(Flashback, Asgard)
It was at late night in the main palace of Asgard. The moon and stars were shining the dark sky, illuminating the land beneath them with bluish white light. Sounds of music and revels could be heard vaguely across the night sky. At one of balconies of the palace, Saitama was standing alone; while he was not physically tired, what happened to him earlier with a certain battle maiden had taken some toll on his sanity, as a sigh escaped Saitama's mouth.
"Enjoying the night?"
Saitama turned to see a man with light blue hair behind him. Judging from the blue jewel embedded on his forehead and his ornate robe, Saitama assumed that the stranger before him was another Asgardian.
"Yeah, but… Um… Have we met?" Saitama asked politely.
The man only snorted and chuckled softly at Saitama's response. "Now where are my manners? I am Loki, a pleasure to be your acquaintance."
At the Evil God's introduction, Saitama also returned the gesture. "The name's Saitama, nice to meet you too."
"Why, of course." Loki said as if he had known Saitama's name all along. "Everyone has known about the man who had been deemed worthy to wield the Mjolnir."
Saitama only shrugged at Loki's words. Ever since the day when Saitama had lifted up the Thunder God's hammer, everybody in Asgard had been hailing him as the new champion of Valhalla. Apparently, being able to lift up that hammer was quite a big deal, and not everyone could even make Thor's hammer to budge even an inch.
"Heh, I sure have become a lot more popular ever since I come to this world…" Saitama mused as he compared his current life-style with his past one.
"Well, did you also enjoy the night, Loki?" Saitama asked back to Loki.
"I'd be lying if I said I did." Loki replied. "While I'd been invited, apparently everyone made it clear that I'm not my father's favourite."
"Oh… Sorry to hear that." Saitama replied awkwardly.
"Please, don't be." Loki replied dismissively before he took a quick glance around him. "I… thought that you're with Odin's newest servant girl. Where is she?"
Saitama scratched his cheek as he darted his gaze nervously, as a bead of sweat trailing down his temple. "Err…. In one of the rooms, I think. She passed out from too much drinking." Saitama replied as he ended up recalling the awkward moment that just happened between him and the Valkyrie.
Loki blinked at Saitama's behaviour but he chose not to dwell much into it. After all, he had a more important matter to address. "Tell me, Saitama. I heard that you are…. A hero. Why did you become one in the first place?"
Saitama stare at Loki in silence for few moments. "…It's a hobby." The man replied just like how he usually answered that question.
Saitama expected Loki to reply with some snarky or sarcastic remarks, anything that implied that the god did not take him seriously. However, the man was wrong when Loki only blinked for couple of times before sighing. "…I think I can understand why you, a mortal, could lift up Thor's Mjolnir… Or more importantly…" However, Loki then hardened his stare towards the man. "Are you even a mortal human to begin with?"
Saitama only stared impassively in return and silence fell on the two on that night. The god and the mortal simply stared at each other with measuring gaze, though the measuring gaze was more likely from the former. The Evil God of Mischief found that either Saitama was being honest, or that Saitama was just that good in maintaining his poker face.
After a while, it was Loki to be the first breaking the silence. "…So you are telling me that you became a hero simply because you like being one?"
Saitama blinked before replying with a shrug. "…Yeah, you can say that."
"…I see." Loki then turned his gaze towards the night sky. "Saitama, do you know how legends of heroes work?"
Saitama raised his eyebrows before simply replied. "…The hero defeats the bad guy and get praised by the people over time?"
Loki only shook his head as he let out another sigh. "It's not that simple, my bald friend."
Saitama narrowed his twitching eyes at the bald remark, but he chose to listen nonetheless.
"You see here, people will wish for heroes when there is a conflict like war, famine, terror, catastrophe…" Loki began. "And let's say that you want to be an eternal hero, forever remained in people's hearts and the course of history…" then Loki's lips turned up into a smirk. "You need an eternal struggle and battle… Like Ragnarok, for example."
(End of Flashback)
"How long has it been? Five? Six years?" The man called Cao Cao casually asked to Saitama as he enjoyed the hot water.
"Long enough." Saitama simply replied with a shrug.
"You seem to be doing well." Cao Cao spoke again.
"So do you."
"We heard that you've become a part of this new alliance of Three Great Powers."
"…Yeah, kind of." This time, Saitama then started to look at his surroundings.
"...If you expect Jeanne to suddenly jump out of nowhere and join us here, I'm afraid that you'd be disappointed." Cao Cao quickly commented as if he was reading Saitama's mind. "…After all, I believe you hurt her feelings."
Saitama only sighed at the comment. "…You, or rather, everybody should've known that Jeanne is always being a kid."
"And kids still have feelings." Cao Cao quickly countered.
"…Are you really on your own here?" Saitama asked back, changing the subject while his gaze was still darting around every now and then.
In response, Cao Cao only gestured his hands at his surroundings with a smirk on his face. Saitama blinked, and when he looked more carefully, the surrounding view had not been obscured by steam only.
"Okay…. At least I know that Georg is around." Saitama commented at the mist mixed with steam around him.
"As well as Leonardo, for your information." Cao Cao added.
"Hmm…" Saitama turned his gaze back to Cao Cao again. "Alright, I'll go to the point. What are you planning, Cao Cao?"
"What do you mean… exactly?" The young man only quirked his eyebrows at the question.
"You know what I mean." Saitama's tone had gone serious. "All the attacks with all of your new recruits with Sacred Gears. They're all yours, right?"
Cao Cao closed his eyes for a second before he looked straight to Saitama with confidence. "…Yes, I'm the one behind them all."
Saitama blinked, as the answer was not something he expected right off the bat. "….I honestly thought you'll dodge the question a bit longer."
"Why should I?" Cao Cao replied. "After all, consider this my declaration of war."
Saitama only let out a silent breath. "…So you still don't get it, do you? I've told you that what you're doing here-"
"No, you're the one who still doesn't get it." Cao Cao interrupted. "'Making enemy out of everyone'? Yes, you have made your point all those years ago." All playfulness had disappeared from the atmosphere around him.
"Exactly, and you're still being an idiot." Saitama pressed on.
"You also said the our greatest power as human beings is that we can change ourselves on our own. And this is what will happen; we will show those devils, gods and even dragons alike that us mankind is not their inferior, that we can surpass them."
"And I'm pretty sure that this is not the way you should do it." Saitama tried to reason.
"It's easy for you to say. You, the one who possess enough power and strength to go toe-to-toe against the whole world, yet you still left us behind on that very day." Cao Cao said with slight venom laced in his tone.
Saitama did not say anything in return for a while before opening his mouth again. "…Just… Just give it up, Cao Cao. You're not gonna win."
"…Tell me, Saitama. What is your definition of us winning and losing?" Cao Cao replied with another question.
This time, Saitama chose to remain silent and kept his gaze at Cao Cao, who continued speaking. "We don't have to necessarily defeat you in order to win. Our goal is… not as petty as you think. We're not that reckless to confront every single pantheon in this world…. At least not intentionally." The Chinese descend then turned towards the sky. "Our goal… Our current aim, is something beyond this dimension."
Saitama blinked at the hidden meaning behind Cao Cao's words. However, before the former could have said anything, the latter had already stepped out from the water and began to put on his clothes. "That's all I have to say. The next time we meet will be on the battlefield, Saitama."
"You know that I'm gonna stop you here and now, don't you?" Saitama also stood up, getting out from the water.
"Whoa, whoa, easy there, big guy." Cao Cao taunted. "Apparently, to increase the odds of our plan succeeding, we have to conduct some experiment here."
Saitama then quirked his eyebrows. "…And?"
In response, Cao Cao only jerked his head, implying Saitama to look around, and the latter found shadows of horde of monsters coming out from the mist. "…Right, Leonardo is also here." Saitama impassively regarded the monsters surrounding the hot spring.
