to obliterate the culprit while being a bit pleased with this Dorian's expression at being between her now-bare breasts.
"Oops, I suppose we…oh!" Kuroka lost her grip as he wiggled free moments before Rossweisse's projectile would have torn through his head. The copy rounded the corner and disappeared from sight. Rossweisse moved to follow before Thrud jumped in front motioning for her to remain.
"I'll catch this one, stay with Kuroka here!" The daughter of Thor commanded before following after the duplicate Dorian.
"Oh my," Kuroka grinned, resting her chin on a hand uncaring to her state of undress. "She seemed quite intent on alone time with that one, do you think the clones are EXACTLY like the original?" Her eyes wandering up and down spelled out her meaning to even the most innocent of minds.
Now I know what Azazel was so worried about, did he try to clone Dorian too? When I get my hands on him! But first…
"Please Kuroka, put some clothes on!"
Kuoh Academy Main Square…
"Hehe, boobs," a trio of Isseis giggled as they looked over a porn magazine they had found on the ground. Where it had come from they didn't not have the wherewithal to ponder, however it had appeared out of nowhere drawing them in. Beach Jugs August edition, one of his favorites. "Turn the page."
Without a word, a hail of energy balls launched from behind the nearby hedge. One by one the three doppelgangers went up in a puff of smoke with a content Koneko stepping out to ensure there were no more.
"Too easy," she remarked while picking up the magazine, a nigh-indistinguishable cord snaking back behind the bush to her partner in crime.
"To go from God-catching to porn fishing," Bennia remarked with a sigh of disappointment despite how proud she clearly was of herself. "At least the plans are working, that was like twenty, right?"
"Seventeen, and of course they work…they come from the perverted tree itself."
Issei emerged next with a look of shame after having seen so many of himself being unable to control themselves. He had no qualms about trying to peep on girls, it was only natural for men as far as he was concerned. Even he had to admit, however, that it was embarrassing to watch those with his face running around doing whatever they wanted.
"I told you," Issei grumbled. "If anyone knows how I think, it's me!"
At least these ones do not contain my power, Ddraig spoke with a noticeable sigh of relief. My name has already been tarnished enough with your obsession with the upper portion of female form!
Sorry Ddraig, but these copies gave me such wonderful sights today, he tried to hold back the joy he felt at seeing so many of his beautiful classmates naked. The reason he had created the Dress Break was shown that very day. At the same time though, the looks being thrown at the clones had him wish they had not inherited his ultimate skill.
"But of course," he couldn't hide the elation in his voice. "There is only one surefire way to draw in ALL of me…"
"Issei," Rias groaned behind them. "If this doesn't work you are sword training around the clock with Dorian, Hecuba AND Kiba for the rest of the month."
Rias was wearing the gown she had been given for the Oppai Dragon show and allowed to keep as a gift by Azazel and Serafall. It was somehow even poofier in person causing Asia and Irina to gush at how adorable they found it, a sentiment Akeno shared but knew she could poke fun about it when called for. Issei admitted that he could never pass up an opportunity to rescue Rias when in danger especially if her breasts were threatened, lightening her teenage heart though had yet to admit it. Several clones had already fallen for the ruse, Rias standing atop a platform with rope tied around her for flair even though it was loose and could be easily escaped from.
"We could lure even more in faster," Issei turned towards Hecuba and Xenovia, the swordswomen standing ready to take any comers. "I know that outfit would work for sure."
"Not a chance," Hecuba narrowed her eyes at Issei, fingers gliding across the hilt of Monster's Bane.
"I know if you did, they would come running for miles."
"Flattery aside, I would not attempt it unless there was no other choice."
He keeps trying to be perverted so openly, Hecuba analyzed Issei's mannerisms. The clones reveal what is deep within him, so why do I sense like he is using this as a front? Like he doubts himself, but so many love him. Why would he feel that way?
"I too find the idea…unappealing in this situation," Xenovia pondered the clothing Issei had presented when they set up their traps.
"Y-you mean this outfit?"
