CourtMageMerlin: I am so glad you agree. They've been through so much they deserve more downtime. DxD actually had no fewer than 3 volumes that were sort of anthology stories so I consider this one to be like that...some time for development and relaxation before the plot hits them in the face again.
Divine Blizzard: No worry about the double post :D XD Yes, Dorian needs to learn a bit more before going on any driving date with Rose, though she still seemed to enjoy it all the same. That is great to hear! I really wanted Issei to come across more that way than how he is in canon. As you said, still a pervert as that is part of his very character, but he focuses on the women he's with instead of constantly looking for more and his actions draw them to him which imo is fine in regards to a harem story and hopefully feel earned. Yes the MI...motherly youkai XD How could any harem of other women keep up with her?
Shadowedsoul2: We can only hope ;) Devils have notoriously low birth-rates, but they can keep trying. And thank you very much! Here is to five years gone and five more years ahead.
Ragna126: Thank you so much for the well wishes! And of course ;) She's one of Dorian's primary loves so you can be sure there will be more of her to come.
Okaze: Exactly. :D Everyone deserves some nice sweet moments when not fighting evil 24/7 XD
horakthy baraq: Thank you very much, and I am so glad you enjoyed it! Precisely :D Issei is still a pervert as that's part of who he is, but is seeing more than just the boob side of things. Ophis being like a little sister, focusing more on the women he's with rather than gunning for sheer numbers. It's the type of Issei I wish he'd become in canon. In regards to Grayfia/Sirzechs, I know EXACTLY what you mean. Would you believe that before the commission I recently had made on Deviantart, I could not find one single image of them together in a romantic moment. It's like Ishibumi wrote them to be married, then did everything he could to try and hide it lol. They deserve moments like that together imo :)
DragonGodZalama: Dulio really seems to barely do anything despite canonically being appointed as the leader of DxD which is too bad as I also love his design and character. At present, I do plan for him to show more in the future arc where they explore that underwater city as the expedition would have members of all the main alliance factions. As for Kuroka, she most certainly will most certainly want more missions with Dorian, though may not be able to accompany him there. No major spoilers for that far ahead though haha. One of the toughest parts of DxD is just how many characters there are that I'd love to see more at the forefront.
October Autumn: Haha, Grayfia's cockblocker side is actually canon funny enough, that exchange was one I kept right from the light novel. Issei is trickier in that aspect as canon made it clear several times that Rias' family prefers her to wait until marriage to do any of that with him. You are right that like Dorian, Kiba and the other guys he deserves to have a night alone with his future wives...but with how devil society is shown in that regard, it would have to be due to a particular event rather than a spur of the moment thing which is trickier to do without seeming forced.
Dragonx411: I always enjoy seeing your synopsis :D Well, it was implied that Yasaka showed up right before the end haha...Azazel didn't mind the work with Grayfia at that point. I am so glad you enjoyed it! Wishing you all the best as well my friend.
fanficcyberman: I sent a full PM to you of a reply as usual. Thank you as always for the review and kind words, you've been reading/reviewing Roots for quite some time and I cannot express how happy I am to see your reviews and you enjoying it all these years. You are so very welcome and it has been my pleasure all this time to write something you've liked so much and will continue to do so! There will always be negative reviews, but those who it brings a smile to will always outweight that. Thankfully, things have been going well and I pray the same for you and all your loved ones!
OBSERVER01: LOL, never pictured him as having watched Initial D, but maybe he should. You bring up a good point, in canon he did get to see Grayfia naked, but we never see Sirzechs' reaction. As much as he likes Issei, I can imagine him seeing his wife naked would irk any husband.
German Science: Ah yes, bathtime battle...how can you get more romantic with a daughter of Thor? XD You bring up a good point, maybe his time in the supernatural world has caused the more mundane to go right over his head. Imagine Rossweisse toiling over papers wondering how he filled out the taxes so poorly that multiple audits came back XD. Also, I saw your other review about your friend mentioning the MILF tree and I cannot stop laughing. :D :D :D
TheLycan2026: That means a lot, though as always never any rush to read them. Just go at the pace that is most fun to you. :D And thank you so much! I totally 100% agree. He wasn't inherently a bad character, but after getting over Raynare he just never felt like he grew up or matured beyond getting stronger. By keeping his harem to the women with the best chemistry, I wanted to make the it more impactful not just for Issei but all the other male characters. That means so much! I never imagined coming this far when I first started way back when. I am sure the story will reach my planned conclusion before another 5 years, but even so here is to the next five indeed. No worry of me slowing down yet.
Guest1: Thank you so much! It's been great writing it all this time. I most certainly will keep going, no sign of slowing down.
Guest2: In time :) Now that she has confessed, it's only a matter of time, though Iggy did confess first...
And with that…ONTO THE SHOW!
"A favor?" Dorian asked as he found himself standing within Rias' office after classes had let out. While showing off Tafl to the Occult Research Club and being taught a few card games, she had approached and asked for their attention. His curiosity was piqued with the adrenaline still running through him lingering since returning from the Izu vacation. "What kind?"
"From Lady Serafall," she clarified with Issei shirking a bit remembering how eccentric Sona's older sister could be. "A favor from a Satan personally, apparently, she is in need a few of you for your special powers. She listed Issei, Xenovia, Gasper, Asia, Koneko, yourself, Saji and Zepar.
"Me too?" Gasper twiddled his thumbs a bit in an embarrassed fashion.
"They want all of us for our powers?" Xenovia looked puzzled glancing between the names given. "I am uncertain what we have in common, each of us are so different."
Heavenly Dragon, Holy Sword user, Vampire, Nekoshou, Einherjar, Devil, former nun and Fallen Angel. It seems more like we were chosen due to our lack of things in common.
"She originally also wanted Akeno and I," Rias continued with a smile stroking Issei's cheek. "But I have business with my brother. Honda and Kiba will be our escort so we will leave this up to you to assist Lady Leviathan in whatever she needs. Catherine will be joining you as well as your own escort."
The Knight nodded at her words intrigued as the rest to see what the mysterious request entailed. She and Asia inched closer to Issei's side, each trying to reassure Gasper he'd be fine as he tried picking out which kilt he wanted to wear for the trip.
"It's too bad you'll be going without me," Akeno purred into Zepar's ear while stroking his lips with her finger. "You must be nervous to be one of the first fallen angels to approach a Satan in a long time."
"I-I will have an opportunity to mend relations i-in a small way," he kept his cool even as she blew into his ear. All the same, the smile on his face showed how much he enjoyed her company and would never wish for anything else.
"That goes for you both as well," Rias turned to Issei and Dorian. "Be sure to not be rude," she went an extra mile pinching Issei's cheek in a cute way. "I know how Lady Leviathan can get, but she didn't give details so you'll need to roll with this."
"Of course," Dorian nodded to maintain his professionalism. "I mean, how rough could this request of hers be?"
Leviathan Territory…
The blinding sun greeted the members of the Crossroads and devil peerages as the teleport circle deposited them on the beach of a deserted island. Utterly isolated from the rest of the world, without even a dock for ships to navigate the dangerous reefs nearby nor circumnavigating the high rocks, the terrain was dominated by forests and mountains. The cries of animals rang around them and the distant splashing of water from the sea. The confused students glanced around, having expected an entourage.
