"Now, remember what I've told you, as soon as you cross the border, you Arnett or Asuna do the talking. You're already almost there." Freya said in a calm tone while teasing the two Valkyries.
"Like I had a choice in the matter. You know how she gets when she has a chance to go to her darling." Arnett said while smirking at Asuna who was a blushing mess at this point, and the sudden interruption made by Issei and the girls was not helping, especially since she saw a huge knowing grin that was thrown towards her from Lucy and Chelsea, who she had a suspicious that the Silver head heard it while the auburn girl was no doubt spying them but it looked like Lady Freya ignored her or simply let her attend it since nothing especially secretly was told.
"Lady Freya, we are here as you requested. I do hope we aren't interrupting you?" Lucy calmly said as Freya nodded her head with a smile.
"Oh, my dear, not at all, I was just finishing here. Though now that you are here it will do you also good to hear it." Freya told them as they paid even more attention to the queen of the Norse.
"Now, Red Emperor, as I was just telling Arnett and Asuna, when you cross the border let them do all the talking. They are familiar to the guards and will have an easier time. Also, when the Wing Hussars appear, try to be as friendly as possible and do whatever they say, after all, you are in their home so you must follow their before I forget,there is a universal rule for East, West and South Slavs, whenever you're given to eat or drink you must take even a bit of it as not to disrespect the host. It's they're tradition so better follow it, though a fair warning, their drinks pack up a nasty punch. " Freya said as Arnett started to laugh.
"That is an understatement of the millennium my Lady,you know full well how Thor and others were after a drinking match against those monsters hahaha..." Arnett laughed along with Asuna, which was quickly joined by Freya who was giggling at the thought of her son's and husband being dragged back to the city by Perun's Royal Guard, some Red Dragon Knights and a few of Wing Hussars, who were grumbling about how they lost a stupid bet and were forced to deliver them back and all that. But what was the funniest thing was when they delivered them, they just dropped them, like sacks of potatoes and left while swearing a vengeance on their fellow comrades for this.
"Ah, yes that is still something that I'm keeping over his head when he goes out with Azazel." Freya said stiffing her giggles as much as possible, though she failed miserably seeing the confused faces on the Red Emperor's host.
After calming down a bit, she explained what happened and the ass-kicking that she gave Odin and Thor, which made Issei and his company to laugh while sending Asuna and Freya into a struggle to find breath, while Arnett was on the floor laughing and remembering the scenes that were outside battle her dearest.
Finally, managing to calm down enough, Freya, along with Arnett and Asuna brought Issei and his group to Odin, who seeing his wife and his 2 bodyguards having red cheeks, couldn't help but not raise an eyebrow, which prompted Arnett to suppress her laughter with Asuna to giggle while every so often hitting her in the ribs to stop her, which didn't help at all and only made her laugh even more
"You know what. I won't even bother to ask what you 3 did to have you all so red, but that is for later." Odin said while having a good idea about what was talked, and he was damned sure he didn't want to find out anytime soon since he had a lot of bad luck when it comes to Freya and Arnett.
"Now Arnett, I have a special mission for you, it is important that is done." Odin said seriously, making Arnett stop her laughing to look at the All-Father seriously.
"And that mission is, my lord?" Arnett asked quickly wanting to know what to prepare for.
"The mission is to follow and act as Red Dragon's bodyguard until you reach the East, from there you will get your own team that will be sent to you for the annual Parade, that would be held in the Capital at the red fortress. I received a message from Perun, he wished to put together the most grandiose military Parade ever held. He even invited other realms to come, such as Greek, Roman, Hindu and a few more that would hopefully come. He also said that he would hold a tournament, and the winner of it would receive a Dragon scale armor, made from the oldest dragon scales that they had." Odin said, making Arnett's eyes shine brightly as her grin slowly started to creep onto her face that slowly started to terrify the old God, as he knew that what he just unleashed onto the world would be a catastrophe. And could only pray that Arnett doesn't go overboard.
"Oh, that would be done without a problem my lord." Arnett said in a sing-song voice, terrifying everyone present even more than her crazy bloodlust grin.
"Um...If I could say something Lord Odin." Issei questioned as he was silent till this moment, seeing as it wasn't is time to speak.
"Yes, Red Dragon?"
"Why would Arnett need to be my bodyguard?" Issei asked a bit irritated at the thought of having someone looking over him.
"Ah, I see what you are asking. Well, to answer your question, you can say it is a tradition that both Norse and Slav faction developed during our time as allies in the war against someone that I really hope you don't ever have to face my boy. It was a decision that stuck after it and become something akin to the tradition." Odin said calmly as Issei calm himself as he heard the answer of the old geezer.
