God of war: lol, the progression of events XD
Fateburn: Thanks
DJDrake: Well, no Creusery in my version, he got vaporized by Azazel at the Peace Summit with the staff. You stay safe as well! :D
reality deviant: You won't have to worry there, not this chapter...but she will be back later I can assure you. Very true lol, canon implied but never revealed that they were friends in the past...but Serafall never felt the type to stick to archaic names so I picture she adapted to the terminology of modern day XD
Gan315: Thank you very much, I am doing well and I wish the same of you :) It is true those 3 mesh so well together, originally Thrud wasn't meant to have such a large role but she grew with each chapter. Hmm, Ratatoskr is the only other man so far, my first idea for the story was an unorthodox harem meaning the main character is surrounded by women but most with different relationships than romantic. I do have a few ideas for other men to potentially join the Crossroads though...
Hollowreaper93: Thank you :) Lots of good questions, I hope you like the answers ;)
giovvaniauditore: I am glad I could help in your time of need lol and not to worry...we aren't done with Diodora yet XD You have a great day as well and I wish you all the best :D
Fish on Land: You have no idea how wonderful that is to hear, touching up aspects that didn't feel right to me was a big inspiration for this story. Them never touching upon how they were all victims with some getting killed and the rest never being mentioned again felt off. They will be back in the future as well ;)
Cchang3: Same birthdays! That's awesome :D Happy Birthday to you too and I most certainly will!
fanficcyberman: Awww, thank you for the review and such kind words :D It's all in the details I've always thought, even the little ones can add so much. I hope you are safe and healthy too!
WinterRuneWolf: Hope it wasn't too long ;)
KurokamiTendou: Thank you! It is appreciated :D
Critias204: Thank you! And you have all the best days as well! I hope you like what comes next.
CaedmonCousland: Never too late to wish someone well :). I get that, I always saw Diodora as an easily hateable villain but everyone feels different. That is a good point to Dimension Lost...it is a nasty Gear after all lol. Not Ophis, but I won't spoil since it's coming up. Thank you for the kind words and review as always :)
Reinhard King of Heavens: Of that we agree 100% lol, I thought the power gain at the start was pretty balanced and believable but after a while it sort of got ridiculous how many were just handed to him (Ryuutemaru, Indra's miracle drug, the sudden ability to absorb breast energy, etc.). That is partially why I ensure to have Dorian always training. He will get strong of course, but I want it to flow and feel earned each step of the way. I agree, with going out boxer-style without a strategy I was very surprised Issei could take Sairaorg. That is a point I am building to...Dorian not wanting to kill, it is a sentiment that cannot last. It means a lot that you have enjoyed my story for so long, I hope to never disappoint ;)
Unown: Thanks! That means a lot though I will admit I've only a passing knowledge of Fairy Tail though I have heard good things. You don't sound demanding at all and thank you :D Skye is doing well and I hope you are as well!
Slayer Cross: No need for regret, it'll always be here so take your time when you'll enjoy it :D Indeed, it will officially be Dorian's first time in the Gap, who knows what he'll find in there :)
OBSERVER01: Thank you! No need to worry, I am nice and hunkered down and healthy, hope you are too! Lol, I was hoping that would bring a chuckle. Issei's move doesn't really work in practicality yet, just imagine if his Pallingual ever backfired XD
And with that...ONTO THE SHOW!
"Asia? Issei uttered again, his eyes wide unbelieving that she had been torn from his arms once again. "Where are you? We need to get home…"
"What did you do?" Rias demanded as Xenovia held a blade to the still-bound Diodora's throat.
"I-I didn't do anything!" He begged through his bindings. "I don't have anything left!"
"As if that simpleton could do anything right. I knew I should have overseen the detonation myself."
Atop the throne previously occupied by Diodora, a new shape dressed in black materialized before them. The armor, cloak and long brown hair was recognized immediately not just for his previous status as a ruler of Hell but for his presence at the Peace Summit nearly slaying Michael.
"Shalba Beelzebub," Rossweisse clenched her fist. "You have returned."
"The full strength of the Old Satan Faction is here," he announced. "I would be nowhere else. This brat's betrayal was convenient to allow our plans this day, but he has outlive his usefulness." He looked over Diodora still unable to move from the vines of Jotunheim, a cruel chuckle escaping his lips. "Though I do believe he is far more entertaining where he is."
"Your device is scrapped!" Rias called out with a voice of authority. "Your forces are crumbling and outnumbered. If you give back Asia, I MIGHT ask my brother for leniency."
"Oh, I have no intention of giving her back. She was no longer capable of being used for our plans, so I cast her into the Dimensional Gap with the other forgotten garbage. That fool of an Einherjar managed to get himself caught in the spell for good measure. They are most assuredly dead by now, a few seconds without protection is all it requires to end their lives."
"Asia…?" Issei muttered again having heard him but refused to believe.
"Stay calm Issei," Rossweisse tried to reassure him. "Dorian is with her; I am sure he will keep her safe and…"
"To think Dimension Lost's creation was destroyed by an unheard-of Longinus Gear. It matters not, even if we lose every one of our troops this day it will be worth it so long as we accomplish our goal, the death of every relative to the false Satans."
"That was your goal?"
"It was hoped the former nun's inverted powers could wipe out the reinforcements no matter how many were summoned. All the same, our true goal was to plunge the usurpers into a realm of despair from which they would not recover from. The death of all their beloved family would suffice. The war would not be a long one with them in such a state, and when it is over my child shall unite those loyal to the old ways."
"What cowards to target the families instead of the Satans themselves. So, you had Diodora eliminate the competition to face us? You succeeded with Zaebos but failed with Seekvaira and Sairaorg…"
"The Glasya-Labolas heir meant nothing, though he liked poking his nose in lands that did not concern him. The Agares and Baal death would have resulted in Diodora facing both the Sitri and Gremory. It was unfortunate each ended in failure thanks to that Einherjar. At least he is out of the way now by his own hand."
"Asia? Asia?" Issei called out for Asia again walking unsteadily like in a trance. "Asia? Where did you go? Hey, we need to go home. Dad and Mom are waiting. I-If you hide we can't go. Hahaha, Asia, you sure like to play around. No one will hurt you again, I'll beat them up if they do!"
"Issei," Rias could barely choke out as everyone present could barely hold back the tears at the sight. "Asia isn't…"
"President, I can't find Asia even though we can finally go home. D-Dad and Mom said she was their daughter. Asia also said Dad and Mum are like her real parents she never had. "We need to find her first."
Oh Issei, Rias stroked his emotionless face, it was clear he could see the situation for what it was but would not accept it. Where the Red Dragon Emperor could not process the victory taken from his grasp, the others who saw Asia as family turned their sorrow to rage.
"You bastard!" Xenovia roared as she flew towards Shalba blades drawn. Angurvadal blazed with fire as Durandal's aura spiked to levels never wielded before.
"Bring them back!" Rossweisse unleashed her bombardment magic seals as she had against Forcas surrounding Shalba.
"Die!" Akeno unleashed a blast of heavenly lightning towards a being it should be supremely effective against.
