Guest1: Thank you very much :)
Ragna126: You are so welcome, she deserves it after all she's been through and being such a fun character. She is definitely in my top 3 with Rossweisse and Irina. Oh no worry there, one thing I am trying to balance is how even as other women's feelings become known, the ones already set don't lose their time. ;)
OBSERVER01: Even though she has only spoken to Dorian a few times, a political aspect is very tempting for a world leader like herself XD Dorian just seems to have bad luck on dates, doesn't he?
Divine Blizzard: Oh, you never need to explain why you didn't review. Never feel any obligation to do so, only if you really feel the need to comment. :D I am glad you liked all those parts of the chapter, lots happening at once that all add to the greater whole of the narrative.
Neo Longinus: I sent a PM of a fully reply to you, it's great to meet another fan of Slash Dog despite how few volumes it has out so far. :D I wouldn't say Suzaku has romantic feelings for Dorian at present, but definitely respects him and can see the political importance of the Crossroads. Can you imagine if Lavinia, who sees herself as a sister to Vali, took a romantic interest in Dorian?...Vali would never let him hear the end of it lol. Thank you very much for the review and kind words!
runelt99: *Kuroka laughing evilly at her supposed clever term* XD
Guest2: It was long enough coming, the moment came ironically when their relationship became more than just having kids. :) I most certainly will and hope the wait wasn't too long.
fanficcyberman: I sent a PM for the full reply to your review, and I agree...that youkai clearly had seen enough to know when to say "Nope, I'm out." Dorian does seem to have a poor track record for dates that don't get interrupted doesn't he? LOL, Seekvaira will have to decide whether planning ahead or being pleasantly surprised is the preferred tactic. You are too kind man, trying to balance things so Dorian comes across as dedicated in that way was a big focus of me so it means more than I can say that you like how it's been turning out. Not just him, but everyone who is a good character through the story. Azazel especially, imo he deserved to find someone nice in canon but he didn't seem interested for some reason despite his past. Yasaka is his type...but he has to earn Kunou's approval before he can settle into that kind of happy life :) I have been doing well and hope the same for you as always my friend! :D
Guest3: No doubt there, you know at some point she transformed into her Sage Art form as she promised she would lol. Yep, you named the current 6 who are interested in Dorian, though Irina and Seekvaira have yet to confess (Though some like Rat can totally tell). I am sorry that I can't spoil my overall plans for the end goal of Dorian's loves ;)
TheLycan2026: A long time coming, but worth the wait as I am sure Kuroka would agree. Thank you so much! I hope you like this one just as much. :D
Dragonx411: I sent a PM reply to your full review, I always love seeing your synopsis of the major events and am glad you liked them. Rossweisse jealous of femDorian...now there is a funny picture XD. Well, Issei knows that now. Iggy didn't mention that too much how she can adjust her appearance at will. And no worry there, Dorian would never forget about Iggy. It's more that he is a bit more cautious with her since he's known her so long hence the pedestal he puts her on Kuroka mentioned. Thank you for your kind words, I like posting as often as I can, but as you said I have to pace and balance myself with how complex the many characters and story is getting. You stay safe too man! Wishing you all the best.
Okaze: That time is coming...Iggy just has to be a bit more forward in her interest. I am glad you liked this chapter :)
7: It's funny you mention them...in a few chapters they'll be back in reference to the Nagalfr... And you are right, they can't 100% replicate the Nagalfr so quickly but can use it as a template for upgrades on their other ships. Imagine how helpful they'll be when certain major events come knocking. I most certainly will, thank you!
Shadow king: It's about time they did lol. Definitely not when they first met, this member of Vali's team who were enemies then propositioning him for children. The universe can be funny sometimes, and it means a lot you like the development I went for Kuroka. From the bottom of my heart, thank you!
Guest4: I can't say for certain now, but don't worry as I never intend to add anyone just for the sake of it. If it's natural it will come, if not, nothing wrong with them still being close confidants as fellow leaders who had to start young. XD No matter how many wives he has, I don't see Dorian seeking that title. I tried building up that being a "Harem King" can be as much about quality of how his lives are with his wives as it is about numbers. As for Iggy...all in good time my friend ;)
German science: Iggy planting seeds that are then nourished by Dorian's magic? That would be SO many children if she went all out LOL, though I pictured she'd want to keep it more a manageable number. Plus, she's a Sacred Gear spirit now so the process may be slightly different for her. I've had a few plans for how that works and will mention it when the time comes. Isn't it funny the kind of questions stories can bring up? XD
Guest5: Canon never said, however, based on how she acts and her past, I considered that she was not one by the time of the main DxD story. Nothing serious and no kids ever came from them, but it made sense to me she'd have experience to be so bold and confident in that regard.
avenger3576: I guess they would be XD I doubt she'd have as many kids as a normal cat can...but not through lack of trying.
And with that…ONTO THE SHOW!
"I'm going to be gone for a day or two," Dorian announced suddenly one morning. "Can you keep things going while I am out?"
"Of course," Rossweisse answered with a look of surprise. "Where are you going?"
"I wanted to test a few things," he answered truthfully, but the silver-haired Valkyrie knew Dorian enough to tell the hesitation in his voice. "I've used the Roads to travel to different realms, I wanted to get a bit more practice going to different parts of the Earth. I'll be fine, no fighting I promise."
"He's hiding something," Thrud insisted not long after once Rossweisse had told her. Kuroka was present along with Irina and Seekvaira all of whom were concerned. "Iggy has been avoiding us too, what could they be planning?"
"A secret meeting for the alliance?" Irina pondered. "Surely nothing nefarious."
"A secret rendezvous with an old flame?" Kuroka smirked wide seeing the uncertain reaction of the others. "I thought you were the one of us he knew the longest."
"I am…right?" Irina looked uncertain before playfully punching Kuroka in the arm for making her worry. "Did he say where he was going?"
"Just somewhere on Midgard," Rossweisse recalled his words exactly. "No clues that I could pick up on."
"I could corner him, dangle him off a high cliff by his ankle until he talks," the women couldn't tell if Thrud was being funny or not.
"Well, well, seems there is trouble in paradise," the cheeky voice of Ratatoskr drew their attention above where he was hanging from the lighting fixture. "Don't you trust boss man?"
"Of course, we do!" Rossweisse blurted out at the insinuation. "But still, what if something is wrong? What do you know?"
"Me? Nothing at all, they've been ghosting me too…so I want in," he leaned in close to the women's circle. "Just us girls finding out the truth."
"What did you have in mind?" Seekvaira asked first, her mind racing with ideas of what could be happening against how they will find out.
"Skilja and I have an arrangement. Just listen to me and we'll find out where our favorite husbando is traveling to…"
Occult Research Clubroom…
"That symbol, I don't recognize it." Issei muttered as the devil emblem shimmered to life before them. It was an uncertainty Kiba was more than happy to clarify.
"That is the sign of Mephisto Pheles." The name that even Issei knew told by Rias of the legendary devil who served the ancestor to Georg from the Hero Faction.
