I don't own anything. All characters and all rights belong to Ichiei Ishibumi*
M for mature topics. No children allowed. *
The Broken Boosted Gear
By Try Another Time
"She will come around. Once the time comes, she'll grow out of that shelf. She belonged with us. Her home was always within reach, and it took a while for her to understand it, but she did in the end. Don't lose hope, Dad,"
Those words seemed to escape her grasp as she tried to recall where she heard them.
"Who said that?"
"Why can't I recall those faces?"
Unanswered questions tormented her, each one a sharp thorn in her mind, as she struggled to grasp the memories that remained just out of her reach. As she awoke drenched in sweat, her eyes looked around only to realize where she was.
"Sonna." As Ophis turned to her left, she saw Sonna's sleeping expression. As her eyes turned to the right, she saw Tsubaki in a similar state.
She met two girls by chance, but now she has started to see them more as welcoming acquaintances with whom she enjoys a temporary distraction. She could have used another term but felt afraid of even daring to use it.
"Everything will come to an end. I will be gone, and all of this will be no more than a memory in the back of my mind."
Ophis knew her one wish was just around the corner. Patience was the key to obtaining it, and until then, she had to wait. Until that day, she could play around and get distracted but never forget her goal.
"I don't belong here." She told herself as she got up.
Yet that voice returned as it said, "She belonged with us."
It felt like someone was daring to challenge her ideals and beliefs. The things she had learned for centuries as she was rejected and feared by everyone… except for….
A hand grabbed a hold of her. As Ophis turned around, she saw Sonna holding the edge of her coat.
"Ophis-sama, what time is it?" Sonna asked with a sleepy voice.
Among the devils she had met throughout the ages, Sonna had to be one of the most charming, as her darkness held a distinctive sense of purity. She knew Sonna was no saint; darkness was part of the nature of devils, but she and Tsubaki didn't hide anything from her.
Even their mysterious cult was no secret to her, making it even easier to feel at ease with them.
"Sonna is still early." Ophis looked around the room until she found her target beside the bed. "6:17 AM."
"Oh…. is truly early. Let's go back to sleep." Sonna tried to pull her back to the bed.
Ophis shook her head. "I can't. I have something to do."
Sonna turned to her with a questioning look. "... Is it something with Nii-sama?"
Ophis thought about it before she replied. "Maybe Ddraig has the answers I'm looking for."
Sonna smiles. "He might. Look for him and talk things out. We'll be waiting for you." Sonna lets go as she returns to the warm embrace of her bed.
Ophis watches as Sonna falls asleep once more. She gets off the bed and covers both girls with sheets to keep them warm. "... I'll see you later."
Ophis then uses her powers to open a small portal that leads straight into her room on Earth. As she enters the room, she finds it clean and still holding the small trinkets and gifts she had collected since arriving at the residence.
Toys, clothes, or small items she had received were all part of her small treasure.
Regardless of the price that was paid for each one, the sentimental value each one held was far beyond what many could describe. Ophis could try to deny it, but to her, each one was important and even harder to let go.
"But there will come a day when I must say goodbye. None of this will last, as my path leads far away from all this." Her hands grasped a small Rubik's cube, which remained unsolved. She began to try to solve it as she moved the sections around to match the colors, but regardless of her knowledge and age, the small toy remained an impossible challenge. Like her own problems and doubts, which remained unfixed, she felt like a piece that didn't fit the puzzle of life alongside the gods and their creations.
"Stupid toy." She said as she put it back at its home on her desk.
A small knock on the door drew her attention.
"Ophis? Are you here?" It was Ddraig, who was still in his pajamas.
"... Come in," Ophis said as she sat on the bed.
Ddraig opens the door, and his eyes meet those of Ophis. The legendary dragon is dressed in purple shorts, a matching shirt, and a hoodie. As he examines her expression, he can tell something is bugging her. "Morning, you just returned from Sonna's home, didn't you? Did something happen?"
