Divine Blizzard: Thank you very much :D Nothing wrong with coming in later as long as you enjoy the story. Dorian is definitely going to have a more serious outlook on getting stronger knowing what is coming. As for Ms. Lily, she is still teaching in the United States and helping orphans find homes. No exact spoilers...but I will say she will show up again yet ;)
Okaze: I never thought I'd get this far, but it was so satisfying to write! Yep, as long as Iggy isn't using it, Despoina can use her ability to manifest physically. I will most certainly keep going ;)
Guest 1&2: I see.
runelt99: Well, we know that particular Loki would survive. Notice how he just now took on the shape of the dwarf Otr? That's the shape used to trick Hecuba way back when. A nice bit of timeline foolery lol, this is the past version of that Future Loki. As for getting shot by Yggdrasil LOL, that would have been priceless XD
Hollowreaper 93: I am so glad you liked it! Hopefully the wait wasn't too long :D
Guest 3: Thank you! And you are right, it's part of why I take these downtime lulls after each arc. I know if I tried going full steam I'd burn out from the sheer quantity of writing XD
King0fP0wers: It really has been :D 4 years and 100 chapters. A lot of these I planned out long ago and it's so wonderful to finally reach each story landmark.
rabatek: That is a great way of putting it, Dorian trapped in a land he doesn't recognize.
TheLycan2026: Awww, thanks :D Your words really mean a lot along with the fact you've been enjoying it for so long. In regards to the line from Hecuba, not a typo, she just speaks in that more old fashioned speech. After some consideration, I plan the arc to take off running, though this chapter will be a soft easing into it... And never need to apologize talking so much, it shows how much you like it which I truly appreciate.
reality deviant: They have some time, but once things cool down, Dorian will need to start plotting...
avenger3576: Now that I am starting again, yes I will try to have an update every 3 weeks. As for Moloch...it does seem that in that future something happened to him after he was killed *glances left and right suspiciously*. And indeed, Dorian's relationship with Loki's kids will continue to grow. He has a pact with one, is a jailor of another, and the third wants him to be a father figure to the eagle when it hatches. As for the ship in the bottle... *sentence redacted for spoilers*.
7: Exactly, the idea of the Trihexa was so interesting to me when they first introduced it, the most terrifying end-game boss. As for Surtr, there was a particular line he said to Dorian that will be important when he considers what to do...I hope you like what he does ;) And thank you very much for your opinion, I did take it into consideration and Leonardo indeed shall show what he can do.
Dragonx411: Hmmm, future Issei artwork, THAT would be fun to design as none exists even from the EX story and indeed, EX specified Issei was as much as or more a pervert as he ever was as a teenager. Dang, and I thought my writing was a downer, that makes the final scene of future Rossweisse/Helmwige WAY sadder lol. And thank you for the congratulations! :D It was a good milestone to finally reach and I'm glad you were here for it. Here is to the next 100 (If the story goes that long lol).
Talking Pumpkin: No specific spoilers, but as to your guesses of the children's parentage...2 out of 3, not bad ;) . With the potential future they come from, they'd need to be strong to live up to their parents :D I hope to be able to commission their appearance someday. No rest for them indeed, I hope you like where I went with this chapter before the next arc.
ahseoi: Never saw days of future past lol, and it's been YEARS since Flash Paradox, but you are not far off.
xXwolfsterXx644: Oh, got a good guess? :D And I hope the wait wasn't too long.
Lorenzo Macchiavelli: Thank you very much! Yea, it was hard to write, but something that had to be done considering how Chapter 1 started. You are right in regards to Hecuba, all this time thinking she was fully dead but now knowing she was in Dorian's mind. Thank you very much for your input on my question, definitely helped having some rest after the arc...now onto the next one :D
Pownbattle: Very great threat, definitely my favorite overall villain of DxD despite how little we see it in canon. And thank you so much! I don't know what to say, hearing you think of it as the best after only a few months really means so much. I truly hope you enjoy the next chapters and that I never disappoint.
fanficcyberman: I am both glad you felt such a connection to Dorian's journey and sad I made you feel that way lol but the fact you are enjoying it is what matters most :) . Thank you as well for all the reviews you've posted, seeing how you've been enjoying my work all this time has really helped inspire me to keep going. The ride will keep on going, no stoppage in sight lol, I hope you are able to stay every step of the way. The hiatus was very restful, thankfully my family and I are doing well and I pray the same for you my friend. Enjoy!
Reader: You are actually 100% right which is part of what inspired my plans for Dorian's future. They've listed the Norse gods several times and Odin's children and Tyr has never been mentioned once. As far as we know, he doesn't exist in DxD. What you said is actually one of my core ideas for Roots of Hope. Not just for the world to work together, but that you can't put all your eggs in one basket when it comes to relying on someone, Issei in the EX future having a schedule so packed for 200 years he never sees his kids. I always felt it was better for each person to contribute, and the changes for Roots will allow others to achieve heights they haven't been shown to have in canon. I hope you like where I go, though the story is a slow burn and buildup to that :D
Cchang3: Thank you very much! You are not wrong in that regard, especially Hecuba who lost so many men from that attack. It may help she's just an echo of Despoina...but I doubt they'll see it that way lol.
Guest 4: Very good guesses ;) I can't give spoilers that far in advance but I will say they aren't the only 3. The others will be revealed in time :D
And with that…ONTO THE SHOW!
"And you're sure you don't want him at one of our hospitals?" Serafall Leviathan's face shimmered over the hologram before the silver Valkyrie. "We specialize in that sort of thing, with the cure being distributed we have plenty of beds." The pep in her voice despite the circumstances reflected just how well the Sleep Disease cures were being dispensed.
"He's been in plenty; I know that is the last place Dorian would want to recuperate. If it gets worse, we may take you up on the offer," Rossweisse assured the powerful Satan, Seekvaira not far checking Dorian's vitals. "For now, being somewhere familiar is best, I think. Lady Freyja stopped by yesterday and tried her best too, if she couldn't do anything I doubt we can in the short term."
"Okay…but you tell us if we can do ANYTHING. I won't let a little something like a mysterious coma to stop us from inviting everyone when the little one is born, I've been baby proofing the house and telling Sona all about how she and her friends can meet her new niece…"
"SHE IS NOT HER NIECE!" They heard the rage-filled voice of Katerea in the background. The chipper Satan gave a wink and peace sign ending the call before the new tirade could be leveled against her. The closer to her due date seemed to just increase Katerea's frustration at how pampered she was being.
"Any change?" Rossweisse asked again as if it would change the situation. Seekvaira only shook her head with a frown after checking a few of the monitors now adorning Dorian's bedroom.
"Still no activity," the devil heiress got to her feet with a silent but extended yawn. She had taken hours setting up the devices now keeping Dorian stable despite his unresponsive state. "His physical injuries have been taken care of…but his brain activity is at minimum."
Ratatoskr said he inhaled a small bit of something in the future, could it be doing this? Our exams haven't found anything.
"Thank you," the silver Valkyrie muttered for the dozenth time while caressing the sleeping Dorian's hand. She knew full well that without him being able to wake, the machines supplied by Seekvaira were all that kept him stable or from withering away.
"I-it is only proper," she pushed up her glasses. "He saved me, you helped mend my wing and I would not see him waste away like…" She looked away having stopped herself before discussing the details of her grandmother.
"Get some sleep, please," Rossweisse asserted before turning to leave, opening the door to a sea of faces. "No change."
The soft groan reverberated across the members of the Crossroad who had awaited to hear news. Since he'd been deposited back in Rossweisse's home alongside Le Fay, Iggy and Ratatoskr the young Einherjar had not awoken. At first, they tended to him there trying every healing spell, rune and magic art known to her family. While his body healed, he refused to awaken. At the insistence of the team, he was taken to the Tower for treatment. Ravel's Phenex tears, Kuroka and Thrud's concentrated Sage Arts, Asia's Twilight Healing, Irina's Heaven magic and daily visits from Lady Freyja all failed to cause him to stir. Even the cure to the Sleep Disease had been attempted with how closely it resembled his state. Nothing.
"Nothing we can do then?" Hecuba sighed, her tightening fist the only sign of the concern she had through her Spartan demeanor. "I will try some of my contacts in the morning, see if we may have missed any other alternatives."
"Come on Iggy," Thrud gently gripped the young spirit's shoulders. "We can get something to eat."
"I can wait a bit longer," she tried to insist, but Thrud was having none of it.
"You haven't left this room for two days; it took long enough for Rossweisse to leave his bedside. Come on…you can stretch your legs. This is the longest you've been manifested at once, you must be hungry."
She nodded sheepishly, getting to her feet to head downstairs with the others leaving only Seekvaira in the room. It was Rias who approached next, her team having returned from their resounding success in the middle-class promotion tests. Only Gasper was absent, having taken up an offer to train his growing powers at the Grigori Headquarters studying his Sacred Gear. As a fellow heiress, she was well-aware of the situation with Seekvaira's grandmother and how closely this resembled the situation. The two locked eyes, no words needing to be exchanged between them.
"Don't go through this twice Seek-chan," the crimson-haired woman begged before turning to leave. Her words were potent, causing the bespectacled Agares to look into the sleeping eyes of the Einherjar who had made such an impact in so short a time.
"Don't you keep us waiting," she muttered in a desperate, half-threatening tone to him. "I dealt with this for years already, I don't want…I don't want to do it again."
