Hollowreaper 93: Thank you very much! Yep, Seekvaira and Irina were a long time coming.
Royalrain20xx: I sent a full reply via PM. :D It is odd how first Vali and now Issei almost seem a compulsion to like her I am so glad you enjoyed it and hope the wait isn't too long.
Chidoriprime: I sent a full reply via PM to make sure I touched on each part you mentioned.
OBSERVER01: Yea, Dorian was seeing red when he made that decision. Nothing convenient about it haha. Dorian teleported directly into his inner sanctum where no one else was allowed...there was a reason for that as it's where she stays so he can keep her safe :) Exactly, they may be better now due to mellowing out from the different hosts over the centuries, but when it started they were all about domination and power.
Guest1: It can be interesting the sides of people they don't show to others. Perhaps a slight change can alter that fate we know happens in canon.
horakthy baraq: Sometimes it takes a lot to break preconceptions people have and Elmenhilde found her point. I'm glad you like it and you are not wrong XD They'll have to see if Tosca is just a childhood friend or something more.
fanficcyberman: Took them long enough, but they finally got around to it XD Elmenhilde in her Crossroad uniform will definitely need to be a future commission ;) Exactly, canon described him as not an evil god when he was first introduced, but later he seemed to just be one. I wanted an explanation for his actions in addition to why he doesn't trust others, mostly dragons. We never did hear about Persephone in canon...so it seemed like the perfect reason to me. Especially if it happened so long ago that current healing powers (Like Asia) won't work since Twilight Healing cannot help mental issues or scars. Also, yea, Nyx needed to get her information straight before trying that on Dorian LOL Thank you so much man! I can't tell you how much it means to hear how much you've been enjoying it. I hope my break isn't too too long, but when I return we'll get some nice downtime chapters before jumping back into the fire. Wishing you only the best! :D
Guest2: The one thing a devil and angel have in common…waiting for marriage XD. I am glad you remembered that ritual mention as long as she finally brings it to his attention haha.
Swid16kawail: Egypt is one of the oldest civilizations on the planet...imagine it'd be a good place to start when trying to find the origin of something older than gods ;)
8: You too? Mountains of Madness is my favorite Lovecraft story too, always been a fan of archaeological tales encountering a frozen horror. And I can only imagine what Gasper would say if you mention him having a harem, poor guy is just starting to get his confidence lol. Oh, I've read all of DxD novels up to Shin 3. At that point I was just not a fan of the route the story was going. I was a big fan up to the end of Vol. 21, but after that it just didn't seem to grab me like the earlier story arcs.
Guest3: Thank you so much! I don't want to give spoilers but the intention is his number of loves won't be too high. I did enjoy the RWBY fic I was writing and still have art done for it on my DA account, but realized years ago I can't write multiple long-term stories without sacrificing time or quality. At present I am focusing on Roots, but after that we will see. :D
EP522: That is true, after the wed he'd technically be the next Lord Agares, though he'd always rely on her expertise since she's been working to be the head of Agares her whole life. You mentioned messaging you, but your PMs are deactivated so I am unable to. The Crossroads have a few male members like Zepar, Ratatoskr and Suramar, though are in the minority. That is quite a lot of wives if every category you mentioned was covered, I don't intend Dorian's loves to get quite so numerous but I am touched you like seeing him with so many. :D
Wacko12: Considering how long Hades and Persephone have been married, I like to think their kids are around but not sure when/where I'd introduce their DxD versions.
anastasioskouloukis98: I sent a full reply via PM. I am truly touched by how in-depth you do into your reviews. :D
TheLycan2026: Great to hear from you again :D Hope the new year is treating you well. I am so glad you like it and apologize I don't have more chapters to binge. Work has been pretty crazy so not as much time to write as I used to have. As for Raynare, you see... *Redacted for spoilers*. I totally agree though, she was taken out in canon way too fast imo and left so many unanswered questions. Like, why DID she keep Issei's gift if she truly believed he was dead and tried to kill him?
Thank you everyone for your patience, I am not back to regular posts but am still working on Roots. I apologize for the wait times but am trying to make sure the quality is never rushed. And with that…onto the show!
"Play nice everyone!" Freyja called out waving to the scattered students and their friends now running across the warm, yet never burning, sands of Alfheim. "You don't need to be so formal dear; this day is for you all as well."
"Th-thank you Lady Freyja," Rosalina smiled while fidgeting a little bit. She and the others who now served as the goddess' retainers were present each with beachwear they had chosen themselves ranging from modest one-pieces with frilly skirts to risqué bikinis. The devil Queen had personally chosen a bikini, but with a shawl and skirt that gave her more coverage.
"When was the last time we came to these wonderful shores together?" Odin asked as he laid beside her under the umbrella. Thankfully for everyone's sanity, he wore normal trunks, the god being far more muscular than anyone would have guessed with his age. "Normally I would be eyeing all the lovely ladies here today, that being said…"
He clearly could not take his eyes from his wife, her purple hair blowing in the breeze with flowers dotted across it. Her swimsuit was exotic made of straps going up her sides leaving her belly and cleavage exposed pressing her breasts together in a way that her husband could not ignore. The color complimented her hair and none on the beach could match her presence, not even the other world leaders who had taken opportunity in the lull since the vampire civil war wrapped up.
"More for me," Azazel leaned back with his sunglasses, his bravado simmering down as he saw a blonde nine-tailed woman emerge from a portal. She could not leave Kyoto for long, but a few hours would be fine. "Speaking of lovely ladies…"
"You are too kind," Yasaka showed off her swimsuit nearly the same color as her hair. As expected, it was a bikini that almost seemed to be wrapped horizontally but did not fail to show off her impressive bust. As befitting one her station, she had ornate see-through patterned sleeves that made it look to be part swimsuit and part dress. He accepted her hand, helping her down onto the towel prepared to protect from the sands. "Kunou is unaware of where I decided to go on vacation, she is having too much fun discussing our culture with that young Millicas boy."
"It brings back the days of my youth," Gabriel remarked. Her suit, a white one-piece with frills that seemed far too small to have been chosen by her drawing the eyes of many as she seemed to be literally glowing. Azazel felt nervous realizing he was now laying with her on one side and Yasaka the other.
Not awkward at all, the current love of my life and the one whose fantasizing made me a fallen angel in the first place. If her kid was here, she'd probably try taking my head for the slightest glance. The former Governor-General shook away such thoughts, focusing solely on Yasaka handing her a drink. It wasn't often he saw her with her tail and ears out. Being on a private beach in a supernatural realm had its perks.
"And to be near the sea of a foreign realm!" The booming voice responding to Gabriel rose from the ocean as a giant figure made out of water loomed over the beach. "It is so different yet familiar!"
