Guest1: I see, it is always nice to see Rias get power upgrades all her own without relying on others.
Lorenzo Macchiavelli: Exactly, it took time but that just makes their feelings all the more stronger to last the remainder of the story and beyond. As for who is next...who can say? :D But hopefully Thrud is willing to share XD And indeed, they were getting stronger on their own, but against what they are facing they need bigger guns...they'll be ready to show them off when the Brigade attacks again. And thank you for such kind words! I'll try to update as often as life permits.
Hollowreaper 93: Well, it's not about keeping score XD Issei has 2 loves currently in his bed too with others showing interest. We'll have to wait and see who is next to make a move on both accounts. I am so glad you enjoyed it!
xXWolfsterXx644: Thank you! I hope the wait wasn't too long ;)
CaedmonCousland: Thank you! Working in training arcs to warrant their increases in power are always tricky, but it makes me glad you liked my plan here. In terms of good mentors for each character, they were limited to those of the Norse faction as the idea I wanted to get across was these trainings were at requests of Thor to help beef up Dorian and his team. I pictured if there was any Norse-centered group that somewhat resembled the power of devils, it was Hela. I totally get that, if fighting them was a true option, then you are right they would be great sparring partners. Unfortunately Fenrir is still a prisoner they cannot fully trust and Midgardsormr's entire pact was to give him a place to sleep eternally unbothered by the outside world. He is truly the laziest Dragon King lol. I totally understand the disappointment on the previous chapter's romantic chance versus this one...but don't worry, such a scene is out there, but each woman deserves her own time first.
Guest2: Well, Katerea will always be a recurring character rather than a full blown one. She'll have a part to play during the arc in the Underworld attack...but no spoilers there XD
TheLycan2026: No need to apologize at all XD It means so much that this chapter could make you laugh. There was a reason I set up a few times that truly intense battles get Thrud worked up...add in it's Dorian and her battle frenzy from her father's side kicked in full force lol. Thank you again! And as for Despoina...no spoilers, but there are plans for her later down the line as the stakes ramp up and a certain Sacred Gear shows up...
fanficcyberman: In that case, I guess it's good he's getting training to reinforce his godly side from the apple...he'll need it XD And you have no idea how much it means to hear you like what I am doing with that training portion. It is true Dorian and Issei are the main ones meant to break their limits, but as I might have said before and I apologize for repeating, I've never been a fan of just 1-2 characters being responsible for doing everything. I want every character to have a piece, big or small, adding to the overall narrative and their successes/failures to come. Thor and Thrud are always fun to write, even more so when both together. Thank you for all your kind words, things have been going well for me and I pray the same is true for you as always!
Dragon Bone Z: Happy New Year to you too! Indeed, it was a long time coming for her (figuratively speaking XD).
xhope14x: That is wonderful to hear you've been enjoying it so long! Thank you so much! That means a lot you have been liking the path I've been going so far. I hope you like the plans I have going forward...and yes LOL, poor Rat. A mix of them talking to each other...and not wanting him loose to make some inappropriate remarks XD
Crimson green flame: Exactly ;) At last she gets to spend her first time with Dorian. I always enjoy writing for her so I am glad I finally got to make this scene.
Dragonx411: XD Aika will find a way, she'd never let the chance to be a supernatural being pass her by just cause she loves to gossip. I always like seeing your synopsis of the chapters and I sent a full reply to you via DMs. You could say Hela has a bit of a crush. She's probably much too old for him, but meeting someone she can just relax with, as short a time as it was, made a big impression on her. Thank you so much!
And with that…ONTO THE SHOW!
"Now be sure to study very thoroughly!" Rossweisse insisted once again as the students started to depart with the ringing of the bell. "When we get back from break there will be a reminder exam. It…um…"
"It will be on pages 15 through 27," Dorian finished for her right before the first left, eager for freedom. "Pay close attention to the critical thinking questions at the end of each section."
"Can we walk together to the next class?" Asia asked Issei, catching him daydreaming out the window before he could collect his school bags.
"Sure!" the young man's enthusiasm peaked at the appeal of walking with Asia. He never got tired of spending time with her, the joy surrounding her brighter than ever since her mutual confession with Rias. "And we can study together later, I swear Goldie and Ms. Rossweisse are trying to kill us with this workload."
"They mean well," she stuck herself to his side, leaning on him much to the chagrin of Matsuda in the back. "I'm a bit nervous for our trip to the Underworld soon."
"You'll do great, I know it!" He assured her. "We've fought way worse; we definitely qualify for middle-class by now! We'll all be there too, Rias even heard they may be considering her for ultimate-class after what she did."
"I'm just glad we're all getting the promotion," Issei could not help but smile at how innocent the former nun was. Even if she hadn't gotten the opportunity, she'd have been beside herself with joy that everyone else did. "And now that Aika knows about us, I have someone else I can talk to about our devil life."
"Speaking of Aika, where is she?"
"Kuroka called her to the nurse's office, I think she's making sure the illusion magic for her tail and ears are stable." The Crossroad's nekoshou had actually started taking her nursing responsibilities more seriously since acquiring her first Senet Hierarchy piece. "I saw them whispering to each other…don't know about what."
Probably deciding how best to mess with Motohama and Matsuda now that she can literally smell them. If she could outmaneuver us and scan a man's measurements from sight before, what is she capable of now!?
"Traitors," Matsuda muttered under his breath, Issei spotting him alone in the back before exiting the class. "Both of them."
"Huh?" A fellow student stuck next to him asked, the sole member of the perverted duo turning to explain.
"Issei and Motohama, both have betrayed our pact!" Tears were streaming down his face. "First Issei starts hogging Asia all to himself even when he has Rias…and now Motohama actually goes down to the nurse to make sure Aika is okay?! What is this world coming to!? How am I supposed to get away with anything by myself!?"
The student backed away slowly unnoticed through the last of the perverted duo's sobbing. He had remembered seeing bespectacled man leaving the classroom earlier very nervously. Considering his reputation, at the time he'd considered him being on some new escapade, the thought it was something else not even having crossed his mind.
Nurse's Office...
Maybe she caught something, nah I'm sure that's not the case, Motohama muttered internally certain that after her years of keeping up with himself, Issei and Matsuda that nothing could touch her. It's not like I'm worried about her, I'll just make sure it's nothing serious.
So he had kept telling himself, yet the second-year student found himself outside the nurse's office door having been standing there several minutes without making a move. Every scenario in his head only served to make him reconsider being there. It was only just as he decided it was best for him to not be there that the door slid open.
"Oh my," the new nurse whose name he couldn't remember tutted. "I thought I heard someone out here, are you feeling unwell too?"
"U-um," Motohama froze, his eyes unable to stop from glancing down at her sizeable chest barely contained within the uniform. In the back, he saw Aika laying beneath a white sheet with her head turned to the door. From what he could tell she was awake and seemed fine watching from afar. "I-I-I just wanted to see if everything was okay with Kiryuu, she left the class very suddenly."
