Ragna126: I am glad Roots can be your first glimpse to the later Light Novels of DxD :) . Not to worry, will be more of Kuroka for sure!
DragonGodZalama: Not bad at all :D I am honored you liked it that much! Well, the shadow had been outside the ship waiting for some to venture beyond the protective barriers...Indra was just the first volunteer XD The implication is there was more fighting them than just the monster itself and it made sure to keep Indra busy so the others could deal with his troops.
swid16kawail: Definitely not safe XD Lots of things older than gods down there, jumped Indra's team the moment they left safety. I like that idea of yours (got one I'll be showing later on). It would explain why it's so monumentally powerful compared to all others. I wish canon had given more backstory to the Trihexa as something that powerful coming out of nowhere felt odd haha. I forget where I first heard it, but one of my favorite quotes is how any science adequately advanced compared to those who view it will come across as magic. That would fit very well here, Kassaegtha seeing these things as normal while others are awed or terrified.
Royalrain20xx: I am so glad you liked it :D Been a Lovecraft fan for years so always had a fascination for those secret, mysterious places of the world with things we can't comprehend. That and it helps start the origins of certain beings in DxD that I was surprised never had an origin in canon beyond "We were always here" lol. And I totally agree, if Issei is going to spend time in the mortal world despite now being essentially ageless, he'd have to consider that outcome. Brings up a lot of questions and possible ideas to get around it. Thank you for the kind words :) I hope to never disappoint and wish you only the best!
avenger3576: Lots of good questions :D I hope you like where I go with each!
OBSERVER01: Full agreement on them being idiots lol, unfortunately the Brigade is pretty arrogant like that where they don't care if all House Phenex come after them. And indeed, that seems to be what is happening...some force trying to prevent anyone from dwelling on the Trihexa for too long...
7: I am so glad! You got it exactly, they won't be precisely the creatures of HP Lovecraft, but the idea of such nightmares living in this place long-forgotten to the surface world being a big one for this city. And yea, Indra is actually the 4th strongest being according to DxD canon, so he's pretty tough which makes how easily he was separated from his men and distracted all the more unsettling. As for how Moloch got the staff to hand off to the brigade...well...that will have details slipped in during the coming chapters :D . To your point on Sona, thank you! I was always fond of her being more intellect than power but it gets forgotten a lot in canon against uber powerful enemies. The fact her tactics can give those who aren't as strong an edge over a superior force is how I wanted to really showcase her prodigal intellect. Full agreement on Euclid being a creep XD.
Libertad the Second: Thank you very much! I always felt they deserved to be pulled into the supernatural events more than they did in canon.
silverhawk88: Definitely Motohama, Katsura it depends how much he remembers since getting clocked out cold lol. That is one thing DxD stories will never lack for, many fights at once from every angle. Kassaegtha wasn't too keen on them coming there, but now that they are...she's running out of reasons to do nothing. I hope you like where the chapters go ;)
fanficcyberman: Makes you wonder which we'd choose in the same situation XD I get the feeling Motohama will get used to it ;) Centuries of being one of the strongest beings in the world definitely worked against him here, too much confidence against something older than his entire myth. :D I sent a full reply to you via PM as usual. Haha, great to hear! I have been a Lovecraft fan for years and it fits so well into DxD under the right circumstances. The effects of the Eldritch are always hard to pin down, but in any situation it is unsettling to those who have never encountered it. Vali is learning that a bit while bringing up bad memories as time sort of runs together when Old Gods are involved. I have been! I hope the same is true for you and that 2024 is treating you right, my friend :D
And with that...ONTO THE SHOW!
"Here," Vali pointed to a map hastily scrawled by Le Fay during their scouting ventures. "Based on the smoke and wreckage we could see from afar, the Noah's Ark crashed here."
"We are fortunate it was so far," Arthur Pendragon added while standing perfectly straight. "Between the distance, the shadow remnants and the creatures that dwell within it, I doubt they will be able to mount a renewed assault on us anytime soon."
"But one from us to them will be just as unlikely," Poseidon remarked dryly. "A stalemate for the moment, I wouldn't want to move a large force through that."
"The traitors had detection magic spread out quite a wide range anyway," Bikou tapped his staff in a frustrated manner. "They'd spot a large force from a mile off and have plenty of time to prepare. The guns on the Ark would do a good bit of damage to approaching troops."
"But a small force could slip in too close for them to be used," Dorian rubbed his chin, unnerved by just how much space they had yet to cover. "No gods, but still higher-ranked righters."
"They have no deities among them," Poseidon tried to boast. "Even one of us should be able to crush them with a large enough force as backup."
"Emphasis on SHOULD," Odin tutted. "They may have no gods, yet their leader was apparently able to bring down a barrier in moments that none of us understand. They clearly have more resources and knowledge than they should. Could explain their uncharacteristic boldness."
"Then why attack them yet?" Dulio brought up what others were thinking. "We can hold out and push back against this shadow, but so far it doesn't seem they can. If we hold our defenses, push slowly to explore and find how to weaponize the Alfheim light, we can…"
"It has been brought to my attention that there is someone of importance held by the Exorcists," Dorian blurted out suddenly. "I think it would be in our best interest to get them out before anything can happen."
Dorian… Irina perked up at his words.
"Who is this prisoner?" Indra asked with a side-glance.
"We don't know, only his perceived importance to them coming here. The source is…very reliable." Irina smiled, touched by the words of praise.
"I'll go," the reborn angel raised a hand. "Excalibur can avoid detection magic easily enough."
