FateBurn: Thank you.
Fairyfiction21: We shall see, Shinto will need a representative after all...
trexboy164: No worry, I understand and am glad you liked what you read :) If you want to PM me with anything specific my box is open.
King0fP0wers: Lol, getting to walk more than a mile in his shoes. Good thing Thrud isn't there lol, and poor Rose may not mind it...but Dorian would worry acting on them if it's him or just the compulsions. I hope you like my plans going forward ;) As for the hero descendants, I have a few ideas. Firstly whether I should give an identity to the 3 random girls from canon who attacked them on the bridge, got dress broken then ran. They have literally no identity so either I will give them one or omit them entirely.
Issei ODR: Thank you very much! :D
runelt99: I've had a few plans for their kids set up slightly via that future Loki...what you say is eerily close ;)
Spectrvs: Your in-depth reviews are always welcome and appreciated, thank you so much! I sent you a detailed PM on the reply. I will admit I was torn whether to use the Japanese term Kitsune or fox. You stay healthy as well my friend!
Gan315: Yes, I try to have a chapter out every 2-3 weeks. It used to be 1-2 but as they got more detailed 1 week became unfeasible. You are right, as an Independent Avatar type, she can leave Dorian at anytime and manifest as her own being like Sairaorg's able to become the lion. I am glad you liked the youkai reveal, you are right they seemed so ineffectual in canon, like Yasaka was the only strong one among them. The bodyguard made sense both to show more youkai types, flesh out Kunou as a character more and make sense that they wouldn't let their leader's daughter travel around with members of unknown factions for days lol. As for Akeno and Zepar, yes I wanted to show she still has that emotional dependency like in canon that transferred to Issei when they started dating. Zepar is the current recipient, but he sees how harmful it can be even if he is always there for her. Yes, I do plan to have an Egyptian arc at the start of the doings surrounding the Trihexa...who would have more information than one of the oldest groups on the planet? ;) Thank you, and all the best to you as well!
fanficcyberman: That was my hope to get across, being in that city sets an atmosphere like that. Your kind words are always appreciated, we have been doing great and I pray the same for you and your family!
Cchang3: VERY close, it was the original Shutter the 2008 was remade from ;) Certain plot devices...I am sure I have no idea what you are talking about *glances left and right suspiciously* My idea with Dorian is he was raised with the standard belief of 1 woman to love and marry. However, since entering the supernatural world, he does see that more than one CAN work, but has seen many instances where it doesn't. He still has yet to come to terms with the possibility of other women looking at him that way. I most certainly will, and I hope you are doing good as well :)
OBSERVER01: Lol, he'll do his best to resist the urges. I am so happy you are liking it so far :D The Kyoto arc has been grueling, but fun to write for.
WinterRuneWolf: Congratulations on your new chapter! I hope my story is a good introduction for Season 4/Volume 9 and beyond of the series. I've noticed this tends to be around the area most people stopped with canon from the anime. I will get back to it, not to worry on the M-rated sections...there is a reason I asked fan opinion on how much to show recently...
SantoryuSekai: XD I know what you mean, in real life it takes a lot of blood to show a visible blush while in anime it happens all the time. I chalked it up to a visual representation of emotions without dialogue. That truly means a lot you like Dorian so much, trying to keep him interesting and well written without making him OP or unlikable has been a big part of the writing process. And you are a man of culture! Rurouni Kenshin, Yu Yu Hakusho, Vampire Hunter D, Yu-Gi-Oh and DBZ were most of my childhood! You have great taste.
And with that...ONTO THE SHOW!
"And where do you think you're going?" Dorian caught two students trying to sneak past him into the boy's rooms.
"Um, well," one of the girls, Himari he was sure her name was, fumbled for her words. She was wearing her pajamas and carrying a pillow. "Lost our way?"
"Well thank goodness you found Airi," he played along to see if they would make the smart decision. "Her room is right across the hall from yours, she can show you the way." He glanced to the brown-haired second year next to her. "Kai will still be here in the morning."
Her eyes went wide at the mention of her boyfriend's name. Without another word the pair rushed off back towards the girl's rooms hoping he wouldn't tell anyone. Dorian sighed in relief, while they were the first girls he had to stop, two other waves of boys had tried sneaking past but were similarly stopped. What had him most worried was who he HADN'T seen yet.
"Good catch Rat," he complimented his partner who hid up in the rafters spying from above. "No sign of the pervert trio?"
"No boss, the two flunkies are hiding in their room since you stopped the others. The would-be king himself though is nowhere to be seen."
"One more round through the halls," he promised as they started the patrol path again, the worry that Issei had found a way around them or perhaps got out on one of their passes crossing his mind. "What is that tune Iggy?"
Hmmm? She asked, barely hearing his question. It's the music of this place, we must visit here in the future! We can dance to it together.
"The Ley Lines rhythm?" She nodded in his mind. "If it's still so soothing, I hope that means Yasaka is still okay. I just wish there was more to do to help!"
"We can help kid," the squirrel assured. "Tomorrow her daughter will be showing us around the shrines with the Akeno-clone. The Ley Lines pass through just about all of them and those dickless wonders would have to interface her with at least one in order mess with the flow. There is a chance one can lead us right to them if it was close enough to where they took her! I bet SHE'D help vent some of those interests you've started taking up."
Dorian removed a 10-yen piece from his pocket, throwing it up to catch Ratatoskr in the face, sending him plummeting from the ceiling. They had been shown a portrait of Yasaka, she was stunningly gorgeous. A true beauty by any definition with flowing blonde hair, nine matching tails, a tall graceful demeanor and breasts that could rival Akeno's. Issei's reaction was predictable and the Einherjar's frustrating companion wouldn't stop teasing despite his well-meaning intentions.
