Dragon Bone Z: I took a look, replied via PM to you :D I can't be certain on my stories full length...but based on my estimates it will likely run about 130-140 chapters give or take.

Gan315: I am glad you liked the battle debate, I wanted to showcase the sheer difference between them, but also how each in a way has something the other lacks. In the end, they will end up somewhere in the middle and Issei can start that mature development canon never really fleshed out with him. As for that pink energy, that is coming up soon, I wish you well too! :D

FateBurn: Thanks.

J: I know what you mean, they went a biiiiiit far with his personification in canon. That is sort of the intent of this chapter, to begin a climb up from that. He will still be perverted, but manageable as he realizes that constantly looking for other woman can really belittle the ones you are with.

trexboy64: I'll admit that was a tough balance to show their understanding through fighting showing growth but not too much. They were laughing, but it was more a short-term truce, there is still a ways to go. Actually, I left out the LN inner monologue mostly as it really made Issei much worse imo. He would be thinking how the women are his and all the perverted things he wanted to do, anime Issei came off a bit better to me if only due to not hearing those thoughts lol. As for Irina supporting Dorian more, I saw that as more in-character. If given a choice between the perverted or conservative path I don't see her siding with Issei. Also recall in canon she didn't see Issei for 12 years after they last played as kids, her obsession with having kids with him based on that alone felt very out of place to me, while Dorian she met only 4 years prior as teenagers so the memories are more fresh between them. But Dorian isn't her sole focus, she acts sisterly with Xenovia and Hecuba and as of the last chapter is trying to build a rapport with Kuroka while representing Heaven as best she can in the Crossroads. I am glad you liked the chapter and never hesitate to critique what you believe, I accept all constructive criticism :)

J0ker981: Exactly, the two may despise the other's way of thinking, but when it comes to serious traumas and a shoulder is needed, they know when to set those aside...at least for a bit XD

King0fP0wers: It can be funny what will bring 2 men together XD That was actually part of what I used to like about Issei, he was more complex when he wasn't being given everything and had a lot of potential for maturity and growth. That is why in the last chapter I added him saying how he'd have a large family with his harem as that is what he wants. Those sides of him seem to fall away by Shin DxD lol. I agree with Raynare, though I wish she had been around longer, she was only a single first volume foe yet her actions reverberated until Vol. 10.

theLawbringer: Thank you :D It means a lot you found both sides having some ground to stand on despite the subject matter lol. And that sharing of the white knight aspects is actually rather apt to my idea; both on opposite sides finding a middle ground in between. Also...I see what you did there XD XD

Spectrvs: Your in-depth reviews are always a fond sight to see :D I have sent the full reply to you via PM.

Slayer Cross: For now ;) They have a truce but will still have the occasional disagreements. Dorian hasn't given up keeping him from his perverted antics, but Issei may start to mature going forward. Not the big battle yet, but they will have their first run-in with a Hero faction member. I hope you like it. And yes, Kuroka and Irina felt like they could make a good duo and I had to go forward with it upon realizing those two never share a real line of dialogue together at all in canon...seemed like wasted potential and very odd considering both are marrying the same man. You stay safe as well man! :D

fanficcyberman: LOL, maybe not all 5 days...but I imagine the fight was at least 1 straight. Oh, Kara was the Valkyrie Dorian roomed with in the first arc who was Loki in disguise. She skewered him with icicle javelins that he still has scars from. She and Despoina were his first real betrayals. All has been going great and I pray the same for you too :D

ahsoei: Well, I hope he won't mess up AS much lol. Plus Rias already gave him the okay to call her by her name (No idea why she didn't do that before), so now it's less about him following her orders and more him actually moving ahead emotionally.

Mahadeva: I get that, I'll admit I am not a fan of canon Issei later on either which is why I felt this chapter was needed. Just changing the character wouldn't feel right to me, there has to be a reason for it...and this fight begins that climb for him. And you are exactly right, Dorian was naive and indecisive so far...how he handles the relationships must be decided soon, and the end of Kyoto is the beginning of that arc for him. I hope you like my plans moving forward :D

reality deviant: He really did :( The first woman to act like she cared...and she kills him. I don't recall that in canon, might have been a fanfic as I don't see the ORC chuckling over their traumatic pasts lol, but that is true his was relatively the most normal.

OBSERVER01: Thank you :D I sort of saw that, yes he wanted a harem before and even a big family due to his own being an only child, but I imagine what happened with Raynare would have made him act more shallow, being afraid to show his true feelings out of the fear of it happening again.

SantoryuSekai: Thank you!

Reinhard King of Heavens: Well, he did pummel Issei in a fistfight for a day XD He may have been softer when he saw the true depths of Issei's sorrow, but he didn't let him off light either lol

Ryu: Completely unacceptable, which is why Dorian has been preventing it (Or beating the tar out of him lol) when he tries. This is the point I plan for Issei to begin to mature out of that side of himself. He will still be a pervert...but start to realize the lines that shouldn't be crossed.

Jackson: Oh I totally agree, I thought DxD was okay at first until the harem got super bloated later on. Imo 4-6 is the absolute maximum a well-written harem should ever be as anymore and you cannot possibly have enough development for every girl. Dorian is on his way to more loves...but you have no worry of it being anything close to what canon tried to do lol.

WinterRuneWolf: Thank you :) That was the purpose of this particular chapter...the first steps of growth for Issei and Dorian. Indeed, what is happening to Dorian was something that occurred mostly off screen to random men in Vol. 9/Season 4. It will be revealed this chapter...and I hope the wait wasn't too long ;)

And with that…ONTO THE SHOW! Be warned, 18+ content ahead…

Dorian let out a tremendous yawn as he finished breakfast on the second day in Kyoto. He had done his best to get what sleep he could after his and Issei's truce, but it had come up lacking. He still fumed at Rossweisse being dress broken but between the beating and Issei's opening up of his past, he felt he had been punished enough for one night. The impressive platter laid out before them was nearly empty thanks to the ravenous hunger of an entire class of high school students. Knowing the second day of their trip was set to begin, still riding the high of the first, they were eagerly ready to begin. Asia and Issei had disappeared heading to the roof to train the basics while they could with Kiba now knowing that a coming battle was almost assured. The Sitri peerage who had come along kept order among the masses leaving Dorian and his team able to finish their meal in peace.

"Are you all okay if it comes to a fight?" Dorian asked with a low voice while finishing the last of a stack of waffles.

"With the misunderstanding cleared up," Xenovia began. "I have been given special dispensation to unseal Durandal's dimension for use in battle. Ever since I learned to wield Angurvadal I have gained significant control over its destructive aura. They will not need to worry about me losing control of the weapon."

"Um…" Irina looked terribly guilty as she fidgeted in her seat. "I maaayy brought Excalibur along, I am still relatively new at holding such a legendary weapon b-but I didn't want to go unprepared." She nonchalantly tugged on one of her bows, releasing a whiff of holy aura revealing the blade's transformed presence.

Dorian suspiciously turned to their resident Spartan, "Hecuba…"

"I was able to stow away Monster's Bane shielding it from standard detection spells. It was left in my room yesterday, but I can conceal it within my hiking pack as we travel today." She didn't look guilty in the slightest at her subterfuge.

Did everyone sneak their weapons in?! Where were you hiding it?

"Keep an eye out," he started laying out the plans for the day. "Mr. Azazel wants us to still enjoy ourselves, but we'll be doing more than that. Each stop has a shrine present or nearby. Suzaku and Kunou will be going over each one to see if it's been tampered with. If not, we complete the tours and move on. If it has, we trace it back to the next in the chain until we find Yasaka."

"I'll spread the word to my class," Saji whispered an approval. "Kiba, Catherine and my team will be monitoring the shrines along our route. Any hint of foul play and we'll summon you to our location."

"Thanks," Dorian nodded as the blonde student council member slipped off to coordinate with those who had come from his team on the trip. "Sorry about this."

"Don't be," Irina patted him on the back. "God works in mysterious ways; we were needed here. There will be other trips, they need our help. Plus, we can still enjoy ourselves like you said!"

