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
The light rain continued to fall in Shangri La as our story continued in a small wooden boat traversing one of the many large bodies of water around the city.
"Why did it have to rain today?" Shirone asked as she held a small picnic basket. She was wearing a light blue kimono.
"I guess that Tiamat's suggestion about bringing an umbrella was on the spot. Did she predict the weather with her new powers?" Kuroka asked as she held an umbrella to cover them from the rain with her left hand. Her attire was a darker-shaded red kimono.
Ddraig shrugs as he takes a look at the sky above. "Tiamat is still gaining a grasp over this connection to the city. I'm not sure about being able to detect the incoming weather, but it is helpful to know that she might know if it will be sunny or cloudy before anyone else."
Shirone looks a bit annoyed as she thinks about how excited she was to know that she and Kuroka would have a picnic with Ddraig. "I was waiting for this for so long. We barely had time to share with just us three. Why did the weather have to get in our way?"
Ddraig stretches his tail and slightly pats Shirone's head. The usual trident had decreased in size so as not to obstruct his intent. "Is alright. The rain will likely stop shortly, and as long as the food doesn't get wet, we'll be alright. Even if it doesn't stop, we'll figure something out."
The girl couldn't stay mad for long after hearing such words. Shirone smiled and purred like a cat as she enjoyed the warmth of his touch. Her tail swung from side to side as she couldn't hold her joy in.
Kuroka couldn't help but smile as she saw her sister like this. The affection she felt for the dragon kept increasing as he was more than just a savior to her. "I know I said before, but thanks for everything you have done for us since that day."
"You have, and I told you before that is alright. Issei wanted to help, and I couldn't object." Ddraig says as he remembers the day he met these two.
"But you still went the extra mile. You took me in and ensured Shirone was doing alright while in Rias's care. I know you send money to the Gremorys for her allowance, although it is not needed." Kuroka continues.
"Who told you that?" Ddraig asks with an inquisitive expression.
"Rias-nee-sama told me that her father tried to return the money, but you wouldn't take it. He said that you were too selfless in terms of money." Shirone replies as she grabs his tail.
"Be careful. That's still a weapon." Ddraig says as he sees Shirone examining the end of his tail.
"I know," Shirone replies. "Is warm and pointy."
"Anyways. I'll admit that I sent her an allowance regularly, but money is not a problem. I have a treasure, and I need to use it somehow. Paying for Tosca and all of you won't hurt my treasury." The dragon admits. "I have collected way too much during my youth. I could easily match a decent-sized country's budget. Some of my jewels sell more than the most expensive human treasures."
"Right because every dragon is walking multi-billionaire or trillionaire," Kuroka suggests. "Just how greedy are young dragons?"
Ddraig scratches his chin as he thinks about the question. "Well, we tend to live where minerals and jewels are found. There's also the fact that we will save any equipment from those who dared to hunt us down, and many were wearing these shiny golden sets that many believed were strong enough to protect them from dragons."
"Dragon hunters?" Kuroka asks.
"Exactly. If anything, we increase our treasures mainly because of them. Dragon hunters made a lot of money by selling off the organs of lesser dragons they hunted down. Many were dumb enough to carry their wages when coming after us." Ddraig admits as he remembers the old times.
"... Was it really necessary for them to hunt your kin down?" Shirone asks with a worried look.
Ddraig weighs the ins and outs before answering. "In terms of protecting places from attacks of lesser dragons and higher ones, yes. But not all dragons attacked places, take Tiamat. Tiamat never truly sought to ravage other places to look for treasure or gain, and the same applies to Yu-Long and Fafnir, although his problem involved his many love affairs. Not all dragons sought the same paths, but the actions of the few and the greed of the hunters after seeing how much fame and profit they could gain drove them to seek us even when we never attacked them directly. Thankfully, they haven't been seen as much these days."
"The hunters went extinct?" Kuroka asks.
"I wouldn't call them extinct. It's just that the drive was not as strong as before. Only those with the guts would continue, and even then, it was hard to find who was willing to supply them with the tools needed to hunt us down. Hephaestus made many weapons for them early on, but once we met, he stopped making such weapons. Is hard to make a sword that can match his work." Ddraig admits.