"Then I will as well," Xenovia laid a hand on her partner's shoulder. "If Lord Vasco appears again, I can hold the line...and I want to to face him again."
"You'll need more muscle if caught," Tobio stepped forward with a nod. "Who knows, perhaps the source of this bubble is nearby, we can double up objectives to verify that as well."
"An infiltration mission, how exciting," Lavinia smirked with a serene yet somehow mischievous grin. "Just like old times, I'll come too."
"I wouldn't recommend more than that," Odin warned. "I'll be right there, this old eye of mine can see more in the dark than yours."
"My team will not be sitting idle," Vali leaned forward, previously having been reclining on an old chair waiting until something of interest came to mind. "Go after the Exorcists if you wish, but this city is the reason I came here."
"It was all of our reason for coming," Dorian agreed. "If we know where Noah's Ark is, then we can push out in the opposite direction. Then at least we know we're just dealing with whatever is out there and not the rebels. The two teams can travel together at least part of the way before splitting to our objectives."
"With no guide? I thought you liked to plan ahead."
"I do," Dorian stood a bit taller, not backing down before the stern expression from the White Dragon Emperor. "But I think we have the best guide possible right here, don't you agree?" On cue, from his side Kassaegtha stepped into the light forming from the very shadows themselves, making some in the room jump. "I presume that you won't tell us anything, but have a feeling that you being nearby will be preferred to the alternative."
"I'll go where you do," she replied in a completely emotionless tone. "It will be…interesting to see how you interact with that which predated your very language."
She won't admit it, but something here is messing with her, I don't think Kassaegtha wanted me here but her own noninterference won't stop what has started. Maybe…maybe she'll start pointing us in the right direction once we're far enough in. She normally never would have revealed herself in front of so many…
"This is getting so exciting. I'll bring back souvenirs for Volody," Le Fay cheerfully exclaimed while balancing on her broom. "He's going to kick himself he couldn't make it."
Noah's Ark…
"And these heathens have given our best fighters pause?" Ewald Cristaldi asked as he packed items from around his office into a large bag. "No progress at all?"
"None," Vasco reported, the towering man looking battered and bruised with more wrinkles than when he had left. "I got a dozen of us out of the Nagalfr before it came down, but…I was the only one to make it back. The darkness took the rest."
"Their sacrifices will not be forgotten, we are fortunate that your divine strength saw you back home safely," the Church leader made a sign of the cross, flinching a bit and nearly falling. "I am fine, this place has taken its toll on me as well."
"I saw what you did, bringing down this city's barrier, how did you do it?"
"Has your faith left you so easily to doubt me?" Ewald glanced back to the retired exorcist with a stern gaze like a father disappointed with his son.
"…no," Vasco backed down, barely recognizing the man he'd served for years. He hadn't seen what lurked in the darkness which took his comrades, but all the same the thought of heading out again caused him fear not felt since the war. "But can you use that power to clear a path to this 'heart' of the city you spoke of at the sermons? There are creatures in the dark that even our holy light can scarcely drive back. I couldn't get a good look at them…but they're out there."
"But of course, I am preparing for that even now. When I set forth from this ark, all those creatures that spurned our father will be driven before us," Ewald's eye twitched at those last words, massaging his temple. "And I need silence to do so, leave me and tell all others not to disturb me for any reason."
"Yes, of course," Vasco turned and left, his concerns not addressed but there was little more he could do. The moment the door slammed shut behind him, Ewald slumped into the chair, sighing as if a weight had lifted.
"Just a little longer, then this won't be needed anymore. Our guest's expertise was easy enough to acquire, now to see if it can be put to good use in the dark…"
Kuoh Academy…
Lucifuge? Rossweisse considered as she stared down the white-haired devil leading the attack on Kuoh Academy. A relative of Grayfia's? But I thought her family was slain in the war. Her father, her brother…wait!
"You are one of the last remaining Khaos Brigade leaders?" She shouted with a slightly trembling voice.
"One of, but not at the top, too much bother," his pompousness was frustrating Issei who still kept a distance uncertain of what this man could do. "Our associate Moloch is known to you, but the rest can reveal themselves later. My dear sister's handiwork protecting this place was impressive, it took longer than expected to breach it."
We had no idea a Lucifuge was among the Brigade. Their family helped develop the barrier protecting Kuoh, that explains perfectly how they were able to attack. If his aura is anything like hers, he could have bypassed it for his allies!
"Rias' sister-in law is your big sis!?" Issei was shocked at the realization. "Then why are you doing this?"
"She became a servant to the Gremory family, even married that faker. I am the last real Lucifuge left and you can tell her that next you see. I care not for what you think, only this Valkyrie's answer."
"Join you!?" Rossweisse made sure her facial expression showed just how disgusted that notion made her. "Why would I possibly even consider such a request?"
"Here is wisdom," Euclid started suddenly while massaging the bridge of his nose as if suffering from a migraine. "He that hath understanding, let him count the number of the beast. For it…"
"…for it is a number of a man: and the number of him is six hundred and sixty-six." Issei was surprised when Rossweisse finished the verse for him, gripping his own head as a wave of pain struck him. "From the Book of Revelations."
"My thanks for finishing that for me, it is dreadfully painful for a devil to quote the bible, even hearing it is most unpleasant. You used that for this essay of yours written so long ago. An expert on the Trihexa without even knowing it."
"They know about that too?" Issei knew the Crossroads had been passing out copies to figure out ways to prepare for the Trihexa, but had kept it a close secret.