Downstairs…
The tension was thick enough as to almost be visible. The somber status of Dorian's coma had abated somewhat, however the presence of not one, but now two ancient beings predating most of recorded history was unsettling due in no small part to their apparent disdain for one another. From the start, Ophis had shown little interest in any except for Issei, however since she arrived being unable to be contained by any attempts, Kassaegtha had drawn her attention if only to be watched while she conversed with the Red Dragon Emperor.
"She has no place here," Ophis insisted sitting between Kassaegtha and Issei defensively. The infinite dragon was in full combat-ready mode from the instant she sensed the Old God's presence. Only after nearly a day, she started to relax upon realizing she truly intended to take no actions.
"Weren't you supposed to be keeping her away?" Koneko pointed with a dull expression. "Seems you haven't been upholding your end of the bargain" Honda nodded in agreement, hands moving fast in sign language siding with Koneko.
"Yea, do that…" Ratatoskr started waving his hands as if casting a magic spell that went on for far too long before he finally gave up the bit. "…thing you do."
"She never truly repelled me," Kassaegtha explained. "I wanted to observe without being noticed, that became impossible with her around so I left of my own accord. Now that Dorian and I have met, there is no need for that anymore."
"Now that you met?" Azazel asked, fascinated by closer contact with one more ancient than even his creator. "But you've been stalking Dorian for some time now, and you spoke back during the Astaroth Rating Game in the Dimensional Gap."
"I had met him, but he had not met me," her words caused everyone in the room to furrow their brows in confusion. "Had I interfered too greatly, the circumstances leading to our first meeting may never have occurred. I would not risk that for anything."
"So…you met him, but not he you…but when you met him wouldn't that mean he met you?" Issei looked to Kiba and the others to see if his line of thinking was correct to shrugs and nods. "I may not know a lot about time magic, but that seems like common sense."
"Of course, it is," Rossweisse agreed with the Red Dragon Emperor. "You're not making any sense."
"Aww, you think time works in 3-dimensional terms for my people. That is almost adorable," the Old Goddess' patronizing of their knowledge caused glares to focus on her across the Crossroads and Gremory Team. "He met me before, but I did not meet him for the first time until his little excursion to your future. Once I saw him there, our meeting was set and locked in. I no longer need be concerned with affecting it."
"You were already affecting things from the start," the voice of Seekvaira called down from above as she joined them. "Dorian spoke of seeing you before, your visiting of him in the Dimensional Gap…you've been interfering the whole time! Even his original death was from trying to save you believing you were a young girl."
"That was unexpected," for the first time, the Old God's tone lost its emotionless state, seeming something akin to frustration mixed with embarrassment. "I was careless for a moment. Their fight made it impossible for me to leave without alerting Dorian as to my nature."
"If anything, it seems like Dorian wouldn't have gotten to this point if you HADN'T interfered," Azazel remarked with more than a hint of smugness. "It all makes sense, don't you see?" The room shrugged their shoulders again, the fallen angel more than willing to explain all. "That future you saw," he motioned to Le Fay and Iggy, the latter currently enjoying a bowl of soup courtesy of Hecuba, "Dorian died as a child you said, right!?"
"Yes, without me…"
"…without you!" He interrupted. "He didn't have an impact on the supernatural world, died young, but that didn't happen here. You saved him, you and all your innocent, powerful influence saved him and brought him to meet the rest of us!" Iggy was blushing now fidgeting in place. "If we factor in that this is not an alternate dimension as you were told doesn't exist which makes more sense considering our Kassaegtha remembers you…"
"Then the timelines overlap?" Rossweisse blurted out, her brain working overtime to keep up with Azazel's insinuations. "If that were the case, then Dorian was intended to die here as he did the first time around?"
"But he didn't!" Azazel snapped at her, hopping to his feet drawing the attention of everyone as he paced. "And thus, this flow of time, knowing what 'should' happen doesn't know what to do with this walking, talking impossibility…"
"His immunity to time-based magic, that is what happened?" Seekvaira cupped her chin deep in thought. Her family had powers that touched the borders of the flow of time, though not to any great degree that could alter the world. As a result, she had some knowledge in the field. "So, your theory relies on time being…alive?"
"Not necessarily alive, though imagine if that were true," he chuckled somewhat in an almost manic way as his synapses fired one after the other. "More like it's organized. It knows what should happen, but when something happens it fails to adjust appropriately and instead tries ignoring the problem."
"So Dorian is being ignored by time because it doesn't want him to be there? That is just rude!" Bennia crossed her arms looking annoyed on his behalf. "Sounds like a deadbeat not wanting to face their problems."
"It does bring up the damndest question that if she is from this future…how did she become a natural Sacred Gear AFTER God died?" The room fell silent, clearly no ideas between them. "Don't suppose you'd give us any clues?" The blank stare of Kassaegtha was all the answer he needed. "Great."
"And we're trusting her to be here, why?" Thrud glared to the Old Goddess fingering her axe to use at a moment's notice. "That little jaunt to the future was her doing."
"I don't believe we could do anything to expel her if we wanted," Rias Gremory spoke up, her demeanor showcasing the confidence required of a future leader of devilkind. "If you wished us dead, how much of this country could be laid to waste?" She knew full well even the current Satans were capable of destroying the non-supernatural countries, imagining what the woman before them could do shook even her to an extent.
The powers gathered in this tower are becoming problematic, Azazel sighed at how out of hand things were getting. He had planned to introduce Ophis to Issei, but now with Kassaegtha attending, the mixture of ancient powers was more unique than had been seen in recent history. The Crossroads were planned to become a true military force once they had enough members, but as it stands this place could withstand a coordinated assault from multiple powers if she decided to help defend. What an amaz…
"Wait," the fallen angel looked around, previously having believed that the entirety of both houses was gathered only now noticing they had some absentee faces. "Where is Hecuba and that mystery goddess?"
Elsewhere in the Tower…
"You betrayed us all!" Hecuba slammed her hand into the wall barely missing Despoina's face. "How many of my men died because of you, so many just…" She paused to catch her breath, face fuming red, few had ever seen her that way. Not even Bennia's most devious pranks could have made her so angry. She'd held back her fury until things calmed, but now that she was alone with her former goddess overseer, the emotions came spilling out. Bennia and Rossweisse would have similar grievances, but this opportunity was hers.
"I won't justify it, the real me did that in spades," Despoina answered calmly well-aware that she could not be touched. She had learned to save Dorian that she could hijack Iggy's ability to manifest, however only one could do it at a time. With Iggy taking on her physical body, the goddess was relegated to a projection once again without substance.
"And how long have you been in Dorian's mind?"
"Since it happened, but wait," she held up her hands as the Spartan's eyes boiled. "He didn't know I was in there until the rematch against Loki in Helheim."
"That long still?" Hecuba clenched her hands as if seeking to strangle her but lowered them, turning away. "Dorian didn't trust to tell us…"
"I asked him not to!" Despoina glided around in front of her so she couldn't look away. "Considering how the rest of the world thought of me after what I did, I felt it was best so he wouldn't have them breathing down his neck."
"So, he is beholden to you?" She was clearly upset. "A leader keeps the confidence of those beneath him, I hoped he was different than others."
"Don't tear him apart until he's here to defend himself!" Despoina's own anger spiked at Hecuba's words. "I helped him and Iggy against Loki. Knowing him, he probably felt he owed me for that but didn't trust me as far as he could throw me when I first revealed myself."
That, and he looked at me the same way when the original me died. Did he still feel sorrow for that? I don't see how after all I did to him.
"That and…I'm like Fenrir," those final words seemed to cause Hecuba to focus on her a bit more closely. Holding out her arms, she came to the crux of Dorian's duty keeping her in his mind. "He's, my jailor."
"I didn't agree with him sending you to Elysium," Hecuba uttered at last, the rage burned out of her voice now barely above a whisper. "I never told him, but I thought you deserved the deepest pit of Tartarus. Thrud was right, he was too soft back then."
"That may still await me, I'm a copy of Despoina's mind at the moment I kissed…well, the moment she transferred the Aethir to him. I don't think anyone knows what will happen when I eventually fade away. If you want a reason to hate Dorian less, think of me as just a temporary resident. It was probably the ichor he absorbed from my body that even made me as sentient as I am and not just an echo. When that runs dry eventually…you'll get your wish. The Old Bones wanted the same for me."
"Old Bones? Lord Hades?" Hecuba recognized the nickname that had spread among the recruits back during her time at Olympus. "He is aware of you?"
"He saw right through Dorian to me the moment they locked eyes, he confirmed it beyond a doubt at the nekoshou epidemic, scared Dorian something fierce if he voiced a few…shall we say unkind theories of his."
"But he would have been duty bound to pursue you if he was aware. If he isn't…"
"Means he must be trying to keep focus off himself, Dorian thought the same. Now why would that be? Don't look so surprised, even as a copy I am STILL the Goddess of Mysteries."
"I can't trust you again, for the men who died, I will see you punished a second time or for Dorian to keep you imprisoned until oblivion takes you."
"You always had that strong sense of justice, that's something you and he are having more and more in common." Despoina sighed at the expected outcome. "I'll return to his mind as soon as I am able, for now I am locked out just as much as Iggy. For what little it's worth…I'm sorry."
"It doesn't matter now," Hecuba looked calmer, but her features had not softened. "I'm second in command of the Crossroads, until Dorian awakes, I shall be overseeing what we do. For you, until your prison in Dorian's mind is available, you are not to leave the tower. Is that understood?"
"Perfectly." That was all she could say before the Spartan rushed past her clearly trying to end the conversation before her anger returned. At last, since holding it in the last few days, she had released her pent-up grievances against Despoina and for the moment was satisfied.