"Geez, your aim is getting better or I'm getting slower. You are a strapping lad; I know being with an older woman can be intimidating to lesser men…"
"That's it…"
"Really?" Ratatoskr looked taken aback at Dorian's sudden acceptance. "Oh shit, I was joking. Well, I can show a few tricks that will make her toes curl and…"
"I mean Issei," Dorian had realized that once again their patrol was finding no sign of him. "If he already got out then we need to anticipate his moves, and I have an idea that just might work."
Women's Rooms…
"Little angel shy in the public baths?" Kuroka purred as her roommate returned far sooner than expected. "Show off what you've got, no reason to be ashamed."
"I do not partake in exhibitionism," she sighed while shaking the last bits of water from her hair. "I rarely take long in the bath, and you weren't there either."
She eyed her teammate with suspicion, surprised she was actually wearing the bath robe she had provided to prevent her wearing any of the silky risqué clothing she saw in her belongings. That was perhaps the most unsettling part of her appearance.
"I detest bathing in disguise," her tail and ears were already out, a state she seemed very comfortable with. "Can't very well have them seeing the most personal parts of me, now could I?"
Irina realized she knew Kuroka far too well to know that she was referring to her ears and tail rather than what was proper or expected. She facepalmed in embarrassment, uncertain how anyone could be so crude.
"You are the same deep down, I am sure," she teased. "All it'll take is one guy face-planting into your chest to realize how much fun it can be. Did that never happen with the England boys?" Irina tightened the knot on her bathrobe at that remark. "I can show you a few tricks for attracting boys. The Protestant schoolgirl approach can only take you so far."
"…honest methods?" Irina's previous fervor wavered just a bit, Kuroka seeing her interest in the opposite sex behind her eyes. It was there for anyone her age, the only question was how much she wanted it.
"Honest as the sky is blue," she promised while approaching, looking over the angel like she was clay visualizing the sculpture within. "You have natural perks in more ways than one, that will help. The twintails are good too, guys go crazy for that."
Irina tugged on her hair a bit, worried her chosen style was too sinful. She had preferred the look since she was a little girl, it gave more reasons for her to use bows and other accessories.
"It's all about confidence," she continued. "You want to show the guys out there how lucky they'd be to have you! A bit of leg here, a touch of shoulder there…your religion doesn't disapprove of that does it?"
"A bit," she meekly answered before climbing into bed quickly if only to end the awkward conversation. "It's funny, I always imagined this is what it'd be like to have a sister." Kuroka paused at her comment looking a bit more serious. "Have things been getting better with you and Koneko?"
"…better," she admitted while plopping on her own bed and leaning back. "I'm not the best at the encouraging sister thing. If I was, I wouldn't have left her to be found by the Gremory girl."
"Maybe," Irina offered as she laid down into her own accommodations. "You can practice with me, act like I am your sister."
"You would do that?" Kuroka asked as they turned out the lights. "I thought I drove you crazy."
"You do, don't sisters do that sometimes?"
"Heh, you really are Ms. Goody Two-Shoes, aren't you? Bringing you to the fun side will be harder than I thought. Good night."
"Good night Kuroka," Irina yawned, turning away with a smile that she had gotten to know her teammate a little better. Even if it was only a little.
In her moment of jubilation, she did not notice Kuroka's body shift somewhat as a lone black cat slipped out from beneath the covers. Leaving a clone behind in her place, the incorrigible nekoshou bounded out the window she'd left open purposefully, making her way along the outside of the hotel to her destination.
Sorry Irina, stand-in sister or not, I will have what I want. With those compulsions of his in full swing, now is my best chance for some alone time with Dorian. That cute Einherjar and I can have some fun all night while that Red Dragon is out hunting fun of his own…
Outside the Women's Baths…
Just above me, Issei mused at his impending victory. He had been able to make it past Dorian while he was distracted with the other boys sneaking out. Just above me are the bathing beauties of my class, boobs out for all to see. I can't recall the last time I was able to take a good peek at some bouncing jubblies, seems like every time I try to recently, I get…
"Issei Hyoudou!"
INTERRUPTED! The Red Dragon Emperor's frustration piqued again as he saw the shape of Rossweisse decked out in her red track suit standing atop the stairs before the entrance. Her arms were crossed with a scowl of anger at his approach.
"As a teacher and a woman, you shall not take a single step closer to them," she proclaimed assuredly.
"Look Rossweisse," he sighed while activating his boosted gear. "I know we are normally on the same side of conflicts with you guys, but this is something I WONT back down on. I am going to see all the girl's bouncing boobs in there and you can't stop me."
They stared each other down for a moment before Issei took the first move, darting towards the stalwart Valkyrie. She repelled him with a kick, causing the two to begin a dance of punches and light magic strikes over the fire escape. With the class so close and other visitors to the hotel, both restrained their attacks to draw as little attention as possible. Issei countered with minor Dragon Shots she easily deflected, dispersing harmlessly in the air before striking the wall.
"You are truly so desperate for such a heinous act to fight like this?" She asked as a hail of icicles rained down on Issei. They shattered his prepared Dragon Shot, forcing him to belch plumes of fire to melt them before reaching him. "Your power source is…ridiculous!"
"I would battle to the death for just a chance," he proclaimed with absolute pride while avoiding a bolt of lightning. "That is the depths of my conviction!"
"You sleep in the same bed as Asia and Rias every night!" Rossweisse pointed out with growing frustration. "They let you do whatever you want and yet it is not enough that you seek more? You should be content with that!"
"That is that, this is completely different!"
"Then a womanizing dragon such as yourself is utterly without hope!"
Womanizing? The word sent a small shock through Issei, never having considered his actions would be construed in such a way. The others tease with me far more, right?
