Chapter 26: The Consequences of the Purest Intentions

Before Ravel could tell Anos that she was supposed to be staying with him so there was no need to teleport her home they were gone and right in front of the Phenex Estate, "actually Anos I moved in with you remember."

Anos nods, "yes I know but there is something that I must do before you can stay," Ravel raises an eyebrow, "are you going to tell me," "it involves something inside Mittelt but that's all I can say for now."

Ravel eyes Anos for a few more seconds but decides not to press it any further believing he has his reasons, they walk through the double gate toward the mansion itself and knock on the door a servant opens it greeting them both with a smile, "hello Lord Anos and Lady Ravel, please come in," the servant opens the door wider as the two-step inside.

"Are mother and father here," "no my Lady they are not but your brother is," "that works too is he in his room," says Anos, "there are some things I would like to tell him?"

"Uhhh yes he is actually but he has been in his room since your game, my Lord," Anos nods and walks toward some stairs that lead to the second level of the mansion as Ravel follows behind.

She was curious as to why he wanted to talk to her brother and decided not to ask since she would find out when they arrived at his room.

She would have offered to show him the way but it seemed Anos knew exactly where Riser was as he takes the most direct route to his room.

"Hmmm must be some sensing ability he has or something," she says mentally as they stop in front of his room. Anos knocks a few times but there was no answer but footsteps, "sorry Lord Riser is b…b…b…b," "Shuriya what are you doing tell who is ever at the door toooo-" Yubeluna's eyes lose all life as she starts to tear up and cry.

"It seems you gave them both PTSD Anos," says Ravel as she looks up at both girls, Shuriya's eyes have lost all purpose as she just stares blankly at Anos.

"Well, if you excuse me girls I have some words for Riser," Yubelluna prostrates herself on the ground and slams her forehead on the ground, and starts to cry harder.

But Shuriya continues to stare but it's clear she's frozen in fear when Anos walks past her eyes don't follow and just continue to stay locked in place, Ravel pokes the girl and she doesn't even flinch and just stays locked in her position, "you know these girls were just following orders," "true and I gave them multiple chances to leave and now they have to live with the consequences of their actions."

Riser was sitting at his desk, he had enormous bags underlies eyes meaning that he hadn't been sleeping, he had a blanket around his upper body as he sipped a cup of red liquid.

He was slouching and his hair was ragged and messy, "and so does he," he says as both stop in front of Riser's desk.

"Hello, sister how are you," "I am fine brother," Risers nods as he tiny smirk forms on the corner of his mouth, "you know I wondered for a while why you just didn't kill me, I was more than okay with killing you but why you didn't still elude me."

Anos crosses his arms with a raised eyebrow, "I believe I said because there are still people who value your life," "yes…yes, you did say that, but I would have killed you even though there were people who loved you," he says while glancing at his sister then back to the ground.

"I saw the rage, the hate, the anger in your eyes. Yet you still spared me there must be more than just because there are other people who love me?"

Flash Back to the Rating Game

Anos POV

While I wait, I take the time to look into his memories, why push yourself so hard into a losing battle when you know you can't win, the only time I would do something like this is if my family was in danger, but I wonder what your excuse was.

If it's one thing Riser has it's his determination to not give but again, I am left to wonder why but enough distractions let's see what his motivation is.

My consciousness dives into Riser's mind as his body reforms, what Zekram said at the engagement party to Riser piqued my interest it seemed there was more behind what was known to everyone except Riser.

Numerous memories fly past me like skipping through a movie then I pause it and rewind seeing a glimpse of him talking to Zekram.

Riser was in Zekram's office sitting and a chair, "well let's see what this is," I then let the memory play out from Riser's perspective.

"Riser, do you know why I called you here," "I assume this has to do with that contact between my parents and the house of Gremory," Zekram nods, "yes I am going to propose that Anos marry your younger sister," Riser stands from his chair "unacceptable anyone but him."

Zekram gives Riser a sideways glance, "so would Diodora be a better match," Riser looks away, "no that would actually be worse, so why did you call me here my Lord," "the contract says the next born child of the house of Gremory will marry a member from the house of Phenex and as you know that would mean Anos would marry Ravel but."

Zekram raises his index finger with a smirk, "Anos has turned down numerous marriage proposals and he isn't the next head of the family so I could," "make it to where Rias would marry a member of the house of Phenex instead of him."

"Correct your other brothers already have finances except for you," Riser's eyes widen in what I perceive is realization, "I see you now understand. I want strong descendants that have my power, it is unfortunate that the house of Gremory has the power of Destruction but there is a silver lining that it is my power still. And by removing Rias from the house and putting her in your tender care. That would allow me to take back my power in some way or another. Plus, it allows me to fulfill a private agenda I have been working on."

"I see, my sister isn't forced to marry that arrogant prick Anos, I get the lovely Rias and you get back control of the power you lost when Venelana married Zeoticus."

"Correct," Zekram then extends his hand and Riser takes it, "also if this marriage fails, I might kill you," Zekram eyes glow dangerously as his destructive aura starts to seep out burning Riser's hand.

I wave my hand and the memory disappears, I see so that is what Riser is fighting for his life and for his sisters no wonder he refuses to give up, but I doubt Zekram would actually kill Riser. I sort of feel bad but not enough to let him win because just like him I can't let my sister marry him.

Flash Back End

"Because I know you aren't evil and was only doing what you were doing to protect your sister," for the first time Riser looks Anos directly in the eye, "I mean why else not give up until the very end?"

Riser doesn't say anything and just stares blankly at Anos, "Riser your sister will be safe in my care. I will use everything in my power to keep her safe so don't worry."

Ravel looks up to Anos with a blush, "I promise to make her happy and never to hurt her intentionally I give you my word," Riser's eyes start to water, "I care for Ravel deeply and I will cherish her now, and until the end of time."

Anos then extends his hand to Riser, and he raises an eyebrow in response, "I would like to ask for your blessing as her elder brother, I know how much you care for Ravel so out of respect for you I want to ask."

Riser stares blankly at Anos hand then looks at Ravel she was staring at him in anticipation, "he really came up here just to ask for my blessing to marry my sister. But if Ravel is happy and he means what he says then I guess I have nothing to worry about," Riser says mentally while looking between the hand and Ravel.

Riser then takes the hand and gives it a firm squeeze, "fine but this doesn't mean I like you I'm only accepting for Ravels, sake because I know she loves you. But I'm going to get stronger so if you ever happen to break your promise about hurting my sister, I will kill you."

Anos nods not even flinching at Risers' threat as he stands, he locks eyes with him, "understood brother," "don't fucking call me that, and Yubelluna get off the fucking ground," Riser then grabs a book and tosses it at Shuriya, "and you wake the fuck up."

