Divine Blizzard: It's funny how chapters can feel long/short despite word count (Last one was one of the longer lol). Nothing wrong with some clichés, though in this case I'll explain later his state of mind while asleep which will have that make more sense. Total agreement on Cao Cao, he may not be among the most evil DxD villains, but easily among the most annoying with his actions. As for the children, can't have future events coming up too often ;) And not to worry, until the next hiatus, I will do my best to keep up on the update per 3 weeks.
Hollowreaper 93: Thank you very much! You are not alone on hating the Hero Faction, I hope the next few chapters are particularly enjoyable.
Okaze: Cao Cao certainly seems confident challenging the Crossroads with the entire Hero Faction, not just the big name ones. Especially considering he's facing them on their own home turf.
Lorenza Macchiavelli: I hope to keep a steady pace for the remainder of the arc, part of the upside of taking longer breaks between to recharge the batteries. An accurate assessment of the situation. Silver lining, Dorian has seen WAY worse than Cao Cao now and can plan accordingly.
Guest 1&2: I'm sorry but this isn't on my RWBY story. If you want to talk on topics not related to the story being reviewed, feel free to send me a PM message :)
Son of Sparda2099: And great to be back ;) No doubt, he may have had his reasons, but he still kept secrets from them. He'll have to try and earn back that trust. Not to worry on the Kuroka front, he may have been ecstatic to see Rose/Thrud after the last ones he saw not recognizing them...but how much Kuroka stayed with him while asleep was not lost on him. After the current crisis is dealt with, he'll have time to breathe and confront her. That may be true he is FAR stronger than Cao Cao is, but he seems especially talented at fighting people stronger like that. I will most certainly continue and hope to never disappoint ;)
fanficcyberman: Hahaha, well said. This isn't the Dorian who avoids potentially killing his opponents anymore. If he sees that the opponent is willing to go so far, he'll do what he has to to keep everyone, including himself, safe. I doubt Kassaegtha would want to admit that the changes are partially her fault despite her non-interference policy XD I am so happy that you enjoyed the chapter, I know time travel can get complicated and convoluted, but it makes me more at ease that my explanations came across okay. It's good to be back, and I hope you like where I go going forward.
TheLycan2026: That is truly wonderful to hear! I'll keep up the best I can ;) It's great to be back.
xXwolfsterXx644: They'll have quite the fight ahead of them, that's for sure!
avenger3576: If Hades did that...I don't think it matters if on paper he's stronger than Freyja...he'd need to be worried.
NOGARD: Well, perfect health to be sure, but considering he just woke up may need a bit to be back to 100%. He's willing to go all the same.
rabatek: I totally understand, the previous arc and this one per my overall plan did require being crammed together more than others. Not to worry, once this crisis passes, there will be an extended time frame before the next major issue so they'll have time to breathe.
7: Haha, no grimdark here, even with the knowledge of what is coming doesn't mean they need to be dreary. Well, in canon the Trihexa doesn't have a real personality per se. It mostly comes across as a mindless creature with some intelligence (it doesn't attack its allies despite not being able to communicate with them). It wasn't as fleshed out for a world-ending menace as I had hoped so I will definitely be adding more insight into it as I continue.
Talking Pumpkin: I had a nice time off, still worked on it but more relaxed to let the batteries recharge lol, I hope you have been doing well too! Exactly, last time he saw Thrud and Rossweisse they had no idea who he was...being back with the 2 he loves had him happier than he could say. And I am so glad you liked the additions to Issei, his growth/maturity is something I was hoping to get right. In canon, he refused to ever use his perverted moves on men out of principle, so to see him try to wake up Dorian with it shows the respect between them even if they don't admit it out loud XD
Just a reader now a writer: Your eyes doth no deceive lol ;) That bit of change/growth for him makes the world of difference to me. Nothing wrong with wanting a harem in principle, but having him focus on who he has, rather than always looking for any cute girl he meets makes his feelings for those with him seem the more true. At least to me :)
And with that...ONTO THE SHOW!
Blaring alarms awoke the entirety of the Crossroad Tower warning them of the impending danger. They had prepared for such a possibility, their home not having been a great secret in the supernatural world. Already, a shield lined the outside that disrupted all known means of flight to prevent easy access to the upper floors. Combined with the countermeasures against foreign teleports, they were certain that it was impossible to simply transport to the upper floors until these were compromised. All the same, their confidence in the security had waned at the realization that all their external defenses had failed to initiate.
"They dragged us into Dimension Lost," Rossweisse was certain as they rushed throughout the building ensuring everyone was ready. "They must have left our outside defenses back in the real world while bringing everyone in the building inside."
"And not just us," Azazel added. "Issei's house is still next door, looks like they wanted a full captive audience this time. I'm afraid the Bifrost is inoperative in this shit and magical communication is completely cut off."
"I can send someone through the Roads to call for help," Dorian immediately spoke, Laerad Ragnarök materializing on his hand in preparation. "We can all even withdraw through it if need be." He looked worried, afraid that the events of the future may repeat themselves seeing so many he cares about fall.
"But this is our home even if a recreation," Hecuba argued, clearly having no desire to retreat. "We cannot let them advance so easily nor just do as they please."
"You are right, this is an opportunity to deal with the Hero Faction where we hold the advantage. We will NOT lose anything else."
Anything else? Dorian is so focused and serious, is he still affected by his trip to the future?
Bennia, Xenovia, Zepar and Seekvaira will meet us on the third floor," the Spartan fell into her comfort zone preparing the field. "All the others will head to the second where Azazel and his men are waiting to meet them. I doubt we could secure the first floor before they arrive if they don't already have agents there."
"Dorian, Dorian can you hear me?"
"Rias?" He asked while putting a hand to his ear reflexively. "Is that you, are you all alright?"
"We're fine, but it looks like we got pulled into Dimension Lost while we slept. Everyone is accounted for except Issei's parents, we can't find them anywhere."
"Probably for the best," Azazel joined their magically-assisted telepathy. "The Hero Faction doesn't attack humans who have nothing to do with the supernatural; more likely than not they were left behind in the real world and are sleeping soundly."
"We can't teleport over; something is blocking both short and long-ranged."
"Le Fay broke through before, but it was risky and the barriers seem stronger now. The Roads are the only path out. Anyone who wants to leave can do so."
"I haven't had any volunteers for that on my end," Rias announced proudly. "We'll stop them, Ophis is over here with Issei, if she will fight, we have more than a chance."
No sign of Kassaegtha, guess she's sticking to her guns of noninterference.
"Dorian!" Seekvaira called as she rounded the corner. For a split moment, her face was awash with concern, a vibrant smile at seeing him awoken and no longer hooked up to the machines she had grown to hate. She ran forward, slowing only as she spotted that he was not alone. Like a switch had been flipped, she fell into a more controlled walk, adjusting her glasses subtly as she approached him. "I-it is good to see you well."
"Thank you for keeping me alive," he flexed his hands to show how good he felt. "Those machines kept me in top shape."
"We've had years to perfect them, I…am glad." She looked away at the coy smile she could see Azazel giving her standing behind everyone where no one else could see him.