"How useless…"
A defensive barrier no wider than their own yet more powerful than Diodora's could ever hope to have been surrounded the devil. To their mutual horror it deflected both of Xenovia's blades, absorbing the bombardment and holy magic before reflecting it back at the attackers. Xenovia was pummeled into the nearby wall, Akeno and Rossweisse barely erecting barriers that buckled under the enhanced barrage. The silver Valkyrie stumbled back to be caught by the half-fallen angel, both barely able to stand.
"Give…them…back," Rossweisse groaned in pain refusing the give up. Xenovia and Akeno similarly struggled to get back into combat as Kiba and Koneko moved to surround the elder Beelzebub.
"Lesser mythologies and lowborn devils should know their place," he looked between them all seeing nothing of worth in his eyes. "Dragons may have great power, but you were sealed by OUR might," he referred to Issei now. "Think of that boy and girl's life as costs for your overconfidence."
Issei's broken gaze suddenly locked on the old Satan, his lifeless eyes finding new purpose with Asia gone. The woman he had sworn to protect was gone and Dorian with her, the man he despised but could never hate for what he tried to do. A rage lit up within as he slowly approached the throne even pushing Rias out of the way as if he didn't acknowledge her.
[Rias Gremory, leave this place at once if you do not wish to die.] Ddraig's voice allowed it so everyone could hear him. [You as well those of our allies. This will not be pleasant, and your barriers will not help you.]
"Ddraig?" Rias did not like the menace in his voice that grew worse the longer he spoke.
[Oy, devil over there. Shalba was your name, right? You…have made the wrong choice.]
An aura matching his armor exploded from Issei's body with such force everyone had to root themselves to remain standing. His sheer power bled out from his Gear, bathing the room in a crimson hue the shade of blood warping the very air itself. The remaining allies stepped back, the touch of his power from too close burning their skin. Echoing ominous words reverberated from the enraged Red Dragon Emperor's lips in the sound of many voices.
[I, who is about to awaken…]
[Am the Heavenly Dragon that has stolen the principles of domination from God….]
[I laugh at the "infinite", and I grieve over the "dream"….]
[I shall become the Red Dragon of Domination…]
Issei's familiar Balance Breaker armor began to remold itself into a sinister foreboding shape. Enormous wings erupted from his back, spikes growing more twisted, crueler as his hands and feet extended into talons and claws crushing the ground underfoot. His helm was no longer recognizable, now appearing as a dragon itself utterly. Light from the jewels at each joint flashed forcing Shalba to cover his eyes as the voices screamed in a final crescendo.
[And shall sink you to the depths of crimson purgatory!]
[Juggernaut Drive!]
Even Shalba narrowed his eyes as Issei's power struck him, shattering the entire room they stood within. Diodora's root prison was buried beneath a cascade of rubble from which the others barely avoided a similar fate. The skies of the Dimensional Gap opened above them as most of the castle ceased to exist, even his barrier buckled under just the torrent of released power buffeting him. The maddened dragon rushed forward slamming into the indomitable barrier stopped in his tracks.
"Y-your power is terrifying," the old Beelzebub admitted. "But this barrier has been honed from millennia of my family's tutelage. A simply brute such as you won't…"
A silver-haired woman landed atop the barrier eyes full of tears and anger that would make Thrud blush. Her skin burned and armor scorched in such close proximity to the Red Dragon Emperor but she ignored it. Slamming a palm upon his shield, a diagram so complex no one could comprehend the pathways emerged, etching itself into his last defense. Shalba's composure began to erode as cracks started to form.
"I may not have the power to undo your barrier," she gritted her teeth. "But he does!"
Leaping away, Issei's latest blind strike hit the wall again infusing power into the counterseal Rossweisse had developed on the spot for Shalba's. A renewed roar shattered the air and sent the young Valkyrie flying as the last of Shalba's power crumbled. The devil found his face seized by the taloned-hands, crushing his form against what remained of the back wall. Teeth bit into Shalba's shoulder eliciting a cry of pain echoing across the ruins.
"I couldn't even see him move," Kiba admitted with a sweat drop. "President, we have to pull back to a safe distance!"
"But if we don't stop Issei he might…" Rias' instincts took over as her wings burst forth allowing her to take flight and avoid a collapsing pillar nearby. The rest of her peerage followed suit, Xenovia using runes of flight on her shoes to follow them carrying a still maimed Kiba with her. They sighed with relief that at such a distance the binds trapping Diodora's peerage in separate rooms protected them from the blast and collapsing structure. "Where is Rossweisse?"
Down below the young teacher groaned in pain as blood dribbled from a wound on her forehead. She had been thrown past the pair, Issei mercilessly attacking Shalba like an animal with teeth and fangs. The elder devil jumped back to gain some distance putting her between his foe and himself. Her eyes went wide in fear as Issei's blind fury narrowed on her, a body between him and his target. A crimson sphere built to an apex in his mouth aimed in her direction no longer discerning friend from foe.
"Don't even think about it!" A commanding voice cried out as an axe collided with the side of Issei's head. The beam fired at the exact moment of impact, diverting the attack to miss Rossweisse by such a slim margin she lost several strands of her luxurious hair. The Red Dragon's body slammed into the floor cracking it under the incredible strength behind the blow. "Are you okay?"
"Th-Thrud," Rossweisse weakly muttered as her childhood friend leapt away from the temporarily downed dragon to help her to her feet.
"We've got to go! I don't know what Issei has become but that didn't do nearly what I hoped it would!" Without argument, the pair jumped out of the battlefield. Thankfully, Issei did not pursue once he locked eyes with Shalba once more, the true focus of his ire. "What got into you?" Thrud chastised. "You could have been killed and what would Dorian have sai…wait," her expression focused at the realization. "Where is Dorian? If you tell me he's scaring us again I WILL tear his head off when he returns this time!"
Elsewhere…
What…happened?
You aren't dead if that's what you're wondering, though your Valkyrie friend may be unhappy with your current position.
Dorian's eyes shot open with the realization that his arms were wrapped tightly around Asia Argento. The young woman looked to have passed out just as he had from the shock of the transition. It was clear they had been forced through a portal into another dimension, the sensation was familiar enough to the young man. Glancing around, it was evident where they had been sent.
"This is, the actual Dimensional Gap?"
It was like looking through a warped prism or kaleidoscope. In every direction he turned Dorian could see hues and spectrums of colors he could barely conceive mixing together and shifting amid the endless void. There was no visible way in or out, the portal having closed behind them.
Then how are we still alive? He contemplated, remembering the previous explanation that without aid of some sort nothing could survive within the gap. Its energies should have killed them within a matter of seconds upon entering. This place doesn't seem as bad as I have been told, it smells…sweet?
That is not the gap which smells that way Dorian, look.
True to Iggy's word, Dorian realized that separating them from the iridescent colors was a thin membrane of energy. It looked like a fragile thing, as if the slightest movement would break it yet the glowing white light held back the detrimental effects of the gap. It was more than a barrier, Dorian would have sworn on his life he could smell fresh air, a sweet aroma akin to the fields of Olympus or Rossweisse's hair. At first he believed it may have been the silver Valkyrie's enneagram protection charm she had crafted for him months ago, but the device was dim and powerless upon his breast. It was something else.
I-I believe it was me.