Issei's eyes nearly exploded from their sockets as he turned, revealing Asia Argento standing beside Rias on the platform. While they were working with Rias, she had snuck off to change into the costume the red dragon had offered…the smallest skimpy bunny costume imaginable complete with the ears. The dark leotard clung tightly to her body revealing every contour and curve to the gathered peerage and Crossroad members. Tights were pulled up along each leg ending in high heels she struggled to walk in, cuffs resting on each wrist despite the lack of sleeves.
"Ara ara, how bold," Akeno complimented from her hiding place. "And here I thought I may need to be the one to change."
"YES!" Issei screamed with a fist pump into the air. "That is perfect Asia! I mean…you shouldn't be wearing stuff like that!" The blood dribbling down his nose betrayed his innermost thoughts even as he took Asia's innocence into account.
The former nun covered her eyes as she realized her image was being projected across the school to alert the clones to her presence alongside Rias. They did not have long to wait until a soft rumbling sound rose to their ears, glasses of water sending regular ripples through the liquid surface.
"Uh oh," Issei and the women rushed over the edge of their hiding place sending their hearts plummeting. Off in the distance, a complete horde of Isseis were charging towards them from the far end of the school, all caution thrown to the wind at the prospect of Asia's alluring outfit and Rias' bountiful figure. Based on their numbers it was every doppelganger remaining in the school or very nearly. "I think we're in trouble!"
"They are too many!" Xenovia looked back. At present they only had a handful against the approaching 200+ Issei. They could decimate their frontlines, but it was inevitable that each of them would be dress broken in seconds. Gasper had been sent to the borders to stop any Isseis looking for weaknesses, his powers could not help them.
"Hold your ground," Hecuba took a step forward, her sizable bronze shield brought to bear as she hefted it before her. "I am uncertain if even Azazel's hastily made barrier can withstand them all coming down at once. "We must clear their numbers as much as possible.
"You are right of course," Xenovia stood to her left swords raised to meet the horde head on.
"And I just started getting used to this cloak," Bennia sighed almost reserved to what was coming cursing not having thought to set up teleport traps. "If there is any video footage, we are burning everything!" She shot a glare at Issei who had a Dragon Shot charged and ready to fire.
"No one will be dress breaking anyone BUT me. I mean…me me!" He tried to explain, only Rias and Asia smiling at his attempt.
"You do not have to stay Catherine," Kiba offered the newest knight. "We can deal with this."
"I am not backing down," she drew her blades, each of them unleashing their finest weapons with no more fear of witnesses. "What will happen…will happen."
"Well said!" The cheering voice of Ratatoskr drew their eyes low. The small squirrel was decked out in a Spartan-inspired armor and shield that fit him perfectly. He was huddled behind it alongside Hecuba with a spear seeming little more than a pencil to challenge the oncoming perverts. "Give up nothing but take from them…EVERYTHING! From sock to panties, we hold!"
"You don't even wear clothes!" Bennia pointed out eliciting a playful grin from the incorrigible rodent.
"Can you create a barrier against them?" Rias contemplated as the army surged closer.
"Against some, not all," Akeno replied with a chuckle, enjoying the insanity far more than she should be.
"HOLD!" The squirrel commanded again.
"I'll take the lead," Kiba volunteered. "They will not dress break me. Perhaps I can slow them with a well-placed…"
"HOLD! ANYTIME BOSS!"
As if hearing his words, Dorian appeared atop a building behind the others, Twilight Star drawn at last. With a surge of energy, the head split into the trident shape, the air suddenly feeling very humid and heavy around them.
You actually drew water from the moisture in the air?
It wouldn't run out anytime soon. Despoina replied with a satisfied flair. You had that fancy road trick, but I doubt those clones are as fortunate. Hope you don't mind the air being a little dry.
With a familiar flourish, the ground beneath the oncoming clones became damp filling up with water up to their ankles. When there was enough, the waves rose like a closing net entrapping the entire army. As he remembered from the long-past duel with the goddess of mystery, the more they struggled the more water emerged to prevent movement. Within a matter of seconds hundreds of Isseis were swimming and performing various strokes in an attempt to reach the border. Even if they could swim to the edge, they would not get the chance.