Ms. Gremory with Issei, Lady Sitri for Saji, Sairaorg has his Queen and now even Lady Agares' heart flutters a little bit? Azazel tutted in his head. The next generation is looking promising indeed, their kids will all be walking tanks.
"I-in any cause, why are we not joining the defense on the first floor?"
"Because that is my place," Azazel answered for Dorian. "I assumed allowing Ophis to come here may paint a target on this place even more so with how much the Heroes despise the Crossroads for what they represent. Vali thought the same, though we also legitimately wanted her to meet Issei. My men will take responsibility and handle this. If they get past us or have trump cards in place, you can support. And if they REALLY kick our asses, you can retreat."
They were amazed how many Grigori he had snuck into the building. Already, the first-floor lobby was filled with dozens of fallen angel agents trained to fight the best. It was a force that could have challenged even those gathered in Kyoto.
"We aren't leaving you," Dorian swore. "The Crossroads will need to be their own standalone force someday after all."
"Someday, but not today," Azazel patted his shoulder with a grin as they reached the third floor.
"What about the Canis Lykaon user, Tobio right?" Le Fay asked rounding the nearby corner. "He is incredibly strong, is he with you?"
"Afraid not, he found reasons to be on another mission upon hearing Team Vali was hanging around. They really hate each other as I am sure you're aware."
"I had heard that," the young mage let out a soft chuckle despite all she'd seen in the past few days. It warmed Dorian's thoughts that she did not let the future they had come from break her pure spirit. He had no idea that Volody was more than a little responsible for that after their talks and emptied marshmallow bags. "Who do you have?"
"The strongest fallen angels we could muster. With the assault on the Hero Faction base, I couldn't get any legendary fighters for guard duty considering we had no idea when or if they'd attack. I tried requesting Dulio's presence," he added upon seeing Irina and Xenovia heading to the floor below. "But apparently, he's away too. Must be important."
"N-not necessarily," The reborn angel suddenly looked very nervous. "The Brave Saint Joker, Lord Dulio…mostly likes traveling trying to find the best food around." Azazel's expression deadpanned at the reveal.
"You're kidding? So, they're covering for him? The toughest exorcist possessing the strongest Longinus after Cao Cao's and is a candidate for Seraph…and they let him just do whatever he wants?" Irina just twiddled her thumbs, clearly embarrassed as she still respected the man regardless of his faults.
"Were he here, the outcome of the battle would be far less in doubt," Xenovia remarked. "I heard tales that Dulio Gesualdo could defeat High-Class opponents with ease even just as a pure human. He and Lord Vasco were great inspirations studying to be an Excalibur wielder." Her eyes shone bright as she spoke of her heroes growing up, it was hard not to find her admiration for them both inspiring and adorable.
"Well, I guess that's the trait of all Longinus possessors of this era," Azazel couldn't help but let out a chuckle. "Every one of you down to the last is just so hard to predict. Is that why you're all so powerful at such a young age?" He looked at Dorian when he said that. "From a harem and breasts, to battle maniacs, delusions of grandeur or wanting to make the world better, you all have your motives great and small, weird and naïve. With that little poetic consideration for you, I guess that's my cue to head on out, we'll knock Cao Cao down a few pegs." With that last word he strolled past downstairs and the forces waiting below.
"Lady Agares, I wante…"
"Seekvaira," she glared at Dorian over her glasses with a look that could have slain a Heavenly Dragon. "JUST Seekvaira."
"S…Seekvaira," he corrected nervously. "Kings of Peerages do not have their own piece but can possess others from previous teams, right?"
"That is correct, some may rise to the status of kings after starting out as a particular piece. They retain its powers even when commanding their own team."
"In that case, I hope this works." He motioned for her to stand alongside the others; Hecuba, Xenovia, Zepar and Bennia. "You are among those I trust most and have nothing that will conflict with this."
"Conflict with what?" Zepar asked, the answer being presented as Dorian revealed the Tafl Nobility Piece set box from beneath his cloak and opening it with a satisfying click.
"Aw, you didn't have to get me anything!" Bennia's eyes lit up as she saw the Blade and Shield pieces shimmer in the light. "It's too bad you can't deck everyone out in this bling!"
Kuroka has her Senet Piece, Irina her Ace Card, Thrud is a goddess and Rossweisse is my High Queen already. Each of those prevent them from taking another, but that doesn't mean they mean anything less to me. We are all one team, one family.
"Better late than never, I should have done this sooner," Dorian admitted. "Hecuba, I could always trust your advice. You are one of the best swordsmen I've ever seen, I would be honored if you will be a blade."
"Trust…" She stepped forward as the pieces were presented. "You could not trust us with Despoina's presence." She saw Dorian's face turn to a frown, her words hit hard clear as day. It was not the time for such things, but the words slipped out.
"I'm sorry for that and I'll have to work to earn that trust back. No more secrets, I swear that. Once this is over, I'll tell everything that happened in the future. For Despoina, I felt…like she was my responsibility. She's a traitor to the myths and worked to destroy Olympus, anyone else who knew of her may have had to share in any punishment for harboring her. It's my mind she's in." He tried to articulate his thoughts, mind still swimming from being under for so long. It was hard to focus.
"I have a few words for her too!" Bennia scowled in a way that still came across as adorable despite her best efforts. "But…I am sure you thought you were doing what's best, but you owe me big on showing there are no more secrets!" She wagged her finger. "What do you say Hecuba, vent your rage on the guys downstairs and beat up Dorian later?"
"I…suppose, for now," she sighed realizing everyone was looking at her. After all, you are not just my commander, but my friend, my brother-in arms. Even if I don't fully agree with all of your decisions, I will follow you into this battle."
The pieces reacted to her, a single Blade floating into the air drifting towards her. With a gasp of cold as it touched her skin, Hecuba watched it sink within and disappear leaving a small tattoo of crossed swords above her collarbone that faded after a moment.
"Thank you," Dorian whispered lingering his gaze on her for a moment assuring her his words were true before turning to Xenovia. "A Blade," he offered the contents once more. "You can wield both Runic and Holy swords, even without that you followed me after Rossweisse brought you back. Will you become a Blade of the Crossroads and continue to do so?"
"I am an Einherjar now," she stated with an outstretched hand. "But I am not wholly bound to their destiny of fighting to the world's end. I have found a purpose with you, a future family with a good man who is in danger as well. I am with you."
This time, a pair of pieces leapt forth, entering her body as the last had done for Hecuba confirming in Dorian's mind that like the Evil Piece system, the strength of the combatant was taken into account as to how many it may take. She shivered as it finished, clearly feeling something as she became connected to Dorian and the others' very souls.
"Oh, oh, me next!" Bennia rushed forward practically bouncing up and down. "Can't say I've ever seen myself as a blade though, giant scythe notwithstanding."
"Nor do I," Dorian's smile was practically wholesome like a brother proud of his little sister. "That is why I wish you to be one of my shields. I can't express how many times you got us to smile when it was hard finding a reason to. Please be a shield to us on and off the battlefield."
Two Pieces flew into the young Grim Reaper, leaving a tattoo depicting a shining shield on her left arm. She billowed with pride seeing it took two full pieces to empower her, though was still uncertain how. If what the Norse Gods said was true, Blades would augment offensive abilities while Shield empowered magics and defensive traits. She was excited to try them out in the fight to come.