"So Hephaestus-sama did work with such groups? Are you angry about it?" Shirone asks as she stops examining his tail.
Ddraig shakes his head. "He created the weapons, and they are the ones that decide how to use them. I don't blame the one who created the "gun." I blame those who buy said "gun" and choose to use it. Is always the wielder who has to choose how to use the weapon. The weapon doesn't just act on its own; it is the owner of said weapon who chooses the moment and reason for using it."
Ddraig reaches out into his storage before pulling out a black dagger with several runes along the length of its blade. "This one belonged to a mage who lost it in a card game against me. He claimed it was a tool he bought long ago for protection, and I believed his words. If you take its scent and feel the handle of the blade in your hand, you can easily tell that it never took a life."
The dragon lends the weapon to Kuroka. The former nekomata examines the weapon and feels how light it is.
"Doesn't feel any different from any other dagger I have seen," Kuroka argues as she holds the blade.
"And for that, we need to see a different dagger." Ddraig pulls out a much nicer-looking dagger, bathed in gold and jewels. "This one… belonged to somebody who tried to get the best of me while we drank at the same table."
Ddraig exchanged daggers with Kuroka, but as soon as the girl held the weapon, her eyes grew tense as she felt a different sensation.
Regardless of how shiny it looked, she could feel the blood that once tainted the blade before.
"See?" Ddraig asks the girl.
Shirone tried to grab the dagger to test the theory, but her hand stopped a mere centimeters away as something inside alerted her to the weapon's past.
Kuroka says nothing as she gives the dagger back.
Ddraig grabs it and puts it back to where it belongs. "A weapon requires a purpose for being used, so do spells and any form of attack. As the wielder of a weapon or a spell caster, one must know the purpose behind using said tools. The same applies to powers."
"Wielding our powers to protect each other and those we care about. Is that what you want us to remember?" Shirone questions the dragon.
Ddraig raises an eyebrow at Shirone's realization. "Couldn't say it better if I try. I do hope that you use those powers for a good reason. As you grow stronger, I want you to never forget for what reasons you fight and to where you belong. Don't lose yourselves, even if I'm not around to aid either of you."
"You're not going to be around?" Shirone face is saddened as she imagines such a future.
"... Even if I try, I might not always be there to aid everybody." Ddraig looks at the palms of his hands. "I'm far from normal, but I know Issei will return in time. Things will get better once he is back but until then…"
Kuroka sees his face and slowly reaches out with her hand to grasp his right hand. "Don't die. Please, don't put yourself in danger, Ddraig. Issei and everyone else wouldn't want anything bad to happen to you. Regardless of whatever happened before, the present is far more important."
Shirone nods. "The current Welsh Dragon is our ally, our friend, an entity that is too important, so please continue to stay with us. Don't disappear on your own. We'll be too sad if you leave us behind."
The sisters smiled as they tried to incite him to stay safe, yet at the back of his mind, he couldn't shake the feeling that remained distant yet so close to him.
"Soon, I might be gone…. But until then, could I enjoy these moments for a while longer?"
Ddraig smirked as he tried to live in the moment until his time arrived. "Alright, let's stop with the sappy moment. We came here for a picnic. The rain is finally coming to an end."
The sisters looked around and noticed how the rain had finally stopped.
"Finally!" Shirone cheered as she raised her hands.
Kuroka closes the umbrella before looking up at the sky. "It might lack a sun, but the sky of the Underworld is still pretty. Maybe not as pretty as the one back on Earth, but still pretty."
"It is. At least here." Ddraig turns his attention to the basket. "Anyways, let's eat."
"Yes." Shirone starts setting up a few plates in the middle of the boat. "I hope you enjoyed these. Raynare-san helped us prepare these for the picnic."
"Let's see how good they are," Ddraig says as he patiently waits for the food.
After just a few moments, the trio starts eating while enjoying the wonderful view surrounding them. The trees at the edges of the "lake" continued to flourish as petals from an array of colorful flowers continued to fall as the calm breeze blew them away.