Ophis shakes her head. "Just another night of late-night games. Sonna and Tsubaki have more energy than you can imagine. Nothing else happened."
Ddraig raises an eyebrow at her evasiveness. "Ophis, that expression doesn't inspire much confidence in me. You have something you want to speak about. What is it?"
Both dragons looked at each other as the silence between them took over. Ophis didn't feel comfortable asking her questions with such ease, but it was eating her away as she saw nobody else to speak with.
"... I had a dream. A dream that has been escaping me for a while. One that I tried to ignore, but it has been hard to let go of in the end." Ophis starts.
"I see…. Is this dream something that you can't easily remember? Like pieces of memories that slowly vanish while leaving you with more questions than answers. As if something important that you shouldn't forget is leaving you." Ddraig approaches her before taking a seat next to her in the bed.
Ophis' eyes widened as she was amazed by his comments. "Did you have a similar dream? What did you see?"
Ddraig shakes his head. "I can't recall the faces anymore, but their voices—or at least a few important parts—remain. I tried to recall more, but the pieces kept disappearing. Voices who spoke about Albion as if he were dead."
"Ddraig, he's already dead."
Ddraig shakes his head. "Albion's soul disappearing…. dying. A dream in which my equal is no more. A dream in which Albion no longer exists. I spoke to him about it; we'll I tried to."
His reply gains the attention of Ophis, who starts to consider these dreams far more important. "Albion's demise…. What did he say about it?"
The Welsh Dragon shakes his head. "He told me to ignore any weird dreams. He paid no importance to my weird dream of the week. He told me to focus on the present and the future. He was far more worried about Susanoo's possible attack."
Ophis sights. "Classic Albion. He worries more about you than even his own safety. I guess that's what makes him who he is."
"?" Ddraig turns to her with a questioning look.
"I watched you two from afar back when you had your original bodies. Your duels were more important to Albion than even eating. You would go back to heal and rest while he would return to his nest to prepare for the next fight. His eyes brimmed with excitement as he sought to face you once more. You had the same eyes but found other things to do in between. His life was focused on you and your fights; nothing else mattered from what I could see." Ophis admits.
"Wait… you spy on us?"
Ophis looks at him without a drop of shame. "Since we met that night, I have kept my eye on you. You said I wasn't a fighter, and after seeing you fight, I acknowledged your statement as accurate. I have no drive to learn and evolve like you do. You might lack my endless power source, but you never gave up or retreated from a fight. You took even your little power and changed to a point where you matched the very gods that created so many realms—always facing opponents that increase in strength without fear. I have yet to see fear in your eyes; you are a true fighter, and because of that, I know that you can achieve my dream. You can achieve the impossible regardless of the hard path that presents itself before you."
"Ophis…"
"I know that you will make my dream a reality. I believe in you, and so do many others." Ophis looks at her hands. "I guess Albion was right about something. That weird dream won't change anything as long as you're here."
Ddraig can't shake the feeling that he shouldn't ignore the dream. As he sees her eyes that still chase the void, he hopes to fill them with light. "... can you tell me what you saw in that dream?"
Ophis smirks. "Are you going to ignore Albion's advice?"
"Please. I… just want to know that I'm not leaving an important stone unturned."
Ophis' eyes see the concern in his eyes. "Do you really want to listen to the weird visions of a dragon such as myself?"
Ddraig reaches out and grabs her hand. "As long as you need me, I won't ignore your pleas. If something concerns you, I will be here to listen. So let me hear what you saw."
It had always been like this since that very night. His words rang true as he spoke to her without any reservation. He was the first one to offer a helping hand, a meal, and a welcoming smile. She had yet to understand what he meant to her, but at least for now, she trusted him as her only confidant.
"She will come around. Once the time comes, she'll grow out of that shelf. She belonged with us. Her home was always within reach, and it took a while for her to understand it, but she did in the end. Don't lose hope, Dad. I can't recall their faces or where I saw such people, but their words shook me as they spoke as if they knew me. As if they knew something I didn't." Ophis said.
