trexboy164: It would fit, where the party is hardy enough...Thor will be there XD As to your questions, yes we will most certainly see his Juggernaut Drive. In the Light Novel he only used it once before going Emperio, but he does certainly have it. I totally agree, canon just focused FAR too much on Issei in later volumes it really belittled the other characters, I aim to not do that with either Issei or Dorian. Everyone will have their place. In terms of Issei getting his ship, I haven't decided but I doubt he will, it plays such little part in the story I forgot he had it. It really felt like just another gift given to Issei for very little reason. As for 300 Issei...you won't be disappointed ;)

deathwing17: Thanks :D It's fun to write characters when they can be themselves without worry for saving the world lol.

Hollowreaper 93: lol, kinky time will have to wait XD As for Thrud...well, she and Rossweisse have know each other their whole lives. Thank you as well with the Irina/Kuroka interaction. I always felt how odd it is in canon that all these women are willing to share Issei...yet some have never even said a single line of dialogue to one another lol.

giovvaniauditore: I hope to give you a good first impression of the Kyoto arc and beyond with it being your first time seeing it. It does introduce interesting villains and new characters. I totally agree, imo each character should have a place, not just there to fill a harem quota or a one and done for the sake of building up a lone character. Dorian may be the focus and main character, but I strive to keep him from overwhelming the cast. I love fluff too :) It is among the funnest to write, and if you are interested in Akeno and Zepar...read on ;)

DragonXDelinquent: Very true, Dorian is immune to time-based magic...that includes predictions :D

King0fP0wers: Exactly, and even then she did a sudden heel turn from not doing that at all to suddenly okay with it just because Issei confessed. The transition was a bit out of nowhere XD No, Sairaorg was JUST using his physical strength, the aura was meant to show he broke the limiters on his power but their fight was pure physical might. You are not wrong ;) Sairaorg held the advantage in base forms (Though Dorian able to hold his own I wanted to show his strength as Issei always had to go BB at least to even keep up). Going all out, their fight would be titanic.

Rebell 01: Alas for poor Dorian and Rose XD They will get that time alone eventually ;)

The Amesiac: I am glad you liked my portrayal of Modi so much :D He will be eased back in eventually, though he will be absent for now.

Slayer Cross: It is funny you mention the EX series...truth be told I was considering if Dorian would have a bit of a time travel adventure viewing both the original timeline future and updated one. Still contemplating...and I am proud you noticed that :D Ragnarok doesn't have exact prophecies like in real life so he has no idea. You stay safe and healthy as well in these crazy times!

OBSERVER01: That they are XD

primus101: Not next, that would be Kyoto...but not far in the future ;) There was a reason Zaebos was targeted by the Khaos Brigade who sent Diodora to kill him and it is tied to the ankh he had in his possession he couldn't remember. As for Rose and Dorian, it is not time yet...but I promise it will happen, unlike canon the interruptions won't go on forever XD

Gan315: Thank you for the review and kind words! :D I felt the Old gods being fleshed out more mixed with the overall Trihexa fit well and as you said opened up a lot for the lore. The next arc after the downtime stories will be Kyoto as the timeline leaves little room for something between...but after Kyoto will be some new things in time for the Underworld Invasion arc ;) You have no idea how much it means you hold my story in such high esteem compared to canon. Thank you again!

fanficcyberman: Thank you very much :D I know how relaxing it can be to read a good story, during this time most of all. Well wishes to you too! Stay safe and healthy :D

KurokamiTendou: Right on!

ITSyndicate: You are very welcome, moar you say? Moar you shall have! XD

Critias204: Thank you for understanding my break time and I wish you well too! It's funny you ask Dorian's title for his TV show...read on ;)

Spectrvs: Wow, you read my whole story so quickly, I am touched you enjoyed it to such an extent! :) In regards to your questions; Bastet won't be directly related to Kuroka's senet set, but even after it is created she wouldn't leave Dorian's side (no spoilers lol). Thrud's time is coming, the coming chapter setting up developments in Kyoto ;) Well, Honda is a Dullahan or mythical creature in DxD's definition. Multiple creatures (including a few on Sirzechs' team) have been reincarnated as devils. The only vague statement given in canon is they have to be compatible with them. Honda won't be a huge character but I do hope to flesh it out somewhat later on. If you want to talk about your other questions feel free to PM me, and I certainly hope you enjoy my take on Kyoto :D All the manly hugs and you stay safe as well!

God of war: How do you mean? I set up Dorian's fight with Sairaorg to showcase how far he's come. In canon, Issei had to go rook form and reinforce himself before he could even withstand a blow from restrained Sairaorg. In the last chapter, Dorian with only his bare fists held his own against a full physical strength Sairaorg, far beyond what Issei has ever been shown to be capable of in his base form without his gear.

AxelLord20: So close, yet so far lol. In time, eventually. I am glad you liked Catherine's involvement, considering what Diodora's peerage went through it felt like a wasted opportunity to use them as 1-shot villains then never mention them again. The others will be brought up again in time as well... And yes, I felt a pure physical brawl between them fit the scene most. They can go all out at a later date when they have room to work with ;)

Issei ODR: I am so touched you liked my story to read through it all :D I will say this...you won't have to worry about Thrud being alone ;)

Guest1: Thank you very much! I most certainly will, I hope to never disappoint.

And with that...ONTO THE SHOW! I am not yet officially back to my normal writing schedule, but I finished this chapter and wanted to share ;)

"Hmmm, the alloy should hold up to most punishment," Seekvaira muttered to herself aloud as another spark forced an adjustment of her glasses. "But then I can't retract them properly, perhaps a phased material?"

It had been almost two weeks since the devil heiress arrived at the tower she would call her place of work for the foreseeable future. During that time, she made sure that reports from the various myths made their way back to the Underworld along with having assisted in the most recent conflicts. With the danger temporarily stilled, she had turned her attention towards the injury caused by Diodora's betrayal from her exhibition match against Dorian.

I can still feel it, she groaned with a flex of her wing, having hidden the pain from everyone. More than half of her bat-like appendage had been lost with no way to restore what was gone. Healing skills required the actual remains to be attached which had disintegrated within the flames. In lieu of this, she had opted to seek a form of prosthetic using the skills in her repertoire. If that Dorian could have one made, no reason I cannot do the same. A simmering frustration bubbled within her at the memory of clinging to the Einherjar in her moment of agony but died down at recalling he hadn't spoken of it to anyone as she requested. He was a man of his word like Sairaorg.

