I don't own anything. All characters and all rights belong to Ichiei Ishibumi*
M for mature topics. No children allowed. *
The Broken Boosted Gear
By Try Another Time
Shangri La. 24 hours after the completion of the mission.
Deep within the Shangri La's main government building, a very important meeting was taking place as the heads and prominent members reunited to discuss the events that had transpired during the previous day.
Some members were bandaged, while others remained unscratched after the many fights they had faced during the mission.
Like before, Ddraig remained absent in body yet not in presence as he could listen and communicate with those present.
"Alright, I think that nobody is missing. Let us start with this meeting then." Raphael said as he took the lead. "The mission was a success in all shapes and forms. Few injured members and no deaths while also preventing damages to the places under siege by the curse."
Shiva nods as he looks around the room. "We fought well together, and I feel at ease knowing that even the younger of our members came back alive from such a difficult mission."
Many nod after hearing his words. Each one felt proud about the results that their combined forces obtained.
Suzaku, as the representative of the Himejima clan, rises from her seat before she bows. "I thank all of you for your help in such a task. I doubt our forces alone would be enough to take care of the curse in that state. This wouldn't have occurred if my ancestors had eliminated the curse when it was much weaker."
Tiamat waves her hand. "It was something that we had to do. The past is the past, and the present and future truly matter."
"Tiamat is right, so raise your head and stop apologizing. Everyone did their part in making this mission successful, but I want to take the time to bring attention to certain issues," Azazel adds.
"Such as what?" Hephaestus asks.
"Armor and protection. We need to upgrade the equipment again to decrease the chances of our forces falling victim to injuries. At least 25% of our troops were injured, and that is a problem. I feel that my current designs lack durability, and I would like to start a new project based on Ddraig's scaled armor." Azazel says.
"My armor?" Ddraig joins in.
"Yes, yours. Of all the armor sets within the Alliance, yours, Tosca's, and Athena's are the most unique, with Vali's falling shortly behind. We can't copy Athena's armor for obvious reasons, but we can try to make something similar with your help. I believe Hephaestus's abilities will help to succeed in such efforts." Azazel continues.
"So you want to research my scales and base the new armors on their structure?" Ddraig asks.
"Exactly. If every member of the Alliance can obtain a similar level of durability compared to you, we're likely to see fewer injuries in missions." Shemhazai joins in as he pulls an array of initial concepts for the others to see.
"Dragon armor? Never expected to see such armor without involving hunting dragons." Bastet says as she picks up some of the designs.
"So you have seen dragon armor before?" Tiamat asks as she hears this.
"Yes. Back in the day, it was very rare. Back when Dragon Hunters came to trade in our homeland. Only the strongest members of such groups would wear such armor. It was surprising as even lesser dragons are far too dangerous to hunt down." Bastet continues. "It has been quite a long time since we saw them around our realm. Maybe seven centuries? I doubt they are alive."
"... Do you think the Dragon Hunters are still around?" Sirzechs asks the dragons present.
"Haven't seen any of them in centuries. The last ones were close to 11 centuries ago when they tried to attack my home. None of them survive to tell the tale." Tannin explained as he continued to look at the designs. "What about you, Tiamat?"
Tiamat shakes her head. "I wasn't easy to track and avoided such groups as the plague. I don't want any of them even close to Shangri La either. I also expect that none of you even trade with them if they are alive."
The other members present shake their heads as they understand the severity of getting involved with such groups.
"... I… they shouldn't be alive. I… know they couldn't survive that." Ddraig says.
"You met such groups? In the past century or so?" Tiamat turns to the chair that corresponds to her mate.
"Two hosts before Issei. My host at the time and I fought a large group of them. They claimed to have been the descendants of previous Dragon Hunters who came after me centuries ago. They claimed that they came to finish the job. We buried them inside a mountain as we sought to escape their traps, but one said something that I ignored at the time: Our hunt will never end. We will cut you down, Welsh Dragon. I… don't think they survived, as the mountain practically collapsed that day. They might have been members of different races with endurances that surpass that of humans, but none could have survived such an event." Ddraig explained with some noticeable fear.