"Um…where is Lady Leviathan?" Zepar checked his watch. "We are indeed on time."
In response to his question, the ground started to shake almost like an earthquake forcing the new arrivals to brace themselves. From the distance, trees were flattened as a giant creature rushed towards them roaring with dripping saliva.
"Is that…a Tyrannosaurus Rex!?" Dorian called out, stepping forward prepared to fight until noticing the small shape sitting upon the dinosaur's back.
"Yoo-hoo! Servants of Rias-chan, my darling sister and the Crisscrossroads, it's me, your darling Levia-tan!"
A cute-looking woman was riding atop the beast clearly in control of the T-Rex waving with a smile. She was wearing a magical girl cosplay outfit complete with unnecessarily short skirt and magic wand. The entire group cringed in unison upon realizing it was none other than Serafall Leviathan herself.
"Tut tut, stop here," she commanded the beast which obeyed her stopping so close to the group it kicked up dirt into them. "Aha!" She dismounted the confused dinosaur with a mid-air spin dropping to the ground with a crash face first unable to stick the landing. With her short skirt, it left her panties completely exposed to the world as she worked to free herself.
"Striped…" Issei started, being the only man to not look away at the embarrassing sight before them. Dorian rectified that, seizing the back of his head and slamming him into the ground so it was all he could see. Despite the Red Dragon pervert's struggles, the Einherjar did not budge until the Satan was back on her feet straightening the skirt to hide everything once more.
"Aren't you amazed?" She asked as if nothing had happened while throwing them a peace sign. "The amazing Serafall Leviathan at your service!" Issei recognized her outfit as the same she'd worn to Kuoh having an impromptu photo shoot in the gymnasium.
"She really loves magical girl shows, huh?" Dorian asked to Issei's nods of confirmation. She even had a magical wand covered in glitter. "It's been a while Lady Leviathan…"
"Levia-tan!" She corrected with a bonk to Dorian's head. "You are too formal for being so young; your little show will never surpass mine with an attitude like that! I worked my butt off to help improve foreign relations with your Crisscrossroads so having that fall apart wouldn't do, it wouldn't do at all!"
"L-Levia-tan, I hope you have been well. We were all hoping to find out the reason for the sudden call."
"Why, for the movie of course."
"Movie!?" The entire group uttered at the same time looking between one another. The announcement became confirmed as a small army of people came running behind her carrying equipment and cameras. They looked winded, no doubt having trouble keeping up with the stampeding T-Rex.
"Magnificent!" A middle-aged devil wearing a wide hat and dark sunglasses announced through his megaphone. "AND CUT! Scene 21 was magnificent, the magical girl who tames the raw heart of a savage ancient dinosaur. The shot was PERFECT!"
Must be the director, he looks like the spitting image of the cliché image of one.
"Thank you!" She turned and gave the cutesiest expression to the man. "These are all the good kids who were so kind to agree and help us with the shoots."
"Ah, the Gremory Team who performed so well against your sister in the Rating Game? And the Northern allies we've heard so much about. And…is this…him?"
"It is," Serafall's tone almost became sinister as she pointed out Saji who was starting to sweat under the terrifying gaze of the older sister to the woman he loved. "Do treat him as he deserves, won't you?"
"What does that mean?" Saji asked as the director subtly nodded, but they acted as if they did not hear him.
"It was actually his idea to bring you on," Serafall continued explaining. "Seeing how well you fought, we both knew it would be PERFECT to cast you each as the enemies to poor Magical Levia-tan beset on all sides!" She threw her head back dramatically as if overwhelmed despite the full knowledge she had the power to kill everyone present. "We originally aimed it for a children's movie, but the High King cast will draw in teenage demographics for sure!"
"Magical Levia-tan?" Issei sweat-dropped recalling all the episodes he had to watch as part of his contracts with a certain individual. It pained him to admit he almost knew the series like the back of his hand by now. "It's a Tokusatsu Hero Program," he explained to those not native to Japan. The kind with masked heroes facing enemies every week to protect the dreams of children."
"Oh, so like Power Rangers but with magical girls?" Dorian tried picturing the image in his head.
"Close enough," Koneko dryly remarked, already not liking where this was going.
"It will be a feature film of my show, Levia-tan beset on all sides by Dragons, angels, Pagan warriors and vampires as well as allies from the Church who combined forces to end her reign of peace and magic for all those with kind hearts. I will annihilate them all!"
How can someone act so cute and wholesome while discussing annihilation!?
"Is it really okay to make a movie about these groups all fighting so soon after making a peace with them?" Zepar raised his hand sharply. "It seems counterproductive."
"I try to incorporate something anti-government in ALL my movies," the director let loose a bellowing laugh. "People wouldn't come to them expecting anything less."
"But…I thought you said they were directed at kids," Issei stammered out, terrified at the implications of his propaganda-fueled agendas. "So that is why you chose us specifically even though we aren't actors?"
"Of course! You are all famous for representing each of your fields. A dragon, holy sword wielder, a vampire, a nekoshou, Einherjar, the Church, fallen angel and…Saji," his mouth dropped open insulted at the last remark. "Not only that, but between your respective shows and the accomplishments of your teams, you are all almost as famous as a major actor anyway! Your names combined will put almost as many wings into seats as Lady Leviath…I mean Levia-tan's would, please be good enemies for her!"
Every word he spoke was sparked, vibrant and engaging, the younger members in front of him could not help but be enthralled in some small part. After only a few seconds, murmurs between everyone were starting to pick up.
"This seems interesting," Xenovia spoke up first. "To play the role of the villain…"
"Seeing Asia play a bad girl," Issei couldn't help but fantasize which seemed to make her more determined to play the part, nodding enthusiastically already.
"I don't know," Gasper looked worried while fidgeting where he stood. "I never want to look scary."
"Playing a villain can be a fun change of pace," Dorian had to finally admit. "Get a chance to do things you normally wouldn't."
"Don't go too far, we've seen what that looks like," she subtly glanced back at Issei currently daydreaming of being swarmed by fans of the film and the Oppai Dragon show. Hearing her remark snapped him back to reality.
"Hey!" Issei smacked the back of his head in frustration. "What I think in my head is just fine! Just imagine all the fans we could have; this could help me become a High-class Devil sooner! Maybe even meet actresses or gravure models." Koneko stepped on his foot, eliciting a cry of pain. To his shock, Catherine was stomping on his other foot though acting like she didn't realize it.
"Indecent thoughts are forbidden," she muttered while shaking her head in shame. "I doubt Rias or Asia would approve of random actresses," it was clear Asia didn't want to hurt his feelings, but the sentiment was shared.
"I think I speak for all of us," Dorian raised a hand. "When I say we gladly accept the offer as villains in your movie! Where will we be filming?"
"That's the best part," Serafall approached him. "Originally, this island was meant to be the sole filming location, but now that you are here the skies are the limits!"
"…come again?"
"You have that Road thingy you do, right?" She waved a finger around as if trying to emulate some ritual he used to open them. "You can go anywhere; just imagine all the on-site locations we can go to without any traveling costs!"