A soft knock at the door interrupted her thoughts, with a final twist of the latest bolt she turned to its source.

"Who is it?"

"Rossweisse, Ms. Seekvaira," the voice called in. "You asked to see me alone?"

"Yes, of course. You may come in." The young Valkyrie entered dressed in her usual suit. She stopped at seeing the half-topless devil, maimed wing protruding from her smooth back. Seekvaira often wore noble garbs that showed very little skin, making this a rare sight indeed. "It's quite alright, this is why I asked to see you."

"Are you…well?" She saw the addition to her wing. Instead of stopping halfway up as it had since the battle, a bladed metal tip now filled in what had once been there before. The attachment reminded her of an eagle's more than the bat it had previously resembled adorned with lights and other additions which added to the mystery of it. "If there are technical difficulties, I am sure Lord Azazel would be willing to assist."

"I can't be seen requesting the Grigori Governor-General for help," her words drifted back to the cold tone that she was known for. "Even with our new alliance, in any case it is not the machinery that is the issue, I am more than satisfied with its construction."

Standing up, Seekvaira relaxed her muscles to allow her wings to recede back into her flesh. There was no issue with the one whole and hale, however as her wounded appendage reached her curves, it stopped as the metal pressed into her. She inhaled deeply by instinct as the cold steel made contact, the trouble clear as day.

Devils have the capacity to hide their wings, but it doesn't allow a foreign object within her body. She'd be forced to keep them out all the time…never able to be seen in the human world without illusion skills.

"Your order can dematerialize your armor despite being separate can you not?" Seekvaira released her wings once more with a sigh of relief. "I would like to discreetly request your expertise in adapting such a technique to my wing."

"The style is so unique," Rossweisse absentmindedly looked it over with a gleam in her eyes. "Wherever did you get the inspiration?"

"I…have my sources," she subtly shuffled to the side hoping the Kuoh teacher did not notice the Gundam Seed DVD box set half hidden beneath her sheets. "Working on such things is calming on the mind, I enjoy it."

"Hmmm," ideas swirled in the young woman's mind as she sat down analyzing the material. "I don't know any way to actually allow it to retreat with your wings fully. However, perhaps a charm could be placed upon it to cause the metal only to phase into an intangible state or middle dimension upon skin contact. Our armor, Xenovia's Durandal and Dorian's Sacred Gear does something similar when not in use, I am sure we can adapt it to a degree."

She is so relaxed when overthinking things, Seekvaira did an analysis of her own as Rossweisse continued. She had become a fan of mecha-based anime and other medias since she was a little girl thanks to the influence of her father. Taking part in such things from watching the shows to building her own was one of the few truly enjoyable things she took part in. When she did, the pressure of being an heiress to one of the most influential devil families didn't weigh so heavily anymore.

"It may cause some balancing issues," Rossweisse's latest suggestion snapped her back to the present. "If we develop a satisfactory workaround, perhaps more can be added to your remaining wing to even it out?"

"That would be agreeable," Seekvaira agreed, handing a tool to Rossweisse thankful that the rest of the day was theirs free. "I had a few ideas…"

Training yard…

"Issei! If you win you can do whatever you want with my breasts for 10 seconds."

"You mean it? ALRIGHT!" Power surged through Issei, his radiant armor glowing bright as he blasted towards his opponent. His fist collided with hers, his other hand charging for a follow-up attack. "Time to see the orbs of a goddess!"

"Fighting dragons aren't new to my family," the indomitable warrior smiled, holding back his colossal swing much to his shock. "But you have to keep your guard up, boosts alone won't save you every time and that dress break is more than worthless."

Thrud flipped over Issei arrayed in his Scale Mail armor who had blasted a boosted Dragon Shot towards the young goddess. Seeing the lengthy windup, she flipped over his shoulder seizing his hand trying to lay the dress break seal upon her. Unable to reach her with his perverted technique, Thrud successfully slammed the Red Dragon Emperor into the Earth in a manner akin to when she had first met a fleeing Dorian. Rias Gremory flinched just a bit at the impact, shaking her head with a smile at how hard he was trying. His missed attack struck the barrier set up in the yard exploding in a brilliant, albeit ineffective, display.

"Ex…plain to me again why this is necessary?" Issei groaned in vain beneath Thrud's grip all the while trying to build up his power again with his last burst being expended.

"Because I am used to fighting Balance Breakers," She tightened her grip to keep him in place.

"And we'll need that power in the fight against Sairaorg after the school trip," Rias finished. "You need an opponent who can keep up and I am afraid no one on our team can match that armor of yours. Considering the trip is second years only, I wanted to make sure you got as much practice as possible while we're still together." She sighed, disappointed that she could not attend, remembering her own classes trip the year previous.

"He was really strong," Issei groaned as Thrud pulled him to his feet in defeat. He shuffled over, retrieving Ascalon which had been disarmed early in the fight. To his terror Thrud had cast away her own weapon with the successful maneuver, intent on keeping the match even at each turn. "But if Goldie can fight him with just his fists, I should be able to take him down!"

"You forget Dorian's naturally stronger," Rias tutted. "At your peaks we have yet to see who can take who, but when you are without time to boost, he holds the distinct advantage. Zephyrdor was flattened in a single blow, the fact he took so many from Sairaorg is a testament to his training."

"That and you keep charging in half-cocked," Thrud flicked his forehead with a grin. "Which is all well and fun but is far from a strategy you can depend on. Are breasts truly all you think about even in a fight?"

"Breasts are dreams of men!" Issei blurted out, forcing Thrud to stifle a laugh while crossing her arms across her own chest.

"No argument here, many Einherjar in Valhalla would agree though have more restraint," She sighed, astounded by his one-track mind. "But you can't rely on that all the time, sooner or later you have to develop real strategies. If you don't, a heavy hitter like Sairaorg could flatten you before you get your power up."

Issei cupped his chin in thought, with his Juggernaut Drive he was without a doubt the stronger between he and the Einherjar but with the toll it took on his body that option was out. He had seen Dorian spar with Thrud in the training hall on a few weekends off, in a growing number of cases since the pact with the Norse Dragon King he had actually succeeded in winning.

"How long did it take him to hold his own?" He asked suddenly, eyes roaming across her as he did with most women. "Against you I mean."