Fear that wasn't focused on himself but on what said Dragon Hunters could do if they ever got the chance to get to a certain dragon.
"Call down, Ddraig. We'll keep an eye open for such groups. There won't be any hunters coming into the Alliance to do as they please. I know you might feel a bit scared about such a possibility, but I promise Tosca won't fall victim to such hunters." Serafall said as she tried to brighten the mood.
"As if we'll allow a few hunters to enter our territories without us knowing. They might be too foolish to try to get past me." Sekhmet joins in.
Everyone seemed in agreement, and before long, the subject got set aside for the moment.
"Anyways, everyone seems to agree with updating our armor supply. Let's move to a far more interesting issue. The effects of our curse subjugation. It seems we have caused far more panic in the human world." Thor says as he taps the table with his finger.
"Well, current human societies have mainly ignored the supernatural as just fictitious or fake things. Ghosts, apparitions, Youkai, devils, angels, anything that seemed out of the "Natural Order" seemed as unreal. Although humans did "believe" in gods and religion, it didn't mean that they truly saw it as real. Now, they have witnessed more examples of the supernatural than ever before. Some adapt better than others, but most will take time to come to terms with not being alone in the "universe." What is the issue?" Yazaka asks.
"They are lost. More than ever before. Their prayers have increased, and I can still hear them now. As a deity, I want to try to guide them in these times of need." Thor replies.
"You're not the only one. All of us have heard such prayers, but we can't just answer them so easily. Hestia joins in.
"The prayers of humans without a clear path forward… As a devil, I can't understand how it must feel to have so many voices in your head at once, but I also see why you can't just take over and choose everything for them. There has to be a balance between guidance and free will." Ajuka says as he taps his fingers on the table.
"A more direct approach can be useful for us.
Many nod as they believe the same thing. For a race so young, humans had as many possibilities of reaching a peaceful unification as every other race, if not more, due to their advantages.
"I'm glad to see that humanity hasn't been put to the side by fellow gods. If only your ancestors had reached such realizations much earlier, many of our issues wouldn't exist today." Mini-Gaia adds as she stands in the middle of the table. "Now, I believe we shall discuss the performance of a certain group of children."
All eyes turned to Athena, Michael, Liv, and Yukime as soon as those words were said.
"Hey, isn't it too soon?" Liv asks.
"No. I want to hear how they performed, and I imagine everyone is curious about some of the surprises during the mission." Tiamat replies while everyone else nods alongside.
"Where should we even start?" Yukime says as she crosses her fingers.
"Maybe the top performer," Athena adds.
"Her?" Liv asks.
Michael nods. "We can say for sure that Asia was the best performer of the mission."
"Although she was the only human on the team, she performed almost perfectly, showing her knowledge and active leadership while on the field. If she were Asgardian, she would have been an amazing Valkyrie." Liv says.
Gabriel's face shines with joy as Liv actively praises her student.
"The child did have a few hiccups, but her performance was unmatched. I believe she shall continue her training as it is but remain careful about her tendency to push her body too far. This could turn into a "Heroic Sacrifice" if Asia finds herself in which the lives of others are at risk." Athena adds.
"She's in bed because of said tendency. Keep an eye on her and remind her that her life is as important as others. She needs to remain grounded and not just see the bigger picture." Yukime continues. "I'd also like it if her suit had a few more restraints in place until she can endure the strain of the suit. Limit her ability to put herself at risk."
"Noted," Azazel said as he wrote in a small notebook.
"Next would be Kuroka. What not to say about the girl? Her abilities are amazing and impressive for someone so young." Michael starts.
"Magari wants her to become her full-time student alongside her sister," Suko adds.
"The guidance from a nekomata could prove helpful, but Kuroka only requires more field experience. Kuroka can't be considered a child anymore; she's beyond such things. If anything, I like to take her under my wing and have her work directly under me. Her powers continue to grow, and before long, she'll be a top-rank devil, which many peerages already see." Yukime says.