"Oho, I see," the twisted smile on her face as if she could read him like an open book only served to make his cheeks turn redder. "Well, I can't very well tell her secrets, but she was just feeling a little lightheaded. Your little friend will be back in due course, but I'll be sure to let her know you stopped by." The look of relief in his face at hearing it wasn't serious made her want to tease him more.
"You don't have to tell her that," he inched to the left hoping he was out of sight of Aika being able to see him in the back. "Just, thank you..."
"You are quite welcome, it is my job after all. Say, you look familiar," the nurse looked him up and down. "Didn't I see your face looking through the far window the first day I settled in?"
"He did WHAT?!" A group of women carrying wooden practice swords rounded the corner just as she mentioned his actions upon first arriving on campus. The timing was as perfect as it was unfortunate.
"HAVE A GOOD DAY!" He screamed at the top of his lungs before shooting down the hall leaving a trail of dust in his wake. The small army of girls led by Katase and Murayama of the kendo club in hot pursuit behind him. Kuroka at last let out a laugh once no one save her patient were left to hear it.
"They are all very fast for not having any powers, perhaps they have a high affinity for magic as well?"
"Don't even joke about that," Aika sat up in the bed, her tail and ears on full display having forced her to dive under covers to prevent anyone from seeing. "I didn't need powers to hear who that was, but never expected him of all people to show up. NOT THAT I CARE!" She blurted out at the stare Kuroka was giving her, practically purring at the situation. "It's incredible I can tell this much about him from this far away. The smell was so strong, I could even tell what shampoo he used. What was that potent scent?"
"Depends which smell you mean. Could have been his normal musk, or maybe what he had for breakfast. Then again, genuine concern and lust can be easily mistaken for one another..."
"Can we get back to practice already!?" The glasses pervert of the school was not used to being on the backfoot, truly Kuroka was her mentor in every aspect.
"If you insist," Kuroka shrugged in a defeated manner returning to their original goal of perfecting her camouflage. "Now focus on the energy, use it to extend the illusion around yourself..."
Back in the Classroom…
"You go on ahead Dorian," Rossweisse insisted while slipping the last of the papers into her folder. "I'll wrap things up here."
"Are you okay?" He looked back with concern. "You've been more distracted; I can take care of the follow-ups if there is something going on."
"It's nothing," she couldn't hide anything from him. "Just thinking about the upcoming trials, so many possibilities."
"You'll do great, I just know it. And even if you don't, that won't change anything. Some trial won't dictate how amazing a magician you are. You've proven that over and over again." He could have stopped early, but admittedly adored the blushing expression she was giving as he went on and on. "Don't let it get to you, if there is one thing I've learned as your assistant teacher is that tests are not the only means to see someone's talents." With an additional assurance of her current state of readiness, Dorian left with a final wave.
"What a sweet young man," the voice of Rossweisse's mother, Helmwige, filled the room once Dorian and the last students had departed. "I can see why Freyja fawns over him."
"But he can't help you beyond words," her grandmother was the next to chime in, the family having gathered for a final communication before the big day. "You are not permitted a second once within the trials.
"I know that granny," Rossweisse huffed a little, almost feeling like she was a little girl again being prepped for it the first time around. "I won't fail a second time; I've grown in more ways than one since I last tried."
"And if you do succeed, you shall have full access to our family crest and all the powers that come with it. We are wishing you all the best, but after today we are forbidden from assisting any further."
"I know, thank you all for even coming this far," Rossweisse was grateful knowing that harsher families forced those attempting family trials to act wholly in the dark to test their reactions in the moments. Thankfully, despite her parent's busy schedule, they made sure for one final call akin to a study session.
"To be a Seidr, the Spiritual magic of the spectrum, that is where you failed before and must try again," Göndul warned her. "Have you learned to convene with that side of the energy in the air around and within you?"
"I…have been studying," Rossweisse answered hesitantly, failing to admit that even after all her time perusing various other mythologies' magics that she'd barely managed to pull more than a few specs of such power into herself. It was enough to sense opponents nearby, but for more, especially divination as was the common usage, was still beyond her. "I will be ready when the time comes."
"See to it you are little Rose, regardless of how this plays out I will need to make a point to visit you in that Japanese city." Rossweisse's hair stood on end as her grandmother stared her down without blinking. "Matters that require a family member's attention have been held off for far too long, matters I am more than happy to facilitate."
Oh no, she still thinks Dorian proposed to me back when he went to Helheim! If she heard about how he asked me to be his High Queen, that would only have made the misunderstanding worse! She had yet to correct her grandmother, embarrassment settling in on how it would look.
"What matters are those, mother?" Helmwige asked with a tilt of her head.
"You'll hear in time dear, either from myself or your own daughter. But that's neither here nor there. During the time we have left today, let's ensure Rose is as prepared as she can be. Though it goes without saying, the actual tests will be far different than you faced as a child…"
Hyoudou Residence…
"Thanksgiving?" Xenovia tilted her head upward as the combined group made their way home as the sun started to set. "No, that is not celebrated in Japan nor do I recall it mentioned when Irina and I studied to be Excalibur wielders. Is it important?"
"Of course, it is!" Dorian insisted, rushing ahead of the group to grab their attention. "Sure, it's mostly an American thing, but the idea behind it can be celebrated anywhere! To gather with those you consider friends or family to celebrate everything you are thankful for from the last year."
The young student's mouth watered as he recalled the years with Ms. Lily when Thanksgiving had come around. She always somehow found a way to get a turkey big enough to feed everyone, cranberries that smelled delicious and enough mashed potatoes that an army would have walked away full.
"It sounds so wholesome," Irina agreed with a smile. "I say we celebrate it if we have time!"
"Nothing wrong with celebrating it a few weeks early, right?" Bennia skipped ahead, her reaper cloak now hanging off her shoulders over her uniform. "And it'd be a fine excuse to just pig out on some nice foreign food."
"It looks complicated," Hecuba had a large cookbook open that Dorian provided on Thanksgiving delicacies and was reading it over with intent. "But I am sure I could prepare this with Asia and Mrs. Hyoudou's help. Where will we find one of these turkeys to slay?"
"Um, it doesn't need to be that fresh," Dorian sweat dropped as she was totally serious. "I've been saving up my Crossroads' paycheck and should have more than enough to…" The young man snapped his attention to the right, most of the others following suit as they all sensed the same thing almost all at once.
The defensive barrier around Issei's house and the tower meant to both block unwanted intruders and warn them of such had been opened leaving their home exposed. With a hand gesture, Dorian motioned for them to flank the door, everyone complying ready to leap into action. After several seconds to ensure nothing could be heard directly on the other side, Dorian rammed the door and opened it, the team jumping in simultaneously.