"Quite some time," Thrud looked up as she brushed a lock of hair from her eyes. "Oh, he was completely outclassed at first, I had to hold back so much I thought my forehead would burst. But…he never gave up."

Issei and Rias glanced to each other, Thrud practically glowing in the sun as she described the training sessions. Dorian's increase to skill with his power holding him back, a problem resolved through his constant hard work, releasing of his Balance Breaker and most recently the pact with Midgardsormr which had propelled him to heights she saw as extraordinary for a 6-month Einherjar.

"He never let it change him, too often I've seen those drunk-on power. Yet, somehow, he remained Dorian. "Maybe that's how it works best, not too slow but not overnight and learning to appreciate each hurtle jumped. "I never thought I'd find anyone like that, before I met him only my father and other gods were really a challenge. Admittedly he is still a bit too innocent, he will need to harden his heart before long. The very fact he can take a punch from me as hard as I can throw and still come back begging for more makes me feel so..."

Thrud paused as she realized Rias and Issei were staring at her, the answer to his question in much greater detail than expected. Rias was smirking from ear to ear a, the hidden feelings for Dorian plain as day to her on the Norse warrior's face flushed in remembrance of her fights with him. Issei's eyes were wide, his own understanding far less subtle. She had let on more than intended, even he saw the admiration and excitement when talking of the blonde Einherjar.

"I'm so jealous President," he remarked aloud before turning to Thrud. "I suppose you wouldn't be too opposed if Goldie developed an interest in harems huh? He c…"

His eyes had been closed as he spoke, arms nonchalantly crossed behind his head. As a result, he was totally unprepared as Thor's daughter instantly cleared the distance, burying an elbow into his gut. Before he could gasp in pain, Issei found himself flipping head over heel into the ground leaving a sizable crater, his Scale Mail utterly shattered. Thrud wiped her hands down with a huff as she stormed away towards the Gremory heiress.

"Same time tomorrow?" Thrud claimed a towel to wipe off the glowing sweat visible once her armor disappeared leaving her in the Kuoh Academy uniform. She wore it well clinging to her toned frame, skirt shorter than expected but not something the young woman was unaccustomed to.

"It's set, thank you again," she sweat-dropped only a little at her Pawn's lack of tact. "Sorry about that, he can be a bit…"

"Thick?" Thrud retained her composure but was clearly more than a little unnerved that they had seen so much. "No need to apologize, I surmise that quality of him is more frustrating to you than it could ever be to me."

Rias and Thrud exchanged playful grins, each knowing full-well the difficulties faced by the other without another word. As Thrud left, Rias turned to follow with a final word to Issei only now digging himself out of the crater.

"You really need to read moods better. Come on, we can get something to eat."

"You got it, President!"

"President…" Her remark made Issei pause, her features softening a touch. "That's not all I am."

How can you see Thrud so clearly, yet still be blind here? Is it just my breasts you see?

"I gave Asia permission to call me otherwise," she blurted out. "That applies to you, if you so choose."

"What do you mean?" Issei muttered half to himself as his King had already left for the inside. "Wait up!" He called out, scrambling to catch up while dusting off the dirt utterly covering his casual clothes.

Within the Roads…

"Any change?"

"He has mastered the art of brooding," Yggdrasil sighed as she and Dorian looked upon the son of Loki.

Fenrir laid lazily within the confines of Gleipnir's chains eyeing them with a hungry gaze. The visitor knew full well that if they were not standing beyond the reach of his bindings that the wolf would be trying to devour the rest of him. Dorian's right arm twitched at the memory which he ignored, if he showed any sign of weakness before the alpha-wolf it would only hurt any chance at communication. As it stood, he tried visiting several times a week to ensure he could not escape but also would not starve or was being treated poorly. Yggdrasil supplied enough water and basic food to ensure his survival as much as the colossal beast despised the greenery of the Roads.

"I brought you something," Dorian opened a portal too small for any escape to be possible within the barrier, producing an enormous plate of food layered with various cooked meats and other delicacies courtesy of Asia and Hecuba. Fenrir eyed them curiously before closing his eyes as done many times before.

"Do not let that fool you," Yggdrasil whispered coyly in Dorian's ear. "As soon as you leave, he always devours your gifts quite greedily."

"I hope it is no trouble," Dorian hoped as he saw Fenrir's dark glare at Yggdrasil giving away his enjoyment of the new meals. "If there was anywhere else he could go…"

"Think nothing of it," she waved off his concerns with a sweet smile. "Do you honestly believe he is the only monster imprisoned within my boughs?"

Dorian did not know whether to be relieved or concerned at that statement. Before he could decide, Fenrir howled angrily while trying to bury his face within the ground.

"What's wrong?"

"Brotherly spat," Ratatoskr translated with each growl while perched atop a high branch. "You didn't earn any points with him by bringing his little bro in here, apparently he can hear him no matter how far away. The big man chastises him daily while sleeping mentally…I love it! Better than film, I won't need to pick fights with the eagles to pass the time anymore."

That's right, Midgardsormr is in here somewhere, at least with wanting to sleep forever I won't have to worry about trying to visit him on top of everything.

"Ratatoskr be nice," Yggdrasil softly threatened. "He is as much a living being in this realm as you are."

"You're not the boss of me…ma'am," he lowered his head to avoid her gaze, quickly turning to Dorian who tossed a strawberry his way.

"I just don't know what to do with him," Dorian sighed never imagining he would be the impromptu jailer of the tenth strongest being in existence. "Gleipnir still holds strong?" The matron of the Roads nodded. "That's good, I suppose…try to keep him comfortable if you can. Who knows how long he'll be here?"

Your hollow request is appreciated but ultimately pointless, as if any comfort could be gleamed here. Enjoy this while you can, Fenrir's gnarled speech suddenly took shape into recognizable words causing even Ratatoskr's mouth to drop open in surprise. Your arm was a morsel, should I break these chains the rest of you shall follow down my gullet.

"Well shit," Ratatoskr remarked to shatter the bitter ambiance. "You can speak English AND are eloquent to boot, stop taking my job!"

"Maybe not so comfortable," Dorian was unwilling to verbally spar with the wolf's revealed talent for their tongue. With a spin he turned followed by Yggdrasil and Rat. "Iggy came in here before I did, is she still around?"

"She is," her mother confirmed. "And she has taken a…what do you call it? A hobby."

