Fate: Bonds Beyond Humanity

by Apprentice of Life

In a world where all can be real, what does it mean to be human? What is the meaning of humanity? A meeting between a human and a devil will have them discovering the truth while chasing their dreams. My take on the combined worlds of Fate and DxD with characters from other franchises if they can be adapted to it. Harem.

94. Chapter 94

Fate/Bonds Beyond Humanity

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94- Optimal Strategy

…..

Things weren't going according to Loki's plans and he grew more and more frustrated with the situation. Not only had his trap been broken in twice, one more time than he predicted, but whoever the new group were, they were coordinated, somehow managing to stall both him and Fenrir.

That was only happening because of one individual, someone who was truly succeeding to get under the Aesir's skin. "You annoying monkey!"

Mana pulsed in Loki's hands before several magic circles appeared around the park unleashing gigantic pillars of mana. Every single clone of Bikou was completely decimated, some not even trying to resist or escape his attack. He knew that trick, was familiar with it, he knew the monkey yokai had no intention of fighting back.

No, the original wasn't taking any chances against him or Fenrir, remaining hidden to keep up the Multiplication spell and stall his death. Both of them knew Loki could rip him apart with ease, doubly so for his son. All he needed to do was catch him or coordinate with the Wolf of Ragnarok long enough to do so.

Unfortunately for the Trickster, Sun Wukong's descendant wasn't a fool so the next second had the park filled with monkeys again as they laughed at his face. "Whoa, you are good."
"Show you Multiplication too. Let's do a clone versus clone fight."

"Hehe! You really want that, don't you, Monkey?" Biting back his irritation, Loki tried to approach things rationally. He knew his new opponent was stalling even if not why. "You think you can keep this going forever, child? Between me and my son, how long do you think you can last, Little Monkey?"

One of the Bikous stopped to say, "You know, you think you are offending me but ya right: I am a monkey! Kakaka-"
Before he could finish his laughter, Loki had unleashed a beam of mana that took his head and blew up in the middle of a group of clones which extinguished ten or so of them with ease.

Not enough to stop Bikou, "Kakakaka. You missed!"

"Nina nina nina!" Another Bikou began slapping his own ass to annoy the Aesir.
Who only observed the dozens of monkeys surrounding him and his son with a raised brow. "Fu~ You must think yourself skilled by pulling out a barely functional multiplication spell." That made the monkey yokai freeze and watch the man with caution. "Obviously the quality of your spell is in quantity rather than quality. BUT the clones you make are barely autonomous and," with a flick of his wrist another four fell with Bikou grimacing before pulling some hair to make more, "extremely frail. I heard of Sun Wukong, yes I did, and I was sure he would do better than this."

His eyes shifted and Bikou could guess what the Aesir wanted. "Hehehe. Maybe he would but I'm good enough for ya!" One of the clones said as they all posed as one with their staves behind their backs and a hand aimed at the god. "'Sides, I don't need to beat ya."
"Oh? Then what is your aim?"

"I, who am about to awaken."

Loki felt a chill on his spine as his territory was taken over by a new power and one he knew well enough considering how many members of that particular species he came across over the Ages.

It was a power similar to one of his sons.

The power of a dragon.

"Hehe. Did you feel that?" Bikou questioned mischievously. "No use in hiding because I bet you felt it~"

"Am the Heavenly Dragon who lost all to the principles of Supremacy."
"Silence, primate!" Loki surrounded his body with aura before unleashing a wave of energy that should have decimated all clones in the vicinity.

Should but didn't because despite their fragility the multiple Bikous still managed to work in sync to create a barrier out of Ki to contain his attack which annoyed the Aesir immensely.

"You really need-" A Bikou tried to attack Loki from behind but another Loki appeared and blasted him away.

"-to work on your insults!" Only for another monkey yokai to show up from somewhere above the silver haired god. "Grow Ny-"
"Off with your head!" And a third Loki blasted him away before he could attack the other two who quickly grew busy when several clones started throwing themselves at them. "Heavenly Dragon… The Dragon Emperors!"

"Kintoun!" Unfortunately for the Trickster God that version of him was quickly attacked by five more clones that called upon a golden cloud sparking with Lightning. Ki exploded from the constructs before hammering down on the god's position but he quickly redirected the Element with a wave of his hand.

Bombarding the area where Kuroka and Koneko were trying to escape. "Bikou! Nyou idiot!" The Stray Nekomata was doing her best to protect her sister who gave up trying to escape when the area where they were standing blew apart.
One of the monkeys landed beside his friend and blocked some of his Lightning, reabsorbing his Ki before saying. "Sorry! Sorry! Didn't know he could do that!"

"He blocked Akeno's Lightning a few minutes ago." Koneko supplied but her expression grew concerned upon noticing how exhausted the monkey yokai looked. Worst was that his Ki was growing weaker and she could easily deduce why. "They are getting too many of your clones."
Kuroka was quick to pat her sister's head. "Don't worry, Shirone! We got this. Bikou just needs to distract him," her smile grew playful as her friend started grinning, "for a minute or so. Nyah!"

A task he was more than up to as several of his clones managed to hit two of Loki's who kept fighting back. "This power belongs to a Dragon Emperor."

"But the Red Dragon Emperor is still out." Another of their copies confirmed as he appeared behind the first duo and unleashed another wave of mana. "That can only mean that the other one is around."

"I Envy Infinity and I pursue the Dream!"

Several echos tried to follow up the dragon's words but their voices were muted by the sheer power rolling in waves. His output was actually so great that the Aesir felt as if the creature was everywhere all at once. Even the echoes from the past Dragon Emperors were being suppressed by that amount of energy pouring everywhere.

So much power, a shining beacon for anyone in the moonlit world, managed to essentially camouflage its owner because of the boundary field keeping everything inside a contained environment.

Obviously the Aesir's priority became finding who was responsible for the latest setback in his plans. His best alternative was to use Fenrir but the wolf looked as confused as he was while an absurd number of monkeys tried to keep him busy. Nevertheless the Trickster's words were true and the young yokai wouldn't last long in that rhythm.

"I don't have time to waste with weaklings!" The first Loki declared while raising his arms.

"Quite rude to try to ignore more! Grow Nyoibo!" Bikou used the Legendary replica to charge at the got and interrupt whatever spell he was about to enact.

However, with time no longer by his side, the silver haired man knew he would have to reveal more of his tricks. A fourth, fifth and sixth Loki appeared each in a corner of his boundary field. Since his senses were being overwhelmed the god had no choice but use his eyes to locate the dragon.

"I Shall Become the White Dragon of Supremacy!"

Who just confirmed himself to be the White Dragon Emperor of all people. "Weren't you part of the Khaos Brigade?" One of the Loki asked randomly. "What are you doing in devil territory?"

A silver weapon came from his right and the god raised a barrier fully intending to ignore his attack to chase the dragon. He knew what the White Dragon Emperor's words meant and he had no intention of letting his son face a creature with the power equivalent to another of the Strongest, especially when he didn't know if Fenrir could win.

Like he planned, the attack was blocked. "Tch." Altria angrily clicked her tongue. "Are you the real one?"

"We all are real enough." Loki replied while sending a blast to kill the woman but she kicked the ground and twisted her body enough to avoid it before swinging her blade again.
"Clarent Radiant Road!" Only with much more force while adding the Noble Phantasm's True Name into the mix. Hearing it was enough to force that version of Loki to turn his full attention towards the blonde but it was too late and his form disappeared in a wave of silver. "Huff…"
"Are you alright?" A certain redhead asked.

"I don't need your help." Her reply was distant even if not as cold as Shirou expected. She looked at him and saw his red and black outfit with shades of white around his body. "Shouldn't you be in your armor?"

"... Bellerophon needs some time to recover…" The Mage of Swords replied before his eyes growing wide and he combined the Married Swords on his hands. Altria didn't need words to know something was coming and she took a swing in the direction he was looking as the magus shot an arrow. "Muramasa!"
Another Loki had appeared and that one was more prepared than his previous incarnation. Noticing both holding Noble Phantasms was enough for him to prepare several barriers before trying to attack. Unfortunately for him the god never managed to throw his blast as they forced him to defend himself or perish.

Another four Lokis appeared and glared at the redhead and the blonde. "This is, admittedly, frustrating."
"But you all are only delaying the inevitable!" The gods began charging their mana.

Both Shirou and Altria traded a look while raising their swords defensively. In the next instant a rain of lasers was fired in their direction with the pair moving around via Divine speed and Mana Burst to avoid them all. Which forced the Aesir to call another two versions of himself to join the attacks which finally made the swordswoman retreat.

But not the Mage of Swords who was fast enough to get in front of her and deflect several attacks thanks to his pegasus' leftovers. "I think the original Loki hasn't shown up yet!" He roared before deflecting a taller blast to the ground before running. "Do you guys-"
"Why are you helping me?" She interrupted him before spinning around and throwing an energized swing towards the gods who easily blocked the Noble Phantasms. "You should be with my brother or your girlfriend right now."

"... Trace on!" Instead of replying, Shirou chose to throw his Married Blades before making another pair. Loki easily blocked the weapons and making more of them wasn't really changing that outcome.

Yet his refusal to answer her question told Altria a lot. "If you think I am forgiving you because of this," fixing her posture, her next swing carried all the strength she could muster. "Then you are wrong! Clarent Radiant Road!"

Six Lokis were consumed by silver light but only two disappeared while the rest remained safe behind their barriers. "I would prefer it if you didn't hate me… I get it even if I don't like it… And I don't blame you." Shirou raised his swords once more. "But this and that have nothing to do with the present. In this situation we are allies against a Mad God and you and Bikou are the only ones fighting. Do you have any sort of plan?"

Altria studied him for a moment before smirking. "Isn't it obvious?"
Shirou could only let out a sigh. "I wish it wasn't. I still have nightmares because of last time."
Growing irritated that they were ignoring him, Loki gathered his mana with anger. "I don't know why your group thinks they can ruin my plans but I am going to make sure you all regret-"

"And I shall take you to the limits of Innocence!"

Everything fell silent as the veil of power dominating the battlefield grew stable and they all could identify where it was coming from. If they didn't then Vali and Albion's roaring as one would guide anyone to his location.

Finally Loki had sight of the White Dragon Emperor but unfortunately it was at the same time as everyone else because there was no longer a need to hide. His power was focused and sharp enough that pinpoint its location was no longer a problem. It had all eyes, including Fenrir's, turning upwards towards the top of the boundary field.

That was how the White Dragon Emperor managed to remain hidden despite unleashing enough mana to sink Japan if he wasn't careful. He wasn't even close to the ground but instead had flown around the stratosphere where he could spread his presence everywhere while nobody was looking.

Including Loki who didn't expect anyone to use his boundary field's length in that manner since he made the ceiling larger for his son's benefit. He couldn't even say it was a bad strategy since it not only worked but also demonstrated Vali's control and his group's teamwork which had managed to distract Aesir and his wolf.

The end result was a magnificent white creature that began descending from the sky. Poetically it was like an angel or a shining cloud left the Heavens to touch the Earth. But it obviously wasn't a cloud but a man wearing a huge armor that looked like a dragon or a humanoid dragon with metallic scales.

For Vali Lucifer was wearing the complete version of his sacred gear, unlike Ise's case when the younger man unleashed his Juggernaut Drive. Lucifer's descendent had grown almost five meters tall thanks to his new form and his wings were so long that they could fill in a house if he tried.

Not only that but the blue crystal from his sacred gear had become more distinct and more akin to the feather's of an angel despite the skeleton holding them belonging to a dragon. Compared with the rest of the species he was small with long shoulders and arms which were all proportional to each other.

The helmet also had extended to cover more of Vali's nape, almost like a mane. Akin to his red counterpart when he lost control, the White One opened his mouth revealing rolls of dangerously sharp teeth. All he was doing was taking a deep breath while flexing his newer longer limbs.

He also had long white claws on his hand and feet, each tall enough to be called small swords or long knives. Anyone looking at them could tell those were sharp and Fenrir in particular began focusing all his attention on the new arrival. Even his tail looked sharp like a blade despite its gracious movements around his body before settling behind him.

Truly it was a creature fitting the Title of White Dragon Emperor of Supremacy and quite literally since his body lost several of his gems whose spaces were occupied by more of his scales leaving little to no weaknesses in the armor.

Except for the huge jewel on Vali's chest, his blue eyes and the feathers on his wings, his whole body was a huge white armor that looked like someone had been insane enough to make an armor for a dragon.

And it was a perfect fit because since the group of Fuyuki heard Vali Lucifer's roar for the first time they knew it wasn't from a hybrid but from a dragon. A true dragon who conquered dozens of battlefields and even more enemies.

His aura didn't just exuded power but also royalty and nobility that was comparable to a god's while also carrying a dark but gentle tone which promised violence.

Not destruction, not chaos, not even death.

Just violence.

"Typical…" Shirou couldn't help but mutter as he looked at Altria. "You are sure it is a good idea to unleash this in the middle of a city?"
"Can you think of any other way to deal with Fenrir?" Her challenge went unanswered because she was right.

They were right.

Fenrir, the 10th Strongest, was too powerful to face without any sort of equalizer and while it was contested who was stronger between the two both Heavenly Dragons also were part of the Strongest.

Suddenly Altria shifted her footwork and threw a slash that hit one of the Loki's in the neck. "And where do you think you are going?" That god fell on the ground with a bruised neck but skill 'alive'. She doubted he was the original one but had to admit, 'His spell is way better than Bikou's. They feel strong like a god, have the resistance of a god and the might of a god. The only problem…' "Mana Burst!" With a gale of wind, she cut off the copy's head. '... They aren't a Great God like Loki. They are Minor Gods…'

Another Loki scoffed. "Naive girl!" He sent a blast in her direction that was easily dodged only for her repositioning to land her between two other copies of the Aesir. Minor or not, a direct attack from them would be fatal.

After all, they were still gods. "You are only wasting my-"
Kanshou and Bakuya flew, blowing up on the Trickster preparations which forced him to take damage from his half made spell. "Run!"

Altria looked offended when Shirou grabbed her arm. "Our job is to distract him!" She began revealing part of the plan. "Vali can deal with Fenrir but him and Loki together is another case!"

Both jumped and attacked another of the Aesir's copies as more and more showed up. "You should listen to the Mage." He started with a frown as more and more of him showed up. "But now it is too late!"

Several blasts of mana began flying everywhere but it was all a distraction because the god could care less about the pair at that moment. He couldn't care about the devils who were still scraping to get together, or the rest of the group trying to keep the previous one alive or the other gods in the area.

His problems were too big for that as his plans folded and fell into dust because even when the White Dragon Emperor's Juggernaut Drive was finally revealed there were still several clones of the monkey yokai being several levels of nuisance.

Going from what Altria said it was clear they didn't want him interfering with the dragon and his son's fight which was exactly what he planned to do-

"Rhongomyniad!"

-only for a pillar of gold to get in his way with a power that could easily be compared to the gods.

