Gan315: I am so glad you liked it :) I sent you a PM of a full reply but to answer your question, Irina became an angel back in Heaven before joining the Crossroads. She had her wings from the moment she showed up at the tower. I hope the wait was not too long :)
Fateburn: Thanks
Fatefan: Oh yes, I have the plans set and the romances will start being more certain in the following arcs. That is a good list, though I think Yasaka may be a bit old for him lol. I always felt she needed a good man close to her age. As for Irina, that is complicated as they are close from their year together in England and What they've been through since reuniting. Where it goes from here...I can't spoil :D
firestarter1188: Not quite sure what that means lol, but you don't need to read it if you aren't enjoying it, only if you like it.
WinterRuneWolf: They were particularly fun to write :D Le Fay gets so little to do in canon I feel like I need to expand her role as I've done with others. Dorian will begin his journey to the Shinto gods soon...hope you enjoy it! :D
fanficcyberman: The views of gods can be diverse among each group, we'll see how they judge his usage of their power ;) Well, the idea I wanted to get across is that, unlike the legend of women Baba Yaga being hideous, the men are absolutely gorgeous. Whether that expands Irina's interest is something possibly for the future :) And that means a lot truly not just that you enjoyed the chapter and Issei's outlook, but that the battle outcomes aren't predictable. Imo if a character can routinely just win it removes all tension from battle. I am doing great as always and hope the same for you! I hope to not disappoint.
King0fP0wers: That is so true XD and a lot are only used like once or twice and feel like it was more for the plot situation than a natural evolution. Subspecies are supposed to change based on the user which should say something about him that is never addressed in canon lol. Exactly, if he'd just made his power to seal men, he'd win every fight he had in the series. I will admit I only recently started getting into Slash Dog, but I am quite liking its story even more than DxD. I am planning ways to include cameos of cast from it as well, I hope you like them :D
OBSERVER01: He made the cute kyuubi cry? CRUSADE! XD
Spectrvs: Such another in-depth review :D I don't know what to say lol. As always I sent a full PM to you on the reply. Thank you very much and you stay safe as well :D
Guest1: Exactly XD He doesn't have a thing against swearing per se...but it takes a lot for that to be his first thought lol. Thank you, I always felt if someone is included by name and is at the forefront of a story then they should have more details about them. I wanted to really get across how they are strong already but given time can threaten even gods. Yes, the youkai I wanted to have more urgency than in canon where they seem very low-tier compared to devils, Kari was a means of leveling that and showing not all youkai are as they seem. My idea is that many can transform to increase their power. And I HAD to add bits of Kunou's father. In canon they have literally said nothing, he could still be alive for all we know lol. It seemed like a glaring omission.
Hoho, you caught that little mention of Georg's choice in targets? You are right, I do intend a bit of a history there, though not revealed for a bit ;) I do love your ideas for the future, I can't say what mine are, but the Crossroads will need a Shinto member if things go well with the gods and I do love mixing in a bit more Slash Dog. As for the battle, they are the trickier elements but your words give me more confidence in grander-scale ones later on. The more included, the more chaotic it gets. It was great to hear from you and thank you for the review and kind words :) I apologize I can't reply to everything without bloating the word count but if you have any questions feel free to ask ;)
DragonXDelinquent: I will fully admit, I was confused by not only his sudden shift in canon, but everyone acting as if the things he did weren't a bigger deal only a few months after he did them. That is not to say someone can't change...but the sheer amount of things he did you would think would have prison sentences of some sort, as far as canon showed he spent a few months in the Underworld and that was that.
GabrielTheMagnificent: A week? Oh wow, I don't know what to say. It means so much that it was enjoyable enough to binge it so fast. As for the aspects of how many will be drawn to him after Rossweisse...those plot points will be more prevalent after Kyoto ;) I hope to never disappoint.
Supremum Rex Stulti: Your favorite chapter? That is high praise after so many :D I have sent a full reply to your review via PM, I do accept constructive criticism and thank you for yours. I try to add internal dialogue to characters that are the focus, which have been lacking compared to others for Kiba and others not at the forefront. And I get RWBY not being for everyone, it took a while before it really grew on me and the potential, similar to DxD, is what made me stick with it lol. Thank you and I hope you like the chapter ;)
And with that...ONTO THE SHOW!
"How are we down to only one day left!?" Kiryuu cried as other students joined in her lamentations. "It felts like we just got here! At least we'll have one more chance at buying something nice."
The final day was mostly reserved for shopping, Nijou Castle being the last stop they had gotten to view earlier. After the battle at Togetsukyou the class had gotten to view the ancient locale. Few among those who had fought the Hero Faction found much enjoyment, using the moment to catch their breath and relax. Fortunately, the rest of the students were able to find merriment before returning to the hotel for the last night stay.
The leaders were being gathered and appraised of the situation since the battle at the bridge. The Hero Faction had revealed themselves clearly using Dimension Lost to remain hidden though where was still to be determined. Ley Line experts were being summoned from the Shinto Clan, Suzaku finally able to get them to see the importance of the situation after what she had learned with even other clan heads taking notice. They had a little time before that happened, intent to spend it with their classmates reminiscing on the last few days.
"Okay, we got it hooked up to the flat screen!" Matsuda announced, the moment taking place in Asia's room. "Is everyone ready?"
"As ready as we'll ever be, hurry up before we have to go to bed!" Kiryuu chastised him. She and the other girls had returned from the baths and were still in their robes. This moment was the only time she'd trust the trio in such a situation. With a flick of the switch, their hastily made slideshow began.
"Oh, hey Hecuba, there you are," Irina pointed out, causing the Spartan to cringe in embarrassment.
The first slides were of the bullet train journey, the young woman among those fascinated with the speeding scenery. Fortunately for her sanity, the photographs changed, switching to a group of girls waving cheerily upon realizing they were the focus. Dozens of scenes passed one after another of their trip including the hotel arrival and eventually the various sites they had visited. The excitement was high as the various friends from Kuoh called out upon seeing themselves caught in a picture or even a blurry image.
"And of course, Prince Charming," Issei groaned with a light chuckle as Kiba graced the screen. As usual, he was surrounded by many girls talking about their plans for the trip hoping to include him. After a few appearing normal, the last six shots were a frame-by frame rendition of Xenovia pulling him away, the blonde knight's surprised expression beyond adorable with Catherine giggling in the back.
"It captured my good side quite well," Kiba had to admit as he overanalyzed the image as always.
"Or when Motohama almost faceplanted down those stairs," the room got a chuckle at his expense. "I think he was laughing so hard at Matsuda trying to eat those peppers too fast. Either that or you two wanted a visit to our newest nurse."
"Should we be that happy?" Irina asked as the three laughed unaware at the somber tone that had settled over the others.
"We can't be that carefree, not after yesterday," Xenovia answered softly. Even as she said it, the wisps of a smile crossed her face as the slide of her and Hecuba playing rock, paper, scissors over the last tsuko-tageta, a small wooden passport showing they had visited Nijou Castle. So many had sold they ran out, Xenovia claiming victory at the end of the day and displaying it proudly on her suitcase.