You have no down switch, do you? Dorian knew that of her, it was a good feeling to know she hadn't changed much since he met her in England. The girls went off to change after cleaning up their dishes, leaving Dorian alone as the Grigori Governor-General and Silver Valkyrie Rossweisse approached, both already fully dressed in their suits for the day. Another was walking beside them Dorian did not expect to see before departing.

"Lady Serafall?" The current Leviathan was dressed in an ornate kimono, her hair tied up in a proper braid he never thought to see her wear. "You arrived quickly!"

"Not quickly enough," she mused sadly. "I was hoping to remain in the Underworld for a while. The Levi-tan movie will be filming soon AND Kat-chan felt a kick just the other day! She acted like it was nothing, but I know better. This makes me hate that Hero Faction even more, drawing me away…if she delivers while I am gone, I will incinerate every member I see! Would you believe she still hasn't picked a name even after all my recommendations!?"

"She'll be here coordinating with the youkai trying to reach the other four Shinto clan heads," Azazel explained. "Unfortunately, Suzaku wasn't kidding when she said she was the only one taking an interest. The others have gone into total radio silence."

"We'll make them hear even if we have to kick in a few doors," the energetic Satan's determination shined through. "While you all check the Kyoto shrines, we'll be here to narrow down the possible locations."

"You can keep tabs on that?" Dorian was curious how their investigation would work officially.

"You betcha, Suzaku will convene with each shrine to determine if it has been tampered with. She can then submit the readings back to us through a little gadget of Azazel's," the older angel grinned as the others feared another of his inventions. "All you'll have to do is enjoy yourself and provide an escort with what is left of Kunou's entourage."

"If they hadn't attacked us first, we'd have more manpower," Dorian sighed at how many they had to injure. None were killed but most of those they fought would be down for the next few days.

"Things will be better now that I'm here!" She announced to an awkward silence. "It's too bad the youkai group are so worried around me or I'd take the field myself.

And destroy half of Kyoto, Azazel thought to himself, turning to look away as Serafall glared as if able to read his thoughts.

"But it can't be helped. You keep them safe out there," she referred to Dorian. "Your team is still small, but I'm sure you can do it if you give it your all," she shot a victory sign and struck a pose out of one of her shows. "And don't think I didn't see your little pilot episode with the Red Dragon Emperor they started airing in the Underworld, if you two are trying to compete with Levi-tan you will be sorry!"

Dorian only returned a confident head nod, well aware that the Crossroads were far from a sizable peace-keeping force yet. These missions with a single peerage-sized team would set the precedence for how the other powers saw them. He did his best not to draw attention to her second statement, being on television alone had him anxious much less if it actually took off.

"It's shameful having to rope the younger generation into our problems," Azazel sighed with an oddly wise tone to his words. "We'll take care of everything; this Hero Faction won't have their way if we can help it. I can hold down the fort here so Ms. Rossweisse here can join you today."

"Is that so?" The Valkyrie eyed him suspiciously knowing the man better than most with her work alongside him at Kuoh. More times than she'd like to admit she had caught him slacking off or sneaking a drink during school hours. "And you'll have no difficulties with the students? You still haven't told me where you disappeared to after we arrived…"

"You're just too uptight, it's making you paranoid," he chuckled awkwardly, fooling no one. "You two enjoy yourselves, be sure to get lots of souvenirs!"

"Is he really researching the Brigade?" Dorian could not resist asking once they were alone with the two departing side by side still chatting about Katerea's upcoming child.

"Who knows," she sighed wearily. "He has his own way of doing things, I doubt anyone could comprehend what goes on in his head. Here are the updated destinations," she handed him a folder. "We added a few to the tour in the hopes that we have a greater chance of finding evidence of the Hero Faction."

"I'll feel a lot better with you there today," he admitted with a smile. "It's been a while since we got to go somewhere nice together."

Just like a date, each thought simultaneously but refused to say aloud.

"After…we return," Rossweisse's voice suddenly grew more serious as she turned to finish her check list. "If you needed help with…anything bothering you, I can be there for you." Dorian's eyes widened, trying to read her face but failing as she quickly turned away. "Anything at all. And thank you for last night, the dress is beautiful. I can show it off for you later."

Could she know? Dorian wondered as she left, stretching his legs to burn off some excess energy. Or is she wanting to move our relationship to the next level?

You worry doing it under the influence of these compulsions you feel would taint the experience? Iggy knew him too well as she appeared. "Maybe if you take your mind off it you will feel better. I can sense the Ley Lines beneath us," she spun like a carefree woman in a field. "If there is anything amiss, I will be able to sense it."

"Now that is an impressive trick," Suzaku Himejima made the pair jump. "That tune you are humming; you can hear the song of the Ley Lines?" Iggy sheepishly nodded, unaware any beyond Dorian were watching. "Who are you? None but the 5 Clan Heads and Yasaka should be able to sense them so clearly."

"I…am Iggy," she bowed politely, Suzaku returning the gesture. "Daughter of Yggdrasil, magic just speaks to me. I-I didn't mean to cause trouble."

"Oh no trouble," she tried to calm the woman only a few years younger who was treating her like an elder. "I won't say a word to the other Clan Leaders, they wouldn't take kindly to it I am sure. I on the other hand am more open-minded."

"Thank you for that," Dorian interjected. It still felt odd speaking with this woman who so resembled Akeno, only able to tell up close she was a few years older, her face looking more mature if that was possible. "If we run into the Hero Faction, the Crossroads will keep you and Ms. Kunou safe."

"That is precious," she spoke softly, somehow her statement not coming off as condescending in the slightest. It was clear she didn't think she'd need their protection. "I was only a bit younger than you when I took leadership of the Himejima clan. I can impart some advice on leading others…if you would hear it."

Dorian nodded, intrigued by her offer as the pair walked off towards the class, Iggy withdrawing back into his mind for the moment. No doubt many would be gathered so they could head out soon. He had no idea that as much as he was curious of the Shinto Clan leader, she pondered his and Iggy's potential all the way.

A gift from the Shinto Gods usurped by the youkai and now felt by a pagan of distant lands. I wonder what our reclusive deities would think of that if they knew.

Kiyomizu-Dera…

"The path is this way," Suzaku led the way under the guise of a guide meant to show them around. "If you look to the left and right you will see the homes built along the sloped pathway up. Do watch your step, there is an old tale that if you fall upon these slopes you will surely die in three years."

Kiryuu grinned wide, such an old myth was one of her favorites to tease friends. The nervous expression of more than a few of the class had her mischievous side satisfied. Even more so as Asia seized Issei's arm, her lack of knowledge of the area making her nervous such a spell may have been cast to dissuade intruders. Her slight clumsiness most times did not help matters, causing her to refuse to release him the whole way up.

"It's just a silly superstition," Rossweisse asserted, her demeanor and professionalism unbroken. All the same, Dorian noticed her take a barely noticed step in his direction. It seemed everyone was taking precautions with even Irina and Xenovia locking arms as if preparing to head into battle. Only Hecuba shook her head, rumors and superstition not holding much sway on her actions.

The impressive Niōmon gate welcomed them to Kiyomizu-Dera, the expansive Buddhist temple built over a thousand years earlier. Expanded in the 1600s, it featured among the most unique architecture in the world. Dorian's mind raced at hearing not a single nail had been used in its construction, curious how such a thing was possible. According to Kunou, the waterfall within from which it had been named was one such link to the Ley Lines and would need to be convened with.

"You can feel the essence in here," Issei muttered half to himself. God and Buddha all worshipped under one roof. "Look! There is the Kiyomisu stage! They show that all the time on TV!" He recalled the times sitting in front of the television with his parents from a young age, sighing at the simple days long gone.

From the main hall, a viewing deck gave an impressive view of Kyoto causing many to congregate upon it staring down at the sizable drop to the ground below. All the students knew the old adage of dropping down being compared to making a leap of faith, taking the plunge as it were.

"They say those who fall from here are saved in more ways than one," Dorian read from memory of studying in preparation for the trip.