"We have been gathering every scrap of knowledge," he smirked in an eerie way that made Rossweisse shiver. "That particular tidbit was hard to come by, but we found our ways from your time before departing Asgard."
"You didn't…" Rossweisse's eyes widened as the answer came to her. "Other than Thrud, the only one who knew about it before the Crossroads was…"
"That delightful teacher of yours, Lady Eir, I believe it was? She was a bit tougher than we thought but was no match when we came asking about you. She was enjoying her off-season and was completely unprepared for guests."
"How…how could you?" Rossweisse was shaking with anger, color draining from her face as she imagined what they'd done to the woman who had taught her, been one of her favorite mentors and even was the head of the class that took Dorian in.
"Well, the cat is out of the bag," he shrugged weakly. "She is fine, but we helped ourselves to her memories from knowing you. It wasn't much, so we left her at her home when we were done. But…"
The powerful devil ducked quickly as a blast of magic erupted from Rossweisse's hands nearly taking his head off. His eyes were wide, completely underestimating the power she could pull off and her will to fight. Her armor was shimmering instantly, seals present on her hands closing the distance to fight him herself. She was barely recognizable at the rage present on her face, having fond memories of Lady Eir encouraging her studies most of all.
"Kick his ass, but save some for me!" Issei called out while rushing forward to back her up.
"Now now, two on one is most unkind. Grendel, take him."
Issei barely noticed the movement off to his side to bring up an arm to block an immensely powerful punch. The impact sent him flying into the nearby building, collapsing a portion of the wall. Emerging from the rubble, the devil Pawn came face-to-face with a nearly humanoid form towering above him. Despite having arms and legs like a person, its head, wings and tail were clearly those of a dragon. Silver eyes burned into Issei standing out against its deep-black scales emitting an ominous aura that sent shivers through him.
Why do I feel like someone just stepped over my grave, the killing intent from this thing is horrific!
He's Grendel, an Evil Dragon, Ddraig explained, the Heavenly Dragon feeling more worked up than Issei had seen him in days. We are acquainted, he was a formidable foe even back then. I believe he can tell I am in here, though you are a new host.
Grendel? From that poem Azazel mentioned? I thought that Beowulf guy killed him. Didn't he say the Evil Dragons were all gone? That's the aura they were using on Leonardo's monsters!
He did, this should not be possible. Azazel did not lie when he said they were all dead. He should not be here! But now that he is, do not show any weakness, else I will be shamed as a Heavenly Dragon.
"Don't need to tell me twice!" Issei summoned blades of Ascalon on both wrists, bringing their anti-dragon properties to bear against his opponent. "I need to kick your ass and make sure all my friends are safe!"
Not far…
"This is insanity!" Motohama repeated for the hundredth time as they ran through the warzone. Explosions surrounded him, magic-casters attacking everywhere with the student council of all people fighting them off. Matsuda was unconscious on his back, yet the second-year student wasn't struggling with Aika having done something to make him lighter. "How long has it been like this?"
"I mean, the school isn't attacked THAT often," Aika assured, but her side-eye glances were not very reassuring. She punched forward, a white light shooting from her hand and clocking a nearby robed attacker. "By the by, Issei is mostly a dragon, Dorian is a Viking and basically everyone who is anyone is a devil."
"WHAT!?"
"Damnit!" Aika cursed as she kicked, catching a fireball with her foot before it could hit the two under her protection. "Too scared of a new kitty like myself you gotta target them?" The mage who had attacked from a distance grimaced as a cord wrapped around his waist. After several seconds he dropped down unconscious to reveal a blonde student standing behind.
"Saji is in on this too!?"
"Oh, hey man," he awkwardly waved back before jumping down. "You all okay?"
"Mostly," Aika huffed, brushing the scuffs from her uniform as best she could. "It's weird, there are a lot of them, but they aren't really attacking in a coordinated fashion."
"Sona thought the same, overwhelming numbers, but no real focus. Thankfully, they have been steering clear of the fire safety areas, so the normal students are safe. We found a few stragglers but all have been magically wiped and sent back. I'll take these two and…"
"Wiped!? Nononono, you aren't neuralizing my brain!" Motohama jumped behind Aika. "I won't tell anyone, I swear!"
"Maybe…maybe we can hold off on that for now?" Aika tried to defend him. "We have bigger fish to fry, I'll vouch for him for now. Not a peep, I swear."
"Fine," Saji sighed, clearly more concerned with elsewhere. "I need to get back to Sona, she and Thrud got pushed away from us. Get these two somewhere safe and hunker down, okay?"
"Crystal," Aika saluted with a playful wink as Saji rushed off following the series of purple explosions in the distance.
"Th-thanks," Motohama muttered barely loud enough for her to hear. "I guess that's how things got kept secret so long, they do memory wipe stuff like the movies?"
"Yea, but only to the ones who aren't cute," her eyes seemed to disappear behind the reflection of her glasses as a sinister, yet still playful, smile spread across her lips as she clasped her hand around his. "Stay behind me and keep a good grip on Matsuda, we're breaking through!"
Elsewhere…
Thrud crashed against the purple-flame constructs of Walburga, a grin of sheer enjoyment etched on her face. She knew full well that the slightest hit could burn Sona or any of her peerage to nothing. As a result, she rushed to the front to take the brunt of the attacks while Sona strategized from the back all the while manipulating a snake of water to attack where she could. Fortunately for them, most of the lesser magicians in the area had been dealt with, allowing the rest of her peerage to rush in and assist.
We'll have to work with who we have. With the barrier inverted, we can't bring Ylva or Loup inside but they can be ready to rush in the moment we can bring it down. Perhaps they should attend the school as well, a question for later.