Ddraig said nothing as he tried to recall if he had heard something similar. His head hurt, but he reached for the fragments that remained so close yet so far. In the end, he couldn't get them. "... Thank you. I'll keep it in mind."
"It was just a dream, Ddraig."
"Maybe, but I won't ignore it so easily. As long as I remain, I won't let it go. I will hold hope in those words." The dragon stands up and turns to her as he offers her a hand. "Come on, you might need a long bath after such a long night. Your hair might need some washing as well."
"I'm not a child. I can take a bath on my own." Ophis turns her head to the side.
"I never said you were a child. We both know you like some aid with that unruly hair of yours. Do you want me to get Tiamat to help you?"
Ophis growls as the name of her 'enemy' is mentioned. "I will never accept any aid from her."
Ddraig shakes his head as he goes ahead and carefully picks Ophis up. "Such an unruly dragon. Let's get you to the bath."
"Damn you!" Ophis playfully punches his chest as she's carried like a princess in his arms. Although she claimed to hate it, she actually enjoyed this closeness as her eyes seemed to gain a speck of light for a moment.
A couple of moments later.
Amongst the steam and bubbles made from the hair products, Ophis hair was washed away by a warm stream of water. Ophis's long strands of black hair were carefully cared for by Ddraig, who undid any tangled strands with a red comb.
The Welsh Dragon's hands proved effective, but not a single time did Ophis share even a single sound that demonstrated pain.
"... Your talents for hair care never cease to amaze me. Maybe fighting is not your only talent." Ophis says as she remains seated.
Ddraig chuckles. "You seem to forget that I also have long hair; others keep me on my toes whenever they ask for some aid."
"Like the Shota Lover?" Ophis asks.
Ddraig holds back laughter as he hears the nickname given to Tiamat: "Yes, Tiamat does ask for my help on some occasions. Do you really need to call her that?"
"She called me Loli-baba. I'm not a loli or anyone's grandmother. I also didn't tell anyone to like the younger form of their significant other."
The Welsh Dragon does his best to hold back the laughter as he continues to work. "Ophis, you look like a child in the eyes of many."
"We're ageless. I'm far older than anyone across the realms. Also, this form is the one you… approved off."
"I approved?"
Ophis quickly delivers a punch to his chest. "Idiot. Would you prefer it if I looked like I used to? A frail bald old man?"
Ddraig shakes his head. "I said that it fitted you. My approval means nothing."
"Well, it did to me, as someone said my previous appearance didn't fit. Do you think that hearing your stupid voice claiming it didn't feel right to speak to an older man made me happy? I had used that form for years."
"And yet you never transformed back into it."
"..." Ophis grows silent.
"Us dragons choose forms that fit us. Forms that match who we are."
"Says the asshole who has a different face compared to back then."
Ddraig smiles. "The current me is just not who I was back then. This form is who Issei and I symbolize—the union between two souls. Past and present. You don't need to remain a child forever. You're free to age yourself up and even change genders if you please."
"... I don't know about that. I… like this self. Small yet useful." Ophis explains.
"And that's okay. You should be happy with the appearance you choose. We're dragons, not humans; we take the shapes that fit ourselves."
"..." Ophis remains silent until an idea pops up. "Give me some space."
"Okay…" Ddraig stops his activity and stands up while holding the towel around his waist.
Ophis stands up and closes her eyes before her form changes. A small tornado of flames encloses her before a new form is revealed.
Her form resembled that of a much older Ophis, one who was around 25 years old. Her stature was almost at the height of Ddraig. Her attributes didn't match those of Tiamat or most older women she had seen, but none resembled those of a child anymore. A small pair of purple horns sat on her head as well.
"What about now?" Ophis asks with a deeper voice. "What do you think about this?"
Ddraig is left without an easy answer as his mind tries to fit this form into the dragon he knew. To him, Ophis was still immature, a dragon that didn't know many things about herself—a traveler who was still embarking on a voyage of discovering many things about herself.
But before he could give his answer, an uninvited visitor opened the door to the bathroom.