Crossroads Tower…

"So…on these weekends we don't have to do anything?" Catherine asked Kiba who was reading one of his novels for class, closing it to give her his full attention.

"If you wish, if you had any homework, we would need to work on or fulfilling devil contracts of course. But other than that, the days are yours."

She truly forgot what it's like to be her own master, Xenovia mused nearby. The female Einherjar was wearing a tube top while performing pushups, intent on staying in shape while Kiba read. His occasional glances in her direction he thought she missed pushed her to keep going. She and Kiba had been easing Catherine into the lifestyle of a high school student. Such a simple regimen suited the young knight well, her smile growing a bit more genuine every day. I hope the Gremory family can find similar outcomes for her peerage sisters.

"Koneko recently returned from a contract," Akeno reported to Rias not far. The devil heiress was dressed in a casual sleeveless shirt with red and white stripes and white jeans getting some much-needed rest since returning from Issei's training. The group was lounging on the rooftop of the tower which combined with the greenhouse had a wonderful ambiance. Their allies to the north never minded them making use of the accommodations and Koneko could hone her Sage Art skills on the plants Freyja had provided as Thrud instructed. "Nothing out of the ordinary but after learning she was a nekoshou apparently spent the last hour just rubbing her ears."

"These requests keep getting stranger, but it can't be helped" she leaned back staring up at the sky. "She's been doing so many recently, our little Koneko will be able to move up to a middle rank devil pretty soon at this rate. Is that everything?"

"It is," Akeno bowed respectfully, the two fully aware she did it both to improve herself and get out of the house with Kuroka around so often. The two were on the mend in terms of speaking, though the older sister reveled in embarrassing the younger a touch too often for her taste. "And if possible, I would like to ask the rest of the day off."

The day off? That is new for Akeno.

"Of course Akeno, you only ever need to ask though this is a first. What is the occasion?"

"That will be a surprise for later," she winked to her king with a smile. "I don't want to hide myself anymore, for once you can follow my lead."

In a flash, a teleportation seal appeared beneath her feet. She shimmered out of existence, her cheerful expression warming Rias' heart. It was only then that Rias realized Akeno's chosen casual wear for the day included a humble red summer dress with white sleeves akin to something one would wear to look nice on a warm day.

"She had a teleportation seal prepared?" Rias muttered to herself. "She really wanted me to approve."

"I don't like it," Issei remarked having heard the entire thing from the entrance. "What if something is wrong?"

"With that smile?" Koneko was next to add her thoughts to the situation.

"She was cheerful all morning," Asia finished. "It was nice to see."

"Hmmm," Rias considered Akeno's parting words, her teenage curiosity trumping the restraint she tried to foster as a devil heiress. "It would be remiss of me to ignore a potential development in my queen. Koneko, is there enough ambient magic left to determine her destination?"

"Within a few yards," the nekoshou confirmed, already in the process of spreading a powder along the floor to reveal the now burned-out diagram.

"It's settled then, find Gasper and gather close. We have the day off; we're going after her!"

Roads Between Realms.

"Well? What do you think?"

"I think you have waaaayyy too much time on your hands," their rodent companion blurted out, earning a smack in the back of the head by a nearby branch. "Where did you get all this?"

Iggy was standing amid an enormous glade provided by her mother surrounded by an uncountable number of dresses, sweaters, pants, ornate gowns, simple tops and more. Each one was sewn using minute slivers of branches and roots and were very sturdy. Dorian went wide-eyed, each style had dozens of copies with enough to clothe the palace of Asgard.

"They're beautiful!" Dorian announced without hesitation astounded this love had grown from the statue she helped craft in class. "You really like creating, don't you?"

"She is my daughter after all," Yggdrasil flipped her hair with pride. "I will admit I never took up the tasks of a seamstress."

"The apple didn't fall far from the tree," Ratatoskr nodded with crossed arms clearly proud of his play on words.

"But it's so fulfilling," Iggy spun in place pointing out her many creations. "Just think how many could enjoy these!"

"Or could get one if they deal with that Dress Break move," Ratatoskr snickered before leaping down onto her shoulder. "Which one is your favorite?" Iggy's face lit up like a sun, rushing into the back to show him her recently completed projects, leaving Dorian and her mother alone.

Well, she's technically your daughter, but not your daughter.

"I heard that," Yggdrasil referred to Despoina speaking within Dorian's mind. "The when and how of it are irrelevant, she IS my daughter."

But you've never given birth or planted a seed, saw it in your memory Dorian, sorry. Because you haven't…yet.

"What are you talking about?" Dorian just spoke aloud, restricting their interaction to thought pointless with Yggdrasil present. Iggy continued to tend to her clothes, actively ignoring their discussions of a topic she refused to take part in.

I was rooting in your nightmares for months, your landscapes of destruction and that giant silhouette that drives us away or disappears before we can look closer. The detail is too superb for a dream, a memory though…

"But I never saw that until after the nightmares."

You didn't, but what about her? She motioned towards Iggy. She is the same age as you but who knows what she went through before bonding to your soul. A destroyed world, destruction and death as far as the eye can see. Last I checked the world is fine, that may not be true for the future…

"But she said her first memory was me crying at birth."

"You believe she is my daughter-to be?" Yggdrasil narrowed on Dorian staring through him into Despoina's remaining soul. "Come to us from this dark future, how and to what end?"

You got me, but she REALLY didn't like me looking through there. I don't want to confront her until we have more concrete information. Who knows how she'd react if I'm right? All we have is the destruction, that seven-headed silhouette and the repeating numbers.

"Numbers?"

That damned annoying cursed number, 666.

The cursed number? His obvious recognition of the term drew Yggdrasil's attention, even Despoina squinted within his head, a vague mention of it in the oldest Olympian texts.

"What do you know?"

"I don't, but that term was used in an essay of Rossweisse's, I saw it before that dream where…never mind. It could be nothing, but maybe I should check it out sometime. It's been on our bookshelf since she moved in."

"Be discreet if you can," Yggdrasil cautioned, placing a gentle hand upon his cheek. "I sense a great uncertainty within my daughter. She does not recall her true name nor seems interested in fleshing out her origins. I do not wish her to suffer, as any mother would."

"I will do it when she's not listening," Dorian promised.

During some private time with Rossweisse? Despoina's disembodied smirk was piercing.