"Akeno, Issei!" Rias saw the opening and took it.
"Of course!" The lightning of Heaven and power of Destruction ignited in each of the women's hands. As before, the electrified dragon of destruction roared towards the bubble, the energy coursing through into every clone. The group shielded their eyes as the copies popped like smoke-filled balloons one by one. After several seconds Issei followed suit.
"DRAGON SHOT!" He roared, a blast of scarlet light erupting from his fully boosted gear. The beam impacted the bubble, instantly evaporating the liquid and all its contents. As the mist cleared, all that remained were the vapors and scattered drops of water raining down over the empty courtyard.
It was over.
"We made it with our fabrics intact," Ratatoskr leaned on his miniature spear and shield with a sigh of relief. "Well done guys and gals! The Pervert Horde has been quashed!"
"So it seems," Azazel appeared holding a jacket he tossed to Dorian. "Here you go lad, don't worry Yukiko has her own clothes now on her way home none the wiser what happened. Though I surmise she will have a grudge against Issei the next few days without understanding why. "You kids did a bang-up job; I'll have a few cleanup crews go through when they arrive to ensure none are hiding in any nooks and crannies. The school will be back to normal tomorrow on my word."
"And that cursed machine will be destroyed?" Rias stared him down with arms crossed.
"Repurposed!" The Grigori leader promised. "No more cloning Sacred Gear users…without a breakthrough," he quickly added. "You can let your friends know they can stand down; I am sure Ms. Sitri's team will want some rest. Where are the rest of your team anyway?"
Not Far…
"Gotcha," Thrud announced in victory as her prey finally hit a dead end. "You can barely match me with your Sacred Gear, I will admit you did better than I expected without one."
The doppelganger of Dorian spun with worry in his eyes glancing each way for escape. There was none. He could only stand there and wait as Thrud walked right up to him, pinning him to the wall with an outstretched hand, the other pressing past his head intimidatingly.
"You kissed me," she stared sternly into its eyes, the clone's demeanor softening somewhat as it realized death was not so immediate. "Why did you do that? Did you get pervert mixed in like before?"
The Dorian copy shook its head.
"Can you even talk again?" His head lifted slightly as if to nod however stopped as if it was uncertain at the answer. "Well? You called her your Silver Rose, right? Then why did you kiss me?"
"Y-you," it stuttered like a child first learning to talk. "You've always been there…like a golden gemstone precious b-beyond all worth."
Thrud just stared at him making no move to hide her shock at the statement coming from Dorian's clone acting without inhibition or restraint as Azazel described. It reminded her of their first time on the sparring field the day he awoke. He had said something similar and she would never forget it.
To Hel with it.
Thrud gripped him by the collar, pulling the Dorian look-alike in for a passionate kiss. He was clearly confused but after several seconds wrapped his arms around her tenderly, deepening the embrace. The daughter of thunder could not remember the last time feeling so relieved like a pent-up frustration deep within had been released after so long. She hadn't felt this way when embracing Dorian in the cave, yet something had changed since then. Despite knowing how he and Rossweisse were, she felt this way…and hated herself for it.
"Thank you," she whispered softly as they pulled apart. "Thank you for confirming."
Dorian's clone smiled back, moving closer as if to say something or kiss her again. He did not get a chance as the empowered fist of Thor's daughter pierced his chest, exploding the copy into mist just as all of Azazel's other creations had. With just a hint of shame at her actions, she stepped back bringing soft fingers to her lips, recalling the sensations of a few seconds ago.
Now I know, if these clones really do go by the unrestrained wishes of the original. That means he…
"Clapping the thunder a little early today?"
Thrud spun without hesitation, burying her fist into the source of the words that caught her completely by surprise. Pulling back, she surveyed the hole punched clear through the building to see daylight on the other side. Just below her attack, having dodged by the smallest of margins was a furry companion eyes wide with sweat pouring from his brow like a leaky faucet.