"Ruruko, try to get around her! But don't risk those flames. Tomoe, Yura, it's too risky, I want you both to clear out any magician stragglers. Kusaka, look for any weakness you can while Hanaki and Tsubaki support from the rear."
"Will do!" They each called out, utilizing their new Artificial Sacred Gears to their fullest. Strange masks floated across the battlefield courtesy of Reya Kusaka's new gear; Scouting Persona. They allowed her to see through them, providing data to Sona giving them much greater view of the overall battle and enhancing the Sitri heiress' ability to prepare them. They could also be used as shields, but Momo Hanakai already had that covered.
"Applause Wall!" She cried out, creating a barrier preventing the flames licking off the monster Thrud fought from touching them. Unlike their normal shields, these were not made of devil magic and thus allowed better protection from the holy-based attacks. Even so, it was taking its toll due to the sheer power of the opposing Sacred Gear.
"I did not expect to fight Thor's daughter," Walburga looked to be enjoying herself, using the flames to attack while protecting herself with the same to prevent counterattack. "Your lack of a pained expression is a bit disappointing, but I can find that breaking point."
"Please, da hit harder in training," she boasted despite her injuries. "All I need for you is one good hit if you come out of your little safety bubble." That elicited an eye-twitch of annoyance.
"There are ways around brute strength, like taking out your little strategist over there," Walburga locked eyes on Sona, a sadistic expression intensifying as she created a second monster or purple-flames. Still locked in battle with her current one, Thrud could not break away to stop it. "Devour her!"
Sona, Tsubaki and Hanakai opened up with all their spells on the creature, but it was intent on her death even as its flame-forged body crumbled. With impossible speed, it closed the distance, opening its maw to consume her body.
"Get back you bitch!"
"Saji!?" Sona gasped at the last moment, believing she could not possibly avoid the attack. Her Pawn had leapt between them, grabbing the top and bottom jaws of the holy-fire construct with his bare hands wrapped in black fire with strength they did not know he had, held the monster at bay. "Get out of here!" She cried out upon seeing the spreading burns from his hands. "That fire will…!"
"Y-you're not crying for me, are you pres? I know something of fire now," he spoke confidently with a grin trying to keep his cool despite the unfathomable pain ravaging his body. "Isn't that right, Vritra?"
You have grown much in both mind and body since taking me into your soul. With each opponent drained, each enemy fought, you learned and grew. Flames are no longer your foe, even if born from the skies of Heaven. Show me the depths of your devotion to these women!
"Sounds like a plan, don't hold back now…BALANCE BREAK: MALEBOLGE VRITRA PROMOTION!
The black flames losing to the purple swelled at his hands, engulfing the attacking conflagration and consuming them entirely. The fires licked at Saji's body, spreading across it until naught could be seen. After a fearful moment, they receded to reveal a jet-black armor covering the Pawn from head to toe. He had draconic features, but also humanoid ones making him appear as some sort of Dragon Knight in all his glory. There was no hope of the purple reaching his team now.
"Shit, that is a rush," Saji stared at his hands in awe as he clenched a fist. "I can be a real trump card for you now…Sona," he turned to face her. Even with the completely sealed helmet upon his head, she could tell he was smiling.
"And here I thought the only dragons that would be an issue was the Red or White ones," Walburga grimaced before calling forth a new wave of flames. "But you still cannot…!"
"Shut up," Saji leapt forward, tentacles made of the same magic as his draining cord lashing out. Rather than reaching for Walburga as expected, they grappled upon the very purple flames surrounding her. Little by little, her the immense inferno that had engulfed her with power started to dwindle. "You tried to cheap shot Sona; I won't forgive that anytime soon."
"Not…bad runt," Walburga pushed back to resist the power drain of her flames. "But I can counteract this drain, all I have to do is put more power in than you're draining, then…"
"Thanks for the opening," Thrud winked to Saji. "If you'd like, I can give you some training to help reinforce your body in appreciation."
"Wha…!?" Walburga had nearly forgotten about Thrud fighting with her first construct, now realizing she had already slain it.
The goddess stood a good distance away holding the largest bow the stray magician had ever seen. What was most terrifying was that the arrow seemed to be covered in an uncontainable mass of Nordic lightning all now aimed directly at her. Thrud loosed the arrow, the projectile speeding towards her like a bullet. Had her flames been at full power, she could have deflected it with great effort, however, with the drain from Saji's black fire that she had not yet been able to compensate for, in that brief window her defenses were compromised. The arrow tore through the weakened flames, striking her in the chest and sending the magician flying.
"Wh-where is Grendel?" She spat, gripping the arrow that had pierced her shoulder and gone all the way through. Sickening green veins began to spread from the wound that her flames were barely containing. "Y-you poisoned this!? They're on their own. Everyone who can still stand, withdraw, NOW!"
At her command, the other magicians they had been fighting immediately broke off from their attacks to flee through the nearest portal they could generate. The same trick that had allowed them to enter Kuoh Academy also permitted a retreat. Within a matter of seconds, the field was clear of both standing and defeated magicians.
"I learned a lot today," she smiled despite her defeat. "Not just what you can do, your dedication…but also just how much pain I can take. I always looked forward to inflicting it on others and now have an idea of what it feels like. Be certain I'll give this back tenfold…ta." With that she vanished leaving a scorch mark into the ground beneath her in the shape of an intricate magic circle.
"We really need to find ways to stop them from doing that," Thrud huffed as she pulled Gullbjorn out from the floor, dispersing her armor to leave her standing in her Kuoh Academy uniform. "Is that all of them?"