There was no time to tell more as a holographic image appeared above the circle. A middle-aged man sat elegantly on an equally impressive chair in front of them. His hair was a mixture of colors slicked back with far too much gel. His eyes were sharp, piercing through each of them, matching the dichotomy of his hair; the right being red, the left blue. He had a pressure akin to the Satans themselves, powerful and terrifying yet the latter ambiance died down with his smile.
"It has been far too long little Rias."
Little Rias?
"It certainly has Lord Pheles," the atmosphere between the two was light-hearted and kind like meeting a distant relative. "I am glad to see you are looking well."
"And you are all the more beautiful, just like your mother. I suppose it runs in the family as all the women of your line seem to be all the way back to your first ancestor."
"You are too kind." The Gremory heiress proceeded to introduce him to the others despite his reputation being well known.
This guy is the head of the Mage Group, right? At least the good one. What did Ravel tell me before when I was making my pact with Volody? He contracted with the first Georg Faust and stayed on Earth even after he died. Because he was so close to the guy, he was able to succeed him right away with mages. I guess he liked it here, I can relate.
"You're Tannin's king!" The Red Dragon Emperor blurted out as the information came back to him. Tannin, the dragon-devil who had helped him grow so much stronger in the Dragon Mountains to prepare for the Rating Game against Sona Sitri.
"Haha, that was long ago that we made our pact," Mephisto confirmed with pride. "He wanted to save his tribe from extinction and I wanted a powerful Queen. We don't participate in Rating Games, so he is free to go where he pleases. Tannin is the best candidate I found since the days of the Old Satans."
He's that old? I guess that explains his gaudy hair…if I lived for thousands of years, I'd want to shake things up too every now and again. I'm surprised Mr. Azazel doesn't do that more often. Will I be that way when I grow old? Being a devil and now part dragon, I'll live a long time. Geez, what fashion changes will I pick?
"Little Rias' family was kind enough to let me live in Gremory territory, their generosity and forward thinking was vastly superior to those Old Satans. It was too long coming having a new leadership. You will make a grand successor to your father."
"To rule the family from Japan," she couldn't help revealing the plans she'd made to Issei before while working one night. "With the next Lord Gremory," her eyes drifted to Issei. "But I could go on with you for hours, unfortunately that was not the reason for your visit today. Have you visited Sona or Seekvaira yet?"
"Yes, they were first and Sairaorg is next," the older devil fell into a more proper tone. "Lady Sitri will be getting new servants soon and Seekvaira's are training often with their Crossroad allies. I am sure both will be receiving plenty of applications. All of the Rookies Four will have such popularity." Rias stood a bit taller at the title given to herself, Sona, Seekvaira and Sairaorg as the most extraordinary of the younger devil generation. "Though I am aware that many will be disappointed that the Red Dragon Emperor has already been taken."
"Virst come Virst zerved," Volody had no regrets at having made his pact shortly after the Underworld Invasion. The Russian mage stood beside his partner, ever since finalizing the pact he had moved into the Hyoudou Residence to be near as was proper with such things. Upon hearing that Mephisto himself would be arriving, it was natural for him to attend.
"They were not happy it was one outside my organization," he warned with a look that implied he may have counted himself among them. "Even less so being a former member of Nilrem."
"He helped us defend against the Hero Faction," Issei stood up for his new friend. "Kyoto too, and even saved Goldie and Irina's behind in Olympus before. Sure, he isn't a super sexy witch-type…but that doesn't mean I'll be slack learning what I can!"
Even with the confidence in his voice, he and Volody shuffled a bit awkwardly refusing to admit that in their time together the two had barely tried learning from the other. With their differences, it was difficult approaching any topic.
"Just know there are other options," Mephisto snapped his fingers causing scrolls to begin raining into the room before each of the devils. Surprisingly, Asia seemed to have the most with Rias a close second. Honda was surprised that even it had a few pact requests, no doubt due in no small part to being the only known devil-Dullahan. "Review them well, I must be off as there are just as many for that Mr. Held's team. Until next time, Little Rias."
Rias bowed as the hologram flickered away giving her a chance to look over the many scrolls now laid out before her. Issei could barely think where to begin on his, knowing Ravel would want to help. With Volody already contracted with, he'd have to turn them down politely, a task he was already dreading. The fact many of them appeared to be gorgeous witches clearly puffing out their chest in the photos adorning each did not help his mental state.
"I can help vith zat," Volody offered, opening a scroll and looking over the young witch with a raised eyebrow. "Oh, zat is awkvard, I knew her back at ze academy."
"Ouch," Issei replied nervously, not sure how to reply. He'd always pictured those working with him to be large-breasted women, making his pact with the male mage fell outside his plans. "So, do we train, is there a class of some sort?"
"Zat is not nezezzary, more like ve go about our daily lives and learn vrom ze other. Vat do you do vhen you are not vighting for your life?"
"Well," he thought for a moment, recalling the stack of tasks he had as part of his devil duties. "I do have a super busy schedule of contracts tomorrow. How about you tag along and we can both see what makes the other tick?"
Volody nodded, finding no other recourse off the top of his head. Deep down, he was wondering just how the Red Dragon Emperor handled his daily devil contracts. Perhaps he went on missions of grave importance for all devilkind...
The next day, Crossroad Tower…
"I'll be back soon," Dorian insisted as he hefted the pack full of supplies onto his back. "If anything happens that needs me back, just send a message and I'll come back immediately."
"Be safe," Rossweisse kissed him on the lips farewell. She was not alone as Thrud and Kuroka did the same, the nekoshou making the kiss last far longer than the others. "I wish you would tell us where you're going."
"It's something I want to do alone, at least right now. Plus, Iggy and Despoina are with me, we'll be fine. I promise when I get back, I'll explain everything."
"Bring back souvenirs for us-nya, I do love shiny things."
"And no slacking," Thrud punched him in the arm a bit harder than needed. Dorian nodded with a return jab before turning to enter the Road portal which closed behind him.
"The Gold Sparrow has flown the coop," Ratatoskr announced over his magical communication the instant it closed, prompting Seekvaira and Irina to emerge from their hiding places. "I repeat, the Gold Sparrow has flown the coop."
"What do you got?" Thrud immediately turned on the squirrel who was already looking through the device allowing him to view Skilja's vision. The growing raven was rarely far from Dorian soaring overhead and this time was no exception.
"Hmmm, Iggy has materialized and is skipping along with him," he narrated. "I see one hot mama showing up, the three are talking. Yggdrasil's breasts look firm and perky with a hint of…"
"JUST where is he going?" Thor's daughter bopped him upside the head as Rossweisse raised a magical seal threateningly. "You know the Road pathways, where is this one leading?"
"Hmmm, I haven't traversed that one recently. But if he keeps on a straight path…well, I'll be."
"What?" Rossweisse pushed towards him. "What about the path?"
"Maybe the poor guy is homesick. That particular branch will lead him to the United States. Wasn't he born there? Some place on the east coast called, Pennsylvania?"
Not long after…
"There he goes," Rossweisse inched closer with a powerful invisibility spell obscuring her, the other women and Ratatoskr. "This is definitely the area where he was born, but why come here? According to records when the Allfather first looked into him, their home was sold right after his parents' death. I doubt he'd remember it, and that was miles away."