"Thank you bother," says Ravel trying to hold back tears that were threatening to fall down her cheek, "well anything for my little sis yea," after that Anos took his leave and allowed the two siblings to catch up plus Anos said he would return to pick Ravel up after he talked to Mittelt.

Anos teleported from the Phenex estate to the Gremory appearing in his room and made his way to the dining hall where he felt the presence of his father, mother, brother, and Grayfia.

Pushing open the doors Anos walked inside, "hello dear Sirzechs was just telling us about what happened in Kuoh and said there was something that you needed to talk to us about regarding Rias."

Says Venelana as she gets up from the chair, she was sitting on to greet her son with a hug, "yes by the tone of your voice Sirzechs couldn't tell if it was good or bad," says Zeoticus standing to greet him as well.

"Well depending on your perspective this could be good or bad but for me, I see it as an interesting development," says Anos taking a seat next to his brother while his parents sat back down.

"What do you mean, I also invited Grayfia to a hope you don't mind," says Sirzechs, "pardon the intrusion Lord Anos," "it's fine she is family too, but to be frank Rias is on the verge of awakening a source and I believe it happened during the rating game."

Earlier in an Unknown Location in the Depths of the Underworld

Deep in the out barren wastelands of the Underworld stands a moderate-sized black city with matching black walls that defended a city inside with a ten-story castle.

Numerous devils guarded the walls making rounds and looking out to the barren wasteland that made it easy for them to see an enemy attack but on the other hand, their black city stood out like a beacon in the white sand.

If it wasn't for illusion magic cast on the city and warding magic that causes anyone heading in the direction of the city to go in another without knowing that they were being directed away from the city, inside the enormous black castle there was no such thing as sleep when your boss was the last known descendant of Lucifer.

Although he came across as gentle and kind that was only when his experiments went correctly and when notes he demanded instead of requested were not brought to him in a less than-timely manner.

And one of these untimely times was happening currently, and he is working on two projects, one involving creating a vessel to harness and contain the power of Ophis.

The other one was a more recent one that he wanted to start sooner but involved the Gremory and the strange anomalies inside their family, normally he wouldn't have cared about other devil clans' heck he barely cared about the stature his name carried to a certain extent.

But the Gremory's piqued his interest, first, their eldest son became one of two new super devils beside himself, two they became the first devils in their people's longs history to have twins, third said twins are stronger than normal compared to other devils their age.

Lastly, the one he had Zekram investigate was Anos, something just caught his inserts about him he couldn't put his finger on it, was it the fact that he didn't conduct himself like normal devils, well the Gremory Clan never conducted themselves like normal devils.

Or was it the fact that he has he is in some way, or another involved with the devil kings in secret, from Ajuka giving him a job at his laboratory, Serafall clearing out her schedule just to talk to the devil, Falbium actually paying attention to every word he says when they are spotted together?

Or how Sirzechs is always having secret meetings with the young devil, something about him just made him demand power and respect when you locked eyes with him.

Rizevim sat at his desk reading over the file he got from Zekram on Anos, it took longer than he thought it would, but it was a well-deserved wait.

A lot of his suspicions about the young devil have been correct and wrong at the same time, he is on page five of the file, a knock then comes on the door, "enter," says Rizevim without looking up, his secretary then walks through the door, "Lord Rizevim we found something interesting in the blood samples."

Rizevim folds the files and looks t the devil with a smirk, "oh really…show me," Rizevim stands from his desk and follows behind the devil to lab 3.

Every devil inside stops working and nods at him upon his arrival then goes back to work, one devil walks up to him handing him a clipboard with a bow, "my Lord if you would come this way?"

Rizevim doesn't bother looking at the devil scientist and just reads the clipboard while following behind, "it says you found an unknown gene in two of the blood samples correct," "yes sir, we ran numerous tests on the whole family but only three had the same gene."

"Venelana, Rias, and Anos have this same gene but not Zekram. So did this come from the mother," says Rizevim as they stop in front of a desk with numerous test tubes while six of them had blood inside.

"I'm assuming that Zekram didn't have this gene," "no sir it seems it is entirely new but this is the part interesting look at this" the devil scientist points to a magnifying glass, "when analyzing Rias and Anos DNA we found that the gene was more abundant in Anos while in Rias the gene wasn't as prominent as his but look at this picture before looking into the magnifying glass."

Rizevim looked at the picture of Rias blood sample, he could see the normal blood but mixed in were darker red blood cells easily miss able if not searching for it, Rizevim then investigated the magnifying glass and his one eye widened in curiosity.

The darker blood cells were less abundant, "when was this picture taken," he says holding the picture up to the devil's face, "it was taken a few days ago when you first gave us the sample, but you see that also was the problem arises look when I do this sir."

Rizevim stepped back to observe in eager curiosity as the devil scientist attempted to extract the foreign DNA but when he attempted to the DNA dissolved, "what happened," asked Rizevim as he rubbed his chin in thought.

"Whatever this DNA is, it's unstable and not strong enough to be extracted even now it's slowing breaking down but in Anos the DNA it seems to be thriving perfectly fine."

Transition Back to the Gremory Estate

"A source isn't that like a physical manifestation of your soul," asked Sirzechs, "and did Rias awaken hers I thought you and Ajuka concluded on that neither mother nor Rias could use demon magic."

A few years ago, back when Rias first awakened her power of destruction Venelana asked Anos is some of his magic might fuse with her since she carried him for nine months.

At first, Anos said no and dismissed it but after a few days, he came back to her with Ajuka since the idea seemed possible, while inside his mother Anos's body turned from demon to devil but his source remained.

So maybe his presence could have also affected his mother and sister, so to see whether Venelana could use Demon magic, Anos had her try a few spells but in the end, failed.

Although the test wasn't a complete failure it was discovered that she had small traces of his DNA in her blood which made her magic stronger.

As to how this happened, they all speculated that this was because of Venelana carrying him for nine months, as for Rias she also had his DNA and experienced the same phenomena she was stronger due to his DNA being in her blood.

But both still could not use Demon magic so they ran tests to see if they could awaken a source inside them, they first started with Venelana since Rias was still too young to start trying to awaken a source, but Venelana failed all those tests too.

So, when Rias came of the age when she could awaken a source, she was put through a secrete test to try and awaken a source, and just like her mother she failed and so in conclusion it was determined that neither could use demon magic and couldn't awaken a source but had small traces of Anos DNA which strengthen their magic.

Through these tests, it was also discovered that any devil that was given some of Anos's blood would be given a significant boost depending on how much blood they were given but too much would kill them.

After finding that out they took extra caution to make sure no more blood was taken from the three from outside sources, but now Rias is on the verge of awakening a source, and even he doesn't know how she achieved such a feat, "if I had a definite answer, I would give it to you."