"Please enjoy the spring while playing with these fellows. We'll meet again, Saitama."
After Cao Cao said his farewells, Saitama turned his eyes back towards the last position where the young man was at, only to see that the man was no longer around. The bald hero only sighed and the monsters jumped and lounged at him simultaneously.
Issei opened his eyes and found himself to be sleeping in his bedroom. He woke up and took several deep breaths, trying to get the feel of his body as well as remembering the events that had occurred. The last thing he remembered was Loki's ambush, a giant wolf tried to kill Rias, he attacking the wolf, and that immense pain. He could vaguely recall Vali's arrival, but the rest was a blank.
Issei looked at his body and he felt…. Strange, as if his body was not there. Perhaps it was the after effect of the eye-blinding pain that inflicted him before. Issei then glanced at both of his hands, clenching his fists for couple of times.
"Ddraig? Are you there?" Issei tapped into his Boosted Gear.
[Glad to have you back.]
"…What happened? How's everyone? What about Loki?"
[Calm down. Ask questions one by one. Or rather, I think it's supposed to be me questioning you. Partner, what the hell was that?]
"…What the hell was what?"
[The stunt you pulled earlier on Fenrir! Did you see that everyone's jaw dropped at what you did back there?]
"I.. I don't know." Issei replied. "…I only recall… That Rias was in danger and… that scared the hell out of me."
[….Is that so?] Ddraig said after a moment of silence. [And you really had no idea of what happened with you back then?]
"Beats the hell outta me."
[How's your body? How are you feeling?]
"I feel fine. A bit light-headed, but I'm gonna go back to top-shape after few minutes."
[…I see.] Ddraig finished with resignation tone. [Well, I guess there's nothing we can do for now. Just make sure to be careful next time. Now, you should go and meet the others downstairs]
The Welsh Dragon had said so, but Ddraig still felt edgy as he would look around cautiously within the confine of Issei's soul. Even now, the dragon could sense the lingering presence of the power, whatever it was. Who knew when this power would suddenly burst out again, eliciting some more violent rebound to his host's body.
oXo
When Issei opened the door to the basement where everyone was having a meeting, Issei was met with Asia, who seemed to about to open the door as well.
"Ise-san!" it only took a second for the Bishop to immediately lounge herself to hug her boyfriend.
"Ise!" Everybody from Gremory group plus Irina also stood up to approach the boy.
"Hey, everyone." The boy greeted back while returning Asia's hug. He saw that the Student Council was also present in the meeting. "…And it's good to see you again, Asia." He said as he gently stroke Asia's hair before pressed his lips on top of her head. The girl in his arms simply smiled blissfully at the administration.
"You really made us worried, you know that?" Rias chided her pawn, but relief was obviously written on her face.
"Yeah. I'm sorry about that. I'm fine now, though…." Issei trailed when his eyes landed on one particular individual in the room. "…Why is Vali team sitting in this room?"
"'Sup, Red Dragon Emperor?" Bikou cheerily greeted, while Vali only smirked and Arthur bowed respectfully. Although Issei flinched when his eyes met with Kuroka, who was giving a mild glare.
[Um…] Ddraig then made a contact in Issei's mind. [Sorry, I forgot to mention that the White One and his team just offered a truce for this battle]
Issei only sighed at the late information, and then he was approached by Azazel. "Alright, I'll explain. But we don't have much time, so listen carefully."
To put it simply, Issei learned that not only they were facing a god-level opponent, the god-devouring wolf along side him was an opponent with a power on par with Two Heavenly Dragons during their prime. Issei might had inflicted some significant damage on it, but it was better to assume that Fenrir would return in 100% capacity by the time Loki struck again.
It was also the part where Vali team got in the picture, much to everyone's dissatisfaction. With a god-level opponent and a legendary beast that was on par with a heavenly dragon, both Red and White Dragon Emperor would have to join forces if they wanted to reduce any potential casualties in the upcoming battle. What made Vali's proposal to be rather infuriating was the fact that the truce offering was also laced with a threat; should the alliance refused Vali team's 'generous offer', the team would crash the battle with Loki, which could potentially turn the current conflict into a whole new cluster-fuck for everyone. At least Vali had confirmed that his team had, and did not intend to involve themselves with the Hero Faction if they could help it. Of course, using the Juggernaut Drive was out of question.
Other pantheons that were parts of the alliance would not be able to send any sort of back-up because their hands were already full with the relentless assaults and attacks by Sacred Gear wielders of Hero Faction.
"Okay, I understand the situation…" Issei said with a grim tone. He seemed to want to say something, but he found himself hesitating for a moment before scoffing. "…I can't believe I'm saying this, but what about that baldy? Where's Saitama now?"
If Issei was willing to ask his father for help, it just showed how dangerous the current problem everyone was facing at the moment.
Azazel sighed as he showed his cell-phone. "That's the thing. We still cannot reach Saitama; he's not answering our calls. We've tried to send a message, but there's no reply whatsoever, nor there is any indication that he's receiving our message by now."
"…Well, then what are we gonna do now?" Issei asked.
"Just rest up and be sure that you'll be on your top form… Wait a minute." Azazel then paused. "I almost forgot. You actually almost killed Fenrir back there. Can you do that again?"
Everyone then remembered the stunt that Issei pulled at the god-devouring wolf, and they proceeded to stare at Issei expectantly, whom was simply staring at his fist. "I…. I don't know."
"And I won't allow it." Rias stated. "Have you forgotten about what his body had become after he pulled that stunt before?" the Crimson-haired Ruin Princess glared at the fallen angel governor.
Azazel only regarded Rias carefully for a moment before he returned to Issei again. "Did you remember of what happened to you?"
"I had a talk with Ddraig earlier." Issei replied. "He said… When I charged towards Fenrir… That power just suddenly burst out, enveloping my soul before it immediately disappeared."
"Hmm…. This is troubling." Azazel commented grimly. "Oh, well… We'll have to approach that issue later. Right now, I'm planning to ask a certain someone about the counter measure against Loki and Fenrir."
"A counter measure?"
"Yeah, there's someone who knows our enemies very well. So I will ask him some information."
"And who is this person?" Issei asked.
Azazel then smirked. "One of the Five Great Dragon Kings – The Sleeping Dragon, Midgardsormr."
Everyone blinked and letting out a collective 'oh', seemingly not expecting to have a dragon king aiding them.
"Well, that's a given. But how are we going to have him talk to us? Will he even respond to our call?" Vali put in his two-cents in the conversation.
"We will open the dragon gate with the Two Heavenly dragons, the power of the Dragon King Fafnir…" Azazel then showed his Downfall Dragon Spear. "Vritra, and Tannin." Azazel referred the former by glancing at Saji. "We will just summon Midgardsormr's consciousness over there. His actual body is sleeping in the depths of the ocean in North Europe."
All of the other dragon power – users nodded in understanding, except Saji. "Um… Am I also included? I mean, I feel really out of place; everyone else are monsters…"
"You're still a factor needed to summon the Sleeping Dragon." Azazel replied. "Just leave the hard parts to me and the two Heavenly Dragons and hold on with Tannin until I get in contact." The Scapegoat then took his leave. "For now I'll talk to Shemhazai about other counter measures. You guys remain in stand-by until I come back. Come on, Baraqiel."
As the two fallen angels left the room, the remaining occupants were The Occult Research Club, Student Council, and Vali team.
"Red Dragon Emperor!" Bikou suddenly called out, causing Issei to look at him. "Can I go to the indoor pool below this floor?"
Issei only blinked at the unexpected request. However, before he could have said anything else, Rias had beaten him into the punch. "This house belongs to me and the Red Dragon Emperor Hyoudou Issei. I won't allow you to do as you please."