"I don't know," Iggy appeared beside him looking nervous at asking her mother to allow so many passage through. "Mother isn't always comfortable with so many traveling her…"
"We'll let you design and make the wardrobe," she quickly added.
"DEAL!"
Did she just bring me in for free travel fair?!
Later…
"It feels heavy," Issei groaned as he emerged in red-plated armor made to imitate his Scale Mail. "I'd rather just wear the real thing."
"No helping it," Dorian groaned as he put on the horned-helmet indicative of his High King persona. He was currently shirtless, hoping to delay putting on the high-quality yet super heavy replica of his Asgardian armor. Filming had been set to begin immediately after agreeing and the group were donning their assigned costumes. "Using our actual powers would be too dangerous, apparently there are liability rules against that sort of thing. At least they're all enchanted to be impact resistant. It's too bad they don't have this stuff in the human world."
"It even has sound effects," Saji remarked with chuckle, pressing the gem in the center of Issei's red breastplate to the whooshing that was eerily similar to his actual attacks.
"Though I question the historical accuracy of these pieces," Zepar looked over his own set which seemed little more than tight leather pants and a metal harness that left a good bit of his chest exposed. "If I did not know any better, I would think Akeno was a producer to approve such an attire."
"You aren't alone in that," Dorian chuckled before a sudden soft melodious sound almost like women singing entered his ears. He paused, trying to listen for what he had just heard, yet it seemed to have gone as quickly as it came. "What was that?"
"Issei, how do I look?"
The Red Dragon Emperor turned around to see Asia standing before him wearing a flowing robe equipped with ominous metal accessories reminding him of the femme fatales of the series of his childhood. Her midriff was bare, but otherwise it was far tamer than they expected from the movie so far.
"A-apparently I am the Dragon Priestess to you," she fidgeted a bit. "Do I look like one?"
"You look amazing!" He said with absolute honesty loving the armor clearly making her look like an evil priestess. "You definitely don't look like yourself, which is perfect for acting, right?"
"And I am the Holy Sword Pagan," Xenovia was next to round the corner. Her costume looked like a mix between Valkyrie armor and Amazon fur. It was easy to move in, a favorite for her chosen gear and had enough skin exposed that it was clear they'd chosen the look to draw in the teenage male demographic from the High King show. "A bit of a contradiction, but I suppose it fits with my chosen path."
"You look good," Dorian complimented with a thumbs up. "At least you don't have to put up with these weighted replicas."
"I'm not sure how I feel about this," Catherine walked out next causing Issei to faceplant into the ground. The pink-haired Knight was adorned in what could only be described as bikini armor. Despite having armored leggings, both her top and bottom barely covered the necessities and caused her to become very self-conscious. "Couldn't you include at least an armored skirt or something!?"
"I can whip one up," Iggy popped her head around the corner with a sheet of metal and blowtorch in hand. "Lady Serafall said I could make adjustments as needed."
"Don't you dare!" Issei shouted before getting stomped back into the ground by the next woman to reveal her outfit. Being driven into the dirt caused him to miss Catherine's shy glance to the side that was gone by the time he recomposed himself.
"And I'm…going to kill someone."
Koneko had appeared wearing the most clichéd, short-skirted French maid costume imaginable all while her ears and tail were visible. She looked absolutely miserable throwing dark glances to everyone as if to say 'make fun of me at your own peril.' The one saving grace was she had been allowed to keep her metal-covered gloves further reinforcing the unspoken threat.
A maid, armored dragons, a priestess, an Einherjar Holy Sword user and a Norse King, Dorian mused. That is a lot of variety, how in the world will they justify this in the script?
That question was answered as the scripts were passed out to everyone by a few of the staff once making sure the actors were in their costumes. The setting was a magical island where Issei, an Evil Dragon, had been sealed within millennia ago before he could destroy the world. With his location now known, various organizations represented by the others were clamoring to resurrect it under their control and secure dominance in the world. It was up to Levia-tan and her bumbling sidekick, played by Saji, to find a way to stop their plans and ensure the dragon never awoke.
"Wait a minute, where is Gaspy?" Koneko realized they were one short not admitting she had been looking forward to his outfit.
"I-I'm here," his meek voice called out to the group. Turning around, they spotted what looked like a giant cardboard box with red eyes shining through. "I'm ready!"
"Gasper…" Issei tried to start. "You can't hide in a box the entire movie."
"Well, when I was putting on the costume, I got embarrassed, and ran inside. The director didn't mind, so I thought it'd be okay."
"But Gaspy," Koneko marched up to the box, poking it twice to get her point across. "If you stay in there, your face won't be visible next to mine. Are you okay with that?"
Silence filled the air without an answer. Just as Koneko seemed to give up, the top of the box flew open with a tiny head poking out followed by the rest of Gasper's small stature. He was wearing a regal suit much like royalty would own but made of a leathery substance that made it seem thicker than usual. There were clearly shoulder pads built in, Gasper's frame looking noticeably wider in addition to appearing slightly taller. He had a long flowing cape with an impressive upturned collar. Those who knew him were stunned, not imagining he could look the part of an ancient Vampire lord so convincingly. He had kept his kilt; the color having been updated to a black to match the rest courtesy of Iggy's last-minute adjustments.
"See, you look better," Koneko took his hand and helped him out of the giant box, leaving it behind. "We get to work together," she showed him the script which perked the young vampire right up.
After several minutes reading over the scripts, which thankfully had minimal lines, the group got called out to a wide glade within the forest. Serafall was standing next to Dorian proudly who was still torn on his overall purpose on set.
"Okay everyone! We can't have the movie all taking place in such a small location, so our expert traveler here will be taking us to a beautiful spot I saw when last in Vanaheim talking to his dear mama," Dorian turned to say something, only for her to place a finger over his mouth to keep him silent. "This will be the warzone with the nekoshou battle-maid and Vampire Lord!"
"Okay, but we have to stay in single file, do not deviate," Dorian instructed everyone once Serafall had turned to him clearly expecting him to just open the portal. "Not a single leaf or bark must be damaged, if so then I will remove everyone through the nearest portal immediately. Is that clear?" The cast and crew nodded, noting the seriousness in his voice knowing how serious even slight damage to the Roads could cause and the time to repair it. "Okay then," he summoned Laerad Ragnarök and opened the azure portal before them. "Then follow me, I know the way to just the place Lady Serafall is looking for."
Not Far…
As the entire production team stepped through a portal to their first location, a group of shapes could be seen hiding beneath the trees of the deserted island watching their departure.
"They got away," the first remarked, their soft melodious voice dripping with disappointment and frustration.
"Calm yourself sister. They will have to return soon enough, and when they do…we'll be ready for them."
Vanaheim…
"You won't get past me, Levia-tan!" Koneko called out while chasing Serafall across a series of floating islands off the coast of Vanaheim crackling with magical energy. Sage Arts and Devil magic shot from her hands; CG being used in a minimalistic capacity for the scene.
"You must be those trying to bring back the Legendary Red Dragon Emperor!" She called out dramatically. "What are you hoping to accomplish doing so in this foreign land?"