"Deny. I can let her work with you, but I won't give her away even if she fits your team. Kuroka will be mad if I allow such a thing. She's far too attached to me." Ddraig interjects.
"Or maybe it is thee who's too attached to Kuroka? Either way, the kitty girl will continue to grow into an amazing agent with the right environment and support. I recommend that Kuroka tries to learn more ranged spells and improve her hand-to-hand combat." Athena then turns to Liv. "Comments?"
"None; everyone else said what I wanted to say. Let's move on to the next one, not the next two, as I feel they shall be paired up. Akeno and Rias." Liv turns to Sirzechs and then to Baraqiel. "What have you been teaching those two? They were far too effective once they got serious. I mean, Rias' unexpected transformation and Akeno's holy lighting surprised me. They could easily run rampant on the battlefield and eliminate hundreds alone."
Both men look at each other before scratching their heads.
"My daughter is still not ready for such missions. I'm happy to hear that she provided good results, but her emotions could get in the way." Baraqiel claims.
Sirzechs followed, but his reply was one filled with confusion. "I know nothing about my sister's transformation. I do not know that mysterious power, and I'm still trying to wrap my mind around it." His eyes turn to Ajuka as he pleads to him for some information.
"I'm still researching Rias and Isaiah regarding their mysterious transformations and how they could be connected to Ddraig. I will form a report once I'm done with the studies that are taking place. I expect Ddraig's collaboration in this regard." Ajuka says as he turns his sight towards Tiamat.
"He will help, so let us return to the theme at hand," Tiamat adds.
Athena nods. "Regardless of mysterious powers, both girls perform well for new recruits. I recommend that both are paired up for future training exercises and missions as they match each other well. I'll object to having either acting without a proper leader as they currently don't possess the same drive as Asia. Both could overwhelm opponents with strong attacks over long distances, but they needed more training to counter enemies in close distances. Summons shouldn't be their only defenses."
Liv raises her hand. "I'll be glad to have them train under me and Rossweisse if possible. I'm good at hand-to-hand combat, and Rossweisse could also help with their powers after she talks to her current masters."
Baraquiel and Sirzechs seem deep in thought before they nod. "We agree to it."
"Very well. Next would be Isaiah. Mr. Okita, your son was impressive, to say the least." Yukime starts.
Okita nods as he listens.
"His reflexes and senses were impressive for someone his age. He seems to be taking his training seriously, and his sword skills are nothing short of praise." Yukime continues.
Okita seems proud as he hears this.
"But one major issue remains and is not the mysterious power he gained. His sacred gear is nothing short of versatile, but he lacks mastery of the ins and outs of how to use it. A brittle sword can't save anyone; if he can't use his major gift, he can't be truly effective. Some training under Hephaestus might be helpful for the boy. Besides that, you might have a new challenge as we figure out what this new power Rias and he showed during the mission. I have nothing else to say." Yukime then bows.
Okita turns to face Hephaestus.
"I'll take him in. Any sword master or warrior should learn what goes into making a sword or any weapon. He needs to understand the ins and outs of a sword. We can divide his time between your training and mine." Hephaestus says.
"I appreciated it." Okita bows to the god.
Athena nods. "Finally, the final children and I shall say this now. The kiddos were strong, but they required a new regime. Ddraig, Tiamat, Azazel, and Shemhazai, I ask, as their parents, to please surrender their training to me. They did well, but they required new regimes to grow as members of the Alliance." She says as she faces them.
"What?" All four parents ask.
"Exactly that. I asked to train those two personally." Athena continues.
"Why?" The parents continued.
"Because those kiddos are diamonds in the rough. Vali held herself back, and Tosca had just awakened a new power. Everyone can see that they will inherit the Welsh and Vanishing Dragon's mantle. Before any deadly rivalry can arise, training them together will bring the best of them. As a goddess, this might be a lot for me to ask from each of thou, but success is assured if the kiddos' training is put in mine hands." Athena remains calm as she continues to plead for such a right.
"But Tosca is a dragon," Tiamat argues.
"A dragon with a tail sword whom is also named the Aegis Dragon. It was destiny which brought us together." Athena replies.