"Lord Poseidon, please try to contain yourself," Freyja warned. "It would not do to startle the beachgoers. The shape lowered back beneath the waves as the old muscular god emerged trailing seaweed.
"Too true, this realm of yours is so calming even to us. I feel a thousand years younger!" He glanced to the younger generation running with a serious expression, spotting Dorian among them not noticing he was being watched.
Why do you suddenly feel so familiar to me, Dorian Held? Is it my daughter's presence within your mind? This sea is calm around you, that is not an easy feat.
"Perhaps you should have your own show made," Odin called out to the God of the Sea as he approached. "The High King sales have boosted profits hundreds of times over. At the rate it's going, Dorian will be rich enough to become a real king."
"They've grown so much since they left our side," Freyja sighed whimsically while watching them run on the sand, Thrud chasing the team with an especially large sand-boulder she'd made. "I feared them straying so far, and yet they look so…happy."
"A few extra wrinkles around Dorian's brow," Odin remarked as his fake eye zoomed in on him currently exchanging blasts of water with the others in the shallows and wrestling with the other men. "Ever since that future escapade."
"They all need a day like this, but he more than most," Freyja looked concerned. "So many terrible things have occurred in such a short amount of time."
"Indeed, the exorcists took heavy losses between the attack on the Heroes' fortress and then Lilith against the monsters. No doubt that fueled their rebellion, but so much good came of it too."
"Angels defending the city was one Hell of a sight," Odin slapped his leg with a hoot. "And that ship of Dorian's, who knew my blood-brother was so adept at construction. The firepower on that thing could contest against even Valhalla's gates. Then the damage it did to that shadow watchdog. Some are unhappy that one so young is the sole person who commands it."
"You mean Indra and maybe those from Egypt or Romania," Freyja pursed her lips though had stars in her eyes. "Let them grumble, this is beyond anything I imagined happening so soon, the Crossroads have become a true military force with someone leading it beyond reproach. He may still have a lot of room to grow, but I find them holding such power to be reassuring."
"Well, I suppose one would feel more comfortable with their child in the position of leadership," Gabriel smirked in a chipper way to Freyja unable to contain her own smile.
"I suppose you're right," the Norse goddess stirred her colorful drink before taking a deep sip. "The only way it could be better is if he were not so burdened with what weighs on his mind."
Not Far…
"I could get used to this!"
Issei smiled wide as a group of beautiful elf women danced up to the large group of visitors at the beach shore greeting them and laying wreaths of flowers about their necks. They especially hovered around the Crossroads and Rias' team; no doubt having heard of their exploits during the attack on Lilith. Several gravitated to Dorian, only to gracefully change course upon seeing the expressions of Rossweisse, Thrud and Seekvaira. They attempted to do the same for Issei with similar results from Rias and Catherine.
"Alfheim," Brynda breathed in the clean air as she and her friends finally broke out onto the soft sands. "The view is stunning."
"It really is," Misty was breathing noticeably heavier looking away from the ocean itself. Instead, she was eyeing Vali's group that had disembarked a way further down from the others. "It REALLY is."
Hanging off to the side looking like he wanted to start some trouble, Bikou stretched his arms causing his muscles to glisten in the sunlight. His chosen suit was little more than a speedo, a fact the Nekoshou-Valkyrie had no issue confirming with careful observation. Her tail emerged along with her ears with a pop coinciding with him bending over to touch his toes.
"Misty…" Herja grabbed her hair with a tug, having no clothes to do so safely with the three wearing their swimsuits. "You know he's a criminal, right?"
"So is Kuroka and Dorian doesn't seem to mind," the blonde Valkyrie had to admit she had no counter for that argument. "Do you think Bikou likes cats?"
"It's just as I remember," Rossweisse breathed deeply, not noticing Herja and Brynda trying to subdue their friend. "We haven't been back since we moved to Kuoh."
"And we weren't dating then," Dorian smiled as he clasped her hand gently. "You look…incredible."
Rossweisse fidgeted somewhat with her new swimsuit bought just the other day in secret so none would know of her frivolous purchase. She wore a dark-blue bikini that clung tightly to her frame. Showing off a more daring side to herself, she had foregone the modest shawl leaving the bottom portion almost bare, with just a thong leading to her slender legs. Dorian, no longer self-conscious of his scars, wore only his blue and gold shorts. There were a few stares, but he had grown accustomed and among the other Norse fighters present he had fewer battle trophies than most. It was evident his physique had only improved between the daily trainings and recent boosts to his power.
"Thank you," she answered sheepishly feeling like the luckiest girl in the world. "Things were simpler back then, but we can still enjoy this place just as much."
"And then some!" Ratatoskr appeared around the nearby tree looking out at the horizon. "I should sneak over here more often, prime real estate. Things are a lot more crowded than before," he looked over the teams of devils, Crossroads and Gods filling the beach. Everyone was enjoying themselves, a rare moment all could be present after trying times. "Even Ms. Shadow Doll showed up."
"I am glad you could make it," Dorian waved to Elmenhilde bringing up the rear of the group. She looked quite out of place with a double-wide dark black umbrella to shield her from the burning sun ahead. "I…didn't think about that."
"It is no concern, I am prepared," she insisted while motioning to the bag with her filled with books. She had chosen an all-black swimsuit with a skirt and frills stretching from the arms diagonally to her neckline leaving only her arms, legs and shoulders bare. "Thank you for the invite, now if you'll excuse me…" She slid past, having spotted a patch of beach with an especially good view over the ocean and was eager to claim it.
Hmmm, if sun is the big issue…an idea for later.
"I have a surprise," Dorian whispered into the Valkyrie's ear low so Rat wouldn't hear. "Meet me around the cove in an hour."
"Oh D-Dorian…"
"Oh Dorian?" Ratatoskr jumped onto Dorian's face grabbing at his cheeks like they were his shirt collar. "What did you say? I need to know if I need to be proud of you!"
"Get off me!" The pair started to tussle, rolling around on the sand nearly knocking over several beachgoers. Rossweisse chased after hoping to end the fight, though had seen it often enough to grow used to seeing it.
"You aren't jealous? Gonna rush in there and break them up?" Bennia nudged Thrud putting the finishing touches on a buried and none-too happy Kuroka hissing at her with only her head poking out of the sand. They were not too far away, having claimed a small section beside a rather large boulder for shade.
"Why?" The goddess smiled at the pair in the distance. "We have all the time in the world now, might be Iggy's patience rubbing off on me."
"That's the outlook," the young reaper floated high enough to punch her playfully in the arm. "Inter-harem rivalries are overrated anyway, by the way, you kicked ASS in the fights! And here I thought you were already ass-kicking-heavy when we first met."
"It is new to have found a way to wield my family's lightning," she filled her hand with the carefully balanced Sage Arts before channeling a small spark that transformed a patch of sand into glass. "I feel stronger than ever."