"This is not the dragon's resting place, merely a marker on the way. If you plan to continue trying to hinder us, we'll have to eliminate you here!"
"Wow, Koneko is pretty good at acting," Issei remarked to a nodding Catherine. "She's really laying it on thick."
"And Lady Leviathan is always in high spirits," she added while looking over the script. "Why did they even have me change, my scenes aren't for a while now."
"Well, you look really good in that," Issei shirked back expecting a harsh strike as was customary only to receive none.
"Th-thank you, I am not accustomed to this sort of thing," she admitted while they were isolated from the others watching from the sides or waiting for their cues. "But if I see your eyes drifting down…"
"Up north, I swear!" Issei threw his hands up. "I never thought I'd get to play a bad guy, hope it's believable."
"Take this! Levia-beam!" Serafall cried aloud, releasing a blast of very real magic from her staff towards the pursuing nekoshou. Despite being small in comparison to her full power, part of the nearest flying island exploded with concussive force that split the air as it traveled.
"That isn't enough for me," Koneko countered, moving out of the way before it could impact her. Issei and Catherine drew a sigh of relief as the director applauded their movements and acting, ecstatic by their performance.
"Thank goodness not all of us will be fighting her," Issei knew in the script that Asia and Zepar were more supporting roles. "Not everyone could handle this even with her holding back."
"Saya-chan!" Serafall called out behind her. "Can you handle the Vampire prodigy on your own?"
"I-I'll find a way," Saji asserted while clashing with Gasper upon the very rock formation that had nearly been blow away. He was not entirely certain if she was aiming for him or not.
Gasper wielded a prop that created a sword of black energy while Saji was armed with what looked like a normal katana. Dorian was watching from a high rise feeling bad for the young pawn. It was common knowledge he was very fond of Sona, a fact that Serafall could not stand as her big sister. Much of his part entailed following her around, setting off traps by accident and otherwise being the butt of many jokes and comic relief. Even the battle with Gasper he was meant to lose, requiring Levia-tan's aid. Sure enough, Saji eventually had his sword disarmed in a somewhat convincing way as Gasper was fighting but silently apologizing almost every other strike.
"Vampires will reign once the Legendary Dragon awakens!" He tried remembering his lines without stumbling. "H-his power will blot out the sun and we shall walk beneath it openly!"
Sona won't look at me special like this, Saji groaned internally at his wits end. Her sister is going to try to kill me and hide the body, I just know it. But maybe, if I actually stand up and do something for this movie, maybe…
"Not yet," Saji staggered to his feet much to the confusion of the staff and crew. "I will help Levia-tan and…!" His prepared speech of epic proportions was interrupted as a new beam from Serafall's wand landed between them blasting Saji backwards tumbling into a nearby rock upside down in a very unflattering position.
"Oh no, Dark Dragon!" She cried out with an embarrassed expression. "You exposed the keystone leading to the next clue. Oh, and just as I had finally bested the nekoshou battle-maid," she motioned to the side where a beaten Koneko was kneeling gripping her side. She was not truly hurt, yet all the same she was reeling from the restrained attack from one of the Four Satans. "Now they will get ahead of us!"
"Mwa…haha…ha?" Gasper's evil laugh needed work as he retrieved a glowing crystal from the crater made by the beam. "You'll never stop us now, we Vampires and those who also seek the dragon will reach the slumbering Emperor first!" With that last word, a blue portal courtesy of Dorian appeared which he stepped through, disappearing from the field.
"Aaaannd, CUT!" Wonderful, just great! Though Mr. Saji, you could have put more oomph into your performance. But to the rest, bravissimo!"
"There are a few other scenes, but we can shoot them later with yours truly," Serafall acted proud as she stepped down among the rest of the cast and crew. "For now, we can hit the buffet, I bet you're all starving."
Saji grumbled as he righted himself, groaning at the pain in his back as he struggled to stand. Waiting for him was a hand from Dorian who had held back to make sure he was okay. Hesitantly, he accepted the help up.
"She's trying to kill me."
"You may be right," Dorian glanced over a shoulder to make sure she wasn't listening in. "Does she know you…ya know, have a thing for her little sister?"
"Well, I am pretty vocal about it," he answered nervously while trying to keep a smile. "If she thought that I was actually trying for marriage, I don't think they'd ever find my body. Her requirement to date Sona is pretty steep."
"How steep?" Dorian asked while not entirely certain he wanted to know.
"First, he needs to be a powerful fighter and equal in intelligence or higher."
"You're a dragon king and working on that chess game requirement of Sona's," Dorian tried to set his mind at ease as much as possible. "You did fight Yasaka to a standstill in Kyoto, that has to count for something."
"And…whoever wants to date Sona has to beat Lord Sirzechs in single combat."
"…come again? She wants her future husband to defeat the single strongest devil ever born in a fight?"
"I KNOW! How am I supposed to pull that off!?" Saji slammed his face forward ignoring the pain as he struck the table. "She's one of the Four Satans, if I want to have a shot with Sona, I'll need her sister's approval. I knew this gig was just a way to mess with me, but…"
"…but it's also a chance to impress her?" The new voice of Issei turned their heads as he poked around the corner. "I get that, if Rias' mom didn't approve of me, I'd be breaking my butt to show her what I can do!"
"And my first meeting with Rossweisse's parents didn't exact;u go according to plan," Dorian rubbed his neck recalling his visit to their manor. "Plus, Thrud's brother and I had our issues," he tried keeping the first match with Modi vague for the time being. "Then there was her mom…"
"If she keeps me as this comic relief sidekick, I'll never get a chance to show her anything. I only have one real fight I get to win at the end and it's against some masked henchman."
"Oh, I play that part too," Issei looked over his script. "They wanted to save money on stuntmen so they doubled us up in roles with a mask so they won't see our faces. I may have to lose for the script, but I'll make it look good for ya!"
"And I'm cronies three through five," Dorian looked at his own instructions. "Levia-tan defeats me one after another to reach the final chamber."
"I know, one of them beats me trying to help," Saji slumped forward. "I just don't know what to do."
"Hmmm, Issei, you said that Rias was visiting her family today, right?"
"Yea, it's why she couldn't make it. Man, imagine her in that dragon priestess outfit…what are you thinking?"
"We have a bit of time before the next scene. Can you make a call?"
Northern Seas: Scene B…
"Levia-tan braves the harsh oceans at the roof of the world!" The director shouted vibrantly while standing on the prow of their ship despite the pouring rains. "Forced to contend with the elements AND opposing forces!"
"It is no use Levia-tan!" Dorian called out in his full Viking attire standing upon the head of a giant sea monster of many tentacles. "These seas are my domain; your magic cannot match me here!" He was glad he'd been cast as a new character rather than the High King. If she'd wanted him to make his titular role evil, he would have had to decline.
"You are wrong there, Dark King!" She bobbed and weaved atop her flying staff avoiding energy bolts and tentacles of the creature. "You will not awaken the Dragon Emperor for your own ends!"
"Power is the root of my people!" He threw a hand out, holding a golden spear high. "With his might, none can contest us just as it was in the days of my forefathers! My realm shall grow strong, strong enough to sweep across the world itself!"