"It feels like an eternal spring that only we can witness. Maybe leaving Japan behind and staying in Shangri La forever might not be a bad choice." Kuroka said as she captured an azure petal in her hand.
"There's beauty in every realm, but be careful about saying such things in front of Gaia. She takes pride in her creation, and although human society has tainted a lot of its former beauty, Earth retains some of its charm. Once you lived through a cycle of rebirth, you will understand why Earth is so amazing as Gaia erases the present scars to start a new painting." Ddraig explains as his eyes look towards the distance.
"Did you prefer Earth back then?" Shirone asks before she takes another bite from her sandwich.
Ddraig smiles. "I learned to accept Gaia's changes as each new cycle began. There's nothing that lasts forever in terms of Earth's appearance. Sakura petals will disappear, only for new ones to take over. Butterflies will go extinct, but other beautiful creatures will take over with their disappearance. The cycle of change is the true beauty of the garden of creation, the charm of the unknown, as Gaia takes her brush and starts painting again."
Kuroka couldn't help but admire Ddraig and those who lived long enough to witness such massive changes. "Maybe we will get the opportunity to witness that new "painting." Would you come with us to witness it once is revealed?"
Ddraig puts his cup away as he stretches his hands forward before holding one hand of each girl. "You two will totally see her new vision and many others afterward. No matter how dark things might turn in the future, Earth will always remain, and we, as its sons and daughters, shall return to it as many times as we want. We will watch many of those "visions of creation" together, so hold me to this promise. No matter how much time passes, we will watch a new vision of Gaia together each time it begins. Maybe even naming a flower or two."
"You promise?" Shirone asks with an excited expression.
"I, as the Welsh Dragon, promised to take both of you to see Gaia's visions," Ddraig replies.
Kuroka's dual tails swing from one side to the other as she tries her hardest not to jump to hug him. She raises her hand and points her finger at her. "If you break that promise, I'll make sure to make you swallow a million needles. I dislike liars."
Ddraig sights as he calmly smiles. "I won't break the promise, but if I do, go ahead and swallow the needles."
Kuroka snaps her finger before a silver needle appears floating before her. "Trust me, I will make it happen."
Ddraig gulps as he senses the determination behind Kuroka's words. "I'm digging my own grave with this girl."
Shirone playfully punches Kuroka's stomach. "Stop trying to scare him, nee-sama. We're here to have a picnic, not to make threats."
Although Shirone "held" back when punching, Kuroka holds her tears back as she massages the area where she was hit. "Mighty Gaia, when did your punches become so strong?"
"Oh, come on, I held back. I didn't hit you that hard, did I?" Shirone asks.
Kuroka continues to massage the area. "I doubt a normal devil will be fine with that strength. Has your training changed since we sparred last time? Did you learn something new?"
Shirone shakes her head. "I just try punching harder while infusing my attacks with Ki. I haven't done anything different."
Ddraig seems interested in the conversation. "Shirone, try punching my palm with your strongest punch without using Ki." The dragon holds his palm in front of him.
"Are you sure?" Shirone asks as she stands up in the middle of the boat.
"Ddraig, what are you doing?" Kuroka questions the dragon.
"Just testing a theory. If Rias and Isaiah got new powers, maybe Shirone is the same." Ddraig explains. "Come on, Shirone, give me your best."
Shirone's eyes shine with excitement as she aims. "Here it goes." The young reincarnated devil pulls her arm back before she releases an impressive punch, which disperses some of the water behind Ddraig.
Kuroka gulps as she feels the pressure that emanates from her sister. "Is like a chained tiger looking to be released from her bindings."
"How was it?" Shirone asks as her tail swings with joy.
"... Nice punch," Ddraig replies after he examines his hand. His hand remains uninjured, but he still feels a bit scared about the growing strength inside Shirone. "Shirone-chan, make sure you learn how to hold back properly. Your strength is amazing for your age, but do be careful about who you're facing." Ddraig carefully grabs her hands. "These hands can do lots of damage if you're not careful. Make sure not to go all out unless completely necessary."