"Only two? I thought three at least for certain!"
"Zepar, you said you wished to see me as a brother, the sentiment is more than shared. Will you be a Blade against our enemies?"
"Against our enemies and to protect our allies," he did not wait for the pieces to move, selecting one himself as the second was drawn in behind it. "To show the world the better traits of my people."
As I have shared them with the woman I love.
"And Lady…um, I mean Seekvaira," she was the last standing with crossed arms. "I would never seek to usurp your status as a King. Your Peerage is yours and yours alone. But…" He tried to find the words. "…but I would like for you to continue being a branch of the Crossroads and to remain close to me."
"I accept," she answered quick and courteously after not even a moment of contemplation. "The Agares Family follows through on our obligations and I swore to back the Crossroads and you." Her voice grew quieter as she directed her next statement to Dorian alone. "You showed me your character and gave hope for my grandmother. I will be yours."
With her final words, a pair of Shields emerged from the chest entering her back. She could not stifle a gasp at the sensation flooding her body feeling the connection to Dorian already. They were truly linked in all but body now and she would not have it any other way. With the piece selection completed, Dorian sealed the chest and returned it to a pocket of the Roads with the rest of his equipment.
Four Shield pieces down, four to go. Five Blade Pieces, which leaves eleven. Still room to grow, perhaps after this battle. The Crossroads will need more if we are to be a true military force for the greater alliance. Our numbers can only go up, if we can last the night.
"Any piece for me boss?" Ratatoskr asked while bounding up a stone bust of a Gremory ancestor donated for the Tower decorum. "Just think how OP broken I'd become!"
"I'd love to," Dorian chuckled. "But remember, we can't give pieces to gods." The statement was enough to satisfy the squirrel's ego and bravado.
"Well, you got me there, but I'm not sitting his one out!" With a spin, the squirrel suddenly stood with an impressive-looking armor his size complete with a curved halberd. "See if I can get me a body count, have you decided who is going to be the little flag bearer running for help?" His smile frowned as Dorian continued looking at him. "Oh, come on! I don't want to be the runner, it ain't my style!"
"Not just you, Aika as well, she hasn't had the training to fight the Hero Faction yet. And besides, you still haven't recovered from our trip to the future, right?" Ratatoskr could not argue with that knowing his energy reserves were still just about zero even after a few days of rest. His current appearance was a front. "Plus, you know the Roads better and Yggdrasil opens the door for you whenever you need. You have the best chance of getting to help and you are the fastest. Please Rat, just this once?"
"Well…just this ONCE," he kicked a 100-yen piece off the table. "But if even ONE of you die while I'm away, I'll never let them live it down!"
"I'll help you haunt them myself," Dorian fist-bumped Ratatoskr with a confident grin. "But that's a moot point since we'll have them beat before you even reach anyone. Keep Aika safe."
"These guys are that serious huh?" Aika asked, looking concerned. "Fine, I'll go this time, but next time I won't sit it out! Kuroka will have me ready to fight an army!"
"If there's even one Hero Faction member left when I get back, you owe me a lifetime supply of strawberries AND vacation time in Olympus! No take backsies!" He shouted as Dorian opened the path and he leapt through it with Aika close behind. Even with the time dilation, they had no idea how long it may take him to get help and return. They'd have to make up the difference.
He's so focused and serious, Seekvaira had to admit admiring his efficient time management and strategies currently being deployed throughout the tower. They are overconfident attacking us in our own territory. Even against the True Longinus, we may be able to hold thanks to Azazel's backup.
"Okay, let's get these finalized," Dorian called out with the others snapping to attention. "Just in case it's needed, we'll be ready. We will stop them here!"
Crossroad Tower, First Floor…
"And here I thought we wouldn't get a rematch since our little tussle on the bridge," Azazel announced loudly ensuring everyone heard it. "If you wanted to visit, you could have set up an appointment."
The main lobby of the Crossroad Tower looked like the prelude to a massive battle. On one side was Azazel standing at the head of numerous Grigori agents. They had been staying in secret at the tower unaware of Ophis' presence for just such an occasion. They were all among his best either in power or skills. What surprised him was the sheer number of Hero Faction staring back at them. It was clear Cao Cao had gathered nearly every member he'd ever recruited or indoctrinated, several dozen all wearing similar uniforms with various degrees of customization. Jeanne and Siegfried stood beside him flanked by Georg. He didn't like the fact Leonardo was nowhere to be seen.
"The Ouroboros Dragon is upstairs, is she not?" Cao Cao asked skipping past any mock pleasantries. "This Tower is the most reinforced position available, the perfect place to hide."
He believes Ophis is here, still strategizing so logically he hasn't guessed she's staying next door out of her interest in Issei. No reason to make him think otherwise just yet.
"Oh, here for your leader? Sorry, but she's not in the mood, best run along until she gives you further orders."
"We will no longer be taking orders from her, as of today the Hero Faction's leadership falls to me alone. If you give her up now, we will not need to destroy this place or draw out the battle's inevitable result."
"I thought you were obsessed with proving you were the strongest of humanity against us?" Azazel raised an eyebrow. "But today you're just a pickup service?"
"I never said I'd leave you be," he stared down the Governor-General with cold eyes. "I said we need not destroy this place if you bring her forward. We will still crush every single one of you inside. The defeat of this mixed-mythology force by us will prove the futility of challenging humanity. It will be snuffed out in its infancy."
"That's one hell of a dick-measuring competition you've got going on. Anyways, that'll be difficult once we have an army crashing down upon your heads," he tried to bluff just a bit to buy time. "We have a few united coalitions heading here as we speak."
"I doubt that, they will have other things on their minds."
The Hell does he mean by that? It doesn't sound like an empty bluff, but if their troops are here then what else do they have? That kid Leonardo wasn't mature enough to make an army that formidable…right?
"I know you have a few extra powers under your belt," Azazel started reaching into his jacket. "So, I made a little something to slow…"
"Marsilio, take them."
With that simple phrase, a young man with brown hair and matching eyes stepped forward. He was adorned in a Hero Faction uniform mixed with a dark suit. Azazel clearly had never seen him before as the newcomer looked into their eyes, his own glowing a haunting grey.
"Dreamlike Curse: Paraselene Utopia!"
Azazel and his troops tried to move, only to realize a massive magical circle had appeared beneath them through the combined efforts of the entire Hero Faction. They could not teleport away nor move from the effects of the Sacred Gear assailing them. Only at the last moment did the name seem familiar.
"You have Dreamlike Curse? Oh, you son of a bi…" With that last word, Azazel disappeared to be replaced by a shining golden sphere where he had stood. One such construct appeared around each of the other members of his troops brought with him, every single one disappearing to the last. After that brief exchange when all grew silent, the first floor belonged utterly to the Hero Faction.
"Take the tower," Cao Cao commanded his troops, in response the dozens of humans charged forward with a battle-cry towards the stairs. Satisfied with their enthusiasm, he turned back to his subordinate. "Marsilio, can you contain them here?"
"Y-yes," he gasped, clearly struggling with a disgusting cough. "There were more than I imagined, but they will not escape before the tower and Ophis are ours. I swear it."