"Someone's a little touchy," his voice betrayed the fear at the attack that might have harmed even an extra-planar being such as himself. "Just your friendly neighborhood rodent."
"If you tell ANYONE…," Thrud stepped closer, eliciting an equal step back from him.
"As if I would shame you for this," he implored. "How many times have I said you and the boss would make a cute couple? Well, trio in this case I suppose, don't tell me you haven't fantasized about Rossweisse AT LEAST once since you've known her? Unless Valkyrie girl's nights have gotten A LOT tamer in the last few millennia."
"This isn't the same as a jest!" Thrud slammed her hand into the wall again. "Rossweisse has been my friend since we could speak and Dorian almost as close in so short a time. It took her this long to find someone to care for, I shouldn't."
"Don't doubt the feelings," Ratatoskr interrupted, his calm having been restored with sudden glasses, a fake mustache and pipe appearing out of nowhere. "You like him, he clearly thinks the same deep down and our silver Valkyrie I am sure would be generous with her childhood friend…"
"I could never ask that!" Thrud blurted out while keeping her voice down. "I should just forget this and pretend it never happened."
"It doesn't work that way," Rat ran up to her shoulder in a split second, patting it gently. "You'll only blow up eventually…figuratively or literally, I've seen both. Just admit you want a piece of his…BOSS!"
Thrud turned at the warning, just catching Dorian rush into the gym out of breath having searched high and low for her since the battle had concluded. Thanks to her strikes on the wall reverberating throughout the school, it had been much easier to locate her.
"Thrud, you're okay!"
"Dorian, y…" Thrud looked him up and down, noticing he was wearing the Kuoh Academy jacket which had led to spotting the previous fake. "Oh, Azazel. How many Dorian clones did you make?"
"Huh?" Dorian looked confused, looking behind himself mistaking her words for elsewhere. "Thrud, it's me."
"Nice try!" She rushed forward so quickly Ratatoskr was sent flying from her shoulder. "You won't escape!"
"THRUD!" Dorian pleaded as he tried to jump back. "WHAT ARE YOU DO…?"
The resounding impact was heard far in the distance, the others turning to wonder what Thrud was fighting for her to put so much power behind the attack. The distant sounds of Dorian's screams for mercy drowned by the damage being inflicted to the surrounding structures.
Back at the school entrance…
"Well, all's well that ends well," Azazel threw his arms up once the students were gathered again. Thrud sat embarrassed in the corner unable to look at the others while Dorian nursed bruises being tended by Rossweisse. It had taken far too long before Thrud finally believed he was no copy and ceased her exuberant barrage. "We are free and clear so you can all go home, be sure to get some rest. Everyone here earned it."
"Except the one who started it," Rossweisse pointed out, the collected devils and Crossroads glaring at the teacher.
"Hey, now it doesn't matter WHO started it, only that it all resolved itself with minimal casualties. He eyed Kuroka who was wearing a white coat over a Kuoh Academy woman's uniform courtesy of Dorian's new Dress Make. She was far too pleased with its short skirt, assuring them she was keeping it. "All of the Issei clones have been dealt with. Um…I do need to ask if any of you spotted anything…else out of the ordinary?"
"NO!" Thrud suddenly shouted before realizing how loudly she had announced it. "I mean no, nothing else."
"Are you alright?" Dorian asked Thrud, it wasn't often seeing her so disjointed.
"I'm fine."
You're the one covered in bruises from me yet you ask if I'm okay?
"She is just coming down after the high of that steamy kiss," Kuroka shattered the silence and drawing the eyes of everyone present. "You didn't tell us you cloned the fetching Einherjar. Any chance I could order a boxed set? A dozen or two will do for now."
"You did what?" Dorian rounded on Azazel who stepped back to the door only to find Sona and her peerage blocking the way. They were still unamused at how many of them had been dress broken throughout the day. Each exit was similarly covered with Bennia especially looking terrifying, stroking her scythe at the news he had cloned their leader. "Wait, what kiss?"