"Oh, Dorian dear you startled me," Mrs. Hyoudou gasped at the sudden entry. "You'll spook our new friend Mr. Azazel brought over."
Beside her, a familiar dark-haired dark-eyed girl sat sipping some tea turning to view the newcomers to the house. It was none other than Ophis herself, leader of the Khaos Brigade and infinite dragon. Flanking her on either side were Le Fay Pendragon and Volody from Vali's Team, all looked quite content at the situation.
Ophis is here? Dorian scrambled for a strategy, being the strongest being known to exist on the planet he knew full well combat was not an option, especially with Issei's parents nearby. Mr. Hyoudou was out of his chair for once apparently deciding it was proper of the man of the house to greet the newcomer; any battle would not only reveal their powers but surely involve them likely leveling the building. If we can get them out, the house would be…
"Woah, woah kid," Azazel threw his arms up, stepping between the team and Ophis sensing his intent. "You all look like you're about to jump out of your skins. This is…an acquaintance who wanted to meet everyone," he motioned with his eyes to avoid the parent's noticing, trying to invoke a single thought that, despite its insanity, came across clearly.
Don't start anything, please.
Dorian glanced to the others, each one clearly more than ready to jump in at the word. After reading Azazel's face a little longer, he very slowly lowered his arms, nodding a command to Bennia which she understood.
"Oh, Mr. and Mrs. H!" She bounded over in front of the married couple. "I made a new mask the other day, can I show you two?"
"Well, of course," Mr. Hyoudou sat up with a smile. "You're like a daughter to us now, we'd love to see your little arts and craft." The plan worked, the parents heading upstairs to Bennia's room where she'd be sure to keep them busy as long as possible, letting Dorian finally round on Azazel and the unexpected guest.
"Okay, will you PLEASE explain what in the world is going on here!?"
A Little Later…
"Me?" Issei pointed to himself with a blank expression. "You came here for me?"
The group had gathered in one of the meeting lounges located on the ground floor of the Crossroads Tower to ensure they were not interrupted. Rias was present with much of her Peerage including Issei whom Ophis had requested specifically. The young-looking woman stared blankly, never betraying the slightest emotion since she had arrived. Everyone was on edge; however, she had made no threatening moves, allowing them some modicum of calm.
"Your powers of the Red Dragon Emperor have become unique," she explained softly. "In your latest fight, the color changed to that crimson…I have never seen that before."
"Is that so different?" Issei tried to ask, feeling the pressure of being the focus of the room. "I mean, it just changed when I decided to reword the chant."
"It is, in all my millennia knowing the past wielders, it has never occurred even once. Others tried to veer away from the path of destruction, yet this variant still did not manifest. You are wholly unique Issei Hyoudou, and I want to see where it goes."
"Enough to forego trying to out Great Red from the Dimensional Gap?" Dorian interjected, finding the situation so sudden. "You've been running the group who has been attacking us worldwide. People have died."
"Possibly, I wish for that silence, however this is something new. I have commanded the Brigade to stand down as per my agreement with this one," she motioned towards Azazel. "No attacks under my command have occurred since."
"We do have that reaper squad in custody, they clearly had Brigade ties."
"They aren't affiliated with her," Azazel defended. "They're tied to another faction outside the Heroes, one that Ophis hasn't had contact with in some time."
"Another faction? Who are they?" Dorian leaned in closer, a fire lit inside him speaking with the woman who for all intents and purposes represented those who had tried to kill them on many occasions and were responsible for the fiasco in Kyoto. "You are willing to stop them now?"
"If I find out what caused this alteration," she remained honest and calm despite being surrounded on all sides. As the infinite dragon, she had more than enough power to kill everyone in that room. "Should that come, I will reveal all I know among other things."
"What other things?" Thrud asked this time, her hand itching to reach for Gullbjorn at the slightest provocation.
"You," she turned to Dorian with her blank stare. "You have been hounded for some time by one more ancient than your world…"
"Kassaegtha," he uttered her name she had them. "We've met."
"More times than you know, unless you truly believe she left you alone after you stopped being able to see her." That remark made a shiver go down Dorian's spine like someone had just walked over his own grave. "She's watching you, always, even now."
A wave erupted from Ophis, causing the team to jump into action. They were confused, however as it passed through them without incident, continuing to the edges of the room. Before it struck the far corners, the Crossroads spotted a black cloud that surely wasn't visible before dart to avoid the attack, fleeing out through the wall itself.
"Was that…?" Ophis nodded to answer his question before Dorian could finish. "But our barrier was reinstated."
"An Elder Being such as her can avoid your defenses easily, not even the surest of Valhalla could hope to deter her. Only I and few others can do so. Allow me to stay, study the Red Breast Dragon, and I will also keep her at bay while I am within these walls."
"Think about it," Azazel tried to placate them, seeing the continued looks of trepidation in the room. "She helps us shut down the Brigade, gets to look over Issei and we get to learn more about your creepy goddess stalker. Everybody wins."
"What about the treaty?" Rias brought up before Rossweisse could. "She's the leader of the Khaos Brigade, even speaking with her…"
"I still have that week like we had with Vali," Azazel pointed out. "As long as she's not considered an enemy by then I'll be fine."
"That doesn't qualify here," Dorian sighed, rubbing his eyes at the situation. "She is the de facto leader AND the Ouroboros Dragon herself. Discussing anything with her regardless of topic without the knowledge of the greater alliance violates…" he counted quickly on his fingers, "…at least seven stipulations. "You'd be up for punishment for this."
"Well, I can take the heat," Azazel waved off the concern for his well-being. "But I am begging you to give this just a few days, I'll take responsibility for everything and hey, wasn't the Crossroads' purpose to find unorthodox means of keeping the peace? Your team can keep an eye on her."
"And what about those two?" Thrud pointed to Le Fay and Volody still sitting in the corner. "What are they doing here?"
"Vali happened to agree with this little get-together," Le Fay explained with an energetic fist pump in the air. "We're Ophis' escorts for the duration."
"Zat, and ve have matters to discuzz vith you and Mr. Hyoudou," Volody leaned forward on his staff. "It zeemed to be the pervect opportunity."
"The opportunity for what?"
"Vhy, to zee who vill contract vith Mr. Hyoudou and ztudy his unique powers, and who vill contract to map out zhese Road Between Realms of yours Mr. Held."
"And in either case work with the High King and Oppai Dragon," the stars had returned to Le Fay's eyes as she glanced between the two. It was evident they had not yet decided who would contract with whom. "It would be my honor!"
"I don't know…" Dorian mused, resisting the urge to bite on his nails in contemplation. "IF what she says is genuine and she can indeed keep this Kassaegtha from following me, I'm willing to give it a try. But you're the one she wants to study Issei, what do you say?"