"Well then I can't complain too much about it."
"Good, since you are scheduled to leave in 2 hours. I suggest you all relax and enjoy the city. Oh, and everything you would want is on me so go and take anything that you would need or want." Odin said with a calm voice as he smiled at Emperor's peerage that had stars in their eyes as they heard this.
"Are you really okay Lord Odin with us buying a lot of things?" Lucy asked a bit confused as to why the mighty God would do that.
"Well, young Lucifuge think of this as my way of saying sorry for all that we put you through. Oh and Emperor." Odin answered the silver beauty before his attention return to Issei.
"Yes?"
"There is someone who would want to have a few words with you. Go down that path and you will find him." Odin said with a bit of anger in his voice as he pointed the road behind Issei.
"Uhh...okay, well girls have fun shopping. I will see you in a bit." Issei said as he started walking away from the girls who waved back as they went the opposite way.
XXXX
As Issei was making his way towards the mysterious person that wanted his presence, he couldn't help but feel a bit of dread coursing through his veins. After all, he didn't know that many people in Asgard or Norse Faction as a matter of fact, and those that he knew were left in the room that he just exited so that left him with only those that wanted his guts and his gut was telling him that he was about to meet someone that wanted his head.
As he was getting closer and closer to the end of the corridor, he could practically feel the power of chaos that he felt before. But unlike last time, this time the power was unleashed and it was suffocating him as his instincts screamed at him to turn around and run far away, but against his better judgment he pressed forward and exited the path that lead to the huge balcony that was overlooking the city and at the far side of it there stood Wulfrik in his battle armor and weapon at his back. As if feeling his presence Wulfrik turned towards Issei and grinned as he waved him to come closer to him.
(This power...it was a long time since I felt it, it looks like the End time is coming closer and closer.) Belzard said in Issei's head making Issei confused.
'What are you talking about? What End times?' Issei asked.
(Issei, trust me when I say this, you don't want to experience that, but knowing our luck it's something that we can't curve around. I will tell you more when we are somewhere secluded.) Belzard said making Issei sigh before refocused on Wulfrik.
(What Belzard say is true Ise, that is an extremelydangerous thing to talk about in public. Lives were lost by only whispering about it.) Elsha said in extremely serious tone making Issei gulp a bit.
'O-okay, we will talk a bit later then.' Issei replied getting a hum in acknowledgement from his predecessors.
Getting his barring again, Issei closed in on Wulfrik who was looking at Issei with a cold and creepy smile that sent shivers down his spine.
"Issei, I have a few questions for you to answer..." Wulfrik said in a creepy cheerful voice as Issei gulped even harder.
"And that question is?" Issei asked in as calm as possible way.
"Oh, you don't have to be so fearful of me. I have nothing against you. Our fight showed me your power and will and you earned my respect, so calm down. As for question let's start with how you learned that style of fighting? And who, except Elsha, is awake?" Wulfrik asked in a calm voice as he looked Issei in the eyes.
"Belzard thought me that fighting stile though he said he learned it from someone else and he is the only one aside from Elsha that is known to me."
"Hmm...I see, well onto another question...are you really ready to learn Dragon Slayer magic?"
"...Yes, I'm as ready as much as possible though I still need to see where I can learn it from." Issei said with a small frown which was understandable to the seasoned warrior.
"I see, well what I can only tell you is that when you learn that magic, I want to be the first one to experience the thrill of fighting it. After all, you will be the first-ever Dragon Emperor who knows the ancient magic as that. And I can hardly wait to test the power you will have." Wulfrik said with a huge battle grin on his face as he lifted his right arm towards Issei, who accepted the handshake and could only grin in return at the prospect of fighting Wulfrik again. Even though he lost the battle against the warrior of the north he was sure that he would soon get his little revenge on him and that was worth it.
XXXX
Soon it was the time for departure and it was led by Arnett and Asuna, who while one was happy to soon see her fiancé the other was grinning like a madwoman at the thought of a few good battles that would soon await her and her team and that brought a low chuckle from her that made a few people step a good few steps away from the crazy red hair.
It took about 4 hours for the newly formed group to reach the border, between the factions, as they were crossing it the group heard the trumpets of war blowing no matter where Issei and his group looked, they couldn't find where the sound was coming from or see where the troops who blown the horns were coming from. That was until they looked at Arnett and Asuna, who were looking up in the sky with one having a huge smile while other had a small smirk on her faces.
Looking up, the group was left speechless as what they saw was a site to behold. At least 50 winged Pegasus, that were decked with all sorts of armor with runs on them, that no doubt protected the mighty beasts from magic attacks. On the back of that beautiful beasts were warriors all in what looked like medieval armor that was also no doubt heavily runed to protect from magic.