"I knew you had it in you," Kuroka stretched her neck as far as she could so her head was not touching the sand. Despite her strength and abilities, Thrud had buried her well and she was immobilized. "Do you think you can get me out of here? I don't know how you buried me so deep so fast…I can't even move! Let me go and I'll let you rub my ears every night."
"Why should I let you go, when I can rub them now?" Thrud grinned evilly as she knelt and seized an ear with each hand rubbing them with quickening rhythm.
"NYAAAA!" Kuroka hissed like a cat at her inability to do anything. "You are a monster, HISSSS! When I get out of here…!"
"Oh, did you have the same idea?" Kuroka ceased her thrashing upon noticing Akeno buried equally as deep right beside them, making her wonder how it'd been done without her noticing. Zepar was patting the sand around her neck, making sure she had room to look around yet still being unable to move. "A bit more, dear, I can still move my arms a little."
"I heard you were a masochist, is it really that appealing?" Kuroka settled in, realizing she couldn't escape and finding Thrud's massaging fingers surprisingly soothing.
"It's all about trust, getting to experience this, but only with someone who you know will never go too far. It's something that has to be felt, I see you and the others are starting to get into it."
"I just wanted to mess with her and scratch her ears," Thrud admitted with a grin. "Do the roles reverse often?"
"…often enough," Zepar admitted to the goddess while nonchalantly adjusting his glasses. "I will say that I had never considered such activities until Akeno introduced them to me."
"Yet you don't go far enough," the Himejima fallen tutted before turning her head toward Kuroka's. "He's so traditional, wouldn't want to besmirch my honor before marriage."
"I think his definition of that is wavering based on what I've seen-nya," Kuroka and Akeno laughed together, a unique sight to outsiders seeing their heads and nothing else above the sand. "Maybe we could teach each other a thing or two."
"Oh? What did you have in mind?" Akeno asked. "I can't write anything down at present, but I have an excellent memory."
"I think our jests may have backfired," Zepar sweat-dropped while looking to Thrud. "Bringing them together…"
"We've created a whole new monster to slay. Although, I would not mind hearing one of their plans for…research."
Not far…
"Finally, I get to see what all the fuss was about with this place," Issei joked as he stumbled down to the edge of the water. The Red Emperor Oppai Dragon was in Heaven; from Rias' daring v-cut suit, to Asia's more humble one-piece, he didn't know which way to look as their most appealing features were on display in every direction. "Even Cat…"
I asked the others for advice, that had been the Sword Saint's excuse upon revealing her chosen attire. Her toned body lent well to the tasteful two-piece purple bikini with black swirls accenting well against her pink hair. Despite her nervous glances, the smile on her face made it clear she wanted him to look as much at her as the others.
"If we didn't have to fight anyone, life would just be…hmm?" Issei noticed a familiar silhouette against the ocean horizon, a woman standing just at the water's edge so the tide barely grazed her bare feet. "Ingvild?"
"Oh, Issei," she called out without taking her eyes off the rippling waves. "Isn't it just lovely? I heard Alfheim had beautiful waters and couldn't resist."
"You like the ocean?" He walked up to stand beside her, eyes drifting south at the regal black monokini she wore with see-through sleeves draping from the shoulders making it seem like a gown of swimsuits.
"I am, it's been close to my family but not many think about that nowadays," she swirled her hands gently, Issei catching the sight of a huge form moving beneath the waves.
"Be careful! It might be…"
"It's not dangerous, it's me," she reassured him as a serpent of pure water leapt from the surface like a dolphin before diving back beneath. He sighed in relief, recognizing it as the attack she had used against Cao Cao back in Lilith. "The technique didn't come to me before, but I was able to summon it in Lilith…to protect you." The two blushed at her words, the Leviathan scrambling to change the subject quickly. "I hear Alfheim's ocean is different from Earth's…it does look a bit more golden and clearer than I imagined. It's so beautiful."
"As long as you don't go too deep, heard about some freaky things at the bottom. Um, I mean…"
"I know it hides many dangerous things, but so many wondrous ones too, just like the world. You are aware of this, no?"
"Definitely, I mean, that's how I got here after all," Issei threw his arms over his head with a sigh. "There was this fallen angel, I thought I was done with her but she came back."
Why the hell am I telling her this?! Why do I feel so relaxed?
"The one I read about at Romania, this Raynare?" He nodded. "How terrible, you should not be troubled, at least for today. What do you think of my suit?" She turned to face him, leaning forward in a way to show off everything he'd wanted to see. "Be honest."
"You look REALLY good," he almost wheezed out in full honesty. "If this is the first time seeing the ocean, is this the first time wearing a swimsuit?"
"It's hard to remember so long ago, but I think so. At least, one like this," she motioned down at just how much of her skin was showing. "Would you like to go into the ocean with me?"
The smile he gave was all the answer she needed without words, clasping his hand she started to run towards the tide, him stumbling at first but eventually keeping pace. The grains of sand left a footprint trail all the way to the edge, being washed away as the water came and went soaking their legs. It was then she turned to face him, a smile present that he could only reciprocate.
"I've wanted to try this with someone else for a while, it's not as much fun alone."
"T-try what?" he swallowed as his imagination ran wild as to her meaning, his perverted mind going to all the usual places first.
"To go for a ride," just as his questionable thoughts hit their peak, Issei suddenly found himself lifted into the air with a hard, yet wet, surface rising beneath him. "Onward!"
"Is that your dragooooo-!" he was cut off as Ingvild's water serpent rose, picking both of them onto its long body before slithering at high speeds into the ocean blue. By instinct, he reached forward to grip the Leviathan daughter around the waist to hold on.
"Eep!" She let out, her mount reacting to her increased heart rate and soaring higher to the point they could see the others on the beach far in the distance. "P-please hold on a bit softer!"
Issei couldn't hear her with the wind whipping past them at high speeds, he held tighter hoping to not be bucked off. Even with how hectic the situation had become, the two couldn't help but admire the view below them being able to see the beauty of the ocean on one side and the glistening white of the beach in the other.
"So, THIS is where you are hiding Issei, if you wanted an ocean cruise, you only had to ask."
"Rias?!" Issei risked opened his eyes to see the first love of his life casually sitting beside him. Upon closer inspection, he realized she was riding atop a dragon of her own made of black and red swirling energies of the Power of Destruction. She was not alone as he saw Asia, Cat, Ravel and Suraiya all holding onto one another just behind her. "It was more of a recent decision, honest!"
"I am sure," she threw a coy wink his way. "Here, let me help you slow down."
Her black dragon slithered closer, coiling around Ingvild's in a serpentine dance. Using their new position for leverage, they angled both downward towards the water. With a splash that would humble waterspouts, both slammed into the ocean releasing a mist on impact that stretched across the nearby coast obscuring rock and waves. As the fog cleared, the girls and Issei could be seen emerging onto the beach, Ingvild held in his arms looking confused yet content.