One which could even surpass them. "The Spear of the End?!"
Loki jerked back as several of his copies fell but quickly recomposed himself upon noticing the attack wasn't as strong as it should be. His eyes quickly found Arthur standing close to Le Fay with his lance pulsing with power but its light wasn't even half as strong as it was when he used it against the Red Raging Dragon.

Regardless, the Trickster couldn't just ignore him so three of them formed an inverse triangle and began gathering mana in its center to fire a devastating attack that threatened to consume the two Pendragon siblings.

Arthur moved quickly to counter the attack with Rhongomyniad but the weapon was still more sealed than not so he only managed to push the attack slightly at bay before Loki's white mana devoured his own and exploded.

Altria roared and fury, swinging Clarent madly to try and get the god who saw the blonde's resemblance and laughed. "Family of yours?"

The swordswoman took a step back as more versions of Loki gathered in her location. "My siblings." Then she smiled. "And you shouldn't underestimate us."
Confusion appeared on one of the Aesirs' faces before he heard, "Rhongomyniad!" from their right only for their bodies to vanish in light.

Another Loki saw Arthur holding his spear with his knee while Le Fay had her wand on his back and several magic circles beneath her feet.

Two things he found odd: First, how she was teleporting inside his boundary field and second, what were those letters on her magic circles. Sure he couldn't use runes because of his nature in opposition to Odin's which gave him a completely different branch of magic but he knew them.

And what Le Fay was using weren't runes.

Nevertheless several of his copies' attention was spread around all over the place with just a few of them holding the boundary field by that point as the rest either dealt with the Pendragon siblings and Shirou while the majority tried to assist Fenrir.

"So you are the 10th Strongest…" Vali started as he approached the ground to float at Fenrir's eye level. He had patiently waited for the wolf to finish the last of Bikou's clones, his friend falling back with exhaustion after summoning hundreds of himself to just stall the Legendary creature. "You managed to defeat Bikou. Impressive."

The wolf growled with rage. [I wouldn't say defeat. Just exhaust him.] Albion added as they watched Loki's son starting to circle them cautiously. [Honestly, how did Ddraig lose to this thing? He isn't a big deal.]

"Hey, hey. That is sorta unfair with your Rival. His Partner is weak and unworthy of attention." Vali replied with some scorn as he allowed the Wolf of Ragnarok to study their form and power at his leisure. The True Hybrid wasn't in a hurry, not when his opponent was somewhat exhausted and every second promised him a better fight. "Still, what do you think, Fenrir? Did the Red One give you some work?" A bark of irritation and a growl was all her go. "Hmm, so you can understand me…" Those words made the wolf freeze. "Interesting. Pretty interesting. As expected of the son of a god."

Fenrir lost his patience and launched himself from the White Dragon of Supremacy's left, fangs and claws ready to tear him apart. Only for the wolf to miss, the young man flying just high enough to evade the God Slayer. Another growl predicated another swipe as the canine grew larger to assure the hit.

Vali just flew a full meter higher, barely avoiding the attack just as he planned. "What is so special about you? Just claws and fangs? The fact that Emiya Shirou was defeated speaks of more, right?!" He moved faster to avoid the wolf who began trying to bite him before dashing forward and stomping his head. "Should have accepted the rest I was giving you! Or maybe you just can't!"

Charging mana on his foot, the Vanishing Dragon unleashed a powerful stomp that shoved the wolf's head on the dirt but it wasn't all. It had launched him even higher as he crossed his arms and waited to see what else the Wolf of Ragnarok could do. Their connection was already established thanks to Divine Dividing so he was confident in victory.

Which meant the White Dragon Emperor wanted to have some fun. "Come on! Come on! You are stronger than that! One of the Strongest!" He paused as Loki's son wasn't moving. "Hmm… Hey, Albion, which ranked were you on the Strongest? Maybe I hit him a bit too hard."
[I am considered the 3rd Strongest right behind-]

"That is Indra…"

[The 4th-]

"That's Thor… Kinda want to fight him now. Did you fight him? How did the rankings get decided in the first place? Because I am pretty sure the Greeks should be higher than 7th. Didn't Zeus forced Thor back in a stalemate way back when?"

[Both were holding back but you are right! Who made that stupid list anyway? Whole thing sounds rigged!]

"Either way, if the distance between the 5th and 10th is that large, maybe we should pick a fight with Thor after. Think Odin will agree since we saved his life?"

[What if we think about that after teaching this mutt a lesson?] Albion retorted, irritated. [While I doubt we can keep this going forever, we still have Loki to deal with.]

Both hybrid and dragon expanded their senses before the former looked around and noticed a little over fifty Lokis surrounding them. "Are you going to do something, Aesir?! Or you don't have any trouble with me bullying your son?!"

All versions of the Trickster opened their hands and rotated their arms to create an equal number of magic circles. Vali began turning to meet his attacks only for something to suddenly shift in the air. A huge amount of murderous intent that he quickly realized was coming from below.

Much like a shark from a certain movie, Fenrir had assumed a titanic size and prepared himself to devour the Vanishing Dragon whole from beneath. "Oh, so you were playing dead."

[Divide!]

Then the Legendary wolf found himself missing his target not because the dragon moved but because his size was suddenly cut in half. Vali gleefully noticed the panic expression on Fenrir's face before his body was covered by the light of hundreds of mana blasts from Loki.

The Aesir could feel himself sweating as his mind tried to come up with some way to salvage the situation. Most of his copies were bombarding the White Dragon Emperor with little result because the god knew those attacks meant little. Fafnir was considered one of the dragons with the best defense.

But everybody knew Albion was the dragon with the actual best defense. His scales were so thought that Ddraig, the dragon with the best offense, was his Destined Rival. And Vali was using Juggernaut Drive which meant the True Hybrid was basically a smaller incarnation of the dragon in his soul.

Not an opponent the Trickster wanted to face without preparation. "The March will Begin! The Horn will be Blow! The End is Near!"

"An Aria? Now?" Luvia questioned out loud as she held Gasper in her arms and Kiba on her back who had to be put to sleep with a spell because of pain. Fortunately his wounds were a result of being too close to an explosion so they all were healed.

Much like Ravel's who was leaning on Rias to stand but just about to pass out. "Do you know that spell?"
"No. But knowing a spell from a god is just unrealistic to any magician."
"Just be thankful that the White Dragon Emperor is the target and not us!" Rias shut the conversation down as she had Ravel sit while working on Akeno and her father. "Luvia, you still have some mana. Can you-"
Gasper was also placed down as the Rook used her EM. "Yes, Buchou."

Both were unconscious but Baraqiel's wounds were bad, extremely so. Cadre or not, him being alive was a small miracle, especially since Fenrir managed to get his claws on him even if it was barely a scratch.

Fortunately those wounds were the most shallow but the man was losing too much blood. "Buchou!" However a solution quickly presented itself when the second Rook arrived with her sister. "Onee-chan, please."
"Nyah, leave it to me, Shirone!" Kuroka quickly kneeled close to the Cadre and began using Senjutsu to revitalize him while concentrating her Youjustu in creating a small zone around his body to stop his wounds from growing worse. "Hum hum. I can't fix all that."
"Just do what you can! Please!" Rias couldn't believe she was asking that from someone she fought just a while ago but they were facing a god and his Legendary son.

Times were indeed strange. "Nyah, don't worry. Shirone already asked. But I want a reward." Took both her and Luvia with EM to save the man's life but with how he was wounded it was undeniable he would be dead if the Kuroka wasn't helping at Koneko's request. Yet her ears and tails moved as she felt a shift in the area, her eyes quickly finding the spell several Lokis were preparing. "Looks like the god is about to go hard, nyah."

"We need to get somewhere safe!" Rias pointed out as Xenovia and Liz approached their position.

"Nah, don't worry. Vali got it handled." Kuroka chuckled. "If that attack gets past him, I'll eat my tails."

"Like hell I am going to risk it!" The Heiress replied as Liz dropped by her side, giving the Stray Nekomata a cautious look before focusing on the Heiress. "You two, help with Baraqiel! Most of his wounds aren't closing anyway!"
The former Exorcist crossed her swords in her waist, feeling the armor holding them in place, before dropping to a knee and examining the man. "That mark…"
"Apparently only the Mage of Swords can heal from that, nyah."
"Onee-chan…" Koneko chastised her sister.

"Unfortunately Shiro can't share his healing." The redhead commented as she grabbed Akeno using an arm on her shoulder for support.

Another look from Koneko and Kuroka pouting before letting the smaller nekomata go to grab the Queen of Gremory. "Say, Ojou-sama, can I stay in town for a while? I want to spend some time with my sister-"

The answer was muffled by the loud explosion Loki invoked with his spell which took the shape of hundreds of beams of light converging several kilometers above Vali before it descended like a pillar thrown by the gods against the Vanishing Dragon.

Who just had a second to look up as the previous attacks ceased to reveal his unharmed form. He took notice that Fenrir quickly moved out of the way before creating five magic circles, one for each hand, wing and his tail, before thrusting them above his head.

Another loud shockwave spread over the park as the powers collided and the Aesirs found themselves staring in disbelief as the younger god's power failed to break the True Hybrid's shields.

Instead it was the spell who fell apart first, running out of energy, while Vali stood there without any worries. "Huhuhu. Nice shot. Almost made me blink. Certainly made me use a little of the tank."

[Divide!]

"Thanks for the pick up!" The Vanishing Dragon announced proudly while taking Fenrir's power as his own before fully unveiling his wings and flying towards a mass of Loki's copies. Grabbing one by the head, he crushed it instantly. "Interesting. It isn't that you can't bleed but the blood itself breaks apart into mana once you 'die'." His tail swiftly waved and killed another copy who was trying to get him from behind. "I wonder, I wonder, I wonder. Is the same thing for the original?"

[Divide!]

Another bolt of power left Fenrir but Vali wasn't paying attention to them. He was trying to see if his Divide would have any effect on the other copies. 'So, they aren't really connected.' A grin grew on his masked face. "A completely different spell!"

His body suddenly was covered by an azure aura, the tell tale sign he started using the Light of Lucifer. Detecting danger, Loki began shooting several spells at the dragon who pierced one copy's heart with a Light Sword before pointing his tail to the right. The extra appendage shot a concentrated laser that destroyed dozens of copies.

Only for more to suddenly appear from nothing, all with smug smirks as one Loki declared. "Think that will make a difference, devil?" More of his copies appeared from the ether and stared at the dragon. "Do you really think you can challenge me, a god, just because you have a dragon and one of these so-called Longinus? This is a fight you can't win," more of them showed up until there were over a hundred Lokis flying on the battlefield, "not now and not in a thousand years!"

All Lokis expanded their aura and unleashed their full Divinity on Vali's shoulders, their white dominating the battlefield and suffocating the Vanishing Dragon's azure Light after replacing his own aura.

"See how worms struggle and crawl."
"You think just because you weakened my son you are something? You are nothing!"
"And like a puddle of mud in my glorious way which shall disappear soon enough!"
Once again the Tricksters moved in sync and combined several magic circles, preparing a devastating attack they were sure would exterminate even a Heavenly Dragon.
"Hahaha! Hahahahahahahaha!" Vali's laughter suddenly undermined Loki's confidence. But what really crushed it was when his azure colored aura exploded around his body taking the shape of a giant dragon with a long neck and even longer wings. "Oh yeah! That is it! Show me MORE!" His dragon vanished back into his body but the azure aura stayed. "Blade of Lucifer!"

His power shifted and changed before focusing on his hands to transform into two long weapons before the White Dragon Emperor charged towards the mass of gods without a drop of hesitation.

No, instead he was full of excitement as his Light easily cut two enemies in sequence just as another tried to blast off his head. However, even as his body was attacked constantly from every side, nothing could stop him so the Vanishing Dragon kept showing his might by cutting everyone in his vicinity.

Soon enough the copies began retreating but Vali quickly combined his swords to make a taller one that cut down five Loki's copies as he pulled energy towards himself to gather power for a more devastating attack.

"White Lighting!" The pillar of white that emerged was several times taller than Clarent or Rhongomyniad when those were used against the Raging Dragon of Domination. While Lucifer's descendant showed his Supremacy, he laughed at witnessing more Lokis appearing from nowhere. "What did you say about the matter of time? I wonder who is running out of gas first! Me or the original you!"

Still the two of them weren't the only one in that fight as the Wolf of Ragnarok emerged in his titanic size to once again try to rip the Vanishing Dragon apart-

[Divide! Divide! Divide!]

-Loki gritted his teeth at witnessing his son's power being taken by their opponent, Fenrir quickly shirking to his normal size then growing smaller.

The Trickster quickly created two magic circles to try and cut the connection between them with several of his copies doing something similar. Yet it was not to be as Vali shrugged off his spell and called another azure blade to cut off Loki's head.

"Hmph. This is starting to get boring." Moving like a flash the Vanishing Dragon threw himself between a group of eight gods trying to make another huge spell. Flying into a spin, he cut them all down before they could even get close to doing something. " Come now! Aren't you the Trickster of the Aesier?! Show me some tricks!"

His body sped up, appearing and disappearing all over the sky while cutting down several of the copies at once. Even as the clones lost their composure and panicked he noticed no signs of the original which intrigued him the most. Loki was one of the most famous gods of the North, the one Destined to topple Asgard.

'If the original isn't showing up, does that mean he has something else planned?'

[Or he is hiding like he should!] Albion bolstered confidently as he felt his original power surge around his Partner. [And if he won't show up, we just need to kill every single clone until he either does or there is nothing left to kill.]

Vali chuckled as he cut another Loki perfectly in half. "Someone is thirsty for blood today~" Not that he disagreed with that plan. "Still," his sword quickly became a sphere before changing colors as he brought both hands together, "he could try and make things a little more exciting! White Lighting!"

Without hesitation, the Vanishing Dragon of Supremacy slammed his spell on the ground, consuming several of the Aesir's copies in his Light while terraforming the park some more which destroyed all the remaining trees left in that area.

Despite the gratuitous destruction which impressed even gods, the Lokis recovered their compostured rather quickly and one spoke. "You are underestimating me, mortal."
"Oh~ so far I haven't seen anything worthy of this so-called god!" Vali replied while backhanding another copy which blew up his head. "Instead I look everywhere and what do I see? Just a coward hiding somewhere until I find him. And when I do…" He grabbed another Loki and crushed his head with a claw. "... get what I mean?"

"Fufufu. You sure about that!" Five Lokis unleashed a giant blast that the White One easily bashed away.

"Why are you guys going so basic? After that huge spell- Hold on a moment." He felt Fenrir approaching again, the wolf having become a giant and attacking from above. 'He is recovering rather quickly.'

[Divide!Divide!Divide!]

"You don't learn, do you?" Vali prepared an azure sword to stab the wolf from beneath but the Legendary canine shifted and grew larger before shrinking again to move out of the way. "Hoo~"

[Divide!Divide!Divide!]

The wolf shrunk and grew, shrunk and grew and shrunk and grew in rapid succession. 'What the-" He quickly avoided the creature's claws, who grew up a fourth time to the size of a bus and was about to bite him only to have his existence halved again. "How are you recovering so fast? I am literally taking your… everything!"