"But Vali has no holy energy nor divine power." Shemzai joins in.
"The child has a lot of untapped potential, and if she's going to grow, she needs a perfect training partner. Tosca and Vali are at similar levels; Vali can't match Ddraig, and Tosca needs a harder training regime. Under my regime, both will grow. Take time to think about it and talk to them." Athena then turns to her fellow team members. "Anything else?"
"No," Liv says.
"No." Yukime follows.
"No," Michael adds.
The parents of each girl seemed unsure about the idea. It was time to have a serious talk with their children.
An hour later. Intensive Care Wing.
Isaiah continued to look at his new metallic arm while he sat on his bed. The boy couldn't believe that his power had become this. He wasn't horrified, but he was still getting used to the weird sensation of having an entire limb made of pure metal.
He felt every sensation his previous arm felt through the metallic arm; it was warm instead of cold but still strange.
His wings were also different, but at least the horn had disappeared alongside the transformation.
"Do you regret it?" A voice asked him.
As the boy turned to his left, he came face to face with his father/master, Okita.
"... no. I would never regret putting my life on the line for her. She's too important to me." Isaiah replied before he summoned a katana from the arm. "They have become stronger."
The boy throws the sword, and Okita catches it. Okita admires the sword for a few seconds before he swings it around for a while. "... The weight is a bit off, but I can see the improvement."
The old sword master returns the sword to Isaiah before the boy reabsorbs it back into his arm. "I'll get it right next time."
"I know you will."
The pair look at each other in silence for a couple of moments.
"I… I'm sorry for losing the katana you gave me."
Okita shakes his head. "A sword won't be more valuable than a life. I gave it to you to protect yourself and your allies. You used to do exactly that, and above everything else, you came back." Okita smiles. "You made me proud."
Isaiah smiles back before he looks at the metallic arm once more. "I… don't really know how this happened. I can only remember a voice in my head pushing me to fight."
"Is alright. Ajuka is going to take care of figuring that out. Besides that, we need to discuss something. I want you to train under Hephaestus to improve your sword birth. You'll help him make weapons half the time, while the other half will involve training with me."
"... You spoke with Sir Welsh, didn't you? He said the same thing."
Okita shakes his head one more time. "It was actually Yukime who recommended it. We discuss your performance. The comments were mostly positive, but the opinions varied depending on each of you. Athena wants to take your friend Tosca and Azazel's daughter Vali as her students. You'll likely won't get to meet her very often after she starts training under her."
"Lady Athena wants them…." Isaiah grows quiet for a moment.
"Do you dislike it?"
Isaiah shakes his head. "I'm happy because if that happens, Tosca will grow even stronger, so I have to do my best as well."
Okita smirks. "That's what I enjoy from having you as a student. You won't back down from a challenge. A true master of the blade won't be put down so easily. Rest for now, my boy, for we shall restart your training as soon as Ajuka gives us the okay."
"Yes," Isaiah replies with visible excitement.
Meanwhile, in a different room, not so far.
"I'm glad to have you visiting me," Rias said as she saw who had just entered her room.
"I had to check on my favorite heiress from the Gremory Clan. How do you like your stay in intensive care?" Ddraig asks as he approaches the bed before sitting in a chair nearby. A walking cane rested next to him.
"I dislike it, but I do understand why I'm here," Rias said as she touched the left side of her face. A piece of the mask remained attached to the area around her eye. "I'm still trying to figure out what happened back then. This thing and my new wings are just some of the things that new transformation left me."
"... I'm-"
Rias lifts her hand. "Don't apologize. I'm not mad about it. Heck, I feel glad to know that, somehow, this was due to our connection. If this is some kind of blessing I gained thanks to you, I'll gladly accept it. I'll keep growing much stronger until you can entrust your safety to me. Until you see "Me" as someone worthy."
Ddraig didn't know how to reply to such a comment. Rias wasn't the kind to take the long path, and she openly declared her intention. She wanted to be viewed as an equal by him, not as a damsel in distress.