"Geez, this one caught your little foot race," Kiryuu flipped slides to the one at the stairs leading up to where Kunou had ambushed them on the first day. "How fast were you two? The camera could barely make you out!"
Sure enough, upon the screen blurs barely recognizable as the young pawn and Einherjar could be made out vanishing up the hill. The pair looked back to each other realizing no one had technically won that encounter, it didn't seem to matter anymore.
"We sort of just let it slide," Issei answered cautiously. "Called it a draw."
"Well that's no fun," Motohama chastised.
"You could have shown him up!" Matsuda agreed. "He's gotten to you too, hasn't he?"
"Your friends are…odd," Catherine pointed out as she came up beside the young Red Dragon Emperor as the two turned back to the pictures. She had a cup of tea in her hand stirring it with the spoon nonchalantly. "How ever did you meet?"
"They were the only ones that would talk to me after I realized the glory of breas…" he started to say but stopped as he saw her blank stare.
"That is truly all on your mind, is it not?"
"Ahem, anyway um…I got this for you. I realized I didn't officially welcome you to the team yet."
He handed the newest member of their peerage a small object on a cord. An omamori, or charm to provide good luck or fortune. This one in particular had a gold cross sewn into it, Issei had never seen it before, believing it may have been a custom one made to accommodate the other religions visiting Japan. Catherine accepted it, looking over the symbol of the Church she used to belong to.
"The design is vague enough it won't hurt you, even as a devil," Issei explained. "I tested it, Asia saw it and thought you might like it."
"I-," she started as she stared intently at it. "I am no longer part of the Church. After what happened to so many, I am uncertain I wish to carry a symbol of them."
Ohhh, does she blame the Church for turning away from her and the others when Diodora messed with them? That bastard, causing such problems even when dead. He recalled that the others were still hospitalized trying to acclimate to a life without the Astaroth heir.
"I know what they did to you was wrong," he awkwardly tried to make her feel better. "And if you don't want to wear it, I understand, but it is one of luck. Maybe…maybe it can be a way of getting good fortune on that side of your life."
Catherine was staring legitimately surprised. She hadn't been on the team long and only just moved in the Hyoudou house. In that time, she hadn't pictured Issei as one who thought too deeply on his actions. With how he acted, she had steered clear yet somehow, he sounded almost wise. She could not help but tie the charm to her coat sleeve.
"I will attempt it and see what luck it brings. Thank you Issei," she bowed politely, sending the young Pawn into a frenzy of awkward glances and mumbles of it not being a big deal. In the end, he couldn't keep his eyes focused above her shoulders due to the low-cut nature of her robe, earning him an eye-jab for his trouble though she made sure to hold back.
"Hey, slow down," Kiryuu claimed the switch for the slides. "You're blowing past the man of the hour!"
"Squeak," Ratatoskr let out a tiny sound as pictures of him with the students or on Dorian's shoulders moved across the television. He had his head tilted while plastering his face up against the screen pushing his acting job to new limits.
"Awww, he thinks it's another squirrel," Motohama and Matsuda still eyed the rodent cautiously remembering their recent nightmare that felt so real. The small resident of Yggdrasil was utterly eating up the attention while enjoying the looks of fear in the perverted duo's faces.
In the back, near the mini-fridge, Rossweisse was hurling in the bathroom. She was still very hung over, however had regained her senses. Dorian patted her on the back, recalling a similar scene in her apartment previously in Asgard. She had taken medicine for it, though it appeared to do little. Fortunately, from their position, they could still see and enjoy the slide show.
"Th-that was when Issei's potential entered you?" She groaned as the last of the train slides passed. Dorian explained everything to her, the woman he loved understanding now why he had acted so on edge the previous days. "So that is why you tethered yourself to the seat."
"That seems to be the case," he confirmed, pulling back a strand of silver that nearly fell in the path of her expulsions. "But it seems that Issei started work past whatever caused it to reject him at first. I am compulsions-free."
"The compulsions seemed to be…unnecessary when required. You certainly rose to the occasion." Dorian paused at her remark, mouth dropping open ever so slightly in surprise.
"Did…did you just make a dirty joke?" Rossweisse smiled weakly with pride before returning to throwing up. She couldn't even touch the coffee Irina had given her. "Huh?" He felt a buzzing from his pocket, his cell phone ringing with Zepar's number displaying across the top.
"You answer that call big guy," Kuroka knelt down beside them. "I'll take over, if things go my way, I imagine I could be holding her hair back for more situations than this one."
"Thanks, Kuroka," he saw through her coy expression, sensing she was using Sage Arts to try and alleviate Rossweisse's condition. The fact such a powerful magic was having little effect was a monument to the Valkyrie's paper-thin tolerance.
"I've never seen anyone so unable to hold her liquor," she patted Rossweisse's back comfortingly. "Normally this would have someone right as rain in no time!"
Fascinating, even manipulating the internal energy has its limitations based on the subject's unique physiology, Iggy mused in his mind as he clicked to answer the call.
"Hey Zepar, how are things?"
"Unnaturally quiet," he reported. "Only Bennia, Seekvaira and I remain for the evening."
"Where did the others go?"
"The other Valkyries are working escort for Grigori agents to their Headquarters. They must have been delayed as they have not yet checked in; I will set out soon to get a progress report. In regard to the others, reports of unrest in the Gremory territory called them away, Ms. Thrud was quite set on accompanying them. Akeno hasn't been answering so I am…unsettled that things may not be peaceful."
"I am sure they'll be fine," he tried to calm the unsteady tone in Zepar's voice that was out of the ordinary for him. "She has most of her peerage AND Thrud with her."
"I do not worry for them in battle, it's just that…"
"Zepar?" He lowered his tone to a low whisper sensing more meaning behind his words.
"I am worried for Lady Himeji…Akeno" he admitted, the ambiance of trust around Dorian unwavering. He, like many others, felt he could tell him anything. "This is only between us, correct?"
"Of course," Dorian assured. "Trust is like glass, once broken can never be truly repaired. I won't even leave a crack." It helped he heard a soft laugh on the other side.
"I want to help her, even with the strides towards reconciliation with her father she still fears a repeat of what happened with her mother." Dorian listened intently, turning the phone away from the room to lower the chance of being overheard. "But I don't know what to do."
"Fixing a mind is not as easy as the body," Dorian muttered, repeating Rias' words she had used to describe Riser. "All we can do is be there for her, you're a good guy Zepar, if you want to go to Gremory Territory to see her feel free to." He truly wished there was more he could think to say.
"Thank you," Zepar muttered under his breath. "I may take you up on that offer once I return from the Grigori territory, I am sure not even Bennia could burn down the tower in a single night."
"Don't test her on that, she'll surprise both of us." The pair let out a hearty chuckle sorely needed. "Take care of yourself Zepar, and Akeno too."
"Will do," he replied before ending the call. Dorian contemplated if he should have told him of the situation in Kyoto but decided better of it. A few more would just muddy the battle lines with so many taking part in the upcoming plans.