While his Partner tried to cut the wolf's head, Albion pointed out that, [He is recovering his energy just as fast as we can take it. It has been a long time since I faced someone like that.] Their azure blade clashed against Fenrir's fangs, neither side giving up an inch. [Fufufufu. Reminds me of the days when I faced Ddraig, just weaker and slower. Maybe he does deserve to belong on our ranks as one of the Strongest.]

Vali couldn't help but smile at the information. "You really are the son of a god and a giantess, aren't you?" With his free hand he created a magic circle above his opponent's eye. "Good! Then this won't be boring! White Lighting!"

Just using a hand weakened the spell by half but it was still a devastating attack that could take down a town by itself. Fenrir quickly grew smaller until he was the size of a horse to evade the hit and was about to bite the Vanishing Dragon's neck if he hadn't cut off the spell to make a magic circle.

[Divide!Divide!Divide!Divide!Divide!]

Sure enough his defense immediately broke when the Legendary wolf grew massive again but Vali used Albion's power to cut his size down an instant later. Yet the wolf just grew larger again on the next beat and the hybrid was forced to use his right wing to block the God Slayer's claws.

The majestic white wing that was still part of Divine Dividing was torn into shreds with barely a touch as the wolf grew larger and turned his neck to bite the hybrid-

[Divide!]

-only to fail when Albion activated his ability at the last second. "So you can recover fast!" Allowing Vali to spin in the air and deliver a kick that sent the wolf down. "But it isn't enough! Blade of Lucifer!"

His bloodline called forth his azure sword which he aimed at the Legendary wolf who was still falling from several kilometers in the air. It would take both of them a few seconds to reach the ground but with the White Dragon Emperor speed, that time was shortened to milliseconds.

Fenrir's paws still touched the ground earlier thanks to his ability, his head turning up as his eyes blazed with fury at the new wounds the dragon inflicted on him. Yet he also knew counter attacking wasn't an option. Instead he turned his head to avoid the azure sword before swinging with his claw from the side.

By that point Vali's wing had already been restored and he beated them both with all his strength to get back in the air.

"You are the one who shouldn't underestimate us, mortal!" Loki sent a bolt of mana towards his back that pushed the Vanishing Dragon down towards his son. A single attack wasn't enough and soon a dozen of his copies were trying to shove the White Dragon Emperor into the ground.

And not even damaging his armor. "What a nuisance!" Vali took a deep breath before unleashing a stream of flames. It quickly consumed the one who dared to challenge the hybrid but didn't stop there.

A few Aesir were caught in the white flame while the Vanishing Dragon slowly twitched his neck to turn others into ash. However a few managed to move out of the way and escape through various means including transformations into small animals or making temporary shields while flying away.

But the important thing was that they stopped bothering the young man for a few moments so he could focus on Fenrir. Just in time as well because the Wolf of Ragnarok was on him and about to scratch his chest. Upon noticing that Albion pulled his Partner body back and up but their adversary was cunning.

As the wolf moved he was already changing his size to guarantee the hit-

[Divide!]

-but he missed thanks to the Vanishing Dragon's quick reaction. "When are you going to-"

Vali once again demonstrated quick thinking by raising his left arm and stopping the wolf from biting his limb by holding his neck back. Loki's son persisted, pushing forward, growing and shrinking at a rapid rate as both sides used their abilities to outdo the other.

However, while the competition was fierce, the White Dragon Emperor had several advantages. "Try this! White Lighting!" First, he could use magic to force the wolf at bay. Since the Legendary creature didn't want to be hit by the blow so he crouched and allowed it to pass over him harmlessly. "That size thing is good and quick but not enough to defeat me." Fenrir tried to charge him again but Vali's second advantage came into play as he flew higher. "Even if you can do it instantly, what is 'instantly' for beings like us?"
The Wolf of Ragnarok ignored the banter and focused on eating the young dragon who moved above his muzzle before kicking it with his two feet-

[Divide!Divide!Divide!]

-just before reducing his power thrice to test how fast the Legendary monster could recover.

Indeed the double kick left the wolf with a wound and while there was some blood it stopped dripping rather quickly. [I would say the damage he had before was slower to heal but-]

'But besides being a God Slayer, Fenrir isn't really anything special.' At least compared to him but the True Hybrid knew the fight was already won.

In fact the fight had been won the second he managed to unleash Juggernaut Drive as neither Fenrir nor his father could really harm him so long he was careful.

'So boring.' Yet that wasn't the sort of fight he wanted.

[Kukuku. Are you about to do what I think you are about to do?]

'What do you think I am about to do?' Vali asked playfully, knowing they were on the same page.

[Make things interesting.] Their proud wings stretched and expanded as the small excesses of Fenrir's power dropped to the earth like motes of light. Because of their ceiling in Juggernaut Drive, they could take much more power with little trouble which was excellent against someone as powerful as Fenrir. [I mean… It has been a long time since we went all out. Even longer since the World could witness my power. Why rush things?]

'Exactly my thoughts, Partner!' With a grin visible despite his extremely sharp teeth, Vali dove down until he was at Fenrir's eye level which prompted the wolf to jump back. He didn't need to bother as the White One didn't plan to attack and chose instead to land. "Well? What are you waiting for? Isn't it easier for you to fight like this?"

"What is he planning?" One of the Lokis asked while the White Dragon Emperor waved at the Wolf of Ragnarok to attack him. "Some sort of trap?"
"I can't detect any new spell."
"Does he need to bother with a spell? His power ecli-" Before that Loki could finish his line he felt something funny. "NO! Wait- I am-" His body exploded into pure mana.

Nobody noticed it, much less the other Lokis who couldn't even notice one of them suddenly went missing. "We need to take him down or banish him away."
"Unless we send him to another world, he will come back here from anywhere on the planet faster than we can prepare any sort of counter."
"We need time. Their arrival caught us off guard."
"But the plan can still-"
[What are you waiting for, Fenrir of Ragnarok?!] Albion suddenly spoke for all to hear. [My Partner decided to fight on the ground level where you have a better advantage! Don't worry, we won't fly away either!]

"Huhuhu. The least you can do is give us a good fight." Vali demanded with his arms crossed. "Unless you somehow figured out that I can't stay in this form forever. But don't worry, I still have plenty on the tank." He waved his hand again to call the wolf in. "So come and get it, you mutt!"

Hating that he was being underestimated and turned into prey by the White Dragon of Supremacy, Fenrir snapped his maw tight before opening it to unleash a howl full of fury but also indignation.

Fenrir's pride had been wounded and he refused to submit to anyone ever again.

Besides, his claws hadn't touched the dragon properly yet and he was confident his God Slayer's power could take them even Albion. Obviously the same could be said about his Host which was why he redoubled his efforts, dashing towards the Vanishing Dragon with new resolve.

As promised Vali kept his feet on the ground but, "Blade of Lucifer," he suddenly called for his bloodline to help him deflect the initial strike. "That is it?"

Fenrir growled before swiping with his other claw which prompted the Dragon of Supremacy to dodge left before sliding backwards when the wolf went for a bite. Still the giant canine leaped forward in a sequence of swipes aiming to rip the Vanishing Dragon into shreds.

If he actually managed to touch him because no matter how close his claws got, Vali managed to block them all if not with his arms then with his magic. Finally the Wolf of Ragnarok stretched himself by sending both claws forward. Still keeping to his word the young man took several steps back and prepared a magic circle for a counter.

The wolf began to grow-

[Divide!]

-before shrinking again with a simple flex of the White Dragon Emperor.

Leaving himself open for Vali's next attack as the magic circle unleashed dozens fast blasts on Fenrir's face. Especially in his eyes and unlike before, the attack did more than irritating Loki's son. Inertia had the wolf still moving but the True Hybrid was already dashing right and out of the way leaving the Legendary creature to skid on the ground.

Eventually the Wolf of Ragnarok stopped but his eyes were bleeding and he began to try and massage them in an attempt to numb the pain. "Pathetic."
[He looks like a real dog.] Albion joked as the wolf slowly opened his eyes. But the damage was done and clearly the creature needed some time to heal. [Then it's time to put him down for good. Do what Asgard doesn't have the balls to.]

"Hmm, I don't know. His claws are impressive." Vali pondered capturing the creature but a sudden attack from Loki's copies had him changing his mind. "Then again, I will make due with killing a god today. Blade of Lucifer!"

Several azure blades surrounded the White Dragon Emperor who opened his wings to unleash a storm of swords everywhere he could find a copy of Loki. And he was pretty sure the original wasn't among them at all, in fact he was sure he wasn't even close to the battlefield.

Because if he was, perhaps the Aesir of Trickstery would have stopped him from decimating his army which was pretty much what he did. Some copies managed to escape his swords by turning into small animals like rats, squirrels and the odd fish but from hundreds of copies, only twenty or so were left.

[Looks like he is running out of troops.] Albion pointed out and his Partner hummed in agreement. [Fenrir incoming!]

But it was clear the True Hybrid had used a good amount of power and focus to get rid of that many versions of Loki. They were still gods and his Light Swords needed to be powerful to deliver deadly hits which left him somewhat exposed to the Wolf of Ragnarok who finally saw his chance.

He moved like a shadow, sticking close to the ground and moving only the absolute necessary until the distance between the two was less than a meter. Then the wolf grew to cover the remaining distance while aiming his right claw towards the Vanishing Dragon's chest.

The problem was that he was still a giant wolf-

[Divide!]

-and Albion couldn't lose sight of him even if he tried.

Especially since the attack was sloppy because of Fenrir's lack of vision so once his Partner Divided him, the hybrid moved around while preparing another of his azure swords.

He was going for the kill.

"I don't like to see animals suffering so I will keep this brief!" Vali held his weapon with both hands and dashed to pierce the Wolf of Ragnarok's heart. However Fenrir surprised him by shrinking further and going beneath his sword. "What?!"
[Back!] Albion shouted while pulling his Partner with all the strength their wings could muster, saving his life a second before the end as their gem was obliterated by the God Slayer's claws. [This bastard saw us coming!]

"More likely smelled it!" Vali raised his sword to stop the other claw-

[Divide!]

-while Albion tried to diminish the Wolf of Ragnarok which proved to be impossible.

While Loki's son wasn't growing any further, the size of a warhorse seemed to be his base height and not even Divine Dividing's power could change that because there was some push back.

Fenrir once again demonstrated he was more than just a God Slayer by understanding his opponent's capabilities and coming up with counter measures. Took the wolf a while and a few tries but he managed to find a way to stabilize his power so long he was a certain size.

Because between the two Strongest, it was the wolf's energy and stamina who could recover faster. Surely that wasn't enough to give him an advantage by any means but he still had his claws and they managed to rip the White Dragon Emperor's armor apart.

Yet there was no blood. "That was close!" Vali commented as he did a rapid turn and used his tail to send the wolf flying. "Too close."

[Careful, Partner. Juggernaut Drive or not, if those claws get you… well, depending on the wound, you aren't getting up.]

"Isn't that true for any wound?" The hybrid joked as both observed Fenrir stand up and growling. The light of his eyes was missing which indicated that the wolf was blind.

Yet that didn't make him any less lethal as it was demonstrated when he almost took Vali's life with a simple swipe. Not only that but he was a cunning hunter, not overextending unless necessary and the only time he did was actually to set up a trap. It was also hard to predict exactly what the wolf was thinking.

His features were always feral.

Even when unfocused because of wounds, his eyes remained locked in his target.

Wounds were irrelevant for nothing managed to keep the Wolf of Ragnarok down.

For he was one of the Strongest and a creature of Myth Destined to do great and terrible things.

Devouring the Moon, killing a god, part of an army capable of destroying a world.

"You are going for the win?" Any of those facts would scare lesser men. Vali couldn't contain his excitement which was practically pouring from him in waves. "Great! This is awesome! Come on! If you can win then come and get it!"

Albion couldn't help but let out a deep sigh. [Here we go. Extend this fight even more. What was that about not bullying the weak?]

"But he isn't weak, Albion. Even to us, calling him weak would be stupid." Vali commented with glee as he watched the wolf growl at him with a glare full of fury and determination. His eyes were beginning to shine again, a sign his vision was returning. "That is one of the Strongest! Fighting him is like having my life on the balance the whole time. A mistake and I am gone. That is what I call a challenge!"
The Vanishing Dragon enveloped his body with Light before dashing towards the Wolf of Ragnarok who was quick to grow in size. Just before the White One countered with his ability, Fenrir shrunk himself again several meters away from them.

"Running now? So boring! Lance of Lucifer!" Vali created an azure spear of Light which he threw at the wolf but the Legendary creature dodged easily. "Tch. Better stick to swords." And so he quickly made another one on his right hand while raising his left. "White Lighting!"
The white blast sailed straight to Fenrir who jumped over it before using his fangs to block his opponent's weapon. It wasn't enough and the White Dragon of Supremacy kept pushing with the intention of decapitating Loki's son but they found themselves locked. But the hybrid took advantage of his own spin and brought his wings up to hit the wolf's body.

A wince escaped the Wolf of Ragnarok as he was launched a whole kilometer away from the Vanishing Dragon who took only an instant to close the distance with his sword up. Not in any position to escape, the wolf threw his claws into a counter that forced his opponent to run or die.

And so both missed their attacks by an inch, Vali laughing as victory escaped his fingers. "Oh now it is on!"

Both sides didn't hesitate throwing their power around, the Vanishing Dragon exploding with mana and energy while the Wolf of Ragnarok used his mass to fight back against the magic trying to crush him.

Comparing the two it was clear that the wolf was the stronger physically but the dragon clearly had him beat in every other metric. Yet, while Fenrir didn't use mana, laser or anything too flashy, his regeneration and huge stamina made him a force to be reckoned with.

Making just barely qualified to face the White Dragon Emperor of Supremacy in all his glory.

Which was one of the reasons why neither Sirzechs or Ajuka tried to face his counterpart when he went berserk; the lack of proper counters for either of their parts. For all the wolf lacked in flashness, he made up with stubbornness and a body capable of fighting for a long stretch of time.

Fenrir would hold and fight back, giving his all to crush whoever stood between him and his prey but in reality he was fighting uphill. Indeed the whole thing would be over already if Vali just decided to take things a bit more seriously.

It wasn't a matter of it but when the Vanishing Dragon would prove himself the strongest between the Strongest. A matter of how long Fenrir could hold before his body accumulated too many wounds to heal or his energy truly was spent.

Because he was spending it.

Even if he could recover his power, stamina was another case.

For both sides, true, but the wolf would fall first.

But until them the fight kept raging on with the odd interference from Loki who began to realize his plans were crumbling. "We weren't prepared for this fight." The copies looked at each other with silent nods.

"No! Our plan can still work." Yet one of them objected. "We can still do this! Our triumph means true glory to Asgard!"
"A Golden Age." Another Loki shared his thoughts with a new resolve. "Then we have no choice! We must crush the White Dragon Emperor! Quickly! Attack!"