What indeed? The booming voice of Ddraig filled the room, speaking to Ophis. You are at odds with Great Red born of the dream, you born from the infinite nothing within the Dimensional Gap. She is at odds with the very fundamentals of our being, do you want her living in the same house?
"I mean," Issei stuttered, the thoughts of what each choice could do racing in his head. Finally, the torrent of his thoughts settled and he picked what he felt was the most fitting decision. "I don't like being looked at like an experiment, but if we can lessen the threat of the brigade by talking to their boss…I say we take it."
"Great to hear," Akeno remarked as she leaned closer to refill Ophis' tea and provide snacks. Despite the tension filling the air, everyone accepted the food and drinks offered, even Ophis who seemed to enjoy them more than expected. "There is plenty of space after all, I can prepare a room."
"Excellent," Ophis hopped up, approaching Issei and leaning right into his face with a quizzical head turn. "So…tell me what you would be doing now? What is it that separates you from the hundreds before? Is it the perversion? Does Ddraig wish to become the Oppai Dragon and grab breasts to grow stronger?"
THAT IS NOT MY INTENTION!
Everyone in the room shirked back as the connection to the dragon within the Boosted Gear was still open, the embarrassed wailing of the once-feared being inside echoing for all to hear.
Oh no, Iggy will have her work cut out for her later.
Several Days Later…
Dorian shot up in bed, sweat pouring from his brow not realizing he'd been screaming up until the moment of awakening. He couldn't remember the details, but knew the sensation by now of what he'd dreamed, like having been standing in a blasted land of heat but unable to picture a single frame. He may have kept screaming were it not for the gentle hands on either side of him, a sight to calm any man.
"Dorian, was it the nightmare again?" Rossweisse asked, pressing herself closer to look him over. Even with the entire night having passed, her hair smelled wonderful, he managed a nod, pulling her into himself a bit more.
"That's three nights in a row since Ophis arrived," Thrud remarked from his left. "That can't be a coincidence." Thor's daughter had grown more comfortable in the time since she and Dorian shared their first night together, hair unbraided and shirt hanging limply off her shoulders. Kuroka had chosen that night to sleep in her own room exhausted after training Aika all day, for the first time in a while, it was just the three of them.
"I don't know, she claims to not know anything about them," he sighed, recalling their brief exchange when alone the previous day. "It doesn't feel like she was lying."
"Perhaps her presence is amplifying the dreams somehow?" Rossweisse's mind kicked into action at the various possibilities. "Maybe she's doing it without realizing?"
"I don't know!" A burst of frustration broke through he immediately regretted. "I just… I put up with this right after Iggy awakened after the fight with Modi too, it seems things just set it off."
"Speaking of Iggy awakening…" Rossweisse motioned under the covers hoping to alleviate the exasperated tone that had overtaken him. Dorian lifted them carefully, his heart skipping a beat.
Iggy had materialized in her sleep again and was presently sleeping atop his lap just beneath the sheets. The vision was absolutely adorable as she clung to him, her breathing slow and steady with a content smile on her face. He also couldn't help but notice she was now completely naked. It was impossible for Dorian to not stare, her features just as beautiful as Rossweisse and Thrud combined with her sheer innocence snuggling closer. It warmed his heart that she had not experienced the nightmare memories that night.
"She didn't materialize her clothes again," Thrud teased. "She really has to get used to that, or at least not popping in in the middle of the night. How did that not wake her up?"
"She sleeps like a log?" Dorian couldn't help but whisper, drawing the gaze of both women simultaneously. It took all their willpower to not let out chuckles at the pun Ratatoskr would have been proud of, not that their sounds would have likely woken her after the previous display of heavy sleeping prowess. They were relieved that the frustrated tone in Dorian's voice was abating, Iggy an expert at calming him even when asleep.
"I suppose that means we can't do anything…rowdy," Thrud tightened her grip on Dorian's shoulder. "Get some sleep and don't worry, we're here if that nightmare comes back. If you fall, we'll catch you."
She leaned forward, kissing him passionately on the lips. He indulged her, seeing no reason to be shy or hold back in the moment. As they parted, his head was snapped in the other direction, Rossweisse claiming a kiss of her own, an act that drew a smile of pride from her childhood friend.
How did I ever get so lucky? In that moment, he found it difficult to be troubled by the nightmare that had shocked him awake.
"G-good night, Dorian," Rossweisse finished with as she parted. "And good night, Thrud, sleep…"
The silver-haired Valkyrie was surprised as Thrud leaned forward, planting an intense kiss on her rivaling the one given to Dorian. The Einherjar was left frozen between them, seeing the two kissing right before his very eyes fighting the desire to join in lest he jostle Iggy. As she pulled back, a puff of steam erupted from Rossweisse's ears, her face beet red.
"Good night, Rose," she grinned mischievously with a wink. "One of these nights we'll have a chance for more…got to save up all the energy we can spare."
After Breakfast…
"Sorry about this," Dorian apologized to Irina the following day as they cleared the table. "Having to hide her presence from Lord Michael can't be easy."
"I-it's alright," she tried to wave it off but Dorian knew her better. Irina hated lying and withholding information was the same thing in her eyes, he was more than a little surprised the whole deception wasn't causing her hair to burst into flames. The Einherjar leader contemplated on doing something big for the team after everything was over. "Lord Michael said to do whatever I felt was necessary for both the Crossroads and betterment of Heaven. Having Ophis talk and be cordial rather than leading the Brigade fits that I think."
"Speaking of which," he lowered his voice. "Any missions come up?"
"Not yet, but if that changes, I'll let you know." Despite allowing Ophis to stay in the Hyoudou Residence, they knew full well that precautions needed to be taken. She was forbidden from watching them train and all mission assignments for the Crossroads were kept secret. In the event she was playing some long game to learn more about them, she wouldn't learn anything that way. Issei was the one she had solely locked her gaze on, and he alone who held her interest.
"Thanks," he sighed, feeling more comfortable around her than most if even by a little. "I'll be glad when she figures out what she wants to know. Maybe we can dismantle the whole brigade. Her bodyguards seem content at least."
Le Fay and Volody had moved in as well, choosing accommodations at the tower for their stay. The magicians of Team Vali conversed often behind closed doors, no doubt still trying to decide who would contract with Issei and who to Dorian. Despite considering themselves Ophis' escort, the infinite dragon was often seen walking around alone knowing none could hope to impede her in any way.
"They do seem right at home during our little lockdown," Irina sighed resolving to fully speak her mind. "It's been years since I went this long without attending church. "I was able to find one around here, but with Ophis staying I haven't had a chance to make it this week."
"I'm sorry Irina," Dorian thought for a moment, knowing how important it was to her. "It may not be the same, but maybe we could pray together on the roof? I know I'm not exactly a devout follower, but..."