When Anos first looked over Rias and felt small traces of Demon magic, he also thought it was a mistake but when he looked over her, he found magic a partially awakened source.

"When I went to help everyone in Kuoh Rias was injured but it wasn't physical damage but spiritual," Anos then created two magical circles in his hand as projections of two sources appeared. "Let me explain why this is happening to Rias. On the left is a regular source and on the right is a Voldigoad source," the one on the left was blue while the other was green.

"As you already know my clan deals with destructive magic but in order to wield this powerful magic, we need to awaken our source first but that's where the hard part arises."

For the four devils, this was semi-new information they knew Anos was Voldigoad and they wielded destructive magic but didn't know that required certain qualifications.

"Usually, we must go through one of these three conditions," Anos then held up one finger, "one we must almost die at birth, two go through something so traumatic that our source awakens, or three awaken it through training which is near to impossible but not unheard of."

"Rias didn't go through anything traumatic during the rating game," "true she didn't father but she did go through tuff training before," "but you just said it's near to impossible," said Grayfia raising an eyebrow.

"Yes, but not completely impossible buts it's the only logical conclusion. If it was the birth, she would already have one and if was trauma then trust me we would have already known. So that only leaves the second."

It was sound reasoning but unknown to any of them at the time all three were incorrect and the reason why was entirely different, "now that you know how sources are awakened, with Rias partially awakened source it is sucking her dry of her magic."

At this everyone had alarmed looks on their faces, but Anos raised a hand, "it's fine I sealed her source. Normally a partially awakened source would naturally drain the demon of magic until it awakened while the body took in magic from its surroundings. But the problem is there is no Demon magic here only devil so Rias body can't naturally absorb magic."

Sirzechs had been silent just listening to Anos's words but then heard something that sounded like a contradiction, "wait but Rias doesn't have any demon magic so how her source is taking magic from her."

Anos just shrugged, "I honestly don't know maybe it has something to do with my blood inside her," Anos was completely shooting in the dark here, if he was given more time then yea, he could have figured it out, but this was all new to him as well.

Transition Back to Rizevim's Laboratory

Rizevim had many questions and some he knew wouldn't be answered until more tests were done but he was delighted because he was right there was something odd about the Gremory family's abnormal strength.

"What else have you discovered," Rizevim was now more than interested in the secrets of the family well more, so the secrets hidden in their blood.

"Well before I take to you to what we found in Anos DNA let's start with Rias, we believe that the foreign DNA is acting as some type of battery for magic. This is still unconfirmed but like a battery, we think it stores magical power as well as boosts it too."

"Are you saying this foreign DNA stores and boosts magic," "yes as I said earlier the foreign DNA in Anos isn't breaking down like in his mother or sisters, but the power inside is just sitting there."

Rizevim rubbed his chin in thought while the scientist continued, "whatever is keeping the magic inside the blood Anos body there is truly what's remarkable."

"Have you tied extracting the DNA," the devil smirked and Rizevim smirked back, "of course sir, but only small amounts." The devil then pulled a veil out of his pocket that had with looked like a small drop of blood in it, "for now this is all we could extract from the small sample of blood you obtained but we are working diligently to extract more."

Rizevim took the vile and smiled, "no worries take your time there's something else I want to look into while you finish up here if it works out, I'm going to create a true monster. Plus, I need to go converse with someone."

Interlude 1

Mount Olympus

Artemis never made it to the island of Japan itself but decided to wait a few miles off the coast to observe from afar everything happening, she never physically saw what was happening but with her level of sensing, she didn't need to see what was happening.

So, after everything ended, she had a full story ready for Athena to analyze but when she returned Athena gave her a scolding for running through many pantheon's territories.

Just to see what was happening in Kuoh, "are you done yet," this scolding had been going on for an hour and Artemis was ready to leave.

Athena sighs judging by the uncaring look in Artemis's eyes her rant fell on deaf ears, and she just wasted her time, "yes I am done."

"Good so do you or do not want to hear what about what I observed in Kuoh," "fine let's hear it. You thought it important enough to break numerous laws for it," now it was Artemis turn to spend an hour telling Athena everything she observed and by Athena's thoughtful gaze her little godly brain was working in overdrive.

"So, the Shinto faction believed the Shadow was in Kuoh due to a prophecy but the war didn't happen," Athena was now biting her fingernails she felt like she was missing something obvious.

"Well did you sense anyone that could threaten Olympus besides Sirzechs," Sirzechs was a devil whose power surpassed lots of gods in Mt. Olympus but not even he could take down Olympus alone, plus from the prophecies, he was with the Shadow.

"No, but there was another strong devil I sensed I don't recognize his magic though," Athena rubbed her chin, "how strong," "a strong ultimate class from what I could feel maybe close to Maou class."

"The devil kings must have sent him to deal with Kokabiel," Athena then rubs her chin in thought something wasn't adding up, "but why did the Shinto Trinity arrive."

It felt like they were missing something but as to what she wouldn't know unless she asked Amaterasu, but she couldn't just walk up and ask the leaders of another faction questions.

Her father Zeus would have to do and there is no telling how long that would take, "I need to go talk to father. Something happened in Japan and the gods of that land were ready to fight it but whether or not it was the shadow that itself is unknown."

Athena then stands to leave, and Artemis does the same so both go to Zeus's private throne room to ask him to contact the Shinto Pantheon and ask what was happening in Japan.

She hoped they would be open to discussion many pantheons were known to keep to themselves and the Shinto were some of the few.

The threat of the Shadow was believed to be known by every god in existence, but none were actively working together to counter it.

Each pantheon was in charge of defending its own land people and depending on other gods for help is seen as a sign of weakness.

They arrive at Zeus's private throne room he was arguing with Hera, "where is the god who brought down primordial gods and the titans themselves? The Zeus I knew would find this threat and launch the largest lightning bolt at this…this Shadow instead of hiding."

"That was more than thousands of years ago, and our pantheon is larger than it was back then I could afford to be reckless and not care about the consequences of my actions."

Hera scoffs, "and now you want to care about how your actions affected other people. Wish you would have realized that sooner," Zeus was known for not staying faithful to his wife Hera but in the past few hundred years he says he hasn't done anything with other women.

But whether that is true no one can say for sure, "I'm trying to be better even more now since the fate of Olympus is at stake."

Hera wanted to raise hell, instead of doing all this preparation she wanted to go out and fight this threat head-on. Younger Zeus would want to do this as well but now he was much wiser and if you took Apollo's prophecies at face value, they had zero chance of winning this coming war.

So, he wanted to take as much time as possible to determine what this threat was and beat it without losing too much in the process.