Dorian glanced left and right as if expecting to be followed. Finding no one, he continued walking, taking in the area. He had come to a small cul-de-sac filled with children playing who no doubt lived in the surrounding houses. The homes there were quaint, nothing fancy but looked very comfortable to live in.
"He looks happy," Seekvaira commented, noticing the restrained smile on Dorian's face. From the smells in the air to the sights around, it was clear he recognized some despite his years aboard. "Childhood memories can be very strong."
The bespectacled devil fidgeted in her casual attire. Knowing they would be in America, the five women had donned clothes that could blend in should their magic fail. While Rossweisse was in the same suit she wore while teaching, the Agares heiress had chosen a professional suit shirt with vest and a tasteful skirt that went down to her ankles but with a slit revealing her leg for ease of walking. Kuroka, on the other hand, wore blue jeans and a black sweater they were certain was two sizes too small and hugged her frame. Irina was the most accustomed to such wear and had khaki pants, a white t-shirt and thin blue jacket. Lastly was Thrud, who wore a pair of blue jean shorts and found a hoodie with a pair of crossed hammers on the front that she was fond of.
"The yellow walnut is stopping," Ratatoskr alerted them from his hiding place in a nearby tree. "He has found a spot to roost."
"I thought he was the Golden Sparrow?" Irina was so confused as the roost analogy for the house he stopped at made no sense with the new name. "Whose house is that?"
"I don't know," Rossweisse hated to admit. "I didn't have time to do any reconnaissance. He's knocking on the door!"
Dorian stood awkwardly in the front of the door, hand rapping gently on it after trying the doorbell twice. Just as he seemed like he may give up, the door finally swung open revealing a woman with auburn hair. She was clearly older than him, but not by too many years, a few age lines barely starting to form on her face. She looked at him shocked for a moment but her reaction was clear as day.
"Is she crying?" Kuroka inched closer from their vantage point, her chest pressing against the back of the others trying to get a better look.
"They're hugging!" Irina's mouth dropped open. Sure enough, after a moment, the woman had embraced Dorian looking truly happy and he the same. Without a moment to waste, she invited him inside, the man they loved entering with the door swinging shut.
"They know each other, no doubt about it!" Rossweisse tried to recall the many documents given when Odin had first run checks on him. "But he hasn't been in the states since he was eleven. That would mean she…could it be? Come on, we need to get closer!"
Back in Kuoh…
"So, zis iz how you get to contractz?" Volody asked as he sat on the back of Issei's bike so small that he had to cling to the Red Dragon Emperor to not fall off. "It iz very…quaint."
"When I first started as Rias' Pawn, devil summoning circles just didn't work for me," he explained with restrained grumbling. "After that, it just became sort of routine. Some of my regulars actually like me arriving this way, they say it's more normal and less threatening."
"Not a word ovten uzed to describe uz," Volody subtly used a gravity spell to lighten his weight, even considering one of invisibility as those on the street turned to look at the two teenage men riding so close. "Do your contratz involve combat?"
"Fighting Contracts? Ha, haven't got one of those yet. Koneko and Kiba have for sure, usually protecting someone or beating up bullies, but not me. My early ones were mostly just being there for the people I worked with, watching shows, discussing fan theories, video game tournaments, that sort of thing. Mr. Azazel posed as one when we first met."
"Zat does zound like zomething he'd do," Volody cupped his chin. The two had made their mage contract quite recently though it had not gone the way he imagined. From the old stories, he'd pictured hours exchanging magical information in some stuffy room or perhaps going out and casting spells however they pleased. Instead, it had instead mostly involved small talk of their respective lives and how they use their powers. "If summoning circles have been an izzue, perhaps those outside devil kind may be ov use?"
"You mean Nordic ones like Ms. Rossweisse uses?"
"Nordic, white, black, elven, Heaven, Olympian, zhere are zo many to choose from," Volody raised his hands to emphasize his talent. "We of Clan Baba Yaga do not discriminate in powers."
"I'd never heard of your clan before you came around," he admitted, getting sidetracked by the questions in his head. "Are they a large one?"
"Not really, just my vamily and a vew allies who take the name." He produced a photograph and presented it to Issei. "I haven't zeen zhem zince I joined Nilrem…we did not part on the best of termz."
The photo was absolutely filled to the brim with people, the two tallest in the back no doubt being the parents. The man looked relatively normal with glasses, short black hair clearly well-kept and a business suit. It made Issei wonder if he was perhaps a normal guy and the magic had come from the mother's side. A kid with brown hair stood at the front, a younger Volody. His voice caught in his throat as he looked at the women surrounding him.
"You have a…cool family," they were the only words that came to mind that didn't sound awful.
The mother looked like the definition of an old crone, despite the relatively younger appearance of her husband. Her skin was wrinkled, cracked and a sickly grey color with barely a spot that wasn't covered in boils or warts. Her nose looked at least half an inch longer than normal and bent unnaturally at the tip. The women around Volody, numbering eight, weren't much different. It was clear to see they were younger, despite the cobweb-white hair, but their skin was equally marred and hideous. Bent noses, lopsided eyes and limbs looking thinner than was normal was present on each of them. Despite the features that could make some turn away, Issei did not as he could tell their faces were awash with smiles and joy. Two of the girls at the front were squeezing Volody's cheeks, an act he was barely putting up with yet it was well-meaning. The idea he got is the picture was taken during a celebration or holiday.
"You don't have to hide it, the curze on the vomen of my vamily is quite potent. Nine children and I vas the only boy, the virst in quite zome time in fact."
"Who did that to them?"
"Who knowz?" He put away the photograph with a sigh. "Ze stories are disjointed and inconzistent the further back it goes, zome zay our progenitor was an evil vitch who was cursed by her enemies. Others claim zhe vas a goddess of ill repute. Whatever ze case, it is a genetic curze cauzing ze vomen to share her characteristics."
"Is that why you became a mage? To help them?"
"I…vas it that obvious?" Volody looked almost disappointed that his goal had been so easily gleamed. "It vas not a goal zhared by my zisters. Zhey got angry."
"Angry that you wanted to help?"
"Angry that I'd join Nilrem for such an 'unnecezzary' reason. Zhey are totally fine with zhe curze, it's only skin deep they would say. But iv you'd heard zhe things otherz zay about them…"
"I'm sorry man, I get that. Sure, I've had people mad at me or make fun of me for my harem goal, but I can't imagine what it'd be like to be hated just for what you look like. If they said that about anyone I cared about…"
"My zentiments exactly. I levt one night swearing I'd find a way to break the curze and not return until I had. Unvortunately, zat has not happened yet."
"All that magic you know, and NOTHING worked on the curse? How?"
"I do not know, it'z zhe reason I delved into the Old Gods. Zurely, if zhe magics of our world are not enough, zhen theirs must be. Nilrem had more invormation zhen anyvhere else I could vind. I zpent so long studying, but after a while I could not look past all zhey were doing joining the Khaos Brigade."