Maybe I should have vanished back then. I hurt her trust in Dorian and maybe the Crossroads as a whole. On the other hand, she finally got some closure against the real me by getting to vent her mind. Perhaps…just perhaps, their trust will be stronger after she clears her head. I don't deserve forgiveness; I can only pray this doesn't wound the comradery fostered between them over these months.
Elsewhere…
"It's…just…not…right!" Issei blurted out as he delivered a flurry of punches into Koneko's waiting hands covered with pads. "Goldie went to this future, we know it involved us, but they won't tell us anything?"
"There must be a good reason," Koneko tried to placate him to no avail. She was glad he remained in his base form as she could still train with him then. Despite his advanced power, she was still the more knowledgeable in melee training and was making sure to impart what she could to Issei both for the future and so he could burn off some steam. "Le Fay and Iggy sure looked shaken though."
They knew time travel was involved, but upon hearing Le Fay state they'd been in the future, Azazel had leapt forward asking for silence. Issei's curiosity was piqued from the start, but it had been the look that the Vali-team Mage that truly solidified his desire to know what happened. Those eyes haunted him still, like she was terrified, and he had to know why.
"Maybe if…when Goldie wakes up," he punched Koneko's pad a bit harder causing even her to rock back from the force. "I don't like not knowing."
"That's natural," Koneko replied in her normal stoic tone. "We want to know what to do for our life, but when it comes to seeing what has happened…should we?"
"I don't like it," he shook things up with a high kick. Kiba had stressed the importance of changing styles and seeing how much Sairaorg outclassed his base form with punches Issei felt it may compliment him to improve his leg strength. "If what we do has already been decided, where's the fun in that? When I have my harem and accomplish my dreams, I want it to be because of me!"
Koneko stepped back from his punch at the remark of his harem, making the Red Dragon Emperor swing and miss her entirely. The force of his blow caused him to lose balance and tumble forward, finding the petite classmate looming over him with a dull look shaking her head and finding it very hard to resist staring up at her bare legs in the tight workout clothes.
"You really are the worst," she repeated before holding out a hand and helping him back up. "But, for the first time in history, I agree with you." Issei had no idea how she could talk like that without cracking a little smile, so he did it for her. "Well, maybe not the ABSOLUTE worst anymore."
"Koneko?" His eyes went as wide as dinner plates at her words almost complimenting him. "Did you just agree with me?"
"If you tell anyone I'll deny it and punch you again," she picked up a nearby towel to dab the sweat from her brow. Issei was improving, there was no denying it. Even without using his Sacred Gear, his natural strength was approaching hers. When he first joined Rias' team, the nekoshou thought he was just a hopeless pervert and little he did made her think different despite his dedication. Recently, however, she noticed he was absent from the perverted trio's antics as in the last several incidents of them being caught, he was nowhere to be seen. Even the kendo club had noticed and started considering if he'd turned over a new leaf. She doubted he'd ever let go of that aspect to himself, but the fact he had brought it under control said a lot.
If he stopped being a pervert, he just wouldn't be Issei. All the same, it's nice to see he's actually starting to grow up. He and Gasper have been spending a lot of time together, I suppose if he imparted just a little bit to Gaspy it wouldn't be so bad.
"Room for one more?" The voice of Catherine shook them from the internal moment of reflection. The former saint-turned devil was setting down her gear at the entrance to the abandoned dojo near the Old School Building. She could sense Issei's eyes on her as she unzipped her jacket, revealing her baggy sleeveless shirt beneath and allowing the shape of her breasts to be more easily seen. Not being quite as frustrated by his clear interest, she let him ogle without saying anything. "Sorry I'm late."
"It gave some time to just us, it's okay," Koneko dropped into a leg stretch. "Gaspy wanted to catch up on some assignments, so I have time before we head out later to dinner."
"You and Gasper?" Issei asked, both astonished and proud of his underclassman noticing the tone in her voice. "Way to go him! As his upperclassman, I'll have to teach him a few th…" He doubled over as she elbowed him in the gut knowing exactly the kind of things he'd want to teach the impressionable vampire despite her previous thoughts.
"Oh, Rias was asking for you Issei. Something about she hasn't gotten your contract data for last week?"
"Oh shit, I forgot!" Issei scrambled towards the entrance grabbing his gym bag on the way. With Dorian's sudden return and their middle promotion, he'd nearly forgotten to report his contracts recently finished. While many of them were mundane from delivering groceries to hearing a would-be writer vent about his ideas for half a day, he had to admit it filled him with a sense of accomplishment helping others even in small ways. He may have gained more promotions from his battles, but devil contracts were still the most reliable method in their world for advancement and much more laid back. "Sorry! I'll train longer next time, I swear!"
"That guy," Koneko shook her head but hid a slight smile of admiration. "I guess it's just us today so you can tell me…why were you late?"
"Well, I wanted to try something," the former knight of Diodora held open her hand, a golden flame of Heaven pluming into existence. Since the Sairaorg fight, she had gained greater control over the form even when not directly holding her swords, next time she was certain she could use it to its full potential. "I thought maybe some light of Heaven may help Dorian, so I stopped by his room…"
"And?"
"No luck, it just washed over him with no effect," Catherine dropped into a stance taking a swing at Koneko who immediately fell into her own style and ducked low.
"Mine too," Koneko leapt high, her tail whipping her opponent in the face as a distraction but was avoided. "If big sis, Thrud and Freyja's Sage Arts couldn't do anything, I know mine would be lacking. But I've been practicing." She delivered a series of spinning kicks Catherine used her arm to guard against.
"You have that power, Asia too. I envy you for that, your skills can heal others in addition to harming enemies." She was distracted for a moment, spotting Issei's water bottle and pack full of school supplies. He'd been so focused on his gym bag he had forgotten the rest.
That distraction was all Koneko needed, leaping over her head, she hooked an arm around one of Catherine's and twisted it behind her back seizing the other with a leg. Despite the Knight's best efforts, she could not move. After several moments struggling in vain, she finally tapped out for the Rook to release her.
"That's not all you envy Asia for," she let a soft smile through, motioning to Issei's belongings. "You can take them back to him when we're done, I'm sure he'll appreciate it."
"What? But I wasn't thinking about…"
"I may not understand your taste," she interrupted, Catherine not having been aware she could tease in such an expert fashion. "But with everything going on it may be best to consider what is important. I never thought I could ever stand to be near my sister and yet…" She paused with a renewed smile. "Did you have a copy of the math assignment by chance?"
"What? Oh yes," she almost didn't realize what was being asked at the whiplash of topics as Koneko switched back from her insinuations of how she'd seen their new Knight looking at Issei ever since their trip to the hospital. "With all we go through, sometimes I almost forget."
"You're newer to a normal school life than the rest of us, but even then, we have to remember that our time fighting isn't all there is. No matter how long it takes us to beat the Khaos Brigade, or for Dorian to wake up, school will be there. And when school is out, we have the rest of our lives. We can't let the bad or hard times get us down. Have you thought of what you may want to do in the human world?"
Fighting isn't all there is, that can apply to me and my sisters now. They got help, but there could be more out there like them. I want to help them all, every single one.
"I saw a program at the college level I was hoping to ask Ms. Rossweisse more about," Catherine blinked away hidden tears from her eyes. "You might have heard of it; I was told it dealt with working to help victims of abuse get back on their feet…"
Asgard…
"I don't care if it didn't work yesterday," Freyja insisted over the phone while simultaneously signing several important documents. "I can make my way to Kuoh Town as often as it takes for him to wake up. Well, then I suppose you'll have to find another healing technique I haven't tried." With that she slammed the phone down, huffing in frustration.
"Coffee?" Rosalina offered once the call ended. The smile on Lady Freyja's face made it all worth it as she took a sip.
"Oh, thank you darling," she complimented cheerily, her ire buried before those who had nothing to do with it. "No change I'm afraid, how is my schedule?"
"You will have a two-hour window tomorrow afternoon for relaxation," she started with listing off her duties leading up to it. Behind them, both Rooks and several of the pawns were playing with the cats that pulled her sled by the fire. They were resting after assisting with organizing several important diplomatic meetings all morning. They had earned the rest and the felines had grown to love them. "Also, you have a visitor who has been waiting."
"Waiting patiently, I might add," Ratatoskr popped out from behind her shoulder. "Yggy was kind enough to open a few gates so I could come here. I see your harem is coming along in good order," he jumped to the table before Rosalina's hand could strike with a nod of approval from the Norse goddess.
"What happened to him?" Freyja linked her hands and looked into his eyes with a seriousness that few could deny. "I want to know what happened to my boy."
"We share that sentiment," Odin appeared behind her, adjusting his false eye foregoing any perverted insinuations despite the room of beautiful women before him.
"Well," Ratatoskr started. "It's a long story." Trusting the two deities more than most, he regaled them with what he knew since jumping into the portal behind Dorian. Hours later with many snacks and drinks gone, he finally relaxed.
"Such darkness," Odin stroked his beard, even his insatiable libido suppressed as he considered the story. "A being that could slay Indra AND Shiva without so much as a second thought."
"Fyrirgef mik vadir, you are ABSOLUTELY certain that is what the woman said to Dorian before she knocked him out?" Freyja repeated to Ratatoskr, holding her hand out stressing to be as concise as possible.
"There was a portal between us at the time, but no doubt in the world. Remember, I've been speaking that language longer than you have."
"What does it mean?" Rosalina asked as she cleaned up the dishes, the others having left for their homes during the story. "I don't recognize the dialect."
"It is a VERY old rendition of our language," Freyja explained. "It means…a challenge of sorts, nothing you need worry about." The former Queen bowed before taking her leave to join her sisters.