"Now, now, come on…"
Before Bikou could have reasoned further, Issei placed his hand on Rias' shoulder in placating manner, sent her a reassuring smile before turning to Bikou. "I don't see why not."
"Ise-!" Rias was about to protest, but Issei cut her off.
"It's fine, isn't it? After all, I do trust them." Issei maintained his smile at the team, who actually did not expect such a degree of trust so quickly. "So… Yeah, Bikou. Go knock yourself out. Just don't make any mess down there."
"Gee, thanks!" Bikou quickly left the room.
Rias wanted to stop him, but since the monkey youkai had already gone, she could only looked back and forth between Issei and Vali team, before releasing a resignation sigh, deciding to believe in her beloved Pawn for the time being. The said pawn then caught Irina's voice in the room.
"So this is the last Excalibur! Amazing!"
Irina, Yuuto and Xenovia had already mingled easily enough and were discussing with Arthur about the Excalibur. The descendant of the King of Britain was showing his Excalibur Ruler. "Yes. Vali got information from his personal connections, and when we compared it to the scroll passed in my family, we were able to find it. Though the location of it is a secret."
When Issei was watching the discussion between sword-wielders, Issei felt the sleeve of his clothes was being tugged. He turned to see Asia was looking hesitantly between him and Vali.
Seeing what his girlfriend intended to do, Issei smiled softly and he gently guided Asia towards Vali, who was reading some random book alone at the corner of the room.
"Vali, can I have a second?" Issei asked as he and Asia stood in front of the White Dragon Emperor.
"What is it, Hyoudou Issei?" the silver haired teen turned his gaze from his book.
Issei then urged Asia, and the latter gathered her courage to take a step forward. "Um… Thank you very much for saving me the other day." She bowed shyly, but she was able to send her point across, loud and clear.
Vali only regarded Asia for a second before he returned to read his book. "…That's fine. I only did it on a whim. Don't worry about it much."
Asia blinked at Vali's nonchalant answer, but when she saw Issei was smiling at her, she just could tell that everything was, and would be fine, thus she could not help but smile in return as well. Then, Issei sensed someone was approaching from his back, and when he turned around, his eyes were met with a pair of cat-like, hazel-gold orbs.
It was Kuroka with Koneko in tow. The latter's cautious gaze never left her older sister while the former was staring right to Issei's eyes with unreadable gaze. "…Nyan." The black-clad woman meowed with imperceptible smirk.
"Kuroka-san…" Issei greeted as he tried to keep his cool. After few moment of silence, Issei felt that he needed to speak what he was supposed to say for a long time. "Look, I'm really sorry about what happened in the underworl-!"
However, before Issei could have said anything, Kuroka had grabbed a fistful of hair on the back of his head and proceeded to slam his lips to her open mouth, much to everybody's surprise. Issei's mouth was still opened from the talking when their lips made contact, and Kuroka immediately used that opening to invade his mouth without a second thought.
Issei's mind was going haywire as he felt Kuroka's tongue exploring every inch of his palate and teeth. He tried to break free, but in addition of Kuroka's iron grip, the running sensation just froze his entire body. He did not know what Kuroka was trying to pull, but he somehow could tell that from Kuroka's oral administration, there were no tender butterfly kisses, there were no shy licks, there were no innocent probes; this was most likely a complete and utter dominance of a kiss, meant for one purpose and one purpose alone: to satisfy and quench whatever Kuroka had been containing inside her. As her lips never left his, Issei could have sworn that the woman even bit his lower lip, breaking the skin and drawing blood between their conjoined mouths.
Finally, Kuroka relinquished her grip and lip-lock from Issei. The boy's face was completely flushed as he wiped his lips from any lingering fluids. He blinked at Kuroka first, whom was licking her lips, as if she was having an 'after-taste' of a meal. "Hmm…. You'll do just fine, nya~."
Then Issei turned to see all of his comrades, as well as everyone from Student Council, were sporting shell-shocked expressions on their faces. Asia in particular was on a verge of crying. The student council was sporting blushing looks of confusion, with some of them were rather disgusted. Saji, however, was kind of scared of Kuroka and absolutely jealous of Issei at the same time. The boy wanted to make a comment or retort, but the words just died on his trembling lips. Instead, he only let out a nervous chuckle.
"Err… Heheh." Issei awkwardly reacted before he turned back to Kuroka again. "Um….. Does this mean….?"
"No, you're not forgiven yet, nya." Kuroka immediately replied. "I'm just checking if you're able to… compensate."
Issei only darted his gaze around, feeling that the rate of awkwardness inside the room just reached a new level. "…..Care to explain?"
"You see, we Nekoshou are sort of on the verge of extinction, so procuring off-springs and children is essential for our survival, nya." Kuroka began. "My point is, if you want me to forgive you for what you've done to me before, I want you to make babies with me." Kuroka said with seductive face. "…And I always want a child of a dragon… Like yours for example, nya."
Everybody was silenced at Kuroka's demand. Issei only stared at Kuroka for a minute before he took a deep breath, carefully picking the words he was about to say. "…Before I can answer your demand, let me ask you this; have you asked Vali?"
"He turned me down. And does it matter, nya?" Kuroka countered. "And after what you've done to my body in the underworld, you're bound to take a responsibility, no?"
"Um… Sorry, bear with me a minute." Ignoring the elicited gasps from around him, Issei only took a glance at Vali, who raised his eyebrows at the gesture. "You turned a woman like her down?" Issei asked Vali while pointing his thumb at Kuroka, who quirked her eyebrow.
"…What if I did?" Vali furrowed his eyebrows in return.
"Oh, boy… Who would've thought that the Strongest White Dragon Emperor is swinging for another team…." Issei said with a slightly pale face. The comment had made Kuroka to snort and Arthur to smirk in amusement. Even the students from Kuoh Academy had to raise their eyebrows towards Vali, who had put his book away.
"That's rude, you know." Vali replied calmly. "Just to let you know, I'm definitely not swinging for the other team. And as for why I refused Kuroka back then, it's because she's not my type."
Everybody, especially Issei, regarded Vali's answer for a moment. "So… She's not your type." The Red Dragon Emperor said to Vali while pointing his thumb on Kuroka, before he turned to the older Nekoshou. "…You're not his type."
Kuroka only raised her eyebrows at Issei's serious expression. The boy seemed was trying to make some kind of end-conclusion.
Issei then took another glance at Kuroka's appearance. Kuroka's charm was her seductive and bewitching nature, complemented with her voluptuous body. If Vali claimed that women like Kuroka were not his type, then it was only logical to think that Vali's type to be the opposite type of Kuroka: sweet, innocent and rather pure. And among the other females within the room they were in, there were two individuals who more or less fit the overall criteria.
Issei then immediately put his body between Asia and Vali. Kuroka, who was watching the action, suddenly widened her eyes in realization as she took one more look at the confused Asia Argento's appearance. She then quickly put Koneko behind her in protective manner. Both Kuroka and Issei were glaring heavily at the rather confused silver hair.
"I really have misjudged you, Vali-chin…" Kuroka hissed. "You stay away from Shirone, nya."
"Well played, Vali. Well played…" Issei also put in his two-cents. "'Only did it on a whim' my ass."
The rest of the occupants within the room were now throwing shocked and disgusted looks at Vali, whose eyes were now twitching in agitation before he stood up from his seat. Vali was inwardly thankful that Bikou had left the room earlier, otherwise the monkey would never let him to live it down. "Now, you look here-"
"Pardon the intrusion!"
Before things could have escalated even further, the door was opened and the cheerful Hyoudou Haruka entered the room with a tray of snacks and refreshments. "Here's your treats, everyone."