Dorian followed Iggy's words to the Sacred Gear, Laerad Ragnarok deployed as a gauntlet spanning his arm up to the shoulder. Upon the back of his palm sat the gem dictating which power was being utilized glowing with an unfamiliar color. It seemed at times to be teal only to shift again revealing it was in fact a mix of green and blue reminding him of a globe or images of the Earth from space. The ninth power of his Gear that had eluded him all those months.
The ninth realm, Midgard, Earth. But is this what it does? It creates a barrier of oxygen? That sounds oddly specific and situational.
No, it is more than that I can feel it. But it is taking a heavy toll Dorian, I don't know how long we can keep this bubble going. When it fails, we will be exposed to the full energy of the Dimensional Gap. We will not survive long, Asia even less so.
"The Roads," he muttered if only to break the silence beyond his mind. "We can open the path and…" As he attempted to alter the gem to azure blue the Gear flickered, remaining on the current coloration without change. "What's going on?"
That's easy, Despoina explained. The Road Between Realm is the leftover framework of creation connected to everywhere Yggdrasil touches. The Dimensional Gap is a void dimension separated from all. Yggdrasil's branches never reached here, and I would be supremely surprised if they even could.
"It does feel similar to the Roads, but empty, dead." Dorian had never been in the gap before, the closest being the Rating Game arenas adapted from portions of it. "Maybe it was a failed framework? Or one that just…died?"
Now is hardly the time Dorian, we need to find a way out of here.
"Maybe Yggdrasil's roots can reach here given time?" He knew it was a fool's hope as in the past it took hours or days to link realms to say nothing if it was even possible in the gap. "I can conserve energy to stay as long as poss…"
"Quite the predicament eh?"
Dorian's head snapped behind him where he knew full-well he had just looked a few moments ago. Before it had been empty, more void, yet now a young woman, possibly older than him with black hair and gold eyes floated lazily by. She held a gnarled staff that sent off a spike of cold up his spine, it was the same that nearly devoured Olympus.
"You, who are you?"
"You just can't stay out of trouble, can you?" She teased, spinning upside down like a child unable to stand still. "Didn't think I'd follow my people into this place for a few millennia, but it was worth it all for you."
"I saved you at the apartment!" He blurted out, the frustration at her evasive nature grating on his nerves. "You were in Norway hiding in the storm, at Kokabiel's base, at Olympus!"
"Don't forget your little tussle with Modi," she added with a wink. "At least, those are the times you spotted me."
That was real and not Helheim's mists? He recalled the girl's inclusion though at the time she was still young as when he'd saved her. Based on her current appearance she looked to have aged years in only the past few months. And I don't like the way she worded that last part…
"So, you were never in danger?" He asked the question burning in his mind. "Did you even need me to survive that building?"
Was my death pointless?
"Not pointless," she spoke as if his mind was an open book to her. "This body can die after all, just not for very long. I would have been back on my feet inside of a thousand years or so. I stopped trying to interact with mortals too often, last time I was even spotted turned out so dull. The people of Salem were not very receptive."
That's not very long to her? She doesn't feel like a god.
"And what do I feel like?" she could speak to everyone without effort. "It would be boring if I tell you everything. You're the teacher, can't you figure a way out?"
"I suppose asking you to get us back is out of the question?"
"It is," she scowled with a flare of annoyance at his reply. "That would be the dullest answer, I'd rather have some fun first."
"At least send Asia through, if you want games, I can do that!"
"Why? She's already dead." Dorian frantically looked down with a look of horror quickly alleviated as he could feel her steady breaths. He glanced up with a look of anger, but the woman just tilted her head. "What? She is even if she doesn't know it yet. You though, that question is still uncertain."
I can't open a portal out of here, no backup. If guessing is the only way, I must try! Could she let up on the vague statements a little bit?
"No. Tell you what, try guessing who I am. Questions can tell as much about the one asking as the one answering. I can see if another like you might show up."
"Do I at least get questions?"
"Three, and that one counts."
Bitch.
"That's your staff, so you aren't a god…you're older?"
"Smart boy, I won't count any questions you already have deduced the answer to." His mouth fell open at her confirmation, the answer flew to his lips almost before reaching his brain.
"You're an old god?" Her smile spread so wide he could feel Iggy's unease. "Kokabiel and Freed were hunting you that night in the apartment?"
"They were not so far-sighted, they stumbled upon me in a moment of revelation hunting each other. There are those who can sense me when close enough, rare though they may be."
You can be sensed? That's it! He buried the sudden spark of inspiration deep so she couldn't hear it, at least he hoped not.
"You do have energy to sense?" He looked disbelieving. "I don't feel a thing."
The mysterious being threw her hands out, body seeming to shimmer away into the void of black dwarfing anything within Nidavelir leaving only her glowing gold eyes to pierce the darkness. Dorian felt as if he had to wretch but withheld it if only out of fear what it would be like floating as they were. The pressure was suffocating, he could hardly breathe with the power emanating in all directions, just as he'd hoped.
"Two questions down, one left. After that I don't suppose you'll be interesting much longer."
"WHY?" He asked through the pulsating surges of eldritch power pouring from her. "Why am I the interesting one? Asia, Freyja, Issei, Rossweisse, so many others and gods far above anything I can conceive yet you say I am the only one you care about? Why? And who are you?"
"That's two questions, but I'll answer seeing as how I've been wanting to tell you for so long," she leaned in until her face was hair's widths from his own. "You are the new grain of sand on the beach that shouldn't be. When the avalanche starts, you might actually be allowed to vote. And as for my name, I am pretty sure for my real one you'd eviscerate your tongue trying to pronounce it. If you must call me something, call me Kassaegtha."
On the Battlefield…
"Fight back!" Katerea roared while sending a new shockwave of energy past Serafall. "I said FIGHT ME!"
"No!" She asserted again. The strongest female devil pirouetted out of the way easily avoiding further injury. "That won't do for the little one!"
Katerea unleashed a renewed torrent of energy cursing her loss of the staff that had made her nigh invincible at the Peace Summit. Again and again she channeled her power in the aim to obliterate Serafall yet each time her strikes were repulsed or avoided altogether. The original Leviathan soon found herself panting at the exertions, her own far exceeding Serafall's defensive strategy.
What is that sniveling brat doing? The Dimension Lost device should have gone off by now! She and the others were prepared for the blast and had contingencies to survive. Regardless of the superior army of their enemies, once Asia Argento's powers were reversed and detonated not even Sirzechs would have survived. Their timetable had long past without an utterance from the castle. If he waits much longer…
One of Katerea's devil wings twitched reactively, deflecting a burst of lightning from behind her. Turning to face the new threat, a scowl marred her features upon seeing the youngest son of Thor raising a mace to challenge her. He was not alone, dozens of warriors and giants moved to form a large ring around their battle slowly growing smaller.
"Ye aren't alone any longer Lady Leviathan," Ragnar called out, axe in hand next referring to Katerea. "Yer surrounded witch, ye have nowhere left to run."
We weren't supposed to run from here, this was OUR moment!
A wave of dark energy coursed through the old Satan's body, pouring like a wave towards the would-be reinforcements. Before it reached them, a wall of ice exploded into being between them, absorbing the blow with relative ease.
Serafall is still so strong? Even with my child's strength and Ophis' snake I couldn't break it?