This moment of fun, he thought as the collected friends bust out laughing at a new slide. A bit of peace then we head out to fight. Those Hero Faction members are planning something and won't hesitate to kill all of us if we get in the way. I won't let that happen. No matter what happens tonight, we are all making it home. Not after all we've been through, after Rose and I finally…
A wholesome smile crept to his lips recalling the previous night even as she continued to throw up in the bathroom. They had stepped into a new stage that both were unacquainted with and he wanted to see what lay in the future for them. The young Einherjar resolved that no obstacles were going to stop them; not uncertainty, worry or even the whole of the Khaos Brigade.
Dorian & Issei's Room…
"I think your elbow is in my gut."
"Oh, sorry," Saji apologized as he shuffled away from Issei the slightest margin.
It couldn't be helped, after enjoying their meal and time together the teams had gathered to begin preparations for their counterattack. The entire Gremory group, Sitris, Crossroads, Azazel and Serafall were all crammed within the confines of Dorian and Issei's miniscule hotel room to discuss the night's machinations. With the arrival of Suzaku and Kunou with her guard, they were packed more tightly than any sardine in a can. All were forced to stand with Xenovia, Hecuba and Irina having volunteered to sit in the closet seeming quite at home in the confined spaces.
Gasper would have liked it there; Dorian could not help but chuckle. Rossweisse was present but still quite pale leaning against the wall beside their bathroom just in case.
"I finally got my people to see reason," Suzaku explained as she pointed to a map of Kyoto upon the walls of the room. "This is a little secret of ours, a map of the Ley Lines traveling beneath the city. With the disturbance today, I am hoping we can track their ultimate location."
"Can't you sense where it leads?" Serafall asked, grimacing at Suzaku's somber headshake.
"I…cannot. Whatever Cao Cao did to me, I am still utterly powerless, and it seems to have included my ability to commune with the Ley Lines. I have tried to sense them, but even the music is silent to me now. I fear how long this may last, what if it is permanent?"
"I wouldn't worry about that," Azazel reassured her with confidence. "That guy is barely older than our students. He can't possibly have the power to permanently seal power like that or he would have used it on every woman here. That and he said his Balance Breaker sealed them for a time. Give it a day, I am sure you'll be right as rain."
"We don't have a day, you heard them," Issei's adrenaline spiked. "This 'experiment' of theirs, they broke off the fight to work on it. They must be nearly done!"
"Exactly so, fortunately we have another who touched the Ley Lines on the bridge," the looks of everyone in the room seemed to move as one, the main leaders focusing on the Einherjar trying to shift into a somewhat comfortable position in the corner.
"Me?" Dorian asked with trepidation.
"Kunou is too young to commune fully," Suzaku explained much to the young fox's frustration. "And any others who can sense it will take too long getting here. Iggy, your Sacred Gear has the best chance; you heard the music and even tapped into its power. See if you can use this map to follow the rhythm."
"Won't that upset the gods before I meet with them?"
"You won't be tapping into the Ley Lines, not completely anyway. It will merely be following the path using the map," she explained. "A convenient loophole, like following a stream without jumping in to avoid a 'no swimming' sign."
"We got the area on high alert," Azazel explained. "Even Heaven was able to send in some Seraphim and exorcists to help though the latter are grumbling quite a bit about it. If you find where they are, we can focus our efforts and bring the hammer down. Just give it a try, I know the little lady can do it."
Iggy?
"I…will try," she agreed, taking form in the already cramped space. "Do I need to do anything special?"
"Just focus on the bridge," Suzaku walked her through the steps, taking her hand and placing it upon the parchment. "Picture being there, the music in your mind. Let it guide you, like the notes are a path and give in to the melody."
Iggy closed her eyes, her free hand gripping Dorian's for comfort. The room became deathly silent, each person worried the slightest noise could break her concentration. The quiet was dissipated by her own soft hum, fingers suddenly gliding across the map moving away from the places they had been; Kiyomizu-Dera, Fushimi Inari and even Kinkaku-ji. Her humming seemed to turn into a melody all its own, none in the room denying the beauty of her voice as she continued the spiritual journey.
I had no idea Iggy had such a voice. Maybe with my lyre we could do a duet.
"Th-there!" She suddenly exclaimed, slamming her finger into the map hard. The shock of snapping from her trance knocked her backwards into Dorian's arms. He caught her before she could strike the floor, the two soulmates sharing a glance of trust before looking back at the mark her nail had left behind.
"Nijou Castle," Azazel smirked in victory. "We got the bastards."
"But we were just there," Saji pointed out. "We were all over that area for the visit."
"In the real world, maybe. But remember they can create a dimensional copy like they did on the bridge. We could have been standing in the same spot and never know it. Last time they pulled us inside, this time we'll have to knock."
"If they gather this much Ley Line energy in one spot," Kunou started talking mostly to herself. "Who knows what could happen, especially with whatever this experiment of theirs could be. What are they planning?"
"We have a theory on that," Azazel turned to Dorian who nodded in agreement. "But we can go over that later. I'll start mobilizing our forces to focus on Nijou Castle. Dorian, you'll be integral since we'll need you to bust in the front door like you did on the bridge. Is there a limit to how many can traverse your Roads?"
"Not as long as everyone is careful," he said half in jest. "Yggdrasil is very strict about damaging any of her pathways."
"Excellent, we'll be on our best ecofriendly behavior. I will ask that the Sitri group stand guard at the hotel in the event of a counterattack. Saji, sorry but we'll need Vritra for this one. You'll be best with us."
"Understood," the team shouted, Saji's voice the loudest as the members gathered around him give their best wishes.
"Knock em dead," Yura punched Dorian in the shoulder playfully before joining her teammates. "If anything happens to Saji I'll hold you responsible."
"Noted," he threw her a confident smile assuring he took the words seriously.
"Issei, your strength gave them pause and Ms. Gremory's servants have the most combat power among the devils. You'll come with us in the frontal assault to deal with however many more Hero Faction troops they got inside."
"But rescuing Yasaka will take priority," Dorian added much to the fallen angel's surprise. "If we get her out, they lose their power and any urgency. We can withdraw with her to a safe distance at that point."
"Good idea, Cao Cao seemed almost giddy to fight with us. Saving the princess and denying him the satisfaction would make the pot all the sweeter."
"Do we have enough people?" Issei asked rightfully so. "They were so strong on the bridge, is this enough?"
"Not to worry, I called in for some backup. It will take time to get here, but if the battle lasts that long then they'll be needed. These guys have been fighting the Khaos Brigade for a while, real experts."
"Who is that?" Kiba asked with a raised eyebrow.
"That's a secret," Azazel winked with a playful smile. "If the cavalry is needed, it'll be more impactful that way. Just know they are exceptional individuals who have been wrecking Brigade activities worldwide. Unfortunately, that is where my good news ends. We reached out to our friends at the Phenex family, we could only get three portions of tears."
"That's it?" Issei and Saji exclaimed at the same time.
"This isn't the only battle going on right now," he tried to explain. "The Brigade's activities all over have been hitting us hard. Those tears have saved more than a few lives, be sure of that. These aren't something mass produced easily; stores were low even before this. We can't say they've been lazy; our own Ms. Ravel has been working double time to make as much as possible, it just isn't enough. They are even considering banning them from Rating Games until this crisis passes."