"Mom/Haruka-san?" Issei immediately turned his attention towards his mother, who was setting down the tray and began to serve the guests, who could only respond by accepting awkwardly.
While Rias and Sona were still trying to cope up at the sudden arrival of the human woman, the said woman caught the sight of Vali team members. "Oh, hello there…"
The team could only behave to their utmost; Vali put on a stoic expression, Kuroka was giving a friendly smile (she could have hidden herself with her powers, but she happened to be too late after busy scrutinizing Vali), while Arthur straightened up; when Haruka approached them. "Ise, I don't know you've made some new friends here." The mother addressed her son.
"Well, they're… more like acquaintances." Issei said while awkwardly darting around. "…Sorry, mom. Do you have a second? Excuse me, everyone." Issei then went out of the room with his mother in tow.
Once they were outside, Issei then began to address his mother. "Err… Mom, aren't you supposed to be enjoying yourself at Bali?"
It was an arranged trip, or to be precise, 'evacuation' during such chaotic and volatile period where the war with Khaos Brigade could have sparked at any moment. Due to Haruka's status as 'civilian', the Gremory group had agreed to keep her out of the war zone under pretence of vacation, at least until things blow over. As far as Issei had recalled, it was decided to send Haruka away to the 'safe zone' during the period of Odin's visit.
"Why, yes." Haruka replied. "I'm not sure if it was either Rias-chan's family or Azazel-san who's setting up this vacation, but it was very nice of them. But for me enjoying myself without my boys and family around? No, I'd rather stay here, thank you very much."
"Well, but this kind of vacation doesn't come every day, y'know? Why not might as well as enjoy it?" Issei tried to reason with his mother.
"Aw, but I prefer spending time here with you and your father…~" the mother whined.
When Issei was about to retort on his mother's childish behaviour, Rias then appeared behind Issei. "Look, Haruka-san-!"
"Shh… Shh…" much to both Issei and Rias un-expectation, Haruka's hand suddenly shot out and blocking Rias' eyes, while the woman herself was closing her own eyes. "Rias-chan, you're free to persuade me, but I more or less know how things work around here. I'd be very displeased if you're attempting to hypnotize me."
Behind Haruka's hand, Rias' eyes widened, surprised that Haruka was being perceptive. It was true; Rias' eyes were actually glowing, ready to 'convince' Haruka to take vacation out of the country. Issei himself was not sure how to react at the fact that his mother was aware about magic.
It was for a minute that Haruka asked. "Have you put it away… Whatever trick you're trying to pull on me?"
Rias decided to deactivate the magic in her eyes and she gently pulled Haruka's hand away from her face. "It's fine. You can open your eyes now, Haruka-san."
"Good." Haruka opened her eyes and nodded approvingly. "Well, I guess I'll take my leave. You can find me either in the kitchen or my room if you need me."
As the matriarch walked away, Issei and Rias simply stared at her until her figure was out of sight. The former then turned towards the latter. "I'll try talking to her later."
Rias only nodded before urging him back to the room, since Azazel's stand-by order remained standing.
It was some time later that Azazel returned, and he took Issei, Vali and Saji to prepare the ritual to summon the Sleeping Dragon. Upon arriving at the ritual site, everyone was greeted by Tannin, who had been requested to aid in the summoning as well.
"White Dragon Emperor… The moment you show any slight of suspicious movement, I won't hesitate to tear you apart." The Blaze Meteor Dragon warned Vali, who replied with bitter smile as everyone took their respective position. "On another note, will he actually come? Even I only met him for two or three times."
"He will have to respond if there are Two Heavenly Dragons calling him." Azazel replied while drawing a magic circle.
"You guys seemed worried. Is this dragon difficult to deal with?" Issei asked.
"Midgardsormr is called Sleeping Dragon for a reason, Hyoudou Issei." Tannin answered. "He basically never moves; one of the creatures that only makes a move when the world has come to its end. Unless his role is needed, he will keep sleeping. Even if he did end up coming up to the surface at some times, he'd still be sleeping. He finally declared from several hundred years ago, that he would continue to sleep until the end of the world."
Issei only nodded in understanding as Azazel had finished preparing the summoning circle. The participants then took their respective position on the fallen angel's instruction, then Azazel began to ritual.
Shallow lights then appeared, filling the line of the magic circle and ran through towards participant's spots. Issei's spot then glowed in red, Vali's glowed in white, Azazel's position glowed in golden colour, Saji's glowed in black while Tannin's glowed in purple.
[Each of them reflects the colour of each dragon.]
Ddraig explained about the dragon gate summoning to Issei. Dragon Gate is magic exclusive for dragons. It allows them to summon one of their own kind. However, for the dragon gate to work, one side has to send a call, while the other side has to respond to it. In this particular Dragon Gate ritual to summon Midgardsormr, Azazel, Issei, Saji and Vali were more like mediums while the dragons possessing them were the ones that took care the majority of the work.
[Just for your information, Tiamat's signature would be blue, and Yu-Long's would be green.]
It did not take long until a projection started to appear, showing an image of a massive, serpentine-like body. The projection kept expanding, causing Issei and Saji to widen their eyes at the sight.
The projection finally showed the largest dragon in existence, Midgardsormr - the Sleeping Dragon.
"It's huge!" Saji did not bother to hide his astonishment.
"Holy shit..." Issei himself could not help but amazed at the sheer size.
"Midgardsormr is known as the largest dragon ever existed. His size is around five or six times of Great Red's own size."
Issei then turned to Tannin. "Um, sorry. How big is Great Red again?"
Tannin blinked his eyes at Issei before replying. "…Ah, that's right. You're unconscious when Great Red appeared during the battle of the other day. If you ask me, I'd say…. Great Red is around 100 meters long."
Issei only blinked, taking the answer into his head before he dumbly nodded at the Sleeping Dragon. "…Okay."
Forget huge. This dragon was absolutely fucking gigantic.
However, everyone present found that the dragon they summoned was letting out a snoring sound. Just when Issei was about to question whether he was sleeping…
"As I thought, he's sleeping." Tannin sighed before calling out. "Hey! Wake up, Midgardsormr!"
"Hn? Wha?" Midgardsormr looked startled at the sudden interruption of his slumber. "Hmm…. This is a nostalgic pulse of a dragon…." He said with a wide yawn before blinking at Tannin. "…If it isn't Tannin. Long time no see."
Midgardsormr then looked around to sense more familiar presences. "What's this? Even Ddraig and Albion are here, Fafnir and… Vritra too? Is this the end of the world?"
"No, it isn't." Tannin replied. "We came here today because there are things we want to ask you so we summoned your consciousness to this place."
"Hnn….." Midgardsormr fell asleep again, despite he was just awoke around a minute ago.
"And… He's asleep again." Issei gave a dry remark. Vali and Azazel only rolled their eyes while Saji nervously turned to Tannin, whose eyes were twitching.
"Hey, dont's sleep!" Tannin roared. "Seriously! Both you and Yu-Long are such slackers that get on my nerves!"
"Right, right, Tannin… Hater." Midgardsormr opened his eyes again. "So, what is this that you want to ask me about?"
"I want to ask you about your father and brother."
"His what and what?" Issei could not help but questioning his own hearing.
"Midgardsormr is basically Loki's spawn." Azazel explained. "His enormous power is matched by his gigantic body, but due to his lazy attitude, the Norse Gods didn't have any other choice but to order to sleep at the bottom of the ocean, at least until the end of the world was to come."
Issei nodded in understanding while Midgardsormr regarded Tannin's question.
"So it's doggy and daddy…. Okay, I don't really care about those two anyway. Though, Tannin… tell me one thing."
"What is it?"
"Aren't Ddraig and Albion going to try killing each other?" The Sleeping Dragon turned his eyes towards Issei and Vali.