"That would be fine!" The young woman seized his arm with joyous enthusiasm, stars shining in her eyes. "Even one other would be so welcome! I hope you remember the prayers from back in England! Maybe Xenovia and Asia will join us, even Bennia was asking questions before if I also visited her family shrine!"
"I...don't really fully remember," he admitted with an awkward smile thinking better of revealing Iggy had memorized them all. "But if it means a lot, of course I will. And afterwards maybe we can get in some sparring practice with the new Excalibur."
It means a lot Dorian, so much, Irina smile both without and within. To have someone there, I tried to reconcile with Catherine, but I don't think she's ready to try that, if she ever will be. You try to be included with all of us, even in faiths you do not worship. If this Crossroads has a chance to grow, that will play a big factor, I just know it! That, and if I manage to sway you to following me on my path to God, despite his death, that is always a plus. She could still remember what Dorian looked like wearing the robes and clothing of a pastor back when hunting Freed. It was too bad she knew Hecuba would never consider wearing a nun's attire again, her hatred of sleeves overpowering all.
Such was the tone within the Crossroad Tower and Hyoudou Residence. With some free time available, other than urgent missions, the teams remained home to be ready in case things went poorly with their new guest. Most had found ways to pass the time from groups making new DeviTube episodes to training or even Hecuba teaching new recipes to Issei's mother and vice versa. Iggy had enthusiastically taken to more chances to tend for the plants above the Crossroads' Tower, even Ophis showing up impressed by their growth. Rossweisse followed in Irina's idea of making a DeviTube channel, doing reviews of 100-yen shops in the area in her spare time.
"Nearly rivaling the discount shops of Asgard, Kuoh Town has a WIDE display!" She energetically spoke into the camera, her initial shyness a thing of the past. "You can purchase an entire kitchen of utensils on a budget of…"
Her numbers were quite respectable for having just started, Dorian helping out sitting behind the camera playing his lyre to give her a soundtrack without any fancy setups or budget. In turn, she ran the camera when he shot his own series. They were not wholly idle, always prepared to leap into action should anything happen. Presently, however, that had not been necessary.
For the moment…the Hyoudou Residence and Crossroads Tower were both surprisingly at peace.
Upstairs…
"This many?" Rias asked as Akeno placed another stack of contracts in front of her.
"The fliers have been getting further it seems," she smiled with only a slight sigh hinting at how much work they'd been putting in. "Ever since our victory against Sairaorg, more requests for us to fulfil contracts have been pouring in."
"That's to be expected," the Gremory heiress cracked her neck while leaning back in her seat. "And even more after the Middle-Class exams. This will help our statuses during Rating Game downtimes I suppose." In devil society, the most common way to advance one's station would be through the completion of contracts. While it was slower and sometimes took years, it was the most consistent method. It was her hope that the world-threatening battles that had skyrocketed their status would not last forever. "I did want to say Akeno, you look well."
"Are you saying I usually don't?" She giggled to keep the tone light despite knowing where her friend was getting at. "Dorian got approval to travel 'there' twice a month, I can see her then."
Twice a month, that was how often she could visit her mother, and it was exactly what she needed. Gone were the days of spotting Akeno smiling outwardly but not on the inside, gone was the mask of propriety she wore to hide the pain within. This was a new Akeno, her smile genuine and caring nature not a crutch to keep others from seeing how she truly felt. She was healing, as long as it took, that is what was important.
Thanks in no small part to Zepar no doubt
"I suppose not," she let the slightest edge of a smile through before returning to the papers. "You haven't said a word though, what do you think of Ophis' interest in my Issei?"
"If she wanted him truly, I doubt any of us could stop her even working together. For the moment, I think this is our best recourse. Azazel may be eccentric, but he truly cares about everyone, especially Issei."
"And if he did put anyone in danger, I'd show him just what my new form can really do," she let her protective nature to her servants show through her collected demeanor.
"I know you would," Akeno was certain, having known Rias since they were both little girls when she was taken in by her family. She'd never forget that nor how dedicated Rias could get when those she cared about were threatened. "And any of us would do the same for you."
You are my sister and King. Gasper, Asia and Koneko see you as one too, Catherine and Kiba as a savior, Honda…well I don't think anyone knows what it's thinking yet. And Issei, well…he wears his feelings on his shoulders, it's so adorable. I can't help but tease you two as much as I can, and Cat now…with the time she tries to spend with Issei, you and Asia may be needing to accept another soon.
"You need some time off," the fallen angel offered as Rias let out a stifled yet nonetheless noticeable yawn. "After our promotion tests, the Crossroads are having a Thanksgiving dinner. It's a western custom," she clarified at Rias' clear confusion at the term. "A chance to, as Bennia put it; 'stuff all our faces."
"Sounds like a good time, if things work out, we can certainly all attend. I wonder if events will work out so well considering the guest we have on our very footstep…"
Hyoudou Residence, Lower Floors…
"Penny for your thoughts, Casanova?" Koneko remarked as she found Kiba in the training floor of the Hyoudou mansion. As expected, he was practicing alone, despite having Xenovia and other partners he often liked training by himself with his thoughts.
"I don't deserve such a name," Koneko liked seeing the slight fringes of a smile as he replied.
"Two beautiful women intent on making you happy and despite half our class wanting their place you haven't tried anything outside those two. Tsubaki and Xenovia are lucky."
"it's…new to me," he finally let his guard down now that it was just the two of them. "Tsubaki is so calm and composed, and Xenovia is almost the complete opposite. And yet…"
"You can't picture just one?" She grinned in a way that almost reminded him of her sister for just a moment. "Trying to learn the hardships of being more a man than a weapon from Issei?"
"I have been observing all sides," the devil knight answered truthfully, worrying Koneko just a touch. "Issei, Dorian, Mr. Azazel…"
"You should stop while you're ahead, Mr. Azazel especially isn't the best example."
"But he is in a way. Issei shows being more overt in his interests, Dorian more reserved while Mr. Azazel gives a glimpse of when we're older. He claimed to have had hundreds of harems, yet is single now and seems to have been for a few years. Why is that?"
Koneko had no answer, her nekoshou ears twitching a little bit as she pondered the reason Kiba had already deduced.
"We are longer lived than humans, if we spent our time with them, they would die before we even started to show a sign of aging. Can you imagine what that would be like, to watch someone you care about, let alone as many times as he claims to have done…" He couldn't finish the sentence. "He looks sad sometimes, I think that's why."
"I never imagined Mr. Azazel got that deep," Koneko admitted as she leaned next to him as they used to shortly after joining the peerage. "Or that you were spending much time with him."
"He had questions about Siegfried while we remained home to watch Ophis."
"What kind of questions?"
"What it was like fighting him, his style, his weapons, everything. I told him all I remembered. He might be thinking the same thing as I, that I'll have to face him again soon…and I don't know how I can win."