All at once the Aesirs charged their spells, throwing all of it on the fight. Even if they were just a distraction, anything that helped Fenrir win was a boon. The Wolf of Ragnarok was the only one who could challenge the Vanishing Dragon..

Regardless the area was destroyed more and more while everyone else bore witness of the titans clashing against each other.

The devils were still collecting themselves, retreating to the gods with the help of a bluehead knight and white haired maid.

The fallen angels weren't in any good shape either, both having lost consciousness and sporting severe injuries.

Most of the dragon's friends were already out, their attacks could destroy the copies but decided to stay back for the most part.

None of them wanted to get in the way of the Vanishing Dragon's fun and because one of them wanted to spend as much time with her sister as possible.

They were still in better shape than anyone else and the only ones who could put up a fight perhaps with one exception.

Indeed while the battle of the Strongest was happening in the park, its audience was doing its best to either survive or recover since many of them had been used as warm up but the same couldn't be said for a certain Mage who was racing across the battlefield with purpose while being followed by a certain swordswoman.

"Come on! She is around here!" Shirou called as Altria followed his lead, helping him repeal a few copies as they approached a particular location in the park.

But the Aesir had lost too much helping his son against the White Dragon Emperor and was barely able to just send a few their way. One of which made several circles and tried to blast the duo into pieces.

"Clarent Radiant Road!" Only to be exterminated before that was accomplished. "These clones are far stronger than Bikou's. It really takes a lot just to take one down." She clicked her tongue, looking for more adversaries. Fortunately Loki was growing ever more occupied with facing Vali. "If we could just find the original. Maybe Le Fay can-"

"Rossweisse!" Shirou called for the Valkyrie while digging her out of the dirt. He completely forgot that Loki could attack him from behind but with Altria around he was free to save the silver haired woman without concern. "Please, talk to me. Tell me you are still alive…"
A couple of coughs escaped wounded beauty as the magus helped her sit up. "Looks-" she coughed a few more times and Shirou immediately Traced an EM. Her body was shaking from pain with several glaring wounds. "-looks like we are even."
"Heh. Dream on, Valkyrie. I still owe you a banquet. No, a feast!" He couldn't help but smile at their joke, confident she was going to be fine.

Hearing their words, Altria couldn't help but clear her throat. "If you two are done, we should get going." Most of her attention was on the two copies of Loki watching them with magic circles raised. Yet neither was attacking, knowing her Noble Phantasm could kill them with a single swing. "Happy reunions can be done once this is all over."
"Is she mad… or something?" Rossweisse questioned as it grew easier to breathe and her body healed. 'How much does an EM cost? Can I get one?'

"She has her reasons." Yet Shirou couldn't disagree with Altria since they were in a combat zone even if Loki was 'giving' them a break. "Hold on."
"Huh? What do- Wait waitwaitwaitwait!" The Valkyrie was panicking because she found herself in a bridal carry. Her face soon grew red as whatever blood she hadn't lost went up.

"This is going to be faster-"
"I didn't carry you like that when I saved you!"
"We don't have time. There is no way of knowing when Loki will lose his patience." Despite saying that, Shirou noted how any copy looking at them was hesitating. 'Is he worried because of Fenrir? Makes sense, I guess. That is his only leverage.'

Altria clicked her tongue and raised Clarent. "If you two are done, let's get moving. The sooner we are with the others, the safer we are going to be from a stray shot."
"Things would end quickly if Vali decided to take them seriously." Shirou couldn't help but retort.

Finding himself surprised when she nodded in agreement. "I wish he would just get things done but it can't be helped. This is his first chance in a while to go all out." Her eyes shifted to the pair and she said. "Now get moving-" Shifting her posture, she threw a slash of silver mana at a Loki who had thrown a blast their way. His attack was consumed but he easily shapeshifted into a snake to avoid her counter. "-so we can get away from this mess. I am growing tired of saving you."
Her words offended Rossweisse slightly. "Allies shouldn't act like that…"
"We are not allies. In fact, I am half sure that I hate this Mage!" Altria confessed before realizing what she said and clicking her tongue. "Never mind. I am just angry."
"And you are justified." Shirou interrupted before the Valkyrie could ask for an explanation. More copies of Loki began showing up around them, prompting the duo to run as the Valkyrie held the magus' neck tightly. "I know this isn't the time but… if there is anything I can do to smooth things over, just say it!"

Guilt was evident in his tone and despite her situation Rossweisse couldn't help but look at him with pity and wonder. 'His negative emotions aren't affecting the specters. No, something is keeping them at bay. But what changed?'

Hearing his offer, Altria wanted to fully stop and demand another match but different words escaped her mouth. "I want a feast!" Her own eyes grew wide and her grip on Clarent grew tighter but the idea certainly sounded appealing. "Make me a feast so big that I get stuffed! Where I can find foods from everywhere and every flavor!"
"Ok, I can do that." Shirou was honestly happy there was something he could do. "I mean, if that is going to get you to forgive me-"
"It is a start!" Altria replied rather forcefully and a little embarrassed for allowing her stomach to dictate her actions.

Rossweisse didn't know what to say for a moment before wondering. "Is this the right time to discuss what is for dinner?"
"You just say that because you didn't have his food yet…" The platinum blonde admitted she missed it, much to her shame.

While the trio ran away from the battlefield, the Loki who dodged by shapeshifting into a snake returned to his normal form. "The Mage of Swords is getting away."
Another Loki showed up by his side. "We can do little to nothing. The White Dragon Emperor is-" A huge tower of Fire and Light emerged in the center of the park, making the Aesir pause. "... He is too powerful. Unless Odin gets involved, Fenrir can't defeat him."
"But he won't interfere in any manner. Doing so could ruin everything." Both copies looked each other in the eyes. "We are running out of options."
"We need time, or better preparations-"
"-therefore we have little choice-"
"-but change our strategy." The color of their eyes changed, growing darker and out of focus.

Without saying anything else, both copies began disappearing into the ether, leaving no trace of their existence. Then there was a shift as every copy of Loki began looking towards Odin with little focus in their gazes. The Trickster Aesir studied the older god before the Old Man's eye moved to Medusa who was glaring back at the silver haired deity.

Surrounded by the rest of Vali's group, fallen angels and devils, even if the latter two were wounded, the odds of the gods fighting each other was minimal at best. Fenrir also wouldn't be allowed to approach while the Vanishing Dragon played with him.

Because Vali was just playing by that point since he was fully capable of winning at any time but kept giving the Wolf of Ragnarok chances to turn the fight around by remaining too close and using the bare minimum of his Light.

Either way Loki knew the situation wasn't in his favor and so his copies began to disappear one by one. Unlike when they were killed, the copies just retreated in the air and vanished without a trace. They made no sound, there was no great announcement nor did the god cared if anyone noticed his movements or not.

Only when all copies were gone and a single Loki remained did he act. "Enough!" His voice was amplified by magic and so it reached everyone, piercing all other sounds. However he failed to stop the fight as the dragon and wolf ignored his words. "Fenrir! Stand down!"

He said more forcefully and after a twitch of his neck the wolf jumped away from Vali. "Are you seriously interrupting us?" He sounded very annoyed and when his head turned to the Aesir everyone could see his aura taking Albion's shape. The white dragon of energy looked just as upset as its creator but the deity was unfazed. "Hey! Fenrir! Are you really going to listen to this weakling?"
"Pft. Can you truly say that the only reason you are this strong is because of your dragon?" Loki landed back on the ground, standing between his son and their opponent. "I wonder how strong you would be without your sacred gear, Descendant of Lucifer…"
"Stronger than you for sure, weakling." The White Dragon Emperor replied with a tilt of his head. "Now step aside! I was just having a good fight and if you keep getting on my way, I will just kill you and keep going."
Loki raised an eyebrow. "It wouldn't make any difference."
"If I kill you enough, bet it will." Vali retorted with confidence. "Now, out of the way, or else my next vacation is going to be in Asgard. Maybe I will find your real body then."
"While we would gladly receive you," Odin started as he, Medusa, Altria, Arthur and Rias, who was being helped by Shirou holding her arm, approached the duo. They still remained more than ten meters away from them just in case the fight restarted, "not with that attitude."
"If you think you can weasel your way out of this, Loki, you have another thing coming." The Heiress of Gremory declared with fury despite how exhausted she felt. She was barely on her legs and if Shirou wasn't there, the young woman would be left behind with the others which was something her pride wouldn't allow. "I am ready to give whatever the White Dragon Emperor wants so long I can see your face stained on the floor."
"You heard the lady. I just got a blank check!" Vali's aura grew stronger but its focus was only on Loki who alone could feel its full weight. "Not that I care. Fenrir is a too good of an adversary to pass up-"
"And you know that I can take him away." His eyes shifted towards someone else. Not anyone close since his gaze was aimed at Le Fay who was beside Kuroka helping the wounded. "That girl… she messed with my boundary field, didn't she?"

Offended by the Aesir's attention on his sister, Arthur stepped forward while raising his bright lance. "What do you want, Loki?"
"Don't try to bluff. I know Rhongominiad's seals and that I am not even close to a Threat to Humanity. In fact, I am arguably an Elemental so one of them is very tight locked." His eyes shifted to Arthur for a moment before moving to Altria. "Also… no, that is not important." Then he moved to the Mage of Swords before going back to Odin. "It seems our meeting got crashed by too many dangerous individuals so I am taking my leave."

"Hah! You really think I am letting you or Fenrir escape?" Vali asked with amusement. "You can't just teleport away. Le Fay made sure of that."
"Vali-"
"Let it go, Ria." The Vanishing Dragon interrupted as his power kept growing. "He already knows our witch messed with his set up. His portals, teleportations, escape routes, all of them are blocked. Maybe his clones are coming and going from somewhere or they are still here but that doesn't matter." He began to laugh out loud. A laughter that was almost maniacal in nature. "Best part? Even if he still has a million and a half clones in the wings, you can't leave this park. So it is a matter of time before I turn your face into paste."
"... How did a mortal do all that?" Odin questioned. "Loki's boundary fields are… Medusa, did you have something to do with it?"
The purple haired goddess looked mildly offended. "If I did, we wouldn't be in this mess." She glared at Loki. "I would have already broken us out and we would be in my temple, away from his reach."
"I don't care about the details. All I care about is that this bastard can't escape." Rias declared before pointing at the Trickster. "Hmph. If I could, I would kick you out of town myself but I can't. Hey, Vanishing Dragon! Kuroka can stay with Koneko for a whole year if you rip his skin off!"
"Rias…" Shirou tried but he knew there was no stopping his lover.

If anything anyone could tell Vali was amused by her offer. "So I get in a good fight and help a friend? Nice." His power pulsed again and before anyone could blink, the White Dragon Emperor had shown up behind Loki who had no time to react. "Let's try the copy first!"

A strong punch surrounded by energy hit behind the Aesir's head, ripping it off upon contact. Nobody cared or was surprised when his body broke apart into mana. "Was that necessary?" Altria questioned.

"Hey, I had to try. He could have been the original."
"Loki is not that stupid." Odin pointed out with a glare. "All you did was delay negotiations."
""There won't be negotiations."" Rias and Vali said at the same time. The redhead then added. "That motherfucker almost killed us! He shouldn't walk away from here alive."
"Funny. It is exactly what I intend to do." Another Loki showed up from nowhere. However his posture was different, more aggressive and confident as he held a bright magic circle on his left hand. "And you all are going to let me."
"In what world are we going to allow that?" Altria questioned as she was one of the few keeping a cool head.

"Because if you don't, I will forcefully destroy the boundary field and unleash all its energy on the town." It wasn't a bluff of any sort. Anyone hearing him could tell it couldn't be. "That probably is going to cause another fire like the one ten years ago," he began grinning upon seeing Shirou's angry eyes while Rias and Medusa looked at him with concern, "after an explosion, of course. This much energy flying around certainly will do a lot of damage."
"Coward!" Altria quickly accused but didn't attack. Nobody moved as they knew the Aesir wouldn't hesitate to pull the trigger.

Yet others were just as quick to look for solutions. [Hey, you pair of deities…] Albion's voice manifested from Vali's wings. [Can't any of you use the Mirror Dimension to hide the explosion or something?]

Medusa shook her head with a grimace. "A Pseudo Reality Marble isn't something I know how to use…" Her eyes shifted to Odin.

Who was looking at Fenrir. "If I contribute to anything, his power will multiply a thousand fold."
"Hah! Sounds like a better fight."
"You fool! That will make Fenrir stronger than my son Thor!" The One Eyed god declared while slamming the disguised Gungnir on the floor. "And if you didn't know, Albion is weaker than Thor which would make Fenrir many times your superior."
"Not to mention that Fate may decide to counter your pesky ability." Loki added smugful. His confidence was soaring because he knew, "None of you has a choice. We are leaving for today. Too many variables. Unless, of course, you really want to risk the town of Fuyuki." The Aesir shrugged carelessly. "Not that I care for them but even if you all somehow work together to keep the damage to a minimum… What sort of damage do any of you think a battle of the Strongest would do?"
Rias gritted her teeth. "The secret of the moonlit world would be torn open. Everyone would know about it."
"That is the optimistic conclusion." Arthur said with some hesitation. "Based on if anyone actually survives a clash between Albion and Fenrir without previous protection." He glanced at his friend while the Spear of the End lost its glow as he rebuilded its seals. "Vali, we have to let them go."
"Oh, come on!" The hybrid wanted to protest but knew his friend was right. "Fuck's sake, Loki. Are you really going to cock block me like that?"
The Trickster was amused at his words. "Don't worry. If you stick around, you probably will get another chance at Fenrir." He began grinning as his eyes returned to Odin. "Not like this Old Man will leave Medusa's protection once he hides in her temple, at least not without an army… Or you around."

"But next time we meet, you will have more tricks up your sleeves." Altria deduced with distaste which just amused Loki more and more.

Yet the Vanishing Dragon had a counter proposal. "Or I just go all out, destroy that copy and any other that shows up until it is just me and Fenrir."

"Are you really going to take that risk?!" Shirou questioned in disbelief. "Are you mad?!"
Arthur moved between the redheads and his friend. "Calm down. Calm down. He won't be so careless."
"But if he really thinks he can stop me from blowing up this place to kingdom come, he is welcomed to try." Loki couldn't resist challenging the dragon who looked all too eager to take it. "With your speed, maybe you can do it. But a single mistake and it will be a repeat of the last tragedy that befell this humble city! Hahaha! NO, it will be many times more amusing!" The Aesir waved to the hybrid with an excited grin. "Because last time, everything was an accident. This time the blood will be in OUR HANDS!"
Because if nobody stopped Vali, if he really tried to force things and the others just stood around to watch, it would be the same as if they lit the matches which would consume Fuyuki's entire population with fire and blood.
Not everyone could witness the power of a Strongest Being, the fact nobody on Rias Peerage or their friends died spoke of their powers and protections. Even the innocent Asia had enough magic in her body to bear witness to the Wolf of Ragnarok and not fall apart because of his raw power.