"So even those three have hope?" Kiryuu said loud enough for the perverted trio to overhear. "Maybe they can give it a shot, see if it works."

"Why you…!" Matsuda inched closer, the two butting heads once more. Dorian borrowed a nearby camera, taking snapshots of the scenery.

"Ms. Rossweisse," he turned while keeping the proper tone in public around her. "Perhaps we could get a photo together?"

"I would very much like that," she took a position standing before the autumn-colored background. Dorian set the timer with enthusiasm as he rushed to her side, noticing the breeze had picked up from such a height to catch her hair in the perfect way. "Okay, maybe like this…"

His plan for their private photo did not make it to fruition. Seeing the two standing before a ticking camera, more than half the class surged forward to make it into the shot at the last second. As the shutter clicked, over twenty students had somehow crammed themselves into frame with only a handful getting into a proper pose in time. For the rest, an amalgamation of arms, legs and other body parts were jumbled together cramming everyone closer. At the epicenter, Dorian and Rossweisse had been squished together chest to chest, arms half embracing one another if only to prevent a painful collision. The picture caught the exact moment their eyes met in mutual surprise. Almost as quickly as they had come, the group dispersed once it was clear the moment was over, none save a handful noticing Dorian and Rossweisse took an extra moment to extricate themselves from the chaos.

"It turned out…nice?" Dorian answered sheepishly as he saw the final product. As awkward as it appeared, he felt a warm sensation trying to remember the last time they'd had a picture together. Hecuba, Irina and Xenovia had been among those that made it into frame looking pristine and proper at the head of the ball of chaos. His eyebrow twitched as he spotted a familiar squirrel literally swinging into frame in the background.

"I'll make copies," Rossweisse agreed. "However, those distributed to the class will have to be…edited," she spotted Ratatoskr's photo bomb as well. The two shared a subtle chuckle over the ridiculousness of it all.

"Could they be any more obvious?" Kiryuu sighed with a shake of her head. "Maybe things are different with assistant teachers in Norway. I wouldn't be surprised if he became one JUST so he wouldn't have to wait for graduation."

Once inside, the group scattered to enjoy the sites of the various shrines, shops and eponymous waterfall within. Suzaku and Kunou approached the rushing waters, each performing their own prayer before it. Dorian wasn't a follower of Shinto but paid his respects humbly all the same. A slight twinge of a headache assailed him as he wished for their mission to end well, did someone actually hear him? They had to keep their voices down as many students, mostly girls, prayed similarly remembering the tales that wishes were granted if made here.

"Not entirely false," Suzaku smiled at their naivete. "Back when the Ley Lines were first bestowed by the Shinto Gods the magic was raw, allowing it to shape in many ways for more than just those chosen. Over time, however it tempered itself and settled into the Earth becoming more potent, but also less simple to call upon. Every now and then, a spark of magic may slip through keeping the rumor alive."

"I don't sense anything out of place here," Kunou interrupted, clearly wanting to stick to business. "Mother wasn't brought here!"

"The odds were low with the popularity," Dorian sighed, kneeling to touch the clear waters. For a moment, just a moment he thought he heard a strange humming that faded into the back of his mind. "But the other shrines are much closer using here as a starting point."

"It was a waste of time."

"Hindsight is 20/20," he pointed out before the others could respond. "If she had been here and we skipped it, that could have potentially been worse."

"Just…please, help me get her back."

"That was never in doubt," he assured her again, her eyes seeming to trust him a bit more than the previous night. "Do you agree that she wasn't brought here?"

Suzaku nodded, "Once the tour is complete, we may move on. We will have plenty of time to try the others today. Moving with the class should prevent the Heroes from noticing our presence too quickly."

"Don't call them that." Hecuba was standing behind them, face downturned in frustration. She had a handful of souvenir statues and other baubles in her arms clearly meant for the others. Having overheard her label for their enemies, she couldn't remain silent. "That is NOT what they are."

"That is what they call themselves," Suzaku pointed out, Dorian knowing that answer would not help calm the situation. "Descendants of those deemed such by your history, any other name would be lying to yourself."

Hecuba's fists clenched, her spartan training all that prevented her from lashing out. Refusing to continue the conversation, she spun to leave, returning to the others looking for where she had gone."

"Hecuba…"

"She must see this through," Suzaku spoke words of wisdom to the Crossroad's Leader. "You can guide them to where they need to be, but only they can open the door. If you take everything on your shoulders, you become their crutch, not their leader."

So, I can help, but not do it for them? Is that what a good leader does?

"It's highly favorable!" The voice of Issei rose above the rest, drawing his attention. It seemed he and Asia had pulled a love fortune from the nearby stall; Asia's smiling face was all he needed to see to know how it had turned out.

"Pull one for Rias too," she exclaimed. "We cannot look until we're together again."

"If you'll excuse me," his superstitious curiosity piqued as he meandered over to the box. He fully believed such things were more a lottery than true fortune, all the same he could not resist. Beside the prediction was a souvenir stall, a certain glitter catching his eye. He subtly ducked in, purchasing the desired trinket and pocketing it before continuing to the container.

To his delight, Rossweisse had done the same, the two meeting together without any others present. They did not need to say a word before dropping a small offering of money and reaching in, simultaneously pulling out a prediction. They read it together, hands clenched tight, a brief gasp between them in confusion.

"I think this one is defective," he joked. The meaning based on his devil-magic translator contradicting itself. Rossweisse was equally confused, a little disappointed at the outcome.

"Maybe…we should see if the others are all together?" She offered.

"Of course," Dorian laid the strip of paper on the table absentmindedly. He'd heard it was tradition to leave any fortunes that were not favorable. He took her hand, the pair walking down towards where the class had gathered. They did not notice a stealthy squirrel slip in, claiming the strip of paper.

"Dai-Kyo-Kichi?" Ratatoskr read out, the words meaning both great blessing and great curse. "I thought those were supposed to be separate. "Dai-Kyo-Kichi, negaigoto?" Hmm, he noticed the blessing had another part stuck to it Dorian and Rossweisse surely missed. "So, they got two blessings in one? "Dai-Kyo-Kichi, Negaigoto Ren'ai?" As a linguist himself, the incorrigible companion knew exactly what it translated to.

A Desired Romantic Relationship will be both a Great Blessing and Great Curse.

"Well, if half is good, then something good may come of it," He muttered as he slipped the paper into the null space he kept all his misbegotten items. Squeaking to feign ignorance as a normal member of his species, he bounded after them keeping pace as he had done the entire day.

Later…

"This one is really gold!" Xenovia was ecstatic as they came within sight of Kinkaku-ji. The Zen temple shined brightly in the sunlight shimmering through the young Einherjar's eyes. She had been so disappointed that the previous stop, Ginkaku-ji, was not actually been made of silver. Seeing the new sight caused her spirits to soar once again. "They have little models!?"

"What?" Dorian snapped his head in her direction. Picturing a smaller version of the impressive monument on his desk broke his usual calm, letting his more child-like side shine through. "Where?" Rossweisse held back laughter across the way seeing his face all the while ensuring other students did not stray too far.

Kunou sighed with a facepalm at the enthusiasm of the Crossroad's Leader and the others, Kari following suit. Living in Kyoto all their life, such locales and aesthetics were mundane to them while the others were acting like tourists. They had no luck on the previous monuments finding any trace of Yasaka or the Hero Faction. It was understandable that some excitement could improve morale, yet seeing the teenagers act their age was still embarrassing to her. The young youkai had been raised to be the model princess she was, holding back her more innocent qualities.

At least, that is what father taught. Mother leaned more towards a balance. Kunou steeled herself, resolving to show what kind of leader she could be.

"M-Mr. Held," she spoke calm and collected. "We shall make haste for the inner shrine to consult the Ley Lines. You may take part in the frivolous activities when we are done!"

"Enjoy yourselves," Dorian waved off the others as they looked if they should accompany him. "There are plenty at the other stops, I'll catch up."

"Poor Dorian," Irina expressed as the students pushed past unaware of the mission at hand. Issei and the others were taking pictures, texting them back to their friends at Kuoh. "He should get to enjoy this day too!"