"I-I suppose I still have some control work needed," she stuttered. "It's never done that before."
Perhaps getting a little worked up along with its summoner? The Gremory heiress thought to herself yet would never reveal, only nodding as if accepting her excuse.
"You need not be alone, there is plenty of room with the rest of us," Issei motioned towards the festivities further up. "What do you say?"
"That…that would be nice, and it is nice seeing you all again," she tried to be cordial seeing the women were eyeing her suspiciously all except Suraiya who was in the process of taking on different cloud shapes she saw above.
"That settles it, come on! Dibs on one of those burgers Thor is making!"
"U-um!" Ingvild tried to protest as they all rushed towards the grill still in his arms. "I can walk…you can put me down now."
Elsewhere on the Beach…
"This is…!" Rossweisse's eyes lit up as she ducked her head to crawl through a rockface she was sure was the end of the border to the beach. Following Dorian, he revealed it actually led to a secluded cove cut off from the rest complete with a beautiful view of the horizon beyond crashing waves.
"I found this the last time we were here," he admitted. "When I heard we were coming back…well, I got to thinking. That, and got a bit of help setting it up."
"Anything to help my friend get luck…I mean to show off for baes," Ratatoskr wearing a tiny red lifeguard swim trunk bowed on the top of the rocks above. "Everything is ready boss-man."
Looking across the stretch of beach, the Valkyrie could make out parasols, towels and tables filled with several picnic baskets. All of which had been set up protected from the breeze by the surrounding rocks. It didn't take Rossweisse's genius mind to realize the sheer number he had set up.
"There is a bit much here for us all," she leaned into him. "It would be a shame if it were just the two of us."
"No issue there," Kuroka emerged from the entrance followed by Thrud sporting a risqué V-neck gold swimsuit. Now out of the sand, it was clear Kuroka's swimsuit was a surprisingly simple strapless white bikini. "I am famished!"
"And everything made by Asia and Hecuba," Thrud explained, drawing a sigh of relief at Dorian's expense. "Dig in!"
"Deal!" Iggy materialized and descended on the first table. Her bikini was the most unique of them all, being created by herself in the likeness of foliage yet being as expertly made as the rest. Large leaves covered each breast tied together with the thinnest of vine-like straps and a similar design for the bottom. It gave off an ambiance of nature that Iggy found herself most comfortable in despite the exposed skin.
"What's the occasion?" Kuroka asked while claiming her own plate eyeing the rest of the beach all to themselves. "Tyr trying to get us alone-nya?"
"Something I wanted to do for all of you," he tried to find the right words. "You've always been there and, well, I want to show how much you mean to me. This was just too perfect a chance." Kuroka took the opportunity to slink past him, pressing herself against his back for just a moment before bouncing over to the table of food.
"You're so thoughtful," Thrud punched him in the arm playfully before kissing him on the cheek. "It's been a while since we had a good swimming contest. Once we eat our fill, you and me out there," she pointed to the splashing waves against the horizon.
"Only after waiting at least thirty minutes!" Rossweisse tried to interject.
"Loser has to finish the latest evaluation documents!"
"Actually, Seekvaira has been helping with those," Dorian explained. "Isn't that right?" He turned to a seemingly empty space behind them. "You don't have to hide, you're both welcome too."
In a flash, Irina and Seekvaira appeared standing looking more than a little nervous. Irina in her yellow-frilled bikini and Seekvaira in a one piece that made her look like an Olympic swimmer while clinging tightly to her frame. It was clear both had recently been in the water, possibly swimming around to reach the cove without being noticed along with an illusion spell.
"W-we didn't mean to follow you…" The reincarnated angel started.
"But we wanted to spend the day with you," Seekvaira spoke plainly and to the point. "We know you found this place before we made our interest known…"
"Of course!" Dorian immediately interrupted to prevent any chance at misunderstandings. "I was hoping you both could join. I would not be the person I am without Irina, and you have been instrumental with the Crossroads, Seekvaira. You are both amazing, and both deserve to be here. I truly mean that."
"I learned so much of devil magic and your technology working on your new wing," Rossweisse stepped forward to help the women feel welcome and Dorian was trying to do the same. She knew Dorian would never want to force the issue, accepting their love if they had it to give. The cove had been set up for a private party of those he considered closest to his heart, and those two more than qualified.
"Everyone…" Irina had to hold back tears she was so happy.
"You consider us this close?" Seekvaira looked to be holding back a smile, standing a little bit taller. "Then let's enjoy this day to the fullest."
"I like her-nya!" Kuroka mewed as she raced up behind her. "What shall we do first?"
Not Far…
"Always bringing those who rarely spoke all together," Kassaegtha murmured while watching as a nigh-invisible cloud far above. "New connections formed every day."
Dorian was already swimming hard against Thrud so far out they could barely be seen. The pair had chosen to see who could make it to the small rocks protruding in the distance and back, a simple task for the two that normal humans could never hope to achieve. Rossweisse awaited on the shore as referee, drawing new magical formulae into the sand to pass the time she had been designing in her mind. With Dorian still being quite adept at seal-layering, he had formed new symbols that filled her head with ideas that would not let her be. The greatest frustration was when the tide would wash them away, forcing her to start again.
"Peeping again, are we?" A familiar rodent climbed atop the nearest rock looking right into her. "I know your smell well enough now; you can't hide from me." Acquiescing defeat in her disguise, Kassaegtha morphed her form into a black squirrel with pointed horn-like ears yet was still see-through like a whisp of smoke. "Hey, don't even think to tempt me with that, you don't have the curves for it. So, you are able to leave your city again?"
"Barely and not for long, utilizing your weather is my only recourse until I can focus again. I did not take long before, only a few centuries. Everything changes from each action rippling out from his point of impact like a stone. Even this," she motioned to the scene before them.
As Thrud and Dorian raced one another in the ocean, Seekvaira had somehow brought in a mecha similar to her army that was stacking sand into a wall. Aiming to build the most impressive sand-fortress ever seen, she already had three parapets up and an impressive tower under construction. Assisting her, Iggy had dozens of tendrils wrapped around the walls holding them together until water could harden the sand to be strong enough to bear the weight. She wasn't quite making sense of the Agares heiress' meticulous mathematical calculations, but was keeping up just happy to be helping. Even Despoina had emerged and while unable to interact, was directing tasks like an overseer. More than once, she and Seekvaira clashed over the chosen aesthetics but always reconciled in the end.
"Live a little," Kuroka beamed from her chaise lounge chair taking in the sun. To the absolute shock of Irina sunbathing beside her, the nekoshou had snapped her top off to expose her breasts without a care in the world. "You aren't too bad yourself, would definitely turn a head or two."