"How curious," Odin wondered aloud as the three considered what this meant for the future. "Now why would a young woman like that be referring to Dorian with such an honored title? I believe it may be prudent to keep this between us for now. The connotations are interesting indeed."
"Especially since he was apparently dead in that world. Though if she wasn't lying or crazy…means I'll soon be proud of the guy," Ratatoskr smiled beaming as the two thought almost the same.
Fyirgef mik vadir…"forgive me father." Perhaps that is some good fortune at least that there is a timeline out there where they exist. Freyja pondered the future, doing her best to hide a smile as she realized the silver lining in all of the evil they had witnessed. If that does come to pass...I'll get to be a grandmother all over again!
Kuoh Academy, the following day…
The bell rang as classes let out, the other students moving enthusiastically to their next topic. While the sun was shining and everyone was enthusiastic, several could notice that the foreign exchange students were not in such high spirits. The ones who did not attend classes; Seekvaira, Zepar and Iggy remained back at the tower, but the rest continued on with their lives. Even Kuroka had taken a day off her nurse duties to try a few last attempts at healing Dorian's strange coma.
"Geez, what's gotten into you guys?" Matsuda asked as he and Motohama asked at long last being unable to take the somber ambiance. "You look like zombies, and where is Dorian, he hasn't been around the last day or two."
"He's…unwell," Rossweisse stuttered trying to keep to the story they'd concocted. "Mr. Held will make up the work in his other classes when he returns and I will make do without an assistant. Um, are you alright?" She was referencing a dark blotch around his left eye that looked like a bruise. "Do you need to see the nurse?"
"This? Nah, I just ran into a door, no biggie. An assistant? Well heck, if you need one of them all you need to do is ask!" Matsuda announced enthusiastically with a smile, causing the silver Valkyrie to take a step back uncomfortably. "Stay after class to help grade some papers."
"If you tried that, you'd probably mess up the scores," Aika rounded a corner causing the two remainders of the perverted duo to grimace. "As if anyone could miss what you're plotting."
"How are you always around!?" The bald-headed student's eye twitched. In recent days it seemed like Aika was more on-point than ever before being where she wasn't wanted. "You're going to mess up my mojo."
"Can't mess up what isn't there," she motioned to the side, pointing out that Rossweisse had already moved on and was far at the end of the hall now speaking with another teacher. They laughed together; the silver-haired woman having made easy friends with the rest of the staff. The perverts groaned in unison at the renewed defeat. "Now look what you did!"
"Don't blame me, maybe it's that cheap cologne of yours, could smell that a mile away."
"Cheap co…?" Matsuda sniffed at his arms but coming up empty on her meaning. "I-I wore some three days ago but how did YOU know that?" Aika only tapped her nose with a smug grin that caused their blood to boil.
"Aika, be nice," Issei unexpectedly emerged from the classroom nearly having missed the bell.
"Oho? Here I thought you hadn't been perving with them in a while."
"They're still my friends," he put a hand on his hip and stared the perverted trio's rival down. With her newfound nekoshou powers she had an even greater advantage over them. Issei knew that, but still couldn't help but stand up for the two who had helped his early school years not be entirely lonely. "I got this one guys."
"You do? Good luck soldier," Matsuda halfheartedly saluted him before rushing off in the opposite direction leaving Motohama behind. Only once he was gone did the last pervert lean in towards Aika with a whisper.
"We're still on for that study session, right?"
"Of course, otherwise you'd be hopeless," the fellow bespectacled pervert winked with a slight lowering of her glasses. "Now, you'd better hurry before he notices your lack of running."
"Oh, right," Motohama scratched the back of his head before clearing his throat with a shout. "You're a monster!" With that, he turned tail and ran after his fellow friend leaving Aika and Issei alone.
"If I can't misuse my powers at school, neither can you," Issei pointed out. "It's only fair."
"I had to break them in just a little," Aika stretched her arms scratching at her head where her ears would be, the illusion magic itching something fierce despite Kuroka's insistence it wouldn't. "It was all a bit of fun, without the trio together I've heard far less of their antics, even Matsuda being a decent human being."
"Huh?" Issei cocked his head clearly not having heard the same as her. "What do you mean?"
"Yea, heard through the grapevine that he actually stood up for an underclassman who was being hit on by a bunch of guys she was not interested in. Hase, really nice girl, I got to show her around when she first came here too."
"That was him?" Issei was flabbergasted, putting two and two together surrounded the bruise on his face. "I heard something happened, but had no idea he was involved."
"He got a punch or two for it, but the situation ended well. You can thank our friends up north for that. Apparently, Hecuba and Thrud came along and things did NOT end well for the bullies," she let out a laugh unable to stop after picturing their disheveled states after the two warrior women had gotten through with them. "That's how he got that black eye."
"Well good for him," Issei pumped his arm. "Protecting a girl is a guy's duty after all. They're lucky I wasn't there too."
"How do you stay so much the same while also changing?" Aika asked with a headshake. "You're still as much a thick headed pervert as you ever were spouting stuff like that, yet are different now, if only a little. You stopped peeping on girls here, and you actually seem worried about Dorian…"
"THAT I will deny if you tell anyone," he quickly backpedaled. "I wouldn't wish being in a coma on anyone!" The image of Misla Bael before waking up ran through his head, putting himself in his shoes if that had been his own mother.
"I know," her smug grin was infuriating as he had no idea how to respond. "But it's nice seeing everyone changing a bit, even me. If you can grow a few brain cells, anything is possible."
"Or you growing an actual soul," Issei fired back, his eye twitching as things felt a bit more like they usually were between them. "I thought that was a requirement for reincarnation!"
That was the scene Rias, Thrud and Akeno found as they got out of their own classes. Aika and Issei bickering back and forth trading blow for blow though the Red Dragon Emperor always looked exasperated while she was ever the face of smug confidence. It seemed almost a shame to interrupt, the three taking a different hallway being eyed by men and women students alike, the Three Goddesses of Kuoh Academy on full display. More than one ran into a wall or door enraptured by their presence.
"They're such good friends," Akeno teased with a smile watching them argue in the distance. "We weren't so different as little girls." Rias smiled warmly at the fond memories of their time younger shortly after she'd joined her at the Gremory manor.
"They should save their strength for the next sports event," Rias looked over the papers in her hand detailing the events in the coming weeks. "They'll even allow cross-year competition in certain fields."
"My kind of activity," Thrud cracked her knuckles with a satisfying grin. Throwing herself into such things helped keep the mind off Dorian's condition. The thought that surely it would not last much longer, that is the hope she held onto. "Once we wake up Dorian, I can see how he fares with just his bones and body, no powers. He better not miss it." Despite her bravado, the concern for if she was wrong was hanging behind her words. Akeno and Rias had seen sadness enough to recognize it.
"And that delicious dinner Mrs. Hyoudou is making," Akeno clapped her hands together happily. "This Thanksgiving sounds like such a great western custom; the smell alone may be enough to wake him up."
"We don't have it in Asgard, but many other opportunities for grand feasts among families and friends are common. Great tables filled with food as far as the room permits, everyone sitting beside one another passing the delicacies down until all have had their fill!" Thrud was practically drooling as she recalled such occasions, always going for seconds and thirds even before she was tall enough to reach her father's gut. "We've had many dinners together since the Crossroads were formed…but none on such a scale, it's long past due."
"It sounds most enjoyable," Rias nodded with a smile. "Current events permitting, we can all attend. Zepar passed on a report recently that the Hero Faction prisoners finally gave away some important information."
"He shared it with us too," Thrud recalled the documents received on Dorian's desk the other day. "They did it, they found a potential location for the Hero Faction's main base. The higher ups already had a small army ready; we barely were able to get any Crossroad members to them in time."
"With any luck," Rias concluded. "By this time tomorrow, their entire organization will be defeated or scattered. "Based on their timetable, they should be just about storming their base…"
Hero Faction HQ…
"Burn it down!" Vidar called out, his command quickly followed by a series of explosions decimating the barriers and blockades set up around the small fortress.
Exorcists alongside devil shock troops and Shinto warrior-priests stormed the entrance with cold efficiency. Despite their alliance, it was clear the different factions, the exorcists particularly, were not fond of who they fought alongside. Their movements being clearly segregated between the myths, it made the Norse god disappointed not seeing the mutual comradery that had become common among the Crossroads. A small vanguard of human mages rushed to meet them, members of the Hero Faction who did not possess Sacred Gears but supplemented their powers through other means.
"They mean to do as much damage as possible, keep your distance!" A dark-haired man in a butler uniform called out, putting himself between the first wave and the incoming Hero Faction members. "Promotion…QUEEN!"
Alivian, Queen of Seekvaira Agares' peerage and European Dragon inhaled deep as his piece supercharged every aspect of his powers. While remaining in his human form, he unleashed a wave of flames from his mouth that buffeted the defenses of their opponents preventing their advance. One by one, the barriers detonated with catastrophic results. It was clear the first line had been a suicide run attempting to decimate the unified lines and throw them into disarray.
"Cover the others!" Misty called out from the skies, she, Herja and Brynda being the only ones along with the Agares peerage working between the divided myth lines providing support. "There may be more traps once inside!"
Though not having much time to gather Crossroad troops for the assault, the Valkyrie trio in addition to Seekvaira's entire peerage were able to move at a moment's notice. While their King decided to remain behind, she sent them to act in her stead to uphold the Crossroad's purpose of showing the unity of their forces. The Crossroads were still far from a true military power as was hoped for someday, but could still act as a bridge between those who fought together.