His latest shot impacted a bubble of gravity she had generated, popping it and blasting the two apart. Issei was still at the base of the stairs, Rossweisse holding the high ground. In an all-out fight, Issei held the advantage by far, but with both holding back coupled with the Valkyrie's endless training with Thrud and Dorian she was holding her own. She cursed under her breath she was still not greatly proficient in such close quarters.
"This battle is in vain," Rossweisse announced. "Even if you got past me, the members of Lady Sitri's peerage await in the rooms beyond and after them Saji stands guard with approval to use Vritra's power. I don't know how you snuck past Dorian, but we were more than prepared for you from the moment we planned this trip. No matter what you do, the girl's bathroom is closed to you."
"You have got to be kidding me!" His mouth fell open at how detailed their defensive strategy had been to prevent exactly what he had looked forward to doing. Even going so far as to allow Saji to unleash his power to prevent his peeping. "Do you honestly consider me so dangerous? It's no wonder Goldie hasn't made a real move with you if you have such a cold heart like that!"
Issei did not realize how deep his remark cut until he felt the banister rattling, the staircase vibrating as dust and other loose debris was shaken free by the aura emitting from the young woman.
"W-we are in love!" She blurted out loudly. "We have said as such to one another and share the same bed! W-we are no more expected to rush than you are with Rias and Asia! He leads a new group formed and has a promising future; I was nervous before but…but I want to do things to him reserved for lovers as well!"
A bolt of energy larger than before erupted from Rossweisse, zigzagging around the steps to strike Issei in the chest, blowing him backwards. She was still holding back, but her power was rising higher and higher at the released pent-up uncertainties within. Issei's own determination rose with hers as the power gap between them shortened.
Uh oh, did I push a button of hers? Fine, if she wants to go that way, I'll use my special move too!
"Receive the punishment for your crimes!" She unleashed torrent after torrent of magic upon him. Most missed to strike the stairwell, doing more and more damage, however a few found their mark with the young man enduring the pain.
I've never seen her naked so my imagination must do the work. See what I wish to and make that become a reality. Ddraig! I'm using your power for this.
[Don't come crying to me when the consequences of your decision return upon you. This is precisely why they call me the Oppai Dragon now.] Issei could hear the disappointment in his voice but had no time to dwell on it.
"Take this!" Issei unzipped his jacket, throwing it at Rossweisse to obscure her vision. It did not last as a ball of flame reduced it to cinders. In that moment, however, Issei had slipped past and behind her. "This is what you get for underestimating me! Gotcha, dress break," he muttered in victory as his hand softly tapped the back of her leg. With a simple snap of his fingers Rossweisse's beloved track suit exploded into a shower of fabric.
"Nooooo," she cried out as her lilac bra and panties worn underneath similarly shredded, leaving her standing before him wearing nothing but the elastic wristbands of her suit that had somehow held on through the explosion of energy. Her breasts fell free and she became utterly exposed in the middle of the stairwell.
"Wow," Issei was practically drooling as he looked her up and down. "Nice propor…"
He did not get a chance to finish, as he was about to save her perfect body to memory, a knee impacted his cheek, sending him crashing into the nearby wall and deleting the image.
"Gleipnir Bindings!"
Familiar enchanted chains snaked towards Issei, wrapping him up starting with his head down to his toes. In a matter of seconds, the young pervert was left a struggling worm on the ground mummified within the magic restraints, the muffled sounds of his protests unintelligible.
"I knew you'd try something like this," Dorian stood proudly over his captured foe. "All I had to do was wait within the Road Between Realms for Rat's signal when you came by. You are far too young to try to pull that over…on…Rose…?"
Only then did Dorian spot Rossweisse standing behind him, their cheeks flushed red in tandem with one other as he noticed she was almost utterly naked, while she realized he could see every inch of her.
"I AM S-SO S-S-SORRY ROSE…MS. ROSSWEISSE!" He screamed, almost forgetting that they were technically chaperones for the trip at night and it would be inappropriate for him to call her by her nickname. Dorian spun on his heels in the opposite direction as Rossweisse kneeled down, trying to cover as much of herself as she could.
"Issei…you didn't." He growled, realizing what had occurred. In a flash he pulled a white cloak from the Roads and tossed it behind him toward the naked Valkyrie without looking. It took more than a considerable amount of self-control to not begin throwing his captive out the nearest window.
"Th-thank you," Rossweisse whimpered, nearly on the verge of tears, dreading the walk of shame she would have to make to get replacement clothes from her room. She was now fully covered beneath the large cloak Dorian always made sure to carry in large supply, but it was still embarrassing beyond words. On top of everything, Issei had ruined the track suit she'd been so proud of finding at an incredible deal more than 50% off! She had others for the trip, but that one had been her favorite.
"Rat, I said to give me the signal as soon as he arrived!" He chastised his spectral companion throwing a glare wishing he had more loose change to pelt him with.
Ratatoskr was guffawing high up in the rafters, the mischievous squirrel barely able to contain his laughter at their expense. He'd seen Issei's approach and withheld the information from Dorian lying in wait in the Roads for the opportune moment. "I know…but this was WAY more entertaining! You should be thanking me; you saw clear to France!"
Dorian grumbled in frustration as he turned to Rossweisse, he really should have expected this from Ratatoskr. Despite her now-covered status, he could not help think what he had seen and knew would never leave his memory adding upon what he had glimpsed at the mountain spring. Understanding full well how embarrassing this was, he couldn't let it stand. Even with the compulsions rising to the surface, his wish to see her smile again overrode even the basest desires assailing his senses. His knuckles turned white as he clenched his fist tight, finally relaxing with a plan.
"Don't move," he asked her softly as he summoned forth his Sacred Gear. Thin roots of Yggdrasil emerged from its depths, wrapping around Rossweisse's body.