"M-maybe later," the reincarnated angel tried to protest while considering trying something new. "I do not have your figure for it."
"Nonsense, you're as much a bombshell as the best of them. Besides, if you are self-conscious at all, I could use my Sage Arts to perk the girls up a bit, what do you say?" Irina looked utterly horrified, yet curious, at the offer.
"Simple moments make big connections," Ratatoskr waxed poetic beside one of the few beings older than him. "They can last a lifetime and shake the world. Speaking of BIG connections, check out Kuro…"
Ratatoskr could not finish as a rock soared from below and nailed him in the forehead. Knocking him from his perch, he sailed down before slamming in front of the girls, the pair looming over him, Kuroka not even attempting to cover herself.
"It seems he didn't make himself as scarce as he promised."
"Be not overcome by your carnal nature, so saith the lord," Irina balled up her fists, a ball of holy light generated in her hand.
"We immobilize and blind him, then you take off your top with me?" Kuroka offered without taking her eyes off him.
"That…is an acceptable compromise." Her still-sweet nature was almost terrifying as Rat tried to back away, yet his normally indomitable dodging ability proved completely ineffective against them despite his best efforts.
Damnit, guess they really are boss' soulmates if they can catch me so easily. What is it that allows them to do that, I have to know! Stay back…no…. noooooo!
Further along the Beach…
"Oh, and here he was holding onto me while I sang him to sleep," Freyja directed the others to turn the page accordingly. "And here he is chasing one of the Agares heiress' robots. That really tired him out."
"Didn't all of these happen in a single day?" Poseidon asked, clearly regretting it as the goddess glared at him for pointing out the obvious. "It seems he snuck off from the others."
"And all his future wives," Odin grinned, his fake eye twirling as he saw more than any of them. "Let them have their privacy, if we give them enough time then they might…"
His beach hat was knocked off as Freyja bopped him at the right angle to cause his far sight to turn to static, losing the connection. Gabriel giggled along with Poseidon letting out a raucous laughter at his expense. The most beautiful Seraph of Heaven radiated even while just lounging beside Freyja and her devil retainers. It was clear why she had become so popular among the Fallen Angels, many of whom fell due to their lust for her. They were unsure if she was oblivious to their eyes or purposefully acted as though she was unaware. In either case, she unleashed all twelve of her wings, sighing as if it was a great relief.
"Did you learn anything more?" She silently asked Poseidon without looking in his direction.
"We learn more of that city every day, and yet more questions along with them," he replied low enough for only the world leaders to hear clearly what they said. "The design is more unnatural than we ever imagined, and yet there are kernels of familiarity in the unknown. A slope here, a design choice there, almost as if it is both wholly separate from the world and yet inspired aspects all at once."
"It is related to the world, no doubt about that," Odin's gaze turned serious as he joined the conversation. "Dorian's 'friend' did say that mortals existed there once, it makes sense that as they left they took stories and knowledge from there. Norse, Chinese, Hindu, Egyptian…all of them have something we've found rooted in that deep city."
"That is disconcerting, and the Trihexa?"
"Still unmoving, no one but Diehauser, Poseidon, and myself have entered its bubble since Moloch was defeated and never alone. I think Indra is still a bit camera shy since the attack on his men. Unfortunately, all attempts to actually harm it have failed as well. Admittedly, I took a shot at it with Gungnir and it didn't even scratch its horn. At present, I feel we should let sleeping titans lie. I doubt even Mjolnir with all my son's power would do anything."
"Speaking of, I was wondering where Thor, Vidar and Baldur are," Freyja glanced around. "Did they not wish to partake?"
"I'm sure they would have, but they wanted to break in welcoming their new brother." He let out a laugh. "But the little silver-haired runt actually evaded them…they've been trying to track him down all day. Where could that Vali have gotten off to?"
"That serious matter can wait," Yasaka stood up taking Azazel's hand and dragging him along. "Let's get closer to the water, I have missed the ocean!"
"O-okay," Azazel grinned completely unable to deny the request. Following her, his eyes went wide as she reached around to the back of her top and undid the strap. "Ah, that is much better."
"He hasn't changed much since he left Heaven," Gabriel smiled innocently seeing the absolute smile from Azazel at the sight before him. "The war separated us from our former siblings for far too long."
"She is such a free spirit," Odin couldn't hide that he'd seen it too. "You know, dear Frigga…I am sure that top is equally stifling for you…" The resounding smack could be heard across the entire beach, marking another failed attempt at the Allfather hoping to tease his wife without facing painful repercussions.
Further up the beach…
"Two-hundred and one, two-hundred and two, two-hundred and three…" the counts of Hecuba continued as she thrusted the True Longinus forward again and again. Despite her intent to relax that day, she had snuck away seeking a few moments of practice before returning.
I've had you since the battle, but you have not spoken since. I train and train to unlock your power that will be needed, is that all I need to do, or is there more? The only man who understood you is dead; I am on my own in this regard.
"If you needed a sparring partner, all you had to do was ask," Xenovia emerged from behind a rock wearing her all-too revealing teal swimsuit. Next to her was Bennia sporting a one-piece in her colors yet had refused to give up her cloak and hood. "The barbeque is still cooking, but will be ready soon."
"You two are nuts," Bennia leaned back with a sigh. "You're supposed to RELAX. Feel the sand under your feet and go for a swim! Not fighting, we do that enough back home."
"One can always stay on their toes," Xenovia defended her friend's actions. "That can be just as relaxing as any fun in the ocean."
"I just wanted to do a bit of my daily routine, nothing more," Hecuba lied just a little bit. "But thank you, perhaps when we have more time, we can go exploring out in the water again."
"I saw something swimming out there!" Bennia ecstatically started. "It was like a jellyfish but HUGE and glowing, I swear it even left the water and flew a few feet. Alfheim is crazy."
"I am more surprised you are fine as you are," Xenovia admitted while looking the reaper up and down. "Aren't you hot in that cloak?"
"The cloak makes the look," Bennia spun around with a cheeky grin. "Sure, it may be hot…REALLY hot, and I got a bit lightheaded, and…" She paused, staring ahead seemingly at nothing for several seconds. After a moment, she suddenly fell forward flat as a plank of wood, faceplanting into the sand.
"Get her some water!" Xenovia knelt down, splashing her smoothie into her face as swirls filled the reaper's eyes. Hecuba was fast to empty her own bottle onto her face. "I told you this was bad for you!"
"S-style over practicality," she moaned weekly still clinging to her cloak preventing Xenovia from pulling it away. "T-totally worth it."
"I'll get her to some shade," Xenovia knelt down to lift Bennia up. "Can you bring the towels and some ice?"