"I think so," Saji did the same, returning to normal before the drain on his energy forced him out of the armor. "Sona, are you…?" He did not get a chance to finish as the student council president leaned forward to plant a passionate kiss on his lips. "W-wow."
"L-let me see your hands, Gen-chan," Momo insisted as soon as the moment had passed, the kiss ending as quickly as it had started. Sure enough, once his armor had dispersed it revealed the burns and grievous injuries the holy flames had caused. "If your armor hadn't kicked in when it had…"
"I would have died for sure," he said so casually with a grin on his face. "But if I didn't, Sona and Tsubaki would have instead, and that would be way worse in my opinion." He barely noticed a small fist coming out of the left side of his vision clocking him in the cheek, though there wasn't as much force behind it as was possible."
"You idiot! What would Kaho and Gengo say if that had happened!?" Ruruko shouted at him. The young 2nd-year student had tears forming around her eyes barely held back by sheer effort. Saji knew her well enough to understand that she wanted to yell at him, scream until her throat gave out and berate him for doing something so stupid. Instead, she stepped forward and wrapped him in a powerful hug, Momo doing the same at his side all the while he was still embracing Sona. It was a new sensation for the Pawn,
"That…ahem," Sona cleared her throat, drawing the attention of the three to her. "That is enough of that. Pick everyone up and let's assess our wounds. Make sure the students are safe and that we can cover up this damage before they come back or blame it on the science lab explosion. Thrud...Thrud?" She looked around to see no sign of the Valkyrie Goddess. "Where did she go?"
"Right, we can do that." Saji stepped back, though relinquished his embrace on her as slowly as possible. "There might be more of them, we have to be careful," the emboldened student glanced left and right now that he had a moment to breathe. "Say, where is Issei anyway? He missed the big fight!"
Kuoh Academy Grounds…
"What's the matter Ddraig, you used to be so strong?" Grendel taunted as Issei used a full impact blow only for the Evil Dragon to shake it off. "That tickled."
His scales are the toughest of any Evil Dragon I ever faced partner, if you want to hurt him, you can't hold back at all!
"No problem there…CRIMSON CARDINAL!" Issei immediately transformed into his strongest form that had challenged Sairaorg and the Hero Faction. "I may have had questions about fighting humans head on…but that is no issue against twisted dragons! SOLID WELSH BOOSTER IMPACT!"
Issei's new strike fully backed by the maximum power of his gear slammed into Grendel's chest. At first, the Evil Dragon laughed, however, that laughter turned to gurgled blood as a sharp pain followed the attack. Protruding from his fist, Issei had extended Ascalon impaling the Evil Dragon through the chest. Lashing out, Grendel seized the Red Dragon Emperor by the head and drove him into the ground.
This son of a bitch overpowered Crimson Cardinal after being stabbed by an anti-dragon sword? Is he even stronger than Sairaorg?
"Anti-dragon powers won't work on me," he growled low. "That did hurt though, this may be more fun than I thought." With that, he started dragging Issei across the ground by his head leaving deep grooves behind.
Ascalon's a no go for an easy win, he's a dragon so my fire breath is out. Maybe…
Grendel roared as Issei's tail wrapped around his eyes, blinding him like Gleipnir's chains had done to him in Kyoto. Using the powerful appendage as leverage, he flipped up to face his opponent, colliding with a powerful headbutt that sent shockwaves out in all directions. Not stopping, he grabbed Grendel by the face, the green gem pulsating as it reached the limit it could handle of silent boosts.
BOOST BOOST BOOST BOOST…EXPLOSION! The power detonated point blank, giving Issei a chance to pull away to a safe distance panting heavily.
He's obsessed with battle and nothing else, his partner continued to explain. He'd even try to get between a fight with Albion to fight us both.
And you never killed him for that?
He is obsessed, but not stupid. If the situation turned, he would flee which happened often. He is used to our full strength but was killed before God sealed Albion and I into gears. He was surely dead, how is he here!?
Any tactics for bringing him down beyond hitting him really hard and keeping out of his grasp?
Anti-dragon magic worked back then, that blow from Ascalon was a good move, partner, but didn't do what it should have. Their allies must have done something.
Hit harder it is, Issei focused, causing multiple blades of Ascalon to protrude from his armor like spikes. If one swing wouldn't do it, then a hundred may have a chance. If only scales were like armor, I could blow them off in an instant.
"That was good, do it again," Grendel challenged as he got to his feet, wiping the dark-blue blood from his lips. "Let me fight Ddraig alone, boy, you are not needed."
"Like Hell I'm not! Even if it were possible, I wouldn't give you the satisfaction. You're fighting BOTH of us." Issei raised his fists threateningly, generating as much power to them as he could muster.
"Very well, perhaps if I kill you, that will free him and we may have an enjoyable match. That, or his next host will be stronger."
Grendel sprang forward in tandem with Issei, the two brawlers roaring with all their might without backing down. Finally meeting, both slammed their fist into the other causing armor and scale to crack with catastrophic damage. It was clear that neither were willing to back down, no matter the cost.
Student safety zone…
"You never know what people are hiding from you." Motohama mumbled as he sat with Aika further away from the rest of the students. Hundreds were huddled there along with several other locations across the different buildings. "Are they devils too?"
The member of the pervert trio pointed to Akeno who was going to the various students keeping everyone calm. It seemed all it took was her smile to put all worries at ease with the other students having noticed she somehow looked even more joyful in recent weeks. Asia had been helping before sneaking out to find Issei and the others. Zepar, having been inside the barrier before it closed, was watching the doors both to keep the normal teenagers in and any attackers out.