"And that is where Asia comes in," Serafall looked proudly at the young Bishop who glanced away embarrassed. "Her Sacred Gear is just as miraculous as Phenex Tears and even rarer."
"She isn't the sole wielder of Twilight Healing," Azazel continued as Issei took her hand. "Though their numbers around the world are in single digits and none are as naturally proficient as her even before she started training. Don't tell anyone, but she's been helping us bolster those numbers."
"Asia?" Issei asked having heard nothing of this.
"I-it's nothing," she tried to downplay her role. "B-but when Lord Beelzebub stopped by for the samples from Kuroka he asked for some from me…just a few."
"Enough to research creating something never before seen…an artificial Sacred Gear! The Grigori have been researching this for a while without headway. Thanks to our steadily growing alliance, we have more resources than ever to see it to fruition! We wouldn't be half as close if not for her. At the rate she's learning, I wouldn't be surprised if she develops her own Balance Breaker."
That's Asia, Issei squeezed her hand tighter. She's incredible, what kind of Balance Breaker could evolve from Twilight Healing?
"So, in conclusion, the Sitri team will get one, team Gremory the second and the Crossroads third. Only use them if you have no other choice. We'll have Nijou Castle blockaded within the hour with as many angels, Valkyries and youkai as we can spare."
"I can do that," Serafall announced. "None of these troublemaking kids will be getting away."
She can be pretty terrifying when she's in the mood.
"Then we are all set," Dorian stepped forward barely, still being quite cramped. "Once the troops are ready, we can…"
"Not yet," Suzaku cut him off. "The Shinto Gods spoke to you; said you were to convene with them before the sunrise. We have no idea how long this battle will last once started. This may be the last chance."
"I think the Brigade take precedence," Dorian retorted. "I can visit them after."
"I wouldn't risk it," she sounded truly worried. "They provided the Ley Lines millennia ago. If someone can use it without their consent, who knows what this punishment they have in store would be. For all we know they could cut us off from it entirely, it certainly sounded that way based on their ultimatum."
"Wouldn't that work for us?" Issei pointed out. "If they cut off the power, the Hero Faction loses everything."
"For the short term, yes. But Kyoto's entire infrastructure was built along those lines. Balance, power, magic itself would be thrown into chaos just as if Yasaka was killed only worse if the energy itself is gone. We have long theorized the city is more than just a battery but was made for something grander, if they remove the Ley Lines that potential will be lost. Please Dorian, go to them, see what they have to say while we gather the troops for the battle. The risk of their favor disappearing is as great as the Khaos Brigade's plans here."
"I can prepare the team until you are ready," Hecuba volunteered. The determination was strong in her eyes for another chance to face Cao Cao. Dorian was worried, but she was the most experienced strategist and with Rossweisse in such a state, the best choice.
"Don't try anything until we are all ready," he cautioned, the anger still simmering behind her eyes at vengeance for his transgressions against the name of heroes. "He fought Azazel on even footing and Heracles is with them."
"I still don't like you splitting off before the battle." He noticed she did not agree to his order.
"Neither do I, but maybe I can speak to the gods, get them to revoke Yasaka's power temporarily or something." He turned to Kunou. "I'll do all I can to keep your mother safe. If Kyoto itself is in danger from not seeing them then I'll go but try to make it fast." He looked to Rossweisse next as the various teams started their preparations. "I want you to sit this one out."
"I can't!" She blurted out before covering her mouth, forcing down another surge of bile threatening to start another vomiting spell. "You need me!"
"Those guys withstood your barrage without a scratch," Dorian reasoned with her. "Even at our best, they are stronger than most we've fought, and you can barely stand. If that medicine you took helps more then maybe, but right now I…I don't want you hurt."
"I can still..." she tried to protest but Dorian wasn't having it, stepping close with a hug of concern. He didn't say another word, but his emotions came across through the embrace loud and clear They had spent the night together and consequently were closer than ever before in a way she never thought she'd know. If he was worried for her safety before, it was on another level above now. "I-I will help secure the area but will not advance. I promise."
"I'll take you to my Clan Headquarters," Suzaku offered. "You can't convene at just any shrine to speak with them directly. You need a primary conduit, the first shrines."
"That will take too long," Kunou spoke up with a smirk of confidence. "There is a conduit not far, we could be there within in less than half an hour."
"You don't mean that…" Suzaku grinned slyly at the revelation her people had long suspected but could never find evidence of. "So, your ancestors first tapped into the Ley Lines through a direct conduit? That explains much."
"A nice little secret of the youkai people," Kuroka pushed between them, face awash with a smug grin. She had never revealed that detail even after her banishment. "It's been a while since I was home, at least one of our team needs to act as a bodyguard. Who knows if the bigwigs upstairs will be as amicable as we hope?"
Gremory Territory…
"Still no word?"
"None," a devil with an imposing black trench coat replied to his partner. "So pathetic, they are terrified like children of hurting any of these hostages that they hesitate to strike. We'd be overwhelmed in minutes if the full Gremory force out there advanced."
"But we'd kill half of the civilians at least. I am glad we are not on the frontlines, as much as I miss the days of carnage, being outnumbered ten to one is not ideal."
The pair patrolled the old railway stations built long before the updated ones above. They were decrepit, run down and barely standing making a frontal assault there impossible lest the area collapse around them. All the same, they were deemed keep it secure from any attempts to sneak in special forces teams. So far, the Gremorys had not tried any such maneuver, instead being content to gather their troops above.
"They don't make architecture like this anymore," the first mused while glancing around. Hundreds of statues lined the walls standing vigilant against any threats. They were common in the oldest sections of Lilith once symbolizing the idea that they would stand strong against any foe. In recent years since the new Satans took power, they were noticeably less prevalent. The staunchest backers of the Old Satan Faction took even that as an afront to the old ways.
"Has he said anything to you, Ri…" he paused as his partner stared daggers into him knowing he was about to say the wrong thing. "M-Moloch I mean. What are the other groups doing? If they attack us…"
"You are asking way too many questions, make sure the boss doesn't hear. We are to keep them busy here until our friends get what they need. From what I heard through the grapevine, they're already…huh?"
The pair stopped, turning around towards a series of statues along the wall. Of the ancient stone constructs made in the shape of their armor of yore, they suddenly noticed that a single set on a far wall looked a little off. Firstly, it was a spot meant for contemplation normally devoid of obstructions. Also, it seemed to be based more off mankind's representation of western knight armor. What threw them off most of all was that unlike the rest, it was made of metal causing it to stand out despite being in an identical stoic pose with hands down as if resting on the pommel of a greatsword that wasn't there.
"Now what is this doing down here?" He tilted his head. "Looks like one of those human tin cans."
"Was this here last time we came this way?" His friend kicked its feet for good measure, setting off a reverberating echo down the hall. "I thought you took a piss here not…"
With surprising speed for its size, the suit of armor reached out to grip both devils by the skulls, gauntlets so large it was done with ease. In a swift motion, their heads were cracked together so hard that unconsciousness was instantaneous, the two slumping to the ground atop each other in a heap.