Athena coughs at the entrance of the door to gather their attention since now they were both glaring at each other, "excuse me but I have a request."

Hera rolls her eyes which doesn't go unseen by Zeus signaling she would rather continue their conversation, "yes what is it," Zeus says turning to Athena and giving her his full attention.

Athena then went on to explain what Artemis told with Artemis stepping into view letting them know she was there as well stepping into view when her name was mentioned and after twenty minutes, they knew the full story.

"I'm pretty sure I can get into contact with one of the three. Could you try contacting Amaterasu Hera and I will try the other two?" "Sure, I haven't spoken to the goddess in a few centuries," she says while crossing her arms, "gives us some time this may take a while," Athena and Artemis nod leaving the throne room.

Back to the Main Story

Gremory Estate

"So, after that, I noticed Rias source was somehow draining her of her magic. So, I placed a seal on her source," Zeoticus raised a finger to ask a question, "so are we going to do?"

His question wasn't just for Anos but for the group, Rias now has the capacity for demon magic the same magic that makes Anos so powerful, "well would she have the same abilities as you or like," Venelana then expanded on her husband's question but more so towards Anos.

"As far as what ability she would awaken it wouldn't be something like my Eyes of Destruction or Eyes Chaos but something unique to her and as to what that might be I can't say, the sky is the limit."

Grayfia for the first time spoke, "permission to speak freely," she said toward Sirzechs, and he nods, "for clarification is there a chance this seal will break?"

"No only some who can interact with a source which is only me can break the seal," "if there aren't any negative effects to the source being sealed then I see no need to worry for now. As long as the seal you placed on Rias holds then there will be no threat of the source draining her magic."

Grayfia's option was met with silence while everyone pondered it, "why not use the same conversion magic you are using to restore your power," said Zeoticus.

"I could but depending on the amount of magic needed to convert to demon magic it could drain her altogether at once and can kill her, but I can look into altering the spell to accommodate her magic."

At that, there wasn't more that needed to be discussed and everyone went their separate ways now Anos went up to talk to Mittelt, and Sirzechs told Anos he was going to go talk to the other Devil Kings and tell them what he just learned and begin preparations for a future meeting for the members of the three factions.

Arriving at the door Anos knocked twice he heard the bed shift then the door opened to Mittelt wiping her eyes with a yawn, "oh your back."

"Ready this may take a while," Mittelt nods and she steps aside to let him, "Anos there is also something I need to tell you something weird happened while I was in Kuoh."

Anos raises an intrigued eyebrow, "so I think I died," "think," "yes it was weird when I woke up, I was in this area that had this black fire mist-like stuff that didn't burn."

At that Anos's eyes narrowed slightly he remembered that area and it seems Death has revealed herself to Mittelt, "she looked just like me but with golden blond hair, one eye was golden while the other was blue."

With that description, Anos got the confirmation he needed but he stayed quiet until Mittelt was finished, "this girl that looked at me said something like she can't control the world above and something about not losing her window."

"Hmm I have few answers to your explanation, but I have some of my own so how about we go to the source," "source," Mittelt said with a tilt of her head.

Anos then outstretched his hand, "more weird magic I see," "weird magic," "nothing," Mittelt then grabs Anos's hand, "we are about to go into your subconscious and see if we can contact this clone of yours," Anos took care not to say twin since she already had or has a twin.

A crimson magic appears on Mittelt's forehead as a similar one appears above Anos's own with a crimson line of magic connecting both magic circles.

Both close their eyes with both reappearing in a black void, "hmm why is your subconscious so dark," "dark? What is that supposed to mean," Mittelt says with a scoff, "I mean it's your subconscious," "shut the fuck up? Watch this," Mittelt then closed her eyes then started to concentrate then a daisy formed on the ground at her feet.

"Not bad," Anos says while trying to stop his smirk from forming, "please go fuck yourself," "well that's a bit rude but let's get started." Mittelt rolled her eyes but then she takes a step back in embarrassment as a blush formed on her face when Anos stared directly in the eyes as he leaned toward her face.

"Uhm your kind of close," "I know you're watching so how about coming out," "huh what are you talking about," "I believe he's talking to me," Mittelt looks to the left hearing her voice, "I see you got your second point," "what the hell it's me again," "yes one out of eight," Death says with a smirk.

Mittelt then lunges back while pointing at Death, "it's her the girl I told you about," "my name is Death, crow, learn some respect," Death says with a friendly smile while moving the bangs from over her face with her hand. Revealing her blue eye and golden pupil with two points Anos said, "you don't seem surprised Anos."

"I'm not…we have met before, but she was in a different form though," "you have," "yes, this isn't my true form I only look like this thanks to the crow."

Mittelt scoffs regaining some of her composer, "my name is Mittelt pervert," "pervert? What makes you call me that," says Death as her eye twitches.

"You have been watching me," Anos then steps in front of Mittelt, "she has been doing a lot more than just watching isn't that right," Mittelt raised an eyebrow, "she has been taking over your body. Mittelt tell me have you ever noticed a gap in time."

Mittelt was about to say no but then she remembered before she went to take a nap when she thought she fell asleep for twenty minutes while standing but maybe that was this person who took control over her body.

Mittelt then remembered another time during the rating game between, both rating games actually, there were also some gaps there but not as long as the last one just a second lost here and there but they couldn't be coincidences.

Mittelt then pointed an accusing finger at Death, "you took control over my body earlier right before I went to take a nap," Anos turned his head to look at Mittelt in slight curiosity, "right before I took a nap, I noticed twenty minutes had passed but I figured that maybe I just went to sleep or something."

Death shrugs, "I wanted to catch up with one of my old subordinates," "honestly, I don't even know who you are even though we share the same face," "she is Death but that's not her true name."

Death's mood turns sour and Anos notices this and stops talking, "careful you were warned once, and won't be warned again," Anos then takes a challenging step toward Death, "and what exactly are you going to do? You can't harm me, you can't harm Mittelt if so then you would have dragged her soul back to your realm by now. Just like what Mittelt told me you enjoy your window too much to even look for a way to do it. But I am curious as to why you don't want me to utter your true name?"

Everything Anos said was spot on, "if I am going to be interrogated then I think I deserve the same deal given to the crow. I want answers and the two of you want some, I will answer three of your questions and you will answer three of mine."

A chair then appears below Death and she sits crossing her left leg over the other, a similar char then appears below Anos, and Mittelt just stands still not able to manifest a chair in her own subconscious, "fine ask your first question," "what are you," "a devil," answers Anos as he stares directly into her eyes, "I thought we were going, to tell the truth here."

"A devil of noble birth. You can ask it however you want but I am still a pure-blooded devil," this was true Anos was born a Pure-Blooded Devil but if Death would have asked worded the question differently, she might have learned something about his identity.