"Wha…wha…" Rosseweisse gasped, afraid for an instant that the perversion she overheard him discussing the night before had overtaken Dorian. She never imagined he would attempt something outside of their rooms, however she quickly realized what they were doing.
The tendrils wrapped around her but not tightly, rather they were clinging to the cloak and pulling it this way and that. Despite their seemingly clumsy nature, the roots expertly folded, cut and warped the cloak around Rossweisse's body, fashioning it into something else. It was more than Dress Make pulling out pre-made clothes, what was being crafted was done in real time between Dorian's will and Iggy's skill.
Almost done, and…there!
After several confusing seconds they tightened around her, wrapping snugly to her frame as they secured the last of the seams in place. Dorian's roots had reshaped the billowing white cloak into a beautiful gown made after the fashion of those worn by the women of the Olympian Pantheon with a few design choices from Asgard. Several small flowers bloomed on the shoulders and one on her hip that shimmered hues of color like a rainbow. With the beautiful pure white design accentuated by the roots and other assorted elements of nature, Rossweisse could have easily been mistaken for a goddess of nature and fertility.
"Oof, Aphrodite has competition," Ratatsokr muttered as he slipped back into the shadows.
"That…should make the return to your room more pleasant," Dorian sighed under his breath, hoping she liked it.
"It's…gorgeous," Rossweisse gasped, her embarrassment at the situation slowly passing as she spun in place. The roots had perfectly adjusted the dress to her size, the straps were secure, her breasts adequately supported, even the length was ideal without interfering with her hair. She had not owned such a beautiful piece of clothing since Olympus and the Devil Gathering gala. In truth, she felt this one surpassed them both, whether that was due to the design or the fact Dorian made it she didn't try to guess.
Dorian's heart lightened as he hoisted the still-mumbling Issei over his shoulder, prepared to carry him far from the women's bath. For what he did, he'd ensure the young pawn didn't have a chance to try again.
"I am glad, we can stop by the 100-yen stores tomorrow to replace your track suit," he smiled. "Feel free to keep it, consider it my gift to you."
"I…I couldn't," she started, but it was obvious Dorian wouldn't take no for an answer.
"But before Mr. Hyoudou and I spend the rest of the evening going over the lengthy essay he will have to complete on proper bathroom and societal etiquette, I believe he has something to say to you." With a wave of his hand the chains receded only around Issei's mouth and nose, leaving the young Dragon Emperor's eyes still covered.
"I-I'm sorry I dress broke you Ms. Rossweisse…"
"And?"
"And I am sorry for trying to peep on my fellow classmates, it won't happen again."
Until the NEXT time you are in a building with naked women, Dorian was fully aware would be the case.
Rossweisse nodded in acceptance of the apology. Feeling generous, Dorian left Issei's mouth and nose free as long as he stayed civil. He proceeded to lug him like a bale of hay down the stairs, refusing to set him free until they were back in his room and well away from the baths. Rossweisse watched them go, smiling serenely at Dorian. She had proclaimed to Issei that she hoped to perform acts with him reserved for lovers, as she watched him walk away that desire flared all the greater within her. Remembering the strange thoughts Dorian found himself having, she resolved to help him through them however she could.
Underworld, Gremory Territory…
The middle-aged businessman devil yawned as he set foot onto the train heading to Lilith, capital of the Underworld. It was the final stop at the edge of the purely Gremory territory before entering the more open regions to the city. In the years since the new Satans took power, the territory of the new Lucifer's birth family had grown. Every single person slowly boarding to head home worked for or with the Gremory Corporation in some regard. He was thankful to reach it unhindered, protests against the current leadership having been running through the streets the past few days. Oddly, it seemed they had all disappeared.
"Ah, what a day," An older-looking brown-haired gentleman sighed as he got in beside him. "Another like any other."
"Yea, but it's the way I like it," the businessman devil replied to the stranger. "Soul-taking was such a dirty job and contracts are higher than ever nowadays. Profits are way up and this whole business with other groups seems like it may be…fruitful."
"Fruitful," the man muttered under his breath with a half chuckle. "As if that means more than the very purpose for which we were created."
Oh great, another traditionalist, he sighed internally, turning a bit away hoping it would deter his interest. He was mistaken.
"We were once feared, you are too young to know the joy of that, being actually feared. Of course, even that gets boring for a while. With the right incentive though, that vibrancy can be brought back! Wouldn't you like to go stealing a few souls once again?"
"Please leave me alone," he turned with a glare. "I don't…"
"Don't like me?" The man sneered, his face turning quite unsettling with the grin. "Then why don't you kill me?"
"….what?"
"Go on, if you are a true devil and don't like me, then kill me! It's what we should be doing, ingrained in our very purpose!" The businessman had started backing up along with the others who were starting to overhear. "Kill me, or try to…maybe I'll kill you, that's the fun of it!"
"He's crazy," another voice murmured above the rest. "Someone get security."
A group made for the exit, an uneasy silence settling as they realized the doors would not open, powerful seals locking them shut. Only then did it dawn on them, the train should have departed already yet was unmoving. Everyone was starting to worry except for the older gentleman and a group of those standing near him.
"Change is a weakness we should no longer bow to," he continued as the numerous other devils, now clearly allies of his, fanned out throughout the train car. "You will find escape quite impossible, sit down my good man. You won't be making it home tonight."
"Who are you?"
"One intent on change, this train car is under MY control and no one will be leaving until I permit it. If the good Lady Gremory exceeds to our demands of course."
"Damn you!" A young devil in the back rushed forward with his wings drawn. With crackling dark energy in his hand, he made a move for the man.
He never stood a chance, the stranger casually side-stepped him, seizing his wrist and cutting off the flow of energy with a painful crack. Before he could even cry out in pain, the young man was gripped by the back of the head and slammed into the hard floor, instantly unmoving. The entire while, the others in dark coats had taken up posts at the entrances and exits while the older gentleman merely flipped a hat onto his head, completely laid back as the businessman rushed forward to check on the boy. He was a teenager, probably working in one of the manual labor positions. With the low birthrate of devils, there were few as young as he.