"Dear, are you-" Tiamat stopped herself as her eyes saw the naked girl before Ddraig.
"Shota-lover? Don't you know how to knock on a door?" Ophis asked.
"Loli-baba? What is this?" Tiamat, who had her body covered by a towel, approaches the older-looking Ophis. "Did you grow tired of your loli form?"
"I don't need to offer any answers to you," Ophis says as she steps forward.
Their bodies are almost at the same height. Their boobs, although nowhere near the same rank, clash against each other as neither dragon seems to be willing to take a step back.
Both growl at each other as their hands change into claws with the intent to be used in a deadly encounter.
Ddraig can't only shake his head in disappointment as he approaches the wall before he grabs the hand shower and points it against both dragons. A stream of cold water quickly dissipates any desire to fight as Ophis and Tiamat scream at him to stop.
"Are you two cold enough?" Ddraig asks.
"We are. Stop it." Both reply.
"Good. It is too early for dumb fights. Now, take a seat and let me finish my job. It is ridiculous for you two to engage in arguments so early. Tiamat, get a seat; I also wash your hair only if you can be a reasonable dragon." Ddraig says with a demanding voice.
Both dragons drop their heads in shame as their bodies shiver due to the cold water.
A couple of minutes later.
"So let me get this straight. You change forms on your own." Tiamat asks as her body rests on the giant water tub alongside Ddraig and a smaller Ophis.
"Yes. I wanted to see what Ddraig would say about an older me. I didn't get my answer due to your interference," Ophis admits. Her eyes are closed, and her body enjoys the water's warm embrace.
"I mean, it is still you, but it also feels a bit offDdraig admits as he enjoys the water.
"How so?" Ophis asks.
"I mean… You still have that air of being a child who is not ready for that age." Ddraig admits.
"I'm not a child." Ophis objects.
"But you do have that sensation. I think I know what Ddraig means. You're still learning many things. You feel incomplete, as if you're missing many important pieces." Tiamat adds.
"Pieces? Like what?" Ophis turns to Tiamat with a questioning look.
"Pieces that make us adults. Maturity and everything that encompasses. You know that you're an adult when you obtain such things. They are gained through experiences and events that shape us into adults, such as knowing what death means, facing our mistakes, and learning how to move on when things don't go our way. There are many examples and no clear list, but we know deep inside when that time arrives." Tiamat explains.
"... Maturity?" Ophis reflects on this. Her expression seems lost, as she never considered what being an adult symbolizes.
Ddraig sees this and slowly pats her head. "Don't overthink it. You can remain just the way you are. There's no need to force yourself to change. Change happens naturally. You'll see it with Sonna and Tsubaki as time goes by."
"Oh…. I see." Ophis looks a bit hopeful as she expects to learn more about adults through her 'acquaintances.'
Tiamat shrugs her shoulders as she hopes for the best from this. "Dear, you have free time, don't you?"
"I do. Do you need something?" Ddraig asks.
"I want to visit a few shops in Shangri-La with you. There's a sunny forecast, and I hope to try many of the delicacies that Tosca mentioned. I've been busy for a while, but finally, I have time to walk around and try some." Tiamat explains.
"So, a date?" Ddraig smirks.
Tiamat shakes her head. "No, this time. I just want to visit a few shops. I have some ideas for dating spots, but I will keep those for later. We can take this brat with us if she feels like coming along."
"Eh?" Ophis raises an eyebrow. "What's your plan?"
"Food should be shared even with those we don't get along with. You can reject the invitation if you feel like it. Ddraig and I will do fine on our own as we try as many delicious plates as possible." Tiamat says with a cheeky smile.
Ophis's mouth starts to water as she imagines what sort of things she could try by going along. "I'll go, but only for the food."
"Very well. Let's finish here and get change. Raynare and Gabriel can take off the kids." Tiamat says with an excited voice.
Ddraig felt at ease knowing these two could get along at least once. He hoped for a future in which, even without him around, neither would jump to each other's neck.