Hecuba nodded as the Einherjar ran off, Bennia cheering weekly at the speed she was being carried. Depositing the True Longinus back into a pocket-dimension for safety, the young Spartan started to clean up. She paused after wrapping a blanket around her waist and lifting the others to carry, suddenly sensing that she was not alone.
"I've felt those eyes on me from a hiding place before," she turned in the assured direction. "You don't need to hide…Vali."
"Hiding is exactly what I'm doing," the White Dragon Emperor emerged from behind the rock. Hecuba could practically smell the illusion magic on him masking his presence. "Those sons of Odin have been hounding me all day!"
"Trying to make you one of the family?" She asked with the tiniest fringes of a restrained smirk. "Dorian has told me of how…vibrant they can be."
"If they wanted to fight that would be one thing, but this…"
"I understand with your grandfather that family must not come easy. But you don't look like one who has never known a good one, if only a little." He just stared at her; his face unflinching as to what he was thinking. He'd been able to hide his intentions and emotions for years from everyone around him, she wouldn't learn anything just by looking.
Without another word, he suddenly unfurled his wings, dashing towards her with a white gauntlet aimed right for her throat. By reflex, she drew the True Longinus forth once more, intercepting his blow. It clearly had no true malice behind it and he pulled back the instant she blocked, his gauntlet sizzling from the holy attribute coming into contact with his devil lineage.
"You are skilled with that, better than Monster's Bane," he complimented while allowing his armor to dissolve. "I can see why your new Hero Faction respect you." News of the new heroes living within the Crossroad Tower had surprised him how they were willing to work under a former enemy. Many were new, some from the old, all working to grow stronger under Hecuba's new ruling; to bring back the good name of heroes. Perseus had been instrumental in this, making even the most hesitant members willing to give it a chance.
"A spear is the first weapon a Spartan learns before the sword. The basics are there, though this is something entirely different."
"I wonder how the will of God will adapt to you as its wielder," Vali walked around Hecuba as if analyzing her in a manner not dissimilar from how she'd gone over the new recruits of Olympus. She stood her ground, turning with him rather than waiting for him to make the full trip around. He noticed it, his eyes narrowing.
"I will have to find out, it's part of why I came out here. Any chance I can get to grow more adept at the spear, I will take it. I thought I felt something for a moment in the Underwater City when it broke that barrier…but nothing since."
"I am not surprised, that barrier was a construction of the God of the Bible. I doubt anything other than your spear could have opened it. It's obvious now that it was Moloch's plan, I don't trust him to be staying away for long. Even now he could be working against us from wherever he fled to when he faked his death."
"You know," she suddenly looked to have an idea, not liking the crease deepening on Vali's brow. "I don't see your brothers here, there is no reason to hide. Why don't you join us by the beach? Such plans can wait until tomorrow."
"I have work to do, it…" Vali's attempt to leave was stopped as Hecuba seized his hand. His was stern, her own not the dainty skin of most women but hardy and strong from years of battle. The unexpected feeling of it stopped him more than the act itself. The White Dragon Emperor had held her hand before, yet he had not paid attention to such details.
"A few hours, that is all. If you get bored, I am sure you can rope Issei into a battle of dragons." That actually looked slightly appealing to the White Dragon Emperor.
"Why are you doing this?"
"Doing what?"
"This," he motioned to her hand. "We were enemies not long ago; I don't know you beyond our battles. Why…why are you always so…"
"Maybe I see more than you want others to see," she interrupted him, her emerald eyes shining as they stared directly into his. "I like to consider myself a good judge. It's why I decided to follow Dorian, why I know Bennia is good despite how often she drives me insane and it's why I want to talk to you more. Is that so bad?" Vali just stared at her for a time, neither moving as the sun beat down heavily above. At length, it was the White Dragon Emperor who spoke first.
"Just a few hours," surprisingly, he did not release her hand but tightened his grip. "I will admit, the food smelled quite nice from this far."
Good decision partner, you are always saying how you have no interest in the opposite sex but that one is no normal woman. There is nothing to say you cannot speak more and not maintain the image you've cultivated since you were a child.
You are never going to shut up, are you?
"LOOK OUT BELOOOOOOOOW!" Hecuba and Vali could barely get out of the way before a man came crashing down, leaving an imprint in the shape of his body in the sand where he impacted. Le Fay Pendragon floated down like a feather atop her broom, landing to check on her companion. "I told you not to wiggle too much."
"I barely did viggle!" Volody gasped as she pulled his face from the sand. "You did zat on purpoze!" He was wearing a set of brown trunks with a green t-shirt while Le Fay had picked a white bikini adorned with red hearts. Oddly, she had chosen a smaller version of her cloak without a hood, standing out among the other beachgoers.
"Did what?" She looked truly confused. "All I did was adjust a bit on the broom to get more comfortable."
"Zat is EXACTLY vhat…" Volody calmed himself upon seeing Vali and Hecuba staring blankly at the pair. "My apologiez Vali, Hecuba, ve vere having a discuzzion on vether the Vorld Tree'z rootz could be tied to zhe undervater zity ve discovered. Zhe timeline could make it a pozzibility."
"It made sense to me, she cared for Great Red and Ophis when they were little, that is VERY long ago. Imagine if those Old Gods actually could create World Trees or at least those who could grow into one. Next time we go back, we have to research!"
"Then how did you fall?" Hecuba asked Volody who couldn't meet her gaze at the question.
"I…maaayy have gotten distracted by…by zhe scenery," he quickly added. "Can ve at least valk zhe rest of zhe way!?"
"Okay," Le Fay pouted a little bit which turned into a smile. "But if I get heat stroke you have to carry me!"
"Zat…is a deal."
The mages left with that final word leaving Hecuba and Vali perplexed glancing to one another. The White Dragon released a breath he did not realize he was holding, relieved neither one noticed that he and Hecuba had been holding hands through the entire conversation. The two left down the beach back towards the main party hand-in-hand. Everyone they left behind would be quite surprised at the arrival of Vali, especially his rival, Issei. They were not alone, however, when departing the beach as a shimmer could be seen of the sun reflecting off a familiar pair of glasses hiding over a ledge.
"Nice," Aika grinned, her sight perfect even from that range. "Two more couples for the book, and not bad Hecuba…he seems big enough to be just perfect for you. Maybe I can work you in to the manga club's writings when we get home."
Elsewhere…
I don't want to know, Dorian thought to himself as he and Rossweisse returned from the waters, him catching sight of a familiar poofy squirrel tail sticking out of the sand with the rest of him buried beneath. The sun had moved higher in the sky by the time they had come back, having a bit of a rest. The others had lined up along the edge of the water working on their tan. For the moment, it was just the two of them.
"I calculated from our last trip that the sun seems to improve our tan at nearly twice the normal speed with no detriments," she excitedly educated the Einherjar while fidgeting with the straps on her top. "Could you…?"