"Let's just get back and…"

"Bow down mortals!" Ratatoskr emerged atop the nearest branch decked out head to toe in tiny clothes. He was currently sporting a large blue trench coat with matching hat. "She made stuff in my size, is she considerate or what? Definitely a keeper boss." Iggy blushed at the assertion. "You gotta see these!"

"Well," Dorian sighed with a heartwarming smile seeing just how excited the prospect to show off her work made Iggy. "Perhaps we can stay a few more minutes."

Kuoh Town…

"She's been waiting for fifteen minutes," Asia checked her watch again.

The entire peerage had resolved to follow their friend save for Honda who was incapable of being inconspicuous along with Kiba and Catherine who were still going over what it meant to have a normal life. The rest, however, were hiding behind a telephone pole that appeared too thin to mask them all yet somehow completed the task. They had found Akeno after teleporting after her sitting in the park reading from a romance novel kept in her purse. As far as they could tell, that was all she was doing.

"What a letdown," Koneko sighed, pushing Issei a bit further away as he craned his neck to see more. He did not mind being crammed between the three beautiful women.

"It's too quiet, I don't trust it. That dress really makes her look…" He stopped at the blow to his forehead leaving a sizable lump as his eyes drifted south. "Hey, what was that for? If I am going to be squeezing those jumblies I need to appreciate them."

"She could have read anywhere," Rias knew full-well was the case. "Gasper, I want you to turn into bats to scout the area and…"

"Ah, right on time just as expected of you."

The team instantly quieted down at Akeno's words, putting away her book and standing with a quick smoothing of her skirt. Someone was approaching her from the fountain, a tall man from the look of him wearing a grey polo shirt and denim pants. Dark hair was visible even from the back, a hand rising to adjust a pair of intelligent-looking glasses on his face.

"ZEPAR!?" The group gasped in unison before ducking back into hiding at the fear of being spotted.

Not Far…

"I…am not accustomed to such clothes," the attaché to Baraqiel admitted as he looked over the everyday wear he currently sported. "You, however, look lovely."

"You give yourself too little credit," she giggled a bit before taking an arm and pulling him close, his own brushing against her ample bust. "You are quite handsome and should step out of the suit more often. I got my day off, how about you?"

"I fear my lord suspected I wished more than a day of rest, but he granted my leave all the same." He produced a pamphlet unfolded many times before presenting it. "I have prepared an itinerary with a timeline that will ensure we hit…"

"How about," Akeno gripped his arm a bit tighter, knocking the young man out of his meticulously planned schedule with many events down to the minute. "We start off somewhere nice and see where it goes from there?"

"That…" his heart beat a little harder at the loving, gentle gaze her violet eyes were giving him. "…sounds delightful."

The aquarium was the first on his list and where they started. It wasn't as large as some in other cities, however the two walked hand in hand among the exhibits, blue light from the waters shimmering over them. They spent an especially long time admiring the family of rescued dolphins swimming together towards the top floor. The entire time they were together, they were blissfully oblivious to the shadows following behind.

"They can be so gentle," Zepar explained to his date. Normally he would have been doing so purely to educate his companion. In this situation, however, he was filled with a seldom-felt desire to impress her. He spoke more and more as it became apparent, she hung on his every word. "Yet in packs can fight off even some of the most vicious of predators."

"It shows there can be two sides to everyone," Akeno watched the mammals swim together as if entranced. "I've heard this place was fun but never made it before. It's so peaceful."

"I am glad you like it; I was not certain on your tastes outside of your school and peerage," he admitted. I am sure this is not as flashy or extravagant as other dates you have had, but I hope it is as enjoyable."

Akeno released a soft giggle as she pulled him to the next exhibit on their way through the building. Bringing him close, she whispered a secret in his ear.

"I've never been on one before, didn't your watching over me for father ever reveal that?"

The two were so absorbed by one another they didn't hear a gasp and splash on the other side of the wall, a young man slipping back into a shallow pool intended for children of guests to play in. Issei Hyoudou shook off the water as Asia helped him up, the rest with their ears pressed to the wall listening in.

"She's never been on a date? How the hell is THAT possible?"

"Ssshhh," Koneko shushed her upperclassman. "What else are they saying?"

"Something about dolphins," Rias reported back. "Wait, they're moving again!" Motioning the others, the group shuffled from a safe distance behind though drew the confused glances of the other aquarium patrons for whom they were clearly visible.

"It's so unfair," Issei half-cried as they pursued them out of the aquarium towards their next destination. "I was hoping someday she'd be in my harem peerage. She has the biggest knockers I've ever seen!"

"Can't you be happy for her," Asia pouted a little bit, pulling him closer to her. "They've been working together since the summit, i-it makes sense they could be closer."

"Of course I'm happy for her," Issei sighed with the conflicting natures within him. "As if she could ever have feelings for me…but still, it's hard for a man to take such a hit. Those boobs should have been all mine to squeeze!"

Asia pushed him forward, face blushing red at his words. "If that is what you need, y-you can touch mine as much as you want when we get home!"

"You mean it?" Stars returned to the young pawn's eyes as he was half pushed, half slid towards the others.

Akeno and Zepar moved through the shopping district next without either hanging out at each store for long. From practical appliances Zepar thought would be nice to a clothing store where she tried on several bikinis for him all of which seeming just a touch too small for her. The fallen angel barely maintained his professional demeanor by the second, his date relishing in his uncomfortable nature as her own hidden interests shined through. Rias was forced to have Gasper freeze Issei to prevent their discovery as he got worked up from her poses. Even she was starting to blush, not realizing before then she hadn't been on such a normal date in her life either.

A few hours later…

"Thank you, it has been a lovely day," Akeno complimented her date as they settled down on a pair of chairs outside the ice cream parlor. The shop had a small outdoor pavilion for patrons to enjoy their treats in the sun, to their contentment it was nearly empty except for them and a handful of others.

"It has, I pray the next we wish to spend some personal time together will not require such secrecy." Zepar took a tentative lick of his soda flavored ice cream. Akeno partook of her Chocolate Chip cone as eagerly as propriety permitted. "I wish I could have found something to get you at the shops…"

"You've already given the best gift," she pointed as his lips. Since they had reached the aquarium, the soft hints of a smile had remained almost through the events. It was a welcome sight as he often had a more serious expression when at work or performing his daily duties. "The best kind of man is one who is always smiling. I was worried about you for a bit, but not anymore."

"Tccch," Zepar groaned as a sudden spike in his head caused him to lean forward. "I do not often eat ice cream," he admitted at seeing her concern. "The headaches are…annoying."