"Please Kat-chan," Serafall implored her again. "For the sake of your child, stand down! "I never wanted this position and I want your life even less!" She approached the hesitating Satan, extending a hand towards her. "I don't want any more death!"
It would be so simple, Katerea looked at her hand held out in friendship. If I wrap my arms around her in their indestructible state, she'd never break out before I detonated. Just like what I was going to do to that Asgard Queen back at the Summit. With my sacrifice I can…
She paused, hand instinctively falling upon her belly. Despite being far too soon for such a thing to be possible, Katerea could have sworn she felt a kick, a reminder that her situation had changed since that previous battle. She felt no great love for Shalba nor he for her, their union had been a mutual decision for the continuance of their families. All the same, the idea of preserving that which grew within her drew out a protective desire she never knew existed. She could see the devastation around her, their forces were nearly snuffed out while the enemy's was still mostly intact. To the collected surprise, none more so than her own, her own hand reached out gripping Serafall's securely.
It's over, we lost…for now.
"If you guarantee the life of my child, I will stand down. But I will not command Shalba or the others to do so."
"Deal!" Serafall immediately blurted out, gripping Katerea's hand with her second and shaking vigorously. "You won't regret it; I won't let anyone harm you!" She glanced sternly behind at the gathered troops of the Nine Realms; Modi and Ragnar particularly looking disappointed they would not get to fight her. "Are you okay to walk? Do you need a towel? I read that you may feel winded, I can help…" Katerea slapped Serafall's tightening hand away from her own.
"I am not incapacitated yet you simpleton!" She snapped. "The child is still months off! And I will be dead before I allow…"
A shockwave of air buffeted the pair forcing them to brace themselves to prevent being knocked aside. The collected troops and devils could see the wave had been the result of an explosion from the castle in the distance. Even from such a distance, it was obvious the structure had been destroyed, for a moment Katerea feared the bomb had detonated after all. Only as the seconds passed did she realize that was not the case, the blast having ruined the fortress yet nothing surrounding it.
"That power," she admitted as the aura of the one responsible reached them. "Is that the Red Dragon Emperor? What the hell is going on over there?"
In the Dimensional Gap…
"No more questions left, from here your little barrier of life has a few minutes at best," the entity calling herself Kassaegtha mused. "Got any tricks left in that little head of yours?"
Barrier of life?
"So, you won't help? I thought I was so interesting to you."
"You are," her gold eyes flickered in the radiant hues of the gap. "The most fascinating anomaly I've seen in millennia, but therein lies your appeal. What will you do next? How will you cling to life, change the tapestry? If I do it for you that would defeat the purpose. You DO have something planned, it's in those eyes of yours."
Dorian tightened his grip on Asia making sure she was completely secured. The gesture was noticed by the elder being who could only sigh.
"So much effort for so little, if she dies not much is lost."
All life is sacred!
"Who the hell do you think you are," a flash of anger crossed Dorian's grey eyes. "What right do you have to dictate who deserves to live and die?"
"I dictate nothing, my people lost interest in your kind before the foundations of your beliefs were formed. But her living or dying will not change what already happened, her place in this world is fixed. It seems things are meant to repeat themselves; you'll be dead in a matter of minutes and…"
Dorian, do you sense that?
The woman turned with a snap sensing someone approaching swiftly. Dorian's smile at the same realization dawned on her what had happened.
"You did it again, relying on luck to save your life. Someone approaches, you may yet live."
"Luck had nothing to do with it," Kassaegtha tilted her head, his thoughts started to become known to her as he spoke. "You said yourself that you draw in others that can sense you…so I made sure they could."
"Your remark of my hidden energy," the woman smirked along with Iggy and Despoina. "So, you had me unveil my powers…"
"To draw in others nearby, it was a gambit, but it seems to have paid off. I thank you for that. You didn't want to help but did so all the same."
Kassaegtha's grin stretched a bit wider than seemed natural causing Dorian and both who shared his mind to shiver uncomfortably. It was apparent that his plot to live a little longer was wholly endorsed by the mysterious entity that had taken such an interest in him.
"Good luck with that avalanche," her voice echoed as she dissolved back into the gold-eyed black fog he had seen before. "I knew sticking around for you was well worth it."
I told you I could sense a powerful force; it was here a moment before…Daughter of Yggdrasil?
Albion, your arrival is most timely.
The emboldened voice of the White Dragon Albion entered Dorian's mind as three shapes approached them from within the void itself. Protected within a bubble-like barrier was the familiar face of the White Dragon Emperor Vali, the Monkey-youkai Bikou along with Arthur Pendragon the latter of which was generating the means by which they could traverse the realm unscathed.
It is the least I can do my lady, Dorian could practically sense the bodiless dragon bowing. Vali, have Arthur extend the barrier, they will not last much longer. With a twist of his hilt, the bubble expanded to encompass the lost pair in a circle of protection.
How cute, saved by your would-be boyfriend. Looks to me like they were exploring the Dimensional Gap, whatever were they looking for?
D-Despoina! He is being cordial due to his past friendship with my mother…that is all!
Uh huh…
Iggy gushed with embarrassment as the warmth of the barrier enveloped them, the confused faces of their rescuers looking at the exhausted pair.
"What were you doing out here?" Vali asked, his voice dripping with suspicion. He had not forgotten the loss of Fenrir due to the actions of the man now laying vulnerable before him.
"We…have to get back!" He gasped while ensuring Asia was unharmed. "The Old Satan Faction, they are still fighting! Rias and the others are in trouble!"
At the Castle…
"FACE MY ULTIMATE JUDGEMENT!" Shabla roared while tapping into his given snake of Ophis with such power it became visible coiled about his palm. A strange device on his right arm glowed brightly.
"He can channel holy magic?" Akeno recognized the power of her father's side. "What kind of technology does the Brigade have to allow such a thing by a pure devil?"
A pillar of insurmountable energy descended upon Issei, the pressure causing even the Red Dragon Emperor pause. His armor cracked in several places and blood leaked from his mouth to cover his terrifying fangs.
"He'll kill Issei!" Koneko almost started to say, the young nekoshou almost forgetting the seemingly boundless improvement he was capable of.
Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost!
The ear-shattering voice of Ddraig repeated again and again as the gems across his body pulsated no longer restricted by Issei's bodily limitations. Shattering the pillar, the berserker dragon broke through to Shalbe seizing his right arm within his teeth. With a horrifying wail of pain, Shalba was cast aside minus a limb losing the remarkable device and access to his stolen power.
"First the White Dragon abandons his people, now the Red rises again…will your ilk never cease to upset the balance of devilkind?"
He did not listen or acknowledge his words, blasting forward without letting up. Ascalon had fused with Issei's new monstrous form causing multiple holy dragon-blades to protrude from his arms and shoulders. Shalba narrowly avoided the first only to find another lodged in his gut. He had fought so dominatingly against Michael in their confrontation he had never imagined such power brought to bear against him. In that moment he understood the reason even his father had briefly made peace with Heaven if only to stop the rampaging Heavenly Dragons in ages past.
"Gasper, can you stop them?" Kiba called out only to be met by the young dhampir's headshake of frustration.
"I-I tried, they just shrugged it off! Issei's powers go beyond time!"
"Shalba won't stand a chance at this rate," Rias analyzed the situation. "But if Issei doesn't calm down afterwards there's no telling what else he may do."