"Well done Honda," Rias Gremory emerged from the shadows behind, kicking one of the bodies in a mocking fashion to how they had just done so to her Rook. "Mother and Father will be moving in above soon. Come, we must reach them first. Are you okay?"
The helmet nodded once, adjusting itself to remain on as if the fit wasn't quite right. The imposing armor turned to race ahead of the Gremory heiress, following the path leading up to the surface where the remainder of the Old Satan Faction splinter cell awaited. Rias and the others with her followed behind hoping the forward assault to come wouldn't be too far ahead for them to protect the passengers.
Kyoto Streets…
"The youkai capital is just in the middle of Kyoto?" Dorian asked as he followed Kunou's lantern through the streets. Night had already fallen, the area strangely devoid of pedestrians or anyone else lending Dorian to assume they had means of preventing others from stumbling into their territory.
"Right in plain sight, at least to us," Kunou nodded to Kari who pressed an innocuous section of fencing ahead.
Dorian stepped back as the fence and connecting buildings suddenly dismantled themselves before his very eyes. Swirling through the air, the bricks, wood, stone, and plaster warped into a long passageway, the end obscured from sight as if it was miles away. Lanterns illuminated by a green fire burst to life at regular intervals lighting the way down the seemingly endless path. Only once all had calmed did Kunou step within, motioning the rest to follow.
"I must be the first of the Shinto Clans to cross this path," Suzaku warned. "Perhaps I should have remained behind."
"You are needed to prepare Dorian, no youkai has ever met these gods of yours," Kunou huffed. "If anyone gives you trouble, they'll have ME to deal with!"
"So much spunk for a little one," Kuroka teased while sounding totally serious, peaking around Dorian to grin at the youkai princess. "They would be foolish to challenge you. I thought this gateway was closed to me."
"I have allowed you entrance once more. For as long as you are a friend to the Crossroads, you may return here as you wish." Dorian almost thought Kuroka's sultry exterior might break at the fox-girl's words as a smile of contentment beamed from her face. He knew now how it felt to want to go home.
"Thank you for that Kunou," Dorian remarked honestly to her. "I wish things weren't so dire."
"They are what they are," she spoke with more voice than she had the previous days. She wouldn't say it, but the cry she had hours before cleared more than she let on. "We must deal with them and get mother back, only then can I show you the proper side of our city."
"I wonder what the gods will say to Mr. Held," Suzaku considered as she pulled ahead to walk alongside Kunou. "They are not known for being welcoming to outsiders, especially those who use their power unbidden."
"You scared?" Kuroka leaned far too close to Dorian's face once they were further from the others. "Though I suppose coming face to face with gods is normal for you now."
"Don't tell anyone," he tried to play it off knowing she'd tease him endlessly. "But this is a good opportunity to bring both the Shinto Clan and youkai into the Crossroads. Think about it, speaking with the gods through the youkai capital long estranged from the others. It's like a…"
"A fairy tale?" She finished. "I would say you are the white knight in shining armor, but that's not entirely true anymore…is it?"
"What…?" He started before she dipped closer, licking his cheek with a quick peck.
"You and that silver Valkyrie smell different," Dorian paled as he realized what she was getting at. "That pesky virgin scent is gone, not that I mind. It shows you got more balls than most. Congratulations, so when did you two get down to business? It was in those Roads of yours wasn't it? You could go for literal days in there overnight, what is THAT like?"
"This way," Kunou called back, Dorian blasting to the front of the line and leaving his incorrigible companion in the dust before answering. "Mr. Held, Ms. Suzaku, Ms. Kuroka…welcome to our home!"
The group stepped off the end of the bridge that was clearly not as far a walk as appeared initially. It was like walking into the pages of a history book, the streets now resembling the olden days of the Edo Period. Wooden houses in architectural styles no longer used stretched in every direction surely too far to be within the small field they had seen from the outside. Not just the buildings, but entire crowds of youkai in shapes and forms too many to count turned to notice the newcomers. More fox youkai, but also birds of rainbow feathers, strange green ones resembling Kappa of Japanese folklore stopped as if Dorian was the odd one out. In this case, that was entirely accurate as a band of tanuki peeked from around a corner.
"Who are they?" Muttered voices asked as their presence became public knowledge, all keeping a respectable distance in the presence of Kunou and Kari. "Devils?"
"Nah, don't smell like em except that cat," others answered. "Reincarnated, you can catch the stench from here." Kuroka hissed at their scathing words, the ones responsible fleeing into the masses.
"Please don't hold it against them," Kari asked. "Devils are quite rare, and I would be surprised if even one of them have heard of an Einherjar, let alone seen one."
"And all of this is within Kyoto?" Dorian glanced around the bustling streets and corners. It was its own city within a city with neither interfering with the other. Were they within the same space? Adjacent or something entirely different? He could never guess.
"Think of it like those Rating Games," Kunou tried to explain. "We can create dimensional spaces though only within Kyoto using the energy from the Ley Lines. More youkai live here than anywhere else in the world. Welcome to the Inner Capital, or the Backstreets as we call them."
"And what are THEY doing here?" A rather large Tanuki youkai, a humanoid resembling a raccoon dog, stepped forward. "The witch reeks of Shinto Magic!"
"She is here under MY invitation," Kunou stepped up to the older youkai, Kari standing on guard yet not approaching yet. "You are being rude."
"Lady Kunou," his temper simmered a bit at seeing the young princess among the strangers. "They are outsiders, none have set foot among these streets before. Your father…"
"Is not here, nor were they among those who slew him!" She announced without a shred of hesitation in her voice, appearing older than she was. "By this night's end I will make that announcement, but before then we are on an important errand. If you do not wish to help our enemies, step…away."
The old youkai could not withstand her conviction, meekly shuffling to the side and allowing them passage. His last image was Kuroka sticking her tongue out when no one else was looking, Dorian following Kunou the entire way. In that moment she was more her mother than ever before. No others impeded them as they crossed through the residences, finally reaching a forest beyond with flowing river feeding the vibrant grass.
We really are in a whole other world…
It was not far before they crossed beneath imposing red Torii, beyond lying a grand mansion almost reaching the size of the Gremory's. As with the other buildings within the backstreets, it was fashioned in the ancient architecture of feudal Japan giving off a sense of majesty to Dorian and Kuroka. With the high walls and elaborate décor, it could have been mistaken for a castle or where the Emperor may have lived. They were not far off, being the ancestral home of Kunou's family dating back to their migration to Kyoto and discovering what lay beneath the land.
"The conduit lies below," an old fox youkai who looked as if a strong breeze could end him greeted them at the entrance. He had a crooked nose and mustache that put many to shame yet still moved with a smooth grace. "The Lady Kunou has told us of your purpose, please…this way."
Don't be nervous.
Isn't it a little late for that Iggy?
I was talking to myself, the young woman admitted only to him. I am uncertain if my connection will bridge the way for you to the gods or if I will join you. I do not like not knowing.
"My family have served since the days of Lady Yasaka's ancestors," the elder continued. "When humanity only started learning the ways of Shinto, we youkai settled in this place wondering what could have made it so lush and green with life. This entire manor, nay, the Inner Capital itself was built around what we found."