"Excellent, then I hope the Governor-General enjoys his taste of a human life. Everyone else…advance, we have a meeting with the Red Dragon and Ophis that we shall not miss."
One floor up…
"Prepare for combat," Dorian readied them on the next floor taking up positions. If we…"
"I suggest we withdraw," Hecuba suddenly called out, her experience at Olympus screaming in the back of her mind. "We are not fully entrenched here and they are advancing in full force. "It may be prudent to thin their numbers with the static defenses while we reinforce a position further up."
Dorian was about to argue against it, but upon turning noticed the team still setting up their defenses with unfinished preparations. They had hoped that if Azazel's team had run into trouble, they could have gone in to support them. To lose the entire force so suddenly was unexpected and left no chance to make up for the lost time. With a grinding of his teeth, Dorian had to agree though did not like it in the slightest.
"Pull back to the next floor!" He called out at length, the Crossroads watching the monitors on the second level. "Activate what defenses you can and withdraw!"
Hecuba is right, we can't fight that all at once with Cao Cao leading them along with who knows what else! The Einherjar knew full-well. The 3rd floor is our next best bet. From there we can try to hold and drive them back.
"With pleasure!" Bennia tapped her scythe, causing dozens of teleportation mines to light up for a moment before camouflaging across the floor. Fortunately, the 2nd floor was little more than executive rooms, offices for when they'd be answering calls from the various factions, and some break rooms. They were giving up nothing of value, but prayed the defenses in place may slow them down.
"This will delay them a time," Rossweisse promised while erecting a barrier at the entrance to the floor, already spells of the heroes were pounding against it to no avail. "I can have one ready at each floor to buy time."
"You're the best," Dorian motioned for her to follow as well, Hecuba already taking charge to prepare the main line of defense once they reached the 3rd floor. Turning back at the monitors, seeing the golden spheres that had claimed Azazel and his allies, he swore under his breath making a silent oath.
I don't know what they did to you, but we'll get you out of there. They are after Ophis, we know that now thanks to you. We'll keep them guessing where she is. Damnit, I can't believe we already lost the first floor without even a fight…
Hyoudou Residence…
"No good," Akeno remarked even as Honda and Koneko pounded on the glimmering barrier before them. "The defenses they put on the entrances and exits are quite strong, even the bridge to the Crossroad Tower has been blocked off."
"They don't want us leaving, but attacked them first," Rias' mind was racing with the possibilities. "If we all pooled our attacks together it could break through, but that would leave us tired for what's waiting on the other side."
Gasper would have been instrumental here in such enclosed spaces. Rias cursed the timing; the young vampire having traveled to the Grigori headquarters for training into the Balor View after finishing the Middle-Class promotions. We'll have to make due.
"Zat is zecured good," Volody nonchalantly tapped his staff on the shield to a reverberating effect. "Not ze most complex vormula, but if zhey have indeed brought ze entire Hero Vaction here, zere is no reason to not think zhey did not bring mage zupport too."
"Mage support?" Kiba was already contemplating demonic swords to absorb energy. "Nilrem?"
"Ze very zame. Zey are a vaction of ze Khaos Brigade all zhere own, but provide zupport to each of the others pretty regularly. Vhen I vas vith zhem, ve ovten got orders from zome mysterious higher up ve never met. Very zhady stuff."
"Give me a few boosts, I'll knock it down," Issei summoned the Boosted Gear on his arm, already channeling one before Volody motioned for him to back up.
"Not a good idea Izzei, zhey have inscribed reflectory magic into ze vormula. You may break through, but at least half of your attack will bounce back into zhe room. Can you take a blast zhat big?"
"….maybe," Issei recalled how his and Sairaorg's punches were shattering the air with every blow. Even with his Crimson Cardinal Form, he knew full well an attack like that could cause serious damage to himself to say nothing of anyone else caught up in it. "But we can't just sit here and do nothing?"
"Never said zhat," Volody winked as he started working on the barrier. "But vith magic you can't zolve everyzhing vith brute vorce. It vas probably put into plaze to stop Ophis from just knocking it down."
"I still can," she remarked still standing near Issei with a head tilt. "It would be child's play."
"Pleaze don't, I vant to survive to zee tomorrow and the power needed to blazt zis down vould have enouvh of a kickback to level half ze building. I'll vork on getting ze barrier down, Lady Himejima, Lady Gremory, might you azzist?"
"The rest of us will keep you safe," Issei promised, thumping his chest confidently. "We won't let them get past to you."
"I know, Issei," Rias smiled with complete trust in his dedication. Together, she and Akeno pooled their knowledge together to help Volody with his calculations. Kiba, Catherine, Koneko and Honda joined Issei from the other side where enemies would come if they entered the house. Asia was ready to heal as needed, saying a silent prayer for everyone's safety.
"He has grown up so much, hasn't he?" Akeno giggled seeing the others so serious and ready to fight. "Not at all like when you first found him."
"Indeed," Volody remarked to the pair. "With Mistress Le Vay now contracted to zhe Einherjar, I vould be honored, vith your permission of courze, to be his mage and impart all I can."
"We can discuss that at length once we are out of here," Rias assured him. "I would like us to make it safely from here before thinking of the future."
Somewhere Else…
"Well…shit," Azazel swore as he walked up the same stretch of Kuoh Town for the twentieth time. After being consumed by the strange Sacred Gear he'd found himself in the city at morning. "Cao Cao had a Sacred Gear this annoying under his belt? Why the hell didn't he use it before!?"
The Governor-General was stuck on foot, realizing quickly he could not call upon his wings or any powers he had. For all intents and purposes, he was entirely human from what he could tell. Even seeking his normal contacts in town had yielded no results despite Kuoh being fully populated. In each case, the safehouse, office or contact station had been gone or those he trusted for years had acted like they'd always been humans and he was pulling a practical joke. From what Azazel could piece together after hours having passed without success, the supernatural did not exist there nor was there any way to escape.
"So, you plan to trap me here while you ransack the Tower? Time Dilation is a certainty with time/space gears like that one. It must be powerful to give me zero way to escape from within. Maybe it holds the same principle as…"
"Oh, Mr. Azazel, so glad you could make it. I do hope my little girl hasn't been giving you or the staff any trouble."
To the fallen angel's surprise, behind him was none other than Yasaka herself. Her ears and tails were gone and she was adorned in a quaint modern-style kimono carrying an umbrella to protect her complexion from the sun beating down above. At her side was Kunou without a whiff of youkai energy from either. She was wearing a Kuoh Academy first-year uniform but what threw him off most of all was the loving gaze and smile she had looking at him.
Huh, he got that detail wrong, if this were real, she'd be glaring at me with an intent to kill. Including even Yasaka in this, that's just not playing fair.
"I'm guessing you've never heard of the youkai of Kyoto either?" He asked flatly, fully expecting the same response everyone in this world had when discussing supernatural aspects of reality.
"I do miss Kyoto if that is what you mean," she smiled coyly, stepping forward to plant a peck on his cheek. "But if I hadn't moved here then we would never have met over my little girl. I am not sure about these youkais though, have they added a course on myth at Kuoh Academy this year?"
"No, I was referring to literal youkai. You ruling over them, becoming a giant fox when you please…" Yasaka burst out laughing but not in a cruel, condescending way, but one that was gentle like she hadn't had a chance to do so in a long time.