"If only Suzaku and Kunou trusted each other more," Asia pointed out. "Then they could each go to different shrines." The group nodded, Dorian was the only one of them who could feel the Ley Lines, making alleviating his task impossible among them. The group found themselves at a quaint teahouse near the temple, happy to rest their weary feet realizing it was already almost two in the afternoon.

"I got so much," Xenovia checked her bag almost overflowing with souvenirs, counting out that she had gotten one for everybody she aimed to. Irina knew this of her well, but Hecuba was surprised at the rare side of her she got to see. No matter how stoic she seemed to be from her years being raised in the Church, she was still a teenager at heart.

"Hope you got something for me nya," Kuroka suddenly appeared beside them sipping on a tea. "I believe all the boys have been patched up, laying low for now so we don't get anymore 'accidental' injuries."

To her supreme surprise, a tiny box containing a white cat charm was placed in front of her. The former nekoshou criminal picked it up, eyeing it as if wondering if it were a jest somehow. Only when it was clearly not did she clip it to the sleeve of her nurse's coat.

"How thoughtful, I can't remember the last time I got a gift. Other than Dorian's of course," she left it ambiguous she was referring to the Senet piece promising the set that would reincarnate humans into her kind. She was disappointed to see very few were falling for it. "Vali was never one for such things and Bikou was quite cheap…thank you."

"Everyone is so happy," Asia glanced around the room. Their fellow students were sharing pictures and experiences wandering the various shrines having seen so many so quickly. "If only things could be like this forever."

"Yea," Issei agreed. Before becoming a devil, he couldn't wait for high school to be over, being ostracized for his more perverted tendencies. The possibility of getting a girlfriend to start his harem the sole saving grace. Then, after what happened…

Why did I tell him it all? Issei pondered the night before during his and Dorian's back and forth. I haven't talked to anyone about it. Slumped within the confines of the Road Between Realms, he had told the Einherjar of his death at Raynare's hands and assurances that no woman could love him in the way he wanted. They had talked for hours before returning to the real world with only a few extra blows leveled at him for Dress Breaking Rossweisse. And yet Goldie…

Dorian listened to it all in silence, only adding an agreement or kind word here and there. He did not argue with him, a shock in and of itself, but told him flatly he was wrong. Somehow, his improptu rival was sure that Asia and the President cared for him more than he knew. Issei had almost countered with his observations of Thrud but held it in check. Dorian in-turn told him of the Valkyrie, Kara, who had been his first roommate only to impale him through the chest leaving the scars he still bore. Both had a mutual moment of disgust at the reveal she had been Loki the whole time.

Somehow, they had found an understanding through their fists. He would stop trying to peep on the class and Dorian stopped hounding his steps. They even exchanged ideals of physical beauty, more than a few Dorian had just stared disgusted at him, but Issei knew as a guy the thoughts at least crossed his mind once.

"Breasts are the best," Issei had proclaimed. "What about you?"

"There is more to women's bodies than that," Dorian glanced away after saying such a ludicrous statement. He was a bit more open with Issei, almost as if he was trying to get something off his chest. "Breasts aren't the only thing they have…"

"Aaahh, so you're a body-shape guy?" Dorian had refused to answer.

Issei, with no other place to go, heard him out and recalled arguments against seeking a harem beyond those who loved him. The Red Dragon Emperor had wanted a harem so badly since he was little, he never considered it from their point of view. Could a harem be achieved through women coming to him, rather than he looking for them? That wouldn't affect his appreciation for the female form, that aspect of his was unquestionable. Dorian made it unquestionably clear he'd still thwart his perverted efforts wherever he tried.

"Oh?" Issei was so lost in thought he barely noticed his phone was buzzing, the always appreciated face of Rias greeting him. He had set up a photo of her winking at him as the alert it was her. "Hello?" He quickly answered. "Hi President, is everything okay?"

"Hello Issei," the unexpected voice of Akeno greeted him. "Sorry, the President let me borrow her phone. Everything is okay, but Koneko wanted to see if you were."

"Me?" Issei tried to keep his voice calm, not wanting to give away the more serious nature of their class trip.

"Those photos you texted us a bit ago, it looks like you caught a little something." Issei paled, wondering what had gone wrong. "In the background she spotted a few fox youkai watching you. Did anything happen?"

"Oh," Issei kept his voice calm despite the chill of worry down is neck. "Is that the ones making sure we stay on good behavior? Mr. Azazel mentioned they might be around keeping an eye on us. We have so much stuff to show you guys we bought…"

"Issei, you sound nervous."

"Nervous, what would make you say that, Oh?" He feigned hearing someone off screen. "I think Ms. Rossweisse is calling us. I gotta go!"

"If anything happens, let us know," the upperclassman insisted before the line ended. Issei wiped a bit of sweat from his brow. Despite now playing a character in the Oppai Dragon show, he didn't consider himself the best of actors. Utterly curious as to what she saw, he started to flip through the photographs he had sent.

"What did she see?" He wondered aloud as he failed to spot anything out of the ordinary. "Where could there have been youkai?"

"There, there and there," Kuroka suddenly materialized behind him, breasts settling against the back of his head as she pointed to inconspicuous background trees where he could make out nothing. "So, you can't see them either? Did you really think our little Kunou would travel with such heathens, pagans and enemies without her entourage?"

"You can see them? Is there a way we can?" Hecuba asked, her strategic thinking ill at ease over being followed by invisible agents.

"Not without a bit of nekoshou in you or a lot more power than you have," she explained. Hecuba considered the situation, with Kuroka being the only one able to spot youkai contemplating if that was the reason for the upper leaders insisting she come along on the trip. Could it have also been hoping to show that youkai were welcomed as well?

"So, this is sort of like a homecoming for you," Irina interjected, recalling a few of their nights together talking where Kuroka spoke of being in Kyoto before.

"Not much of a home," she leaned back lazily. "After becoming a devil, I wasn't exactly welcomed here, you saw their reaction to me. I just want to be in and out back to the tower."

"You could try to make the most of this situation," Hecuba tried to ease her mind, sensing unresolved feelings behind her seething words. "You have the protection of the Crossroads, as long as this continues you aren't banished from Kyoto any longer."

The group were surprised by such a rarity, Kuroka's silence. She downed another glass they were now relatively certain was not just tea. Only once she was nearly about to open her mouth to reply did the hear a sudden crack nearby like thunder. Even the other students heard it, glancing up at the sky worried for rain. Only those at the table knew better.

"The shrine!"

The Underworld, several minutes earlier…

"They sure are vibrant," Rias noted as Akeno returned her phone. "I shouldn't have had you call; they are on a precious school trip, these burdens are mine. My servants can have their time and we are far from alone."

"But making sure your beloved servants are doing well is part of what separates your family from most others," Akeno retorted with a smile. "That and making sure your Issei is doing well so far from you." She did not mention she felt at ease calling him with her father not picking up for their usual call. She hoped nothing was wrong at the Grigori headquarters.

Rias stood on the platform to the underworld along with the remains of her Peerage; Akeno, Koneko, Honda and Gasper. In addition, Thrud had decided to tag along leaving the Tower in the care of Seekvaira. Her mother Venelana and Grayfia were waiting for them, exchanging only short pleasantries before explaining what happened.

"It began yesterday," the Gremory Matron started. "Protestors claiming allegiance to the Old Satans started appearing outside the main concourse. We thought with Katerea having brought peace that they would remain civil."

"We were wrong," Grayfia took over. "During the night they stormed the platform at its busiest. No deaths from what we can tell, however they have several hundred prisoners ranging from districts all over our territory. They refused to speak with any besides Lady Gremory."

"Where is father?"

"Mobilizing our counter force if they turn violent, being isolated to Gremory territory it would not be prudent for your brother to get involved just yet. It could show the level of favoritism they are making claims against our family for."

"I will be speaking to them from a distance today," Venelana asserted. "I wish you to remain here for the time being. If anything should happen to me, you will represent us until your father arrives."