"You can't beat a Siegfried with just tactics and strategy, not even a tube baby like him," the two didn't notice that the small squirrel had dropped from the pipes above having listened in. "He's from my neck of the woods, the old fart should have asked me."
"How could you help?" Kiba tilted his head, treating the newcomer with the utmost respect while Koneko remained on edge, clearly expecting another practical joke at their expense.
"He may be a clone, but I know his family, at least what's left of it." Ratatoskr used a shirt drying above as a hammock. "The mortal descendants of Siegfried disappeared ages ago, but I'd wager my best strawberries their tenacity persists in these test tube knockoffs. There's only one way to go…annoy the fuck out of him!"
"Huh?" Both devils' mouths dropped open, both utterly perplexed by the ridiculous statement coming out of their ally's mouth.
"You heard me, the original never gave up. If he didn't have that splotch on his back, he'd probably still be around to bug us to this day. My point is, his family have a spirit that won't back down even if they can't win. To beat them, you gotta break that into little pieces. Annoy them to no end, don't give up against all logic, get stronger so that in that one brief opening that they are trying to tear their own hair out you can stick em good! And not in the fun way."
"That seems dangerous," Koneko's concern for her friend wouldn't let the plan stand without debate. "What if there is no opening? Kiba would be…"
"Squashed flatter than a pancake," he admitted truthfully. "But that won't happen, this sniffer knows what's best," he tapped the tip of his nose proudly. "You smell more like the original Siegfried than that bozo ever has, almost TOO much. Ya just gotta not give up, trust me. My advice is the ONLY reason boss man Dorian is still alive, so I'm batting 1000."
"What are you doing down here anyway?" Kiba asked once he could get a word in. "I've never seen you training."
"Don't need to, natural stamina baby," he flexed a tiny arm as if it was meant to be impressive. "I was tired, it's usually pretty quiet down here, and when it isn't, the sound of beautiful women grunting in exertion helps me fall aslee…"
He dove from his hammock as a barbell was thrown at him by Koneko. He could not rest as she continued to pelt gym equipment towards him in steadying increasing weight classes. He dodged every one, the younger nekoshou not possessing the seemingly divine foresight that allowed Dorian and his loves to strike him with perfect accuracy. He'd have to retreat soon once she got to the larger weights, but for the moment he did what he did best…give everyone an outlet needed to clear their heads and help prepare them for the trials sure to follow.
Elsewhere…
"You have this mutual realm to meet without interruption? It is…quaint"
Ophis glanced about the landscape around her made within the recesses of Dorian's mind by Iggy. Compared to past visits by Ddraig and Albion, the once wide-open space was filling up with various decorations indicative of the daughter of Yggdrasil's interests. A large swathe of bookshelves was lined up, mostly for Despoina to pass the time, filled with every book Iggy had ever read and made sure to memorize. In the back, gardens smelling so real as to trick the senses in addition to recreations of Kyoto, Alfheim, and a dozen other locations as far as the eye could see could be found. One could lose an eternity within and it was only growing as the young spirit experienced more daily.
"It is more than that," Ddraig complimented as he accepted another biscuit from the tray in front. "I don't think the White One and I have spent so much time together without fighting in all our ages of conflict. It is…peaceful here."
"And fighting is prohibited," Iggy held up her finger like a schoolteacher reminding the kids of the rules. "Only talk here…tea?"
"Thank you," Ophis accepted it, taking a deepening sip as she recognized the flavor as Akeno's best served the day she arrived. "You adapt to all you experience I see."
"It's a hobby of mine," she smiled innocently feeling much more at ease with Ophis in the mutual realm than in the real world. The green-haired woman couldn't quite place it, but the infinite dragon had an almost child-like aspect to her. Was it some ambiance of the realm she made that allowed her to sense the nature of others? She couldn't guess, but liked the thought of that. "Have you learned anything in the last few days?"
"Nothing that explains his drastic change," Ophis mused, her expressionless face almost breaking for a moment to show a hint of disappointment. "There have been teenage Red Dragon Emperors and pervert ones and selfless ones, yet none ever had such a change as he…what could it be?"
"All of those types of wielders existed, I remember them all," Ddraig added. "Though never so strongly, even the most saint-like of my past users wanted to use the power for themselves."
"Your current wielder does that anyway," Albion pointed out. "For this harem dream of his, to protect his friends. The reasons may be different, but the end goal is still power to make your dreams real."
"Dreams," Iggy wistfully muttered as she took a seat beside them. "Maybe that's a trait of Red Dragons, Great Red is like that too, right?"
"He was born of the dream," Ophis clarified. "Just as I was born from the void, the Heavenly Dragons have ever been near to Great Red and I, our destinies far off but intermixed."
"I am near to you?" Albion asked. "I have never felt such a connection."
"It is there, though I have never had a desire to mix myself with your rivalry. Ddraig's power can make his wielder's dreams a reality while your power reduces their very being. Do it enough, and you may even return it to the void…my domain. Is that your new dream Ddraig, to fondle breasts?"
"THAT IS NOT MINE!" He wailed, Iggy gently laying a hand on his own though it barely alleviated his tears. "Issei is the one with a breast fascination, not me!"
"Yet your power is what makes his breast fantasies possible, maybe deep down you cannot deny it."
"Silence, Butt one!" He lashed out at Albion's jab, the white dragon's eye twitching in response. "You no longer have the high ground to mock me so! While my wielders desires require a frontal assault, yours require attack from the rear!"
"How dare…" The pair froze as they noticed tendrils of roots from the nearby trees inching closer, Iggy's eyes closed remaining as innocent as ever yet with an aura slowly darkening at the perceived conflict the two nearly started.
"Now, what was that one rule again?" Iggy asked, the two acquiescing with mutual grumbling not daring to challenge her hidden wrath.
"Vali is not so different," Albion started again one the animosity passed. "He is not as…obsessed as yours with changing things, but his drive does not seem to be supremacy as my past wielders sought. Rather…no, I will not speak that even here. Just believe me when I say, he is unique as well but for different reasons."
"And you are brought together in times of turmoil," Ophis noted as she spoke her thoughts. "Crossroads may have been more fitting for this group than even they believe, being a meeting place for them not just of this fledgling alliance. This one location is steadily gaining power far faster than is natural elsewhere. Where will that lead them, I wonder?"
"Wherever it does, we will be there. If you decide to return to the Brigade, we will fight you despite the difference in our powers." Ddraig's statement was, surprisingly, shared by Albion as well with the two dragons staring uneasily at their elder.
"Fighting you both would be unfortunate. For the meanwhile I…what are you doing?"
Ophis only noticed then that each time she turned away, Iggy would be uncomfortably close trying to hide a measuring tape behind her back. The last time, she could not hide it in time, her awkward smile doing nothing to alleviate the obvious accusation leveled at her. At last, the young Sacred Gear Spirit gave up on the subterfuge she was not suited for.