If that sort of power fell on the unaware masses while crashing against Albion's then the death toll around Fuyuki wouldn't be just extremely high.

It would be almost absolute with just a few powerful people surviving.

Less than twenty or so people, excluding those already in the park.

Vali couldn't help but let out a sigh while lowering his arms and aura. "So next time we see each other, you will have a whole bag of tricks. Just going to make the fight more fun."
"Fufufu. You really are underestimating, dragon. Then again, to you it is warranted. I can't remember the last time someone managed to force me to retreat." Loki lowered his magic circle and began clapping. Even if they killed the copy it would make no difference, the next one could just show up and immediately carry the threat anyway. "Rejoice, Vanishing Dragon! For I, Loki of the Aesir, shall dedicate our next encounter into making you suffer!"
"Huhuhu. I can't wait." Vali spoke with some excitement but also somewhat conflicted because of how things were developing. Regardless of his desires the fight against Fenrir would end incomplete and there may not be a next time.

Loki wouldn't allow things to develop as they once did. "So, we have an agreement? Or does anyone have any objections?"

Rias wanted to protest, to shoot the god's head and dance on his corpse. But the risk was too high and she felt how nervous Shirou was feeling. "I want a Geas-"
"You aren't getting any. In fact, you should be grateful I am not trying to impose one." The Trickster shot back with a grin. "After all, I am the one with a city hostage and your beloved magician looks one step away from folding just because of that." The magus hissed but the silver haired man's eyes were already on Odin. "Are these the people you want to ally with? Rather sad, if you ask me."
For the first time the Old Man of the North lost his patience. "Aren't you retreating? Begone and let me deal with what is better for Asgard."

"Yes, because you know what is better for Asgard." To the Vanishing Dragon, the Aesir said, "If you could ask your witch to relinquish her control now…"
"Grr…" Clarent began shining as Altria was one step away from restarting hostilities. In the next second the glow vanished as she took a deep breath and looked behind them. "Fay! Undo your spell!"
"What? You really had a spell capable of stealing a god's boundary field?!" Luvia questioned but the smaller blonde just nodded.

"Less stealing, more like rewriting some parts…" Loki was still investigating because he knew when facing the Vanishing Dragon again, Le Fay Pendragon would be an obstacle that needed to be dealt with. Fortunately he had an ideal solution. "To be honest, all your group proved themselves to be more than a problem. A real vexing wall stopping my plans… Say, couldn't we come to some sort of agreement?"
"Do you really expect us to believe your words?" Arthur questioned out loud.

With a hand over his chest, Loki replied. "I can be an honest god if I want to. Originally I should have been imprisoned in my Fated cell for speaking too much. Isn't that right, Odin?"
"... I can't deny that he is quite honest… when he wants to be."
"Odin." Medusa hissed. "Are you trying to make the situation worse?"
"I wouldn't like to be accused of lying. Not in this stance."
Rias gritted her teeth while holding back her rage. "Do your Oaths mean you can't insult him too?" The Old Man chose to remain silent. "What a god you are."

"Well, I wouldn't believe him anyway." Altria pointed out with disgust.

"Ah, because Loki is Loki, after all." The Trickster could recognize his fame as he would his Domain. "Yet I am the only Aesir who ended up punished for being honest. For telling everyone things nobody wants to hear. Like the fact you are all terrorists, members of the Khaos Brigade." He grew even more smug, a thing nobody thought possible. "Wasn't just a few shorts months ago that this one was involved in stopping a peace treaty? How am I any different?"

Loki's attention was completely turned to the Vanishing Dragon as the latter remained quiet which increasingly began worrying Rias, Shirou and Medusa who knew they couldn't deal with Fenrir and Vali at the same time.

Truth was they couldn't deal with even one of them in their actual conditions. Not with their side exhausted and Juggernaut Drive already unleashed. Their best chance would be their own dragon with his own Juggernaut Drive but even if Ise was in top condition the young man was out like a light.

Considering the threat Loki had, they couldn't stop him either. "Is it because I am from Asgard? Because what I do is for its sake. It always has been all for Asgard's sake." His expression grew surprisingly sincere. "There were many opportunities for me to unleash Ragnarok and I haven't. I still have hope in my Pantheon."
"Enough for you to drag them into a war?" Arthur questioned as Rhongomyniad returned into the cube known as Add. The Mystic Code looked around and chose to keep his mouth shut, already predicting where things would go. "Besides, we aren't here for the Khaos Brigade."
"That is right! We are here for a friend. A friend whose sister can die if we let Fenrir loose." Altria reminded Vali who tiled his head as if pondering everything.

Loki waved her away. "You all know I can spare a single life. I am a god, after all. No, that isn't it." His focus immediately returned to the White Dragon Emperor. "If you want to fight my son, I can provide something later. Come on, Vanishing Dragon, work with me. I will make all your desires come true."
A chuckle escaped Vali's armor as the hybrid shook his head. "You better leave now, Loki, because your voice is starting to get on my nerves." His aura returned with fury. "So get out. Next time we meet, I am ripping you in half."
"Come now, I can be a generous ally-"
"Stop pushing your luck, Loki." Odin cut off before things could spiral out of control. "Take your leave already or don't you think I noticed you are trying to stall for time?"
"Stall… for time?" Altria questioned and she wasn't the only one as every eye landed on the Old Man of the North.

Who looked behind him with a hard expression. "He is counting on Azazel dying from Fenrir's wounds." The retired king revealed and for a moment all of Vali grew extremely stiff. "That won't happen. The nun and the cat stabilized him. The witch also fed him several blood potions."
"That doesn't mean he is out of the woods." Medusa glared at the grinning Loki. "You are truly an awful man."
"I prefer Trickster, Lady Me-" His head had vanished before the copy could finish his sentence.

Another Loki quickly took his place, mana pulsing in his hand. "White Dragon-"
"Leave. Now."

In that moment Loki knew pushing an inch further would be a terrible idea. "As soon as your witch-"
"Le Fay, let go of the boundary field." Add spoke before anyone else could.

The younger Pendragon stopped treating the wounded and quickly called her magic wand. She didn't even question Add's order, the fact the cube told her to do something was rare enough she didn't need details.

Letters written in an unknown language emerged from the ground close to Le Fay before falling apart. Only those around her could see the letters clearly; Asia, Koneko, Liz, Xenovia, Luvia, Rossweisse, Bikou and Kuroka. The rest were either unconscious or too far away and even if they weren't no one would be able to understand the witch's spell.

Loki could to an extent, if only because she had used it on his boundary field. "What sort of- She created several boundary fields inside my own? That is impossible."
"An interesting piece of magic but there is more to it." Odin acknowledged with obvious intrigue. "Yes, she didn't create boundary fields. There must be another sort of-"

"You have control back. Get out of my town." Rias ordered, patience spent.

The Trickster looked ready to banter and protest but a single glance at Vali told him it was still a terrible idea to poke that particular dragon. Copy or not every single Loki had an instinct for self preservation and despite being a god he knew that the White Dragon Emperor was ready to rip him apart as promised.

Revealing a weakness; his care for Azazel.

"Huhuhu." Raising his hand still charging with mana, the Aesir waved it towards Fenrir. A gateway opened behind the wolf who didn't want to leave but a twitch from his neck forced him into the darkness. "By your leave then."

Another gateway opened beneath Loki's feet and the god vanished without a trace.

Not just that version of him but the air grew lighter, or as light as it could be in that park, signifying every copy of the god also had departed. Confirming that was the boundary field falling apart an instant later which scared a few of them when they considered Vali was still on Juggernaut Drive.

But the hybrid was quick to change, his scales glowing with a gentle white light before his form grew smaller, less bulkier, his tail shrunk with his helmet and arms as the White Dragon Emperor's Balance Breaker stood before them.

A second later that armor also vanished and the silver haired young man cleaned the sweat in his forehead before saying. "Hope this isn't any sort of trick. I need to rest a minute before going all out again."

[No, he is gone. I can feel it.] Albion informed before Medusa approached the young man.

"Thank you for helping us-"
"A coincidence because Kuroka wanted to see her sister." He smirked at Shirou who looked at him with suspicion. "So, we have two favors now but we can talk about them later."
"Fine by me." The Mage could already guess what the hybrid wanted. But that wasn't his priority, not with everybody as wounded as they were. "Rias, did you manage to get the magic circles on Medusa's temple?"
His lover nodded. "So long we have the goddess' permission-"
"Which I already granted."
"-teleporting everybody there won't be too difficult." She winced and almost lost her balance if her lover wasn't there to hold her. "Unfortunately I am a bit dry on mana." A new experience for her and not a pleasant one.

"Altria can supply a bit of hers."
"Add."
"Can it, Arthur. Our little Lioness has more than enough. Problem would be sharing it but I bet Le Fay has a trick or two so the process can be fast."
Nobody disagreed because even if many of their wounded were stable, Azazel and Baraqiel's lives were still at risk.

…..

Medusa's Temple in Fuyuki was a wonder of architecture, engineering and magic.

Albeit incomplete it was only deemed it because of the abstinence of the statue the goddess had commissioned. Until that was built then she judged the temple to be lacking or not fully furnished as it was. In every other metric the structure and the terrain around it had been transformed according to the purple haired woman's wishes and to the letter.

Surrounded by a forest and a huge stone fence which still failed to hide the majesty of the temple, the land had several small buildings besides the central one. Most of them were made per Japanese custom but there were a few areas which were just pillars and a rooftop in a total of seven different structures.

Each of them surrounded the main temple which had a huge balcony on the lowest floor that not only guided people to the main entrance it also had the function of protecting her faithful from rain.

Said rain could be normal, arrows or fire for the goddess was cautious and made sure that her temple could be doubled as a fortress. And a fortress it was, no expense being saved as the construction crew and teams of devils worked around the clock to make it basically impenetrable.

For example the place not only had its own sewer system but also means to acquire water and food inside the temple itself. On its back there was a garden with several sets of vegetables and the forest around it had been replanted with trees of several different fruits. It also had some animals and critters, nothing too dangerous but all edible.

If one were to ignore the snakes, Medusa's children and one of the temple's fiercest defensive lines as not only their mother ordered them to watch over the area but they truly recognized it as their territory.

Her territory in more ways than one.

The structure itself was less of a Japanese temple and more of a castle with eight floors modeled after the Osaka Castle but with snake statues on each floor. They were also keystones for the several barriers and boundary fields created for and by Medusa with the assistance of several specialists.

Her barriers alone were work of a deity inside their Major Temple and so they had several effects that benefited her followers and allies. Also they would have extremely nasty side effects on her enemies or anyone ill intent. It also helped that the Goddess of Snakes was good with boundary fields.

Some of the effects included; rapid healing for allies together strengthening or weakening of muscles, bones and such, mana drain for the enemies which will then be redirected to any allies through several means, protection against diseases and many other positive effects that could make an average person capable of fighting off an average Middle Class devil.

Because all that was still proportional. Someone weak wouldn't suddenly turn invincible in her temple. Even if God was alive, the same couldn't happen in the Vatican since it would break the person first.

That was another benefit a strong deity had in their main territory; the ability to adjust the settings for their side in a way it wouldn't harm them.

Of course these were just some of the benefits and nothing compared to what Medusa herself received in her temple but every single one of them was important either in its defense or in an emergency.

Just as Add predicted, Le Fay had a quick ritual to transfer a huge quantity of mana from Altria to Rias which allowed the redhead to activate a magic circle located in the third floor of the main temple.

Teleporting so many people by herself could be complicated but so long there was enough mana then adjustments could be made. Thankfully both women had more than enough so everyone left in the park suddenly appeared inside Medusa's Temple safe and sound, if surprised with how smooth the ride went.

Without troubles either, those laying down were still lying down while the same could be said for the ones standing. "My followers." Medusa's voice quickly filled the place as everyone felt a sudden pressure around the woman. Her power had suddenly skyrocketed and anyone sensitive could tell she could even take Fenrir one on one if necessary. "To me. I need your assistance."

Through the four sliding doors, or fusuma, began pouring several women of different ages from the four cardinal directions. Some of them were dressed as Japanese priestesses despite not holding the rank while others wore normal day to day clothes.

They were all Medusa's followers, some from Fuyuki but several devils of lower rank that had nowhere to go requested to move in with their goddess. In fact the devils were all citizens of Lilith who started following her after the Red Raging Dragon Incident. Neither of them had any real power nor belongings left after the capital disappeared from the map.

So the Goddess of Snakes requested Sirzechs Lucifer to allow them passage to Earth. Her request was easily granted because if some wanted to resettle in Fuyuki it was good for the government. The Maous certainly appreciated having fewer people to move around in any case.

A quick scam told Shirou and Rias not all of Medusa's faithful heard her call since only twenty and eight women had shown up. The temple, both of them knew, had already over a hundred people living in its many sections. All of them were women but nevertheless not all of them were aware of the moonlit world.

In fact a few of them were almost killed by Stray devils who decided to join the new religion once they heard the new temple's deity was real and was the one watching over Fuyuki while a few were already clients of devils who didn't hesitate to endorse the goddess for a price.

Regardless, the women quickly bowed with the eldest, an old woman already in her sixties but looking better than anyone else her age due to her goddess, spoke. "Medusa-sama, how may we serve?"
"Take them to the infirmary." The order was basically a formality since the women and several of their group were already moving to transport the wounded. "A calamity almost struck our city and they all helped defend it. I want them to have our best care so make sure they are comfortable."
"Should we call some of the doctors back to the temple?" The woman knew they had a few among their number but they were working at that hour.

Fortunately Medusa didn't need to inconvenience her followers. "Just make sure they are comfortable. This is my temple so I will personally ensure their recovery." Everyone watched as all wounded were covered with a purple light. Only a few of them remained wounded, EM and Twilight Healing having already dealt with most of the damage, but they all looked more comfortable. "By this point most of them just need to rest."
She said most because neither Azazel nor Baraqiel had healed properly and even in her territory the deity couldn't just get rid of Fenrir's influence on their wounds. The former's chest had it worse with the claw marks covering his torso which were still bleeding while the latter was mostly healed with just a single gash visible.

The Wolf of Ragnarok ended up hitting the Fallen of Lightning with his claws most on accident since his target had been Akeno and most of his injuries had been when he had crashed on the ground.

Those were fixed but the accidental wound was still devastating.

"Of course-"
"Akeno-sama?"
"She is wounded as well?!"
"Did any of you think my High Priestess wasn't there helping us defend the town?" Medusa stopped things from devolving and questions from being asked. "She was and now she is just resting. Take her to her chambers, clean her and change her clothes."
"""Immediately, Medusa-sama."""

The group of women began mobilizing faster than anyone outside of Fuyuki's group expected. They also did their best to stay away from anyone conscious even if one or two asked if Bikou needed a room as well. All the monkey yokai asked was for food and everybody could agree that was a good idea.

"I will get to the kitchen-"
"Oh no, you are resting, Shero." Luvia demanded.