"A coordinated group attack?" Rossweisse offered, her own mind running overtime how they could have the slightest hope of stopping the Juggernaut Drive which had surpassed the Satans into god territory. Even Thrud's strength alone was insufficient after so many boosts. "If we delay him, cause him to use up more energy he may run out and…"
"That won't work, his anger has unleased the next stage of his Sacred Gear." A deep voice warned before they could implement their attack. "In the Juggernaut Drive form without a backup power source Issei is using his very life energy to power it. Use too much and he will die."
The group turned at the unexpected arrival of Vali and his team. Bikou and Arthur had already taken up defensive positions just in case, the pair looking agape at the display of power not far off.
"So, he's lost himself this much?" Vali sighed. "Shalba was the one leading this attack, too bad. Will that man ever show himself so I may kill him?"
What man?
"Dorian!" Rossweisse cleared the group, all strategies on hold as she embraced the Einherjar who emerged behind them through the portal to the gap. He returned the embrace uncaring of the growing number of people watching.
"How many times are you going to do this?" She whispered into his ear. Behind the pair, Thrud advanced, stopping for a moment at her childhood friend and the man who had entered their lives. She almost remained that way were it not for the glance from Akeno locking with her own. Silently, the half-fallen angel motioned towards the two followed by a subtle head nod. She understood more than the daughter of Thor would have liked. After a moment, Thrud wrapped her arms around Dorian, heart lightning as his and Rossweisse's embraced her without hesitation.
"I wasn't gone long this time, I'm sorry," he replied to them both. "Never again if I have anything to say about it. But she's safe too…"
"Asia!" Rias and her peerage gathered around the unconscious Bishop only starting to stir from the shock of being thrown into the gap. "She's alive," She and Akeno shared a relieved smile, Koneko hugging her close as Xenovia's grip on Kiba's arm tightened noticeably, her joy beyond words."
Even Rassei, Asia's sprite dragon and familiar fluttered over despite being commanded to stay out of the battle due to his weak stature. The tiny creature nestled close to its owner's chest, nuzzling her face in an attempt to wake her.
"Having fun Bikou?" The sultry tone of Kuroka caused the man to turn, the nekoshou arrived on the scene finally having departed the larger battle. "Sorry to disappoint but I think the golden girl has eyes for another. Did you find that little toy in the gap?"
"It just isn't fair, what's that pansy got that I don't?" the laid-back warrior pouted before recomposing himself. He never liked giving Kuroka ammunition against him, her condescending eyes could just bore right through him. "Yea we found it, sent it back to base before we found lover boy with a new lady just floating out in the void. How's your little conquest going?"
"Oh my, is that jealousy Bikou?" The man turned with a harrumph, hiding the red growing on his face from even Kuroka.
"If Asia is here, our problem is solved!" Thrud finally spoke up, shaking off the awkward parting between the three. "If he's like this over her we just need to show she's okay, right? That outta calm him down."
"He's blind with rage," Vali continued from experience wielding another of the Heavenly Dragons. "I doubt he can hear us at this point. We'll need to weaken him first."
This Juggernaut Drive is…terrifying, Iggy mused internally fearful if she was capable of such terror as a fellow Sacred Gear.
You would not be capable of it, Albion assured sensing her trepidation. None save the Heavenly Dragons can empower through rage such as this. Your soul is gentle as the summer breeze. I would be surprised if you could even muster a Breakdown of Beast.
Breakdown of Beast?
"A few divides can do that, right?" Dorian asked once he and Rossweisse had parted.
"Perhaps, though I will need to touch him first. Easier said than done."
"He's my servant!" Rias interrupted rather than remain out of the planning. "We will try to reason with him first. If that fails…we will do what we must to keep him from hurting anyone."
"You aren't dragons," Vali's warning sounded as a threat. "He'll likely kill all of you."
"If it gives a chance to bring Issei back then I'm willing to take it."
"As am I," Kiba finally stood under his own power reassuring Xenovia he was fine.
"Me too," Koneko twitched her cat ears.
"He's formed so many connections in such a short time," Akeno glanced between Rias and Asia. "We'll bring him back."
"The Crossroad's escort mission is not over yet," Dorian asserted despite realizing only Rossweisse, Thrud, Xenovia and Kuroka were present. "If it looks like he won't listen for even a moment…"
"I know but delay that instinct as long as you can. From the look of things his match against Shalba is almost over."
Not Far…
"D-damn y-" Shalba Beelzebub found no rest in his retreat. No matter where he turned or what tactic he attempted Issei was always there pressing him further. "W-with Ophis' power…"
He hacked up blood as another fist impacted his gut at incredible speeds. His right limb was still gone, black armor shattered and stained red. Without his holy magic generator, he was forced to rely on his still impressive but woefully inadequate devil magic before the dragon tearing him apart.
"I-if the Underworld will not bow to me, then all shall die!" Shalba created a magic seal etched with the emblem of his house channeling all his remaining power.
Like raindrops magic bullets opened fire from them all by the thousands making Diodora's previous display meek in comparison. Issei did not care even as the magic impacted his armor, some finding weak points and breaking through. In a grotesque fashion his breastplate opened resembling a ribcage as the armor merged more and more with the young man within. The gem affixed to his breast glowed larger and larger, the energy building to a point, releasing all of it towards Shalba with a roar of power.
"LONGINUS SMASHER!"
Shalba's last words were swallowed up in an explosion of light vaporizing everything between them. The penultimate technique of his current strength annihilated all in its path leaving nothing standing. As the dust cleared the old Beelzebub and all that remained of the castle were simply gone.
Asia…Asia… Her name echoed in Issei's mind endlessly, slowing only as Shalba's death was seemingly confirmed. His power pulsated, still growing each second with no focus for its venting.
"Issei!" The woman he called President shouted behind him upon seeing the opening created by Shalba's defeat. "Can you hear me Issei?"
Presi…dent? Is that her? She can help find Asia, we can go home and…
The broken Red Dragon Emperor's heart pounded louder as he turned towards those approaching. At the front was Rias looking desperate and pleading for him to come back. Koneko was behind her along with Kiba and beside them…
"As if anyone could fall in love with a waste of life such as you."
A woman with long black hair was standing next to Rias. At first she looked like Akeno but the features changed before his very eyes to reveal the woman whose betrayal had facilitated his joining the supernatural world. The one who had murdered him on their first date, raising up his hope that he wasn't a hopeless loss only to shatter it before his very eyes.
"Ray…nare…?" The team froze at the uttered name of who they knew was long dead.
"Oh gods, MOVE!"
The team barely had a chance to flee with all the defensive skills they could muster as Issei's aura exploded anew growing higher and higher as the turmoil in his mind ran amuck. Akeno was struck with the worst of the backlash being throne clear, her wings battered and bruised. Koneko grabbed her just in time before plummeting to the ground below. Honda leapt before Kiba to protect him leaving Rias to look on in sorrow uncaring of the energy slamming into her.
"He didn't recognize us?"
"Something else is manipulating his mind," Vali theorized. "He doesn't show any sign of calming down, he will be dead within minutes at this rate."