"They have done pretty terrible things," Issei agreed. "Asia still has nightmares every now and again about Diodora. Cat too."
"Zatz right, zhey sleep in the zame bed as you every night," Volody still couldn't believe a this young age that the young man found himself in such a situation. "Doez zat…work?"
"Like a dream," Issei clenched his fist while looking up with a blissful expression on his face. "Cat has pajamas, and Ravel this fancy nightgown, but Asia and Rias prefer not to wear anything. The four of them pressed together even on the bigger bed…"
Volody subtly scooched a little further back on the seat.
"I am zure you have vun every night…"
"Well, nothing like that," the young Pawn admitted, confusing the mage. "We just sleep together, nothing else."
"You mean, you zleep in a bed with vour beautivul women…but zhat's it?"
"Yep," the awkward smile grew larger as he tried to articulate. "Man, what I would give to be able to make a move."
"Zhen why don't you? I am zure zhey would not object."
"A while back, I went through some devil training of the fancy kind. How to dance, eat at high-class dinners, stuff like that. I wasn't good at it, but her parents mentioned how much getting married first means to them. I am sure Rias would want to sleep with me in that way if I said so, but it'd make things complicated for her as the heiress to the Gremory family," Issei sighed deeply before continuing. "I'd rather wait and blow her mind then."
"And zhe others?"
"I'd be a real scumbag if I slept with the others while not being able to with Rias yet," he chuckled lightly as if what he was saying was completely common sense. "They're worth the wait, they all are. If I can find a way to sleep with all of them at the same time, then that'd be the best kind of magic."
He zeems zo zimple on the surface, yet he contemplates more zhan he lets on. I can zee why they vind him appealing, there is zomething about him that just…
"Oh! We're here," Issei noticed as they came to a halt in front of a small house on the far side of Kuoh. "This is the address on the contract."
'What vas zheir request?" Volody leaned forward to look at the paper Rias had passed to Issei before departing.
"Oh, thank goodness you are here!" A chestnut-haired woman who looked to be in her thirties opened the door. "I was so worried those contracts were scams, please come in. I got the dresses ready!"
"Drezzes?" Volody looked confused as they closed the door behind them. In the average-sized apartment was no fewer than a dozen wedding dresses of every shape, size and color making it hard to move between them. "For vhat purpose?"
"My wedding is in a few weeks," the woman looked absolutely flustered. "I…I want it to be perfect, it took so long to meet him. But I don't have anyone I trust with this and it's bad luck for the groom to see the bride before the wedding. So…so I want you to give me your full and honest opinion of what will be best for me to wear at the alter!"
Zhe made a deal vith a devil for zat?!
"Um, they look really nice. Did you buy them all?"
"Oh no, I rented them while I decide, I'll return the rest afterwards. You both stay right there!" With a handful of dresses, she disappeared into the bedroom slamming it shut with a click.
"Zis is normal vor you?"
"Pretty much," Issei chuckled awkwardly. "I may not get the exciting ones, but these fit me best I think."
Not vat I had in mind. Iz zhere anything I can truly learn from him? He did fight toe to toe with Zairaorg after all, and all his battles survived up until now…even Ovhis herself took an interest. He bested Cao Cao, there must be…
"I'm ready!" The contractee emerged in a sunflower yellow dress covered in more frills than either thought was possible on a single article of clothing. Their stunned silence was all she needed, disappearing back into her room after only a few seconds. "Don't worry, I have more! Oh, he is going to hate me."
"How could he hate you?" Issei asked with a legitimate innocence to her concern. "I mean, no matter what Rias wore, I'd never hate her for it. This is your big day, right? If this guy is as important as you say, then he should care more about what's under the clothes."
Pleaze don't zay boobs, pleaze don't zay boobs, please don't zay boobs, Volody begged before sighing in relief that the Red Dragon Emperor did not elaborate his meaning. There was an awkward silence before the woman replied.
"You don't have to lie," she sounded completely certain that he was just saying such things to placate her. "I contracted with you to tell me the truth, not make me feel better."
"And that's EXACTLY what I'm doing," Issei stood up facing the door. "If I didn't fulfil the contract to the letter, I'd be a failure as a devil and as a member of Team Gremory. I don't know what kinds of things were said to you, but if this guy is worth anything than he won't give a damn what you wear for one day out of your entire lives."
He takez peoples veelings very seriously, Volody took a mental note. Not zomething you'd expect from hiz reputation.
"He is very sweet," the woman opened the door a bit to peek out and see them. She was half dressed in her next choice, a blue number that was nearly as over the top as the previous, yet didn't care her shoulders were bare from having not slid up the straps yet. "We worked together for years; I was so nervous it took months before I even said hi. Even then, it was mostly us running into each other on the way to the coffee machine."
"Just like the stories of star-crossed lovers meeting with bread in their mouth."
"Vhat?" Volody looked at Issei very confused.
"I'll tell ya later man, long story." He turned back to her. "My point is to not let the small stuff get to you. You are super-hot and if this guy is any type of man, he'll see that regardless of what you pick."
"Th-thank you, no one has ever said that before." Insecurity at years of being raised by those who took appearance over substance weakened a bit at Issei's words. "But we still have all day, right? I have more if you can still give your opinion."
"As long as it takes," the Pawn gave a thumbs up accompanied by one of his confident smiles. "You signed the contract after all, right Volody?"
"Indeed, though zis…may take a vhile…"
"Yea, but we have time. Mil-Tan's contract won't be up until after dark. I'm telling ya, that guy is something. Rias thinks he may have some potential to become a magical girl like he wants to. But tonight, we're just watching another of his favorite series." Volody snapped towards him with an absolutely terrified expression.
"Vait…HE wants to be a magical girl!?"
Pennsylvania…
"I was so worried; it's been months since your last letter. The last one I got was that you were heading to Japan. What happened?"
"There was…an accident," Dorian tried to assuage the concern in her voice. "I'm fine, but ever since things kept happening. I'm attending Kuoh Academy just as planned, I even became an assistant teacher for civics to help with my major."
"I am so proud of you," the woman gently remarked as she poured him a cup of hot coco. "Your favorite if I recall."
"It is," he took a sip with a smile recalling the drink that tasted just like it did years ago. "I hope things have been going well for you."
"Not many changes," she gave a bittersweet smile. "Never did rediscover Mr. Right, but there have been many children come and go. I am happy to say the number of orphans is not as high as before, a blessing in my opinion. Who have you been staying with?"
"Um, this nice Japanese family," he tried to avoid explaining that he had a mansion-like tower of his very own. "The Hyoudous, though there are these two from…Norway. We kept in touch and they've been visiting when they can." The woman looked as if she was about to cry.
"You're standing on your own feet and meeting so many people. I couldn't be happier, when you left for the first flight, I was so worried with how withdrawn you were. But now…" Dorian laid a hand on hers.
"And I want you to meet them all," he insisted truthfully. "You see…"
"ACHOO!" The pair jumped a mile at the loud sneeze followed by a slam into the backdoor. Dorian went into defensive mode immediately.