Several hours later, Shangri-La.
*Stefanie Joosten- Quiet's Theme*
The trio continued their walk through the city streets while enjoying some of its restaurants and delicacies.
Although there was no sun in the sky of the Underworld, the day felt great as nothing seemed out of place, even with the imminent threat on the minds of many.
"Let's go here. I hear there's a spicy bowl challenge." Tiamat said as she offered Ophis a small guide.
"But it could prevent me from reaching the Divine Sweet Experience. I want to try that dessert," Ophis argued.
"We have time. If we're fast enough, we can get to the Strange Course. I heard they offer exotic plates that few can finish." Tiamat added.
Ddraig could only smile as he saw Ophis and Tiamat interacting without wanting to kill each other. His mind felt at ease as he saw both with excited expressions while figuring out where to go next.
"You seemed happy." A voice told him.
Ddraig eyes turned to the source of the voice. On his left, Shiva appeared as the ever-lasting omen of the danger to arrive. His mind connected the dots as he saw the somber expression on his face. "Shiva…. Is that time?"
Tiamat and Ophis turned to the god with concern.
"... It will depend on you," Shiva answers as his eyes turn to the sky.
Dark clouds started to appear on top of Shangri La as the peaceful day slowly took a turn for the worse. Tiny raindrops began to fall as the residents of Shangri La felt the presence of many arrivals.
A large portal opened from which a gigantic lighting strike descended.
Tiamat reacted on time, raising her hand to close the crystal dome surrounding the city. As the attack was blocked, any damage that could have reached Shangri La's people was neutralized. Her connection to the city told her that everyone was in danger, but she could only look at Ddraig as he stood motionless. The dome kept everyone safe, but it also prevented her from moving an inch.
"Don't do it," Tiamat told him as she saw the expression on his face.
Ophis didn't understand what was happening as Ddraig remained silent.
"It's up to you, Welsh Dragon. Allow blood to be shed on both sides, or choose the greater good. I will accept any path you decide to take." Shiva said.
Enemies started to arrive while riding flying ships resembling those of ancient Japan. Large numbers of Youkai followed 5 Shinto deities as they arrived with the intent to fight until the very end.
Alarms went off around the Underworld as the Alliance forces took arms to face the arriving enemies.
Everything seemed to slow down for Ddraig as he felt the weight of the call.
"My name is Bishamonten, the last God of Fortune. Come and face my spear and sword." The first general said.
"Fujin is my name, and my winds will offer no mercy to those who choose to take weapons." The second general said.
"With the thunder, I shall descend. For my name is Raijin, and death is what I bring thee." The third general said.
Several large foxes descend as they crash against the dome to try to break it open. A beautiful general raises her fan once more as she orders her summons to attack the dome again. "By the will of Inari no Kami, bring that dome down."
A massive crow suddenly appears, bearing three legs. Its massive wings are sharp as blades. The crow opens its beak before releasing a deadly beam of divine energy, which weakens the dome. By seeing its appearance, one can see that its identity was no other than Yatagarasu, the Guiding Shinto God.
Neither of their eyes showed any will to escape alive. They knew what their fate would be as they chose to face the Alliance, but they couldn't turn back, so they sought to fight once more.
"Kill me, or I'll kill you." This was their guiding motto as they led the war veterans on one last crusade.
Hopeless sinners without the will to move on while accepting their guilt.
"They will fight until the very end, and the one who can stop them awaits you in his home. They will die today unless someone changes their fate." Shiva continues.
"Shiva, he can't fight!" Screams as she holds the dome up. "It will be suicide if he goes. Please, dear, don't do this."
Ddraig says nothing as his eyes remain focused on the fights that have started to take shape above.
He could see Thor charging against Raijin while Athena faced Bishamonten. Not too far away, Tannin, Fafnir, and Yu-Long were taking on Yatagarasu. The roaring Sekhmet faced Fujin, and Midg was heading for Inari No Kami.
His allies started to face their own fights while he was here without moving an inch.