"My word," Suzaku gasped as they reached the deepest level of the manor after a good bit of walking. "No wonder you can hear the song so clearly. I doubt even our own conduits are so…ancient."
At the base of the stairs lay a vast open room stretching endlessly into the dark. In the center, oddly distant from any wall or object, was a humble structure resembling a storehouse like the kind used for storing grain and other supplies. A small waterfall protruded from the wall, no doubt the end of the river flowing outside. It ran into a pool surrounding the shrine, yet no matter how much ran into it, the pool's depth never changed with barely a ripple disturbing the surface. Dorian turned to Suzaku who was more than ready to explain.
"Ancient Shinto shrines were inspired by the architecture overseas but had few fineries. The first, the TRULY first ones built here were no grand three-story monuments of mankind like those you have visited, but humble refuges to pay respects to the gods. Interestingly, Shinto and Buddha shrines were linked for many years."
Akeno and her family managed a shrine, right? It's too bad she couldn't be here. He could not help but remember Zepar's tone at how he worried for her well-being. Maybe being near the family she still cares for would help.
"The history lesson can wait," Kari snapped, clearly anxious about where she stood. "You were meant to prepare him, were you not?"
"Of course," Suzaku acquiesced. "If we are to get you back to your friends for the battle soon, preparations are needed to speak with the gods. Have you ever heard of harae?" Dorian shook his head. "It is a ritual intended to purify one's sins that darken the soul." She motioned to a nearby basin and other items she had asked Kunou to prepare. "First, you must wash your hands and face."
Dorian complied, listening to Suzaku's explanations as the others watched. She described sin by Shinto standards as any unhappiness that weighs heavily upon his life. Sin to them was not something caused by the individual as believed by others but brought about by external sources such as illness, traumatic events, or tragedy. As such, it was believed that one could be purged of all sins through ritualistic purification dating back to one of the principal deities Izanagi. As he washed, salt was sprinkled about the ground to cleanse the area as Suzaku chanted. Dorian removed his garments, an act intently scrutinized by Kuroka, donning a white robe before wading into the water beneath the falls. He was thankful it was a steady stream and not the roaring torrents he had seen men endure after years of training. The cold hit him as soon as he entered, shuddering with each inch deeper he sank.
"Good thing this isn't the bible faction," Kuroka could not resist as he slipped into the water. "You wouldn't qualify as sinless anymore." She scurried off before seeing his look of aggravation.
"Here, in this place let your sins be lifted," Suzaku continued, joining him in the falls wearing her own robe that clung tightly to her impressive frame. She was in no way less endowed than her cousin Akeno, the resemblance more striking than ever. "Focus on all that makes you unhappy and strive to be rid of them. Their weight will drag you away. Don't worry about knowing all that plagues you, the ceremony will draw them out even if you aren't aware of them. Once this is done, you will be able to ascend and enter the Divine Realm of Takamagahara, in spirit at least."
"My family have tried such tactics," Kunou mentioned as she watched from a distance, her guards remaining near. "It has never worked."
"In most cases true belief is needed, in Mr. Held's I am hoping once he is cleansed, they will allow passage. They did summon him after all."
"It would be pretty rude to invite someone then lock the door in their face," Kuroka pointed out.
What makes me unhappy? Dorian considered his life up to that point. The sorrow of Despoina's death, the concern at the Crossroad's future to say nothing of the Khaos Brigade. Despoina is in Elysium, a piece of her still in me. And we won't let the Khaos Brigade succeed in anything they try. Rose and I, we spent our first night together. It is real, I couldn't be happier, and I'll make sure she never has a reason to frown. This strange nightmare though…
The water pressure of the fall seemed to increase with each thought of the things that weighed upon his soul. It felt noticeably sharp as he focused on the apocalyptic nightmare that Despoina believed was some bygone memories. His own weights were slowly lifting, the waterfall becoming more of a trickle with each passing second. He never considered that as his sins were being sought and cleansed, so too were those of the ones in his mind.
I couldn't save anyone…
The waterfall slammed into Dorian's back like a sledgehammer driving him far beneath the waves now deeper than they had appeared above. Bubbles trickled to the surface one after another until finally stopping entirely.
"Dorian!" Kuroka rushed forward only to be held back by Suzaku who had barely avoided the torrential crash of water. "Are you trying to kill him?" She nearly struck the currently powerless clan leader.
"I was expecting a slow descent, he must have some truly terrifying sins but it's too late to stop! He is in between our realm and theirs, if you interrupt it now, you'll break the connection with no way to determine which side he ends up on! That isn't normal water, he should be fine so long as he doesn't get lost in his own sin!"
"He'd better be, I'm not as trusting as him in your faith," she hissed while focusing on the fall and plopping down before the shrine. "How long will it take?"
"Hard to say," Suzaku looked at the now-still waters, her own uncertainty clear on her face. "I've never seen someone pulled down so fast. I was expecting no more than half an hour, maybe…"
Suzaku continued to theorize with Kuroka, Kunou and her entourage standing guard around the shrine. None noticed an ominous shadow growing slowly in the unseen corners of the room. It remained hidden as it expanded, slowly shifting into four shapes inching closer and closer to the unsuspecting spectators beyond.
Kyoto Station…
"Crossroads, in position," Hecuba alerted Azazel of reaching Kyoto Station at the designated location. "We will hold on standby until Dorian arrives."
"Will do," the Grigori leader replied. "If Dorian can get us inside a good distance from Nijou Castle, perhaps they won't see us coming."
"Wouldn't the Dimension Lost user be able to detect us within his own territory?"
"A fully realized wielder, most definitely. That mage they had channeling it we saw looked a little on the young side. I am banking on inexperience like the one with Annihilation Maker. As it stands, it's our best shot. If we can get in there and cause a ruckus, we can either rescue Yasaka altogether or at the very least force them to collapse the Dimension which would interrupt their little experiment. I don't even want to guess what could happen if Dorian is right on what they are doing. Just stay put for now and let us know if anything comes out of that castle, we'll notify once he's done chatting with the gods."
Hecuba closed the phone with a sigh, she did not like waiting, never did. She could withhold troops for strategic maneuvers or outlasting an enemy, but the wait before the battle…that was torture. She turned to the familiar sound of Rossweisse heaving. She had stopped truly vomiting, yet it seemed her body was intent on continuing all the same or at least trying. She leaned over a nearby trashcan, hand pressed against the wall. The young Spartan reached over to help, rubbing her back in rhythmic circles that were supposed to help. If they did, there was no sign of it.
"I thought you said you wouldn't be here," she accused, glancing around to look the young Valkyrie in the eye.
"I'm not…fighting," she burped out. "I will stand on guard until…until…" she turned back to the can, failing once more to throw anything else up. "I can't sit this out wholly."
"I understand," Hecuba knew the disdain for seeming useless in a situation. "But we will do the fighting," she motioned towards Irina and Xenovia not far making small talk as they compared weapons. The pair appeared as restless as everyone else. "When Dorian arrives, you can stay here in the real world as an anchor."