"Oh, how I pity you," Levia-tan wiped a tear away solemnly. "I can only hope this defeat will teach you that brute strength is not what is most important. LEVIA-TAN…HYPER BEAM!"
A beam of brightly-colored energy erupted from the rear of her staff allowing the magical girl to keep flying forward. It struck the kraken head on, causing it to list before finally starting to sink beneath the waves. The Northern King climbed to the top seeking an escape after such a long and well-choreographed chase but realized there was nothing he could do. Standing tall, he saluted her with a strong hand over his chest gazing out as she disappeared.
"By the ancient laws of my land, you have bested me and I respect you for that. But so long as fire burns in my people's blood, we shall never truly be forgotten!" These were his final words before the King of the North slid beneath the waves, only a final bubble and patch of red rising to the surface signaling his end.
"Farewell, Dark King, may your children rule kinder than you did," Levia-tan gave a silent prayer as she took off towards the next location. The Northern King had fallen, but many more obstacles stood in her path.
"AAAAND CUT! Wonderful to all parties, I never imagined getting to work alongside a kraken!"
"Well, father has always wanted to be in show business, you should have seen how excited he was. Mother said she hadn't seen him look so young in ages." A beguiling woman with scarlet and black hair remarked next to him. "Thanks dad!"
Hafga waved to the open sea, the giant kraken that Dorian had been riding rising out of the watery abyss to wave at her with its many giant tentacles. Dorian was soaked and stained with fake blood, but otherwise in good spirits as he floated up to the rest of them and a waiting towel. He waved back to the monster with a thanks of his own.
"The pleasure was mine," the elder kraken boomed with what looked like a smile along its beaked maw before turning to head out to the open sea. "I'll expect a copy when it's finished WITH behind the scenes footage!"
"Consider it done!" He shouted before turning to the young kraken-woman. "Do you want to come with us to the other locales? It's no trouble, Gasper and Xenovia will be shooting the ruins scene now. Apparently, he got promoted to a Vampire Shogun for the next segment."
"That sounds delightful," she extended her hand for him to take and help her onto the lower platform of the ship. She had been raised in a way similar to old world royalty, though with a kinder heart despite the terrifying smile she could give with her rows of many sharp teeth. "Will that dashing devil knight be there? It has been too long since we spoke."
"Unfortunately, he's off with his master and won't be able to make it."
"A pity," she sighed disappointed. "I would have loved to work alongside him again. Perhaps he may show up before the end. On another note, do you have any openings in this Crossroads of yours? It sounds quite delightful."
"Always, though we are still growing," Dorian admitted, pleased where the conversation was going. "Were you interested?"
"I am, as well as others of my extended family. If you ever need aid in the deep sea, they can help in ways you can't imagine." She smiled again, teeth shining in the light.
"Consider it done. There is paperwork needed, but you have pretty good references," he could just picture Kiba speaking up for her after their cooperation aiding Kiyome against her father.
"Excellent. Back to the current festivities, where is the next scene?"
"Let's see," Dorian checked the schedule. "Island, Vanaheim, Northern Sea, Devil Ruins, Agares Isle…my next scene is back on the beach. We can either head there to wait, or check out how everyone else is doing."
"Battle on a beach? Let's certainly be off," she extended her hand again for Dorian to lead her. "I have not had so much fun since my first outing with Ms. Gremory's team. But do tell me, what exactly is a…Vampire Shogun?"
Deserted Island, Scene B-1…
"Wait, he went from a Vampire Shogun to…a Vampire God?" Issei asked as the teams started gathering again on the original island.
"The Director was a fan of his performance," Xenovia shrugged having just finished being defeated by Levia-tan. "Gasper kept receiving promotions with each scene, so now he's one of the final contenders."
"He did look a bit out of place in the armor," Koneko had to admit while stirring her drink. "Maybe with just a bit less padding in the shoulders…"
"But I thought I was going to be the final boss of this movie," Issei scanned through his lines. "Isn't this being a little bit random?"
"That's the best part!" The Director raised his fist high. "A film from which no audience member can guess the ending or how it will go, it's absolute genius!"
But if the plot is all over the place, isn't that more chaos than…oh wow!
"Looking good Gasper!" Issei's concern over the script fell away as he spotted his underclassman round the corner. The young vampire looked a good two feet taller, broad shoulders with a black armor reminiscent of those used by higher-ranked samurai of the Tokugawa Shogunate with an extra flair of devil design thrown in. He had a long billowing crimson cloak with magical effects adding an epic sensation to him denoting his recent promotion to godhood.
"I don't think this suits me," he looked over his costume as Iggy came around the corner looking very proud of herself.
"It doesn't need to," she was speaking almost more cheerful than usual. "The director said that is the gift of a true actor, to seamlessly step into a role that is completely against who you are and making others believe!" She threw her arms up as if pointing at the sky.
Oh gods, now there are two of them! Issei started scratching his ears, a ringing sound starting to get on his nerves.
"Well said young lady!" The director approached giving her a hearty pat on the back. "Is everyone ready? We have some time before Lady Serafall arrives, we can definitely get a few scenes in. Where is the dragon priestess?"
"H-here," Asia came forward in her costume, still very self-conscious. Koneko was behind giving her a supportive push causing the former nun to more slide than walk. The Gremory Rook had to do a double take spotting Gasper, looking his outfit up and down. "I stand here?"
"Kneeling there please," the Director guided. "This is where you succeed, where all the others failed, to revive your long dead master and lover in a dazzling display of pyrotechnics and smoke with effects to be added in post. "Start the prayer, aaaannnddd action!"
"O-oh lord Dragon Emperor!" Asia started, crying out towards an impressive dragon statue built on the set before her. "Here my dark words and evil wishes. Arise once more and defeat Levia-tan with all of your mighty powers!"
"Wow, she is really good," Issei remarked finding Asia looking more adorable than usual. Dorian had arrived next to him drenched in sweat finally having gotten out of his High King armor. "And that song is beautiful."
"I didn't know there was supposed to be a song," Dorian remarked, only then noticing the haunting melody in the air. What was starting to unnerve him a bit was that he could not locate the source. It almost seemed to be coming from the trees.
"Excellent praise to the sound department! What is that song?"
"That's not us sir," one of the assistants carrying a mic shrugged before going suddenly slouching as he stood. "But I think we should leave it in."
"Y-yes, too true," the director muttered sleepily. "This should be our main soundtrack! If only we knew what goddesses sang such beguiling music."
"That would be us," a sultry voice called out from the trees drawing the attention of everyone. "You all looked so tired, we thought you could use a rest."
A small group of beautiful women emerged from the forest walking towards the cast. They seemed to glide while swaying their hips like the demeanor of runway models. Dorian thought for a split second that Rossweisse was among them, but with a shake of his head realized only one somewhat resembled her. He was soon noticing a pattern as each of the women, in some way, looked very much like many in their life. One was a vibrant redhead like Rias, silver like Rossweisse, a pair that could have been mistaken for Thrud and Kuroka, even one quite close to Akeno and Koneko. The one leading them was the most unmistakable, Saji the first to comment.
"Sona?" He approached her lost in her bespectacled eyes. "I didn't think you had anything to do with your sister's movie. What are you doing here?"