It was hard not to praise her for her determination, but Ddraig knew better than to take her seriously at this stage.
"She might grow out of it. Her feelings could change in a few years." Ddraig told himself before he touched the mask piece. "Does it hurt? Is it getting in the way?"
Rias shakes her head. "Is not a problem. My parents and brother seemed fine with it but also said I needed to be careful until I could control this new power." Rias extends her hands before she summons a familiar. "I feel that my familiars are far stronger. Thank you for blessing me with such power."
Ddraig says nothing as he admires the summon. The chained ball familiar playfully bites his hand before releasing it. "I… don't know how this happened. Are you sure I'm the one behind this? Can you remember anything?"
Rias hugs the chained ball while she thinks about how she came into awakening such power. "A voice similar to mine. I just remember it whispered in my ear as it asked me questions. It felt like I was conversing with myself, and then… I felt filled with this new power. I know that it was yours; it felt warm and so welcoming."
"Rias-"
"I know, but you must admit that something happened, and nobody else could have done something similar."
"I don't have such powers."
"Maybe you developed them unconsciously?"
"Transfering my power to devils without touching them? I doubt it. It felt as if something drained my power against my will. The fact that you and Isaiah got a boost around the same time confuses me. I don't have any… unless that thing." Ddraig stops as he reaches deep into his dimensional storage.
"What are you looking for?" Rias asks.
"The devil piece. The one you gave me."
"You still have it? Oh, how-"
"Is not here."
"Eh?"
"Rias, the piece is not here. How can this be?"
"Did you eat it? Maybe you put it somewhere else?"
The dragon shakes his head. "There's no other place more secure than my storage. Nothing can invade unless a weird ability allows someone to steal from the dimensional storage from others."
"Are you sure you didn't eat it by mistake? Maybe you wanted to feel closer to me by eating it." Rias jokes.
"Rias, we both know I wouldn't….. Eat it… unless…." The dragon stops himself as he remembers the piece Ajuka gave him and what led to the formation of Bloody Ascalon. The Welsh Dragon slowly looks at his arm before summoning Ascalon. "Spit it back."
The eyes on the sword glare at the dragon.
"What are you doing?"
"I'm not sure if it is possible, but maybe this all involves this sneaky sword."
"Ascalon?"
"Bloody Ascalon. I tried to eat it once, and instead, it fought back. The whole creation of this damn sword is a mess as it fused itself with the demonic power I had absorbed before. Hephaestus told me to be careful with this thing. It might be too ridiculous to think that my damn weapon has been behind this whole affair, but we deal with supernatural forces. A sentient sword is not out of the realm of possibility." Ddraig says as he glares back at the sword.
Rias giggles as she finds the idea too funny. The girl makes her summon disappear with ease before she turns her attention towards the sword. "A sentient sword that eats evil pieces? I have to see this." Rias snaps her finger, and a box appears before her.
"What are you doing?" Ddraig asks.
"Testing your theory out. If your sword does eat evil pieces, then it would enjoy a new-" Yet Rias didn't get to finish her sentence. As the girl opened her evil piece set, her eyes found mysterious crimson pieces resembling small crown devil figures. The small hands of the devil figures had their hands tied by chains. "This is not my set."
Ddraig sneaks a peek and sees the mysterious pieces. His gaze returns to Bloody Ascalon. "Spit the piece back and revert those back."
The sword continues to glare at its owner.
Rias picks up one of the pieces and feels a connection with said piece. They felt similar to her previous pieces, but at the same time, they felt more powerful and unnatural than her previous set. "... This is beyond what I knew about evil pieces. I read about mutations, but this is a whole different monster. Maybe it is best if we call Lord Ajuka."
"... He's going to eat me alive for this," Ddraig says as he stabs the sword into the floor. "Don't move an inch."
The sword closes its eyes with visible annoyance.
A couple of minutes later.
"Very curious," Ajuka said as he examined the mysterious set.
"What should we call this mutation?" Azazel asks as he admires a different piece.
"Mutated Devil Set?" Raphael suggests.