"Me, ruling an entire people? You always know just how to make me laugh. I know we need to keep our relationship secret from the staff for the meanwhile, but once you're no longer little Kunou's teacher that can change."
"I've never been to the bigger school buidling," Kunou called out, rushing forward and clinging to his arm looking up into his eyes. "Will you make sure everything is okay, papa?"
"Papa?" With that one word, Azazel's scheming on escaping suddenly was derailed never having heard someone refer to him as such. "I'm, I'm not your…"
"In all but blood," Yasaka hooked her arm around his. "Ever since her father passed, you are the only man I've looked at. You seem pale, are you alright?" She went up on her tippy toes, leaning her forehead against his to check the temperature which Azazel was sure only made things worse. "If you are unwell, I can make you some soup when we get home."
This isn't real, Azazel repeated to himself over and over again. It's a time/space Sacred Gear meant to create an artificial world devoid of the supernatural to trap someone. If this Marsilio guy trained further, maybe it can even manipulate the mind to an extent. It doesn't matter how appealing this is, it doesn't matter how much I want to stay, to hold her in my arms and give her daughter a father figure…it…it doesn't matter if…if I am happy…
"I'm fine," he suddenly replied, his eyes a little less serious than before. "The curriculum can be tricky, but I know you can do it." He ruffled Kunou's hair with a chuckle. "You just gotta watch for some of the boys, especially those who can see what a beauty you'll grow up to be."
"Papa!" Kunou called out in embarrassment, taking his hand as the three started walking towards the school in the distance.
"It is a papa's right to dream," he felt warmth go through him as Yasaka leaned on him, a smile promising time together later once Kunou was out at classes or studying. "Just be sure to study hard and there is nothing you cannot accomplish."
Crossroad Tower, 3rd Floor…
"Sounds like they encountered some of Bennia's surprises," Hecuba remarked to a nodding Dorian who couldn't help but grin. Their eyes on the second floor had been taken out or disabled, but they could hear the resounding detonations as many of the young Grim Reaper's mines were set off. They used so little power for short skips of teleports that they were near impossible to find unless you were looking. With the Hero Faction's charge upstairs, they were not taking their time. Dorian almost didn't want to imagine where each of the teleport mines were sending those unfortunate enough to step on one.
We are so much stronger than before; Dorian knew as he looked at their defense line. Almost every member was present save for Kuroka and Bennia who he had sent to defend the connecting bridge to the Hyoudou Residence. This is the closest to a real army we've faced, not a mindless anti-monster force…these are humans. But if they are siding with Cao Cao…
I can tell which ones were indoctrinated and relay it to everyone. Iggy called out within his mind. That way, they know who to go easy on.
Not at the expense of their safety, Dorian quickly corrected. Relay the information, but their own protection is paramount. Do you understand? She quickly nodded, sorrowful at the dark necessity. I have to try to access the Controlled Breakdown again, I have a feeling it'll be needed. Issei and Sairaorg's forms tore apart the field made for the Rating Game…what would mine do to this pocket dimension?
"Zepar, can you support Rossweisse from the air?" The fallen angel nodded at his request, having already created several light-spears in each hand.
"They are coming," Hecuba alerted as she heard them moving up the path. "They will be at the barrier any second."
"Then we have a few moments," Rossweisse was next to call out. "With how we reinforced it, their lesser members will take time to…" Half the team cursed under their breath that she had jinxed them as the powerful barriers exploded outward almost instantly. Leading the charge, a massive dragon made of Holy Swords was the first through the breach. The Balance Breaker of Jeanne with the very woman riding atop it looking ecstatic for the battle ahead.
She did not get far, Dorian unleashing a blast from Twilight Star shattering the monstrous construct and tossing the woman over the top. She looked absolutely shocked that her 'baby' had been taken out so quickly yet again. A second shot stopped the frontline of attackers in their tracks, his eyes crackling with gold energy within grey orbs.
"Focus on the others coming up!" He called motioning to the horde of Hero Faction behind her. "I'll deal with…!"
Dorian defended himself with his wrist-shield as a blast of pure holy energy erupted from the entryway to the floor below. Cao Cao himself emerged, the True Longinus shining bright in his hands. The Einherjar cursed knowing full-well how powerful he was and realizing the others wouldn't last in a direct confrontation. The Hero Faction leader fired the True Longinus, blasts that could have ended even an ultimate-class devil targeting the Crossroad teammates in the back. Not one got through as Dorian deflected each one without fail.
"Irina, Xenovia, can you both…?" He motioned to the slowly reforming dragon.
"I was hoping for a new chance," the blue-haired Einherjar grinned seeing him motion towards Jeanne as their opponent. "Irina, ready to show her our resolve?"
"Yes!" Her angel wings exploded from her back as the pair took off towards where Jeanne had fallen just as she reformed the dragon beneath her with a new summoning of Holy Swords. With her opponents being an angel and Einherjar, she would not have the usual advantage against devils.
"Hecuba, their support mages and Sacred Gears will be coming up behind no doubt to try and stay under the radar. Take command and single them out when you get the opening, Rossweisse can nuke them from afar once you target them."
"Of course!" Her sword Monster's Bane was already drawn. It felt inappropriate to use on humans, but with how they had strayed from the path of a true hero, she supposed at this moment they almost qualified.
"Please stay safe," he threw a longing glance to Rossweisse wishing they could embrace once more yet there was no time. She smiled back, it was enough for the moment. She was rolling the small silver ring on her hand, the gift he had given her back in Kyoto. He'd noticed she did it every now and then with the Draupnir ring Freyja had given her to calm her nerves. "And Thrud…have fun."
"I love it when you spoil me," she spun Gullbjorn with a satisfying grin. The first few waves of troops hesitated at her expression, the look of joy at the battle to come terrifying to behold.
There was no time left to talk as Cao Cao suddenly vanished from across the room to reappear right in Dorian's face. A shockwave erupted from the pair, Twilight Star and the True Longinus crashing together in an exchange that shattered the air. The force of the attack drove him upwards blasting a hole to the floor above. Having an opening, Le Fay started placing defensive seals on everyone, including patching the new hole leading upstairs.
"Dorian!" Rossweisse called out, but he was gone. Pushing the concern to the back of her mind, she focused back on the advancing enemies.
Breathe and let the magic course through me, the formulas making up the crests dating back to the first Allfather…
New runic symbols started to glow across her armor, a shield-like tattoo identical to her grandmother's becoming visible on her forehead. Breathing deep, she tapped into the crests of her family gifted after the success of her trials. She knew the strength of her spells were amplified many times over, not even Heracles could have easily broken her shields anymore. The first bombardment attack blew back the initial surge towards her, causing the Heroes to hesitate.
"There are so few!" Jeanne held her sword outward. "Overwhelm them all while they are outnumbered!"
"Your numbers are not so insurmountable and your men are clearly outmatched," Seekvaira muttered under her breath as she fiddled with a series of buttons on a remote that had previously been hidden within her belt buckle. Around the room, the air vents and other compartments opened unleashing dozens of miniature robots blasting forth surrounding the attackers on all sides. "Do not underestimate the House of Agares' ingenuity…go forth!"