Normally she would be here, Alivian grumbled a bit while continuing to attack the front entrance. I had no idea Lady Agares would be so attached to that Einherjar; I shall need to have a discussion with her once we are back at the tower.
With the kamikaze strategy crushed, the remaining humans of the Hero Faction were no match for the surge of fresh troops and withdrew back into the structure. Vidar was the first through the breach leading the Valkyries and Einherjar portion of the attack force. Their attempts at magic barely scratched him allowing the less-defended warriors to make their way in securing the entire complex. The conflict was short yet brutal, the Exorcists especially taking losses to their frontlines before the last resistance could be crushed. When it was over, the prisoners were being taken in droves.
"It would seem the information was accurate," Michael remarked as he healed the worst of the injured. "I feared it may have been a trap."
"The Connla boy didn't give the information easily," Suzaku admitted, her priestesses having secured the perimeter. "All the same, the fact he gave it up at all was unexpected. Even the three women only confirmed it upon hearing he had already spoken."
"We are all secured Lady Suzaku, but there is no sign of Cao Cao or their upper leadership," a battered priest came forward. "There was light resistance further in but the exorcists are rooting them out. We have cleared the primary chamber and a side passage that appears to have been an experimentation room."
"Is that so? Show us." She would almost regret that command as they were led to the chamber. "What…is this?"
The room was vacant of any furniture save a few tables stacked with laboratory equipment. In the center, a grand magic circle had been carved into the floor now worn clearly from intensive use. Under the dim lights of that place, what unnerved them more than anything was the numerous splatters of blood covering the floors and walls. The teams fanned out, Herja taking point to kneel before the dais.
"Summoning circle, no doubt about it," she started. "Just like Ms. Rossweisse's, see this curve here? I'd be money they took that from her family style if not from her personally."
"Summoning what?" Suzaku knelt, touching the blood on the floor and sensing it was a mixture of human among others.
"Could be anything, but it was definitely from long-range, possibly other realms. Look at how worn the floor is, whatever they were doing was using so much power it was warping the stone. They would have had to re-carve this every few uses, a lot of work."
"Pei Commandery," Michael started reading from a document lying on the tables, the rest of the equipment destroyed or abandoned. "The name of the original Cao Cao's home if I do recall which the current has adapted it for this base. Or rather…what he wished to create," he read through the document, the fact it had been the only one undamaged not even crossing his mind. "To recreate a Divine Han dynasty in modern day? Or something bigger?"
"Quite the lofty goal indeed from serving under Ophis," Suzaku agreed. "Collect what you can, we'll meet up with…"
Without warning, the summoning circle lit up with a burst of magenta energy. Lightning of matching colors crackled and snapped around the room, causing those within to leap back, erecting barriers in the event of an unexpected attack. Misty and Brynda glanced to their leader silently asking what had happened.
"I didn't touch it!" Herja assured them. "There was a proximity trigger, when enough people got close to it, the magic was activated. Based on the erosion it only has one more use in it at most!"
"Can you determine where it's summoning from!?" Michael shouted over the roaring energies.
"I think I can," Brynda knelt, synching her own magics with the portal. "Give me a few minutes, as long as I'm not interrupted, I can trace it!"
"Something is coming through!" The magic circle started dissipating, a strange shape taking form in the center, the others prepared for whatever appeared.
None were certain what had materialized before them. It was dark, skin clearly made of the same substance as Leonardo's anti-monsters. It had an unnaturally long neck that seemed to stretch and shrink randomly covered in scales flaking from its body. Foreboding red eyes searched the room, wings fanning out with a gnarled roar as it realized it was not alone. Spotting Suzaku first, it rushed towards her, talons outstretched dripping as if its skin were slopping from its bones.
"Begone," she extended her hands, great flames bursting forth slamming into the being. She looked on confidently until realizing it was withstanding the fires, continuing its advancement on her. It was so unexpected she had no time to move before it slammed into her.
"I got you!" Herja caught her, using the magic normally used to form her gloves to cushion the impact. Thankfully, the powerful Shinto leader's defensive seals had held but were dented.
Ms. Suzaku is one of the strongest Shinto leaders, this thing is that strong!?
"Misty, keep Brynda safe!" She called out, realizing the third of their team was still focused tracing the magic spells. Firing pot shots, she drew the maddened beast's attention. It did not seem to have any strategy or thought, lashing out wildly at whatever caught its gaze. Swooping low, she blasted at its feet, paining the creature and causing it to fall over.
I barely hurt it. This thing is strong but almost…incomplete. It's practically falling apart at the seams!
"The judgement of our father be upon you," Michael muttered, rising high on his twelve wings.
Scores of light arrows emerged all around firing upon the wounded creature slamming into it one after another. To their shock, the attack of a Seraphim did not instantly obliterate it, the darkness resisting the attacks though with compounding wounds. It was being injured, but its hardiness was astonishing. A squad of exorcists poured into the room, light bullets filling the creature to almost no effect, seeing the newcomers, a single tail swipe sent them flying in all directions to slam into the walls.
"It's capable of resisting Heaven and Shinto magic!" Suzaku realized. "Even your Norse magic is not as effective as it should be."
"Then you two can just smash it with physical attacks, right? Misty, dome it!"
The two Valkyries that were free flew around the malformed dragon like annoying gnats, causing it to lash out once more barely missing them. Hands extended; barriers formed around the dragon expanding outward into a half-circle dome. With all their strength, they slammed it over the monster holding it in place. It was too strong, the prison starting to crack from its very first swing. Michael and Suzaku moved in, but not fast enough. At the rate of attacks, it would be too late before it escaped again.
"Now now…be still," a soft voice from the entrance strangely caused the rampaging beast to stop. It was Alivian alone having told the rest of the peerage to wait outside as he slowly advanced on the cracking barrier. "I am one of you, I can see your anger, you were just born and are in such pain, aren't you?" He motioned to the two women to lower the barrier, they complied hesitantly seeing the dragon seemed to be calmer.
That's right, he's a dragon too, Misty got teary eyed at the scene before her. Is there some connection he is able to reach, and did he say it was just born?!
The dragon's roar was reduced to a soft coo, turning to the butler-Queen clearly uncertain of what to do. It shambled towards him, scales still flaking off with every step. In that moment, what they took for rage and bloodlust fell away to be revealed as unbearable pain, the presence of another of its kind stemming it even to a small degree. With the strength it had demonstrated, it could have crushed him with a single stomp. Instead, it nuzzled its face close, Alivian reaching out to pat its snout. He could not fully transform back into his own draconic form without Seekvaira, but his reptilian eyes and scaling flesh was more than enough. As the seconds ticked on, the half-born dragon finally collapsed to the floor cracking the stone under its weight.
"Be at peace my kin," he said stoically, sitting to be with it until the end. "You did not deserve to be used so in your brief existence. Rest now." With that, the creature stopped moving, all life gone from its body.
"What did you do?" Michael asked as he ventured closer, laying a hand upon it and giving last rights with silent whispers.
"Gave it a chance for peace at the end," he sighed while standing to his feet. "This was but an infant, I could sense that much without a doubt. Born elsewhere and summoned through that circle, but it was unfinished…a failure I am sure they would call it."
"This is unfinished?" Herja looked over the now-dead dragon, noticing indeed its horrific features were consistent with bones and other limbs growing wrong or not at all. "Yet it was so strong, and they call themselves heroes leaving a baby to die as…what, a distraction?"
"They must be having help from elsewhere," Suzaku steeled herself with an intake of breath. "That user Leonardo could not create such beings last we met. Even the anti-monster Dorian encountered at the Agares' Arena was not so terrible."
"Brynda," Herja knelt before her friend who was clearly strained still tracing the magic. "Did you get them?"
"I…I did," she gasped at last. "The creature was summoned to here from Kuoh Town!"
"Kuoh!?" The Seraphim and Shinto Clan Leader both repeated, immediately understanding the meaning. "They must have left here and moved to attack already, was that perhaps the reason Connla only gave up the information now? We have to get out of here and…"
A loud thunderous explosion shook the chamber causing the floor beneath them to crack, the ceiling caving in around them. Each of those present easily brought up a shield for defense, but the damage had been done. All around, they could see rubble blocking the way, despite clearing as much as they could, it was evident that the blast had been aimed at the entire base, not just their room.
"Lord Michael," a wounded exorcist with a bleeding arm gasped as he appeared at the door. "The entrance has been sealed behind us; we are trying to clear the way but whatever they used has disrupted all our long-range magic. We cannot teleport out or call for help!"
"We'll help clear the rubble!" Herja insisted, the other Valkyries and dragon nodding to quickly make their way back to the entrance. "If that thing came from Kuoh, they could already be in trouble!"
"Indeed," Suzaku grimaced as she worked to help dig out their trapped attack force. "And if that thing was a newborn infant…just what is the Annihilation Maker wielder capable of making now? And where did he glimpse such power?"
Crossroad Tower, At Night…
"Hot coco delivery?" Volody knocked on the door to the room that had been prepared for Le Fay since their arrival at the tower. "Or perhaps zomething stronger?"
"We're not old enough for that!" The embarrassed visage of Le Fay Pendragon appeared as the door opened, dragging her fellow mage inside before anyone could overhear him. She had barely emerged from her room since returning, but if there was one thing he could count on, it was her shy side at what others may think to draw her out of her isolation. "…does it have marshmallows?"
Volody produced a bag which Le Fay quickly claimed and started dumping into her mug before taking a satisfying sip. The pair sat for a while in silence.