"Stop playing with the damn pieces and take this seriously. This could spell trouble for Rias and Isaiah." Ddraig argues as he tries to remain calm.
"Relax, Ddraig. They will figure this out." Sirzechs looked at the set again, then turned to the sword buried on the floor. "Somehow."
"Young Rias, would you allow me to take this set for research?" Ajuka asks as he places the piece back into the box.
"... Would that save me from getting in trouble for giving him an evil piece without telling anyone?" Rias asks as she points her finger at Ddraig.
"I don't think it was a problem to begin with. I doubt that a single pawn piece was going to affect Ddraig. I doubt an entire set was powerful enough to reincarnate him." Ajuka says.
"Then yes, but don't keep them forever. They're still my pieces." Rias replies.
"Well, return them after some tests, but do refrain from using them until we give you the okay." Ajuka then turns to Ddraig. "Can we-"
"It's best if the sword stays with me. I better hear Hephaestus' advice and watch the accursed weapon before it does something worse next time." Ddraig reaches out and pulls a small piece of flesh from the sword handle.
The sword shrieks in pain before it shoots a tentacle towards its owner. The tentacle pierces Ddraig's skin, but no blood comes out.
"Doesn't that hurt?" Azazel asks.
"It sucks my blood, it lives inside my arm, this thing won't hurt me if it knows what's good for it. Take this piece and do your best to figure this out. I don't want any more victims due to this sneaky bastard." Ddraig offers the piece of flesh to Ajuka.
"Stop." Raphael interferes as he summons a small jar. The seraph sucks the pieces inside the jar without even touching it. "We don't know what it could do. Let's be careful."
"Right." Ajuka bows to the group before he exits the room alongside Azazel and Raphael.
"... He's happy." Sirzechs comments. "It has been a few times when I saw that expression on his face. He might see this as a new stage for devil society."
"Sirzechs, remember the King Pieces? What if this is another one of those?" Ddraig asks.
Sirzechs places his hand on the dragon's shoulder. "Let's hope it is not that. If this can help us without any secondary effects, it might prove helpful for the future."
Ddraig shakes his head. "You're too calm. Your sister is involved."
"And that is why I need to remain calm." Sirzechs turns to Rias. "Do you feel weird? Do you crave the blood of your enemies? Are you feeling out of control?"
Rias shakes her head. "No, just a bit hungry."
"See? I understand your concern, but I do hope this is not another King Piece situation. If this is connected to Rias's set, Shirone will likely have similar results. We need to remain calm and hope for the best." Sirzechs continues.
Ddraig scratches his head before he looks at Ascalon once more. He felt guilty for even allowing something like this to take place. "... I'll try." His sight then turns to Rias. "Promise me and Issei that you won't go out of control. I… We don't want you to get hurt because of our mistakes."
Rias smiles. "Issei… no, Ddraig, I promise I won't become a stray devil. I'll use this power for the sake of the Alliance and the future. I won't betray your trust."
"... Very Well." The dragon reabsorbs his sword before grabbing his walking cane. "I need to meet up with many today, including Tosca and Tiamat before my body betrays me. I'll see you another time."
"We understand. We'll see you on another occasion." Sirzechs says.
Rias bows her head. "Let's play some chess when you have time."
"You know where to find me," Ddraig replies as he leaves the room.
Both siblings remain silent for a moment before looking at each other.
"... You're too happy about this." Sirzechs begins.
"How can't I not be? Nii-sama, you already know what I want. This unexpected series of events just connects us even more." Rias interlocks her fingers. "Maybe not today or tomorrow, but I will stand by his side in the future. Nobody else can take the place that corresponds to him at my side."
Her eyes showed a devilish desire worthy of praise by any devil.
Sirzechs pats her head. "A devil chases after what a devil wants regardless of reason or social parameters. A true devil can achieve anything if one has the will and the power to make it happen. I was once unable to stand for what I believed in and wanted; as your brother, I'll only support your quest when you gain the power to protect it. I will cut this crush short if you ever waver or doubt your path. It'll prevent you from even sharing a conversation with him."