"Then we knock him out BEFORE that happens," Dorian stepped forward planting his spear in the ground. "You said you can halve him if you can touch him?" Vali nodded, almost relieved at the talk of tactics and combat. "Then that is what we'll do. Kuroka, do you have that paralyzing mist?"
"Plenty of my latest batch," she sneered. "But it won't do a thing against THAT."
"Not now, but if we get Vali in closer, enough to touch him and use his power, he can maybe bring him down to a level that it WILL work on. That should bring him down low enough to break his armor…right?"
"We'll only get one shot," Vali warned. "Any longer and he'll die, that is if you survive at all."
"I survived you, didn't I?" He rebuked the condescending remark.
"I hadn't used my own Juggernaut Drive; you have no idea what a Heavenly Dragon in his full wrath is like. Your armor and Balance Breaker are offensively based, it won't help you here. A single attack from Issei as he is now could end you."
That is what you think. There are more ways to fight than simply brute force as you well know.
Despoina?
I told you I have been teaching Iggy a thing or two while in your head. Want to show what you can do?
I…I have been thinking, Iggy piped up sounding hesitant as if she wasn't certain her idea would work. The powers of other realms are still channeled through me. I see no reason they cannot be incorporated into your Balance Breaker. Your match against Loki inspired me.
Something less front line?
I believe so, if you will try.
Dorian turned to the others looking on. Each one was ready to jump in, awaiting his input on the battle. As the leader of the Crossroads he had the final say so and he hoped not to disappoint.
"Okay," he finally uttered knowing they did not have much time. "Here's the plan…"
Within the mind of a man…
"I told you you'd never be rid of me," the raven-haired fallen angel laughed. Issei was sitting at her feet in the fetal position shaking as she circled around him. "I was here all along, you knew that. You may have talked all nice to that busty queen, but you saw a bit of me in her every day."
"Y-you aren't Akeno," Issei pushed back as best he could, his conscious mind suppressed while his body rampage on instinct. "R…the President killed you."
"Doesn't stop me now does it," she sneered while looking down on him. "I was your first date; you'll never be rid of me. I'll always be there right in the back of your…"
Issei!
"What was that?"
"Nothing, you've finally cracked. It was kind of obvious when you thought that blonde girl could ever love you. A sure sign of…
Issei!
"I heard it again," he hesitantly stumbled to his feet. "It almost sounds like…" His face narrowed as he realized what voice rose upon the winds towards him. "Goldie?"
Within the castle ruins…
"Issei!" Dorian screamed for the third time to draw his attention as he flew towards the monstrous Dragon. Thrud, Rossweisse and Kuroka were close behind in a V-shape formation.
Not far behind, Vali flew in already arrayed in his Balance Breaker. The will of the Red Dragon spotted his age-old enemy first, firing a beam of emerald energy aimed squarely at him. The attack consumed the approaching team leaving nothing behind as it passed by obliterating all. Issei was confused for only a moment, turning to see the same group approaching from a dozen different angles. He roared in frustration, the various jewels powering up aiming at each illusion created by Kuroka.
"He's catching on!" Thrud warned as the attack approached. Even all their magic seals combined would be hard-pressed to stop the attack heading their way.
The fires of Olympus burn strong in us now, Iggy remarked as Dorian summoned his Balance Breaker in preparation for the oncoming attack. May it be enough.
We just have to get close enough. I won't let Issei kill himself, I don't care how terrifying the Heavenly Dragons are. There is more to strength than mindless power.
Laerad Ragnarok expanded across his body as Issei launched an omni-directional attack scattering beams of energy in all directions. A beautifully haunting scene opened up before them as tornadoes of energy tore through the area seeking the true enemy through the fakes. Dorian's gauntlets deployed, the armor snaking up to his shoulders before stopping. The metal about his torso lost its density, becoming fluid and cloth-like wrapping about his body emerging as a toga in the same manner as those worn by the Pantheon of Olympus. Lastly, his helm transformed, becoming a golden laurel of flames crackling with lightning along with his now gold-covered eyes.
All of your physical might…has been converted to magical power.
Laerad Ragnarok Infusion: Pantheon's Inferno!
Dorian raised his hands high, his weapons foregone as incapable of harming Issei as he was. From on high even within the atmosphere-less Dimensional Gap a colossal bolt of lightning was called forth crashing down just in front of the group.
"Dorian!" Rossweisse jumped at the near hit. "You missed him! We can't…"
The energy beam nearest to the attackers sure to hit suddenly bent sharply like a twig, wrapping around them and destroying all in a completely different direction. Subsequent follow-up attacks did the same, the berserk dragon tilting its head in confusion.
He used the electromagnetic field of the lightning strike to bend the energy's flow? He knew that was possible with enough force even if it was inadequate to stop the attack itself. Her heart fluttered a little more at the fact such a tactic was even considered by the Einherjar.
"Everybody in close!" Dorian waved his hands like serpents coalescing torrents of water in coiling paths around the field of attacks Issei was unleashing without end. "Hold your breaths!"
"Why would w-" Kuroka tried to inquire before a wall struck her along with Rossweisse and Thrud.
The three were swallowed in the water protecting them as the pathways guided the trio around the blazes of death tearing the land apart. Like a composer, Dorian maneuvered them with absolute precision keeping them safe. From a distance, his display was witnessed by Hecuba and several of Olympus' warriors thinking for a brief moment that Zeus and Poseidon had joined the fray.
It's like a water park! Iggy giggled a little despite the seriousness of the situation.
Issei glanced left and right trying to locate the three but failing, setting his sights on Dorian and Vali once more. The White Dragon had held back fully aware his presence would have given away their location before reaching him. Dissipating the split attacks, he focused another blast anew upon them channeling as it had against Shalba.
We can't let him fire again! Who knows how much of his life each shot takes!
'Round two kid!" Thrud yelled with a leap from the water pillar nearest him. With both hands on Gullbjorn, she brought it down with a sickening crash upon the Juggernaut Drive armor augmented by the seals of power courtesy of Rossweisse.
Amazingly, Issei recalled his Longinus smasher, instead delivering a blow to Thrud's gut. The Daughter of Thor caught the punch as best she could, the swing still connecting and driving the wind from her. She had not felt such force before in her life, not even Heracles' explosive attacks from Olympus came close. She spit up saliva at the rush of pain, her monumental strength insufficient against so many boosts.
"Thrud, hang on!" Rossweisse's defensive runes held if only by a hair. Were it not for the pre-attack preparations the blow would have grievously wounded the golden fighter.
A mist rolled in courtesy of a soaked Kuroka shaking off the unexpected bath filled with her most potent concoctions meant to cloud the mind and enfeeble the body. As expected, it did nothing to slow him down but did obscure his vision preventing him from noticing the collecting of seals generating all around him.
"MOVE!"
Thrud leapt away gripping her stomach, armor cracked as Rossweisse's full arsenal was unleashed. The fog created by Kuroka was only amplified by the explosions impacting the dragon armor again and again. Despite the power behind her attacks, Rossweisse's best efforts could not hope to dent that which had surpassed the powers of the Old Satans. This was not her intent, however. Issei's focus was now solely on them…and not on those afar.
"Gleipnir Bindings!"