"Stay here," he made his way to the entryway and threw it open quickly before the intruders would have time to escape. The Einherjar was forced to take a step back as five women and one squirrel came tumbling into the house causing the auburn-haired hostess to stand in surprise. "Rose? Wh-what are you all doing here?!"
Sure enough, Rossweisse, Thrud, Kuroka, Irina and Seekvaira were now sprawled out on the floor valiantly trying to free themselves from other another's tangled limbs. Realizing they were caught and the impact with the door had removed the invisibility, the group looked up to the woman nervously and waved.
"H-hi Dorian," Rossweisse started sheepishly. "This is a nice home."
"Do…you know these women?" The homeowner hesitantly asked upon hearing his name from their lips. One by one, the five women struggled to their feet, even Iggy coming in from outside having manifested out of sight and acted as if she came with the rest.
"I do. I'm sorry, I'd intended to talk to you alone then introduce them later…but they are those closest to me," he started on the end and started introductions. "This is Rossweisse, Thrud Thorsdottir, Kuroka Toujou, Seekvaira Agares, Irina Shidou and Igg...I mean Vaetta."
"Irina? Oh, the nice girl you wrote about in England? I saw photos of your visit to the Jorvik Viking Center in York. They had such interesting pieces of history."
"You told this woman about me?" Irina was practically glowing despite being confused along with telling Iggy's real name. "Who is she?"
"Everyone," Dorian stood back and motioned to her. "This…is Ms. Lily, she raised me after my parents died up until I started traveling for school."
The reaction was immediate as the women realized who they were looking at. They all stood straighter, lining up side by side standing tall and proper, even Kuroka made sure her outfit was wrinkle-free. For perhaps the first time ever, they were all thinking the same thing.
She is basically Dorian's mother like Lady Freyja!
"Oh dear, I am so glad I have this ready in case of large classes. I've never had so many guests," Ms. Lily rushed to the cupboards to find enough cups for everyone. How do you like your tea?"
"Whichever way you have is more than acceptable, you are the head of the house," Seekvaira fell back into how she'd been raised to be polite as a guest.
"I'd heard about you," Rossweisse admitted, the name prominent in Dorian's files. "But I'd never seen a picture."
"Blame Dorian," Kuroka teased. "He never talks about you."
"I can understand, based on…everything, it seems Dorian has a lot on his plate." Her eyes darted between each of them, her imagination running wild as to what business Dorian would have with six women, each so different from one another. "Dorian have you been a gentleman as I taught you?"
"O-of course!" The Einherjar blurted out feeling more embarrassed than he could recall as she glanced side-eyed at him. "I would never…"
"Squeak," the older teacher's face lit up as a small red squirrel hopped up onto Dorian's shoulder adorably poking his face with its nose clearly expecting food. "Squeak."
"Rat…um, of course, here you go," he dug into his pockets and pulled out a small chocolate-covered strawberry. He'd barely a chance to unwrap it before the rodent claimed the meal and raced onto a high shelf. "Don't worry, he's with us."
"A domesticated squirrel? How delightful," Ms. Lily's concerns as to Dorian's romantic life were put on hold at the sight of the cute animal sitting on her cupboards. "Are you hungry, little guy?" In response, he pointed to a clear sealed container of ripe red strawberries. Ms. Lily quickly gave him one, much to his joy.
"His name is Ratatoskr."
"You always did know your mythology, that name is perfect." she praised. "Like the little troublemaker who lives on Yggdrasil."
You have no idea.
"Hmmm," Ms. Lily looked out at the group of faces with a face of concern. "I think my house is a little small for so many. There are not many activities we can do other than talk."
"I actually had something to offer about that," Dorian reached into his pocket, revealing two tickets labeled 'Kennywood' on them. "You took me there when you first took me in, so I wanted to return the favor. But…" He looked to the girls nervously. "I only bought…"
"Ahem…squeak," Dorian turned to Ratatoskr who was currently poking his arm. Looking down, he blinked at seeing another six tickets currently in the squirrel's tiny fingers.
You got these so everyone could attend? Rat, you are the best friend and wingman anyone could ask for!
"Kennywood?" Rossweisse glanced at the name with a curious expression. "What type of place is that?"
At Kennywood Park…
"THIS IS WONDERFUL!" The silver Valkyrie called out as she held onto the railing of the inside of the orange circular rafts they were seated in. "You said this was called 'Raging Rapids,' right?"
Dorian opened his mouth to speak, only for it to be filled with water. After entering Kennywood, an amusement park that had been open since the late 1800s, the group of eight had started looking around at all to see. With only Ms. Lily and Dorian being familiar with it, they got to show the others everything they enjoyed most starting with the water ride that Dorian had remembered seeming much larger. With each raft seating six, all but Kuroka and Iggy had gone on the first.
"That is…a lot of water," Kuroka muttered a noticeably safe distance from the splashing waves.
"You'll get used to it," Iggy reassured her with comforting pats to her back. She saw the nekoshou's reluctance to get on the raft and so stayed behind so she wouldn't be alone. "Maybe you'll like that one?"
She pointed to a tall tower with dozens of park visitors strapped in rising higher and higher into the sky. Once at the top, the seats containing the people suddenly, and without warning, dropped like a rock towards the ground below. Moments before they would have slammed into the pavement, the ride slowed them causing many to scream in adrenaline, fear or excitement.
"Now that's more like it-nya," Kuroka's eyes were stars as her love of heights kicked in. "We have time before they finish, come on!" Grabbing Iggy's hand, she raced them towards the ride whose line was nearly empty.
"This is so much fun!" Irina was especially loving the water-themed ride that acted like they were rafting down a particularly powerful river. "It's almost like Rumba Rapids back at Thorphe Park!"
Water splashed inside, a risk all had to make as it was guaranteed you would get wet. Thrud had no issue holding onto her seat, however seemed to be in the most active splash zone as her clothes were heavy with water now. The shirt she wore was nearly see-through, making it hard for Dorian to not want to sneak glances, and her hair was starting to curl from the sheer amount hitting her. The young man worried for a moment he may have seen a spark as one of the goddess' eyes twitched wanting no doubt to evaporate every drop in the park.
"You could barely hold on back then," Ms. Lily laughed, enjoying every second of it. "I was afraid you wouldn't want to join the other children on the rides."
"You too?" Irina leaned over to risk being hit by a buffet of water to face the teacher. "I had to take him to so many places before he started enjoying himself. I've never seen anyone NOT enjoy Thorpe Park on their first visit!"
You kept at it though, Dorian recalled the fond memories of his year in England. School, morning mass, our ghost hunting expeditions, and Thorpe Park. If it weren't for you, who knows what I would be like today.
After braving the rapids down to the end, the group disembarked, Dorian helping Thrud out so she wouldn't destroy the raft. He made sure to get an extra towel for her. Ms. Lily hopped out looking ten years younger, her auburn hair soaked but still flowing. It put the Einherjar's heart at ease, the guilt at not contacting her in so long having stabbed at the back of his mind.
What could I have said? That I was killed and was inducted into a force of legendary warriors in Asgard?