"This feels…oddly familiar," Dorian muttered as he swayed back and forth, the song sounding louder and louder in his ears.
"You've been working so hard," Sona placed a hand on his cheek. "But don't worry, big sis won't bother you anymore." She got on her tippy toes leaning in for a kiss. A moment before her lips would have touched his own, Saji held up a finger to stop her.
"Who are you?"
"What do you mean?" She pushed up her glasses. "I'm your master, it's me…Sona."
"You're not Sona," Saji let out a single almost-pained chuckle realizing his mistake. "I wish you were, but something is just…off. That and the fact your friends' singing has turned everyone into zombies." He glanced out at the staff, director and even a few others who were swaying back and forth mesmerized by the music. Only a handful seemed somewhat able to remain cognizant, Dorian smacking himself in the face as Zepar rubbed his eyes beneath his glasses over and over convincing himself the long-haired beauty in the back winking at him was not Akeno.
"So…many…beauties," Issei's eyes were full of hearts as he wandered closer to them. "Rias, Asia, Cat…" The last line caused the pink-haired knight to perk up blushing as she drew her prop sword to strike him. "They look like them, but aren't them, why is that?" His sudden epiphany stayed her hand before it could connect.
"They're bewitched!" Zepar called out after regaining some of his composure. "Dorian, snap out of it and try your Alfheim light!"
"R-right," he shook his head clear while summoning Laerad Ragnarök, the gem flipping to white-gold. Holding it aloft, a shockwave of light pulsed in all directions, finally striking the band of women.
Their appearance fell away, while they remained beautiful it was clear they did not look the way they had seemed. Their legs disappeared to be replaced with the lower half of a serpent, grey bat-like wings appearing on their backs. Their hair colors differed across the spectrum with skin much tanner than at first seen, the last feature that stood out being their rows of sharp teeth seen through their come-hither smiles.
"Sirens!" Dorian finally recalled his ill-fated encounter with on at Olympus before the attack by Heracles and all that followed. "We need to…"
"You don't need to do that," a previously unseen siren appeared at his side, gripping his arm gently yet enough to stop his attempts to summon Twilight Star. "Everyone is so tired, why don't you just relax with me. There is something I want from you." Dorian's eye twitched as he tried to move. He knew it wasn't Rossweisse, her disguise had been shed away and it was obvious. Even so, a voice growing louder in his mind kept telling him it was, only now did he understand the power of a siren's voice.
Well, I don't feel so bad about almost falling for it in Olympus. Even their normal speech must be able to manipulate thoughts to an extent. I just need…to move…
"Snap out of it!" Catherine tried to call out, only now noticing that everyone, even Koneko and the women were being affected by it. And she was no exception.
"You really are beautiful," a brown-haired siren that was looking more and more like Issei to her by the second approached. "Why don't we get a picture taken together?"
"Issei," Cat reached out and stroked the fake's cheek, her hand not following her commands but moving on instinct to what she was being led to believe. "Despite how you act, there is a kindness deep down. A simple pervert would never have helped with my sisters so much."
"I feel the same," the Issei siren returned the gesture. "Come on, Asia is right over there, we can relax together for that picture."
"Asia and…?" Catherine's eye twitched at the sudden request for a photo with more than one woman. It was the spark she needed, reaching past the siren's face and gripping the back of her head. "Thank you, all I needed was a small bit of that frustration he still gives me."
With that last word, Catherine headbutted the siren hard knocking her out and freeing her from the personalized song spell cast upon the devil knight. In the front, Saji was similarly able to resist the allure of the siren Sona, lassoing her with his Vritra line which started draining her energy. The sirens closest moved in hoping the use their combined song to bewitch even him, breaking their focus from the others. Dorian summoned his Sacred Gear, roots emerging from the ground to seize his siren being sure to cover her mouth.
"Y-you're not Rias!" Issei broke free, calling upon the Boosted Gear onto his arm. With surprising speed and agility, he slapped the siren on her shoulder before bouncing between each of the ones surrounding Saji causing a familiar magic circle to appear upon each of them. With the last one marked, he retreated to Saji's side standing back-to-back. "You okay?"
"Never better, a bit pissed they tried to make me break my faithfulness to Sona though," his fellow Pawn remarked. "You got a plan?"
"Already in play," he saw the scattered sirens were being tied up by Dorian or straight up knocked out by Koneko and the others as they regained their senses. The Red Dragon raised his hand prepared to snap threateningly.
"Why can't you just relax?" The head siren asked, her voice sounding more normal with a hint of frustration. "This didn't have to happen; we can just sing and…"
"One note at all," Issei interrupted raising his hand again. "One slight cough and I'll snap; you've all been marked with my dress break. All I need to do is snap and bye bye to all your clothes!"
"Nooooooo!" The sirens suddenly went from sultry and bewitching to scared and innocent. "Don't do that in front of so many! We didn't mean any harm!"
"No harm?" Dorian asked as he dragged a dozen others behind him wrapped in Iggy's roots. "Then why did you do this?" They all glanced to one another looking very guilty.
"Um, well, you're the High King, right? And you're the Oppai Dragon? WE ARE YOUR BIGGEST FANS!"
"…HUH!?" Echoed loudly across the open glade as everyone heard what they said, but couldn't believe it.
"You all looked so tired," the head siren started explaining, making sure none of her sisters were singing. "So, before you shot the final scenes, we thought you might need a rest. And…while you were resting there was no reason we couldn't take pictures together or ask for signed autographs." Dorian looked to the siren who had been propositioning him for something, now seeing a pen behind her back along with a High King pillow. One by one, they started setting the sirens down, the look of remorse on their faces clear as day.
"What about her?" Saji pointed to the siren who resembled Sona, seeing she still looked the way she did. "That's a physical disguise to look like her mixed with your spell, why the Hell did you dress up as her for real and not with your illusions?" Now the group looked very nervous.
"Well, you see, the reason we came in the first place was…"
"Who is interrupting my shoot?" A blast of wind knocked the sirens back as Serafall Leviathan landed between them looking around. "I was expecting the last scene to be all ready for Levia-tan, but it looks more like a lunch break."
"We had some interruptions," the director motioned towards the sirens, the Satan turning on them with a glare. She approached them with a menacing look.
"Hmmm, what took you so long, Calypso!?" She suddenly leapt forward and hugged the lead siren, a sigh of relief spreading among the team that the island would not be vaporized anytime soon. "I thought you would have been here before we left for our on-site shoots."
"We may have gotten a bit overzealous to meet everyone," she started explaining to her nodding sisters. "We didn't mean for the misunderstanding."
"I was unaware of siren extras," the director turned to his benefactor. "What role will they play?" For a split second, Dorian thought he saw a bead of sweat drip down Serafall's face.
"Wh-why for the background music!" She exclaimed suddenly. "That and the dragon worshippers chanting for the priestess to succeed!"
"I don't remember that part," Issei started flipping through his book certain he would have noticed mention of a small army of women.
"Issei," Catherine approached from behind with a tone that made him freeze. "Have you deactivated your dress break circle?" Issei looked up, realizing the sign was still plastered onto all the sirens.