"What do you want?" He asked, breathing a sigh of relief the young boy still lived.
"The question of the hour," his tone had gone more for the melodramatic than ever before. He tipped his chin as if having to think about the answer before replying. "Why, to attempt to set right our people's fallible nature. To see if we are still the beings we were once and supposed to be. If not, well then…I suppose I can just leave everything behind. There is so much more out there. Once the end comes, you'll see!"
"The others can move at our signal," another darkly dressed devil muttered to him only once the civilians were sufficiently restrained within the train. "The Gremorys will know about this before daybreak."
"Excellent," the leader raised his hands as if leading a symphony. "That little gesture will confuse them and their supposed friends, they won't know what hit them until we have everything we need. Make sure our guests are secured for the meanwhile, can't have any of them escaping, now can we?"
Dorian and Issei's room, night 1…
"You said you'd let me go!" Issei squirmed from the corner of their cramped hotel room. Upon returning, Dorian had dropped him down without removing Gleipnir while withdrawing to his own bed. "Let me go!"
"I don't trust you," he answered bluntly, crossing his arms sternly. The teaching staff had given him authority to deliver punishment for rules broken during the trip and he was fully exercising that responsibility. "Fifteen-hundred words on the reason NOT to sneak into a public women's bath should do. It practically writes itself."
"I did nothing wrong!"
"Nothing wrong?! It's just like at the Dragon Mountains, you would stab anyone in the back if it meant a chance to seeing a naked woman. Why should I trust you after what you did to Rossweisse?" His blood still boiled that she had been dress broken. "What if I shredded YOUR clothes in the middle of the hall?"
"It was a split second decision, maybe I went too far but you should be joining me anyway!" He slithered a little closer. "You have just as much interest to do it too, admit it!
Dorian gripped his left hand as the compulsions returned demanding louder than before to walk out the door and do as he say. If he asked to be let through, they'd trust him, and he could see the entire class as they let out to head to their rooms. He turned, slamming his hand hard into the floor, Issei staring at him confused.
"I wouldn't," he insisted again. "It's not right."
"Not right to want to look at naked breasts?" Issei started to sound oddly wise. "You're a guy! It's built into your very soul, just let it out. You'll feel a lot better I promise, like instinct."
"The ability to act different to instinct is what separates us from the animals," he turned to glare at Issei, the friction between them growing worse with every exchange. "You may gain power and determination from it, but you take it too far!"
"And you don't take it far enough! You look down on the way I act, but you're no better. You'll leave a hot babe like Rossweisse waiting until she is old and grey!" Dorian turned to retort before being blasted backwards. Gleipnir's chain was blown away from Issei, cracking in several places with a resounding boom.
BOOST! BOOST! BOOST! BOOST!
Damnit! He was boosting the whole time muffling the sound beneath the chains and our argument? Dorian had to admit it was a clever plan. Gleipnir was only unbreakable against Fenrir whom it was tailored for, against all else it was just very sturdy. Jumping to his feet, he planted himself between Issei and the door.
"I told Rossweisse she wouldn't stop me, that includes you," he threatened. "I'll get around you however I can!"
Issei leapt for the door, unable to change direction in midair as an azure portal opened between them. With a final gasp of surprise, he passed through the opening and vanished within the Road Between Realms. The Einherjar could have left it at that, leaving Issei within there under Yggdrasil's watch until morning. It would have been the smart move, the best move…Dorian ignored it, jumping inside after him. Whatever happened, he was angry, and he wanted to speak his mind to the Red Dragon Emperor. The buildup of tension between them over the passing months had finally come to a head.
"Oh Dorian," a sultry voice called out the moment the pair had disappeared. Kuroka appeared from the entrance, sliding the door open while simultaneously dropping her bathrobe to reveal her skimpy negligée beneath. "It's time for a private checkup, get your root hard up to knock out those compulsions and…Dorian?" She glanced left and right, unable to miss him in the tight confines of the room. Bouncing from one end to the other, a sense of frustration swelled within her, her prey was nowhere in sight. "Oh, come on! Where are you?"
Luxury Suites…
"I can't believe this," Kunou fumed as she paced the room. Her bed had already been set up by Kari fully aware she needed her rest and would burn herself out in time. "I haven't been so embarrassed in my life!"
"You must not let it bother you," she fluffed a pillow hoping it would draw her mistress to the bed. "What's done is done and was forgiven. What matters is that, as much as we may not like it, we have help to find your mother."
"It's just….gah!" She finally sat on the bet with a huffing pout. "We should have been able to handle it ourselves. If mother had been taken, father would have…"
The youkai princess stopped herself, realizing she hadn't focused so intently on her father since his passing. With a slower speed, like one in a daze, she brought her knees up, rocking back and forth in place such that calmed her. Kari inched closer, wrapping an arm around her. Despite being thrust into the position of leadership, she was still only a 13-year old girl. Kari was only a few years older but being among the recon team that found the site of Yasaka's kidnapping and the fate of her father, she knew what it was like to lose someone.
How would I have reacted if it happened to me at her age? Even now, he told me not to mourn dying in one's duty…but this anger…it won't go away. Whoever did it, I will drain the marrow from their bones.
"And to work with HER of all people. For all we know she was the one who led the attack on him!"
"We still aren't completely sure it was the Shinto Clans that killed him," Kari tried to placate her anger even as she yearned to agree. She didn't like seeing her mistress in such a state. It did not work, the young girl turning her eyes welling with tears up towards her.
"Who else could have? Magic of such a power used on him and all his men! Ultimate-class magic but no sign of other combatants, it had to have been their accursed Sacred Beasts."