"O-okay," she hiccupped, covering her mouth quickly. Rossweisse was considered Dorian's right-hand woman, but when it came to strategic maneuvers and combat planning, Hecuba held superiority in experience. She was not liking the intensity in Hecuba's eyes, her fingers dancing across Monsters Bane's hilt.
"I see that look in your eyes," Catherine stepped up to Hecuba who was gazing at Nijou in the distance. "You want to see Cao Cao dead, don't you?"
Hecuba turned to the pink-haired knight standing framed by the dark sky behind her. The other members of Rias' peerage were spread out across the station along with Saji prepared to move once they had a means of entrance. Beyond their teams, dozens of youkai, Heaven, Norse and fallen angel troops were mobilizing for the eventual push. Devils were there but in much lower numbers. With any luck they would have overwhelming troops to win with minimal casualties.
"I…want to see him pay for what he's done to the name of heroes." She did not deny her words. "You saw him yesterday, right?"
"Cao Cao of the Three Kingdoms," Catherine started, being aware of the tale from her schooling days even before being taken by Diodora. "Enemy of Liu Bei responsible for the deaths of many innocents making major changes for his homeland of Wei. What he may have been known most for was how well he could inspire exceptional individuals and bring out their inner talents. That is who we face now."
"There is a sizable difference between that Cao Cao and this one," the Spartan retorted. "This Cao Cao is highly prejudiced towards humans only. You saw the way he looked at the others, even I for associating with you. With those talents of his, if he had reached out to devils or other supernatural species, he would be far more dangerous."
"He sees them as the enemy of all mankind, it makes sense in his mind he wouldn't consider them potential heroes."
"What is considered a hero? I've been thinking on that lately," she admitted as Issei wandered over. He had been speaking with Kiba and Asia of the battle to come. Both trusted him, despite his faults he strove to do the right thing when the chips were down. He may not have been their king, but they were willing to stand with him in battle, Catherine as well.
"Isn't that what devils usually are?" He asked. "Enemies of humanity, an inherently evil group to be defeated? I never saw them that way, I know I took to their lifestyle readily enough but maybe that is what Cao Cao sees?"
"No doubt Issei," Hecuba agreed. "But I've learned since leaving Olympus things are seldom so simple."
"He's been killing people, brainwashing members into their own ranks and committing terrorism on someone as innocent as Kunou and her family. I can't see those actions as anything but evil," he said with full conviction. Despite being once human, Issei had no hesitation in his drive to stop them.
"I used to think heroes were descendants like myself who fight to benefit humanity with grand deeds," Hecuba spoke her mind more openly than ever before. "It never occurred to me that those not associated with mankind may be called such a way. I think…I think it doesn't matter if you are a human, angel, devil, dragon, youkai or anything else…even an Einherjar, it is what you choose to use your gifts for that matter, not how you were born or who your family is. This faction is made up of those born with Sacred Gears, they may see that as a divine sign they must be heroes without question, I do not."
"Mr. Azazel told me," Issei interrupted. "That devils aren't inherently villains, I worried that was the case with how I came back."
"God created the Sacred Gears," Catherine pointed out, a topic she and Irina had discussed at length. "He granted a gift to be used for our benefit, but not all follow that path. If they misuse or abuse their power, they become just as evil as any force they claim to fight against."
"And we will stop them," Hecuba was more determined than ever. We wait for Dorian, take the Roads inside and…"
Her thoughts were interrupted as a familiar swirling purple fog rolled into the station causing the gathered fighters to ready themselves. They had not expected a preemptive attack, especially one so far form their base of operations. Their weapons and magic had no effect on the advance of the effects of Dimension Lost, eventually cornering the students at the end of the track.
"We are surrounded!" Xenovia warned them of the presence of another wall of mist approaching from behind. Oddly enough, it seemed to only be visible to them, the standard troops not reacting to its presence, they had more pressing matters.
Screams of pain and commands for battle roared overhead as ranks of the monsters they had seen earlier that day marched inside the station. Beams of energy specific to angels, devils and youkai streaked past, defensive barriers too late to prevent casualties. Far in the distance, the young boy known as Leonardo stood with hands extended urging his unlimited forces onward.
"Leave them alone!" Irina unfurled her wings as she soared towards him with Excalibur drawn. A moment before she would have connected with the boy, he disappeared in a dark purple gust of smoke that blew her backwards crashing into Xenovia on her way down. Looking up, she realized the area had completely changed. "What happened?"
"Everyone disappeared!" Kiba alerted her to the changes setting off a sense of déjà vu. They were no longer in Kyoto Station and their troops along with the army of monsters had utterly vanished. The area now held a strange lavender hue to everything, a thin layer of fog resting on the ground as far as the eye could see. The outcome was obvious, they had once again been forcefully drawn into the world of Dimension Lost. "They must have copied the entire city to get us this far!"
To their shock and horror, the front gates to Nijou Castle stood tall and imposing before them, the group having traveled miles from where they started in an instant.
"Mr. Azazel did say they can control where we enter," Issei pointed out as the group go their bearings. "This is their domain which they can adjust at will…right?"
"Very well deduced Red Dragon Emperor," the calm voice of Cao Cao drew their attention upwards to the nearby rooftop. "You didn't seem to be coming to us, so we decided to allow a few inside. Don't worry, your friends beyond are being taken care of, Leonardo and our younger members can be very hospitable.
"Cao Cao!" Rossweisse called out, staggering only a little. "Surrender and leniency may be shown, you are surrounded by the forces of…"
"Your alliance doesn't concern me beyond giving more reason your downfalls are needed. If humanity has such to fear from one of you, combining your powers only makes you more a threat. Come, we are awaiting within at Ninomaru Palace within. You are all eagerly expected."
"Buy for time," Rossweisse whispered as silently as she could to the others knowing full well none of them alone could challenge Cao Cao who had gone rounds with Azazel. "We can…"
"If you are hoping for salvation from your Einherjar bringing in help," Cao Cao cut her off whether having overheard or knowing her mind they could not say. "We knew well of his summons and journey to the youkai capital. As we speak, he is being slaughtered along with all those who guard him."
"You cowardly bastard!" Hecuba's anger flared anew as she raised a hand, javelins akin to those she wielded in Olympus materializing over her head. She had previously asked Rossweisse for aid in forming a dimensional bubble of her own like Xenovia's for Durandal capable of holding more weapons within. "Nothing you do could ever be construed as heroic!"
She let the first javelin loose, without slowing another appeared and another after in rapid succession. The projectiles soared towards the Hero Faction leader as Rossweisse did the same with her seals and Issei's Dragon Shot, eyes wide with concern at the proclamation of Dorian's impending death. The effort was in vain, Cao Cao effortlessly dodging or shattering each strike with his True Longinus. As their hail of damage ran dry, he disappeared back behind the gates leading within Nijou Castle that they had toured through only hours earlier.
"Delay or advance, in either case you shall be leaderless. Delay, however, and the Kyuubi may not survive our experiments. Come and test the might of the supernatural realms against that of humanity."
No way out, Hecuba's mind raced as the Crossroads and Gremory servants along with Saji rushed forward. We must trust Dorian can take care of himself and bring reinforcements. Our backup is stuck outside with that army, they just pulled us in here to test their powers, didn't they? Damn him, until we get more help…rescuing Yasaka is going to be up to us!