"No, they aren't. Currently they want to join forces to defeat Loki and Fenrir." Tannin replied.
"Hoo…. Now that's new; Two Heavenly Dragons put aside their differences to fight common enemy…." Midgardsormr commented, amusement was shown in his gaze. "Well, go back to business, doggy is more troublesome than daddy. You'd be a goner if you were bitten by his fangs, but he has a weakness. The magical chain Gleipnir created by the dwarves can capture him. You can use them to seal doggy's movements."
Azazel was the one to reply. "We have looked into that. But apparently, the reports from the Norse said that Fenrir himself had broken those chains, so they didn't work."
"Hmm…. It could be that daddy enhanced doggy. In that case, go ask the Dark-Elves living in the certain land of the Norse. If I'm not mistaken, their elder knows a technique that can enhance the magic residing within the items that dwarves created. I'll transmit the location once where the elder is living to the Sacred Gears of Ddraig and Albion."
"Send the information to the White Dragon Emperor." Azazel pointed to Vali. "He'll be the one to do the negotiation with the elves and the dwarves. The Red One has to remain to hold the ford in case of ambush."
Issei blinked at Azazel's mentioned about ambush, but with fighting someone like Loki, one could never be too careful.
"Alright, I've received the information." Vali confirmed after double-checking with Albion. "Azazel, activate the holographic world map."
The fallen angel governor complied, and the two began to exchange information between each other and to their other allies as well. Tannin on the other hand, kept conversing with Midgardsormr.
"So how do we deal with Loki?" the dragon-turned-to devil asked.
"Just use Mjolnir against him. That's all…" the Sleeping Dragon replied dismissively.
"Hmm… So good old-fashioned frontal attack, huh?" Azazel surmised. "But will the Thunder God Thor lend his hammer? I don't know if that Odin can persuade him to do so."
"That's where the dwarves and elves I mentioned earlier come to picture again." The Midgard Serpent said again. "They should've received the replica of Mjolnir from Odin. Though, speaking of Mjolnir…."
The giant dragon paused for a second. "….Even in my slumber, sometimes I'll hear a rumor or two… And the latest I heard is there's a human able to lift it up. Have you guys heard about it?"
When everyone present heard about a human lifting up a divine weapon, Issei, Tannin and Vali's mind automatically thought of Saitama, and the three of them turned to Azazel, since the fallen angel was the one who had been interacting with Saitama a lot. The said fallen angel only shrugged with knowing smirk on his face. At the gesture, the other three somehow seemed not bothering to be surprised anymore.
"Eeh!? Seriously?!" Saji was the only one to be surprised, since the boy was the least knowledgeable about Saitama. "I don't know much about Mjolnir, but doesn't that hammer picks its own wielder? And while so far only gods could wield it, there's a human who could do that too!?"
"Sheesh, chill out, Vritra's host. It's just some silly rumor; although I'm curious to meet this guy should the words to be true…. Anyway, do you guys want to ask anything else?" the Sleeping Dragon asked with another yawn.
"That should be all. Thank you for your insight, Midgardsormr. They are really helpful." Azazel replied with grateful smile.
"Nah, no problem. Talking like this is fun." Midgardsormr replied pleasantly. "Well, I'll be going back to bed then. Wake me up again if something happens." The Sleeping Dragon said his farewells before his image disappeared.
"Well, you heard the man. Let's get to work." Azazel adjourned the gathering.
"Speaking of what that Serpent* said earlier…." Tannin then turned to Azazel. "Azazel, is there any news about Saitama's whereabouts?" Tannin seemed to be on the same train of thought about using Saitama's strength to their aid. The fallen angel only shook his head and the former dragon king only nodded while letting out a muted sigh.
That kind of man just had to be unavailable when he was needed the most.
It was the next morning where Issei happened to wake up a bit earlier than usual. The boy just finished his routine morning training and was heading to the kitchen to start preparing breakfast. The morning training went… with few hitches; Not only that he felt his routine training to be harder to do, the boy also found few strands of his hair were falling off his head. However, when he asked Ddraig about it, the Welsh Dragon stated that other than the oppressive presence of the power, everything was pretty much fine. Shrugging off the current issue to focus on the future battle with the Evil God of Norse, Issei headed towards the kitchen.
As he expected upon entering kitchen, Hyoudou Haruka was already working. Issei then remembered about the issue of keeping his mother out of the battlefield. He did not want to pester his mom to go out of country just at the beginning of the day, but considering the current circumstances, now was as good time as any. Taking a deep breath, Issei stepped into the kitchen.
"Good morning, mom." Issei greeted his mother with small smile.
"Oh, good morning, Ise." Haruka replied while looking pleasantly at her son, before she immediately returned to her cooking. "How are things going?"
"It's good." Issei replied and began to rummage through fridge and cupboard. While his mother was cooking toast, miso and other hot stuff, Issei would usually help in preparing the coffee, tea and other drinks for the morning.
First few moments were spent in comfortable silence as mother and son worked together in the kitchen. While both of them were not facing each other, Issei felt that he needed to talk, now or never. "Mom, I-"
"I'm not leaving, Ise." Haruka immediately replied. "Why do all of you want to kick me out so bad?" her voice sounded rather sad.
"We're not…." Issei paused, only to let out a small sigh before he turned to look at his mother's back. "We're trying to keep you safe. It's going to be dangerous around here."
"…Safe, huh?" Haruka commented flatly. "So you kids want me to stay safe and enjoy myself, while all of you, my family, going out towards a battlefield where you probably will never coming back from?!"
The boy was taken aback at the sudden outburst of his mother's tone. When the woman turned around, all signs of mirth had disappeared. Issei was now looking at his mother's expression, who was holding back her tears. "I might have gotten used to keep waiting for your father whenever he goes out to fight battles that are not even his to begin with…." The woman then took a deep breath. "But now you just have to follow your father's footsteps as well… You're really his son, always making me worry like this."
Issei honestly wanted to make a retort about following his father. But considering his father also fought supernatural forces from time to time, and what he had been doing with his friends were more or less the same thing, the boy decided to remain silent about it.
"Look, mom…." Issei finally spoke. "I know that this is dangerous, all of us do. But in the end, if we're not to do anything, everything will disappear, and we don't want that. Just as you don't want us to get hurt, we also don't want you to get caught in this either." He then walked closer towards his mother. "I can't promise you that we won't get hurt, but I can promise you that we'll always come back here alive. So… Please?" the boy finished with pleading tone, trying to meet his eyes with her mother's.
Haruka only replied by pulling her son into a gentle hug, which the boy automatically returned in kind. "You know, Saitama also said those kind of words when both of us were dating…" Haruka said with nostalgic smile. "He looked so cute back then, flustered and all after saying those cheesy lines…" the woman giggled.
Issei's eyes just twitched, awkwardness and aggravation were mixing in his mind. The boy felt that his own mother just ruined the warm atmosphere between them from earlier. "Err…? Mom, don't. Just…. Don't."
The Hyoudou matriarch only giggled again in return. "Ufufu… Well, I guess I have to that vacation for the time being." Haruka then moved away from her son. "However!"
Issei straightened up out of reflex when his mother's tone suddenly sounded commanding.
"When I return, I expect all of you to be all accounted for, behave yourselves and make sure that our home will stay in one piece! Do I make myself clear?" Haruka pointed her finger at her son.
"Ma'am, yes, ma'am!" Issei saluted, not knowing why and how, just found himself to listen and obey his mother's every word.
"Good." Haruka then nodded his head with satisfied smile on her face. "Well, let's get back to breakfast. Go get that hot water. Everyone else will wake up soon at any moment."