"We'll have to do this more often to build up your tolerance, though I don't mind that look on your face," she grinned with just a hint of delight. "Next time…we can have some privacy!"

She raised her voice at the last remark, turning around towards the bushes where Rias and her team were hiding. For a moment, the group feared their discovery. That fear was placated, however as a tall man seated between her and them in a conspicuous trench coat stood up, removing the fedora on his head.

"Lord Baraqiel!?" Zepar instinctively bowed. "What are you doing here?"

"I was…" The high-ranking Grigori awkwardly adjusted the collar about his neck. "…ensuring my daughter had an enjoyable evening. You may be an incredible attaché Zepar, but that also makes you a poor liar."

"You did not trust his intentions?" Akeno smiled innocently at her father. "Or mine?"

"Don't make the poor man sweat any more than he already is, he has no stomach for this." Another patron in the pavilion stood up. He was clearly an old man wearing silver shorts and a Hawaiian hat he quickly took off, revealing his identity. "I was the one who talked him into this little escapade. Considering my sons I have some experience in this matter."

"Lord Odin?" This time it was Akeno's turn to be surprised.

"This old bird brought up his little protégé clearly wanting the day off to spend with his beloved daughter. He decided to follow after I mentioned the intricacies of a teenage boy's mind. It worked nicely into the schedule; I was hoping to learn a bit more about this Shinto religion of yours. You are an expert I believe my dear?"

Akeno nodded softly.

"Excellent, once you are free, we can discuss everything in great detail. Come on you young goat," he slapped Baraqiel on the back, the man clearly out of his element standing stiff as a board. "I can see if my son's testament to your ability to hold your liquor is accurate. But first, I think the others should show themselves as well."

The Chief Norse God raised the walking stick he carried, tapping it lightly upon the ground. Despite the ease of his motions, the ground shuddered with the impact, causing Rias, Issei, Gasper, Koneko and Asia to spill out from behind their hiding place with guilty grins spread across the lot of them.

"President?" Akeno smirked mischievously at the reveal of their stealth mission. "Decided to follow in my footsteps after all?"

"Ahem," the Gremory heiress quickly recovered to her feet as the others struggled to. "We wanted to make sure all was well; I am glad to see that is the case. You could have told me about this you know."

"More than well," Akeno pulled Zepar by the arm to her side once more. "This is as good a time as any, better considering the audience. Everyone, Zepar and I have been seeing each other the last few weeks."

"Your boyfriend?" Baraqiel asked in a stern gaze, his daughter nodded securely.

Who would have thought I could ever love someone so similar to you father? Is this how mother felt when you showed up at her shrine all those years ago? I wish she could be here to meet him.

"I…see," Baraqiel stepped forward looming over his aide who looked more than a little nervous, sweat running down his brow.

"You tasked me with monitoring and ensuring her safety in your absence during your time estranged," he found his words at last. "It was only a duty at first, however since I got to speak with her for the first time at the summit…I realized why you call her your greatest treasure." Baraqiel ceased his advance, allowing him to speak. "I have come to care greatly for her and would like more opportunities to do so."

"How many opportunities?"

"All of them sir." He replied after a moment of silence.

"What's going on?" Asia asked Gasper who only shrugged.

"Two to one either a heartwarming family moment or an impending murder," Odin cackled playfully with a slap to his knee.

"In that case," Baraqiel extended a hand to Zepar. The four-winged fallen angel grasped it securely so tightly everyone could hear their bones groan. "Then I give you leave to protect Akeno in my stead. Should I ever be unable to be there for her, YOU shall act from this day forth. Do you accept this duty?"

"With Lady Akeno's leave, of course," he turned to her, the fallen angel queen nodding with a slight glistening of tears she held back at his words. "To that end, I also respectfully request permission to place my name forward for consideration into the Crossroads. I hear they have not yet named a Grigori representative. I would work from the tower in that case."

"You will be missed by my side."

"As will you, my Lord."

"Then…you have my blessing," he glanced to Akeno and back before wrapping his arms securely around his daughter. "In all things."

"Father…" Akeno whispered as she returned the hug, an outstretched arm pulling Zepar in unexpectedly. Her date breathed a sigh of relief at the outcome, however sensed a tension in Akeno's grip, a desperate yearning that worried him still.

"Well done," Rias complimented as Asia and Issei wiped away tears shed for different reasons. Gasper almost did the same but was provided a helpful handkerchief courtesy of Koneko. The young nekoshou allowed a subtle smile to grace her lips, glad that her upperclassman who had been so conflicted since they had first met seemed to have found some peace.

"Splendid!" Odin threw his arms out wide. "My wife will be overjoyed; it is fortunate Lord Gremory made sure the tower was so large. Where is that former aide to my Frigga anyway? I wanted to show off his debut before the big reveal, you too Mr. Hyoudou!"

"My big debut?" Issei's eyes widened as he realized what the Norse God was referring to. Memories of the little excursion to a filming studio he, Dorian and Thrud had made shortly after the Diodora incident had come to a close…

Hyoudou House, hours later…

"Why did I agree to this?" Dorian hid his face in his hands as Odin played the tape he had brought with him. The collected Crossroads as well as Rias' peerage were gathered on the couches large enough to accommodate everyone.

"Sshhhh, it's starting," Odin chastised the Einherjar as he turned up the volume. This song was put together by two of the four Satans and approved by myself. Be grateful!"

There is a breast-loving Dragon living in the edge of a certain country
The Dragon goes for a walk when the weather is good
DRAGON DRAGON OPPAI DRAGON GROPE-GROPE SUCK-SUCK PUFF-PUFF
There are so many types of breasts, but he likes the big ones the best
The Oppai Dragon also flies today
In an edge of a certain town, the Oppai Dragon was laughing
Even on a stormy day, the Oppai Dragon becomes happy by pressing breasts
DRAGON DRAGON OPPAI DRAGON CLICK-CLICK ZOOM-ZOOM IYAAAN
He has seen lots of breasts, but he likes big ones the best
The Oppai Dragon also pushes today!

"Kill me, Valhalla awaits," Rossweisse had her hands similarly cupped over her face, steam rising from her cheeks burning red with embarrassment.