"Need some extra muscle?" Thrud asked, her fingers twitching for a reason to heft her axe.

"I fear if they see you that things would get worse," she politely declined. "Our improved relations with outsiders is part of what they claim to be against."

"Lady Gremory, the transmission is coming through!" A nearby devil officer reported.

"Understood, put them on."

A trench coat wearing man with dark brown hair and blue eyes appeared before them, the image broadcasted through a device within the station they currently occupied. With a disgustingly polite smile, he tilted his hat forward acting as if it were an everyday meeting.

"Lady Gremory, it is such an honor to finally make your acquaintance. My name is Moloch, house of little importance, and if I might say so, you are truly as bewitching a beauty as the stories…"

"We may dispense with ALL formalities," she snapped harshly while remaining calm yet stern. Thrud's eyes went wide, having only seen her gentle motherly side at past meetings. "You are holding my people hostage and I want to know why."

"Of course, of course my lady," he maintained the mocking tone of propriety. "I meant no offense. We ALL want these distasteful actions to be ended, so I will speak my mind. Our kind has suffered, we have been crushed underfoot not by enemies from afar…but by you."

"Us?"

"Yes, this Tyranny of peace you have instilled is against the very core of what our people should be!" His voice got louder as if performing for a distant audience. "Our kind is not meant to bend like reeds before the sons of god or…daughters of thunder. We weather such storms, not travel with the wind. We are not a kind race and should start acting like it. To take in HUMANS, our natural enemies as much as any angel into our ranks…"

"I want to punch him," Thrud whispered to the others while he continued to air grievances against them. She was more than a little worried at his remark of a daughter of Thunder, with the current transmission he should only be able to see Venelana and none of them.

"You may get your chance," Rias thought hard. "What do you think?"

"A few dozen of them," Akeno read the scene. "Entrances covered, not much of a threat head on but the hostages are right around them."

"How could they do that!" Gasper shouted from atop Honda's shoulders. "I could freeze them! Then you could…"

"Too risky from a safe distance," Rias' commanding town warned. "If even one of them was outside your field of view, or they are stronger than we guess, they wouldn't be affected." Despite her lack of action, the crimson-haired woman analyzed the situation from every angle she could think of. There was no relying on Issei's power for this one. "You would have to be in the thick of them," Gasper swallowed hard at the risk.

"And so, my fair lady," Moloch concluded with a flourish of his hat. "We have a singular ever-simple demand that our people return to the old ways. Remove any who are not born of Lilith and secede from that Crossroad debacle. Do this, and everyone may go free! Do it not, and none will walk away from these cars."

"You are expecting much," Venelana raised an eyebrow. "Such changes, even once started, could take months to come to fruition."

"We are a patient coalition," the smug grin on his lips only widened. "I thank you for your audience, it was a TRUE pleasure and we eagerly await your reply." With that final word, the hologram disappeared without awaiting a response, leaving the group standing there dumbfounded.

"He asks the impossible!" Thrud said what they all thought. "An entire overhaul of the current political climate?"

"He does and he knows it, I don't like this one bit," Rias' mother remained in her serious state. "Such changes will never be accepted. That look in his eyes, he has no qualms of what he does."

"At least he gave no timeframe," Grayfia pointed out. "We can formulate a strategy to save the people."

"We can!" Rias stepped forward. "Mother, you called us here to help. Let us help, not all my servants are here, but those that are, and our friends, can do this."

"I know you can child," smiled contently at her daughter. "The timing of this is ill indeed, however your father will be present soon with our men. Until then, let me take you to our forward base. We have much to discuss."

Kyoto…

"This was one of the first shrines connected to the Ley Lines through the Shinto Gods. The building was constructed centuries later around it as a show of power," Suzaku bowed at the pond outside the three-story pagoda. "A gateway to success, the power to enrich the land and its people, the original clans thought it was all for their use."

"But my family learned too," Kunou finished the story. "Youkai can see things others can't and we saw how to tap into it ourselves."

"Tapped into it for the power, but without hearing the voice of the gods," the elder Himejima explained. Few knew that the hum of the Ley Lines was in fact the distant echo of the gods themselves.

"And that caused the Shinto Clans to hate the youkai?" Dorian correctly deduced.

"They hunted us like animals," Kari clenched her fingers. "We fought back, so much blood was spilt on both sides, but we earned our place in Kyoto. My family especially were quite adept at turning the tables on our would-be killers."

Remind me not to give you a reason to find out why, Dorian swallowed loud, still apprehensive of the spider markings on her mask.

"There must be a middle ground," he continued diplomatically. "With what this Brigade and their factions are capable of, a peace must be found. We know that many have worked with them, who's to say traitors weren't responsible for Yasaka's attack?"

"They will lose their heads if that is the case!" Kunou insisted, such a cold statement coming from a little girl sent a wave of sorrow through Dorian. She was young enough to just be starting middle school, her needing to think of killing and kidnappings was something she shouldn't have to deal with. "Wait," her ears perked up mid-prayer as did Suzaku's.

Dorian, Iggy warned him. This shrine's Ley Line is NOT flowing in the same direction as the others. It is being manipulated…and it's still moving.

"They were here," Suzaku warned them.

"They still are," Dorian clarified. "Iggy says the flow is still moving."

"Mother is here?" Kunou started glancing every way to no avail.

"No, we'd feel it if she were," Suzaku talked her down. "Perhaps she manipulated the flow and they remained to maintain control once the path was open. We must find where they are doing so and quickly."

"Iggy can tell me where the disturbance is strongest," Dorian grimaced as he glanced around to the many patrons and visitors including his classmates. "Ms. Kunou, I beg of you," he fell to his knees. "Can you and your men assure everyone's safety? I will track down the Faction's men."

"I can come too!" She insisted, causing Dorian to smile softly at her determination.

"I know you can, but the others could get hurt. Please, can you keep them safe and let my team know to back us up? We are supposed to be protecting you after all." Kunou held eyes with him, the little girl in her resolved to step up to the heartfelt request. With a final nod she rushed outside already shouting orders left and right to unseen aids. Kari followed while obeying her commands, a glance back at Dorian and Suzaku as if still suspicious of their intent.

"You really are quite good with kids," Suzaku complimented as they rushed through the temple. "So, your Sacred Gear can hear AND follow the rhythms as well? You are something new."

"It's up," he explained as they ran, feeling a warm sense of pride at her compliment. "She thinks it's coming from the…"

Kinkaku-ji third floor…

"This is bullshit," a young man wearing sunglasses with dark hair tied up into a bun grumbled atop the ancient temple. "Stuck playing errand boy for an already opened Ley Line." He cursed his weakness compared to his comrades.

I could have gained my Balance Breaker, I could have! But, if I'd been one of those sent to Olympus… Terror assailed his mind as he recalled the sight of his allies consumed by the ravenous shadow so similar to his own in appearance yet could not have been more different than a bug from a mountain. That terror kept him back at the Hero Faction Headquarters unwilling to leave until their endgame had begun. Despite his cowardice, Cao Cao never stopped driving him forward, that was who he was.

You are a human Connla, you will find your strength. Those had been their leader's parting words as he sent him off on this mission.

"At least I'll be nowhere near them when that thing comes through into our world," Connla sighed. "I will serve as I can, just…"

He leapt to his feet as the precautions he took on the second floor were tripped. Someone managed to reach the entrance despite placing an illusion to block anyone with weak enough supernatural powers and be near-imperceptible to those with moderate to higher. Despite that, at least two had just breached the door.

"Stop!" A blonde man announced as he appeared in the doorway, the unmistakable look of a Sacred Gear manifested as horns atop his head. He wasn't an angel, youkai or devil but Connla knew him from his ally's ramblings.

"The Einherjar who fought at Olympus?" He reached out, a dark shifting black shape forming around his arm. "What are you doing here?" His heart jumped as one of the Shinto Clan heads followed behind.

"The shrine!" Suzaku coming up behind shouted, pointing to a humble wooden station in the back. The others they had visited had no visible appearance to be supernatural, however this one reverberated with a sickly magenta-teal light denoting the tampering from the Brigade.