"Perhaps the Racer will dry us off?" Ms. Lily laughed with at how ridiculous each of the women looked. "It's just over the…"
"Look!" Thrud pointed over at a strength-test machine standing before a mountain of stuffed animals and other assorted prizes. "Come on Dorian, I must win you something!"
"Isn't it the other way around normally?" Ms. Lily started to ask; however, Dorian could not hear as he was dragged away by the enthusiastic blonde toward the new challenge ahead. Despite the awkward situation, she could tell he never stopped smiling.
"Thrud," he tried to whisper once they were far enough. "These are normal people around here…try not to win by too much of a wide margin."
Later…
"So…how do you know Dorian again?" Ms. Lily hesitantly asked Kuroka as the dark-haired woman inhaled her second cheeseburger while resting at one of the park's many outdoor restaurants. "You were a little vague before." The women shifted in their seat once again, more than a little nervous as they each thought of a cover story to ensure she did not hear about the supernatural world. It was certain that Dorian would not want to have to use any memory-altering magics on her if they could help it.
"I'm the best nurse at Kuoh Academy," Kuroka boasted proudly. "Though we met on, well, you can say, one of Dorian's little international excursions. He was so dashing; I could just eat him up."
"I…never imagined he'd be so active with women," Ms. Lily's hand was slightly shaking while holding her drink as her imagination did the work for her of what they could be doing after classes. "A teacher, a nurse, three students and an heiress?" Her eye fell to Seekvaira last who had claimed to be from a prominent family in Japan, not wholly untrue. "And you are all okay with this?" The six glanced to one another, the smiles of contentment on their faces answering it before they said anything.
"Dorian is a wonderful man," Rossweisse took the lead. "Please, you don't have to worry, we all care about him truly and are thankful to have met him, and now you. Thank you for taking care of him after the accident as you did."
"It was odd," Ms. Lily fiddled with her glass awkwardly. "I never worked so closely with any of the children but, when I saw him…something told me he needed me. Seeing where he's gotten now, I know my feeling was right. He hasn't been untoward any of you…right!?"
The gentle woman's eyes seemed to gleam with a sternness that they hadn't seen before, putting Dorian's fate should they answer incorrectly into question. The others did not take a chance, slapping a hand over Kuroka's mouth before she could give a cheeky answer.
"Never," Thrud insisted.
"Who wants seconds?" Dorian called out as he returned balancing trays of food he'd just picked up from the counter. "I got the cheesy hot dogs, grilled cheese, ice cream, BBQ ribs and…deep-fried Oreos."
"MINE!" Kuroka seized the last one, absolutely enamored with the insane-sounding concoction. "Americans sure know how to make delicious snacks-nya."
"The food is a lot greasier here than I imagined," Seekvaira eyed the hot dog she'd picked from the smaller menu. "And the ice cream looks very odd."
"It's called Dippin Dots!" Iggy ate away at a container that looked to be filled with small multicolored pellets. "You can eat them almost like cereal." Not even the Agares heiress could resist a taste, ice cream condensed into such a convenient form piquing her interest.
"So where did you want to head next?" Dorian pulled up a map of the park, completely oblivious to their previous conversation. "The Phantom's Revenge can be a lot of fun and the Jack Rabbit has quite the kick."
"The Exterminator!" Kuroka pointed out the ride whose logo was that of a giant monstrous rat. "Lots of fun to have in the dark."
"The Racer again!" Thrud slammed her novelty mug down with a thud. "The one I choose will win every time, guaranteed!"
"Then I will pick the opposite to prove you wrong!" Rossweisse challenged her friend, her competitive side rearing its ugly head. "Picking a winner every time is mathematically impossible."
"This Phantom's Revenge sounds ominous," Seekvaira put in her own thoughts. "I would like to try it at least once. Irina and Iggy seemed happy with anything, willing to take in everything the park had in no particular order.
"You're all so different," Ms. Lily giggled at the sight of the girls pulling in different directions with Dorian caught in the middle. "Never have I seen such an example of opposites attract all in one place."
"Dorian has that effect on others," Rossweisse insisted, holding his arm a bit tighter drawing a smile of contentment from the young man. "Some of us would never even have met if not for him to say nothing of our friends at the Tow…back in Kuoh."
"And I am glad I did, every one of you," Dorian looked across the table, settling his gaze lastly on Ms. Lily whose concern over him being surrounded by six women was abating by a small amount at seeing how well they all interacted.
"We fellow orphans have to stick together," Kuroka nudged him, not noticing Ms. Lily's somber expression at her words until it was too late. "What? Oh, come now, don't bring the mood down with that face."
"I can't help it," she replied back. "Caring for and teaching orphans has been my life's work, I am sorry for your loss." Kuroka looked worried, clearly not having intended to make the situation seem so serious.
"H-hey, my little Shirone, my sister, and I are back together again, that is what matters most. If I let the past haunt me, I'd never get a wink of sleep. I much prefer to think of today and tomorrow, it's just healthier. At least Dorian-nya had someone like you."
"Nya?" Ms. Lily grew confused as the nekoshou let her mannerisms slip out again despite the illusion magic hiding her tail and ears.
"She…used to work at a maid café," Irina said the first thing that came to mind in her defense, Kuroka's expression looking like she wanted to murder the angel. "Force of habit."
From maid café to nurse? What an odd career path shift.
"Let's divide and conquer," Dorian laid out the park map. "We each hit the ones we want most, then rotate to others or even these game sections here and here. I'll win something for each of you." The girls didn't know what to say though Rossweisse eyed the simple silver ring he'd gotten her in Kyoto beside the dazzling Draupnir gifted from Lady Freyja for her birthday.
"That just leaves where you want to go Dorian," Ms. Lily asked, realizing he hadn't said a word. "Where do you want to go first?" The young man looked up to the tower that had captivated Kuroka and Irina not long ago.
"I was too scared as a kid to try the Pit Fall…I think it's time to rectify that."
Kuoh…
"Zat vas a ztunning choize," Volody complimented as they biked back in the black of night. "Zhe vas practically glowing in zat gown."
"Yea, once she relaxed a bit it was easier to picture what fit her best." Issei beamed as he pedaled hard at how much of a shining review she had given him. He was already thinking in his head the praise Rias would likely give him for a job well done. "If a guy really hated a girl because of how she looked in a dress, he'd be real scum."
And you vere the one to zet her heart at eaze, Volody smiled behind Issei in that moment knowing it'd been his simple, yet kind, words that had helped calm her. I vonder if…
His thoughts were interrupted as a fireball landed before them causing the front wheel to hit the new newly formed pothole and send the men flying through the air. Issei was surprised but somersaulted to land on his feet in time while Volody floated down light as a feather. In a flash, the Boosted Gear was summoned, the mage already surrounding both with protective wards glowing bright while searching for the unseen foes.
"Come out you cowards!" Issei glanced left and right at the ready. It wasn't long before another flurry of magical fire and ice attacks emerged from the shadows. Ready for it this time, he deflected them with ease as Volody expanded the shield to prevent assault from other angles. "Who is out there?" In response, a trio of robed individuals appeared. They were each wearing dark clothes they recognized from the Peace summit and holding staves of varying designs. Two were women with the third being an older man staring daggers at them.