As the mother and son returned to their chores, they did not realize someone had been standing outside of the kitchen, eavesdropping their whole conversation without letting her presence to be known.
oXo
The rest of the morning was spent with Azazel's briefing to everyone who would actively participate in the coming battle against Loki. Issei was entrusted to wield the replica of the Mjolnir, the divine hammer that had been imbued with Thor's lightning and thunder; and the Red Dragon Emperor was now having a quick test-run on the said hammer.
"Whoa, whoa. You put too much aura in that thing. Keep it down."
Azazel provided his own supervision as Issei tried to pour his own aura into that hammer. After few more adjustments, the hammer's size had become smaller, and when Issei swung the hammer for few times, the boy still felt the hammer's weight was still too inconvenient to be used for battle. For the time being, Issei decided to use the Mjolnir replica as final resort; though Azazel suggested him to go Balance Breaker if the occasion arose.
Vali on the other hand, refused any sort of equipment as he would rather rely on his demonic and dragon powers alone, in the hope of mastering the power of the Heavenly Dragon in the future. The claim made Issei into another thinking about the issue within his soul, as per Ddraig had informed.
In the end, the strategy was basically to ambush and separate Loki from Fenrir, the Two Heavenly Dragons would take the former on at a different location, courtesy of Sitri-group's teleportation magic; while the rest of the team would use the magical chain Gleipnir to restraint Fenrir and gang up on the wolf.
"Alright, while we're waiting for the chain to be delivered from the dark elves…. Saji." Azazel then turned to Sona's pawn. "Since you have begun to tap into Vritra's true power, I need to train you, as well as making few more adjustments on your Sacred Gears. That way, you should be able to last longer in your Vritra form." Azazel then glanced at Sona. "Sona, I'll borrow this guy for a bit."
The Sitri heiress nodded. "That's fine by me, but where are you taking him?"
"To the Grigori's institute in the Underworld. All of my tools and equipment are in there." Azazel then turned to Saji again. "Saji, are you up for it?"
"I've taken harsh training from a dragon king and ultimate-class devil, Tannin-sama. I can take on whatever you have in store." Saji replied with confidence.
"Hahaha, that's the spirit! Let's get going ,then!" Azazel then left with Saji.
Issei and Vali, however, thought that whatever Azazel had in his laboratory might be more dangerous than Tannin's meteor flame. The former could only hope that Azazel did not end up killing Saji by accident.
oXo
As the stand-by order remained until the day to fight Loki came forth, Issei decided to spend some time in the VIP room. Upon entering, he was greeted by the sight of Vali sitting on one of the couches, reading a book.
The White Dragon Emperor only glanced at him and nodded, which Issei returned in kind and the boy took a sit on the opposite chair across from Vali. It only took seconds for awkward silence permeating the room. If the two young men felt the awkwardness, they did not show it as Issei only closed his eyes as if he were napping, while Vali remained focus on his reading.
Issei was the one to finally break the silence. "…Have you ever fought a god before?"
Vali looked up from his book for a second before returning to read. "…No, this is actually my first time fighting one before. Is it your first time to fight a god?" the silver haired teen returned the question.
"…Yeah, it is." Issei blandly replied.
An awkward silence once again filled the room. However, this one did not last as long as the previous one as Issei raised his question again. "Say, Vali… Why are you doing… What you're doing?"
Vali blinked at the question. However, as if he understood what his rival was insinuating, Vali only smirked under the cover of his book. "I simply find this world to be boring. That's why I seek for battles, and I'm happy with this joint-battle."
Issei only smiled while softly snorted in return. However, Vali then carried on. "Especially after meeting your father… It only fueled my will even further to become stronger than anyone…"
"Is that so? Then get in line." Vali raised his eyebrows at Issei's reply. "That baldy is mine to defeat."
Vali could not help but chuckled. "Fufufu, it certainly is strange… Not only they are fighting together against common enemy, The Two Heavenly Dragons are now competing over a mere human."
However, Vali's smile then dropped as he then stared at Issei. "But… I almost forgot to approach you about this…. What was really happening during your fight against Fenrir?"
The punch of Issei that managed to grievously wound Fenrir in a single blow. Vali knew that move too well; it was the move that stemmed from Saitama's strength, which allowed the man to stand above all of his adversaries so far.
"Like I said before, I have no idea." Issei replied. "Ddraig only told me something about un-godly fire-storm inside my soul when it happened."
"…. I see." Vali replied. "Perhaps you've been advised to this, but I'll say this again as your rival. You should tap into your Boosted Gear, and ask the Heavenly Dragon, as well as your predecessors to cooperate with you."
"…What?" that was the only thing that came from Issei, who blinked at Vali's advice.
"There are many new things that can be achieved when a Longinus possessor can master every secret of their power." Vali stated. "As far as I'm concerned, none of my own predecessors had bothered to master the power of the Vanishing Dragon, thus they had been living unfortunate and unfulfilling lives. But I won't end up like them." Vali's eyes then hardened. "I'll master the power within me, both my demonic power and draconic one, and I shall become the True White Dragon Emperor, the next strongest existence."
Issei took in Vali's words into his mind. Tapping into his Boosted Gear. Of course he had considered about mastering the power of the Red Dragon Emperor. However, with his whole new situation about Ddraig's testimony of some eldritch power inside him? Nobody ever said that Issei was completely helpless in that regard. He had the Welsh Dragon himself as his partner. Mastering the power of Red Dragon Emperor in order to control the mysterious power? That was definitely a must.
"Well, I guess I have to thank you for the advice." Issei replied with determined smile on his face. "But still, in the end, I'm going to surpass you as well."
Vali returned the gesture in kind. "We will see about that."
"Yes, yes. It certainly is wonderful. I can feel the youth from you two." A new voice suddenly entered the room.
Issei and Vali turned to see the Chief of Norse Gods entering the room. "The red and white of this generation are unique. The ones in the past were all wild horses. They rampaged in every location, they started the battle between the red and white selfishly while destroying the surroundings, and then died. They activated 'Juggernaut Drive' as they felt like it. Just think how many mountains and islands were blown away." Behind the elder god, Rossweisse was following dutifully.
"One of those dragons is the son of a hero, while the other is the son of a devil who is also a terrorist, which makes a very odd pairing, but you two are calmer than I thought." The Valkyrie put in her two cents. "I thought fighting each other immediately is the way of the Red and White Dragon Emperor."
Issei and Vali only smirked at Rossweisse's opinion. Odin then turned towards the former. "Tell me, Red Dragon Emperor. I heard that Saitama had gone missing. Is there any news about him?"
Everyone's expression turned grim at the question, albeit for (sort-of) different reasons. "…None so far. Azazel-sensei has begun a search-attempt and he will give us an update if Saitama gave any kind of sign… Or so he said."
"Hmm…. I see. This is troubling, indeed. Oh well, no need to worry about him. There's one more important question I want to ask you two." Odin stroke his beard for a second before he turned his gaze towards the teenage boys. "You two Heavenly Dragons… Which part do you like?"
"Excuse me?"
"What are you talking about?"
Issei and Vali were not sure at what Odin was getting at. The said elderly only gestured towards the every bodily angle of his own assistant. "The women's body part that you like? You two are men, there should be one or two body parts that you like in your woman."
The two Heavenly Dragons only turned to stare at Rossweisse, who had exasperated expression on her face, giving them some apologetic gesture. The two then stared at Odin again, who seemed eager to hear the answer, before the two turned to glance at each other. After few seconds of silently staring at each other, Issei and Vali nodded as they somehow arrived at the agreement to just get this quickly over and done with.
"...I don't take interest in those kinds of thing that much. If I had to choose then it would be the hip. I think the line from their waist to their hip is the part which symbolises the beauty of a woman." Vali voiced his opinion. Odin only hummed and nodded in understanding before everyone shifted their attentions to Issei.