"On it!" Dorian rushed its location seeking to bypass the lone Hero Faction soldier in his way.

"You are suicidal!" He called out as fields of black formed on the ground between Dorian and his goal. Within each, blades, spears and other misshapen weapons spawned from the pools.

Dorian drew Twilight Star, keeping to its sword form for the moment slashing at the nearest collection of blades. His attack passed clean through, leaving the opposing weapons behind to assail him. The first tore through his uniform's jacket, deflecting as he was forced to call upon his Asgardian armor. Subsequent attacks on the shapes were as ineffectual, physical strikes having no effect.

"You can't fight my shadows," he mocked, turning towards the second opponent walking through. "Trying is absolutely pointless, like fighting the wind!"

Connla leapt back only to be trapped as a wall of flames sprung up around the windows and door. Suzaku raised her hands, a spark of flame in each and a terrifyingly content smile upon her face. She walked forward, flames licking at her heels to threaten the young man.

"Oh, going somewhere?"

Shadows eh? Dorian pondered his choice of words, his Sacred Gear lights shifting colors.

"Alfheim!" He cried, the white-gold light of that ancient realm exploding from his hand. The hunch held true as every patch of darkness vanished into the swirling nova. "You should choose your words more carefully."

He took out my constructs, just like that? Already he was at the shrine, touching it with a look of focus on his eyes. He can't…he can't possibly be stabilizing it, could he?

"Lord Cao Cao tasked me with guarding this place. Get away from there!" He summoned a wave of black javelins that hurtled towards Dorian. With his free hand, seals of defense deflected them away, one soaring out the window, causing Dorian's heart to jump.

The students outside!

Dorian glanced over the side of the Pagoda, his heart immediately lightening as he saw another seal outside stopping the attack from flying into the crowd. Rossweisse stood below, arms outstretched leading the students in exercises. Using it as a distraction, she'd formed barriers invisible to normal people preventing any attack from reaching them.

She is incredible, the compulsions spiked for a moment, the ingenuity of the Valkyrie he had come to love not lost on him. He could see Kunou outside as well, she and her guards erecting similar wards around the temple, their attacks could not harm the civilians.

Turning back, he saw that Suzaku had taken over mending the shrine, Connla unable in the slightest to lay a finger on her, his shadows bursting into flames at each attempt. Dorian aimed to remove as many remaining constructs as possible, creating a sphere of Alfheim light and leaving it upon the ceiling. Every square inch of the room was covered, dispersing his phantoms. Dorian cleared the distance with ease, his foe having no more powers available, delivering a bone-shattering punch to his gut and driving him to the floor.

"No, no I won't fall like they did!" The Hero Faction fighter stepped backwards, memories of what happened to his blue and green companions in Olympus returning to him. "The shadows…the shadows have been my ally ever since I was a kid! I-it claimed them, but they won't claim me!"

A wind picked up out of nowhere buffeting Dorian's clothes and causing him and Suzaku pause. Ahead, somehow a blackness was surrounding their opponent despite the lack of shadows around him he could use. He cried out in utter anguish as the miasma around him burst forth into tendrils lashing at the light angrily though unable to break it. Dorian and Suzaku fell back defensively at the unexpected attack. With a final echoing scream, the man disappeared without a trace.

"Where did he go?" Dorian glanced each way to no avail. Their opponent was simply gone.

"I don't feel his presence any longer, but it is small matter with his power." Suzaku calmed him. "Once this Ley Line is stabilized, we can trace it to the next. We found it, the first of the breadcrumbs to Yasaka!"

"Then I can help," he knelt down, placing a hand on the shrine to let Iggy do her work.

A NEW HAND PARTAKES? YOU ARE NEITHER SHINTO NOR YOUKAI!

Dorian fell backwards as the booming voice entered his mind, more out of shock than any direct force. Suzaku was looking at him having heard the same, her incorrigible smile reminding him far too much of Akeno when teasing.

"What an honor, our gods actually spoke to you? It's no wonder they chose you to lead these Crossroads, just how many cultures are you able to view with outside eyes?"

At the Hotel…

"We got the lead!" Azazel grinned proudly once they had returned with news. "Using that point as the start, we can triangulate where other shrines have been affected and where the power is going."

"We'll have a probable starting location by morning," Serafall jumped in restraining her usual spunk. "Once we have their exact location, we can send in the troops."

"Unfortunately, that won't be the case," Azazel sighed. "I heard reports there is a situation back in the Underworld. It seems Lady Gremory and her family are dealing with a group of extremists and the forces are spread thin dealing with it and similar protests. The Grigori haven't had such numbers since the war and would take too long as well. They must be swamped, I haven't been able to reach them for the last few hours. For the meanwhile, we'll have to work with the manpower we got within the city. A few extra troops from each faction."

"That timing feels…rather noncoincidental."

"No doubt, but for now let them enjoy their night. The kids have had a long day, thankfully the Hero Faction agent they met appears to have been a pushover and not many could contend with Suzaku anyway."

"We thought the same of Yasaka," Rossweisse added, arriving from the main lobby. Her remark sent a wave of silence through the two.

"Thank you for protecting the kids," he smiled honestly. "Take the night off and get some rest, I'll patrol the halls just this once."

"Th-thank you," she yawned, giving away how she felt after the day of walking. "Do wake me if you find anything or require assistance."

"I'll be busy all night," he called out to her. "So, if you wanted any late-night visitors, the room is all yours, no special meetings." He was shocked the steam rising from her ears didn't set off the fire alarms.

"Why do you get such enjoyment from that?" Serafall giggled. She got a sense of joy from teasing her little sister but hadn't pictured Azazel with the same sense of humor.

"Issei Hyoudou, and that young Einherjar of hers," the fallen angel started with a wistful smile. "They're at the center of big things that are just going to ramp up from here on out if history holds true. "These school trips are to give the kids some fun before they move on to being adults like us. High school in general is sort of their last chance, it's good for them. So, I figured, why shouldn't they have some 'fun' before things get hectic? Put the idea in their heads and who knows, it might happen."

"You are terrible." Despite her words she couldn't stop grinning like a kid.

"Hey," he replied without a hint of remorse for his words. "There was a reason I fell from Heaven after all, I wouldn't be much of a fallen angel if I wasn't just a little bit."

Kyoto Hotel, Night 2…

How should I spend the time before sleeping? Issei pondered as he laid back in his room alone, Dorian still out for the moment. Matsuda and Motohama wanted to check out the girl's bathroom again, if I don't go, they're sure to get pounded by the Sitri defense force. I did promise Dorian no more funny business though…

The previous night, the two had talked more than since meeting one another. As much as he was frustrated by the Einherjar's tactics to deny him peeping on girls, even he had to admit he felt a bit at ease after their talk. Having someone to tell his worries to, even him, lightened the load on his heart. Before he could decide to choose his word or breasts, he heard a knock at the door.

"Asia?" He asked, surprised to find the former nun outside wearing a thin nightgown. "What are you doing here?"

"I wanted to see you," the clear voice of Asia Argento answered. "You must miss Rias, and this is a rare moment it's just us. Kiryuu didn't notice me slip out while gossiping with the other girls."

She snuck past them all to see me? Oh, maybe we can play strip rock, paper scissors, or maybe…

"You did?" He suddenly spoke with a chuckle, his lips foregoing the perverted default settings of his mind. "I am sure you had more important things to do than seeing me."

"I didn't," her answer gave him pause. "At the station as we left, I saw you kiss Rias, didn't you?"

"You saw that? Yea, it was just a…goodbye kiss," he told her as well as himself.

"Such an intimate kiss, for goodbye?" Asia looked confused before her look turned to sheer determination. "Then, you could kiss me again too?"

She did not wait for an answer before drawing close, she and Issei sharing their second kiss after the first at the sports festival. It was the same as then unlike what he had envisioned a kiss as before meeting them. Growing up, he saw a kiss as a pretense to something more to get both amped up for the lewd things that would follow. While he most certainly still envisioned things between them, he and Asia and even the President, this kiss was more tender relaying how much she cared for him. It was unmistakable, this was no teasing nor playing, but true feelings. If the possibility for such a thing hadn't been brought up the previous night, he may never have considered it that evening.