Death crossed her arms with a raised eyebrow, "I doubt that is fully true," "you are inclined to believe what you want now to tell me what have you done to Mittelt, some days ago she damaged her soul but now it has been altered and how do I reverse what you have done?"

Anos would have removed her soul from Mittelt, but their souls were so intertwined that he couldn't just split their souls, at this point Mittelt and Death were one but two different ententes altogether, Death places her hand over her chest with a devious smile, "isn't it obvious I merged a fragment of my own with her damaged one. You should be thankful I did your job for you, I would have changed it completely, but part of her soul is inside that evil piece."

She says while gesturing at Mittelt with her head, "fixing a soul is nothing but child's play for me but as to reverse it at this point there isn't. My original has perfectly merged this fragmented soul Mittelt's soul and hers has perfectly merged with me. She is as much me as I am as much her."

Death looks Anos in the eye, "there is no separating us but please try," for a while, Anos said nothing and thought to himself about her words, she said a lot of things.

Some could be true, and some could be false, "it's my turn isn't it," Death looks up to Mittelt ending her stare down with Anos, "who are you?" "I was once a god, but I am a god no longer," Mittelt then put two things together after some context clues, "wait once a god is she from the Mesopotamian Pantheon?"

Says Mittelt while looking at Anos and he nods but doesn't state who Death really is only because she for some reason doesn't want her true name stated.

"Where are you," but Death puts a finger to her mouth," oh yea you're right one question," says Mittelt scratching the back of her head, "sorry Anos guess I wasted a question," "it's fine you want answers as much as I do," Anos then looks back to Death, "what spell did you use to raise the Fallen from the dead?"

"A spell of my own creation called Ingall," there were many spells for raising the dead during the time of the old gods and now there were some new ways, but this was a spell she never heard of.

To deepen her confusion, he said it was a spell of his creation, creating spells that can raise the dead is beyond the power of some devils this is the power in the realm of gods.

"Ingall," says Death while rubbing her chin in thought, "raising the dead, the use of holy magic, and the ability to resist my power to take his soul," Death's eyes narrow as she continues in her thoughts, "maybe he is a Devil god."

Death chuckles making the two in front of her look at her in confusion, "don't mind just trying to grasp who or what you are," but is it possible that somehow a devil god came into existence?

Interlude 2

Grigori Head Quarters

After arriving back from his private excursion with Vali in tow, Azazel tried many things to avoid dealing with the aftermath of dropping numerous unconscious Fallen in the courtyard.

It was safe to say he was trying to hand off the responsibilities to his fellow Cadres while he did just about anything else, but he had good reason, well in his eyes it was a good reason.

Currently, it was just him in his office, he had multiple seals layered throughout his office so he wouldn't be disturbed, he was currently trying to contact Asgard well more so Odin but the Valkyrie he was talking to was making his life unnecessarily hard, "its Azazel, Governor General of the Grigori."

"We have no record of having any business with the Fallen who really is this," they have been going in circles for about an hour now, Odin and him usually meet in secret and few know of their meetings.

He would have called Odin directly, but he wasn't answering his communication circles, "tell him it's Azazel he will understand."

This was honestly going nowhere, and Azazel was nearing the end of his patience, he just wanted to ask the old man about this shadow that had the Shinto so worried.

"The All-Father is very busy and doesn't have time to," "for fuck sake bye," Azazel then cut the connection, Azazel leaned back in his chair frustrated that he wasted an hour trying to contact Odin to get some answers but he never answered, so he came to the conclusion that he was probably busy dealing with this Shadow but in the end, it was only a guess.

Azazel's office then shook as one of the seals in front of his door cracked moments later a light spear appeared slicing the barrier in two.

Penemue then opened the door with a heartwarming smile but the way she gripped the light sword in her hand betrayed her true feelings, "I put those there because I didn't want to be interrupted," "as our fearless leader we, unfortunately, need your guidance on what to do with the ones who betrayed us."

"Fine I could use a distraction, "Azazel stands with a sigh and walks out the door, before following Penemue talks one more look inside, the office was dirtier than usual there were books all over the place some on the desk and the floor, there was also a notebook on the desk and from what she could see at a glance there was one circled word Shadow.

She didn't know the full details of what happened in Kuoh, but Azazel did seem more focused on something she wondered to herself if it had something to do with this peace talk she was working on with Serafall and Gabriel.

She didn't question it Azazel was a lazy prick and his methods of leading were to be desired but because of him the Fallen pulled out of The Great War first and thanks to that their people survived.

"So, what do you need of this legendary Fallen today," Azazel's carefree attitude was back he was able to do it like flipping a light switch, which made people underestimate his leadership if you didn't know him.

"The prison is too small to hold all of them and not strong enough to hold two of them," Azazel knew both Fallen he was talking about, "I'm sure Cocytus will be big enough to hold them but putting that many Fallen in one area could send the wrong message that we have lost a large part of our army."

"True that's the same conclusion that was reached by Shemhazai, but he wondered if you had any other ideas," Azazel rubbed his chin in thought as they approached the courtyard.

Shemhazai had the Fallen wrapped in light that surpassed their movements, Kokabiel and Parisa were wrapped up similarly in bindings but there were three Cadres standing around each of them with light weapons drawn to cut them down if they tried anything.

Baraqiel was there as well supervising the other Fallen they left with Kokabiel making sure all of them couldn't escape their bindings too, Shemhazai turned around sensing Azazel's presence as he entered the courtroom, "Azazel I see you finally left your office," "yea I needed to stretch my legs a bit how can I help?"

Shemhazai looked down at the two traitors at his feet, "what should we do with them, I don't think we should execute them, but punishment is necessary?"

Azazel looked at each of them, "release Parisa," Shemhazai sighed, "yea I figured as much," no one else was surprised by this, Parisa was Kokabiel's right hand, but she was the type to follow orders no matter what they are which is part of the reason why she fell.

She would be punished for her actions but first, she needed to learn some self-will of her own and not to follow orders blindly without question.

"I'm sure I know why but what was the reason, you don't patricianly despise devils but agreeing to start an all-out war is another thing," "Good soldiers follow orders Lord Azazel, and those who can't put others at risk by their recklessness," Azazel crossed his arms.

He has been alive almost since the creation of the world itself so reading the different expressions of everyone he has come across is child's play and for someone like Parisa who keeps her own locked up so well, you can barely see the difference from her being awake or asleep.

"I guess you will never let that go welp can't blame you I would be just as pissed but I probably would have left it alone by now," says Azazel as Parisa narrows her eyes slightly.

Azazel raises his hands defensively with a smirk, "hey now no need to get physical just stating my opinion here," her eyes relaxed, "I can throw you in prison or you wait until I can figure something out," "seriously Azazel I brought you here to determine a solution," he just shrugged.