"Fraaaiiiid so," Aika answered truthfully. "My catification is more recent, but most were born that way or have been for years. Don't worry, they aren't evil or anything. Apparently, that was in the past."
"Am I even human?" Aika could tell he was trying to keep it together, but what he saw had shaken his whole understanding of the world. "I'm not a devil too, am I?"
"Only if you wanted to be," she teased to ease the tension. "Not sure you'd even make one Pawn Piece, but you never know. Issei had a dragon in him all along without even…"
"You said that before…HOW IS THAT FREAKING FAIR!?" She barely got a hand over his mouth to muffle the sound before others could hear. Only after a stern look against doing that again did the reborn nekoushou release him. "I KNEW he was acting weird!"
"You can't tell anyone, keeping this all a secret is a huge deal to them. I was only allowed to know because of…ya know," she motioned to her head where the ears were now hidden. "Long story how that happened."
"But if I'm a human, that means you're gonna…" He raised a pencil in a manner similar to a mind-erasing device he'd seen in an American movie about men in black suits years earlier. "When this is all over, right?!"
"I'll say something, but avoiding it will only be a possibility if you keep your mouth shut," she bopped him on the back of the head. "I dunno how much Matsuda saw, so you may need to keep it from him too. If he remembers, then we'll deal with that when we come to it."
"Why?" Motohama pushed his glasses back into place as he locked eyes with Aika Kiryuu. "You hate us, you've been thwarting our plans since we first met. Why…why are you trying to help me like this?" He backed up a bit as she put her face directly in front of his.
"Ya know how immature guys mess with a girl they like? Dunking her hair in ink, tripping her, finding reasons to be around her?" Motohama slowly nodded. "Well, guys aren't the only ones that do that. Case in point…" She motioned to Akeno slipping behind Zepar, giving him a soft spank on his butt when no one else was looking.
Wait, but Aika's been tormenting me all this time. Does…no way…THERE IS NO FREAKING WAY!
Not far…
"Perhaps I should slip out," Zepar whispered to Akeno once he had recovered his composure from her show of affection. "I've spread my aura around the room, that should keep everyone calm until the battle can conclude. They may need my help."
"Then I should go," Akeno squeezed his hand to show her concern. "I'm as strong as you now after all," he didn't want to admit it, but knew it was true ever since she'd tapped into the roots of her fallen angel blood.
"I can take holy damage better, they have at least one capable of such power. Sona's team reported that much before we lost contact. Besides, the students will notice you missing. I am…not as popular."
"Perhaps you are now," Akeno glanced to several pockets of girls who had been watching their interactions talking furiously amongst one another. "Gossip can be a powerful thing."
"Akeno likes older men?" She could hear them whispering even so far with her supernatural hearing. "She has been smiling more recently, maybe they just met?"
"No way, look at how they interact, gotta be childhood friends, it's the only explanation!"
"He is kind of cute, is he from the college dorms? Ooooh, they're holding hands!"
"I…see," Zepar sweat-dropped a little upon realizing the situation he found himself in. "In that case, we can perhaps…"
"Akeno, Zepar, do you read?"
"Yes! We are here!" The 4-winged fallen angel shouted too loudly, almost ecstatic for the distraction from the girls' musings on who he was. "Lady Sitri, is that you?"
"We have wounded, but are making headway. How are the students?"
"Safe," Akeno reported with a smile more for those around them. "Did Asia make it to you?"
"Asia? No, we haven't seen her but could really use Twilight Healing. The lesser foes are gone, but their leader is still attacking along with a giant creature. Issei and Rossweisse are engaging them."
"Issei is in trouble?" The pair gasped, Akeno's protective nature for Rias' peerage in full swing. "What kind of creature are we talking about?"
Across the field…
"Such power in one so lovely," Euclid mused as he avoided Rossweisse's magical strikes with the greatest of ease. "You may be able to challenge Grayfia soon, but I learned to defend against her when I was very young. You won't hurt me with that display, why don't you calm down and…!"
Rossweisse unexpectedly closed the distance, cracking him in the jaw, however, he leapt back quickly enough so it was little more than a scratch. The strength-augmenting magic circles on the Valkyrie's hands exploded as he instinctively unleashed immense levels of devil power. A follow-up slap of energy drove her to the ground, leaving her bruised and having trouble standing.
"Now now, none of that," he tutted with a condescending smile. "Perhaps you simply need more time to make the decision. Kneel."
Rossweisse fell to her knees as new circles surrounded him with complicated formulas that even she could barely understand. The pull was so strong that she could not move. Try as she might, all it succeeded in doing was cracking her armor, the power enough to surpass even its protective magics. The silver-haired devil strolled up to her slowly, taking his time as he leaned forward to stroke her hair.
"You are exceptional, even more than you think." His touch made her skin crawl. "And so beautiful, this hair is just like hers, I should like to…"
A wall of lightning impacted the barriers around Euclid's body, sending him flying into a tree behind that cracked from the impact. Simultaneously, the power shattered the magics holding Rossweisse, giving her a chance to breathe and stand. To her joy, a battered, but still in high-spirits, Thrud landed beside her to take up arms at her side.
"You better start running," she grinned while spinning Gullbjorn in her hands. "The rest of your friends were already sent heading for the hills."
"Ah, the daughter of Thor," Euclid stood while brushing the dirt from his coat. "I suppose I could take you as well, it may make your friend more…pliable to suggestion."