"Err…." Issei contemplated as he imagined the girls around him; Asia, Rias, Akeno, Koneko, Xenovia and Irina. All of those girls had their own redeeming qualities, and Issei was utterly lost of what to say. Eyes? All of them were attractive. Face? All of them were beautiful in literally their own way. Not to mention, if he were to be blunt, all of them were absolutely sexy.
Then, he decided to narrow it down to his current girlfriend, Asia Argento. The boy obviously was well aware of how Asia managed to worm her way to his heart. However, thinking of what kind of person Odin was, could he give such a mundane answer like face, or eyes? Are those even what Odin wanted to hear? He could not give the same answer like Vali's, he could not make himself sound hypocritical, and if he were to give some easy, mundane text-book answer, Odin would likely to push the topic even further until he achieved some satisfying result.
After racking through his brains for few seconds, Issei arrived at one answer. "….Breast, I think?" The boy still could not understand how in the world he arrived at such answer.
Odin on the other hand, simply hummed and nodded in acknowledgement as he sagely rubbed his long beard. "….I see. The red one desires breast, while the white one longs for buttocks." Then, Odin sported some perverted look and he pointed respectively at the Two Heavenly Dragons.
He pointed at Issei. "The dragon that loves women's breasts, Chichiryuutei (Breast Dragon Emperor)." Then he pointed at Vali. "And the dragon that loves women's butts. That makes you Ketsuryuukou (Butt Dragon Emperor). Hmm…. Sound matching, no? Breasts and butts; two legendary dragons compete to prove which one is the best."
{Divide!}
[Boost!]
Issei and Vali were staring incredulously at Odin when their Longinus suddenly flared up into existence, startling the two and Rossweisse. The Boosted Gear and Divine Dividing did possess consciousness, but to unleash themselves without their wielder's permission? Something mush had happened with the Two Heavenly Dragons within them.
{VALI! LET'S DONE THIS OLD MOTHERFUCKER IN! HOW DARE HE CALLING NAMES ON US, THE TWO HEAVENLY DRAGONS?!}
[YEAH! THIS SHITTY GEEZER CAN'T JUST TALK SHITS ABOUT TWO HEAVENLY DRAGONS OUT OF NOWHERE! FUCK THIS ALLIANCE AND ASGARD! LET'S SHOW THE BASTARD WHY TWO OF US ARE FEARED BY GODS AND DEMONS ALIKE!]
Everyone in the room absolutely did not expect such curses and profanities to come out from the supposedly dignified Heavenly Dragons, as they watched the Boosted Gear and Divine Dividing were pouring out massive draconic aura.
"Hey, hey…. Come on, Ddraig. Cool down for a second." Issei attempted to talk the rampaging dragon out.
"Albion, keep your calm. What happened with your lecture years ago about not giving in to taunts?" Vali also did the same as the dragons of respective Longinus kept roaring their wrath.
"Hohohoho, as I thought; young ones are really good." Odin laughed, did not seem to be at least intimidated by the raging voices of Heavenly Dragons.
"Lord Odin, what are you getting at?" Issei asked, while inwardly, he was still trying his best to placate Ddraig's wrath.
"Nothing much, just the good old me wanting to confirm that what makes the world goes around is not the wisdom of our old generations, but it's the possibility of the young and future generations." Odin replied as his eyes became sorrowful. "This so-called wisdom of ours is nothing more than mere pride, and this pride has given birth to Loki, and he's giving hardships and troubles to the young ones."
"Isn't it fine?" Issei suddenly replied. "Just take one step at a time, no biggie."
At Issei's reply, Odin only let out unreadable chuckles before he made his way out of the room with Rossweisse in tow. "As I thought, being young is the best. How stimulating…. True, very true, Hyoudou Issei."
Issei sat cross-legged in his bedroom as he entered zen state of meditation. Inside his mind, the boy was standing in the white space where Ddraig and his predecessors resided in his soul. Upon entering, he was greeted by the Welsh Dragon himself.
"Okay, so I'm here now." Issei looked around at the soul of his predecessors; all of them were sporting hollow expressions on their faces. He actually wanted to communicate with his predecessors in the hope of finding a new way to master the power of the Red Dragon Emperor, however, there was one thing that Issei had to address.
[Are you ready?] Ddraig asked nearby.
"Yeah." Issei nodded and he turned towards a certain direction, which he could even feel something was oozing towards his position. "So it came from that way?"
[Yeah. And…] Ddraig strangely felt hesitant. [That area really gives me creeps. Don't tell this to anyone, though. If Albion were to get any wind of this, he won't let me living it down.]
"Yeah, yeah, sure." Issei replied with teasing grin. "The great Welsh Dragon actually has something to fear."
[I'm serious!] Ddraig retorted. [So what if dragons have something to fear? That's completely normal to begin with!]
"Okay, okay. Sorry." Issei placated. "Let's focus on the task at hand, shall we?"
Issei started to explore the space of his soul, with Ddraig acting as his guide behind him. As he kept moving, the space started to darken from white to black. Noticing the change in atmosphere, the boy stopped for a moment.
"…Ddraig? Can you hear me? Am I being kicked out?" Issei looked back behind him.
[Nope, don't worry. You're still with us. Whatever power is probably the cause of the sudden change of atmosphere there.]
Nodding in confirmation, Issei then continued moving until he arrived at something huge. The boy found it strange that despite the dark space with little light to illuminate his sight, Issei could see that he just arrived in front of a large double-door gate with ornate surface. What baffled him the most was there was something leaking out from the small gap of the gate.
"Err…. Ddraig? Can you come over and take a look at this?" Issei called out as he kept his eye on the gate before him.
The Welsh Dragon slowly approaching and he finally got a hold of the gate. […I see, so this is where that power came from. Good job, partner.]
"Seriously, were you really scared that you didn't bother to take a look?" Issei commented.
[…Shut up. Anyway, that's really one helluva aura leaking out from the other side.]
"Let's test the water, shall we?" Issei asked as he placed his hands on the gate's handle. However, when he touched the gate, odd was the only thing he could describe about the feeling he sensed at that moment. He felt safe, powerful, yet terrified at the same time. Swallowing a lump, he glanced at Ddraig and both of them gave a nod to each other before Issei pulled the gate slowly open.
However, when the gate had been opened just for the slightest, Issei's view was suddenly enveloped in blinding light, followed with something akin to a wave washed over him.
oXo
"UGGHHH…!"
In the real world, Issei's body suddenly jerked violently backward as the boy felt the same pain, albeit much less intense than last time, ran through his body. In the simplest sense, his body felt like being destroyed and rebuilt from inside out. He tried his best to suppress his scream, as he clutched his chest and his arms hugged his painfully throbbing body. It was only because the pain was more bearable that Issei did not scream out loud. Minutes later, the pain subsided, and Issei found his body was drenched in sweat, his heart was still beating against his ribcage, and his breathing was erratic.
"….Holy shit." Issei could only come up with that comment as he recalled the events that took place in his soul. The gate, the power, and the sensation he felt for a fraction of seconds there. "…Draig? You there?"
[Fucking hell…] a loud groan came from where Ddraig was supposed to be. [What the fuck was that?]
"Beats the hell outta me…." Issei muttered. "How are things down there?"
[Um, right. Don't worry. I somehow managed to shut the gate close, your evil pieces had stopped reacting, everything's fine… for now.]
Issei let out a sigh. "Alright, then. Let's… let's leave that thing for now, okay? Holy shit…" Issei wiped his sweating brow. It was a good thing that Issei was alone in the room, he did not know where he would have started to explain should the other girls were to find out.