"Congratzulations on your pact," he scratched the back of his head sensing the uncertainty from the woman who taught him so much. "I guezz zat solves the izzue of who to contract vith. Vhen zings calm down, I zhall make one vith ze Red Dragon."
"If you want," she took another sip without saying more.
"Vat happened in ze vuture?" He asked, the look of honest concern plain as day on his face.
"A lot to think about," she answered while remembering Azazel's advice to not share details just yet. "Now I see why Iggy was so afraid, that and…and I didn't even see you there."
Without hearing about Old Gods in Olympus, did you ever leave Nilrem? Or something else we didn't see made it you were never born or…
"Hey!" Le Fay blurted out as Volody halfheartedly flicked her in the face, knocking her out of her concentration. "What was that for?"
"Vor zat creaze on your brow, right zhere," he ran his fingers along her forehead with a teasing gesture. "You aren't zupposed to look zat vay. Vhere is ze ever cheervul vace that drives me so insane?"
"Insane? Me?"
"Zat incorrigible optimizm zat permeates your very being. If zat is ever shaken, zhen I know zat the world is sure to end."
"Don't even joke about that!" Volody raised his hands defensively assuring the joking status of his words at how hard she took it. "How can you be so calm? I saw what is going to happen, and it…it was terrible."
The death of a son who was and wasn't mine, sort of. Darn it, why did he have to do that? I wasn't his mother…
"Zhen it vas a blezzing in disguise," he inched a little closer, taking the second cup he had brought in and risking claiming a single marshmallow to add to it. "Regardlezz of vat you zaw, that vas ze vuture, vas it not?" Le Fay hesitantly nodded. "Zat means ve have time to stop it. Zhere is nothing stopping us from preparing vor it. I do not know if it iz best to tell ze world vhat you zaw, but I trust you more zhan most Lady Le Vay. If you know what vill come, zhen we have a chance to be ready."
"We can!" She straightened her hat a bit, turning to face him. "It won't be easy but…" Volody saw her concern, knowing it wasn't something that could be faced immediately, he decided to change the subject.
"Vill your brother be joining us?"
"He and Vali are keeping an eye on things, don't tell the others," she winked with a smile. "I didn't want him to worry so haven't told him any details. Please don't say anything!"
"My lipz are zealed," Volody ran his fingers along his mouth as if zipping it shut. "I know not vanting to vorry your vamily unnecessarily."
"Huh, I never asked you about that," Le Fay realized as she started to feel more comfortable. "Do you have any family?"
"Many, many zisters," he admitted. "I vas the only boy, a vact that allowed me to escape the curse of my family to a degree."
"The Curse of Baba Yaga?" Le Fay was aware of the old stories surrounding his family somewhat. "How?"
"Apparently it only afflicts ze vomen of the vamily. Zey are cursed to be hideous, but ve learned through me zat it apparently does not affect ze men or haz an oppozite effect. Perhapz I can introduce zem someday after getting settled into the Hyoudou residence."
That explains how he's always so cute without trying.
"You're moving in?"
"Vell, if Izzei accepts me as his contracted mage. It vould only be right just as you are now in these…nice accommodations," he took note of the room around her, plenty of space though she had yet to unpack. "I only ask zat…you not let zis change who you are. It vould not do to remove zat much cheer from ze world." He got up with a bow collecting the empty cups.
"Could, um, do you think you could stay just a bit longer?" Le Fay muttered that he barely heard as she gently gripped the edges of his cloak. "Maybe just a few minutes?" To her relief, he returned the tray and took his seat once more.
"Ov course, I vould be delighted. You vere alvays zhere for me before….how can I do any divverent?"
Upstairs…
A shape darted through the halls barely avoiding one of Bennia's anti-pervert mines laid when she first entered the tower. Fortunately, the highest density of them were condensed near the girls' rooms with those around Dorian's being much more laxed. Thankfully, this was the mysterious person's destination and with a lot of luck and a few close calls, made it inside. It was unchanged as it had been that morning, the blonde Einherjar laying upon the bed as if asleep. Were it not for the medical devices surrounding him, one may assume that nothing had been wrong with him at all. The shape cautiously approached the bed remaining in utter silence.
No one saw us, Ddraig remarked with a surprised tone. Though I am more than a little surprised you wish to pursue this avenue.
"You don't have to act so shocked," Issei Hyoudou whispered back harshly. "And don't you dare tell anyone about this!"
I fear they would believe me insane should I try to persuade them it did. Your plan is as admirable as it is unlike you.
"Yea, yea," Issei shrugged off his words as he approached the bed, Dorian's lidded eyes moving signifying his dreaming. The others were at dinner and Seekvaira had finally stepped away for a moment's respite. It was his only opening. "Let's do this as quietly as possible."
Issei's Balance Breaker Armor swirled round his body in an instant, the Red Dragon Emperor laying a gauntleted hand upon Dorian's chest. With a final inhalation and exhalation, he steeled himself for what he wanted to try.
"You better appreciate this subconsciously! BOOBLINGUAL!"
A field of energy appeared beneath the bed just as it had when bringing together Kunou and Yasaka or Rias to her aunt. The wind was rustling around them, but otherwise he had suppressed the usual overpowering aura that came with it, desperate to keep anyone else from realizing he was using his perverted technique only reserved for women…on a man, one of the few he thinks might actually consider him a friend.
"Come on, you in there Goldie?" Issei asked while turning up the power. "You don't have breasts anything near what the women do, but there's no reason this shouldn't work on a guy in theory, right? Give me a sign or something! Ddraig, can you see anything?"
Images, visions, the ancient dragon reported. Dreams and memories I suspect, some are too detailed to be anything else. There are voices, here, you can listen as well for they pertain to you.
"One of?" Dorian couldn't resist asking. "I am guessing he got his harem after all?"
"Long ago. Harem King, Crimson Satan, Dragon of Dragons, the list of titles goes on. All of those you faced Loki alongside were his children."
"Is that Gasper?" Issei asked as the voices became clearer, a memory from Dorian's recent excursion. "Harem King…I…became a Harem King?" His eyes lit up like stars, his original purpose in coming there almost forgotten. "Well, no wonder they didn't want to say anything, probably wanted to keep me from…"
You may wish to hear more before you make judgement, these memories are not pleasant for him. That much I can sense.
Issei acquiesced to Ddraig's recommendation, his eyes paling as it went on. The memories were disjointed and all over the place, but he saw what he needed to. The silhouette matching the shield, a mountain of bodies, his own armor at the center of it. Sweat started to develop on his brow as his hands shook. The sounds surrounded him yet still there was no sign of Dorian's consciousness, even a few lines of his future self's inability to see his kids and wives came through but Issei couldn't let go.
Partner, you've been inside long enough, you need to back off or you'll drown in there. Partner… PARTNER!?
Issei felt a sharp tug, his concentration to Booblingual broken along with his armor just as he collided with the ground. Before it deactivated, he could hear a single thought that wasn't from Dorian.
You'd go this far even using your perverted moves without prompting? Issei…you always try to find a way to make others happy. That's what I love about you.
He had been pulled from Dorian's bedside, glancing up he saw the pink hair of his fellow peerage member looking concerned over him. With surprising strength, she lifted him to his feet, easing him into a nearby chair.
"Are you alright, Issei?" Catherine poured him a glass of water from the nearby sink. "You looked like you were in a trance or something. I was worried."
"I-I'm okay," he admitted while accepting the drink with shaky hands realizing where the thought had come from. "I, um, I was just…"
"Surely just seeing how Dorian was doing," the Knight finished for him, giving him an out from the actions he was clearly taking. "But, why were you so shaken?"
"I…" Issei considered telling her, seeing the images in Dorian's mind of this future where he had achieved his harem, become a Satan…and died. They were scattered, but he could see bits and pieces making up the whole picture. This future, where apparently he barely even got to see his kids or the wives he was so proud to make into a harem. Even Rossweisse was among them, though he knew better than to bring that up. In the end, he decided she'd been through enough. Despite the small amount of time since meeting Catherine, he realized he didn't want to burden her but rather make her smile as often as he could. "Must have been something I ate," he felt his stomach to reinforce the deception. "Still not used to that fancy Greek food."
"Maybe Ms. Hecuba can make you something milder. I do not have their skill, but have been practicing the last few weeks. Maybe I could cook for you."
Issei was about to answer, but only then noticed that she hadn't removed her hand from his since he sat down. He looked at her cautiously, unable to deny she was very attractive and the way she looked at him only amplified that beauty. How could he think otherwise? He had done his best to restrain his more perverted tendencies around her, not just due to her more reserved side but also with the knowledge of what she'd gone through when serving Diodora. To do anything else felt wrong.
But I'd want to do more with her, I think. I can always ask Asia and Rias; their approval would be needed.
"Well…"
"I am sure Issei would be DELIGHTED to try your cooking; don't you agree Asia?"
"Y-yes!" The former nun agreed with Rias, the women appearing at the door. "That sounds nice."
"I don't see why you'd need another when you have MY pancakes," Ravel crossed her arms with a scowl. "However, I suppose it could help expand your palate if you are going to be spending more time in high devil society. I've seen what you normally like," she shuddered a bit at the memory of so much fast food.
"What are you all doing here?" Issei pulled his hand back worried what Rias and Asia may think. Jumping to his feet so suddenly, he bumped the nearby shelf forcing him to scramble before the Nagalfr ship in a bottle fell to the floor. He caught it just in time, returning it to its place with a sigh of relief thinking how hypnotic the moving waves and sails were.
"Seekvaira needed some time to rest and eat something," Rias answered while closing the door behind. "Catherine volunteered first, but we felt she could use some company. Seeing you here makes it all the better."