Dorian roared as he emerged from the smoke, his approach unnoticed in Issei's rage. As he had done with Fenrir, chains snaked forth from the Road Between Realms to bind him at each limb and about his waist. Even the chains could be merged with powers of the differing realms, blue-white lightning of Olympus covered the metal shocking Issei every second. Struggling with all his might, Dorian forced the monstrous form of his ally to its knees, but it was a losing battle. The chains were only unbreakable against Fenrir himself, when used on others they were formidable, but not indomitable.
"Just…a few more seconds!"
Divide! Divide! Divide! Divide! Divide! Divide! Divide! Divide! Divide! Divide! Divide! Divide! Divide! Divide! Divide! Divide! Divide! Divide! Divide! Divide! Divide! Divide! Divide! Divide! Divide! Divide! Divide! Divide! Divide! Divide! Divide! Divide! Divide! Divide! Divide! Divide! Divide! Divide! Divide! Divide!
Their full plan, giving Vali a chance to get in close without Issei annihilating them or using up more energy, came to fruition. The White Dragon Emperor, wings spread wide, slammed into Issei's gut finally making the contact required to allow his power to take hold. Resistance against the chains began to wane…only for their hopes to be dashed as it started to rise once more.
Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost! Boost!
"He's boosting as often as I divide!" Vali grunted. "We put a dent in his power but at this rate…"
I must use my own Juggernaut Drive, if not he'll kill us all.
A tiny screech somehow rose above the chaos to be heard by all, Issei's unending boosts ceasing at the recognition of the sound. Turning, he spotted a tiny sprite dragon floating towards him…a familiar blonde-haired woman stumbling over the destroyed terrain beneath it.
"As…ia…President?" Sure enough, Asia Argento was being helped by Rias Gremory towards the bound Red Dragon Emperor. Tears were streaming down their face as they looked upon the terrifying visage the Juggernaut Drive had given the man they had drawn so close towards in so few months.
"Issei, I'm safe, see?" She uttered softly with a smile as if to say what happened was no big deal. "Rias too, please come back to us!" Issei was frozen in place, the chains holding him more securely than before as the women approached.
"Asia, Rias, what are you doing?" Dorian called out as Thrud and Rose joined him in holding the chains. "He's still berserk, he'll kill…"
"If my pawn strikes down his King then I will be the one responsible," Rias interrupted without slowing their approach.
You can't stop him, but we can. We know Issei…deep down. Thank you for letting us get this close.
"You are my servant, not only that," Rias blurted out as she grew close enough to embrace Issei. "You can't die now because I…I haven't commanded it!" Her face lit up red unable to say what she wished in front of so many.
"And we care for you!" That innocent truthful side of Asia that spoke the words her master could not. "You saved me, now let me save you!" Her tiny dragon, Rassei, she had partially named after him did the same, perching itself on Issei's shoulder. "Please!"
In that moment as the two pressed themselves against the perverted dragon, a single tear of each fell upon his armor.
"B-breasts…so soft."
With that word, the Juggernaut Drive armor shattered instantly into powder disappearing from the battlefield. Issei's battered form floated gently down caught by the two women as the rest of their peerage gathered round. They could not have looked happier or more relieved, a family reunited. Dorian slumped to the ground exhausted, his newly acquired form dispersing as the others did. He could not slump to the ground, however as he was caught as well but a strong hand on each of his arms.
"Just a touch for you," Thrud winked as the warmth of her Sage Arts transferred through her fingers. It wasn't enough to do more than ease his aches, but it was appreciated all the same.
"I just want a nap," he half-chuckled upon realizing the battle had finally ended. They had been fighting so much the last day, it was a relief to see it ended.
"I'll look for any wounded," Thrud assured him, giving the Einherjar's arm a quick squeeze before releasing it. "Don't let him jump into anymore void dimensions."
"Not again," Rossweisse pulled him close. With the battle and everything of the last day her hair was disheveled, armor scorched and covered in sweat. All the same, both couldn't be happier with a moment to breathe.
The moment was broken as a hand punched through the rubble, a pile not far from the battle exploded to reveal a black-armor clad man. He climbed to freedom, arm missing, eyes bleeding and bones broken. All the same, a look of utter rage drove him forward to ignore the pain fingers reaching towards the exhausted teenagers.
"R-red dragon," Shalba Beelzebub groaned with a bubbling growl. "You will n-not survive this day!" The last leader of the Old Satan Faction summoned a sphere of devil magic focused on the peerage, Rias and the others scrambling to put themselves between Issei and the blast.
"You will not harm my sister nor her retainers…"
The energy of cataclysmic levels of power was swiftly snuffed out as a stern hand pressed down upon it, dispersing the hastily gathered magic. That same hand seized the old Beelzebub by the throat and lifted him high with little effort.
"Big brother?" Rias gasped in relief at their savior from the surviving foe.
"Lord Sirzechs!" Dorian remarked at the crimson hair and shining armor that hardly looked scuffed despite his role sowing destruction across the battlefield. "Your arrival was most appreciated."
"Such power," Shalba admitted trapped within the current Lucifer's grasp. "All wasted on your pathetic ideals. You shame the name of devils."
"Maybe so," Sirzechs admitted. "But if that way of thinking worked then we wouldn't be in the situation we are, relying on reincarnations to keep our race from extinction. The time to change was long in coming. Which path we continue will be up to the younger ones to choose," he glanced over towards Rias' peerage smiling with pride. "Even the other myths have realized the same, just look at what was accomplished today…the Red Dragon Emperor placated after defeating you so utterly. As it was during the war, only with combined might and understanding could such a rampage be halted. My gratitude goes to the Crossroads."
Dorian nodded appreciatively at the words. Were it not for the Nordic magic of Rossweisse and Thrud, the Olympian input of Laerad Ragnarok, Kuroka's Sage Arts and Vali's dividing to say nothing of Rias and Asia's words, either they or Issei would have surely perished.
"If the Underworld cannot be mine," Shalba spat. "Then it shall burn, the embers of that flame have already been set. What you do today matters little. That mercy you pride your family on will lead to ruin."
"My family understands when a tempered approach is needed," Sirzechs sighed in an almost defeated manner. "But I have learned that not all are deserving of it. "Farewell Shalba Beelzebub, may your lineage be redeemed by those that follow."
The Crimson Devil's hand tightened on Shalba's throat and jaw, forcing his mouth open as he struggled to close it. In his other hand, a condensed sphere of the powers of destruction his family was legendary for coalesced into being. With a solemn farewell, Sirzechs shoved the deadly mass of power into his open maw, forcing it shut once within. Dorian could barely keep his eyes open as the former Beelzebub screamed, his body disintegrating to its very atoms before finally fading from existence completely.
The Old Satan Faction was utterly defeated.
Lord Sirzechs…he's so powerful, as expected of someone nearly in the top ten. To kill him in such a way, there are more serious sides to the leaders we rarely see. Dorian considered if he had been in such a position, the decision to snuff out a life. He shivered a bit glad it was not so...yet.
"I thank you for protecting my sister," Sirzechs turned to Dorian and Rossweisse. "The battle is all but won elsewhere, we must count our dead and wounded. What of your numbers?"
"I think we will make it," Dorian looked between Rias' peerage and the others taking note of their injuries but nothing that looked fatal. "Thrud took a big hit earlier but…wait, where did she go?"