Gremory Territory…
"My Lord, the Gremory army comes!" A wounded devil knelt before Moloch. "We are being swept away, our barriers will be useless once the Queen of Annihilation and former Ruin Princess reach the front lines!"
"Then they have sealed their people's fates," he turned to the train of civilians, raising his arms in a bombastic fashion. "It would appear that your deaths are upon you, I do pray you led fulfilling lives in this decadent age, for you shall not have another day."
Each of the black trench coat-wearing terrorists raised a hand, various seals of magic and devil power generating towards the helpless people to fire.
"Weep not, for this time is a joyous one as our people return to…"
Moloch did not finish as a sizable axe crackling with lightning caught him in the chest, the force blasting him through the train car door into the next one which had been abandoned. The would-be executioners ceased their attack, taking in the shining golden form of the woman who had emerged from the pathways leading to the old station below.
"It's rude to stare boys," Thrud flipped her hair confidently. "Have you seen Gullbjorn? I know I left it here somewhere." With her hand outstretched, the weapon returned to her. "Ah, there it is."
"Even if you slay us, your precious civilians will perish," one shouted from the next car over where more of their men were preparing to strike. Within, Honda stepped forward between them in a defensive fashion. "Do you truly believe a single Dullahan can stop us?" He moved fast, generating a powerful field of darkness he unleashed at the defending armor, taking its head clean off.
The helm was sent flying, rolling across the floor before settling almost looking as if it had truly been decapitated. To the relief of those within hiding behind, it was empty, and the suit remained standing. There was no head or stump save for a platinum blonde tuft of hair sticking out from the opening. With a groan and gentle pop, the mass of hair pushed through, revealing a small pointy-eared boy inside almost mistaken for a girl.
"You tried to hurt these people," Gasper glared at the devils within as his eyes began to glow. "And from here…I can see all of you!"
The young vampire Bishop's Balor Sacred Gear activated, instantly freezing the entire train including every car as far as the eye could see in every direction. The terrorists were locked in place, time frozen around them as Gasper's power seized them. He had already taken a vial of Issei's blood among his stores to amplify the effect in case they were stronger than believed. None seemed able to resist, utterly still.
"Nice work Gaspy," Koneko complimented the boy who looked very ridiculous within Honda's bulky armor that was much too big for him. "I told you it would work."
"You both did superb," Rias Gremory entered, immediately blasting away the closest defenseless opponent. "Your control over your powers has been splendid, you should be proud."
The crimson-haired devil's praise referred to the fact that while every opponent Gasper laid eyes on was unmoving, she and those deemed friends could still act as well as all the civilians within. Since working on the confidence he never knew he had, the half-vampire had learned to selectively target with his powers. It brought with it such a sense of peace, no longer giving people a reason to fear him as they had before when he would affect anyone in his sight. He still remembered the blonde Einherjar, the first who he had looked upon with his Sacred Gear yet not frozen. The memories of that feeling helped to calm him even when using his abilities.
"Right this way," Koneko motioned to the various civilians huddled throughout the cars. With cries of thanks and tears of joy, they rushed down into the abandoned train station now cleared of foes to safety beyond. The first-year Rook did her best to keep a smile even as far too many patted her head and scratched her ears upon running past.
"Th-thank you," a man in a disheveled suit carrying a wounded young man expressed as he passed by. His tone sounded especially grateful, throwing a last glance back at the Gremory heiress and her peerage advancing on the terrorists.
"I'd almost feel bad about this if you hadn't done such naughty things…almost," Akeno smiled taking far too much joy in striking each of the immobilized terrorists with her holy lightning. Without any defense, their powers couldn't help them and fell one after the other.
Just a few more minutes, Rias struck several of the remaining terrorists with her powers of destruction until none remained standing. With this train car clear, father and mother can take the ones further back after they break through the blockade. Then we can arrest…
A gasp of pain erupted from Gasper as Honda stumbled backwards. To the other's horror, the Dullahan's breastplate was crumpled inward pinning the half-vampire inside. He could barely breathe as the armor staggered, Koneko barely catching it to ease them outside where she could pry the damaged plates enough for Gasper to breathe again. The source of the attack became evident as Moloch emerged from the back dusting off his coat with a huge tear in the front from Thrud's attack. Otherwise, he was unharmed.
"That was most rude but excellently done," despite his compliment, his voice oozed with mockery. "You would have made a fine devil were you fortunate to be born to our magnificent race."
"He could still fight even with Gasper freezing the entire train?" Rias generated spheres of destruction in each hand as Akeno summoned a dragon made of lightning. She breathed to calm herself fully aware the power her Bishop had used was enough to freeze even Loki for several seconds yet seemed to have zero effect on the unknown devil.
This goes beyond Ultimate Class, is he a Super Devil? Just who is he?
"Stay down this time!" Thrud scraped Gullbjorn off the train floor, the spark igniting her weapon with lightning once more. With a mighty overhanded swing, she threw it towards the terrorist leader, simultaneously summoning her bow as it left her hand. The mighty axe split the air as it flew, a thunder which had become the staple of her family booming through the air closing in on her target.
A pin drop could have been heard as the unthinkable happened. Moloch extended a single hand and caught Gullbjorn before it could reach him. Completely unfazed by its power lashing at his form all around him, he glanced it over as if it were a toy as the energy finally dissipated before turning back to the party.
"A fine tool, too bad it didn't quite have the oomph." Effortlessly, he tossed it aside, burying it into the side of the car, a seal affixed to it that seemed to prevent easily recalling it as she had done before. Thrud had a great arrow already nocked in her bow prepared to fire.
"Surround him!" Rias called out; Akeno, Thrud and Koneko taking up positions around the last foe standing. "You are the last one left," she threatened. "Once the rest of our troops arrive…"
"Once the others arrive, I will slay them as easily as you," he threw back without a hint of worry. His very presence sent a shiver down the women's spines, there was something about him that they couldn't explain. "Confronted by the daughter of Baraqiel, Zeoticus AND Thor all at once, oh I feel practically euphoric at this moment."
"This guy is freaking me out," Thrud had already taken up a stance ready to go all out against him despite the titanic display of strength he had just shown.
"Beat me, die to me, it doesn't matter as you lose in either situation." He monologued while advancing. "I happened to notice a distinct lack of a particular dragon among your numbers. Where is he by chance? Or that distinguished father of yours," he looked squarely into Akeno's eyes. "It is too bad you are here and not with them; I imagine it's been some time since you heard from either?"
"What do you m-?" Akeno could not finish as five pairs of black devil wings erupted from his back. The aura of power slammed into the fragmented peerage as the leader of the Old Satan Terrorists lunged forward, an absolutely demonic smile of enjoyment etched upon his angular face.
Dorian is pulled within the waters to parts unknown in his search of the Shinto Gods just as the battle beyond is joined. Rias challenges a monster sensing too late how outmatched her skilled peerage may truly be. Until next time, I hope everyone stays safe, Reads and Reviews…but most of all Enjoys! :D