"Nilrem, iz it me you're looking vor?" Volody asked while stepping forward. "I can't imagine my deparzure was approved by ze upper staff."
"We can't let one of our most knowledgeable archivists leave so easily," the leader, a woman with bright red hair growled. "Especially after you stole so much."
"Stole?" Issei glanced back between them keeping his guard up.
"I may have…acquired zome of their more interesting textz on my way out. That and burning all the accumulated files made on you and your friendz," he admitted. "Ve were vormer studentz together at the academy but vere kicked out vor…various reasons. I vish you had come vith me, Befana."
"We have more insight than those stuffy fools running the magician's society following a damned devil," Befana retorted without acknowledging his last line. "Even now, we plan how to raise our numbers to a point that we will dictate the course of magic."
"It iz a bit hard to maintain loyalty vor a leader who keepz hiz identity secret." Volody turned to Issei with a glance. "I vas not lying vhen I zaid I was not aware who vas pulling strings in the background."
"He merely restricts who knows to those he can trust," Befana replied confidently. "We will take you back, or end you right here."
"Not a chance," Issei stepped forward protectively between them and Volody. "I may not know him very well, but I made a contract with him. If you want to get to Volody, you'll have to go through me!"
"Izzei…" He nodded with respect as he prepared countercharms. "I know you three, Befana, and you do not have the power to beat the Red Dragon Emperor."
"You of all people, little Lody, should know that you don't need brute force to get past sheer strength."
Issei doubled over gripping his left arm in extreme pain. Volody realized too late that they had walked overtop an intricately crafted magical circle that no doubt had taken hours to fashion. Like blowing up a balloon, Issei's arms, legs and head started inflating and deflating taking on more dragon-like traits before receding back to his human ones. It was clear that he was losing control.
"Wh-what did you do to me?"
"Used your own power against you. We know of your augmentations by Great Red and natural boosting skills that we could never match directly…but so too you can barely contain them. It took a while, but we made that spell just for you to overload that power. I am sure you could unleash it and vaporize us all, but you'd take out this entire block at the same time. Maybe even this entire neighborhood."
"Iz zis vhat you've degraded to!?" Volody was enraged at his former friend stooping so low. "To threaten innozent zivilians?"
"It's the only card we have to play," Befana nodded to the other two who split to surround them. Magical pillars shot from the ground that froze Issei and Volody in place. "See, our wards will hold you and help contain all that dragon energy of yours. You can break out, but can you control it not to hurt anyone by yourself without our aid?"
"I…" Issei was clearly torn, easily having the power to do it but knowing he was only a few blocks from home to say nothing of the neighbors he'd grown up by that'd be caught in the blast. He hoped that the others may see the battle unaware that the mages had set up a barrier to hide their presence.
"Do not vorry!" Volody slammed his staff into the ground and slipped through the pillars thanks to a counter magic defense he'd set up around his body ahead of time. "Zhey can't take you avay vhile I'm ztill standing!"
"You are good Lody, but not as good as all three of us. All talent but no real oomph behind it."
Volody did not delay, releasing a shockwave of air that turned into ethereal doves fluttering towards the trio. They knew his plan, darting around as the doves exploded accomplishing little but singing their robes. He fired javelins of ice countered by more fireballs forcing him to dodge. Slamming his staff into the ground, a crack formed reaching the nearest mage, however before it could do anything, Befana stopped it with a teal sphere absorbing the magic.
"How long can you keep going?" Befana knocked Volody off his feet with a wave of her hand as he was distracted by the other two. "Give up now and we can be back at HQ in no time, fighting for someone you just met…"
"He iz my contracted partner!" He countered bringing his staff up with a wave. Despite not making contact, a powerful force struck Befana knocking her into a fence. "Zhat may mean nothing to you, but I read every line of that damned contract…vhat happens to him, I zhare. I teach him vhat I know and he shows me new things I othervise vould never zee. Did you know zhere is no record of a Red Dragon Emperor contracting with a mage ever? Zo much to know dating back to before zhe Great War."
"From him?" She pointed to the still-struggling Issei. "I memorized his file before you burned it. He's a harem-obsessed pervert, a runt who got lucky with one of the strongest powers in our world. I doubt you'd want to learn anything from him."
I zhought zat too vor a vhile, Volody felt ashamed and stupid from previously losing hope that he could learn from Issei as per their contract. But…
"I zhought you vere avare," he smiled back at her. "Zat zhere is more to learn zhan just brute strength and power. Making a woman smile, in vact having the talent to do zhat for everyone around him…I can't learn how he does zhat so evvortlessly if we lose here. IZZEI! GIFT ME!"
TRANSFER!
An impossible amount of energy struck Volody in the back, Issei burning off the greater chunk of the unstable power coursing through him by giving it to his mage. The power began building up again, but using up so much had allowed him some breathing space, succeeding in shattering one of the pillars holding him without damaging the area around him beyond cracking the pavement.
"Alzhough, having brute strength can be quite nice on occazion." Volody could not help but quip has he fired back with his power boosted several times over. The older spellcaster was caught in the chest by his burst of magic, blowing him into a dumpster so hard he dented it. He did not get back up. "You vorgot that Izzei supported his team bevore becoming so powerful on his own. My lack of pover is pervect here as I am quite adept at controlling what I have."
Removing a hand from his staff, a blade of pure magic materialized within it. With speed they did not expect, he slashed forward to cut the staff of the second woman mage in half. She jumped back scrambling to summon hand-based spells but was clearly less skilled at it. Volody got one more swing off before the weapon disappeared.
"Hmm, I need to get uzed to zhat. I am not usually a melee guy, but zhis cute angel I met recently made me zhink it could come in handy." Using more of the excess power from Issei's transfer, he targeted the pair with an immense release of magic.
Le Vay was alvays better zhan me with magic despite my studies. However, she has just as little experienze with weapons. Maybe I can uze zhis to close zhe gap between us. Zhank you angel-girl, zhank you Irina for zuch inspiration.
"Damnit," Befana swore as she and the last Nilrem mage combined their own attacks to block the follow-up from Volody. Together, with some tonics brewed to improve the potency of their spells, the remaining mages managed to hold the attack. Slowly, but surely, the chaotic, unstable power gifted by Issei started to dwindle, driving the Baba Yaga to a knee. "That was close, but…"
"But I have one move that can use tons of power without leveling the area!" Issei called out, holding up his gauntlet preparing to snap threateningly. "I can control that now after giving him so much!"
"Your Dress Break? Nice bluff, but you have to touch us to initiate that. Right now…"
"Right now, I got one Hell of a mage who knows a trick or two!" Issei complimented, causing Volody to grin confidently. "And I already showed him how I do it."
"You really zhould vatch vhere you stand." Befana noticed too late that they'd been herded by the attacks atop a pair of magic seals Volody had created on the fly. To their shock, it became apparent that they were no normal seals, but enlarged variants of the symbol made by Issei marking those tagged by his perverted signature move. "I promize not to peek."
"FULL POWER DRESS BREAK!"