So obvious, Catherine thought with a smile. I was the only one meant to relieve Lady Agares, no doubt they wanted to be here when they saw you sneaking upstairs.
"So many interesting trophies," Rias admired the wall of souvenirs and items from Dorian's missions up to that point, stopping at a beautiful golden ankh. "Huh, this one reminds me of a contract that came across my desk the other day. Perhaps I can finally make the trip for that one. You will be there Catherine, and you could come with us as well Ms. Ravel."
"M-me?" Ravel looked a bit confused at the more casual usage of her name. "But, I'm not part of your peerage. Why would you invite me?"
"You are my Issei's manager," the flash of a glance was clear as she briefly locked eyes with Ravel. It was obvious to the young Phenex, Rias saw more than she let on. "One could say you are almost family. Isn't that just delightful, Gremory and Phenex working together so closely? It's quite similar to what was intended between me and your brother."
She singled Catherine and I out. Ravel recalled how quickly Rias had spotted the way she looked at Issei when she'd first moved in, making her glance up to Catherine who was oblivious for the moment. Her as well? Oh, Lord Issei, how is it that you are capable of such?
"I-I suppose, by the way, is Lord Dorian any better?" She asked, quickly shifting focus off herself. "I can have another batch of tears sent by tomorrow. Not any great amount, but as much as we can spare with the Khaos Brigade troubles around the world."
"He hasn't changed," Issei turned back to look at the bed, linking an arm over Asia and Rias' shoulders as they walked up on each side of him. "But I know him, guys know other guys who they trade punches with. He won't let this keep him down, not by a long shot!"
As the five continue spending time with one another, none spotted a small dark-haired shape eyeing them from the slightly open door. The Ouroboros Dragon peeped on the group noting how content Rias and Asia looked while how much Catherine and Ravel seemed to wish to join them but did not make a move closer.
How curious, Ophis thought to herself. Issei makes them want to be at his side so bad but they hesitate drawing closer. Mortal thoughts are so nonsensical, even Issei using one of his perverted breast techniques on a man. He made an exception for them first in Kyoto then later against Sairaorg, the Red Dragon Emperor has grown in such curious ways, yet seems he has even more to grow beyond that…
Not Far…
"I should get back," Seekvaira quickly muttered as she finished her drink and miniscule dinner. "The machines may need calibrating."
"I would like to see him too, but you need to rest as well," Iggy smiled as she laid another two pieces of cake on her own plate, sharing a third with the Agares heiress beside her in the small cafeteria on the upper floors. "Dorian wouldn't want you running ragged on his account, I know that for sure."
You're not alone in this, Iggy thought, recalling Rossweisse, Thrud and Kuroka's unwillingness to leave his side at first. Kuroka refused to budge until Koneko had convinced her. The two sisters were now talking with the occasional laugh between them, their troubles forgotten for the moment.
"I just wish I knew what caused this," Seekvaira swirled her glass of milk while poking at the cake. It had been a long time since she could recall partaking of such sweets. "He's perfectly healthy, yet refuses to awaken."
"It must have been everything that happened in the future," Iggy contemplated, matching Seekvaira's mannerisms without meaning to. "We went through so much between controlling the Breakdown a…among other things," she avoided details per Azazel's recommendation for the time being. It must have taken its toll mentally on him, thank goodness at least it wasn't anything like Kyoto."
She saw Seekvaira grip her side where her wing had been maimed, squeezing her waist almost as if in pain. The young Sacred Gear noticed her do it when she was frustrated or upset. Unfortunately, the Agares heiress had been doing it a lot since learning of Dorian's condition.
"You heard about my grandmother from Dorian I guess?" Iggy nodded. "This is…too close for comfort."
"I can only imagine," Iggy took a quick sip of her own drink to loosen the dryness in her throat. "But she'll be awake soon, right? You can finally meet her."
"I will," the young devil let a gentle smile break through her stoic expression for just a moment. "But I would hate to get her back, just for Dorian to end up like she was…" She paused as Iggy laid a hand on her own, that wholesome smile that none could resist plain as day. Seekvaira had no idea how she did it, Iggy cared for Dorian more than most. If anyone, she'd have thought the young daughter of Yggdrasil would have been more distraught than the rest.
"You care about him too; I know he would feel the same. But things will turn out okay, I am sure of it! It's funny, with all the gods and deities around us…the ones I have faith in most are him, and all of you. He'll wake up, then we can think of what to do next."
Care about him, do I that much? I thought these Crossroads were so foolish at first, and we still are not a true military force…and yet why does it seem like given time that can be rectified? I am an heiress to a devil family, destined to lead someday, but even so the idea of working alongside Dorian for the foreseeable future feels…nice.
"Thank you, Ms. Iggy," she wrapped her hands around the young woman's as well, sharing one more smile with her for the night. "That helps a bit."
"Please, I always say to please call me Iggy. We'll be working so closely together; it'd feel weird to be so formal."
Within the Mental Landscape…
After Seekvaira returned upstairs, Iggy reached out to Ddraig within her mind. Fortunately, the red dragon was available as Issei had turned in for the night and was more than happy to meet with her. She had tea prepared, and the Boosted Gear's resident was quite pleased that Albion would not be present.
"Is all well?" The dragon's booming voice echoed. "I am quite impressed you could fashion this world without Dorian's mind as a medium. You have grown strong in so short a time."
"Thank you, and I want to grow stronger still," Iggy fidgeted a bit, recalling all that had happened and her mother's words of confidence. "I was able to do this, and in another mental construct I could use my armor like Dorian does. So, I was wondering, could it be possible for me to do so in the real world? You've been around so much longer than I, is such a thing possible?"
"Hmmm," Ddraig cupped his chin. "I am no Independent Avatar such as you, but I see no reason why such a thing is not possible." He clarified at her awed expression awaiting his wisdom. "You keep calling it your armor, yet act like Dorian is the sole user of it. The armor is YOURS, as long as it is not in use, I see no reason why you cannot construct it for your own purposes. Perhaps it may even be possible to manifest it while he wears it too."
"My own purposes?" She looked down at her hand as if seeing herself in a different light.
"Indeed, remember the armor, like mine, is not some foreign object you are calling in…it is YOU. It is your spirit, your essence condensed within a Sacred Gear."
"I still wish I knew how that happened. I've learned…aspects of my birth and I wasn't a Sacred Gear to start with. My first memory is waking up as one when Dorian was born."
"God created the Sacred Gears, he was the bastar…ahem, the one who sealed Albion and I within them. Until these artificial ones Azazel is working on are a reality, new ones should be an impossibility without his will."
"And he is long dead," Iggy recalled her time tending to the garden of Yggdrasil's children, one of whom being her. With Ratatoskr having donated magic so that her mother could give birth, the God of the Bible had no part of her creation. "I vaguely recall a sensation of falling," she muttered almost half-asleep. "Falling so far…"
"Ms. Iggy?" He poked her gently, causing her to shake her head in a daze.
"Just thinking," she flashed a wholesome smile so that he did not worry. "Thank you for talking with me, you and Albion have been so kind."
"Of course, though I still wouldn't trust the white one. I think it's pretty clear he has the hots for your mom, if he had the chance, he'd…ow!" The elder dragon covered himself as Iggy, face red with embarrassment, couldn't stop bonking him over the head with a baseball bat that appeared out of nowhere. "I was kidding! Blame some of Issei rubbing off on me! Hey!"
That Issei, what wielder before him has affected me this much? Having him as my host can be so unbearable at times while others I wonder if I was too rash calling him the weakest possessor to ever exist…
Upstairs…
As night fell, the Crossroad Tower became eerily calm with all turning in for bed. Though all tried to get some sleep, there was little to be found. For Le Fay and Iggy, images of that future kept them up. While Ratatoskr had seen much in his time, even he too was pondering things closely. Azazel had remained there between the two ancient beings and plotting what to do as to whether knowledge of the future should be freely given. Despite Azazel's warning, Ratatoskr gave what information he could to those he knew needed to be there for Dorian when he awoke.
"Here it is," Rossweisse grunted as she pulled her essay from the shelf. It had grown in the recent months ever since the shield had been carved. With their newfound alliances in place, she had taken the opportunity to find more information on the elusive legend of the creature meant to cause the Apocalypse itself. "I can't believe I put it away again, like it totally slipped my mind…even Dorian when he was looking it over."
"I know boss man was reading it," Ratatoskr looked over her shoulder wearing reading glasses while glancing it over. "You, well the other you, mentioned having one too. It HAS to have something we can use."
"I'll have copies made immediately for everyone to study it. You, you didn't say what this future self me was like. Can you…?"
"Might not be a good idea to tell missy," he scratched the back of his neck awkwardly. "Let's just say things didn't turn out how we hopeless romantics may like. We…"
"Sssshh," Rossweisse motioned towards the bed as Ratatoskr's voice started getting a bit louder. Kuroka was curled up on a floor in a fashion reminiscent of an actual cat. She was exhausted, for once the others certain she wasn't faking it. She'd scarcely left Dorian's side since he got back, trying to use her Sage Arts in new ways to possibly wake him up. Unfortunately, the unique magic she knew so well couldn't cure everything and she'd gone to sleep after another session of failure. Thrud snuck up to the former Vali teammate, laying a heavy blanket atop her that she curled into.
"She really does care," the young Valkyrie-goddess sighed utterly surprised. Knowing her history, the pair had originally taken Kuroka for just using the situation to try and have kids with Dorian like she had with others before. However, starting with his affliction in Kyoto and now his unknown coma, she hadn't left or tried to seek avenues elsewhere.