Asia was one so important to me, every one of my friends were, but she and the President who sleep in the same bed with me, they are so much more. Asia, we will be together forever, even if that is thousands of years or more!

"You were thinking of Rias again, weren't you?" Asia broke his thoughts which were an open book to her. "I know you want your harem, and I may just be one and probably nothing special to others that come…but I still want to be with you."

How do you think your constant need for more makes Asia and Rias feel?

Issei shook his head as Dorian's words came flooding back in. Asia was one of the kindest, most wonderful women he'd ever met and yet she thought so little of herself? Surely the President couldn't think such a way as well…right?

"You could never be nothing special," Issei heard the words come out of his mouth as he wrapped his arms tenderly around her. "I'm sorry I ever made you feel that way. You and R…the President are important to me; I didn't think I could be that important to anyone."

"Oh Issei," Asia hugged him tighter, seeing the uncertainty in his eyes and hints of tears. "Of course you are, and when we are back in Kuoh, Rias can tell you the same! We don't have to do anything; we could just stay like this. Kiryuu mentioned you may want more…"

Damn Kiryuu and thank you at the same time! What thoughts did you put in her head?

"I…I think I would like to stay here for a while," he whispered, his mind clear of fear. Even the idea of seeing her breasts or peeping on the women's bath was oddly pushed to the back of his mind. He would stay there as long as it took for her to feel like she meant the world to him. This was real.

The moment he thought that, a soft pink glow enveloped the room. Confused, the two looked up as a sphere matching in color drifted through the door as if it weren't even there. It hovered before them a moment before being pulled into Issei's chest, disappearing within and taking the glow with it. Issei's eyes widened as he recognized the orb.

"What the Hell…my potential!" The object gifted to him by the past users within the Sacred Gear within his mind he'd lost on the train ride to Kyoto. He quickly rushed outside, glancing left and right but failing to see anyone or the source of its return. "Where did it come from?"

Outside the door, several minutes earlier…

"You were thinking of Rias again, weren't you?" The voice of Asia alerted Dorian to her presence in the room before he could open the door. With an unquenchable curiosity, he crouched down outside to avoid detection. He had been returning prepared for another restless night, the odd compulsions worse than ever, hearing the softness in her voice, he dared not interrupt.

At least he's not trying to get out again. He could try sneaking out after I leave, I should wait a few more minutes. He tried to rationalize to himself, the memory of Issei's Dress Break leaving him on guard.

"You could never be nothing special," he was surprised to hear something so eloquent from Issei followed by his pronouncement of importance for the young Bishop and the President back in Kuoh.

So, he be more tactful? Dorian contemplated as they continued speaking. He had spoken harshly the last night, they both did. He stood by what he said based on Issei's thinking at the time and his defense of Rossweisse's modesty. From the sounds of it he was starting to believe the words that Asia and Rias weren't just teasing him, and the affections went deeper. What does that say about his words to me?

Well, he wasn't wrong about taking things too slow. But neither should you let it hold you back. Despoina offered. If it weren't for that bath fight you got into with Thrud, I would have tried the same with you that night in Olympus.

Despoina! Iggy could not believe what she was hearing.

Hey, I thought the end of the Greek Gods was happening the next day and he was the first guy I'd met who WASN'T thinking of me as a means to get in good with them. My point is, if the feelings are there and is mutual, why restrain yourself? You love Rossweisse, right?

Of course, I do! She's the most extraordinary woman I've ever met. Her smile, that way she flips her hair, even her…

A soft glow lit up the hallway, Dorian's chest receiving a surge of warmth as a strange pink sphere drifted out from within. Silently, it passed through the door into the room, lighting it up within.

Shit! Dorian scrambled around the corner sure he was to be caught. To his relief, Issei would miss him when he poked his head out a few moments later. What was that?

[His potential.] A voice in his head answered. Though it was only a voice, Dorian received the image of a beautiful blonde woman in a purple dress-like armor that left little to the imagination and a matching head ornament. [Thank you for holding onto it for him.]

Who…are you?

[An echo of an old possessor of the Boosted Gear which Issei now wields. I wanted him to have the full potential of his power, but his heart was fragmented, uncertain from past scars. It was unable to integrate into him and was expelled on the train to Kyoto. You were the first it sought out.]

That was you? Dorian realized the timing. Those compulsions, the thoughts in my head? I'm going to kill him!

[Please don't. I am sorry for that, a side-effect of Issei's…unique personality. I must say I am surprised you did not give in to them sooner. I expected it to be jumping all over Kyoto, the urges were very strong.]

No kidding, Despoina agreed, instinctively covering her chest at the memory of its initial surge.

[But now his being is more at peace, there is still a way to go, but he was calm enough to accept this gift, in time, perhaps he will be able to truly unlock it. And you may accept one as well of sorts. You two may be different in many ways, but not all. Remember his own words and know that a bit each resides in the other now. Farewell.]

With that last word, the echo of another being vanished leaving Dorian alone in the hall contemplating what she had said.

I can't say I'm not glad she didn't stay, there is entirely not enough room in here for a third. At least those damned urges are back to normal. It was true, Dorian no longer felt the uncontrollable pull towards the women around him, his hands calm and steady once more. All the same, he was nervous, a decision now made he had long since put off.

Despoina, Iggy, can you give me privacy for the night? There was absolute silence at his request, the two who shared his consciousness sensing his intent but unable to believe it.

O-of course Dorian, we won't be watching,

Perhaps we could still be present, Iggy's voice surprised him as it felt more uneasy than nervous. If anything were to happen while we are away…he could practically sense the struggle within as Despoina forced Iggy to comply. Within a matter of seconds, he was alone with his thoughts.

What was that about? Iggy sounded scared. I'll have to ask. In any case, Issei's drive for a harem made Asia feel like she was insufficient, did mine to not act on my desires around Rossweisse do the same? She was nervous too, but I was hesitant…

Those were the thoughts swirling in the Einherjar's mind as he left his post resolved to let Asia and Issei have some privacy with their feelings. He had only one destination planned out, fortunately not running into a single person as he crossed into the other side of the hotel towards…

Rossweisse's Room…

"Coming! I'm coming!" Rossweisse almost fell out of bed at the knocking at her door. Rubbing her eyes, she shambled over to fumble with the knob.

Once again, she sighed solemnly. I couldn't bring myself to sneak to Dorian's room. He's been having such thoughts since we arrived, and I was too scared to help. I talk about wanting to be with him, yet when it comes down to it I always…

"Hello Rose."

Rossweisse froze as she opened the door revealing her beloved Einherjar standing outside in his blue track suit. His face was oddly focused like he had been deep in thought, serious with just a hint of red. The young Valkyrie was dressed only in her nightgown, normally sleeping in her pajamas, but in the possibility that Dorian would ask for her assistance with the compulsions she had slipped into it. In that moment, she was screaming internally how thankful she was for that decision.

"Dorian?" She asked while brushing her bangs from her vision, gripping the door a little tighter. "What are you doing her-!"

Dorian stepped into the room suddenly but slowly enough that, if she desired, she could avoid his intent. He pulled her into a tight embrace, kissing her passionately as his hand pushed the door shut to prevent anyone in the hall from seeing them. She was startled by his forwardness, not sensing the slightest hesitation from him. Without breaking the embrace, they meandered deeper into the room without stopping until reaching the dresser beside the bed, as a teacher she had her own accommodations, no roommate was coming.

"The…compulsions are back?" Rossweisse asked breathily, moving to slide down a strap of her gown. "I overheard you talking, i-if that is the case, feel free to…"

"They are gone," Dorian told her immediately without slowing down. "This is not some uncontrollable urge; I love you Rose. I said it and I meant it. Never doubt how incredible you are," he kept speaking even as the most joyous smile spread across her shocked face. "It's funny you avoid getting drunk, yet it seems I was the most honest when I was." He recalled back to his drinking game in Asgard against Ragnar. "You are smart, determined, focused, one of the kindest people I have ever met…and your body…"

He didn't finish before Rossweisse leapt into his arms forcing him to catch her with a renewed kiss. Supporting her with his strong arms, she steered him towards the bed behind them. As he leaned back upon it, their hands worked faster than their words, Dorian's shirt pulled over his head as he slipped the last of her straps free, allowing her gown to drop to the floor in a heap beside it.