"Kokabiel is going to the lowest depths of Cocytus for at least 10,000 years but Parisa I don't think that punishment is needed," he then looks back to Parisa, "unless you want to go."

She shakes her head no, "see," "is our fearless leader going soft," says Kokabiel laughing, "you can send him away. I wanted to ask him something, but Parisa can give me the answers I want." Kokabiel's eyes widened, "wait why don't I get options," everyone who heard that rolled their eyes, "you were the one who led this little revolt you don't get options, goodbye."

Kokabiel was then teleported away along with the three Cadre who was guarding him, "what did you want from Parisa," asked Azazel, "I'm getting to that but first I the other Fallen," Azazel then turns his attention toward the Fallen packed so closely together that they were practically on top of each other.

"Okay listen up I'd rather not kill you all or put you in prison but if you don't accept my offer then I'll flip a coin head being death and tails being prison."

Azazel then manifests a coin, "of course, we can only in prison about fifty of you and there are more than fifty of you so the rest will be put to death no matter what."

The coin danced on Azazel's finger as the Fallen stared at it, "you lie you can't kill all of us," Azazel then points to the Fallen as a guard runs him through with a light spear killing him on the spot.

Spattering blood all over the other Fallen he was tied to, "anyone else has something they want to voice, go ahead I'm not a dictator you are free to speak."

Azazel was releasing his aura creating a heavy atmosphere as the Fallen in front of him started to cower in fear, some couldn't breathe, others couldn't look him in the eye and trembled in fear wishing they were somewhere else, the rest fell unconscious unable to withstand the overpowering aura of the mighty leader of the Fallen was releasing.

Those barely still conscious started to cry out and plead for mercy they didn't want to go to prison nor did they want to be put to death, Azazel stood there for a few seconds, "swear your undying loyalty to me and vow never to leave or you will die," Azazel released more of his bright golden aura showing that he was not messing around and every last one of them got the idea.

Even some of the Cadre had to take a few steps back due to the pressure he was releasing and some felt a little bad for the low-level Fallen being subjected to his dominating aura and unable to run.

Azazel sucked back in his aura and from their positions, the Fallen lowered their heads and swore to never betray again or be subjected to death, Azazel nodded then stretched, and like a light switch he was back to his normal demeanor.

"Baraqiel, I leave punishment up to you and come to my office when you are done," "sure," Baraqiel wiped a drop of sweat from his forehead it has been some years since he has felt Azazel's full power.

"Parisa… Shemhazai you with me come," Shemhazai gestures with his head for Parisa to move and she follows behind they arrive in Azazel's office and sits down with a tired sigh, "augh I hate getting that serious really drains me you know. Can for a drink Shemhazai how about you Parisa," "I don't drink," says Parisa shaking her head no slightly, "I'll take a glass of Hennessy with ice," Shemhazai says taking a seat on the couch.

"Azazel what did you want to ask me," Parisa asks while Azazel pours a glass of Whiskey for himself and then a glass of Hennessy for Shemhazai, "just wait for Baraqiel I'm sure he will be here shortly," "understood sir," Azazel smacks his forehead, "no that wasn't an order…you know what never mind just keep standing there."

A few moments later Baraqiel arrives, "I tried to get here as soon as possible, what are we going to talk about," "well for now just listening," Azazel then looks at Parisa, "tell us everything about your interaction with Anos."

Parisa nods then spent the hour telling the three about her brief interaction with the young devil, they for the first time in a while hearing fear in her voice along with slight respect.

She told them how effortlessly he defended everyone from a spear of light created by Kokabiel, she explained his combat abilities and how there wasn't an opening she could find in his movements.

His battle experience surpassed her own even though she has lived more years than he has hair on his head, his magical power was able to overwhelm Kokabiel and her even when they tag-teamed him and yet they still lost.

"Seems the balance between the three factions has been upset yet again," says Baraqiel rubbing his chin, "yea it seems the secrecy around Anos was due to him being strong Ultimate Class Devil…or maybe even" "you can't be thinking he might be a Super Devil," says Shemhazai cutting Baraqiel off from finishing his thought.

Both Cadre started to go back and forth about this possibility while Azazel and Penemue just watched in silence, it wasn't a heated argument. Still, both sides were giving valid points to support why they were correct.

"What do you think Azazel? I know you went to Kuoh to get a chance to meet the Red Dragon Emperor and Anos Gremory," Azazel interest in Anos was piqued ever since he became the first apprentice to Ajuka.

Ajuka is known for being so engrossed in his research that he forgets to do his duties as a Devil King, so him taking time out of his busy schedule to take on an apprentice was definitely out of the blue.

"My intuition is telling me there is something more to Anos that is being kept secret," after hearing Azazel speak both Shemhazai and Baraqiel stop their discussion to listen while Parisa just stood in silence.

"Case in point being his strength, for years they have Anos as a high-class devil with a high intellect. The power I witnessed is nothing of a high-class devil even during the rating against the Phenex. The Devil Kings obviously doesn't want his power to be known yet for what reason I could only assume at the moment."

A smirk then forms on his face, "this is getting very interesting, Sirzechs and Serafall asked that we keep his strength secret for some reason," Azazel rubbed his forehead as his thoughts wandered but the only conclusion, he could reach was that Anos was another anomaly amongst the devils and the Four Devils were trying to keep it under wraps until the time was right.

"Parisa you may go there is something else we need to discuss," she silently nods with a bow and leaves, Azazel then becomes serious and his sharpen and his demeanor shifts, "now let's discuss another topic that has had the entire supernatural world on edge."

Transition Back to Anos

This was the last question, but Anos had many more, but he could only ask one, Mittelt's question wasn't bad but he could have asked a better one.

Although Mittelt didn't know as much as he did so her question about who she wasn't bad on her part, "tell me everything you have learned from Mittelt's memories and about me personally?"

Anos had some ideas on how to enter her domain, so he didn't need to ask that, "to be honest, not much, whatever seal you placed on her mind is strong. Everything I know is from speculation, that's why I believe you are more than a devil."

Anos narrowed his eyes, trust was something neither of them had for the other, and both knew it. Death and Anos eyed each other in silence, "I can't break the seal on her memories that isn't my forte," for the first time Anos smirked, "not your forte you say?"

Death then stands and starts to pace around her chair in thought while stroking her blonde hair in thought, "he says he's not the biblical god or any reincarnated god. He's a pureblooded devil but they can't be entirely true."

Coming out of her thoughts and stopping her pace, she asks her final question, "what makes you so special," the question was so open that Anos could say what he wanted without revealing anything about his identity.