"That is NOT happening," Rossweisse scowled as the pair took up positions around him. "You waited for Dorian to be gone, but his absence doesn't mean he isn't felt all around us or that we're helpless. I've been practicing and you are the perfect subject for this!"
Rossweisse's aura glowed silver as a symbol appeared upon the front of her armor, the shape of the High Queen piece she had taken to be part of Dorian's Tafl Kingdom. She had grown stronger from its use, but knew there was more to tap into and spent hours honing it, ready to unleash. Euclid tried to step in, only for Thrud to propel herself into him to buy time. His strength was impressive, repelling her after several seconds, though earning a slash across the chest for underestimating her. As he turned back to Rossweisse, he was too late to prevent what was happening.
"A real High Queen, right?" Thrud remarked as she landed. "Bet Odin is kicking himself firing you now."
Rossweisse's attire had changed, her armored hip guards extending around almost like the skirt of a regal gown. The breastplate covered more of her chest, wrapping around her shoulders with winged pauldrons creating an imposing silhouette. Her hair clips had become a full helmet protecting her head, but with an opening in the back to allow her hair to flow freely. Euclid looked on with growing concern able to sense the power flowing from her. Even without aid, her strength had been surpassing many ultimate-class fighters. With this new turn of events, even his Satan-level powers may be pushed to their limits.
"I haven't heard of Lord Thor or Vidar's Tafl pieces unlocking this power, am I the first?"
"Wouldn't be the first time you thought of something before anyone else," Thrud complimented. "How about we crack his head in before admiring it?"
"Agreed, you will NOT touch me again," the silver Valkyrie threatened as her eyes glowed bright. Crossing her arms over her chest, magical circles lit up across the floor. To Euclid's shock, every single one was immeasurably complex and powerful. Surely, it would have taken her a long time to set them up ahead of time, but now she had done it in seconds. "Cover me Thrud, but stay back…I don't know how well I can command this much power at once."
Euclid's devil wings exploded from his back, allowing him to avoid the first barrage by mere moments. Unlike her drunken cascade of attacks in Kyoto, these were calculated, tempered and controlled. Arching beams of energy, pockets of enhanced gravity, projectiles of every element and type chased down Grayfia's brother with many finding their target. His barriers held out, but it was clear he was running out of room.
She wasn't supposed to be this strong! No matter, if I can get close enough just to touch her, my amnestic spell should kick in even through her protection. Once she's down, it will be child's play to escape with her.
Euclid returned fire, his magical energy ripping through the grounds towards her. To his supreme confusion, his attacks fizzled out and dispersed upon contact with the shield surrounding Rossweisse. Using that to calculate an opening, he made his move. The Kuoh teacher's face contorted in frustration as her best attacks missed him, the devil weaving around them having spotted a pattern to her circles and located the best path towards her. In the blink of an eye, he was almost there, reaching out towards her.
One touch, that is all I need. Just one tou…
"She said NO TOUCHING!" Thrud dropped down between them, the genius devil having been so focused on his intellectual equal that he forgot to account for her ally. "STAY DOWN THIS TIME!"
Thor's daughter swung Gullbjorn like a baseball bat, energy crackling with everything she had. Euclid could only grit his teeth and scream as the full power of her family was brought down upon him in tandem with all of the incoming attacks of Rossweisse. In that moment, he learned the resolve and power of the two strongest Valkyries of Asgard.
Within the Underwater City…
"How old is this place?" Dorian ran his hands along the wall that didn't feel quite right, not able to even guess at the material.
"Older than my bones," Odin admitted. "This is a first, me feeling like the young one in the room. Start your work." On his command, the expedition teams specializing in archaeology moved to take samples of everything they could while simultaneously making rubbings of the strange glyphs scattered along the walls in a language none could discern. Dorian walked around, staring up at the ceiling that seemed to go on so far up as if it reached the surface above the ocean.
"I can see the stars," the Einherjar muttered. "What was this room used for, a temple?"
"Close, but not quite," Kassaegtha emerged beside him in her older form. "Those who lived here were so different from each other that places like this were needed for perspective. Not for worship, but so the sheer difference could be seen."
Good to see her so talkative.
"What difference, between mortals and Old Gods, or between the Old Gods and the new?" She only nodded at his guess.
"This place, I didn't plan on coming back so soon but that is the trade-off for not knowing how things will go." The dark-haired entity knelt to touch the floor.
"Is it just as you remember?"
"It's been such a short time; I can barely tell the difference."
She keeps shifting ages each time we see one another, is her kind so unable to grasp how time affects mortals? This place is a ruin, dark and waterlogged yet she doesn't see a difference from when she was last here? Dorian knelt with her, not sure what to say.
"What happened here?"
"They left," she wouldn't look at him as she did so. "I did not agree, but they did so anyway. The last city where our kind tried to live among mortals ere your gods ever formed."
"Dorian!" Hecuba called out suddenly with worry in her voice. "We are not alone!"
The Einherjar spun, the sizeable forces they had brought consisting of soldiers, Vali's Team, and the Neo Hero Faction taking up arms in the direction she pointed. Despite their many lanterns, spells and flashlights, the corridor leading deeper into the city was utterly dark save for the eerie glow of many eyes. They were not in pairs, but seemed to be almost at random. Some of the shapes had one, while others had many, the most Dorian saw that appeared to be attached to a single one being eight.
"Who are you?" Indra raised his hammer high, ready to strike at a moment's notice. Their only response was a strange sound akin to clicking and slurping that actively made Dorian ill to hear. The sentiment was shared as even Hecuba gripped her spear tighter.