"Um, was just about to do that, haha," he chuckled nervously as he waved his hand causing it to disperse. "You worry too much."
"With good reason," she eyed him. "But it was a good bluff, since it was just a bluff…RIGHT?"
"Of course!" He shot straighter than a board. "Nothing more!" He tilted his head confused as he caught a slight giggle from Catherine that even she seemed to not have expected. Turning fast, she stormed back to the set a little redder in the cheeks that couldn't be blamed on the sun beating overhead.
Final production scene…
"Stop your prayers!" Levia-tan cried out as the Dragon Priestess Asia completed her desire for the emperor's revival. "Your love for the age-past dragon is not worth the life of this world!" She took a dramatic pose with her magical wand.
"You are too late, my lord and husband awakens once more!" Asia raised her hands high, the dragon status splitting in half behind her. Issei, who had been waiting for his cue behind it stood up spreading his great red wings wide with an echoing laugh.
"Mwahahaha, I am the Sanguine Dragon Emperor, nay, Dragon GOD! The prayers and energy of those evil followers of my ideals has made me stronger than ever to rule this world! First, the Underworld shall suffer for sealing me, then afterwards…!"
Issei continued on his epic speech memorized ahead of time, his confidence growing as the director let the scene roll with an enthusiastic twinkle in his eyes. The rest of the cast were watching near the cameras or from the snack bar, all other scenes having finished shooting except this and Saji's final match which needed the set afterwards. Zepar looked over the equipment, Koneko was munching on a sandwich while Catherine was mouthing Issei's lines as if it would help him recall each word. The team had to admit that the sirens made quite a nice epic chorus as the final boss and Levia-tan met in battle, even before post-production was added, they were sure it would work out really well.
"All in all, I'd say that went well," Dorian smiled to Zepar as he leaned on the nearby chair. "Did you ever think of getting into showbusiness?"
"Hardly," the fallen angel answered with absolute honesty. "While I admit that the endeavor has been quite exciting, I am afraid I could never get used to the façade of it all. Why, even the energy used by Issei and Lady Leviathan is just for show, nothing like the real…"
"WHAT THE HELL!" Issei blurted out as he dodged an attack from Levia-tan that shook the atmosphere and reduced the real stone wall behind him to dust. "Um, rather, do you truly think such a paltry attack could stop me!?"
We were supposed to have low-output attacks, she considers that low!?
"I shall protect this world from you, Dragon God!" Levia-tan proclaimed as she unleashed blast after blast forming into pink hearts of demonic energy that could reduce cities to rubble. Issei scrambled to avoid each one running fast left and right pursued by the magical girl. While in his desperate struggle to survive, he saw Saji hold up a cue card.
This is a big scene; Sona's big sis said you two can shoot at each other more seriously.
A Satan fighting a bit seriously? I'm a dead man! Her attacks are changing the mountains it hits! Not even my damage-resistant prop armor can take a shot like that!
"Fleeing to gain power won't help you!" Levia-tan called out as she chased him. "Fight me head on as you are!"
"Shouldn't we call 'cut' before he dies?" Dorian asked, seeing the Director give a thumbs up, making his and Issei's heart fall into their gut. "How is this okay!?"
"Don't worry, we gave him a devil-power flamethrower," he assured him, Issei only now spotting the turret on his arm.
Thank goodness, if they gave him something to match Lady Serafall's power during this scene… Issei turned and fired the flamethrower, releasing several softball-sized wisps of demonic power that poofed out of existence before they got very far…THAT DOES NOTHING!
"CG will take care of the rest later," the Director insisted as if nothing was wrong.
"It won't bring him back to life!" Dorian blurted out, his calm demeanor crumbling at the insanity around him.
"Your attack was amazing," Levia-tan complimented, acting as if the effects had already been added. "But I won't lose, face my mightiest beam of friendship and love!" She unleashed the attack, the dragon emperor seeing his brief life flash before his eyes before the heart-shaped wave of death.
"G-great Emperor!" A wave of black bats consumed Issei, pulling him out of the path though still being caught up in the blast. The pair rolled, Issei slamming into a wall as Gasper, decked out in his Shogun God armor, reformed a few feet away relatively unscathed. "Speak to me!"
"Everything hurts," he groaned before remembering the cameras were still rolling. "I wasn't able to defeat Levia-tan, perhaps the time of the dragon is at an end…"
"Don't say that! We can get up and push her back, we've done so much work to come this far, we can't just give up now!" Dorian couldn't help but notice Koneko subtly brush away a tear at Gasper's performance mixing his admiration for Issei and adlibbing on the spot.
"Maybe…maybe this is the era of the Vampire," Issei held up his hand. "Go ahead, drink my blood, use my power to bring darkness to this world and beyond."
Crap, that blast really hurt, I can't stay awake anymore.
"Senp…um, Emperor?" Gasper shook Issei's body as he went limp, no longer responding to him. "Emperor? NOOOOOOO!" His scream filled the room as he bit down hard on Issei's outstretched hand. A swirling mass of abnormal aura enveloped Gasper as he drew upon actual power from the Red Dragon Emperor. Once he had drank his fill, he got to his feet raising glowing eyes towards Levia-tan who looked a bit confused as none of it had been planned. "You, Levia-tan, I shall be your opponent henceforth."
"A Vampire Shogun Dragon God?" Levia-tan's mouth dropped open. "Truly a terrifying concept, you shall not escape this island to terrorize the world!"
The pair took off at each other, swirling about creating explosions and swarms of bats creating a fierce battle even without any special effects. Even if she was holding back for the film, Gasper's ability to dodge the worst of her attacks and even land a blow or two had the group stunned. The lighting around the island turned from day to night and back again, the gathered teenagers stunned watching what transpired before them.
"I knew he could do it," Koneko smiled as the pair continued their back and forth, the nekoshou having retrieved Issei's body to ensure he was out of harm's way. "Go get her Gaspy!"
"Man, my scene won't look this epic that's for sure," Saji kicked his feet a bit. "I just get a classic sword fight with one of Asia's cronies."
"About that," Issei regained consciousness and nudged Saji's shoulder trying his best to keep a straight face. "It may be bigger than you think, come on, I'll help you change. My own costume's mask is huge, you'd never be able to tell it's me in there."
Later…
"Phwwaah! That really hit the spot," Serafall sighed as she downed an entire soda in a single gulp. "A job well done everyone; we can call that a wrap!"
"But Lady Leviathan, we still need to finish Mr. Saji's fight sequence."
"Oh, right," the enthusiasm drained from her expression at those words. "Well, that won't take long, it's a five-minute scene, right?"
"He has been working very hard," Dorian asserted, drawing her attention. "Do you really hate him so much for liking your sister?"
"Sona is too good for anyone!" She stamped her feet, showing her childlike side that shined through when she couldn't just vaporize her problems away. "I had planned to ignore him, but…but…she actually complimented him!"
"Huh?"
"I ask how she's doing at school every day; oh, she's so embarrassed she sometimes just ignores me. But last time I asked, she actually complimented her peerage and listed HIM by name. This is a code red situation I have to deal with as her big sister."