Lord Kitano, one of the proudest leaders we've ever known,
Kari mused on Kunou's anger. Not long ago he had been traversing Kyoto much as Yasaka had been last seen with his entourage. They were discovered the next morning slain to the last man, the area reeking of magic that had killed everyone. With the power at his fingertips, only a truly powerful force could have challenged him and all those who followed. It was deemed by their investigative teams to have a high probability of being several of the five Sacred Beasts commanded by the Shinto Clan Heads, but no definitive proof had been discovered. Yasaka mourned him while picking up the pieces, despite the evidence she never acted with hostility towards their long-time enemies. Kunou, on the other hand, let the hate fester even with their best efforts.
"I…I wish he were here," she started to sob, a side she hid from the world that only her mother and Kari were made privy to. "He always knew what to do."
"I know," Kari hugged her like a little sister. "I wish mine was too." It was only then Kunou looked up, the guilt on her face evident that she had not yet mentioned Goro, Kari's father being slain only a few days past.
"I'm sorry, you must…"
"Don't be," her tone shifted to reflect a bit of how she truly felt deep down. "He did his duty and would not want your mother OR her daughter to dismay over it. As much as I will rip the one responsible to pieces…he would not want that to blind me. He lost himself for years after mother died, we are well-aware of the pain of loss. Our people may be forced to work with these foreign warriors, but we will not bend to them." The face of Dorian Held, the Crossroad Leader flashed in her mind. That intense look as he shattered her sword with ease, it frustrated her, grinding her teeth absentmindedly just remembering it.
Dorian Held, tomorrow we shall go with you into the city, she thought as Kunou finally dozed off to sleep beside her. Whatever your intentions are, don't think you'll just walk all over us!
In the Roads…
"Let me out RIGHT NOW!" Issei threatened, advancing on Dorian as the two stood upon an especially large platform on the other side of the portal. His roommate had made sure to seal the entrance the moment he followed to prevent any escape. Dorian's usage of tactics rather than meeting head on made Issei angry, outmaneuvering each attempt rather than facing him directly.
"You aren't getting out, no one can open the way except me," he calmly explained though admittedly took far too much joy in finally trapping the perverted pawn. He knew it was only making him angrier, and in that moment of selfishness didn't care. "It's a few hours until morning, with the time dilation in here that is about five days. You can either promise to be good and we go back now or wait out the next week in here. Your call."
"You and your damned high horse," it was clear the former request was not going to happen. "I haven't gotten a good look at bouncing jubblies since you moved in!"
"You sleep with Rias and Asia every night!"
"That is different!" He repeated what he had told Rossweisse at the stairs. "You're a guy like me as much as you try not to act like it. Even Kiba has opened up a bit with Xenovia and Tsubaki, but you turn your nose up at everything. It pisses me off!"
"Of course I'm a guy," Dorian stepped closer in tandem with Issei's steps. "That's why it aggravates me that you and I have ANYTHING in common! You have two beautiful women spending the night with you regularly and yet all you can talk about is adding to it!"
"It's my dream and at least I'm honest and not hiding from it like a coward! Your vague sense of chivalry doesn't make any sense, how anyone can't see the joy of being surrounded by breasts I don't understand! Especially if there are more than one who want to give it."
"A coward? This coming from a womanizer who is just looking to find the next one without cherishing who he has!" Dorian was getting as frustrated as Issei unknowingly driven on by the compulsions within him and no way to vent them. "How do you think your constant need for more makes Asia and Rias feel? How would you feel if she was always looking to get more pawns?"
Issei's eyes twitched, clearly the thought being put in perspective passing through his mind.
"And what about you?" He pointed a finger accusingly as the two drew closer to one another. "You just blind yourself to anyone else who might somehow find a way to fall for you just because you got what you wanted? How selfish are you?"
"Better selfish than greedy, you'd want Rossweisse in your harem if we weren't together, wouldn't you?!" He recalled Despoina's remark that in the nightmare, Rossweisse had died serving Issei in this mysterious dark memory.
"I'd be a moron if I didn't!" He answered without the slightest hesitation. "She has a slamming body and hers are almost as big as the President's. She didn't have a boyfriend before you, I would have given her a chance, cared for and protected her as much as anyone else in my future harem!"
"So, all you care about is looks and numbers then?" An awkward silence settled between the pair at the accusation. The strain building was so thick it could have been cut with a knife, even Yggdrasil had remained silent only observing the two men. The abrasive differences between their personalities was finally coming to an explosive point.
In a flash both men moved in tandem slamming a hard fist into the other's face colliding simultaneously. Neither even thought of dodging, summoning their Sacred Gear or using any powers, content to wail on the other using only the strength of their bodies and convictions much as Dorian had against Sairaorg. Between their supernatural strength, the air shook with each impact.
"You are too focused on what you already have and not what you could, or what others want!" Issei continued their verbal spar with their physical one. He was growing angrier as Dorian was a much more experienced fighter able to block many of his powerful yet unfocused blows. "You ignore the looks of others and break their hearts!"
"I haven't broken anyone's heart!" Dorian sidestepped Issei, cracking him in the cheek that left a bruise.
"You might as well have, ignoring her glances like that!" He recalled Thrud's pronouncements of Dorian's accomplishments in the training yard. "You only think of your own morals and don't take the others into account!"
"Huh? Ignoring who…?" In his moment of confusion, the Einherjar let his guard down allowing Issei to score a blow in his stomach and a follow-up right hook, drawing blood. "I don't know what you're talking about, other than maybe Kuorka but she's…complicated." He rushed Issei like a javelin, catching him in the gut and sending both tumbling to the ground. "You…just…want…numbers," he accused while exchanging blows from the floor. "How can you proclaim to love them for who they are while saying you'd accept any cute girl?"