"Oh, it was fun to shoot, and you know it," Thrud clapped her back, forcing her friend to watch the scene unveiling before their eyes. An extravagant red curtain pulled to the side unveiling a stage setup akin to those used in theater. Issei was wearing his Balance Breaker armor, though for safety reasons no true power ran through it. He was kneeling on the ground groaning as if wounded, punching the stage in frustration.

"Damn!" He shouted melodramatically. "No matter what I try he won't fall!"

"Of course not, Oppai Dragon!" A booming voice enhanced by sound effects called from the backdrop of a frozen castle. Stepping out of the shadows, Dorian emerged wearing an enormous snow-white bear cloak arrayed in the most stereotypical looking Viking attire imaginable complete with fur cloak and horned helmet. A great two-handed prop sword that weighed almost nothing was pointed towards the seemingly defeated foe. "Pressing breasts where you will with no regard, such power is useless before…The High King! HAHAHAHAHAHA!"

"This is the best," Bennia snickered, tossing a kernel of popcorn to an equally amused Ratatoskr. "You show him what for High King!"

"Hey! It's my show!" Issei glared at the grim reaper.

"Give in to your lewdness," Ratatoskr groaned with a raspy voice from beneath a black cloak Iggy had made for him. "Do it!"

"Give her back!" The Oppai Dragon shouted, referring to an imprisoned Rias. She was gussied up in a flamboyant pink dress that reminded Dorian of a damsels in distress from the old fairy tales. She was looking more than a little embarrassed, never having had to wear such a thing even when engaged to Riser.

"Your Switch Princess shall remain in MY domain!" The High King bellowed again, prompting the current Einherjar to bury his head deeper in his arms. It was one thing to act on stage and another entirely to hear it from the other side. "She will be safe from your wandering hands!"

"Save me Oppai Dragon," the princess weakly called out, accidentally looking into the camera as she looked at the floor and back to Issei awkwardly. It was most of their first time in front of a camera in such a way, it would take time to get used to…well, for almost everyone.

"Yes, my king!" A powerful warrior approached the Oppai Dragon from behind. "Give me leave to slay this beast and bring honor to my family name!"

"Oh, oh, my part!" Thrud pulled Hecuba and Xenovia closer motioning to the screen. "I'm a natural." On the screen she was dressed in a rather skimpy outfit that could only be considered armor in MMORPGs and films of questionable budgets. The bulk was a leotard similar to Valkyries but open in the front with a v-line going down to her belt and flimsy excuses for armor covering her thighs and shoulders. A winged circlet smaller than even her own sat atop her strawberry blonde locks rounded off with bracers on either wrist, a mini skirt that concealed nothing and thigh-high boots.

"Stand down Thunder Maiden," High King Dorian waved her off. The proactively dressed warrior bowing with a step back. "I shall handle this dragon myself."

Dorian cast off his cloak and leapt down assisted by wires as any injury sustained while using powers would have made the studio liable. Issei drew a crimson sword of his own, the two clashing again and again using the choreography studied the morning prior. Combat flowed between them as Issei remained on the defensive, Dorian growing more frustrated as his continued blows failed to slay the Oppai Dragon. With a final missed swing, Issei kicked off the High King's Chest sailing backwards with wire work to land beside Rias' cage.

The Oppai Dragon needs your help! A narrator voice called out as a young woman in a red and white dress became the focus. Were this in front of an audience as was intended, she would have been referring to them. I am sure if you all believe enough, he can overcome this foe and save his princess!

"Go Issei!" Asia found herself calling out with a smile, the energy of the scene surprisingly invigorating.

Honda's metal gauntlets clapped together reverberating throughout the room. Catherine tilted her head, she and Kiba both sweat dropping a bit. Even Koneko found herself swaying back and forth emulating what her tail would be doing had it been summoned.

"Give in to the Oppai Dragon!" Kuroka shouted at the screen. "Admit the superiority of his convictions!"

"The sword work is quite impressive," Xenovia pointed out with Hecuba nodding in agreement. "Simple for the children but effective at building tension."

"D-despite the subject material," Irina quietly added. "If it inspires those who watch it, I suppose it is nice. You can win Dorian!"

"I can!" The Oppai Dragon shouted, pointing his sword towards the High King. "I can do anything with boobs!" A red streak of light produced through a powerful flashlight in his sword shined towards his opponent emulating his Dragon Shot.

"GAAAHHHH!" Dorian fell to a knee holding up his sword to stave off the attack. "Such strength Oppai Dragon, is it true that this power of dreams from breasts is stronger than all?"

"No," a newcomer to the stage drew the camera's attention. "Our bond can challenge such a might…together."

A woman with ornately styled silver hair walked forward behind the High King laying a tender hand on his shoulder. Her aqua colored orbs stared into his augmented with a gleam of post-production special effects. Her dress, the same color as her eyes, was much more regal yet alluring than the Switch Princess, having a modest low-cut in addition to slits along the long skirt to let a pale leg poke through.

"It's your big moment," Thrud playfully elbowed Rossweisse who only dared to peak out through a slit in her fingers. Dorian looked on with a smile having been very fond of the costume departments choice in wear for Rossweisse, even Thrud's outfit had accentuated her qualities beautifully. Serafall Leviathan was a master at the craft before she had become a Satan.

"With you by my side, I cannot fail my Queen! He shall never draw near to your breasts; of this I swear!"

As the Oppai Dragon powers up with his Switch Princess, so too has his dastardly opponent found one to give him strength…his High Queen!

Steam rose around the pair simulating their powers clashing evenly, sparks flew as the climax of the teaser grew to its apex.

"Y-you are quite strong!" The Oppai Dragon complimented. "But this battle is done!"

"Perhaps," the High King admitted while gripping his Queen by the waist with his free hand. "But it shall end in a victory for neither. I shall live the life I crave, to cherish who matters most and prevent your wandering, grabbing hands where I find them. Till we meet again…hero."

An explosion of fog obscured the stage forcing the Oppai Dragon and Switch Princess to shield their eyes. When they looked upon the ground again, the High King and Queen were gone to accost them another day.

And thanks to all of you, the Oppai Dragon has rescued his princess! By borrowing your strength, he has driven off the Northern King and saved the day! The screen faded to black with the narrator's conclusion, ending the video as Odin popped the tape out in one motion.

"We edited it from the footage you shot last week," he grinned back at the applauding peerage and Crossroads. "After your little field trip coming up, we can shoot the rest, this was just a teaser and we already have sponsors willing to pick it up."