On her command, the room lit up with a show of lights and colors as high energy beams fired from each of the miniature robots she had developed after analyzing the smaller golem found by Hela. Of course, without admitting it, she had taken inspiration from her favorite shows and the smaller mechanical constructs reflected that with features and wings unmistakable to fans of the tv show. It was like a swarm descending upon them.
"Charge!" Hecuba hurtled over her cover along with Thrud, their barriers holding strong against the rapid-fire spells of mages on either side. "I'll go for their support, look there!" She pointed to a line of warriors arrayed with various equipment from swords to whips, necklaces, boots and even helmets. The power radiating from them left no question, they were all Sacred Gears among the groups that had failed to obtain Balance Breaker but were still powerful in their own rights.
"Dibs!" Thrud rushed them head on, catching the first in the chest and completely avoiding the strange pulse from the necklace radiating upon his breast. The daughter of Thor had seen enough gears by this point to know it was best to avoid their powers as many could be quite annoying. The man didn't get a chance for a second try, Thrud's blow sending him into the back wall. He did not get back up. All the while, her and Hecuba's charge was covered from above by Rossweisse unleashing a firestorm upon the floor along with Zepar raining down his powers of Heaven targeting long-range Sacred Gear Hero Faction.
As the chaotic melee spread across the floor, leaving pillars, walls and furniture wrecked in its wake, Irina and Xenovia met Jeanne at last clashing simultaneously with her dragon stopping it in its tracks though sliding back many feet in the process. It was infuriating how unimpressed she seemed to find their ability to halt her dragon's advance.
"Aww, the cute little angel is back with her heretic friend," she smiled sweetly with a sinister nature behind it. "Think you stand a chance this t-…!"
The ferocity of Irina's attack caught the armored woman off guard. Her sword of light fell away as a small portal opened for a fraction of a second which was all the time she needed to reach within. Even Jeanne's haughty nature fell away as the dazzling broadsword slammed into her latest holy blade cracking it across the width.
"Th-that is…they actually gave you all of them!?"
"The TRUE Excalibur!" Irina proclaimed proudly as a radiance exploded from her wings. A second pair unfolded beneath the original denoting the power she felt as a result of wielding such a weapon intermixing with her reborn angel heritage. "Other than Caliburn, this is the sword of Kings! With that responsibility, I will not lose a second time!"
Jeanne quickly found herself surrounded by a small army of Irinas. Unable to tell which was real, she had her dragon construct lash out in an attempt to strike as many at once as it could. Many disappeared with each attack, yet could never find the original. The runes of Angurvadal blazed with fire in Xenovia's hand shattering segments of the dragon that continued to reform as fast as they were damaged. Irina knew she wasn't as hardy as Xenovia, the two having decided with such a rematch that her long-time partner would handle the beast while she crossed swords with Jeanne herself.
"Your friend's devil boyfriend isn't the only one who can customize his blades. SWORD BIRTH!"
A mound of weapons exploded from the floor, Irina forced to do an expert leap and pirouette to avoid them. Jeanne claimed a wicked looking sword with jagged indentations every few centimeters going up its length swirling with black and purple energy.
"He could make swords that devour light, so I could make these that absorb a variant of devil energy that is quite potent against angels. Irina gripped her leg, even a nick from the weapon when emerging from the ground having cut through her barrier to draw blood. "Now, where shall I go next?"
"INCOMIIIIINGG!" The pair turned, eyes growing wide as Jeanne's Holy Sword Dragon came rocketing toward them. Xenovia was atop the beast gripping the blades making up its ears and haphazardly steering it almost like a motorcycle. Irina dove to safety while the rest barreled into the Hero Faction swordswoman.
"Xenovia!" Irina called out as she helped her friend to her feet. "Are you alright?"
"That was…exhilarating!" She'd seldom seemed so enthusiastic but now was grinning ear to ear. "Now I know why people love to drive with the open air around you. Perhaps I can do that again!"
"There are too many around here it seems," Jeanne growled as she emerged from the rubble deflecting distant shots from Zepar and Le Fay, the pair seeing that the mountain of swords parted rather than harm their creator. "Let's take this somewhere private!"
Driving her sword into the ground, the mass of Holy Blades still protruding from her last Sword Birth lit up with energy and promptly exploded. The floor fell out beneath the three blasting through the 3rd, 2nd and even first level beneath them leaving a gaping chasm. Xenovia held onto Irina who took to the skies, but the sheer mass of energy dragged her downward still. Jeanne had her wish, the three being pulled into the very bowels of the Crossroad Tower where no others were currently fighting as the frantic chaos of the battle above continued. When the rubble cleared, only Durandal remained on the 3rd floor, having been pulled from its owner's hands in the scuffle…
Elsewhere…
Twilight Star rang off the True Longinus once more, parried to the side in an infuriating display of skill and precision. This is how it had been since Dorian and Cao Cao were driven upstairs from the rest of the conflict. It was as Azazel always said about the Hero Faction Leader; he was a technique-type of the highest caliber. Despite being a human, where any direct hit would be devastating on his body, he never allowed that to happen, always having a counter, deflection or parry to ensure his indomitable weapon took the punishment. He had years of experience, that much was certain. And yet, Dorian could tell he was testing the waters of his opponent as he had done in Kyoto.
"Why not use your Balance Breaker? Or perhaps that Breakdown like you did before?" Cao Cao asked calmly. "Or are you afraid of consuming your friends in your rage?"
"Because that's what you want," Dorian could see through him. "You want me to go all out so you can see what I'm capable of since Kyoto. I'm stronger than you as I am, almost everyone in this tower is…it's all about getting past your skill to actually hit you."
"Then you have improved in mind if not body, how I wonder just what kind of leader you'd be if given another ten…even five years. But you will not have that time, your Crossroads will fall to the might of humans."
"We have humans among us," Dorian countered as the two continued their spar. "I was one until very recently, they are not excluded."
"Traitors to their own kind, choosing the supernatural over the world that birthed them."
"They're the traitors? Not the man who forces servitude even with magic? We know about your mind-control mask."
"Their lack of fortitude to join me made them tools," the man was utterly unwavering in the belief he was right. "They are the minority of the Hero Faction under my leadership, all the rest follow willingly."
"The Khaos Brigade don't care about humans either, I've seen the results of their goals," he pressed against the Longinus, Cao Cao's feet sliding back from the force. "All you're doing is help wipe out humanity!" The skilled fighter's eyes narrowed at Dorian taking note of the emotion in his voice that sounded far too genuine.
No matter what martial arts tactics he attempted both utilizing Twilight Star's sword or spear form, his opponent always had an answer. His Asgardian armor caught blow after blow from the True Longinus slowly being chiseled away. He had the power, the Einherjar knew that and even one blow could end the fight. Despite that knowledge, Cao Cao always seemed one step ahead. He was not so wholly vulnerable to the weapon as devils were, but if a direct hit could slay a Satan, the Einherjar knew he needed to tread carefully.
So, I trickle my options to him, keep him guessing. If I show too much, I absolutely cannot allow him to get away or that genius mind of his will find a counter to each one.