"I would love them all no matter who they are!" Issei kneed him in the face, rolling away for some space. "You are too uptight like an old man! Women want a guy they can depend on, be proactive and do perverted things with them in private."
"You think I don't want to?" Dorian got in close delivering a bone-shattering headbutt, ignoring his accumulating bruises. "Being dependable is one thing, acting as a crutch is another! I DO want to do things with Rossweisse. We almost did, but she…I wasn't ready. Just…not yet."
"Why not yet?" Issei swung, barely missing. "You're just making excuses. If you can barely think that way about her, you don't have a clue how I am."
Why not yet? Dorian asked himself, not entirely knowing the answer to his own statement. Would that change our relationship in a way I am worried about? Rossweisse asked to wait the first time I thought about it but since then I haven't even considered it. How does that make HER feel that I haven't made another move?
"I take Rossweisse's feelings into account! If I just looked for anyone like you, how could I say I love her to her face? There is nothing inherently wrong with a harem…I think? If…if Rose wanted such a thing, we would talk it out. I don't look for just any pretty girl who gives me the time of day!"
"Why you stuck up…!"
"You perverted…!"
The two continued their back and forth. Dorian held the distinct advantage with his skill and experience, however to his absolute confusion Issei was remaining on his feet. He was nowhere near Sairaorg's strength, yet he was dishing out blows that shook the Einherjar's bones and remained on his feet even against punches that caused the Bael heir to stagger. At this point, it was clear they were only standing based on their beliefs, the first to falter would surely fall.
Is this just how strongly he believes his words? Who else looks at me that way? With the endurance match that it had become, even he started to wonder if he was not too far in the opposite spectrum of his opponent. Both were bleeding, covered in bruises and panting heavily as the fight dragged on through the hours. Even some of the animals of Yggdrasil had come to watch with eagles soaring overhead and familiar red harts hiding behind trees.
"Place your bets, place your bets!" Ratatoskr hollered from a safe distance carrying papers with each name on it. "The Red Dragon Pervert Pawn verses the Naïve Poet Einherjar! Who will come out ahead, who will get head? Who will come out on top and prove their ideals!" He accepted several acorns and other forms of currency from the gathered animals, each one eager to see the results. "Come on Dvalinn, I know you can afford it!"
"B-besides," Dorian stepped back as the pair took a silently agreed upon breather. "Why do you not focus on those you are with? Rias and Asia look at you so fondly."
"Th-they don't feel that way about me," Issei wiped a dribble of blood from his lip, the two speaking utter truths without restraint at last. They had knocked all lies and coy dismissals out of one another long ago. "B-but I would love whoever I am with completely, have a huge family together no matter how many I may marry, BELIEVE THAT!"
"I…" Dorian tried to find a middle ground with how the fight had been going seemingly without end. "I see the appeal of harems, believe me, but to go actively looking for one when you already have those who love you is unfaithful!"
"I told you," Issei grumbled angrily. "They are just teasing me; they don't love me that way. I am the President's servant, it's just her way of showing her appreciation…"
"Huh? You honestly think that? Then why doesn't she do that sort of thing for Kiba and Gasper? Are you saying if I'd accepted her offer of knighthood, she'd act that way with me?" Issei had no answer but fumed at his comparison, causing Dorian to lower his fists somewhat. "Why can't you believe it?
"Because," Issei forced out, remembering a single line in his head over and over.
Will you die for me?
How sad, you actually thought I liked you?
Will you die for me?
As if anyone could love a pathetic excuse of a man like you.
Will you die for me?
Issei-kun! I love you, even as the dark sneer etched across the memory. Since the day he was murdered by the woman he went on his first date with, the young Hyoudou had focused on the physical aspects of the women he loved so much without delving deeper into their feelings. For within those hearts did he fear that surfacing again, something he knew he could not handle a second time.
"There isn't any way those two could possibly love me!"
"You idiot!" Dorian body slammed Issei into a thick root behind him, the strength seemingly sapped from his opponent. He wound up the strongest punch he had that day, his fist traveling straight for Issei's face. "How can you possibly think that?"
"HOW CAN I NOT AFTER WHAT SHE DID!?"
His words reached Dorian's ears in time, his fist moving mid-swing to collide harmlessly with the wall behind Issei leaving a sizable dent. Issei's eyes welled up with tears as he slumped to the ground, all the fight in his body gone. Dorian wanted to swing again but held himself in check, kneeling down to Issei's eye level. He saw a look of utter uncertainty in his gaze, something he noticed buried deep when he would talk with the former nun and Gremory heiress. What was it that he'd been hiding for so long, that dark shade that caused him to fear Akeno's approach and his Juggernaut Drive to delve into such insanity?
"What who did?" he asked much softer than before knowing the battle was over. "What happened Issei?"
"She…Raynare," the name Dorian only recognized from Azazel's remark at the Peace Summit and initial reports of Issei's turn to becoming a devil, the fallen angel who had killed him and started his path of the supernatural. She was dead, killed by Rias' hand when she tried to claim Asia's Sacred Gear and life. "She killed me, on our first date. I thought someone could care for me back then, that she…Yuuma was the one. We had a good, perfect day"
One good day, Despoina muttered in her head, repeating her final words before dying in front of Dorian.
"I didn't think I could be so happy…a girl actually liked me, ME of all people. And then…and then…" He couldn't finish the sentence. "How can I believe anyone could love me after that? Do you have any idea what's it like to be betrayed by someone you thought you knew?"
All residual anger and frustration bled out of the blonde man at that line, the utter look of defeat on the Red Dragon Emperor's face, the urge to fight any longer was gone leaving only acceptance behind. With a sigh of relief both at the end of the fight and the pain of his bruises, Dorian slumped down next to him, laying a comforting hand on his shoulder. Issei turned, his face awash with confusion and hesitant trust at the sudden shift between them.