"You pulled off the role very well," Iggy complimented Dorian. "If it is indeed broadcast cross-realms it can help bring them together just as much as the Crossroads itself."

"And just imagine how many will be watching," Issei was practically glowing at the thought of being admired by so many. "All the single mothers having their kids watch it! We can…" He did not finish as Koneko and Rias both shot him dark glances even he could read.

"You'll all get first dibs on the merchandise of course," Odin winked thinking of Freyja back in Asgard. His beloved Allmother would never admit it but she had already acquired quite a few of the High King collectibles before they were to hit the shelves. "And you Dorian, Serafall predicts you could have a spinoff of your own within the year. It is AMAZING what they allow on devil television, I got the full package and let me tell you…"

"Allfather!" A new woman emerged at the entrance panting heavily as if she'd been running a marathon. "There you are!"

"Gerhilde," Odin looked nervous at her arrival. The woman was dressed in a black business suit with short ocean-blue hair. It was evident based on her look and demeanor she was a fellow Valkyrie a few years ahead of Rossweisse. "I thought I lost you…ah…I mean what took you so long?"

"We were to meet with Lord Azazel regarding contacting the Youkai and Shinto Clans three hours ago! I told you the Allmother commanded this Oppai Dragon to wait until after! How the Lady Rossweisse dealt with you for so long is a secret Mimir himself could not answer!"

"I suppose our detour has gone long enough, if my good friend Baraqiel is ready to depart we can acquiesce." With a final peck on the cheek of farewell, the Grigori angel bid his daughter and Zepar goodbye, the three departing with a wave back. "Keep the tape lads! Watch it as often as you like! If you take some advice from your alter egos, who are we to argue?"

"My condolences," Rossweisse whispered to Gerhilde whom had been an instructor at the academy last she'd known her.

"And those to follow, I am the third of his bodyguards since you departed," she admitted.

"So how does it feel to soon be famous boss?" Ratatoskr asked with a cheeky grin. "It won't be easy challenging the Boob Dragon, he is a dream come true for men after all."

"I think I need a long nap," Dorian mused as he slumped forward dreading the dialogue of episodes to come. Deep down, however, even he could not deny it had been fun taking part in something like that. It had been a fun day of shoots and most of all without any worry or threat to them. If it meant more peaceful days, he didn't think he'd mind taking part in the Oppai Dragon Show or whatever spinoffs may follow.

Kuoh Academy, the next day…

"Thank you for coming Mr. Held," Azazel greeted Dorian with a friendly handshake as classes let out the following afternoon. "Had a productive day?"

"I hope so," he yawned subtly just thinking of the assignments he had to complete. "Catherine is settling in well in Kiba's class I hear, she hasn't had anything close to this education since her time in the Church."

"Great to hear, with luck that poor girl can put the past behind her. I called you here to ask you a question. You are planning to attend the Kyoto class trip coming up soon I trust?"

"I am," his eyes lit up at the thought. "I've never been there. I am so used to traveling often that it's…different to be going somewhere knowing I'll have a home to go back to after. I know that must sound strange."

"I understand completely, before the Grigori found our current home it was hard being cast out of Heaven. Being born and raised there then being exiled for not exactly complying with how we were intended…but it turned out for the best," he leaned back throwing his arms out. "If you saw Gabriel even you would be having less than pure thoughts. I think I went for so many harems to try and find an equal beauty on this planet."

"I don't think I've ever met any of your wives," Dorian tried steering the conversation somewhere he was more comfortable. "Do they not visit Kuoh Town?"

"Oh no," Azazel suddenly shifted uncomfortably. "I haven't remarried in…quite some time since the last passed on. But that's neither here nor there, I came here to ask YOU a question. You've been acting as an assistant teacher, some in the lounge are quite fond of how you are. Apparently in the past some students took advantage of the additional authority."

"Thank you," Dorian scratched the back of head nervously.

"Well, it turns out a bit of a bug has been going around and they are unexpectedly shorthanded for the upcoming trip. So, they wanted me to ask if you'd be willing to…"

"KYAAAHHH!" The cry of a girl in the next room caused both to jump out of their seats. Not long after, Yukiko, a girl Dorian recognized from Thrud's class rushed in slamming the door behind her.

She was completely naked.

"What happened?" Azazel asked as Dorian quickly undid his jacket, averting his eyes as he draped it over her shoulders. Thanks to his taller than average height it maintained her modesty completely.

"That pervert!" She blurted out. "I don't know how he did it, but he just touched me, and my clothes fell apart!"

The door to the office blew open to reveal Issei shuffling inside eyeing up the half-naked woman. His face was contorted in a perverted grin that looked extreme even for the young man. His eyes were almost glazed over as if he could see nothing but the girl in front of him.

"Boobs, let me grope them!" He yelled, diving through the air towards his target.

He didn't get far, before reaching her Dorian grabbed Issei's face with his entire hand. Halting his momentum, the Einherjar slammed the Red Dragon Emperor into the ground as hard as he could.

"What are you doing?" He yelled loudly, face twisted in anger. "Have you gone nuts?"

He didn't get an answer as seconds after his body connected with the floor, Issei disappeared in a puff of steam leaving only a cloud of smoke behind. Even his clothes vanished leaving Dorian glancing left and right as if expecting him to emerge like the end of a magic trick. From the doorway entrance, another Issei ran in, eyes locking with Yukiko hiding behind the desk.

"Give them her-" he did not finish as a spear of light from Azazel's fingertips pierced this Issei, obliterating him into mist just like the first.

"What is…going…on?" Yukiko asked weakly before the teacher laid a hand on her head. She immediately grew drowsy and passed out, being lifted onto the nearby bench to sleep it off.

"Huh, I guess the experiment worked!" Azazel mused under his breath with a squint of concern. "How in the world did they escape my lab?"

"Mr. Azazel," Dorian rounded on his teacher at those words, drawing a bead of sweat across the Grigori leader's brow. "What did you do?"

Pandemonium abound, an army of Isseis have turned Kuoh Academy into a warzone. How was Azazel linked to it and how can they deal with the new perverted tidal wave?

The next 2-3 chapters will be downtime ones segueing into the Kyoto Arc. I was torn on whether to include a story so I wanted to leave it up to YOU the fans whether you would like to see a Roots of Hope variation of Riser Phenex' story to regain his courage before then. The attack of the 300 Issei continues next time, till then I hope everyone Reads and Reviews…but most of all Enjoys! :D