"Choose, Ddraig." Shiva extends his hand. "I'll guide you if you let me."
"Shiva!" Tiamat's eyes were enraged as she saw how Shiva was leading Ddraig to his possible death.
"Ddraig?" Ophis called out to him.
The Welsh Dragon shakes his head as he sees his path forward. "I never had a choice, did I, Issei?" The dragon turns around and approaches Ophis before taking off his uniform jacket and placing it on Ophis. "It has started to rain."
"Ddraig, what are you doing?" Ophis questions him.
"Protecting everyone and making sure the future becomes brighter. There are many things I want to show you and many things I wish you would learn." Ddraig smiles as he embraces Ophis. "I promise that everything will be fine."
Ophis doesn't know what to say as Ddraig releases her and approaches Tiamat.
"Tia." Ddraig stands before Tiamat.
"Don't do it." Tiamat pleads as she recognizes the expression on his face.
"I'll come back. I promise I won't die," Ddraig says as he kisses her lips.
"You fool! Why can't you stay back? Why do you have to risk it all?" Tiamat screams at him.
"... Is what I have to do." Ddraig turns around and approaches Shiva.
"Ophis, stop him." Tiamat pleads.
"Don't interfere, Ophis. I have to do this. Please trust me." Ddraig says as he grabs Shiva's hand.
"Let's go." Shiva uses his power to transport both of them away.
Ophis remains silent as she watches him take off alongside Shiva. A painful sensation arises within her chest.
"Damn it!" Tiamat screams. "Why didn't you stop him?" She asks as her eyes turn to Ophis.
"... I… want to believe in him." Ophis replies as she touches his jacket.
Tiamat holds back tears as she sees the sincerity behind Ophis's eyes. "... Why are you like this, my foolish mate?"
"Mom!" A voice screamed as several portals appeared.
Tosca and many others appeared with concerned expressions. Ereshkigal was nowhere to be seen for some reason.
"Where is Ddraig?" Yasaka asks.
"He…. went to face him. Shiva took him away." Tiamat says with a defeated expression.
Nobody could believe what they were hearing, but Gabriel took the lead before anyone could share their opinion.
"Go after him right now." Gabriel as she approaches Tiamat.
"But the dome," Tiamat argues.
"We'll protect Shangri La. Go and bring that idiot back before it is too late." Gabriel's expression shows her determination as she faces the others. "Tosca, go with your mother and ensure he returns. We're not losing him today."
"But-" Tiamat is interrupted by Yasaka.
"Go. We'll take care of the rest." Yasaka says.
"Let's go and bring him back." Albion joins in. "If anyone can do it is us."
"Eh?" Vali raises an eyebrow. "But I shouldn't go without Azazel or Shemhazai's knowing about it."
"Please, I fear the worst if he fights Susanoo now." Albion pleads with Vali.
The girl sighs as she sees no way of rejecting her partner. "Alright, we'll go."
Tiamat sees the assuring expressions on their faces as they are telling her to go after her mate.
"Mom." Tosca approaches her. "Let's go."
Tiamat cannot say no to her child when she sees her face. As she drops her hand, the dome disappears, leaving Shangri La open to attacks. "Ophis, I never asked you for a favor, but today, I need you to get us to him before he does something stupid."
The Ouroboros dragon turns to her, feeling lost. "He told me to trust him."
"And he is wrong. Whatever awaits him with Susanoo won't be any good. I can't lose him again. I let him go once, and he ended up dead. I can't face that again. Please, take us to him." Tiamat kneels before Ophis as she sees no other way to reach them any faster.
Ophis doubts what to do, but as she sees the pleading expressions of the many people who care about the Welsh Dragon, she cannot reject the request.
A large pair of jaws leading into an infinite void appears behind her.
"Get in," Ophis says as she jumps into the void.
Tiamat jumps right after, while Tosca and Vali follow right after. Neither knew what awaited them on the other side, but they knew they needed to prevent a tragedy.
As the rain falls, the time to fight has begun. The storm has just begun.