But he decided if she was telling the truth then there was no need to give her any inkling as to his true nature, "I am a prodigy just like my brother, my intellect is nearly unmatched and so what makes me so strong is expert mastery of magic."

Death rubbed her chin in thought, "expert mastery with magic you say," at that her body started to glow her greater half knew what she knew already so there was no need to stay any longer.

"Still doesn't make sense," says Anos under his breath while rubbing his chin in question, Death pauses before going back into Mittelt's soul, intrigued by his meaning she asks, "what do you mean boy?"

"You say you are as much a part of Mittelt as she is a part of you," she raises an eyebrow not really understanding what he was trying to say and while this happened Mittelt just observed in silence.

"If that is true then you aren't the Death, I have spoken to are you," in some way Anos was correct, "I am Death," Anos started waving his finger at her."

Not entirely true you have come from the original but you in some ways are not her anymore, like uhm clone," Death's eyes narrowed, there was also something else Anos wanted to investigate.

It is universal that all Gods hold pride in their names because names held power but Death or Ereshkigal didn't her name uttered why he wanted to know but he and Mittelt were out of questions.

Death eyed Anos then next to her black mist started to ooze from the ground then slowly almost dramatically a figure rises first it was a black crown with just as dark jewels.

After the crown is a head, the hair was black contrary to her lesser half then there was a bright golden light as her eyes were revealed, the light dies down just as quickly as it appeared.

Her skin was pale like she had been dead for days but the life in her eyes was bright and full of life, compared to their first meeting Death looked a lot more alive her skin wasn't shriveled, and she stood tall no longer hunched over, and for one thing, her mysterious eye had three points, unlike her other half.

"We meet again Anos Gremory for a second time," Anos stands his guard was up, her power now was nothing like their first meeting, compared to what her lesser half of it was like comparing a cup of water to a lake.

Although neither were in their physical forms Anos could easily detect her power, he outclassed her still, but this was just the power in her soul, not her actual body.

"I have one more question," "then you shall answer another of mine, Devil," "you know you are a lot different from what history says about you," it was now Anos's turn to circle the duo.

He was deep in thought for a while since his first encounter with the god he was been reading everything he could about the life of Ereshkigal to learn her personality.

From what he knew she was a reclusive god, she was shy, timid, soft-spoken but most of all kinds to a certain extent but from what he has seen, she comes across as sadistic, benevolent, and prideful but, for now, that wasn't his question, "people change I have existed since the first humans started forming civilizations what is your point."

Death says while watching him circle her with a raised eyebrow, "I just want to know what the queen of hell would want with a lowly devil such as myself?"

While they conversed the Devil Kings held a private gathering to discuss what Anos told Sirzechs about Rias and the preparations for the peace treaty which was being spearheaded by Serafall.

Sirzechs had told them all what he learned from Anos and like him, they had numerous questions some he could answer while others he couldn't.

Some of those questions were even directed toward Ajuka since he was the one who directed some of the research to determine they could use Demon magic.

Obviously, Falbium had his reservations about all this one being that Demon magic was still beyond their understanding in some ways.

Demon magic was much more powerful than other magic in this world and now that Rias could possibly use it and that was cause for enough worry.

Sirzechs insisted that the seal wouldn't break but Falbium stated Demon magic works in ways they don't know or understand so who is to say she can't break the seal in a way, not even Anos can foresee?

At that Sirzechs couldn't raise a counterargument but it's not as though Falbium doesn't trust Anos it's just that he oversees defending the underworld, so he must look for problems where there are none.

"So, the plan is to just wait and see what happens then," Sirzech nodded at Serafall, "I could start running more tests? If Rias has awakened Demon magic, then it isn't out of the question that Venelana could awaken it out of nowhere like her daughter," at that, the devil kings couldn't find a counterargument.

Once that part of the conversation ended, they moved on to the next subject the peace treaty to unite the three factions against the Shadow which collectively believed it could be Anos.

Back to Anos

Lowly was what she would have thought of Anos in the beginning but that changed he was something more there was more than enough evidence to back it up, but she just didn't know how to ask the right question.

Death then pointed at Anos's chest while her lesser half just watched then she pointed at her eye, "with my eye I can see one's soul and the power within the said soul and absorb that power."

Anos then smirked her mystical eye was beginning to pique his interest even more, "when I look at your Fallen's soul I see nothing really too special very generic," she then turned her golden eye to Anos.

Compared to Mittelt's soul it was like comparing a lighter to the sun, Anos's soul burned brightly and with so much tremendous power she felt the need to squint.

That was the reason why she wanted his soul, she couldn't understand how he was so powerful or where he obtained such power, but it didn't matter if she could absorb his soul, she could finally enact her own personal plan.

"The power I sense in your soul is beyond my understanding, but I know one thing I want it and will obtain it through any means necessary," Anos smirked even more here he has been purposely sealing his magical power and didn't

think that anyone could sense magical power that was in one's soul.

But here he was metaphorically walking around with his pants down, he chuckled to himself, "I don't see anything funny about this situation," Mittelt had been silent, it was like when she saw Sirzechs for the first time his mere aura and presence demanded respect and thanks to being around Anos and Ophis for some time she has grown accustomed to feeling like the little guy around the planet-destroying supernatural's.

But being around this Death rubbed her the wrong way besides the fact that she looked like herself, well her other half looked like her, but it felt like a more primal fear.

Death was beautiful, without a doubt, but the best explanation she could give was that it was like literally having death stare you in the face.

Anos then snapped his finger visibly nothing changed but both Death's eyes widened in surprise, "huh what just happened," the lesser half of Death's eyes narrowed while the eyes of the other widened in amusement.

"Oh, my I must acquire your soul, I can't see any of the power that resides in it," the bright power of light that they previously saw was gone like a torch that had been blown out.

"He sealed off his soul," "yes that should be impossible. Again, and again Anos you pique my interest even more," Anos smirked and shrugged, "no freebies here Death."

Now death had even more questions just like Anos and like him, she won't be getting them at this time but did have a question she could ask of her own.

"Anos my final question is what is the secret true secret to your power that other devils don't know," Anos closed his eyes and thought there were a few ways he could avoid revealing his identity but felt like tossing death a bone.

"These," Anos then pointed to his eyes as he flashed his eyes of destruction and both girls took a step back, "unlike my brother and sister I was not born with the power of destruction, but I was born with these Eyes of Destruction one of the ultimate forms of destruction."

Death has lived for centuries and has never heard of anything like the eyes of destruction being a part of the Bael clan, and the power she sensed was nothing compared to this.

Even the magic felt different now death had more questions but again didn't have any like him, "such tremendous power those eyes of destruction. This was informative Anos."

At that, both deaths disappeared leaving Anos and Mittelt alone both closed their eyes then reopen them, "was," but Anos raises a finger to silence her, "don't forget she can see through your eyes and hear our conversations."