"Okay, okay, considering you are technically our enemy and all I was trying to be tactful, but I had one question I've been meaning to ask…what are your measurements? And what sort of style have you used over the years? Being around for literally thousands of years you must have seen so many! Can you tell me about them!?" Even Ophis was uncertain how to reply to the glowing stars forming within Iggy's eyes.
"I...suppose there is no rush here, there was once this style from ancient Sumeria I was fond of..."
Somewhere Else…
"Any day now," An unknown teenager with straight silver hair stared out across a vast expanse of stars. Standing atop a great branch, he acted as if he could see events happening far off, his brow furrowed more than necessary for a man of his age. "The divergence point is still coming; we have to be ready when the crux event happens."
"But we mustn't be hasty," a voluptuous woman with dull red locks glided up behind him. "You know if we do anything before that, we will only make things worse like every time. Just look at what Loki is to become…"
"You scared me sis," he chuckled. "I know, whoever designed the laws of temporal mechanics deserves to be shot. We move in ONLY when the crux event creates that divergence and then we make sure he doesn't do more harm than he already has…will?" He gripped his head, aggravated at trying to keep everything straight.
"You always feel that way, we all do," she laid a gentle hand on his shoulder. Despite being the younger sister, her maturity was beyond her years rivaling her grandmother. "That if we try changing things just one more time that they'll turn out better."
"Of course I think that, just another quirk of human curiosity. But if there's one thing dad taught us, it's that we aren't God."
"Just the regular run of the mill ones with a touch of the dark," she teased with a mischievous grin able to cut through even her mature ambiance. "Come on Tyrian, dinner will be ready soon. You need to eat."
"I'll be right down Freydis," he promised. "I just want to watch a bit longer, then I'll check in on the primeline. They can't see us, but sometimes I worry they can sense something is off. Their time may be coming to an end, but that doesn't mean the world has to be dragged down with it. I wonder how d…how Dorian will act when he meets them."
Hyoudou Residence…
"No, no Issei," Mrs. Hyoudou instructed as she turned. "You have to grate the zucchini lengthwise, that will give us more to work with and take less time.
"G-got it," her son tried to follow doing quite well though his work was noticeably less refined than his mother's. "Like this?"
"Yes, much better. Everyone will be so surprised when they get back and see we made a meal for them. How are you doing over there Hecuba?"
"Almost done," the Spartan called back without breaking concentration, slicing the potatoes into expert strips. She had donned one of Mrs. Hyoudou's many aprons, Issei being unable to stop himself from glancing every so often at how tight it was across the chest. With the updated mansion, their kitchen was akin to those found in a high-brow restaurant, giving plenty of distance between them. "Oven will be preheated in about five minutes."
"It's just like when you were little, remember those days when Irina would come over?" His mother gushed as she happily continued working. "Oh, you were just precious in the little aprons and hairnets."
"Did I have to wear it?" He glanced down at the one he had been provided, certain it had far too many frills.
"Cleanliness and safety first, oh that is perfect! It's so great seeing you with so many friends, your father and I were worried for the longest time. But more keep coming, that Ophis girl is quiet but so adorable."
On the other side of the kitchen, Mr. Hyoudou raised a coffee mug having heard his wife to agree with her. Issei had to admit that since the house became filled more with people their disposition had really improved. Before, they would constantly caution against his perverted actions to a degree showing disappointment. However, since Rias' team moved in and Dorian's Crossroads next door, while they still stressed a more restrained interest in women, their overall tone had noticeably improved.
They're smiling so much more than they used to, but do they have to be so…active nowadays? He knew full well that they were taking advantage of having such a spacious bedroom courtesy of Rias' family.
"You didn't have to be worried mom," he spoke low to try and keep anyone else from hearing. "I was doing fine."
"Dear, I clean your room…I've found you 'stash' many times over. I know PRECIESELY how worried to be," Issei's face warped into one of terror at the prospect of his porn being found by his mother. "But you were a growing boy, so I only disposed of the more questionable items."
So THAT is where my Grade A missing stuff went!
"But now you've met such nice girls, that Rias has the heart of a saint, don't you dare let go of her. Asia too, she has been such a sweetie, the daughter we never had. Why, even Ravel…"
The daughter you never… Issei's heart plummeted a little bit, recalling overhearing her and his father discussing the failed attempts at children before him. That secret he shared with Rias and no one else within the sauna. Suddenly, her and his dad's concern felt all too real, all the times when he was a kid, she'd wanted him to help cook or watch her work or play with other kids beyond Irina or the pretty ones. Suddenly, wearing a frilly apron and making dinner with her didn't seem so embarrassing.
They like having the house so full, the big family they wanted but instead they only got me. Unexpectedly, Issei turned and hugged his mom, the older woman pausing at the gesture.
"Issei, what's gotten into you?" She asked surprised but still reciprocated the embrace.
"Just…wanted to say how much I love you mom, dad too. I know I can be a handful, but I'm getting better, I swear.
Just you wait, I promise I'll give you more grandkids with the women I love than you'll know what to do with! With Rias, Asia and any other woman who loves me as much as I do them. Maybe even…
"Aahhhhh, you were right. An afternoon jog is just what I needed to clear my head," the ecstatic voice of Ravel Phenex filled the room as she and her running partner, Catherine, returned home. "I'm so hungry I could eat a…Issei?"
"Wh-what are you wearing?" Catherine was clearly trying to hold back a heartfelt chuckle, the pair looking at him in the cute apron his mother had chosen. "You look like the perfect…"
"Househusband! Jinx!" She and Ravel shouted at the same time. "I didn't know you could cook."
"I'm still learning," he admitted, fighting back the embarrassment at the other seeing him. "It's nothing compared to your pancakes, I can tell you that. We'll be done in a few minutes, right mom?"
"Fifteen minutes tops," she confirmed, eyeing the way Ravel and Catherine were looking at Issei. While Ravel was clearly finding him too adorable to take her eyes off, the pink-haired knight was subtly adjusting her hair. She'd seen it many times before and done it herself when on dates with Issei's father back in the day.
"So, would you two like a piece of him too?"
"What!?" The two women's faces exploded red as they sat down to await the meal. They looked to each other awkwardly, realizing both had reacted the same way.
"A piece of this turkey we'll be having for Thanksgiving dinner I'll be making soon," she smiled innocently, making them think they'd misunderstood her first question, but their reaction was all the confirmation she needed as a mother. "I've been looking over the food list Dorian gave on what is traditional, apparently turkey is the centerpiece. We'll be cutting it up between breasts, wings and thighs with light and dark…" She stopped upon seeing the glazed-over expression of her son at the mention of the various parts of the turkey. "Issei! Snap out of it, you're burning the zucchini!"