And Rias was quick to support. "Just because you have healed, doesn't mean you should be moving. Fenrir almost ripped you apart as well."
"How did you heal, anyway?" Vali asked as he sat down on a chair before anyone said anything. His exhaustion was visible so nobody commented. "I remember after our fight, you also were on your feet in a snap as well."

"Same thing happened during the fight against the Red Dragon Emperor." Arthur commented with a curious tone.

"That healing is busted." Bikou commented while massaging his shoulder. Sure they had healed him but the phantom pains weren't gone and he also was exhausted.

"Busted in more ways than one." Xenovia couldn't help but joke. "Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Really inconvenient."
"While I agree he should rest, I still want some food." Altria commented, her eyes locked on the redheads. "I also was promised a feast."
"Aren't you all just a bit too comfortable?" Medusa's tone grew more dangerous as her followers departed with the wounded devils and fallen angels. "Especially since you are terrorists."

Vali's group raised their guard but the young man himself didn't even blink. "Medusa-"
"My Champion, must remind everyone that this man," she motioned to the hybrid, "almost ruined a peace treaty and had us all killed just because."
"It was… more complicated than that."
"Whoa, Altria, your defense sucked."
"Shut up, Add."
"Or that they came here for no reason." Medusa's eyes shifted to Kuroka who was holding Koneko protectively. "Even if her reasons are real, I won't just believe this also isn't part of some plot."

"I can't help but agree…" Rias commented which had Le Fay glare at her.

"You swore to allow Kuroka to spend some time with her sister-"
"And she can. Doesn't mean any of you should be here." The Princess of Ruin added coldly. "What is more believable? That you all were just following the Stray Nekomata's whims and chasing her sister all over town or that your organization has some sort of plot?"
Luvia raised a gem and took a step forward. "If you wanted, you could have contacted Azazel first to set up a meeting. Just showing up… you can't deny this is suspicious."

Altria gritted her teeth and raised Clarent. "We risk our lives to save you."

"A plot with Loki. You could already be allies. You could be trying to gain our trust." The Princess of Ruin added as her aura began to return. Ironically she was using the leftovers of mana the platinum blonde had given her. "In that case, caution is warranted, don't you agree?"
"Rias, calm down. All of you!" Shirou stood between both sides and held his hands up. If they wanted us dead, they could have done so already." The logical argument did little to sway the others but the magus kept trying. "They aren't here to fight-"
"I am." Vali added with a smug grin that almost had the Mage punching him.

Yet he controlled himself. "They also helped us save Ise's life, Rias. Remember that."
"Another attempt to gain our trust." His lover replied calmly even if knowing that was illogical even if their actions warranted confusion and caution.

Which actually had the magus shake his head. "Altria doesn't like these sort of tricks and Vali doesn't have the patience for them." He fully turned towards the Heiress, standing between them but focusing on her. "They also follow their own code. Please, didn't we fight enough for today?"
A flick of Le Fay's wrist had a magic circle silencing Vali. "I quite agree with Shirou. There has been enough violence for an afternoon" Her shoulders dropped as she let her exhaustion show. "Can't we make the same deal like last time? Please? We were good guests, weren't we?"
"You two were." Medusa acknowledged before focusing on the White Dragon Emperor again. "But he stabbed his own adoptive father in the back without hesitation."

The hybrid scowled. "I never called him father-"
"And he hesitated. A lot!" Altria said firmly, glaring at her friend before shifting her glare on the deity. "But he didn't want nothing to happen with Azazel. Trust on this; he cares."
"He is just really bad at showing it. Hihihi." Bikou couldn't help but say and wince when Vali slapped the back of his head.

Rias, Luvia and Medusa traded looks. While everyone was tired, they were in the goddess temple so if a fight broke out, victory was assuredly to be theirs. Yet Shirou's plea didn't go unheard.

"Buchou, Le Fay-san helped stabilize Ise and Kiba." Asia's additional support only tilted the scales further. "They were suffering while we tried to heal everyone. If it wasn't for her…"
"I just used a spell to help them sleep." The witch commented with a gentle smile. "Nothing much."
Xenovia let her armor go, having made up her mind. "I think my Master is right." Durandal turned into her cross as she moved to stand besides the Mage. With both redhead and bluehead defending that group, Liz finally moved to stand with them, making a wall which blocked the devils and deity's line of sight. "Besides, I think we shouldn't start anything. That would tarnish our honor the most since all they did was help… Except that time Vali attacked Kuoh."
The hybrid threw his arms up. "Seriously. Are any of you going to forget that?"
"You burned a lot of bridges that day and a lot of good people died." Shirou reminded the Vanishing Dragon.

Which had the Original saying, [He got you there, Partner.] Inside the silver haired man's mind.

Vali scoffed before he raised a hand, "What about if we made a Geas?" The offer made everyone pause. "And it would need to be a strong one. With my nature as a True Hybrid, anything not imposed by a god will probably fail. Fortunately, we are under a goddess' protection, aren't we, Medusa?"
The deity in question frowned but understood where he was going. "I guarantee your security and all of you sign a deal to not cause troubles in Fuyuki."
"In this particular instance." Vali answered with a grin. Rias was about to protest but he raised a hand to stop her. "Come on now. I still want my rematch with your Magician. A proper one on one without politics in our way." Shirou sighed. Nobody was surprised anyway. "If I just give you a blank check on what is considered trouble or not, either of you may insist that I never touch him… or any of you again."
"That sounds like a threat." Commented the Princess of Ruin.

"A devil like you would find some way to throw us in jail, wouldn't she? Maybe even include her brother in the deal somehow, stopping me from fighting the current Lucifer."
'He got us.' Luvia could see that whatever contract they ended up using it would be read thoroughly. 'As expected from someone of Lucifer's lineage… Yet that is a problem in and of itself…'

Her eyes shifted to Rias who bit her lower lip. "It isn't that easy. Even if you helped us twice-"
"It should be enough to earn us some good will, don'tcha think?" Bikou questioned with a shrug. "I mean, wasn't Kuroka a criminal before and you agree to let her play with her sister."

"Nyah… You aren't going to separate us, right?" The Stray Nekomata questioned while hugging Koneko, the little Rook wasn't fighting her either.

If anything the younger nekomata looked all too comfortable in her sister's arms. "Buchou… Sorry if it will cause problems but… They helped us. And my sister isn't trying to take me this time."
"Sounds like there is a story there, kakaka-"
"Not the time, Add." Arthur closed his hand around the cube.

Altria stepped forward. "We may be part of the Khaos Brigade, there is no point denying that, but besides Vali's selfish mishaps-"
"Oi! They weren't that selfish!"
"And a little more than mishaps." Shirou couldn't help himself.

"-we have committed no crimes."
"Must I remind you all that you are associated with the devils responsible for the most recent invasion of the Underworld? Some who escaped?" The Heiress of Gremory shot back.

Only for Le Fay to shake her head. "We had nothing to do with it. In fact we insisted that Vali didn't partake."
"And we saved you Pawn's life." Kuroka added. "You own us one for that alone."

"You are here, aren't you? If you could just have called first…" The Princess of Ruin decided to throw the dice and reveal some things. "Vali Lucifer, the Clan Lucifer has been outlawed in the Underworld!" That earned her a raised brow but not more from the young man. "All their members are to be executed on sight."
"Pft! Seriously?!" The Vanishing Dragon couldn't believe it. "Are you for- No, is Sirzechs for real? There wasn't even a Lucifer in that invasion. No, wait, that is for all the Maous, isn't it?"
Arthur and Le Fay shared a look. "That sounds… Awfully dangerous to be put into law."
"We know the descendants of the Original Satans did a lot of damage but Vali has a point." The witch commented. "No member of the Lucifer Clan partook in that invasion."
"Not directly but a known associate from Rizevim was sighted." The Heiress of Gremory revealed.

"And because it happened twice, clearly Rizevim is part of the Khaos Brigade. Fantastic!" Vali shouted sarcastically. "Not only that old man can't just fold and die but he is still causing me troubles. Say, would the order be rescinded if I killed him?"

Rias actually stopped to think about it. "Can you deliver the head?"
"Forget the hypothetical scenarios!" Medusa ordered and the Heiress flinched. "We need to decide if they should stay or not. Considering they are willing to sign a Geas, I am willing to offer hospitality."
"Just for a brief period of time and no, I am not fighting you during it." Shirou added the condition before anyone could comment. Both Altria and Vali looked somewhat displeased but he added. "Sure you saved us but you guys also sneaked inside of Fuyuki instead of calling which probably is going to land us in a heap of problems, right?"
"Probably? Try definitively." Luvia answered his query.

Xenovia shrugged. "At least we could ask them how they passed the Watchers-"
"Not for free." Kuroka gently brushed Koneko's hair, stroking between her ears in the exact way she knew Shirone liked. "They may be the only way I can see my sister if something happens."
"You can visit. Hell, even your Stray status… I can deal with it." Rias revealed which surprised everyone. "But Vali can't. Not while Lucifer's blood runs through his veins and his loyalty is to our enemies."
"To be fair, I hate Rizevim."
"Nobody will care!" The Heiress slapped her forehead. "Do you have any idea how it looks that you saved us twice? It looks like we, more specifically me, are colluding with terrorists! A declared enemy is helping a Heiress! That doesn't look good!"

A few seconds of silence fell in the room before Vali commented. "So if I go to the Underworld now I can fight everybody?"
"Seriously that is what you are thinking right now?" Shirou asked in disbelief.

[Believe it, Mage of Swords. The idea of fighting a whole dimension… is appealing.]

"...I swear I won't ever understand dragons."

"Not all dragons are like that." Le Fay informed. "Vali is a special case."
"""Special case.""" Altria, Kuroka and Bikou said in sync.

"And thus they revealed a source of trauma! Kakakakaka!"

"Add, be quiet." Arthur tried to remain standoffish but he looked as scared and uncomfortable as everybody else.
Rias took a few seconds to take several breaths before speaking again. "Look, I appreciate your help fighting Fenrir and Loki. I really do. You saved us, all of us."
"True. That sort of service should be rewarded." Medusa recognized as well. In fact her pride as a goddess demanded such.

Yet the Second Owner of Fuyuki wasn't done. "The problem is who you are. The Lucifer Clan was declared enemies of the Underworld almost on the same level as God during the war." She shook her head almost desperately. "Even if you say you aren't really part of the Old Satan Faction, his name means something. It means everything. Including a boatload of troubles!" She wanted to curl into a ball and cry. "How do I even start explaining this? Can I even tell anyone that Lucifer's descendant showed up to lend us a hand? Again?"
"Rias, calm down." Her lover began upon noticing the stress building up on her shoulders. "We can handle this."
"But we can't. My brother- Oh for fuck's sake, my brother. How do I explain what happened today? Where do I start?! Loki showed up out of the blue and… declared war on us? Good grief, that report is going to be a nightmare! … Maybe I don't need to deliver it- wait, I need to report Odin's day to make sure Asgard doesn't get pissed… An omission or two won't hurt, right? Right?!"
"And people ask why I don't care about my Clan." Vali joked which earned him a glare from Rias but a chuckle from Bikou.

"I know, right. Gramps also hates that stuff. That is why he leaves everything to his brothers, my aunts and uncles. Anyway, really annoying stuff."
Shirou raised an eyebrow and asked. "Didn't he start a fight with the Heavenly Court to get a better position? He knew that it meant more responsibilities, right?"

"We are talking about Sun Wukong." Altria reminded him bluntly. "'Responsibility' wasn't why he started the fight."
Kuroka shrugged in agreement. "It was more out of impulse or something."
"Doesn't matter why Sun Bloody Wukong decided to kick all matters of ass until Budha showed up!" Rias shouted in a panic. "I have to deal with politics and having Vali Lucifer, LUCIFER, here and helping us a SECOND TIME!"

After her rant the Heiress of Gremory took several moments to breath. "Have you calmed down?" Medusa questioned but the devil just shook her head. "Should I also remind you that you are in hot water with Seekvaira Agares?"

Rias winced which got the other group curious. "What happened?" Le Fay questioned.

"Probably something dumb. That is how politics goes, kakakaka." Add shared his opinion.

"It wasn't dumb. Just a matter of principle." Xenovia shared her thoughts while defending Rias. "A very complicated matter of principle. But everyone deserves a second chance so-"

"Something personal." Shirou finally said. "For both sides. Do you really think she is mad enough to-"
"Tell everybody about a terrorist organization helping us? Oh, yeah. Definitely." Rias wanted to believe her friend wasn't holding a grudge but that was a lie. Both of them were just mending fences and arguably telling her brother about the Vanishing Dragon's group was the right thing to do. "Politically she would get in my brother's good graces. Or she could go straight to the Elders and they could use that information to undermine him. Or any Clan still loyal to Lucifer could get wind of his presence and-"
"Would it all be better if I just leave?" Vali offered mostly because he was annoyed with the conversation. "Kuroka is the one who wants to spend time with her sister and the others can just keep an eye on her."
"And who is keeping an eye on you?" Arthur asked without hesitation, making Add laugh.

Vali waved him away replying. "I am an adult. What I want is my rematch-"

"You would win." Shirou declared surprising the new arrivals. "The only reason why I beat you last time was by catching you off guard and stopping Juggernaut Drive. You let it out," he crossed his neck with a finger in a blade-like motion, "and I am out."

After grumbling something under his breath, the Vanishing Dragon replied, "You could stop me from getting Juggernaut Drive, like you did last- Are you trying to sell yourself short?"
The magus shrugged. "Just don't see a point in fighting right now-"
"To get stronger. To see where we are. To develop new strategies."
Xenovia turned to the Mage. "I think he is right, Master."
"You should be on my side."
"Kakakaka! Did this guy really try to fight Fenrir? Where did his spine go?! Kakakaka!" Add asked while laughing.
"Rude." Le Fay commented. "But after fighting the Wolf of Ragnarok, can you blame him?" The witch questioned his friends before turning to her sister.

Who was already well aware of that. "Which is why I am charging the debt with food."
"Smart." Liz praised with a smile.

"Yes, yes. He can cook stuff. Big deal." Vali spoke as someone unable to even make a sandwich. "Can't believe you are forgiving him because of your stomach. Weren't you going to skin him alive just the other day?"
Altria blushed and cleared her throat before replying. "I am not forgiving him for anything… But I don't see why we can't get good food while Kuroka spends time with her sister." She then glared at Shirou. "In any case, this is just a favor from saving your friend last time. Now you owe us another favor because of Loki."

"Wasn't that letting Kuroka stay here?" Luvia questioned, trying to trap them into having already repaid said favor.

"Excuse me but if I may say something?" Rossweisse, who was standing on a wall with her damaged armor and leotard, raised a hand.