"With pleasure!" Dorian knelt as Rossweisse laid on a towel facing down. Only once she was certain all could be covered, she nodded. With a careful flick, he opened her top, the sides falling around her breasts currently pressed into the ground.
"Y-you don't have to look at me like that," she blushed, seeing the smile on his face that warmed her heart. "You've seen more than this."
"That doesn't change how I feel every time," he replied honestly while sorting through his bag, retrieving a bottle. "This might be a bit cold."
"Eep," Rossweisse squeaked as his hands, now covered in suntan lotion, touched her back. It was cold for a moment, but quickly warmed up until it no longer caused goosebumps. At least, not for the same reason. "Much better, I am glad you didn't bring the spray-on this time."
"There's a reason for that," he continued while spreading the lotion evenly across her back taking in every contour and curve. "Last time we weren't together."
"You were so proper back then, we both were. A little to the left…aahhh, right there."
"Maybe we could make a little house here, the elves said we could come anytime."
"That may take a while. Based on recent Alfheim market prices, it would take a few decades to afford this particular location." she turned a bit, nearly revealing her breasts to him yet remaining tantalizingly out of sight. "Factoring conversions to their realm's currency, of course."
"That much?" He paled at the thought that despite how much he'd saved and was making that it would take so long. "Well, thanks to Freyja's apple, I suppose time is something we have in abundance."
"You haven't spoken of the other half," Rossweisse whispered. "Why have you not eaten it yet?"
"Well," he started, but stopped being uncertain how to approach the topic. "If I eat that, I'll become a full god, immortality included, right?" She nodded, being very familiar with such an integral part of her society. "I'd live forever…but you wouldn't."
"Dorian…"
"And recent weeks have only made me think on it more. "Irina is an angel, Seekvaira a devil, they'll live tens of thousands of years and if Kuroka is to be believed, her Sage Arts keeps her from aging at all. Thrud is already a goddess in every meaning of the world, and Iggy will live as long as I do. Valkyries aren't as long-lived as them, are they?"
"We do live longer…but not to the extent of devils and angels, no," Rossweisse admitted. "Those who wed deities or rose up through the ranks of the Valkyries could earn bites of the gold apples, but…"
"But you're in the Crossroads now, so that isn't an option," he understood. "What if you ate the rest of mine?"
"I couldn't! Then you would be the one living shorter," she sat up, uncaring at her undressed nature despite his eyes going wide. "You are concerned that we won't live long enough to enjoy everything, but how do you think we'd feel if the roles were reversed!"
"I know, but…"
"No buts!" The tone she used on students acting out came out so naturally, instinctively causing Dorian to sit up straighter. "We are not going to be dropping anytime soon, regardless of Qlippoth's attempts! We have time," she took his hand tenderly. "We have time to figure it out, the apples do not spoil. You have nothing to worry about."
Tell that to the nightmares.
"Is someone being a downer?" The pair froze, turning to see that the other five were all looming over them, several still with their tops forgotten by the chairs. "Not on our vacation!"
"You got to put lotion on her," Kuroka grinned menacingly, her hands dripping with copious amounts of suntan lotion. "Now we get a turn with you."
"Kuroka, I think that is WAY too much…" he didn't' get to finish as she lunged, the others all joining in dogpiling on the Einherjar who could not escape with Rossweisse joining in with a laugh. All the while, frustrated muffled groans could be heard from the fluffy tail still protruding from the sand not far…
Not Far…
"You don't have to be here," Sona remarked to Saji who lounged beside her beneath a wide-brimmed umbrella. I am sure you'd rather be in the water with the others."
"And here I thought you knew me," he grinned while eyeing the modest aqua and purple swirled sundress she had selected. Her skin was more sensitive to the sun, he knew that, and Alfheim's was stronger than on Earth. All the same, he looked at the Sitri heiress as lovingly as Issei did when Rias wore the skimpiest suit she had. "More ice?" She could not deny the offer, gesturing to allow him to drop the cubes into her drink. "Besides, you need an assistant while Tsubaki is…indisposed."
"She has earned the time to herself, as have you. "This will be boring, you don't…!" Sona froze as she noticed her Pawn pull out a makeshift table he'd kept hidden until that moment. His thoughts became obvious to her as he presented their chess set from the academy, already in the process of setting up the board.
"That requirement to winning at chess isn't a one-time thing, right? The odds of beating you may be one in a million…but that just means I have reason to play you a million times."
"You truly will never give up…will you?"
"If I did, I wouldn't be much of a future husband, now would I?" It was not long ago she would have shrugged off his remarks, but those days were gone. "Very well, you may have the first move. We shall see just how much your little sessions with Dorian and Azazel are paying off."
"Y-you know about those?" She did not answer, only adjusting her glasses causing an almost sinister flare of light to strike his eyes.
"I am ashamed you thought so little of me that I couldn't notice. Now make your first move," she had removed her wide hat to let her hair billow in the sea breeze. "If you can last longer than twenty moves, maybe we can move closer to the water."
Up the Beach…
The sounds of battle rang throughout the quiet beach, each hit echoing like a sonic boom sending sands sliding away as if trying to escape. The back and forth raged on, drawing a crowd that had originally been one lone blonde man now ballooned to dozens.
"Are they STILL tied at zero!?" Ragnar asked, utterly impressed even by his standards at how long they had been going at it.
"…Yes," Kiba replied looking more than a little embarrassed.
Before them, Xenovia dove just in time to catch the ball and send towards her opponent. Tsubaki was faster than she expected, leaping high to deliver a powerful return sending the volleyball right back. Xenovia returned it in kind with Sona's Queen being ready for her once again. Regardless of the tactics, speed or maneuvers, neither one would give a single inch. The ferocity of the match had left the net in tatters, yet it still marked the line separating the women from victory and defeat.
"Your girlfriend is out there?"
"…Yes," the knight repeated, barely remaining standing as the Einherjar delivered a powerful brotherly smack to his back.
"You must be so proud to have a woman as mighty as her, not as mighty as my Ygritte, but still a testament to her people. Which one is the lucky lady?"
"…Yes," he repeated once more, setting off a belly laugh from Ragnar that shook the air. "I do not think they will be stopping anytime soon."
"There is one surefire way to briefly quell the desire for combat in a warrior woman's heart…Ygritte! How long?"
"The first round it complete," the giantess called out from across the way. Wanting to join in the ambiance, she had donned a simple ice-colored bikini that her husband took every opportunity to glance at such was a rarity with the cold region she called home. She was standing behind an enormous wood-fire grill with dozens of slabs of ribs, steaks and burgers cooking across the surface. "FOOD IS DONE!"
On que, the volleyball popped up, somehow balancing perfectly atop what remained of the net. The women stopped, both seeming to agree that its current status was acceptable keeping the score at zero.