She instinctively gasped as Dorian's scars were revealed to her. They had long-since closed but were still warped, ugly marks on his otherwise toned muscular chest where each ice javelin had pierced through back at the vault. She was well-aware of the injuries he'd taken from Kara's betrayal that never fully healed, however with Dorian always wearing a shirt to bed she had not seen them so close, so intimately. The Einherjar paused, his face betraying the worry of their appearance.

I didn't even think of that, I can only imagine how they look to her. What she'll thin…

Rossweisse dispelled all fears and simultaneously threw his thoughts into disarray as her lips met his chest including his old wounds without any further hint of hesitation. She continued her trail of kisses savoring each moment, her eyes never leaving his own. The largest of the wounds she paid special attention to, caressing it with her hands at the same time. To her, they were minor imperfections, nothing to earn her disgust or fear. He shuddered in anticipation with each touch, he had never seen her this way except in dreams. Reality was superior in every way.

She's so…perfect. He could not help but marvel at her flawless skin, smooth legs, inviting breasts, hardening nipples revealing her growing arousal. Her appearance could only be described as divine, few goddesses if any could compare in his mind no matter who disagreed. The scarred Einherjar and the pristine Valkyrie, it was like something out of a fairy tale.

Rossweisse continued her tender ministrations until reaching where his pants obscured what lay beneath and what she was doing donned on her, freezing as she realized all she had left were her soft pink bra and panties. She moved to unstrap her top, the Einherjar not giving her the time.

"D-Dorian!?" She gasped as she found herself flipped onto her back, pulling her panties down to expose her utterly to him. "S-stop staring," she giggled as he just looked at her like in a trance. His hands felt stronger than ever before yet gentle as he gripped her thighs for support, drifting south between her legs. "Y-you don't have to do…"

Her words stopped as she felt his lips upon her maidenhood, releasing a pent-up gasp not realizing she'd been holding her breath. His actions were inexperienced at first, but it did not deter him, the vague memories of his time married to her in Elysium guiding his actions. He felt her tense with a smile as he found a particular spot she twitched more at, focusing all his ministrations upon it.

"J-just a bit to the…left," Rossweisse breathily instructed, one hand placed upon the back of his head subtly guiding him to the right place while running fingers through his golden hair. Her gasps quickened as his proficiency improved slowly exceeding her own familiar preferences. The silver Valkyrie's cheeks grew flushed and skin warm to the touch as he worked a hand up to grip an ample breast. With utmost care, he started caressing and squeezing the smooth sphere, occasionally brushing past the erect nipple.

"Do you…prefer that?" he asked in between licks, noticing her shudder with goosebumps rising each time he touched them. Without awaiting her reply, he massaged the nipple between his thumb and forefinger in a rhythmic fashion.

She could only answer with a silent nod, mouth opened the slightest bit with short heavy breaths so focused on the sensations she'd only experienced alone before. Dorian did not waste any time, immediately proceeding to twirl her nipples between his fingers. The young Valkyrie's moans only spurred him on further, still licking her between her legs while stopping periodically to kiss her thighs tenderly. His instincts were merging with the subconscious memories of Elysium, slowly returning to him though he didn't realize it.

"A-and the compulsions are truly gone?" Rossweisse asked still not wholly convinced, focusing to keep her composure despite the situation she found herself in. "You've n-never acted like this before."

"I wanted to," he explained without slowing, sparing his second hand to start rubbing her as he continued licking. "I just, I guess I felt like if I talked like that it would seem like this is all I want." He blew gently across her, causing a shudder with his tender yet unexpectedly effective touch. "I wasn't being honest before when I ran from this. I love you, there is no reason we shouldn't do stuff like this."

Rossweisse's entire body shuddered stronger than before with those words, her back arching and legs gripping him tightly. The first orgasm swept through her, clinging to Dorian so powerfully he could feel every shudder reverberate through him. She held him like that for several seconds basking in the feeling before relaxing, slumping forward into his arms. The young Valkyrie was breathing heavily, sweat starting to form across her skin to make it seem like she was glistening in the lights of the room. Unexpectedly, Dorian found himself flipped onto his back now beneath Rossweisse who was clumsily undoing his pants.

"I never thought I'd find someone," she repeated the concerns during her time serving in Asgard. "Even after we met and Grandmother gave her blessing, I wasn't sure or pictured you this way."

"Wait?" Dorian caught her words even in the heat of the moment. "She gave her bles…?" His response was cut off as she pulled him into a deep kiss that seemed to go on without end. Somehow in the passing seconds of their interlocked lips, her bra had been removed, floating to the ground forgotten.

"This city truly is magic," she whispered, lifting her hips to bring Dorian into herself, amazed by the sight she had not seen since her time gazing through Skilja back at their first meeting of the Gremory family. "Whatever may happen tomorrow, let us have this night, I love you Dorian…" The last line came out as barely a whisper, something solely between them as their bodies became one, Dorian gripping her thighs as she started to move. She was taking the lead, but he wouldn't lie back, instead moving with her, their gyrations becoming one with an increasing pace. Alone in the shadows of the hotel room, they truly had all night…

Hallway…

"You're sure this is her room?" Motohama whispered to his ally in crime. The halls had been oddly clear, allowing them to sneak out and reach the women's rooms. Fearing Dorian being present, the pair had left Issei out of their little project.

"100% certain," Matsuda grinned, making sure his camera was prepped. "Our beloved silver teacher sleeps just up ahead, and all the teachers got their own rooms, no one else. I overheard that sexy nurse say she is a heavy sleeper." He grinned maliciously at the theories as to how she knew that. "Once we're in we can take a few pictures of her sleeping, imaging how much they'll sell! I'll bet even Mr. High and Mighty Held would buy them from us for a pretty price!"

"Got the tools?" Matsuda revealed his own little lockpick set. "Good, then we can…say do you hear something?"

As the pair approached the room, they could have sworn they heard muffled sounds of what could have been whispers and possible moaning through the wall. With absolute curiosity without regard for privacy they leaned closer.

"Dor…don't stop…oh…aah…right there. K-keep going," they heard from within only spiking their curiosity. Without hesitating, they moved to press their ears against the door.

"Looking for a good time ya fuckers?"

The pair spun fully expecting a staff member or other member of the hotel. Their hearts fell into their gut as the image of a ten-foot tall squirrel loomed over them, eyes locked upon theirs with a look of disdain. Long four-fingered hands clasped around their heads and squeezed threateningly.

"Wha…wha…?" The two tried to squeak out, their voices lost.

"This is a wonderful nightmare," Ratatoskr boomed with a deepened voice grinning with a flat terrifying expression. "And that room is currently occupied. Get back to yours before I decide to try having some fun with you two."

With a snap of his bucked teeth, the perverted duo ducked and scrambled around him down the hallway leading to the men's section. Only once they were completely gone whimpering apologies and pleas for help did he shrink himself back to his standard size and withdraw back into the banisters above barely controlling his laughter of enjoyment.

As always, I got your back boss, he curled up above to watch for any other potential interruptions. Show that lucky lady how much you appreciate her, if you'd let me teach you the tricks I know she wouldn't last a minute. Seems you finally made up your mind and all I can say is…it's about fuckin time!

Dorian and Rossweisse consummate their relationship beneath the starlit skies of Kyoto, their bond stronger than ever before. Will it open new roads for their future or complicate things beyond repair? The path to Yasaka opens before them, the search for her continues next time. I hope everyone enjoyed the first chapter I got the break out the more adult elements, I felt it was time for them to take that step. Until next time, I hope everyone stays safe, Reads and Reviews...but most of all Enjoys! :D