Shirone nods. "I know. Thanks for complimenting me. If I become stronger and control this power, I can join you and Nee-sama on missions, right? I can't wait to join you two."
Ddraig nods. "Sure, but don't try to rush. There's no need for you to feel left out. Each one should train and grow at their own speed. Kuroka might be a full agent by now, but I don't want anyone else to try to keep up with her—nor you, Shirone, Rias, Isaiah, or any other youngster associated with me. I want each of you to grow strong while having time to breathe and enjoy your lives. There's no need to rush. Isn't that right, Kuroka?"
"He is right. I'll be going nowhere, Shirone, so stay this cute for a bit longer." Kuroka said that although she was starting to notice that her younger sister might stop being so cute for much longer, "Is there a chance that she might also have a transformation like Rias and Isaiah?"
Shirone nods before she sits on Ddraig's lap and places his hands on her head. "Alright, I won't grow too fast, but you must pat my head and play with me until I feel satisfied. Come on, Nee-sama, I'll take all his attention if you don't join me."
Kuroka watched as Shirone enjoyed Ddraig's attention. As she saw her smiling so cutely, her worries seemed to vanish as she couldn't help but appreciate this small taste of heaven they were enjoying.
Despite their sacrifices and obstacles, these moments made it all worth it for Kuroka as she gave in and enjoyed their time alongside the Welsh Dragon.
Many hours later.
As daytime gave in to the night sky's darkness, our group made their way back to the shore. Under the artificial "stars," Kuroka and Ddraig exited the boat while Kuroka carried a sleeping Shirone on her back.
"Even a strong growing devil has a bedtime," Kuroka said as she exited the boat with Ddraig's help.
"Not everyone can be like you, Kuroka. Enjoy this cuteness while it lasts." Ddraig said before returning for the basket and anything else left in the boat. After putting everything into his storage, Ddraig pulled out his walking cane. "Are you sure you don't need me to carry her?"
Kuroka shakes her head. "She is light as a feather, and you have done enough already."
"Very well. Shall we go to our next stop?" Ddraig asks.
"Home?" Kuroka asks back.
Ddraig nods. "To the place we belong." The dragon starts to walk forward.
Kuroka takes a moment to reminisce on the past as she follows his steps. "My memories with "Mom" and "Dad" are far from cheerful or ones which I hold dear to my heart."
Ddraig slightly turns to her but remains silent as he walks beside her.
"Mom was obsessed with him, and he was never truly a parent to us, even when she claimed he cared for us. I knew better based on how that man looked at us, there was no warmth, no sweet parental affection, no playtime with us, nothing that could assure us that he was our father besides Mom's words." Kuroka said as she saw the lights of Shangri La getting closer as they left the shore behind.
"We were never truly a family. So when they died, it hurt, but not to the level that I expected. Maybe it was the fact that I was worried about the well-being of Shirone, but I never cried when they died. I had no tears to shed for them because we were never a real family."
Ddraig and Kuroka continued forward as they entered the bright, nocturnal streets of Shangri La.
"I never shed tears for them, even if they were my parents." Kuroka turns to Ddraig."But I know this. Since we met, I have felt like I'm part of a real family, regardless of how weird it is. I won't repeat my reasons; you already know them, but thank you for existing and brightening my life and that of Shirone. Without you, things would have been much different, and without you… our lives might lose their color. Don't leave our sides, Welsh Dragon. Let us continue to be a unique family composed of pieces from multiple backgrounds. Our family of misfits." Kuroka slowly grasps his hand with a peaceful yet hopeful expression.
Ddraig nods as he holds her hand. "If that is your wish, I'll do my best to protect it. I promise to always be there for both of you."
"Thank you," Kuroka said before some tears escaped her eyes.
*Shiro Sagisu- Everything you've ever dreamed*
As they made their way through the masses, the bright and cheerful atmosphere made it feel like everything was where it was supposed to be.
That their meeting was meant to be and the future awaited them was one in which they would remain together.
Everything felt like a dream. A bright dream from which Kuroka wished never to wake up.
A dream that sadly will have to end with a sweet and sour conclusion.
Countdown:...9