Issei's voice boomed with energy as he snapped his finger, that simple act causing a shockwave that not only shredded the clothes of the remaining women and the unconscious man but sending them back as if caught in a gale. Between trying to cover themselves and hold onto their staves, they could do nothing as the blast utterly took them off their feet. Volody looked absolutely shocked.
Zhat vorked? I zhought for zure it vould be a distraction at best! Zhey had full defenses against magical and vhysical attacks in multiple layers…yet ze Dress Break tore through zhem like zhey were paper! Could it be zhat Dress Break doesn't fall into a category of magic that is recognized by our zeals?
Befana was not out yet, staggering to her feet using her staff for support despite her complete nakedness. Flowing green hair cascaded down, barely covering her breasts whose size even Volody was quite surprised at considering she'd worn baggier robes at all times. The mage had to slap himself to keep his eyes above her shoulders but failed on several occasions, the appeal was quite strong. It was clear she had nothing left but refused to go down. The Baba Yagan simply walked up to her all the while Issei was freeing himself and taking the time to enjoy the fruits of his attack.
"You…you…" she stammered out only to be stopped as a feathered cloak was draped over her shoulders returning to her a small bit of restored modesty.
"Not how I vould have done it, but it vas evvective. Take a nap, vhen you vake up, you'll be in a nice comfortable cell. I vill make sure you are treated as vell as possible, it's the least I can do since I vouldn't be vhere I am vithout you."
Before she could retort, a purple haze was released from his hands, knocking her out as she inhaled without any of her defensive spells left. Now free from the pillars, Issei approached making sure there was no threat remaining. After a few moments of silence, it was clear the three were the only enemies there.
"Ve can get zhe Crossroads to take them into custody." Volody gathered the three together wrapped up in their robes bound by a seal. "Are you zure you don't have any supernatural anzestors?"
"Well, mom always said my grandfather was supernaturally perverted before he died, does that count?" That remark got a chuckle out of Volody who looked exhausted from the overuse of magic. "You can't really judge a book by its cover I suppose."
"No…no you can't," Volody thought for a moment on that recalling the last argument he'd had with his oldest sister. She asked if looks were so important to him, though that couldn't have been further from the truth. He didn't care what his sisters looked like, but the way the world perceived them. As he worked with the Red Dragon Emperor to secure the prisoners for transport, he kicked himself at how ironic it was that their appearance had been what drove a wedge between him and his family, even if it was how other saw them due to the curse.
Maybe…maybe I zhould visit home. It vould be nice to zee zthem again.
"Oh, I would ask something V," Issei latched onto a nickname there on the spot. "Can you…maybe not tell the others how exactly we defeated them? Not just Rias and the girls, but if Goldie finds out I'll NEVER hear the end of it!"
Back in Kennywood…
"I told you not to eat so much before we went on," Dorian let Irina lean on him despite the look on her face threatening to throw up at any moment. "Was it fun?"
"Completely…hurk…worth it," she admitted while holding back losing her sizeable lunch all over him. "I hope that this wasn't considered…gluttonous."
"Watch your step," he helped her avoid a pothole. "We have some medicine in the car, if we do this enough, I am sure you'll find your amusement park stomach."
"I would…urk…like that," Irina looked up as her face turned green forcing Dorian to rush her forward to the nearest trash can faster just in case. "It's been so hard to find time for this sort of thing after becoming a...urk, Excalibur user."
"Just like when he was little," Iggy smiled while remembering when Dorian had come to Kennywood with Ms. Lily shortly after she'd started watching over him. He was so clumsy that on more than one occasion she had to use her minor control over his motor functions to keep him from tripping over his own feet.
"I thought you said you were a newer student he met recently?" Ms. Lily leaned in having overheard her. "You talk like you knew him when he was little."
"I…um…just a figure of speech," she chuckled nervously. "It just feels like so long ago."
"Has Dorian been so…vibrant for long?" Ms. Lily suddenly asked once Dorian had gone a little further ahead with Irina.
"For a few years now," Iggy admitted after a moment. "Irina started it, she worked so hard to get him to open up back when he was more reserved around others."
"So that is why he started writing so much more often after England," the older teacher smiled contentedly. "I had hoped so with how much he'd talk about her, the visits with her parents, even the following years before he wrote of Japan. When he stopped, I thought it was only natural, so many of those I raise move on or just don't have time to write anymore."
"It wasn't that!" Iggy waved her arms desperately to dissuade any thoughts towards that being why Dorian had stopped writing after his resurrection as an Einherjar. "I can't say exactly why, but please believe me that he always had you in mind."
"That is reassuring to hear," she wiped away the hint of a tear forming. "This has been a wonderful day; I did not expect to meet so many…colorful individuals."
"Zzzzzz, just five more minutes-nya," Kuroka purred half-asleep as Thrud carried her over the shoulder like a sack of potatoes. Seekvaira could only shake her head at how the nekoshou had just passed out after so many rides back-to-back until the sun set. "Ooooh Dorian, all of us at once? Don't mind if I do…OW!" She was quickly up as the Agares heiress slapped her for the embarrassing things she was muttering in her sleep.
Iggy had no words, just awkwardly glancing between them and Ms. Lily hoping she didn't notice the amount of sweat accumulating on her brow. It wasn't long before they were at the entrance with cars waiting to take them home.
"It was great seeing you again," Dorian hugged Ms. Lily again, only then noticing something he couldn't believe had eluded him. "You're…not as tall as I remember," he chuckled.
"I haven't changed, you on the other hand had a growth spurt," she recalled on the day he left on the plane he barely came up to her shoulders, now the reverse was the case. "It is good to see you have so many…friends," she paused at the end, still uncertain as to the exact relationship between Dorian and so many women.
"It's complicated, but I promise I'll explain everything as soon as I can. Kuoh is a wonderful place, if you ever want to visit, I can pay for the plane ticket."
"So casually on a student's income?" She raised an eyebrow at the suspicious offer.
"I, um…took on some work that pays well." He could tell she wasn't buying it, but didn't want to spoil the end of the day with accusations.
"That would explain these cars for us all, you even learned to drive." She cupped his cheek tenderly. "Come and visit anytime you can, I wish it could be more often. I was so worried about your growing up without me there; I tried so hard after your parents died so that you'd have someone like that."
Like a mother figure, I really do have the blessing of gods to have so many to call family.
"In that case," Dorian's smile made her feel even more at ease. "Then there is someone I know you'll want to meet. She and her husband from Norway have been wonderful to me; her name is Freyja. Maybe we can see them some day and show you around Kuoh, they have a fantastic English-class that is always looking for experts."
Reunited with the woman who raised him following his parents' death, Dorian's heart is lighter than ever even with the dark clouds looming on the horizon. With this lull in the activities of the Khaos Brigade, and Issei adapting to having Volody as his contract mage, the members of the Crossroads and their allies earn some peace of mind reminding them what they fight for. Admittedly, this was a very fun chapter to write from personal experience when it came to Kennywood Park. Of all the amusement parks I've been to in my life, that one has to be my favorite. Until next time, I hope everyone stays safe, Reads and Reviews...but most of all enjoys! :D