Dorian leapt back for breathing space, slamming Twilight Star into the ground unleashing a cascade of Olympian lightning across the floor they had all to themselves for their battle. Cao Cao took to the air, avoiding the energy beneath him even as it warped into tendrils that sought him out. Dorian had become accustomed to combining his powers and was steadily growing more adept at it. Flipping the light on his gauntlet to a molten black, he punched the ground causing the floor to transform into a molten bed from Musphelheim. Raising his hands in a way he had practiced since his time with the God of Thunder, he directed the wave towards Cao Cao like commanding a symphony. Before it could connect, a flash of light erupted from the True Longinus, instantly converting the lava into rock before his eyes.
"Shit." The Crossroad Leader cursed but noticed his opponent suddenly looked different. A halo of light had appeared behind him with multiple identical orbs encircling it, one of which now rested upon his shoulder. Despite the clear lack of spells, magic circles or abilities of any kind, Cao Cao was levitating in the air forcing Dorian to eventually deactivate his attack.
He's human, how is he flying? There is nothing being used; I could sense it with Rose's detection circle. It must be that halo, what is that? Dorian raised his hands, angling a half dozen magic seals up towards his foe unleashing torrents of elemental magics upon him. Quickly, another sphere behind Cao Cao darted in front, the spells disappearing within.
"So that must be…" He was about to speak his mind before his opponent disappeared from above, reappearing behind him several feet away. The orb glowed bright; the blonde man's own attack being redirected back at him. The rain of fire, ice and lightning covered Dorian from head-to-toe obscuring his fate from view. For a moment, the Hero Faction leader smirked in overconfidence.
The smoke was parted in a flash as an ornate hammer recognized as Mjolnir flew from within Dorian's armory in the Roads while obscured by the smoke. Cao Cao was totally unprepared for the instrument of a god, even a copy, colliding with the True Longinus. The weapons clashed, unleashing energy that tore through the furniture across the floor, a small river of water ran over them as a hole was punched in the swimming pool on the floor above raining down. For the first time, the Hero Faction leader looked pressed uncertain if he could deflect the weapon.
"You will not be the one to best me!" Cao Cao proclaimed as he saw Dorian appear beside him, using his opponent's time locked with the hammer to get around him. "I refuse to fall to one of your kind!"
As Dorian rushed in with Twilight Star raised high to deliver a catastrophic blow, another orb came between them just in the nick of time. The Einherjar disappeared within, the hammer following suit. The student of Asgard found himself falling on his head on the opposite side of the room, the replica Mjolnir slamming into the ground missing him by mere inches. Cao Cao was breathing heavily, recomposing himself and standing to his feet after a moment to rest. A fresh line of blood ran down his face, Twilight Star having barely connected before the teleport.
"That weapon really is something, a direct hit might have even killed you if it was even a second slower." Dorian couldn't help but compliment. "Just how many powers does it have?"
"You figured it out already?" Cao Cao sighed disappointed. "A pity, I did not wish to reveal it so soon, but I do not have time to waste facing you. You are strong, I will admit how you've grown but soon that will not matter. I had hoped you would have been blissfully ignorant of how I performed these attacks, but I can't risk you warning the others of my abilities."
"You won't be able to do anything about that. VAETTA's WALT…" Dorian stepped forward prepared to unleash as much power as he could only to suddenly find himself unable to move. Cao Cao was staring at him, his right eye taken out by Issei that had been miraculously healed now staring into his soul with an ominous glow. He swore under his breath at not taking it into account, the effects of the curse washing over him as his shoes started to turn grey.
"It would seem Perseus' retirement gift to me was worth the pain. Medusa's eye plucked from her own skull and planted within me; I hear you are to thank in some small part for that. It would be VERY difficult to deal with that Breakdown form of yours right now without wasting Truth Idea.
Truth Idea, the ultimate power of the spear using the last will of God? Azazel had explained the power, but not exactly what it entailed citing that likely no one except Cao Cao and the past wielders themselves did. So, it must take its toll to use or he'd have led with it.
"You shall remain here, Dorian Held, and witness the demise of your Crossroads; your alliance will crumble from what we do next. The Red Dragon Emperor and Ouroboros Dragon are my true targets and I will need to conserve energy to kill you. Georg, can you get a reading on Ophis' location?"
"Just up a few floors and over," the mage possessor of Dimension Lost emerged from nowhere having clearly used an invisibility spell to follow Cao Cao through the main battle below. "They actually left her in the Hyoudou Residence, she is NOT in the tower."
"Either very foolish or devilishly clever," Cao Cao tapped his spear. "No matter, the connecting bridge is close enough. It will be child's play to advance on them from that angle."
"G-get back here and fight me yourself!" Dorian yelled if only to slow his retreat upstairs, frustration welling within him that Cao Cao always had ways of dealing with powerful foes. His legs were now fully turned to stone and nearly half his torso. In only a few more seconds, he would be unable to speak leading him to make a desperate gamble. "I've seen FAR worse than you," Cao Cao stopped and turned at the honest rage in his voice. "What I saw…it's worse than you, worse than anything. You claim to be fighting for humanity, but the group you serve will just lead to their extinction!"
"He's lying," George tried to convince Cao Cao to continue moving. "Ignore him."
"There is no deception in his voice," the Hero Faction leader remarked. "You are sounding more and more like your Norse allies than I recall you being before, but whatever you saw, it will not keep my plans from coming to pass. Once this tower is in ruins and the power of infinity is in my grasp, I shall ask you for details. Until then, rest for there is naught else you can do. Medusa's power is not limited by power, whatever gains you have achieved will not stave off its effects."
"Cao C….!" Dorian was cut off as the curse completed, leaving him indiscernible from a marble statue. His face remained locked in his final scream of frustration forced to watch Georg and his leader march through a short-ranged portal. He raged internally at not realizing in Dimension Lost they controlled where they could and could not go. The bridge was the weak point of the barriers between buildings, they could use it as a conduit to teleport right past the defenders he had sent to guard it, or worse confront them directly. The leader of the Crossroads was trapped, trapped with nowhere to go being unable to form the simplest of runes. He could only remain there…and scream.
Hyoudou Residence Connecting Bridge…
"Are you ready little Reaper?" Kuroka purred as she and Bennia guarded the bridge connecting the Crossroad Tower to the Hyoudou Residence. As expected, a barrier had been erected that prevented them from entering but were certain it wouldn't stop the enemy from crossing over themselves. "With the path so narrow, the two of us should be fine if you don't get scared."
"Funny, I thought you were the one good at running away from your problems," Bennia fired back while tapping her scythe on her shoulder. She continued just as Kuroka turned to retort. "Of course, you haven't been good at running away since joining us so I guess you need to find a new hobby?" The look between them could have been mistaken for admiration, even Kuroka's normally smug grin softening just a little.
"Why don't we hang out more often?" She asked the Reaper as the footsteps of the Hero Faction could be heard coming up from around the corner. "You are such a delight."
"Because I'm not trying to get into Dorian's pants? If it turns out you're his type, you better be good to him or I'll have one of my mines send you somewhere wetter than last time and farther away!"
"Oh, I like you. We MUST have a girls' night out; I can show you how to really party and find a nice man just your size."
"Where is the Gremory Knight?" The voice of Siegfried interrupted the bonding moment between the women. The test-tube exorcist had one of his legendary swords drawn with a line of younger Hero Faction members behind him. The women turned to face him hiding the trepidation at the odds stacked against them.