"ALFHEIM!"
Dorian and a half-dozen elves renewed the bubble of light surrounding them. The darkness surged inward threatening to overwhelm them even in a weakened state from what they faced outside. Despite their efforts, tendrils of shadow got through, enveloping some and obscuring them from sight. A few were never seen again, while others were pulled back into the light before they could be taken. Their injuries proved to be the only clue as to their attackers, some coming back with gruesome slashes covered in a disgusting mucus-like substance. The group formed a circle around their weaker and wounded members, Twilight Star and the True Longinus shining bright.
"Gungnir!" Odin called out, his legendary spear firing a beam into the darkness. Despite seeing no clue as to the efficacy of his attack, they noticed the advance of the shadows slowed. His fake eye was darting back and forth desperately trying to find the slightest hint as to the direction of the next attack.
"Stop," Kassaegtha spoke, her voice heard by all in the entire chamber despite never seeming to grow beyond a whisper. "Look up to the stars and know the difference." Her body grew miasmic and black, gold eyes flashing as she turned them on the creatures that clung to the darkness. "Or have you grown so forgetful in the blink of an eye?"
The clicking slurps quickened, a tone the others could sense without a doubt, one of fear. Dorian felt his skin crawl as she started responding in the same tone of unsettling sounds, knowing the intricacies of this eldritch language as if it was a part of her. After several moments, the creatures' eyes started to disappear, receding further into the unseen shadows as Kassaegtha turned to them expedition
"They will not hinder your teams while I am here, and the watch dog has retreated to higher priority areas to lick its wounds. You may continue unimpeded."
"Th-thanks," Dorian meant it but was still unnerved as the eyes continued to watch them. "This room was not for worshipping, you said? Do they live here?"
"They do not worship me," she tutted him. "They just know better. Their kind live here, however, are but pale imitations of the tenants we left behind and are barely more noticeable to me than one of you."
Who knows how many years of evolution they've been here living at the bottom of the ocean with no way to reach the surface.
"That is…good to know."
"We should still keep a guard," Odin recommended. "Let the experts do their work while the rest seek out the Ark. Dorian, if you would…"
"He is coming with me," Kassaegtha billowed up to Odin's height, her gold eyes peering into his false one. "Where I need to go is more important than your spat with the exorcists."
"Where is that?" The Einherjar asked, head tilting slightly with the curiosity spiking within him.
"To the heart," that is all she said before walking towards the mass of hidden denizens of that city. The darkness parted to allow her passage, the path remaining open awaiting the one she had beckoned. The eyes watched him intensely.
"Fuck that!" Ratatoskr blurted out. "Ye aren't actually planning to walk into that alone are ye?"
"Not alone," Hecuba stepped forward, the True Longinus gripped tightly. "I shall go with you; my Hero Faction will remain to guard the scientists."
"I wish to see this 'heart' for myself," Vali insisted. "Bikou, Arthur, you're with us."
"Le Fay, can you stay here and help keep the area secure?" the magician saluted insisting that she would not let him down.
"As do I," Diehauser Belial raised a hand. "If these creatures have energy that I can comprehend, my 'worthless' ability will give us an edge should they attack again."
The power to disable any ability he is faced with, no wonder he became the number one Rating Game King. That is a terrifying skill to face.
"You will go nowhere without me," Indra demanded, pushing to the front. "A heart implies a place of great importance, enough to make this cursed venture worth it."
"If these things will keep their distance, we can head to the Ark as planned," Irina stepped forward with a look of determination. "To rescue this prisoner of theirs."
"And get some payback for their betrayal," Xenovia stroked Angurvadal. "Maybe cause enough of a distraction in the meanwhile to keep them from even thinking of sending forces against us."
"That sounds delightful," Lavinia raised her hand. "Then Team Slash Dog will provide their services, right Tobio?" The dark-haired man nodded with determination.
"Me as well," Seekvaira also volunteered. "I am also Crossroads and would be ashamed to remain behind."
"Do you know the Ark Ms. Irina?" Tobio asked. "You mentioned having seen years ago it when it was stationary?"
"Yes, once we arrive, I think I know where the captive is being held…if he wasn't wrong about that of course."
"Be careful," Dorian insisted to the three. "They don't have Kassaegtha', so they may be facing these natives. If you can't get in, do not risk your lives."
"We will make it back," Irina's confidence was contagious as she looked dead into his eyes. "You stay safe, I fear that where you're going is more dangerous. I will pray for you."
Once Irina's team and Slash Dog had split off towards the Ark's location, Dorian looked to Hecuba with a nod, Vali understanding his gesture. While Indra was on the expedition, they did not trust him. Having Diehauser with them would be a boon considering his powers rivaling that of the Satans. Without a word, Dorian moved to follow Kassaegtha, the many-eyed creatures doing nothing to hinder him or those who traveled behind.
"Godspeed ma boy," Odin tipped his hat, a motion Dorian spotted, the restrained smile on his face relaying what thanks he could at the sentiment. "Well, what're you waiting for!?" He bellowed to the archaeologist and scientists around him. "I want to know the complete history of this place before they come back…HOP TO IT!"
Dorian heads deeper into the heart of the strange city at the bottom of the ocean led by the oddly helpful Kassaegtha as the battle in Kuoh reaches its conclusion. Under the cover of the unnatural darkness, the rest approach Noah's Ark to come face to face with those once called allies. Until next time, I hope everyone stays safe, Reads and Reviews...but most of all Enjoys! :D