"Dire situations can often reveal a person's true nature even to themselves," Rossweisse contemplated as she casually flipped through pages of her essay. "She has certainly changed since we first met at the Peace Summit."
Not to mention the ears…and her tail, Thrud managed to contain saying that aloud.
"Boss man has that effect on the ladies," Ratatoskr quipped while dabbing sweat from Dorian's brow. "It's a good thing you two are so understanding and sharing," he ducked as if expecting a retaliation that didn't come, instead sensing the murderous intent from the two Valkyrie's eyes. "Um…is it hot in here or is it just you two? I probably should get some air." He quickly bounded out through an opening in the rafters he made for himself and disappeared.
"And here you thought this essay was your academic shame," Thrud sat next to Rossweisse as she took a seat on the bed beside Dorian. "Now it may be what we need to save the world."
"I don't see how, but will help however I can." I was able to find other allusions to this beast once I knew more surely what it looked like, even a mention in the Bible Irina helped with. I-if this thing is out there, we MUST find a way to stop it. Perhaps if I pour over the older sections…"
"You've been pushing yourself way too hard," Thrud cupped Rossweisse's face before she could go any further. "Relax, we'll have all tomorrow to get those copies made. Look at you," she adjusted a few strands of silver hair out of her eyes. "The world won't end tomorrow."
"I know, but still, I need to…" Rossweisse started to insist just as she had when studying in college, focused on a single goal to the detriment of all else. Before she had a chance, however, Thrud brought her in and kissed her on the lips. They had done it before, but not without Dorian around to revel in the scene of the Valkyries embracing romantically. It was clear as day, they cared for each other as much as for Dorian and that wasn't changing.
"I'm a little disappointed," Thrud admitted as she pulled back with a satisfied smile. "That that didn't wake him up." The two glanced back towards Dorian, the Einherjar still unconscious breathing rhythmically to the rise and falls of his chest. They did take a small bit of joy in the fact that the moment they'd started kissing, his heartrate went up ever so slightly, however his condition did not change.
"If nothing else, we know he isn't faking it." Thrud was so proud of Rossweisse's joke that she let out a hearty belly laugh that somehow did not wake the exhausted Kuroka. "We should get ready and…"
"Um, e-excuse me?" The door closed silently as Iggy made her way inside the room. "I know that normally I sleep in Dorian's mind, b-but I can't rejoin him even that much. If it is okay, can I still sleep with you all tonight?"
"Of course," Rossweisse accepted with Thrud nodding in agreement knowing that Iggy hadn't truly gone to sleep in days. "Even if you aren't in Dorian's mind, this is your room, this is your home. They motioned for her to join them. "We can't stay in the same bed as him tonight, but my room next door still has a large enough bed for us all."
"We'll have to carry Kuroka there, doubt she's going anywhere anytime soon," Thrud smirked at the image of carrying her like a giant cat, scenarios running through her mind if she could get away with an ear scratch or two. She never got enough of watching the older nekoshou sleep curled up as she was with twin tails swishing through the air. "Come on, we can…Oh please. Did you think we couldn't see you!?"
The daughter of Thor called her axe from the far side of the room, the instrument cracking an invisible form between it and her. It was a dark-skinned man dressed in a fall Japanese school uniform covered in robes adorned with hieroglyphs. Rossweisse and Iggy were quickly on their feet, the former shaking Kuroka awake to see the intruder. The unknown man soon found himself surrounded.
"Those clothes, you're with the Hero Faction!" Rossweisse accused, recognizing him among the sea of faces watching the battle at Kyoto. "One of their lesser members."
"I am a hero," he exclaimed, eyebrow twitching at the belittling statement. "Soon to be known as the one who slew the Crossroad Commander. How did you see through my Sacred Gear?" His belt glowed with symbols matching his robe. "My invisibility should have been perfect."
"Woman's intuition when she wants to be alone," Thrud jabbed at his pride. "That and while I couldn't see you, I don't think that gear did anything about your sound or smell. Did you not get much real-world practice? I heard they were trying to give the lower members experience watching our fights."
"I had intended to kill your leader first, then pick off each of you one by one as you slept. I never imagined he was so perverted as to have this many of his underlings in his bed."
"Don't let him hear you call him the p-word," Kuroka laughed. "In any case, your jig is up, you aren't getting out of this room still standing."
"As long as one of us does so, it matters not." They understood what he meant as another half-dozen shapes appeared around them each armed with close range weapons.
"They're poisoned," Kuroka warned with a hiss. "I can smell it from here."
Chaos exploded as the would-be assassins leapt forward. Rossweisse released magic bolts in every direction, Thrud clotheslining the first who tried to stab her while dodging his swings. Iggy seized two in branches from her arms only to cry in pain as blades stabbed into them, the poison being potent even through the appendages forcing her to discard them before it could spread. Kuroka dealt with her own generating a kasha wheel directly to their chest.
"They're not that strong, but very persistent," Kuroka noted while releasing a hidden poison pouch up her own sleeve into another's face as he charged. He dropped within a second, slamming into the floor. "They all look…! They're the same person!"
Sure enough, as she tore the mask from the fallen one, he bore the same face as the first man Thrud had called out. It was more than a look-alike, even his scent was identical. No doubt it was an additional power of his gear, some form of multiplication. With a hiss of frustration, she leapt back as two more split from the fallen one all equally armed. It was happening across the room which was quickly filling with men. Thrud and Rossweisse were having little trouble with theirs, but in their focus of combat, they failed to notice the original was no longer in their field of view.
"Dorian!" Iggy turned, realizing the first had rematerialized looming over his bed. Dagger pointed down; he rammed the weapon towards the Crossroad Leader's throat for a sure kill. The young spirit's voice rang loud and desperate realizing none were close enough to help him. "DORIAN! PLEASE WAKE U…!"
"URK!" The man spat blood as he was driven into the far wall, a spear impaling him through the gut before the knife could make contact. A moment before the killing blow, an azure portal had opened, Twilight Star emerging from within its place in the Roads to defend its master and struck home. "D-Damn it."
"I'm sorry about making you worry," the voice filled the women with smiles across their faces as Dorian sat up groggily. "I had a lot on my mind to think about, but I feel better. Could you all please fly for just a moment?"
Dorian recalled Twilight Star to his hand, letting the lead intruder crumple to the ground twitching. Twirling his recovered weapon, he drove it into the ground as Olympian lightning crackled at the tip now split into a trident. The women knew his intent immediately, leaping into the air to float above the room and Rossweisse pulling up Iggy. In an instant, the electricity of the ancient realm of the Greek Gods poured into the floor. Everyone still currently standing on it, Dorian himself excluded, was blasted with intense energies that the young man had been mastering for months. After only a few short seconds, the copies all collapsed, disappearing into mist upon impact until only the original remained.
"Dorian-nya!" Kuroka threw herself into his arms planting a kiss on his lips before snuggling him with enthusiastic purrs. "What took you so long?" He did not answer, instead walking hesitantly towards Thrud and Rossweisse, eyeing the two as if worried what they will say.
"Do…do you both remember me?"
"Of course!" Rossweisse rushed forward but was intercepted first by Dorian who embraced her with a powerful hug locking lips with an intensity unmatched since their first night together. Thrud put her hands on her hips as Iggy peeked out from behind the bed.
"I knew you'd wake up," Thor's daughter smiled as she stepped closer. "Now we can…mmmmh!" She was shocked as Dorian suddenly seized, her, pulling her in tight gripping as if to ensure she wasn't going anywhere. Kuroka was absolutely pouting on his side still latched onto his arm.
"Thank you for staying by my side," he finally placed a hand over hers. "I heard all of you while I was asleep, I am sorry I worried you."
He heard us!? Rossweisse and Thrud thought simultaneously, his slight glance in their direction making what he knew of their actions around him beyond the shadow of a doubt.
"Are you better?" Rossweisse started looking him up and down, most of the wires having been pulled free of the machines. "It's been over two days."
"I'm not laying down in that bed again," Dorian asserted, though it was clear he wasn't at 100%. "There's too much to do, I have to…!"
A klaxon blaring reached their ears, lights flashed from alarms set up across the room and in other portions of the tower. It was the first time they had heard it, but had been aware of its existence when being set up in the tower months earlier.
"The outside defenses have been breached. Someone is assaulting the tower!"
Outside…
Outside the Hyoudou Residence and Crossroad Tower, the quiet neighborhood was disturbed by the arrival of a sickening purple fog rolling in surrounding the buildings utterly. Despite the otherworldly event, those living closest remained asleep undisturbed by the fog or she shapes moving within it. Barely visible, the forms of dozens of men and women walked through it taking up positions in front of the imposing tower before them, the other building ignored for the time being.
"They are all in one place, move in," Cao Cao commanded while gripping the haft of the True Longinus like some regal staff. "Today, we shall show the strength of humanity against even this union of our greatest enemies. Is she inside?"
"She is," Georg confirmed. "Not even she should be able to escape too quickly. Dimension Lost will make sure of that."
"Perfect, tell Leonardo to stand ready for phase two. For now, we prove that humanity can best even a foul alliance of the supernatural. Hero Faction…ADVANCE!"
Dorian's awakening didn't come a moment too soon as the forces of the Hero Faction surround the tower. Can the Crossroads defend their home from the encroaching forces?
It's good to be posting again! If anyone is curious as to what was happening to Dorian during those two days he was unconscious, not to worry as I will be showing his POV before awakening in a separate chapter. Before then, however, the Tower Invasion arc begins. Until next time, I hope everyone stays safe, Reads and Reviews…but most of all Enjoys! :D