As the company of soldiers started to descend towards the group below, Arnett decided to give her charge final info that would benefit them.
"Listen up guys. While both Asuna and I know them very well and are friends. You must remain proper...oh yeah and you need to go through a few exams to see if you can enter their lands. We all did it, so just so you know." Arnett said with a smile as she turned and watched as Asuna flu towards the first knight that landed almost making him fall from the horse from the impact.
"HONEY! I MISSED YOU SO MUCH!" Asuna shouted making a few knights and Arnett laugh out loud at the never boring moment between the Valkyrie and the Winged Hussar, that was struggling to get up.
"I miss you too also dear, but can you let me go? I have a few things to do beforehand." The knight asked making Asuna pout but complied as she helped him up and hand in hand made her way with him towards Issei and his group.
As the duo approach Issei, he could tell that the one who was holding Asuna's hand was the captain of the regiment. His black armor and dual swords on his back were enough to tell him that, while the unit looking from the other soldiers were more spear orientated, this warrior was sword specialist and a good one at that as it was not easy to wield one let alone two.
"Hello and welcome to the western parts of the Slavic Lands. I'm Kazuto the captain of the 33rd Winged Hussar Regiment also known as "Quick Stab" and the one that will escort you to the capital." Kazuto said with a small bow as Issei stepped forward in front of his group with a small grin on his face.
"My name is Issei Hyoudou. Red Dragon Emperor and this is my group." Issei said with a small bow as he introduced the girls one by one to the young captain, who politely introduced himself again.
"Well now that the pleasantries are over let's get down to the business. I heard that you guys are here to talk to Lord Veles. While I would like to escort you there now, we need to do some tests on you so we can know that you are legimetly here for that. Though don't worry it's nothing sever it's a simple process really." Kazuto said making the group nod as he started his tests that were very simple and easy to accomplish and after a few minutes, they were off towards the capital of the West.
XXXX
Arriving at the capital was not like what they expected, it was more like when you get into Kuoh, a beautiful city that was well developed and brimming with life and nature, it was a stunning sight to behold as they made their way still on Pegasus's backs. As they got closer and closer towards the city, they could feel that they passed a barrier of sorts and like someone flipped the switch everything changed.
The beautiful city was replaced by an magnificent castle, with its walls towering at least 100 meters, and on every 30-40 meters were guard towers covering 360 all around the massive wall, while the first line of defense was an almost electrical barrier that, from what the group gathered, was more like an eye of the storm with over the top high voltage. It was clear that the defenders of the city had a lot of knowledge about what was the easiest way to defend it and if some spears and armor here and there in front of the wall was any indication it was a very gruesome but effective way.
"Release the Barrier! Sector 15! Quick Stab is entering the area!"
The shout was easily heard from the Walls as the hole appeared in the barrier letting the group to enter the city without a problem.
Entering the royal city of the West was easy, as it was already known that the group was going to come and being brought with the Winged Hussars was a signal to the inhabitants and the guards that their ruler was awaiting them, and it was extremely poor for the ruler to wait.
As they closed in towards the royal citadel, they were greeted by, from what Kazuya told them, were the elite of the elite Winged Hussar troops, the Gryphon Legion, a personal guard that has over 1000 victories and are only sent to the front line if the situation on the front is so gruesome that it's almost catastrophic. Though while those warriors are extremely rich in experience, they still train for over 10 hours daily, just to stay and improve their already extremely immense powers and skills, and are some of the battle-ready at any time troops for Lord Veles to call upon should the situation request.
And even from the distance everyone from Issei's group even Asuna and Arnett could easily tell that even if they all combine it would be a hard press battle to even defeat a single solder from Gryphon Legion let alone more and they could see there were almost 2000 of them.
"Don't worry, they are all good men. Some of them are heroes, kings, warlords and even regular solders that impressed the Lord Veles with their deeds and/or behavior, even to the defeated or wounded that made them picked champions of Gryphon Legion. Some of them even trained me in swordsmanship and while some trained to train me in magic, I can tell that that's not for me. But if you ever need advice, they are the best source of it." Kazuto told them with a smile as they were at the foot of the citadel were some members of the legion started to approach them making Kazuto fall to his knee which was followed by others.
"Master Vladislav, it's an honor to see you again." Kazuto said as the elderly man in his 40's approach the group.
The man was wearing golden armor similar to that of Elsha's, but was clearly oriented towards the west faction of the Slavic was a bit shorter then Issei, he had white hair with a long white beard with a few scars on his face, while his eyes were a harden brown color showing that the old man saw a lot of the world and had a lot of knowledge of how things run. He, in his hands, held a short cavalry sword that was an obsidian colored with a few feathers from what the group could say was Griffin, on the handle that was made from pure gold.