Immediately both Shirou and Xenovia moved to her side before the magus said. "Why didn't you go with the others?"
"Master is right, you should be resting." The knight moved to help the Valkyrie stand. "Come on, I can take you to the infirmary."
"She can take one of the rooms. After healing, she only needs rest." Medusa offered as her eyes stayed fixed on the White Dragon Emperor. "About that Geas… couldn't you somehow break it with your sacred gear or another of Le Fay's exoteric magic?"
"And how exoteric it was." Odin commented, his eye had not left Le Fay even as he leaned on his cane. Then his remaining eye moved around, meeting everyone's stare. "Ah, sorry. You all completely forgot about me. Not a problem really, since you are dealing with this and that. Rude, but understandable."
Vali was grinning again. "Old Man of the North, King of Asgard, God of War and Magic." Every Title made the young man's mouth water. "Say, since Loki ran away, want to go a round or two?"
"Fufufu." Odin moved through Fuyuki and Vali's groups before standing in front of the young man himself. "My, my. Had you been born in the right Age, you would have been a terror. Maybe even a conqueror." With a swift movement most didn't notice, the Aesir raised his cane and tapped the silver haired man's chest, annoying him. "But you are in no condition to fight today. Obviously Juggernaut Drive's cost was steep."
[Hehe, still better than the Red One.] Albion bragged.

Vali shoved the disguised spear away, amusing the god. "We don't need to fight today. After a good night of sleep I will be ready for a new round, Old Man."
"Hoho! Bold. But I don't think that is going to happen so soon."
"That's what I wanted to talk about!" Rossweisse spoke in a panic. "Loki is coming back!"
"What?!"
"You gotta be kidding me!"

"Fay, is he around?"

"Hmm, maybe I shouldn't have dropped Juggernaut Drive so soon."
"Let him try." Medusa challenged as her power began spreading and her temple began glowing. "Him and his mutt. If they dare to step in my temple-"

"Everybody calm down!" Shirou suddenly shouted at him and Odin remained calm as even the Valkyrie was panicking a bit. Yet for different reasons since he already suspected that, "She means it isn't over yet. That he is going to attack again. Probably just not today." Still making sure to help the silver haired woman, he turned his head to focus on her. "Isn't that right, Rossweisse."
She nodded trice in rapid succession. "Loki isn't the sort of god who gives up easily. Or who needs too much time to come back with some sort of plan." Turning to the True Hybrid, she said. "If you want a fight, you won't have to wait for long. Loki and Fenrir are probably going to attack Fuyuki again and with something to neutralize you as well."
"But why? There is no point." Rias wanted to scream in frustration but managed to control her emotions. "He said himself that his plan was to convince Odin to terminate any possibility of a treaty. The king himself, retired or not, watched his betrayal." She pointed at the Aesir who just smiled in amusement. "Getting Asgard on his case should be just a phone call away."
"And, pray tell, what would Asgard do in this situation? Or what should they even do?" Odin questioned with a smirk. "Supposing the current king hears my words, what do you suggest?"

"Isn't he your son?" Shirou asked back.

"Balder is his own man. He has been his own man for centuries and a little more. He doesn't need to go back and forth just to please his father. Never did." The Aesir chuckled before returning his attention to Rias. "And what can he do against Fenrir? Send an army of Valkyries? Maybe call some other warriors to try and contain him. Tyr has another hand to lose, right?"
"Then call Thor!" Rias practically demanded. "Isn't he the Strongest in your Faction?! Doesn't he rank higher than Fenrir?! Call him!"
"Hahahahahaha! Hahahahahahahahaha!" Odin stopped laughing a little, looked at the young woman, "Hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!"

Everyone started to think the Old Man had finally lost his marbles but Rossweisse didn't have any good news. "Calling Lord Thor would be a mistake."
"Why?" Vali asked with interest. "Last I heard, he ranks even higher than Albion."
[Can you let that matter drop? I never got to fight him. The ranking is rigged.]

Rossweisse shook her head. "Power isn't the problem… Or maybe it is…"
"Realized it, girly?" Odin questioned as his bodyguard fell silent. "Here, let me help you all. My oldest son has the subtlety of an army dancing conga inside a museum. If he drops by Japan then the landscape may not survive."
"... Some Legends do say that whenever Thor fights for real the scenery tends to change." Le Fay pointed out before turning to Rias. "And that would be a bad thing for you, right?"
The Heiress winced while Bikou asked. "Why? If the guy can take care of Fenrir then Gremory should get ready to fork over some offerings."
Luvia shook her head in a bit of a panic. "That won't do. Fuyuki wouldn't survive and…"
"And she is trying to keep this whole situation beneath the sheets." Odin revealed playfully. "Fenrir isn't an opponent anyone can beat. Even this brat over here," he poked Vali again who brushed his spear away, "needed his dragon's full power to have a chance. And he isn't a god. A boon in this sort of situation."
"But Thor is a god and if he fought Fenrir, he would be at a disadvantage." Arthur observed while rubbing his chin. "In that case being higher in the food chain doesn't mean much…"
Rossweisse nodded in agreement. "Lord Tyr lost his hand in an instant when they tried to lock up Fenrir. The second that wolf realized what happened…"
"He easily ripped a god's hand away." Shirou concluded for her. "No difficulty whatsoever, right? Even if Tyr had his hand on his mouth, he is still a god."

"That is the power of a God Slayer for you." Medusa acknowledged. "Even in my temple, if Loki really attacks, I can't underestimate them."
"If he really attacks, he will be more prepared next time." The Valkyrie pointed out. "And he will attack. He has to… If his goal is really chaos then Fenrir isn't just going to leave Fuyuki. The good news is that Loki won't just let his son loose either."

"For now." Odin pointed out making Rias and Luvia shiver.
A snort escaped Vali. "So much for Ragnarok or a revolution. Guy isn't willing to break any real rules."
"He is two steps from starting a war!" Shirou reminded the Vanishing Dragon.
Who shrugged in response while crossing his arms behind his head. "All I am hearing is how he could skip the headache and go straight for the town to get his goal."
Altria shook her head. "His goal isn't to alienate Asgard, just to cripple any sort of treaty between it and the Three Factions."
Her younger sister nodded before adding. "That means he is gunning for either Azazel or Rias Gremory in this situation." The witch concluded while rubbing her chin. "If the former dies, the Grigori falls into chaos. If the latter does, her brother will want to start a war."

"Elder's opposition be damned." Xenovia realized with horror.
"But he can't. The Underworld is too weak in the present… Can't we just lock him up again?" Rias questioned while growing slightly pale. Counting on her brother helping wasn't really on the cards and she needed other solutions. "If you still have the old chains, they can work."

Odin began laughing again which prompted a groaning Valkyrie to reply, "The chains should be locking Fenrir deep in the center of Asgard. Under heavy guard…" Rossweisse worried for the guards but doubted Loki would harm them in any way. "If he can make clones of himself, he could make a copy of Fenrir to fool everyone…"

She wasn't really asking but the question made Odin pause. "It wouldn't be as strong as the original… but it doesn't need to be, does he? A very good trick." It sounded like he wanted to applaud Loki.

A good thing he didn't because Rias looked ready to murder someone. She only didn't complain because throwing accusations around wouldn't help with the situation. Her options were growing thin and she wasn't the only one seeing that particular well going dry.

Realizing Asgard couldn't help, Medusa turned to their next option. "What would happen if we called Sirzechs or Ajuka to Fuyuki? Maybe both?" She considered adding Michael but he was technically a minor god. To avoid repeating what happened to Azazel and Baraqiel, calling more angels wasn't recommended. "Both of them share a spot on the Strongest Beings. They would be good opponents for Fenrir. Better yet, neither is a god so even one-"
"My brother… can't leave the Underworld right now." Rias began biting her nail in frustration. "This timing is awful. Too awful."
"Why?" Altria questioned in disbelief. "If there is someone who would keep things between us, wouldn't he be able to do it?"
Bikou gave a thumbs up. "Yeah, he could even make our visit official or something."
"He is the Underworld's Big Kahuna. But that doesn't mean he can step out whenever he wants." Add began explaining. "If things are tight, he is supposed to be the last guy to suddenly get a vacation."
Odin chuckled and played with his beard. "And things are thought alright. Remember the invasion? The devils are still cleaning that mess." Every member of Vali's group winced. "That isn't all either; both Heaven and the Grigori joined forces to help in their allies' recovery. It is one of the reasons why Fuyuki is so understaffed."

Since she didn't like her King's secrets being revealed, Luvia tried to change the subject. "Was that how you guys go in so easily?"

Unfortunately she found opposition in Xenovia. "Doesn't matter. It isn't like Sirzechs can just drop by to deal with Fenrir right now. We don't even know where the wolf is. Or Loki." She clicked her tongue in frustration. "This is our city but he is already inside. If he knows where we live…"
"We lost any initiative. It is his and we can't do a thing to change that." Shirou concluded with a pensive expression. "Loki can engage us whenever he wants, wherever he wants."
"Only Medusa's Temple is safe." Leysritt pointed out coldly.

Rias nodded in agreement. "The school, our home, maybe even Ise's home and all of Gremory's properties…" She turned to Odin. "What are the chances Loki has eyes in all of them?"
"A Trickster like him? 100%." His bodyguard nodded in agreement. "If he had time to prepare that boundary field, Loki did his research. Just because we are all alive doesn't mean we didn't get lucky." The Old Man of the North chuckled again as he took a step back and waved towards Vali and his group. "Lucky doesn't even begin to cover it. If these fellows hadn't arrived then everything would have gone as planned." He then stopped in front of the Heiress of Gremory to say. "And if he changed his target to you or Azazel, odds are that if we leave, it won't help you either. In fact, it would reduce your firepower as even if Rossweisse can't seal Loki anymore, she can still immobilize Fenrir for a few seconds."
"'Damned if you do, damned if you don't.'" Rias acknowledged with bitterness. "Good news is that he only 'wins' by either killing me or Azazel since-" Immediately she slapped her own face so hard that Shirou and Luvia quickly approached her with worry. "We can't count on Sona Peerage either."
"Why? Isn't she your ally?" Le Fay questioned as they had no idea of the whole situation.

They couldn't know that, "But Sona is out. She is… taking care of her sister." Rias' expression fell into sadness. "She isn't around and I, in my infinite wisdom, gave Seekvaira command of her Pieces."

Kuroka tilted her head and asked her sister. "... And that is a problem, why?"

"She is mad because the stu- our new Knight took her eye."
"Oh, hell no. I wouldn't forgive that either. Fufufufu."
"Lord Odin, please don't make things worse."

"We could still ask for their help." Xenovia suggested. "They know us for longer and-"
"They have to deliver reports to Seekvaira about anything strange happening in Fuyuki." The Heiress of Gremory lamented. "Even if they omit things, we don't know how long this crisis will last. Seekvaira is smart, if she sniffs something out of place, she will want to know why." Turning to Odin, she said. "We only don't need to answer questions because we are already watching over Odin but if we were to call reinforcements… especially after I said we could handle it." From her eyes it was clear she wanted to cry. "Stupid." The redhead hit her own forehead with a palm. Repeatedly. "Stupid. Stupid. Stupid, stupid."
Shirou was on her side holding her hand in an instant but the young woman still fell to her knees in despair. "Rias, calm down. There was just now way we could know that Loki was going to show up. Or that Fenrir would be involved."

"Still I shouldn't have had… I was trying to…" The Crimson Haired Princess of Ruin in her had demanded more bloodshed and utterly obliteration as means of peace. It was certainly a strategy her instructor, the Magus Killer, would have approved yet Seekvaira's friend refused to harm her any further. "I was trying to get my friend back."
"... Ruthlessness is mercy on ourselves…" Medusa whispered. Some eyes moved to her and she said, "Something someone told me once. He was a bad man…"
Shirou could guess who she was referring to so he chose to say. "There is a place for ruthlessness and mercy at their own time. And Seekvaira had already suffered enough." He offered his lover a smile. "You are going to see. Someday you are going to be laughing about all this."
With a sad frown, Rias replied, "I still don't think… I don't want to tempt her. Also, what could Sona Peerage do against Fenrir? We were almost decimated."

[None of those Noble Phantasms could even scratch one of the Strongest. At least, not in the hands of those weaklings.]

That wasn't something Shirou was necessarily sure of. 'Actually, maybe one of them could make a difference.' His gaze fell on Altria as he began to think. 'Goes without saying that Avalon's healing is beyond powerful and that is just because Artoria's reincarnation is around. Would Tsubasa's shield also react to her?'

It was a possibility he couldn't deny because the Sitri Rook's shield was Lord Camleot or the Round Table from Legend. The very same table where King Arthur and her knights united in oaths of brotherhood that supported the Kingdom of Britain in its early days. Not only that but it was the manifestation of its capital, Camelot.

Much like him, Tsubasa's Noble Phantasm was connected to her soul. Even if they shared a condition, it was fundamentally different for both of them.

Shirou's soul had burned in hell and was brought back from the brink by Avalon and built back up.

Tsubasa's soul was bestowed with the Round Table later in life which affected her personality much less.

Yet there were obvious benefits for both of them and the Mage's got even better whenever in Altria's vicinity. 'Avalon is directly connected with King Athur's Legend- no, if I think about it in Fae terms, it is a rule that Avalon reveals its true power and nature when Artoria is present in any shape or form.' The same couldn't be said about the shield. 'While the Round Table technically belongs to Artoria, the one who used it as a shield was Galahad… That doesn't mean it won't react-'

"What are you looking at?" While Shirou had used his Reality Marble to accelerate his thoughts, sooner or later Reality caught up with him. Altria noticed his analytical stare and, since she was still annoyed with him, didn't let it slide. "Not planning something cruel like last time, are you? I am not going to try and draw Calibur. At least not for now."
"Funny, that could actually improve our odds." Odin offered while studying Shirou and Altria. Without looking at her, he asked. "Tell me something, Gremory; do you have any means of contacting the other fallen angels without Azazel? Something subtle that Loki wouldn't notice?" The devil thought for a moment before shaking her head. "And Heaven? I know there is a Church around here and there was an angel running around the Underworld during the invasion. Another few of those and-"
"Out of question." Medusa banished the idea before it could take root. "Angels are like smaller gods. Azazel is a fallen one and he almost died. We aren't risking a pure angel."

Feeling she needed to say something, Luvia offered a suggestion of her own. "Doesn't mean the Church doesn't have agents that can't help us. Maybe even those capable of facing gods."

An eyebrow jumped to Vali's forehead. "Oh, they do have some alright. Just doubt any of them can drop by here on short notice."

"Vali is right. The Hero Faction…" Arthur paused and looked at Shirou who glared at him, paying attention to any news of his sister. "They are moving around Europe and preparing something. They raided several churches looking for materials and treasures."

Other places too but that was irrelevant for that conversation.
"For what?" Xenovia demanded to know out of old and new loyalties.

"Geas. We can't answer even if we knew." Le Fay informed making the taller woman frown. "Either way, the Church wouldn't be able to keep things on the low, not against Loki. Any of their heavy hitters could destroy Fuyuki."

"Most likely certainty. If I remember right, their strongest fighter has another Longinus: Zenith Tempest." The Vanishing Dragon remembered after a little thought. "Its power is all about the weather and not the sort of thing anyone can miss."
Xenovia nodded in agreement. "Yes, I remember… It belongs to another, I mean, an Exorcist: Dulio Gesualdo."
"Hmm? Do you know him? Is he strong?"