Amid the rubble…
"I-I'm alive?" The traitorous Astaroth gasped as the battle beyond grew silent. After the castle collapsed, he had been inadvertently freed from his root prison. All the same, he just laid there stunned at the day's events completely beyond what he had conceived. He barely noticed as a golden shape knelt over him.
"Can you move?" Thrud asked softly, pulling a chunk of stone that had nearly been crushing his face.
"N-not yet," he admitted with a pained cough that contained blood. "That damned dragon, he nearly killed me…and that Einherjar almost finished the job!"
"No, he didn't, he couldn't," she sighed almost whimsically. "Dorian hasn't killed anyone in his life. Even knowing the horrific things you did and the fact you'll likely come back later to try again, he couldn't just kill someone however much deserved it was."
"Some leader you follow," Diodora jabbed with a shaky grin. "That naivete will get you all killed someday."
"You are probably right, but then again he may learn that necessity. Deep down I hope not though, until that time comes, I can fill in. He's a good man you see, it's what I love about him. He's not like me."
"Like yo-?" Diodora tried to ask but his voice was cut off as Thrud clamped a vice-like hand over his mouth. He tried to scream with all his might but only a muffled groan could be heard unable to pierce the thick rubble around them. Tears streamed down his face as he realized her intent, Thrud's expression had remained flat and emotionless the entire time.
"Shhhh, yes, like me," She whispered as Gullbjorn flashed above. Diodora's body would not be found for hours into the cleanup, apparent death caused by the unfortunate rubble collapse of his very castle…
Back among the Battlefield…
"Your time among the Crossroads have been productive?" Vali asked Kuroka as the groups picked up their wounded.
"Not as productive as I would like," she teased. "But I hear the system of Ajuka's is coming along. A strand of hair here, a fragment of energy there. The Nekoshou will be running around again in no time." She relished Bikou's grunt of annoyance, a little confused he took her presence among the new team so personally. "I was surprised you helped save him, it was very unlike you."
"It was a whim, nothing more." He explained not entirely convincingly. "His mind was clouded with something beyond the rage of our rivalry, his death now would have no meaning. Also, I wanted to show him."
"I made you two worry," Issei rubbed the back of his head awkwardly across the way having regained consciousness. "I'm sorry." Asia pulled him closer to alleviate his guilt.
"Should we give you three a minute?" Akeno teased, acting as if it was the most natural question in the world as Rias' face turned to one of embarrassment. Her smile flattened somewhat as she noticed Issei would not glance in her direction.
"Issei Hyoudou," Vali spoke up. "Come, look." Dorian looked up with the two dragon emperors as a rift appeared above the Rating Game field above. The air seemed to shudder as something came through so immense in size it took several moments to clear the opening to be fully visible. "I think he felt something when your Einherjar friend went into the Gap, I have not seen him so active…the Dragon of Dragons, the TRUE Red Dragon, Great Red."
"It's enormous, he's nearly the size of Midgardsomr!" Dorian gasped. He had only heard vague assertions to the supposedly strongest being aside from Ophis and his appearance did not disappoint.
"I will defeat him," Vali held a hand up balled into a fist toward the insurmountable foe before him. "I will prove my strength, best the strongest red dragon and become the true White Dragon Emperor. The day I have the strength to defeat him, he will not be the only to fall by my hand. To get to him I will need to through you, be ready for that day."
"Of course I will, as long as you threaten to halve the breasts of those around me I'll stop you every time!" He replied without restraint returning the fist-bump between them.
My head hurts, Dorian groaned with a massage of his temple. He is still thinking Vali might do that.
"So, he's still there…"
The team spun as a young girl with black hair and matching eyes suddenly appeared sitting atop the rubble staring wistfully up at the colossal dragon. She was dressed in a what could only be described as a gothic Lolita dress, terrifying Dorian somewhat that Iggy knew the terminology.
"Where did she come from? Rias blurted out in surprise.
"She wasn't there a moment ago!" Rossweisse was certain, feeling uneasy that she could slip in so unseen.
"Ophis, the Ouroboros Dragon," Vali announced. The name Azazel had mentioned put everyone on edge, despite their exhausted state they prepared for a new battle.
"You may relax," Sirzechs remarked, Azazel floating down beside him sensing the arrival of the leader of the Khaos Brigade. "If she wanted us dead, I doubt all of us combined could prevent it. If that is the case however…" He generated a sphere of destruction energy as Azazel formed a spear of light.
"I'll be leaving, just wanted to see him while passing through," the strongest dragon in existence, mused. "It seems I am down a faction of the Brigade this day."
"You killed Katerea?" Vali asked Azazel who only chuckled.
"Nah, somehow Serafall talked her down. We have her in custody now. The rest of her troops stood down, a few of the less insane among the bunch."
"One day," Ophis smiled while aiming her finger up at the monumental dragon like a gun. "I'll regain that precious silence."
"You'll come to despise it like I did," Dorian's heart skipped a beat as he recognized the voice.
Beside Ophis, a black cloud with gold spheres took shape into the form of a teenage girl. If he had a guess, he would have surmised she was about Rossweisse's age. She looked up at Great Red for a moment before turning towards the Einherjar with a grin.
"Kassaegtha," he whispered. Not even Sirzechs knew how to react to her presence.
"One as young as you doesn't understand," the eldritch entity chastised the infinite dragon. "That silence may be precious now, but it will be short lived as all is."
"Well hey there!" Azazel stepped forward holding a strange device not dissimilar from his Sacred Gear scanner. He fully recognized the ambiance of an Old God whom he had studied in his ceaseless curiosity. "I never thought I'd ever get to see one of you! Do you have a few days…or centuries to talk? What brings you here?"
"Him," she pointed squarely at Dorian smirking incorrigibly. "But that can be for another time. If you learn a bit more, we can speak again."
With that final word both Ophis and Kassaegtha vanished in a puff of light leaving the confused teens and world leaders behind. An uneasy silence settled over as they wondered what this meant, even Great Red had departed back to the Dimensional Gap he called his home where Ophis sought to return one day. None knew what he did within that place but were certain if Vali or Ophis succeeded in his death, the results were impossible to guess. Possibly Cataclysmic.
"We're leaving," Vali waved them off as Arthur opened a portal away from the field. "We've stuck around longer than I should have." Kuroka bid them farewell as she shuffled closer to Dorian despite the death glares of Rossweisse and Thrud by his side.
"Hey!" Issei shouted at his departing rival. "Don't think you…can…just…"
As the second-year student moved forward, his vision suddenly blurred causing him to stumble forward. Dorian barely managed to catch him before he lost consciousness, the strain of the battle and new form having taken its toll despite the second wind received at the touch of Asia and Rias' breasts.
"Issei?" Dorian leaned in close with a soft sigh much to the other's relief. "He's just passed out. Let's find somewhere to lay him down. We've all earned it."
Hot on the heals of Loki's defeat, the Old Satan Faction has been destroyed leaving only the imprisoned Katerea to keep the old ways alive. Pushed to new heights by the conflict, Issei and Dorian tap into power they never thought possible looking to the future for what it may bring. The battle is ended, a celebration party, wrap up and development for what comes next awaits.
The arc concludes truly next time and until then I hope everyone Reads and Reviews…but most of all Enjoys! :D