All in all, the man before them was an impressive and the power that they could feel was even more so, as they felt if the man in front of them wanted he could easily squash them like bugs even if they all combined together.
"Why Kazuto, it was a long time since I saw you indeed. Oh, and I see that you brought company with you." Vladislav said in a soft and gentle tone as he smiled at his old pupil, who he could easily say was the best he ever trained. Before he directed his eyes towards the rest who could only look at the powerhouse in front of them.
"Yes master, here is Red Dragon Emperor and his team that came from Norse with Arnett and Asuna as their bodyguards. My regiment was appointed to see them escorted from the border to here to meet Lord Veles. Is the Lord in the Citadel by any chance?" Kazuto said making the old man nod before grinning a bit at who accompanied form Norse.
"Oh, and I was wondering why Lady Fey wanted your company but looks like I found my answer haha." Vladislav laughed a bit while making the lovers blush a bit before he composed himself.
"Oh, and where are my manners. I haven't introduced myself towards the Red Emperor and his entourage. My name is Vladislav of the Piast Family. Ruler of Poland in the Medieval age and now the Grand Commander of the South West part of the Slavic Lands. As well as the commander of the 12th Griffon Legion. It's a pleasure to meet you all." Vladislav said while chuckling as he saw some girls look at him like they saw a ghost, which from what he could figure out was due to them being from Europe.
"B-b-but how a-a are you still alive sir? We learned that you died in the 14th century!" Cassie said while being white as a ghost making Chelsea and the Kendo duo look at the man in awe. While Lucy just shook her head as she knew that he was revived by the God of the Slav.
"Ah, well that is because I was resurrected by Lord Veles to be one of his Royal as you can see, I'm still here. But onto your question Kazuto, no,Lord Veles is currently at Moscow preparing the parade with Lord Perun, so I suggest you head there, though before you do that please stay the night here so you can recover your stamina. I know how tiresome it can be to go from one capital to another, even if you have magic at your you rest will inform the Lord Alexander Nevsky, the Commander of Boyars, the that you are coming so that he will know and tell lord Perun and Veles to expect you. I'm sorry for this Red Emperor, but it was something that we didn't expect for our Lord to be summon by his brother, I hope you can forgive us for this." Vladislav answered with a smile making everyone nod and Issei to say it was not a problem at all.
"So, I guess we are free to explore the city then if it's not much of a problem?" Murayama asked with a gleam in her eyes, as this was the opportunity of the lifetime to see what all the cities of Slav Lands had to offer, and her question was answered in a form of a soft chuckle from the seasoned warrior who knew already that the girls were all eager to see it, even Arnett and Asuna, who he knew for some time already loved to go sightseeing the capital of the West.
"I don't see a problem, though try to get back before midnight. And if you get lost, just ask for directions for a place and everyone will tell you how to get here or even escort you here." Vladislav said making the girls cheer in joy while Issei and Kazuto just shook their head.
"Well, what are we waiting for let's GO GO GO!" Katase yelled as she grabbed both Murayama and Chelsea and started sprinting towards the gates so fast that it formed a cloud of dust where they were making others sweat drop at the scene.
"Well, Cassie if you want, you can come with me I know a few top blacksmiths that have some good weapons for cheap prices to buy." Arnett said making Cassie smile as she nodded and left with the red-haired Valkyrie while Kazutoand Asuna also left making only Issei and Lucy the ones to stay behind.
"Yo Lucy, I have an idea." Issei said making Lucy to look at him with a raised eyebrow.
"And that is?"
"How about we go on a date? It's been a long time since we been to one, and while we are at it, we can explore the city." Issei said making Lucy smile before she nodded a few times.
"I love the idea, let's go I heard that the Slavic dishes are some of the most unique and delicious." Lucy said as she took Issei's hand and started to make her way away from the citadel, while in the background Vladislav just smiled at the scene that he saw.
"Ah, young love. I remember it well."
Done.
AN: Hey guys, sorry for the long wait but some issuses apeared and I was delayed.
Now onto the story. The Slavic Arc s started and while West will be more for the show, East and South are the main focus. Though the South will appear a bit later in the story so don't expect Elsha to come soon. As for Peerage and Harem.: Well Rossewiesse and Ravel are out sadly, though in their place will be someone new, though the number of girls is enough though there will be another girl added to the peerage she won't be in the harem. As for the boys they are Natsu and Gray that will also appear a bit later in the story.
Well, that is, for now, I hope you enjoy the story and leave a review.