Iggy, Despoina, can we have some privacy?
Of course, Dorian.
We aren't here.
"Do you need to talk? Go right ahead, it won't leave between the two of us, you have my word. And I might know a bit about that myself, let me tell you the tale of a woman named Kara…"
Kyoto, Day 2…
Asia awoke from her bed at the crack of dawn with a yawn and satisfying stretch. The giant feather beds were the most comfortable things she had ever slept in, almost literally drifting off to sleep the moment her head hit them. In a moment of selfishness, she wished they could order the same ones for her room back in Kuoh Town. Glancing to her left, she saw her roommate Aika had not been roused such as she. The perverted girl was sprawled out across her bed, sheets, pillows and blankets thrown haphazardly every which way and her clothes disheveled as she snored loudly, out cold.
She can sleep a few more minutes, Asia quickly getting dressed before slipping out into the hall, carefully closing the door behind her.
She was greeted by dozens of her fellow classmate's faces all having the same idea as she. Many were huddled in their chosen circle of friends plotting out all they wanted to do before the day's end. Each one waved her a cheerful greeting, the young Bishop never struggling to make new friends since attending Kuoh Academy. They still had time before breakfast after which they would set out again, until then there was a certain person she wanted to say hi to before breakfast.
Poor Issei, crammed into that small room with Dorian. She considered Dorian a friend of hers, all the same she was well aware of Issei's frustration when the two were near. Maybe if I'm there when he wakes up, he will be in a better mood, m-maybe even something else if Dorian isn't there. She giggled like the schoolgirl she was at the thought, such ideas she would never have considered before meeting him.
"Give it back!" Irina nearly collided with her as she and Kuroka blasted by. "This isn't funny! I wanted to wear that one today!"
"You'll have to catch me first nya!" She teased, holding a frilly sea-blue bra ahead of herself belonging to her angelic roommate. "Get some exercise first thing in the morning, it's good for you to make up for your lack of nightly activity!"
"I'll head her off at the pass," Xenovia aimed to assist her partner, bounding over an overturned suitcase. "You take the left fork and cut her off before the…!"
"I swear I'm back home," Hecuba sighed with the slightest grin betraying her entertainment at the situation. "Good morning Asia." She tilted the cup of orange juice towards her welcomingly. Unlike most of her friends, she tried to avoid the inclusion of caffeine whenever possible especially after seeing the effects on Bennia.
Asia waved her good morning in return, lightly jogging to Issei's room one floor up. As she approached the door, she smoothed out her uniform skirt, straightening her hair before knocking politely.
"Issei! I hope I am not too early, but…" She stopped as she heard something she had most certainly not expected from the room, laughter. Risking an embarrassing situation, she slid the door open.
To her absolute confusion, Issei and Dorian were sitting facing each other with a board between them that almost looked like chess but different. They were laughing, smiling and slapping the other on the shoulder occasionally, flinching with each impact. She gasped as she spotted the two looked as if they'd been in a major battle with welts, black and blue marks and other bruises with dried blood all over them. They didn't seem to notice the injuries or her presence as she peeked in.
"You made that up!" Issei proclaimed.
"I did not!" Dorian defended himself. "You need pieces on BOTH sides to capture an opponent's. This isn't chess or checkers!"
"Good thing it isn't," he teased. "I hear Sona keeps whooping your ass at it." He grinned at the few times he heard Dorian being bested when he would play matches with the Sitri heiress. No matter how he played or strategized, every match ended the same.
"She's a super genius who has been playing chess her whole life! I'll figure out her…Asia!" Dorian only then noticed her presence.
"What is going on here?" She looked horrified as she rushed in, analyzing their wounds understanding what must have happened for each one to occur, such was part of her medical training while in the Dragon Mountains."
"Um, Dorian and I just had a bit of a disagreement over Tifl."
Did he just call him Dorian? Asia was certain it was the first time she'd heard his name uttered. What happened last night?!
"Tafl," Dorian corrected with a restrained facepalm. "On a completely unrelated note, do you think we could have some healing?" Asia had already started, a soft green glow enveloping the pair.
"Honestly," Asia huffed. "I thought you would be fine when we aren't fighting to save our lives. You somehow get yourself hurt even when on a school trip!"
"Sorry," the young pawn scratched the back of his head awkwardly as Dorian leaned back to give them as much privacy as possible in the tight confines. "You know how I can get." Suddenly, Issei focused on the blonde woman tending so diligently to his injuries. She was the same he had fought to save from Raynare and later Diodora, as much as he had looked elsewhere or believed she couldn't love him as he hoped, the eyes she was looking into his with made that belief hard to justify. "You…look really good today."
"Oh, th-thank you!" She replied with a flourish of confidence. So often Issei would be ogling other women or fighting, to hear him compliment her out of the blue was a welcome change that put a smile on her lips.
Baby steps, Dorian thought as Issei and Asia looked at each other in an adorably awkward fashion. Focus on who you are with…and I should do the same, he turned his head upward as he thought of how little he had gotten to see Rossweisse on the first day. Rose did say she wanted to buy something nice to wear, his mind drifted to the less-than appropriate options she may choose from, reminding him of the urges still swirling within.
Startling the trio, a pink light emerged from Dorian's chest overriding the green of Asia's Sacred Gear. With a surprising warmth, it seemed to grow somewhat before finally receding, disappearing back into the Einherjar's body.
"Um," Dorian finally spoke. "What was that?" Issei could only shrug, both unaware of the deeper meaning behind the strange glow.
The first night at Kyoto passes, a truce and understanding forged between the Dragon and Einherjar. The seeds of their future interactions has been sown, what will be reaped from it is yet to be seen. Until next time, I hope everyone Reads and Reviews…but most of all Enjoys! :D