"I believe a break may be in order," Tsubaki panted, the exertion finally catching up with her though she did what she could to hide it.
"Agreed," Xenovia did the same, sweat running down her brow glistening against the sun. "We can finish this later; you are better than I thought."
"I must be capable of doing at least this much, or I would bring shame to my king." She accepted the towel offered by her worthy opponent. "You have clearly played before as well."
"Back in training, occasionally we got some time off and they had an indoor net. Irina is quite good too."
"Then we should invite her next, though we will need a fourth," Tsubaki pondered as she walked with Xenovia to the buffet. "Yura is very talented, she would be an excellent choice."
It's too bad Tosca couldn't be here, Kiba thought while piling food onto his plate alongside the two sandwiched between them. With her being part of the recent rebellion, his childhood friend was still under house arrest despite what help she provided after the battle. Maybe she'd like a souvenir or two…
"Ah, Dorian!" Freyja waved as he came approaching up the beach alongside the six women who had disappeared not too long ago. He motioned to the food, promising to catch up as he ran up to the Norse goddess. "What happened to you?" The Einherjar was glistening head to toe in suntan lotion to the point she could scarcely find a single spot on him that wasn't dripping.
"That's…a long story," he sheepishly answered as she offered a towel to dab where it was runniest. "Thank you."
"Moderation is important," her words were gentle and caring, trying to steer him along his life without forcing things. "Too little and you can get burned, but too much can be just as detrimental. You are getting better at the braids," she brushed the two on each side of his head to the side while checking the skill in their making. "But should you not have more? You have had many victories in recent weeks."
"I guess it slipped my mind," Dorian started feeling a braid, his mind racing on what all that occurred would constitute a personal victory. "I am sure Thrud could give some pointers, she had more than I can count before we even met."
"In our culture, it is tradition for the wife to ensure her husband's braids are pristine each morning," she nonchalantly mentioned while glancing away to downplay her words. "With how many you have…"
"BROTHER!" Dorian nearly jumped out of his skin as he suddenly found himself surrounded with Vidar on one side and Thor the other. "So, THIS is where you were hiding! Come, a great feast awaits and then this battle of the volleys shall commence. We witnessed the others competing and desired a mighty challenge! Our last sibling has already been seized."
A series of curses and grunts could be heard as Baldur waved in the distance with Vali wrapped in a mighty bear hug. The White Dragon Emperor did not look happy even as Hecuba insisted the Norse god to drop him.
"But…" He did not get another word as each arm was seized, the trio rushing in the direction of the buffet as they bid the Allmother a good day. Freyja waved playfully even as Dorian's eyes begged for aid, making her way back to her umbrella to relax.
"Just like when they were younger," Odin mused as he draped his arm over his wife's shoulder. "Look around," he motioned to each of the deities present from Gabriel surrounded by angels and fallen looking to help her where needed, Yasaka having Azazel massage her sore back and Poseidon challenging the sand castle competitions with his own constructs from the ocean itself. "When last did so many from different realms come together…much less in one of our Nine Worlds to boot?"
"Too seldom for such relaxing days," she snuggled closer, pressing up against her husband. "Oh, we did not forget you," she lowered her hand to pet the twin wolves laying on guard beside their master. Geri panted happily at the scratch behind his ear, Freki patiently awaiting his turn.
"Come one, come all!" Ratatoskr's voice echoed over the beach from a microphone. "Gather around as we set up the largest, baddest, most exciting volleyball match you've ever seen this side of the realms. Guys vs girls, devils vs angels, Einherjar, humans and everything in between. Winners get bragging rights, clothes are optional and…hey, hey, hey!" He shouted back as water bottles and other assorted objects were thrown at him, his supernatural knack at evasion keeping him safe.
The beach was awash with activity, couples choosing to split for the battle or take their leave to watch. Zepar and Akeno were the latter, content to survey the chaos around them all while he gave her shoulder rubs that brought a smile to her lips. Issei could not turn down a match even if he'd be competing against his girlfriends. Bikou sought a challenge, the Valkyrie trio on the opposite side with the pair still trying to run interference for Misty. All the while, Kuroka looked positively wicked, reveling in the girl's obvious infatuation with the monkey-youkai.
"Want to compete?" Yasaka whispered to Azazel. "It would be fun watching you sweat."
"This is for the next generation," he excused himself, though she could tell he had no desire to leave her side. "It's reassuring watching them work so well together. Oh, look at that."
He motioned towards Dorian who had split from the crowd after slipping away from Odin's sons, approaching Elmenhilde at her makeshift camp. The vampire had set up a black see-through tarp and looked to be planning to wait out for the long haul. He seemed to be talking to her, though they could not hear what he was saying.
"He's inviting her to join them…I can read lips," the kyuubi leader explained as Azazel looked surprised at her talent. "She is pointing out the difficulty not being able to be under the sun. Dorian is…oh my, he is extending an invitation for marriage."
"He is!?"
"Just kidding, you are too easy. Look." The pair didn't realize that Odin, Freyja and the other gods had leaned in closer as if curious to what she was referring.
Dorian had laid a hand on Elmenhilde's shoulder, leaving a glowing magic circle they didn't recognize on her pale skin. Taking her hand, he led the woman out of her tent. She shirked back at first, expecting a burn which did not come. She looked back and forth before finally gazing up at the sun that had been an enemy to her people since time immemorial.
"Oho," Odin's fake eye whirred and rotated. "Layering defensive magics, heat protection and a dash of magical resistance all into a new formula. My Rossweisse has taught him well. Aint no sunlight reaching that lady's skin for the next few hours."
"Such a good lad," Freyja muttered under her breath. "Kindness comes so naturally to him despite everything. Immortality is not kind to everyone, but if he ever achieves it…maybe he'll find a way to always be that way. And I do believe she is not 'yours' any longer, you fired her if I recall."
"A decision she does not seem to regret," he smirked incorrigibly at his wife. "How about we get a little closer, my money is on the men's team. They have some heavy hitters."
"In that case," she took his hand to half lead her closer. "I shall bet on the women; I have a feeling the men will have some difficulty concentrating on the match ahead."
Our heroes relax and spend time together under the sun of Alfheim, solidifying bonds and more while they can. Just a fun chapter I wanted to do during the downtime, I hope everyone enjoyed it. I know it's been a while since I regularly posted, but rest assured I am still working on Roots. Between family, friends and a hectic 2025 work schedule, I don't have as much free time to write as I did before but I am still dedicated to writing Roots up until its completion.
I did want to ask fan opinion on side story content. Would you prefer it's kept in the main story like this, or to make a separate story for those while this focuses on the main story/arcs? I hope the new year is treating everyone right and that you all Read and Review…but most of all Enjoy! :D