"I…it," Rossweisse and Thrud answered in stereo. "WAS NOTHING!"
Tied to her emotions, magic seals stretching the length of the gym opened up targeting Azazel. The fallen angel moved to run only for the edge of his coat to be nailed to the wall courtesy of Gullbjorn crackling with energy. He could not escape before every blast connected.
"NOOO!" His voice raised on the winds as the day came to a close. The great battle of 300 Isseis ended, heralding the days of peace once more…for as long as they would last.
Crossroad Tower…
"Never a dull day," Dorian sighed as he brushed his teeth preparing for bed. Rossweisse was beside him in front of the same mirror removing the bows from her hair before turning in.
"Dream spiders, perverted clones, it seems Mr. Azazel just can't help himself." She sighed, reaching past the Einherjar to retrieve her mouthwash. "And even one of you, how did he do that without putting you in the device?"
"Apparently he had a few bits of skin and hair from when he helped me with the arm." He flexed his right hand, the fingers briefly splitting open to reveal all the internal circuitry hidden beneath. He had started doing it out of habit, almost like stretching the muscles that no longer existed. As quickly as it opened, he closed it again. "It's okay, Thrud took care of it. I can't believe I…he kissed you."
"It is alright, I got off light compared to those who fell to the dress break. How such a move can exist I will never know."
"I will admit," Dorian stepped back to ensure his pajamas were straight. "I have to hand it to Issei a bit." Rossweisse nearly did a full double take.
"Why do you say that?"
"To have THAT much lust inside him. Even as perverted as he acts, he has considerable self-control. But don't ever tell him I said that…I will vehemently deny it." He smirked playfully to show he was being funny but still meant every word.
"Are you excited for the school trip?" Rossweisse tried to change the subject while flipping her hair to ensure no knots smiling subtly as Dorian's gaze locked onto it for a moment with a sigh of contentment. He never got tired of seeing her that way.
"I can't wait," he barely contained the excitement in his voice. "Mr. Azazel told me how the teaching staff is a bit short handed from this bug going around."
"I didn't want to worry you."
"Not worried," he spit the last of the toothpaste from his mouth. "But he did ask if I could help the teachers out on the trip. Mostly patrols at night for the boy's rooms. Make sure the pervert trio don't make any moves…you know they will."
"That will make me feel much better, the rest of the teachers are women, so we'd be patrolling the halls and girl's rooms. I am sorry you'll have to work on the trip."
"Don't be, well still get to see the sights during the day. I am surprised though, considering the different groups in Kyoto that haven't joined our alliance, I thought they'd want to limit the number of devils there."
"There is an agreement in place," the Valkyrie explained as they made their way to the bed easing in carefully as always. "School trips, regardless of the number of supernatural beings within the classes, are protected from assault so long as they keep to the itinerary. I have made a thorough list for each class."
"I know you have," Dorian delayed at the bed. "Iggy, if we may…"
Of course, the voice in his head gave way, the struggling sounds of Despoina acquiescing to his request as well dying down until there was only silence. For the moment, he and Rossweisse were alone.
"What is this?" Dorian reached for the thick tome he had glossed over the night of his harem dream. Rossweisse's eyes perked up, uncertainty filling the aqua-colored spheres. "It says you are the author."
"I…I am," she stuttered. "But you don't have to look at it, that was a black mark on my education. I am not even certain why I kept it."
"But you have added to it," he pointed out the pages recently tacked onto the end. "I saw it in your apartment when I helped you home back in Asgard. It was much smaller."
"That was thanks to you," she admitted after a moment of silence. "Tell me, have you ever heard of the being known as the Trihexa?"
Dorian's vision blurred for just a moment as if he hadn't eaten enough that day. He shook his head to remove the groggy feeling, the silhouette of his dreams flashing for a brief moment in the back of his mind.
"I don't think so, but it sounds vaguely familiar."
"It is a myth of myths, a legend of word alone," she explained. "The beast of the apocalypse or so they say, a terrifying creature that surpasses all gods and was here long before them all."