At Night…
"Remember to join us next time as we recount several tales of the Trojan War, our very own Hecuba will be guest starring…goodbye everyone!" Dorian concluded his recording for the next upload. He'd recently even learned of a variation of the streaming site created in the Nine Realms known as YGGTV he had made an account under. Iggy was especially excited to see how it turned out. "Nice work!"
"Thank you," Iggy beamed back at him as she smoothed out her hair, constantly worried it had come undone during the recording. She'd grown more accustomed to upkeeping it rather than constantly resetting it by returning to her spiritual form. "I'm going to get ready for bed, if you wanted to go first…"
"You can go first with the others," the Einherjar insisted knowing with him as the sole guy he felt better going after all the girls had finished. "I just need to sign a few documents and I'll be right in."
He rounded the corner thinking to himself as he entered his office. It had grown considerably since setting it up months earlier. What was once a jumble of documents, maps and objects had become an organized haven. It may have been a touch of vanity, but it comforted him seeing the many souvenirs of their various adventures. From Fenrir's tooth, to the models purchased in Kyoto along with Jeanne's sword resting in his Roads, the false Mjolnir and even…
"What are you doing here?" Dorian's heart leapt as he spotted Ophis sitting at his desk eyeing the Nagalfr in a bottle with a childish interest following every movement among the waves with her eyes.
"Curiosity," she answered without removing her eyes from the bottle as she spoke. "Of the Red Dragon and it's wielder."
"Um, Issei isn't here," only with that word she looked into his eyes, her black orbs staring through him.
"No, but you are close to him, you influence him as much as he does you. A small piece of each resides in the other. How will that change you I wonder?"
Issei influencing me? Perish the thought. He couldn't help but chuckle internally, ceasing as he noticed her attention turn to the far wall.
"Only for the best I'd hope. Issei did purge the past lives which has never happened before, maybe…what are you looking at?"
"This shield," she pointed out the one he had carved before moving to Kuoh. "Such a creature seems distantly familiar. Why would you make this?"
"You've seen it?" Dorian moved in; trepidations gone for the moment. "What is it? Iggy and I have seen it in our nightmares of where she came from. "Tell me!"
This thing, is it this creature from Rossweisse's essay? He still had yet to get more than halfway through her writings, something filling his body with such dread he could scarcely read a few pages every night. This cursed number?
"It is best not to dwell," she answered coldly. "It can no longer bother the world of man and thinking about it only gives it power."
"You say that, but it doesn't feel like it."
"Do you seek it? This thing that you fear so wholly?"
"…Every time I walk out the front door," he admitted, surprising Iggy he spoke so openly with the leader of the Khaos Brigade. "I feel like it's just around the corner, that I could run into it on the way to school.
"You don't want to find it, yet sometimes wish to. How curious."
"We all have something, like your obsession with reentering the Dimensional Gap. Did you even care what could have happened to Yasaka and Kyoto if the Hero Faction had succeeded in pulling Great Red out of there?"
"It didn't matter then."
"Didn't matter? Innocent people could have died! We don't know what would happen to the entire world if Great Red left. Even beyond that, people DID die! They killed Kunou's father, all his men, and…"
"Do you blame me for you killing Heracles?" Her casual knowledge of his frustration took him aback, the young Einherjar did not know how to reply. "Blame me for creating that situation?"
"Yes," he admitted without hesitation, even his most diplomatic approach unable to contain the truth. "I do. I don't give a damn how ancient or powerful a dragon you are…your personal whims aren't worth the lives of others."
"Then you may try to kill me at your leisure, I can wait." She stood there several seconds before continuing as if expecting him to actually take her up on the offer. "I want to go home; I am sure you would do just as much for the same if you desired something so badly. Be that as it may…Issei has intrigued me, I want to learn more about him while I am here."
"And then you'll keep trying to get back into the gap?"
"I don't know, it depends what has caused such a change in him. Is it his perversions? His personality, that fragment of you in his mind or perhaps an external source beyond everything? I do not know. If the opportunity presents itself to go home before I know…I am not sure I know which I will take." She was surprised as Dorian let out a belly laugh, his animosity towards her temporarily muffled. "What is so funny?"
"You sound like her, Kassaegtha I mean. She said she was curious about me and wanted to know what I would do next. Are you like that with Issei?" He had to stifle a further laugh as, for the first time, Ophis' stoic emotionless expression broke. If Dorian hadn't known she was an immortal, infinite dragon who had seen ages before…he'd almost think she was pouting.
"I am nothing like that one, she is still far off and cannot approach. Do not say such a thing again."
Or what? You'll throw a tantrum? He would never say it, but the thought kept him upbeat throughout everything.
"You've been keeping her away, is there any chance you could bring her closer? To talk to us? I want to know more about her…why she's been following me. REALLY, why she has." Ophis slowly shook her head without the slightest hesitation.
"No, she was only around while she could be undetected, that is not possible with me nearby. She is remaining far away now."
"I see."
She's staying far away from any chance of being spotted by you Dorian Held. It's almost as if…almost as if she is waiting for something. Huh?
"What is that?" Ophis pointed towards his desk at a clear container filled with colorful items. Dorian had almost forgotten he'd put it there.
"That? That is a candy jar, I thought people might like some when we have long talks." He paused, an awkward silence filling the room. After several moments, he realized what the immortal, boundless dragon before him who could kill the entire building if she wished wanted but refused to ask. "If you would like some, feel free."
"Dorian? Are you done signing? Please come to bed."
"Oh shoot, I'm sorry but I didn't start ye…"
Dorian froze as he turned to Rossweisse's voice at the door, any thought of finishing his work immediately expunged. The silver Valkyrie was leaning out around the corner clearly wearing the negligee he couldn't get enough of. Just a little lower, Thrud's head was poking out as well with Iggy's closest to the floor. A pair of black tails snaking behind them revealed they were not alone, all four of them on the other side. They were all clearly waiting for him and were not going anywhere until they were in bed.
"There is a side entrance that way," he motioned to Ophis as he moved towards the connecting room, not forgetting to seal the documents he had planned to sign. "When you're done, just be sure to…" He did not get to finish as four pairs of arms seized him once he was close enough, pulling him through the door and closing it with a slam. It happened so fast, he did not get to see the infinite dragon claim a wrapped chocolate ball, peeling off the cover and popping it into her mouth with a satisfying smile.
Such strange creatures, what she sees in him may be something to watch out for as well. If you are so curious of this Einherjar, why do you keep such distance?
A new guest and former enemy begins her stay under the Crossroad's roof. Suspicious of her intentions, yet still aiming for an end to the Brigade she leads, our heroes let her study the unique changes happening to the current Red Dragon Emperor. Will this moment of peace bring about the end they seek, or simply give their foes time to prepare for the war ahead? Until next time, I hope everyone stays safe, Reads and Reviews...but most of all Enjoys! :D