"By imposing impossible requirements and trying to find reasons Sona wouldn't like him?" Her pale expression made it evident his assumption had been correct.
"I've been working him hard to show how tough life can be. There's nothing wrong with that!"
"No, but hiring a group of sirens to try and entice him looking like Sona is very questionable for a Satan," the Einherjar had to do everything in his power to not smirk at the look of shock showcasing she was caught. "But he only proved his dedication more by seeing through them, didn't he?"
"When you have a sister, you'll know how I feel," she glared at him. "What do you want to keep quiet?"
"Not much," he acted as nonchalant about it. "Just watch him film his scene and don't cause anymore issues for him during filming."
"…that's it?"
"That's it, he'll be starting soon, so if you want to accept, now is the time." Serafall continued to eye him as if it were a trap of some sort. Upon realizing he wasn't going to say another word, she quickly started flying over to stage 4, the last one that hadn't been dismantled.
The pair arrived just in time as Saji in full costume faced his masked foe. He was dressed in his simple sidekick outfit while his enemy was far more ornate. Meant to be one of Asia's bodyguards, the man was wearing a kimono adorned in gold and red, a Chinese emperor dragon mask completely obscuring his face. Both held a simple blade, neither moving while gauging the other. The powerful Satan was even more surprised to see another present.
"So-chan!" She glomped her sister, Sona, with a smile before realizing she was intently watching the scene. "What are you doing here?"
"I heard my Saji was shooting a movie here, you failed to mention that." Serafall's eye twitched at the term 'my Saji' yet was even more nervous that her deceit had been thwarted.
"I...um...wanted you to see it for the first time on the big screen with the rest haha." She turned her attention back to the scene. "Issei's stance is good. Dorian and Kiba have taught him well. Oh, and Catherine too," she added upon hearing the young knight clear her throat from the back. "Saji is full of openings though."
"Be nice," Dorian reminded her as the scene played out before them.
Saji lunged forward, his masked opponent easily parrying his blow and moving for a riposte he barely avoided. The devil pawn spun on the ground, forcing the dragon warrior to leap up and miss him entirely. He saw it coming, slashing upward and landing a blow. It wasn't very impressive, but effects would make it appear that he had just wounded his foe. The masked warrior staggered accordingly, gripping the spot he'd been struck.
"Your swordsmanship has grown, lackey of Levia-tan," his voice reverberated and boomed. "But you cannot win as you are."
"I don't remember this part," Serafall didn't like it, having expected the fight to end in one attack.
"The director approved a rewrite or two by special request."
"Rewrite!? By who?" Serafall groaned as she saw a sparkle of pride from Sona.
"I was quite proud of the bits I added, you don't have a problem with it...do you?" She knew full well her older sister was incapable of saying no when she asked for something so innocently.
"That's because I've kept a secret from Levia-tan," Saji stepped forward holding out his hand. His Absorption line appeared upon his wrist, the black embodiment of his Sacred Gear containing the Dragon King Vritra. He flared his devil powers, enough to cause their clothes to rustle in the wind.
"I-impossible! You are a dragon heir as well!?"
"I am, but please don't tell her," he took a new stance before continuing. "As rough as she treats me, I really do admire her. I would hate for her to look poorly upon me." Serafall could barely look at him at those words, for the first time looking a bit guilty at her treatment of him.
"My technique is flawless no matter who you are!" The dragon warrior tilted his blade in an overhead fashion popular among period pieces of the Bakumatsu known as a Gatotsu Style. "One hit is all I need."
"Then make that slash," Saji breathed deep as he brought his own sword to level with his. "And I will show you the resolve of the real black dragon!"
"HAAAAHH!" The warrior rushed him, his attack pinpointed for Saji's heart. His blade went forward with perfect accuracy, there was no avoiding it. Before it could strike his breast, the tip of the sword snapped in half off the black armor that materialized around the devil Pawn at the last possible second. As quickly as it came, it was gone fading into the air.
Did Saji just…was that a Balance Breaker? Sona gasped unaware that he was even working towards such an upgrade.
"I can't hold that form for long," Saji admitted more to her than his opponent. "Just a second or two, I hope it satisfies." The same black energy creeped along his blade turning it into a jagged dark broadsword with draconic imagery across its length. Raising it high, he brought it down upon his foe, the demonic and dragon energy engulfing the set in darkness and obscuring all from view.
"AND CUT!" The director shouted. "Bravo Mr. Saji, that was such a thrilling display, um, well..." he started backpedaling upon seeing that Serafall had arrived. Sona ran ahead making sure her cherished Pawn was alright. The young Black Dragon King smiled as confidently as he could, coming across far goofier than he intended as Sona put her arms around his waist to help him stand.
"No need to correct yourself," The Satan smiled as genuinely as she could muster, his masked opponent was down on his butt having been knocked over from the attack. "He did a good job, not even I can say otherwise."
Unexpectedly, she approached and extended a hand. At first fearing a trap, Saji eventually accepted it, the Satan giving him a stern handshake. She didn't say a word, just stared at him instilling the idea that while they were cordial for now, she was not about to give up the protection of her beloved sister. With their silent understanding complete, she went to the masked dragon warrior, offering a hand to help him up.
"I am surprised you were okay so soon after our scene, Issei," Serafall complimented. "Asia's Twilight Healing really is something."
"Oh, Asia healed me a while ago," Issei chimed in, appearing behind Dorian who was smiling from ear to ear. He'd been hiding backstage only appearing now that the scene was over. "I'm much better now."
"Issei?" Serafall squinted her eyes confused. "But, if you're here, then who is…?" The mask fell away, cracks formed from Saji's attack finally taking their toll, revealing a vibrant plume of red hair beneath.
"Well, I haven't done any stage work since I became a Satan other than commercials," the true identity of the warrior, Sirzechs Lucifer, chuckled nervously at Serafall's widening eyes. "When Issei contacted Rias asking for my presence to shoot a single scene, how could I refuse? Well fought Mr. Saji, I yield as per the script."
Serafall's face had gone pale again, realizing the situation. All the same, she just stood there stuttering, Saji backing up with Sona behind Rias' brother just in case she literally exploded.
"Wh-wh-wh-what happened here!?"
"Well," Dorian leaned forward to clarify. "I am not entirely certain, but I do believe Saji just defeated Sirzechs in single combat."
The Tale of Magical Girl Levia-tan would go on to be vastly popular in the Underworld and the allied myths for the crossover tale of the Oppai Dragon, High King and Levia-tan herself. Fans would be demanding for a connected multiverse between the three beloved heroes, leading to a series of sequels in the coming years. Unfortunately, Serafall Leviathan would remember that day most for being the one where her most cherished requirement to date her sister Sona was completed through a loophole of her own making. Despite the harsh conditions and minor role in the film, Genshirou Saji could only ever smile when remembering the events of that blessed shoot.
Our heroes take their first steps off the silver screen and onto the big one with the completion of their first feature film. Saji completes one hurdle on his path to winning Sona's heart despite Serafall's best efforts. The Crossroads Team along with their allies enjoy playing the roles of villains before having to return to facing the real ones. Until next time, I hope everyone stays safe, Reads and Reviews...but most of all Enjoys! :D