"I'm afraid they're not taking any messages," Bennia called out, her mischievous tone in full swing. "If you leave a message at the beep, I can get back to you in six to eight weeks...beep."
"I was hoping you'd make this difficult," Siegfried pointed forward directly at her. "I will kill you myself before finally settling the score with him. Gram continues to shake…"
"Can you, I wonder?" Kuroka took the lead this time. "I've been around this world for years and know more than a thing or two about demonic and Norse legendary blades. Yours drain stamina and life through protracted use, don't they? Especially Gram, that's why you waited to use any in Kyoto." The scowl of disdain from their foe was all the evidence they needed that she was correct. "What a shame it would be if you wasted time fighting us and didn't have enough stamina left for that cute devil boy you have such a lover's spat with. If there is one thing I'm good at, it's drawing eevvvverryyything out as long as I can."
"Geez, keep it in your pants," Bennia shook her head embarrassed.
With a grunt, Siegfried lowered his sword, plunging it into the ground causing those following to wince as if afraid he'd turn his ire on them. Instead, he recomposed himself, uttering only two words without moving a muscle.
"Take them."
The younger Hero Faction members summoned Sacred Gears one after another, thankfully none having obtained Balance Breaker which is what prompted them to be left out of the Kyoto attack. The frontlines charged forward as those in the rear lobbed magical projectiles down the corridor at the women waiting. Kuroka took the brunt of the punishment, her magic deflecting them into the walls. She started looking a bit nervous as the more melee-centered fighters drew closer.
"Um, I thought you had something ready?"
"Give it a minute," Bennia grinned with her scythe ready. "The secret is to give them a false sense of security before ripping the rug right out from under em."
On cue, one of the first fighters, an axe-wielder, took a step forward, setting off a small magic rune that had been invisible until disturbed. With only time for a shocked gasp, he disappeared into the floor taking the mine Bennia had developed for anti-pervert countermeasures with him. The others were charging so quickly, they had no time to consider placements before more started to activate causing the entire first line to vanish into thin air.
"Where did you send them?"
"To be honest, no idea," Bennia stroked her chin. "I had a particularly disgusting place picked out that would take WEEKS to wash the smell out, but we're inside a Sacred Gear dimension, right? I wonder if they'd get sent to this version of that place, or maybe just get turned into flies on a windshield against the barrier around the building? I suppose we'll find out when we do cleanup, but don't worry…they won't be back anytime soon. Maybe we'll find some hero pancakes, sounds like something Hecuba would make. I do seem to be running out though."
"Then it's my turn, take a step back and don't breathe too deeply."
Kuroka raised her hands, a purple fog emerging from her sleeves dragged downward showing the weight of the smog before billowing outward down the hallway. With such a bottlenecked corridor, the remaining Hero Faction shock troops had nowhere to go with more still disappearing randomly left and right. Several got barriers up that parted the mist, confidence swelling within them. It did not last upon realizing that Bennia, now wearing an airtight skull mask, appeared in front slashing through the barrier with a single slice and leaving them vulnerable. They gasped grabbing at the air before collapsing with the purple haze filling the entire hall from one end to the other.
"Um, this won't kill them…right?" Bennia asked only then noticing it hadn't quite been clarified at their battle discussion.
"Only if they happen to be allergic to one of the ingredients, or breathe it in for more than an hour, or are part wolf, or…" Bennia started worrying more and more with each second if Kuroka was just yanking her chain or not. It couldn't be helped for the moment, however as she continued picking off those few with defensive abilities to resist it, the rest already unconscious or having retreated back across the bridge to the safety of the other side where Siegfried held the poison mist at bay with his sword's aura.
"That should hold them a few minutes at least," Kuroka puffed out her chest proudly. "I am sure my dear little sis and her team can get out of there by then."
"Then we get out of dodge too," Bennia sighed, lifting her mask for some fresh air safely out of the mist. "I don't like how Siegfried is eyeing us, thank goodness he has that boner for Kiba, almost as big as yours for Dor…GET DOWN!"
Kuroka hadn't sensed a thing, neither had Bennia until the last moment when a black swirling portal had materialized over her head. A bony arm covered with decaying flesh with an ugly, enormous scythe had lowered through and swung with incredible speed. Kuroka made it in time but lost a few locks of hair and part of her kimono before spinning about a safe distance backing into the portal sealing off the Hyoudou Residence.
"Oh, come on!" Bennia groaned as a shape covered with a robe darker than a moonless night lowered down to stand before them. "I KNEW Old Man Hades was in on this, you're becoming as subtle as a brick to the face."
"Bennia Orcus, Zeno was hoping to join us but alas the other powers are still questioning him. Fortunately, that gave a blind spot for us to move out. He was weak to give you a chance to surrender, I will not be so lenient."
"Old boyfriend of yours?" Kuroka asked while preparing her kasha wheels, the first two volleys effortlessly deflected. The foe before them loomed tall, the power emanating from him unmistakably beyond even High-Class entering the realm of Ultimate. His robe was a darker shade than any she'd ever seen except for Hades himself, a sinister mask that looked like a cross between a clown and skeleton smiling eerily at them. The nekoshou rubbed her neck imagining what could have happened without her teammate's warning.
"Pluto," Bennia half spat out his name. "One of dad's work pals and among Hades' fondest butt buddies. That excuse of going rogue won't hold up with you. Can you come back a different day? We're kind of busy."
"Today is the only day," Pluto hissed, his voice shifting pitches like he was moving further away and closer at random intervals. "I was to wait until the 'heroes' had dealt with Ophis, but the opportunity to deal with a traitor was too great to pass up."
Did he say Ophis? Best keep him talking, act like I didn't notice.
"I've gotten bigger since I left," Bennia lowered her mask menacingly as her cloak darkened to a deep-blue bordering on black. Pluto only started to chuckle drawing a disgusted expression from Kuroka.
"Your borrowed power from the devils won't help you here. Continue on your way, man of Qiao. This will not hinder you."
A golden beam of energy cut through the purple mist at those words, creating a brief corridor of air through the bridge. Kuroka hissed as Cao Cao and Georg appeared from the other end walking on through without even taking note of them. She moved to bar their path, only to be caught in the gut by Pluto's scythe. The nekoshou coughed violently at the attack, being thrown into the back wall and crumpling like a rag doll.
"Kuroka!" Bennia aimed her own scythe towards her former superior thankful that the mist reformed behind the Hero Faction leader preventing anymore from coming through. She was too late, however, as the pair disappeared through the barrier entering the Hyoudou Residence. "Sorry Dorian, we did our best."
"You were privy to our secrets," Pluto started up again. "He may not admit it, but your father taught you much. With what we gifted to the 'heroes,' you are perhaps the greatest threat in this tower to our plans. Once you are dead, the rest won't know how to deal with what is being brought through."
The battles across the tower heat up as the Hero Faction continue their onslaught seeking Ophis and to crush the united mythology teams. With Dorian incapacitated and the Gremory Team trapped, will they be able to escape before Cao Cao claims what he seeks? Until next time, I hope everyone Reads and Reviews, but most of all Enjoys! :D