Mittelt then covers her mouth, "okay so what do we do," "for now we do nothing, there I things I still don't understand but for now, we do nothing."

A knock then comes on the door then it opens before either could respond, it was Ophis in her adult Rin form looking expressionless as ever. "You're back," "you both smell of death, I can't imagine what you have been doing can be good."

Transition Takamagahara

In the realm of the Shinto gods, a meeting was underway regarding what transpired in Kuoh, all present was the Shinto Trinity leading the meeting of the gods. Hachiman, the Shinto god of war, was present and tasked with preparing the army of Takamagahara but halted his progress because of the meeting and the Trinity ordered it.

Fujin god of wind was present and like the others was upset that nothing happened when the Trinity was making such a big fuss about the Shadow being in Kuoh.

Omoikane god of wisdom was the one looking into history trying to figure out the origins of this shadow but was now here to hear of what was going on.

Yasaka was also there on behalf of the Youkai and because she was the one who saw the prophecies, there were other gods, but they were only here to keep up to date about the Shadow.

All stood in a grand hall while the Shinto Trinity sat on three separate thrones looking down on all of them, "what is happening Lady Amaterasu, you told me to ready the forces of Takamagahara and now all of Kyoto is on lockdown.

But here we are sitting on our ass, I thought we were going to war with this Shadow or the three great factions but now we aren't, we would all want to know why?"

Says Hachiman standing in the center of the throne room arms outstretched wide, it wasn't easy amassing an army in an hour and then being told to halt we aren't going to war.

"Things changed I figured you would be glad we aren't going to war," "glad yes but the way you three were running around like your head was cut off threw almost this entire pantheon into an uproar."

Numerous gods all echoed voices of agreement at Hachiman's statement, "I don't understand why we don't just go and erase the three factions."

At that the three gods narrowed their eyes along with other gods who didn't agree with that statement, "You're supposed to be the god of war, yet you don't know how waging an all-out war with the three factions would leave us

weakened."

"You don't believe I could lead our pantheon to victory My Lady," but Amaterasu just shook her head in resignation and looked to Tsukuyomi and he sighed.

"Tell me Hachiman can breach the Gates of Heaven created by the biblical god," started Tsukuyomi, "or defeat two of the strongest devils in existence better yet can you best the master strategic mind of Azazel who has decades of

experience over you plus he has the White Dragon Emperor on his side."

Surprise then forms on every god's face, not at the two strongest devils or the impenetrable gates of heaven but it was the fact that the White Dragon Emperor sided with the Fallen.

"Wait the White one is in league with the Fallen," "yes," at that great hall burst into mummers, "how in the world did Azazel convince the White One to serve him," "I don't know but now we can't take them likely."

Tsukuyomi then stood grabbing everyone's attention as the hall fell silent, "we know the Shadow or Shadows hide amongst the three factions most likely the devils, but we do not know where."

"So, what are we to do wait until this Shadow shows its ugly face and destroys us all. The devils are strong my Lord, but I have no doubt our combined power is enough to defeat them," says Omoikane.

"What if they combined their strength to fight us," Omoikane smiled to himself, "implausible the three factions have been at odds almost since the dawn of creation itself."

Susano points his index finger between Omoikane as a lightning bolt strikes the ground at his feet startling the god, "I find nothing amusing Omoikane watch it," it was fine when he messed with his siblings and make fun of what they

say.

But anyone else doing it was out of the question, "brother calm down," says Amaterasu, granted Omoikane wasn't trying to insult Tsukuyomi but the smirk on his face told him otherwise.

Susano just shrugged, "actually Omoikane the three factions are going to hold an official peace treaty to finally end fighting permanently and create a combined front against the Shadow."

Says Susano with a sideways glance at Omoikane, "thank you for saying that it leads to our next segue, Yasaka step forward," hearing her name being called Yasaka steps forward to the center of the hall.

"As the leader of the Youkai, you will act as the representative of the Shinto gods and the Youkai," Yasaka bows her head, "as you wish my Lady."

"Whenever this meeting is, make one thing clear we don't war with the Three Factions, but we do want the destruction of the Shadow," says Amaterasu as Yasaka nods, "before we end this meeting are there any other questions, comments, or concerns."

Out of everyone Hachiman was the most annoyed but settled down after Trinity's explanation of everything which was the same for many of the gods, they thought they were about to go to war then were told they weren't but to still stay ready for conflict.

There were a few whispers, but none spoke up until a lesser god entered the hall, "pardon the intrusion but Lord Zeus and Lady Hera wish to speak with you. Both called on two separate lines but had the same question, so we put them on hold."

The hall burst into a discussion, "what do they want," says Amaterasu, "they say it is in regard to the Shadow," "fine put them through," in the center of the hall where Yasaka once stood a golden magic circle forms with lettering surrounding the interior as the Greek symbol of power forms below it with a lightning bolt above.

A magical projection of Zeus and Hera then forms as Zeus's thundering voice rings out through the hall, "Amaterasu, Susano, Tsukuyomi it is a pleasure to see you again," Hera then speaks after him, "yes, it is a pleasure to see you all again as well."

"Likewise," says Tsukuyomi with his brother and sister nodding as well, "what did you want to discuss," Zeus clears his throat, "recently...," Zeus then goes on to tell that Artemis sensed their presence in Kuoh and how flared their aura and how the leaders of the three factions arrived. "

You tell us this why," "did you confront the Shadow? Every Pantheon knows that the three biblical factions are at the center of this so I would like to know what you learned?"

"We received multiple possible futures from a Kudan that something was about to happen in Kuoh, and the common denominator was the Shadow, but it never showed only the Leaders of the Three Factions."

Zeus rubs his chin in thought, "I see Artemis said she sensed someone of abnormal power besides King Lucifer, did this Kudan show events that led up to it."

Amaterasu nodded, "it did up until a certain point then it couldn't reveal the most possible future," "the same was for Apollo and even now he has lost control and can only give possible prophecies and the Fates can't clearly see the future. If you don't mind, what are you planning, I heard Odin is falling back into his old growing more paranoid about Ragnarök by the second. The Hindu, Celtic, and what remains of the Egyptian pantheon are as secretive as ever but it's obvious they are preparing for something."

Susano snickers, "can we even consider the Egyptian gods a pantheon anymore," Zeus shrugs, "they are a part of the original five along with the Hindu so out of expect I do. But by all means, Susano go and tell Aten I bet he would love to hear that."

At that Susano shut his mouth and scoffs with a roll of his eyes, "sounds like you are to propose something, Zeus," Zeus smirks he has been thinking of doing this for a while, "I propose we reinstate the Heavenly Counsel."

End Chapter