"And you wrote about it?"
"I tried," she sighed, taking the tome out of his hands. "I theorized, extrapolated and offered circumstantial evidence to rumors gathered worldwide that seemed to fit but in the end, I couldn't conclusively prove it existed at all. I was so ashamed I never published it and took the marks to my grades. Thankfully, those I told about it eventually forgot my thesis altogether. I didn't even think on it again until…until the festival in Asgard. Your shield."
"My shield?" He recalled the carving he had made for Rossweisse while soothed with the light of Alfheim from the elf running the stall. The shield was currently displayed on the far end of the room, the terrifying creature mashed together from parts of animals known and unknown still looming upon it overlooking the room. He took note she chose an especially dark corner to place it in.
"Yes, that creature you carved matches all the descriptions I could locate across years of what it may look like. It even has points I was unaware of, like the ten crowns. Nothing else comes even close."
Dorian's throat felt like it collapsed into his gut. A sense of foreboding terror he had seldom felt passed over him, he didn't want to say the next part but knew it had to be said. Even more so with Despoina's words in the Roads on his dreams.
"Could we read it together?" He settled into the bed next to Rossweisse cuddling closer to her with the book between them. "I would love to hear your work; you don't have to be ashamed of it around me. Maybe we can find out why I saw this thing when I have no clue what it even is."
"I…suppose so. But just a short while, we both will need sleep for tomorrow."
Rossweisse opened the tome, holding one side open as Dorian held the other. She was about to start when he took her hand, shoulders brushing together so closely he could smell the shampoo in her hair as she counted the braids he had received.
Modi, Forcas, Ona, driving off Vali, the Hero Faction at Olympus, Loki, Fenrir and now binding the Red Dragon Emperor in his wrath. Yet he only has four, tomorrow we shall have to rectify that. I…
"I love you."
The words were so subtle and unexpected that it took Rossweisse a moment to realize they had been said. Glancing up, she saw him look down unable to resist the smile on his lips as she realized what he just had. They had grown so comfortable around each other, having performed their nightly rituals in perfect sync and now were lying beside each other despite going no further yet.
"I love you too."
She snuggled closer suddenly more comfortable describing the lengths she had gone to in pursuit of knowledge. Unknown sects, Dimensional Gap research or eldritch knowledge each resulting in dead ends or splitting off into fake prophecies or other gods altogether that happened to be similar. They continued longer than planned, falling asleep as they oft did in one another's arms.
On the other side of the door…
Thrud pulled back from the keyhole leading into Dorian's bedroom. Since the renovations, courtesy of the Gremory family, her room connected directly to the Einherjar's allowing for easy access should the need arise. With the pair drifting off to sleep to the sound of Rossweisse's voice, Thrud decided against saying anything instead being content to turn in for the night herself.
Precious beyond all worth, so he meant it? She flipped her hair as she climbed into bed knowing she would not fall asleep quickly. Her pajamas consisted of short black shorts and a red sleeveless top leaving her midriff bare and very little to the imagination. Azazel said the clones follow desires of the original, but I know Dorian, he'd never act on it on his own, he'd never do that to Rossweisse.
"Would I?" She sighed, kicking her feet in the air. The two would be leaving on the Kyoto trip in a few days, one that she wouldn't be accompanying due to her place in the third-year class. They would have enough on their mind.
When they return then, only then I NEED to say something. If I don't it's only going to get worse. The teasing eyes of Rat, Issei, Akeno and Rias came to mind, each of them seeing right through her and the thoughts she bore. I am a Thorsdottir! Daughter of the strongest warrior our people have ever known! If I can't even speak my mind, what does that make me?
Thrud's certainty at the growing feelings become realized as the army of perverts is eliminated. With Kuoh Academy saved, our heroes cherish these moments together while dark clouds form in the far-off city of Kyoto. I hope everyone enjoyed this little retelling of the 300 Issei Short Story and until next time hope everyone stays healthy, Reads and Reviews...but most of all Enjoys! :D