Rias glares at her brother. "Oh, I'm far too determined. I won't stop. I promise."
Sirzechs glares back. "We shall see."
Their powers clashed against each other, but neither side showed anger or wrath. It was more of a way to test each other and see if Rias had what it took to put her hands on the fire for what she believed in.
Meanwhile, Ddraig.
His body felt heavy, yet he still managed to continue walking with the help of his cane. "Come on. Don't fail me now. I need to check on as many people as I can."
A few members of the mission had been brought for treatment, which made it easy for him to meet them, but that didn't mean that it didn't include a few struggles, as he was still a shell of his former self.
"Move. I might be old, but this is not a human body. I can't stop."
His will was as strong as it came, but that didn't change the reality he was living now. He felt a bit helpless, although he didn't show or say it.
Seeing others putting their lives on the line while he had to stand on the sideline was horrible for someone who had always taken the lead in any conflict.
It was as bad as it came, yet he pushed on with his unbroken will.
"A warrior can only rest when his body has no more blood left, yet not even lack of blood can stop some warriors."
The dragon feels a strong presence behind, and his eyes meet Shiva's as he turns around. "Need a hand?" The god asks.
"... I have to try on my own," Ddraig replies.
"Suit yourself. I gotta say that witnessing these moments in the present feels far more surreal than in my visions."
"It must feel good to know everything that can happen ahead of time."
Shiva shakes his head. "Not so much. Not every vision becomes true. Unless we put the effort into making them into a reality."
"... Right." Ddraig stops and leans against the wall that is closest to him. "Are you here to tell me something I need to know?"
"... I'm only here to give you a suggestion. I saw what could happen in the next few weeks, and I know I can't stop it. Enjoy as much time with everyone as possible and try to leave everything in order by then. Soon…. You might meet death once more, and this time…, it is best if you expect the worst. What comes next is a trial for you and you alone. It is something that will affect everyone, even Ophis. Enjoy the time you have left until then because you know what's coming." Shiva says as he pats the shoulder of the dragon before walking away.
"... Is it-"
"No spoilers, Ddraig. You, me, and everyone else must face their sins eventually. Make as many memories as you can until then." The god says as he disappears in the distance.
Ddraig remains silent as he leans against the wall. His hands trembled not just because of what Shiva had said but also because he felt the cold embrace of death around his neck. A human would have lost it at that point, but Ddraig had no freedom to do so. "Very well. I'll make the best of it."
The dragon smirked as he forced his body to stand proud once more. Knowing his fate wasn't going to change anything. He reaches out to his ear before he calls someone.
"Hephaestus, old friend…. I might need to put a few orders in."
12 days after. *Sins of the Father- Donna Burke*
"Old man!"
"Ddraig!"
He could hear the voices of his family in the distance as he climbed his way to the top of the mountain. His body was pierced by anti-dragon weapons against which his armor was useless, yet he couldn't stop.
"Mo…nster….. You dare…. To escape us?" A voice called out.
Ddraig looks at the dozens of dragon hunters who are unconscious and broken around him. "... I… won't take no lives today," Ddraig replies as he pulls Ascalon from the ground and continues forward. "He…. awaits me….that Shinto fool."
The dragon hunter coughs blood as he tries to get up. "Your…. Race is a mistake in creation. You offer nothing. You only know destruction. You killed our ancestors, and now you dare to run away?"
The dragon stops for a moment. "... I'm no saint, but it is up to my fellow dragons to decide their place amongst creation, not yours or anybody else. I know what I did, and I'm sorry, but I can't give you what you want. We made our choices, your ancestors and me. It is up to all of you to let go and seek a new path or drown yourself in the endless cycle of your so-called "Blessed Hunt." I… can't stop here." Ddraig says before he continues to drag his broken body towards the top.
"Stop! Face me. Give my damn fight, you bastard!" The dragon hunter screamed, but Ddraig never turned back.
His fate lay somewhere else.
The storm was approaching under a dark sky with a moon without life.
When your time comes, who will cry for you? Who will remember you? What are you going to leave behind?
The countdown has begun….