"Everybody said he was but I never saw him fight. All I know was that he never lost a fight and is called the Strongest Exorcist."
"And now Vali has a new target." Bikou spoke in jest but seriously enough everyone knew he was right. "Can we finish this one first before going after someone else? You just beat Fenrir and have a Mage ready for a beating."
"Get in line." Altria ordered without hesitation.

Only for the Vanishing Dragon to reply. "Hey. I fought him first. You get in line."
"Should we contact Irina or the church?" Liz finally questioned, getting the conversation back on track.

Medusa shook her head. "Since our reinforcements wouldn't be angels, it would take some time for them to get here. And we can't hide in my temple forever, can we?"
"Not if we don't want Seekvaira and the Underworld to learn of this mess." Luvia concluded with concern. "Three, four days. That is how long Odin usually spends on a place, right?"
Rossweisse nodded. "Sounds about right. At least in places he finds interesting."
"And Fuyuki is very interesting." At least the Aesir sounded like he wanted to cooperate.
"Ha ha ha, so that is it?" Rias laughed sarcastically. "We get help from nowhere and the ones we can get are either going to be one-shotted by Fenrir, going to destroy the town, maybe both, or just can't show up. What the hell happened with my Luck?!" The Heiress legitimately questioned and nobody knew how to answer. "Too many bad things happened back to back. Too many coincidences! Did Loki planned this? Because usually it is the other way around!"
"Well, he may suspect that the Maous aren't going to show up anytime soon…" Rossweisse pointed out with a grimace. "The invasion wasn't necessarily subtle."
Luvia found herself agreeing with the Valkyrie. "She is right. Everyone knows the Underworld bleed because of the attack. That is still healing." She stepped besides her King and helped her up. "But that doesn't mean your Luck ran out, Buchou. If it did, maybe the White Dragon Emperor would have arrived a moment too late and someone could have died."

"You are welcome." Vali couldn't help but say.
"Devil's Luck, the Gremory Power…" Le Fay mumbled thoughtfully. "Also Rias Gremory was born with both Destruction and Luck… That is lucky."
"Hah!"

"Nyhahaha!" Bikou and Kuroka laughed at the witch's phrasing.

A loud sound filled the room when a cane hit the wooden floor. "Unfortunately not the best Power to deal with Fenrir. Or Loki for that matter." Odin commented with annoyance. "You are not strong enough to harm a god and much to even scratch Fenrir. Your best attempt only stalled him for a moment and took everything you had."
"I know that." Rias protested half heartedly but couldn't deny the facts.

"Your efforts were commendable but it wasn't enough. And next time Loki isn't just going to play around. Trickster he may be, but his goal changed and he doesn't care enough about you to feel any guilt after a kill. We must deal with Fenrir immediately and once and for all."
Medusa scoffed at the older deity. "Funny for you to say that when you had that wolf in Asgard for years and never bothered to do anything."
Surprisingly Odin nodded in agreement. "And that was my mistake. One that I am willing to help correct." Rossweisse stood on her own feet, nodding in gratitude to Xenovia before standing beside her god. "Sure Asgard can't send support but all is not lost. It will take time for Loki to come up with something that can dislodge Medusa from her temple so we have time to plan our own countermeasures."
"You think he can do it? Expel a goddess from her own Major Temple?" Le Fay questioned.

"He is a Trickster. With enough time, he will figure something out… Maybe even take the city hostage if we take too long." Shirou closed his fist in anger but dared not to interrupt Odin. The Aesir was right. "Once he shows up again, he will be better prepared as well. No surprises will catch him off guard like the White Dragon Emperor did."
"Your tone makes it sound like he wouldn't have lost if we didn't catch him off guard…" Vali sounded annoyed and interested.

The Old Man of the North focused on him once more. "You walk with Sun Wukong's descendant. You should know not to underestimate a Trickster."
"We have our own bag of tricks. No matter what sort he brings out, we can turn the tables and overwhelm him. If not with cunning, then with power." Altria said defiantly. When the god turned to her, she didn't retreat and refused to bow under the pressure of his gaze. "While not really taking part, we are members of the Khaos Brigade."

"Nyaham. Beating up gods is our speciality!" Kuroka stated proudly.

Much to Koneko's horror. "Onee-chan, did you-"
The Stray Nekomata shook her head quickly. "No, no. Not yet. But we are ready to fight gods if we need to."
"Mostly because Vali really wants to." Add commented and everyone believed the cube.

However that revelation only made Odin scoff. "Confidence based on optimism? Without proof or merit, it is worthless. Us gods aren't that easy to beat. Or you think we are all Pan or minor deities who were taken down by flukes." He sounded more annoyed than before. "There is a reason the power of other gods or Divinities are needed to fight gods. Outside of that, we rarely find challengers."
"Tell that to Albion. He did kill some way back when." Vali retorted with a cheeky grin.
"None like Loki. And you aren't Abilion." Odin's remaining eye began to shine as he glared at the silver haired man. Then he recoiled, finally understanding that, "The rumors were true. You are a True Hybrid, with all the strength of a devil and none of the weaknesses."

"Not a devil. Of Lucifer." The Vanishing Dragon replied confidently as his power flickered around him which surprised the god.

Fairly enough it had surprised everyone since he was completely exhausted just a few instants ago. Yet it was like the eagerness for a fight, the adrenaline of challenging the king of Asgard(retired), somehow had energized him.

Vali chuckled before standing up again to stay at the Aesir's level. "Still thinking I can't kill a god, Old Man?"
A scoff was the immediate reply. "You are still untested. Besides, how much longer were you able to hold Juggernaut Drive? Surely you were close to your limit." Once again the deity paid attention to the hybrid's body. Mostly his reserves and overall condition. "You can barely stand. Even if you could have kept that engine going-"
"I would have killed Fenrir and-"
"Can you two stop the dick measuring contest? We have a bigger problem!" Rias snapped which caught both men's attention. "Loki is coming back and we are stuck… Desperate times demand desperate measures."
"Are we calling your brother?" Xenovia asked.

It was Shirou who answered. "No. Sirzechs couldn't stay here for long and Loki just would need to wait him out." Either that or launch another crisis in the Underworld to force him back. "We also can't leave Fuyuki so… what is the plan, Rias?"
The Heiress of Gremory took a deep breath to collect herself but Odin refused to remain silent for long. "As I was saying, there are options and of course we will provide some help."
"But you can't help against Fenrir." Rias recalled calmly as she began accepting a particular idea. A foolish one but the best available.

One Odin wasn't considering. "There are alternatives and I have some… methods that may turn the tide."
"Which you didn't use before because you aren't sure they will work." Medusa suddenly revealed mostly to cut the Aesir off. He glanced at her but the goddess glared back with a silent message. 'I don't trust you.'

Before the Old Man of the North could argue his case, Rias continued her train of thought. "I don't want to deal with uncertainty. Not on this. Not when I have an Ace right here." Eyes grew wide as she approached the hybrid and offered her hand. "Lend me your strength, Vali Lucifer."

"Hahaha! Seriously?" Bikou questioned in disbelief. "Weren't you crying just a second ago how having him around is bad for you?"

"It is awful! Buchou, are you sure?" Luvia, who understood the risks and political implications, questioned in an exasperated tone.

Yet her King only nodded as Xenovia whispered, "Desperate measures," for everyone to hear.

"That isn't necessary." Odin tried to intervene. "You still have options. No reason to take this sort of risk."

Vali looked at the Heiress of Gremory as a grin grew in his face. "Look at that. Someone wants to make a deal with the Devil." He chuckled as the redhead kept her hand up. "You do realize how easy it would be to screw you over, right?"
It was the main problem of that sort of deal; a matter of paramount trust.

Because between the two of them only Rias had something to lose once everything was said and done. Vali wasn't kidding when he said it would be easy to make things difficult for her either since just showing up at the wrong time or being seen by certain people could ruin her life.

From the hybrid's perspective there was no disadvantage since he didn't need to take any sort of risk. If he really wanted, all it would take was a picture of him somewhere in Fuyuki and people would question Rias' motives and/or abilities. Or he could just destroy a part of the town and make a villain speech to truly bring those in question.

All depended on how dramatic he wanted to be. "They are right. This is really desperate, especially for you who have another Dragon Emperor in your employment." Vali chuckled as the Princess of Ruin didn't lower her hand. "But I can understand why you need the superior article."
"Ise has been a devil for just a few months." The redhead devil smiled dangerously. "You had your whole life. Isn't he catching up with you?"
"I really wish he was." The Vanishing Dragon confessed honestly. "But you don't have time for that. Maybe neither does he." Shirou, Luvia and Xenovia glared at the mention of their friend's predicament but Rias' face remained still as if carved from stone. "So how do we hash out this deal? Are we going to have Medusa impose the contract so you can get away with it? Also, I won't sign anything if it isn't really good or too unfavorable."

"Oh, no need for that."
Alarms began screaming on Le Fay's head. "Vali-"
"Is that what they call 'good faith'? When I saved you all twice earned that much?" However the silver haired man failed to hear the witch, eager to hear what the pureblood devil had to say. "Maybe we should anyway so we all can know you will acquiesce with my demands."
"Oh my. And what would those be?" Her tone was challenging as if she knew he had nothing. Some were actually surprised when the Vanishing Dragon fell silent. "So? Go on? What does your heart desire?"
"You think you are the Devil in this?"
"Dear Vali, I know I am the Devil in this negotiation. Do you want to know why?" She pointed at Koneko and Kuroka. "Because you fuck me over, those sisters are never going to see each other again."
The Stray Nekomata hissed and Altria frowned. "Using her like that? Low blow, Gremory!"
"You think I want to stop them?" Rias placed her hands on her chest as if wounded. "Not at all. Like I said early: if you had called, I would have welcomed her without any trouble. That didn't change. I love Koneko, after all, and don't want her apart from her sister if she wants to stay with her." Her expression grew smug as she turned to Vali. "Now, if your friend here decides to, oh, I don't know, blackmail me and actually attack Fuyuki or something stupid like that, I will be recalled to the Underworld to explain things." She half covered her hand in a mock expression of shock. "Or maybe he will make a fuss and announce to everybody that he is hanging around here. A Traitor to the Underworld on a Heiress Territory! The scandal!"

Luvia smiled, understanding what her King was doing. "So terrible! The punishment will be awful!" Placing a hand on her forehead, she did a dramatic fall in Shirou's direction forcing the Mage to hold her. "If the worst comes to worst we are going to be separated! Scattered! Each of our Peerage sent to different parts of the Underworld to never be seen again!"
"They are… laying it a bit thick, don't you guys think?" Add spoke out loud.

"But they aren't lying." Le Fay said with a small smile. 'Looks like you are a bit cornered, Vali.' She thought with a giggle. 'The problem was letting her talk. That was when you lost.'

Didn't mean the hybrid was just going to accept such dealings. He knew everything Rias and Luvia were saying was true but his pride wouldn't submit so easily. Both the blood of Lucifer and the dragon in him refused to be tricked.

And so he folded his arms before saying, "I might as well leave then and spare you the trouble."
A sharp look appeared on Rias and Koneko's eyes, the white nekomata suddenly escaping his sibling to turn around for a back hug from her King. "Are you truly going to let us deal with Fenrir by ourselves?" The redhead asked while the little Rook offered the best cute expression she could muster to their audience. "Can you imagine such a horror?"
"Vali, nya can't!" The moment Kuroka panicked everyone knew the White Dragon Emperor was cornered. "We aren't leaving my sister behind."
"Then we take her!" Was the silver haired man's offer only for him to wince. He was still low on energy and inside Medusa's Temple, with Odin on their side, the odds definitively weren't in their favor. "Okay, maybe not… I am starting to dislike you, Gremory."
"Oh my, even if I was planning to reward you for the help?" Her tone shifted as she hugged Koneko closer. "Help us with Loki and I promise to give you something you didn't even know you wanted."
It was Vali's turn to throw the challenge. "And that would be…"

"A fight with my brother."
"Rias?" Shirou wanted to grab his lover and interrogate her and he wasn't the only one. Everybody was looking at the Heiress like she grew a second head.

Except Vali who suddenly began laughing. "Hahahahaha! Are you planning an assassination or something?"
"Not at all." She replied with a playful smile. "Not offering you a fight to the death. A spar, just one. And I can make that happen. Probably would have already happened if you hadn't decided to flip the table on the Treaty that day. Oh well…"

Albion's voice filled Vali's mind. [Is she telling the truth?]

A glance at Le Fay confirmed that, "Well… Damn. Didn't see that coming."
"So, you in or you out?" Rias asked but she already knew the answer.

Everybody did. "We are fighting Loki and Fenrir again, aren't we?" Bikou asked, suddenly feeling twice more exhausted.

"Probably. And he will see us coming this time." Arthur commented as Vali finally shook Rias' hand. "Damn it."
A giggling Medusa couldn't help but say. "That is how the Devil always wins."
Xenovia nodded in disbelief and agreement. "By knowing what the other side wants before the deal, right?"

"Something you heard in the Church?"
"Sorta." The knight admitted as she and Liz moved towards Rossweisse. "We better take you somewhere you can rest."
"Long day tomorrow." Liz confirmed and the taller woman nodded before letting out a sigh of relief. She was almost sleeping on her feet and a long night of rest would be excellent.

While the Valkyrie departed with his lover and maid, Shirou watched Odin carefully, noting that the man had fallen silent as by the end of Rias' gambit. His poker face was perfect and the Mage couldn't guess what the Aesir was thinking.

"You better start making something today." Altria suddenly demanded and Emiya quickly turned to her. "You still have some energy, right? I want dinner before bed."
"A little too demanding, sister." Arthur was quick to chastise. "Must I remind you he fought a very dangerous opponent today?"
"So did we and he is still standing." The young woman was glaring. "And I am hungry."
Shirou could only chuckle and shrug. "It's fine if we let the feast for another day at least?" After a nod, he began leaving the room.

"Is his food that good?" Bikou questioned and everyone from Fuyuki chuckled.

"Just rest for a bit while I whip something up." The Mage of Swords said. "Medusa, is the kitchen-"
"Prepared, stocked and more than ready for you." The goddess declared with eager eyes.

"Of course. Can you show me the way?"
"Absolutely and everyone should follow. The dining room is close to the kitchen." Medusa couldn't help but lick her lips. "And after today's mess, I really can't wait."
"Yeah. Let's think about our problems for tomorrow." Rias smiled broadly.

"Not worth it doing it on an empty stomach." Xenovia and Liz turned around to follow the group.

Odin ended up lagging behind as he neither was interested in food or in socializing with the youngsters. His mind was somewhere else as he watched the situation develop in not a necessarily bad way but not overall positive either.

For good or ill he knew things were still shaky and that if he overplayed his hand then any sort of long term goal would have to be abandoned.

Yet the Aesir of Magic and War remained resolute, knowing the game wasn't over.

…..

Had eye surgery and so we are going back to monthly chapters until I make a full recovery.

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