The boy then got up, stretched his limbs to regain his body's sense of feeling, discarded his now-drenched T-shirt and cleaned his body from the sweating before he put on new clothes from his wardrobe. Letting out another breath, Issei decided that he should get some refreshment downstairs.
Suddenly, the door of his room opened, revealing Akeno in a white small kimono with her hair down.
"Akeno-san?" Issei did not expect his senior to suddenly come into his room. He wondered if the Queen needed something from him.
"Ise-kun…." Akeno called out with low voice as she slowly made her way towards Issei.
Before Issei could have replied, Akeno untied the obi of her kimono and she slid the cloth off her body, revealing her glorious figure for the world to see.
"A-Akeno-san!?" While Issei was still frozen at Akeno's sudden move and nudity, the latter had already pulled him into a tight hug, causing them to fall to the bed.
Issei was not sure what actually took place at that moment. One second Akeno was in his room, the next second she was as naked as she was born on top of his body. He could literally see and feel everything as Akeno embraced him; her smooth skin, her tender thighs, her soft breasts, everything.
"….Make love to me."
Issei could not believe what Akeno just whispered to his ear, as the boy felt a sense of deja vu. "…Excuse me?"
Akeno did not say anything as she moved so she could see Issei eye-to-eye. However, Issei found that the girl's eyes were rather devoid of life, as if she had fallen into despair. The said girl, only moved to close the distance between their faces, particularly their lips.
Just when Akeno's pink lips were an inch away from Issei's, the latter stopped the former's advance by placing his hands on her shoulders as he gently pushed her away.
"….Why?" Akeno asked as tears began to form in her eyes. "Am I not attractive?"
Issei did not say anything as he simply pulled the bed sheet over Akeno's body and hugged Akeno into his chest, as he rested his chin on top of her head. To be honest, getting emotional with his upper-classman was the last thing Issei needed after going through some eye-blinding pain. However, he could not just turn a blind-eye when Akeno was obviously in pain.
"…Ise-kun?" Akeno asked, not really understood of what the boy was doing.
Perhaps Issei should have just indulged Akeno's whims and had his way on her, going all the way. However, Issei had more than one reason to refuse. Other than the fact that he would be cheating on Asia, there was a line he would never cross when dealing with opposite gender, girlfriend or not. Taking advantage on Akeno's unstable mind and weakness just did not and would never exist in his book. "….I'm sorry. This is the only thing I can do for you." Issei said as his hands caressing Akeno's back.
"…Why?" Akeno felt her chest tightened at Issei's soft tone, and a tear escaped her eye. "Why do you have to be so gentle now?"
"…Because you have such a sad look on your face." Issei replied sincerely as he kept Akeno in his arms. "I don't know what's going on, but until you feel better, I'm going to stay like this with you."
Akeno smiled bitterly into Issei's chest as she basked herself in the boy's warmth. "I… saw your talk with your mother in the morning."
Issei looked down at Akeno's revelation, but did not say anything in return. He would simply listen and take whatever Akeno wanted to share.
"And I found myself… To be so jealous of you." Akeno carried on. "Seeing you smiling, and talking happily with your mother… It reminds me of my late mother… My own mother who I miss so much…"
Issei only closed his eyes in condolences as he recalled Azazel's story from the other day. The story about the encounter between a human woman named Himejima Shuri and a fallen angel named Baraqiel, an encounter that resulted with a birth of a girl named Himejima Akeno.
The happy times when Baraqiel fulfilling his role as a father and a leader of fallen angels at the same time, and spend a peaceful life with his new family.
A tragedy that came from the irony that Baraqiel also had enemies from his wife's own family. And when the tragedy struck, Baraqiel just had to be away due to assignment from his superior, Azazel. That tragedy resulted with Shuri's death and Akeno's estranged relationship with her father.
Even now, Azazel was still blaming himself, believing that he was partly responsible for taking Baraqiel away for duty when his family needed him the most.
"…I know that I need to move on, but I just can't bring myself to face him… That's why I'm here, trying to find some relief by making love with you and head towards the battle. I thought I can get rid of this feeling by doing this with you." Akeno buried her face into Issei's toned chest. "Such an idiot I am…"
"Then the same goes to me." Issei replied, causing Akeno to glance upwards. "I'm also an idiot for not being aware of your pain. But now, I won't hesitate anymore."
Akeno jerked her head so she could look at Issei's eyes. When their eyes met again, Akeno's eyes widened at the resolve and sincerity within Issei's orbs. "Even if it'd take forever, until you can make peace with your past, I'll always be there for you. I'll always have your back."
Tears were falling from her eyes again as Akeno dived her face into Issei's chest once again. "…Thank you." The girl muttered.
"I love you so much…"
Issei only smiled in content as the two remained within each other's embrace for a while.
It was night time when Asia, Issei and Rias (who was wearing a negligee instead of birthday suit) were sleeping on the same bed (again). As the two girls were asleep, Issei was still staring at the ceiling, unable to sleep. His body was stationed right in between the girls who were leaning on him, and his left arm was circling Asia's figure. He took a glance at Rias, who was adamant of not able to sleep unless she was hugging him, despite her acknowledgement of Issei's status with Asia. The weirdest thing was, Asia was fine about sharing a bed with the crimson haired girl. Many things were also running through his mind; his father's where-abouts, the upcoming battle, the power inside him, and about Akeno. He looked over the girls beside him, and he resolved himself that he would fight to protect them, he would keep moving forward, together with his friends and those he held dear.
"Can't sleep?"
Issei's thoughts were cut-off by the sound of his master. He turned his head to see Rias was smiling at him. "I saw Akeno had a bright expression earlier. Did something happen between two of you?"
Issei blinked at the question, before he only smiled and closed his eyes. "No, nothing happened."
"Really?" Rias pouted as she gave a skeptical glance. "….You two didn't do anything untoward, did you?"
Issei flinched, recalling that he and Akeno almost did the deed. "…No! Of course not!" the boy almost screamed and woke Asia up.
"Is that so?"
"Yes!"
It took several seconds until Rias dropped her pout. "…Very well, I believe you."
Issei inwardly let out a sigh of relief. However, he then felt a soft sensation on his hand, when he turned his gaze, Issei found Rias' hand was guiding his own to cup her breast. The boy's face immediately blushed at the soft and smooth texture of Rias' mound.
"W-wha!?"
"Can you feel it?" Rias' voice immediately snapped Issei out of his stupor. "My heart…. It's beating so fast. This is me feeling nervous since we're going to fight against a god."
Issei's eyes trailed towards his hand that was cupping Rias' bosom, he could feel the fast rhythm of the beating heart through his palm. Despite the position, Issei could not think the gesture as anything lewd or indecent, it was merely a girl trying to express her worry and feelings towards someone else.
"I, too… I feel nervous as you are, Rias." Issei blurted out. "Hm?"
"You probably are feeling even more nervous than everyone else. After all, you have a crucial role by fighting in the frontline." Rias reasoned as she placed her other hand on Issei's chest, feeling his heart-beat. "…Not to mention, there's also the issue with your own body, your father, and perhaps with Akeno as well."
"Yeah… You're right." Issei only looked down as Rias' guess was dead-on. "This role is an honor, but it's scary at the same time. I don't know if I can fulfill everyone's expectation. But still… what I afraid the most if I ended up cannot protecting you guys." Issei then smiled bitterly. "…If only that baldy was around…."
Rias stared at Issei, as if she was trying to read her pawn. Few seconds later, she closed her eyes before opening them again. "Silly Ise…" Rias commented. "You don't have to take everything on your shoulder alone, you know? Have you forgotten about the things I've promised you back in the clubroom?"
Issei's eyes widened ever so slightly as he recalled the conversation when Asia was first recruited. "Yeah…" Issei's smiled brightened. "Yeah… You're right, Rias."
"…And at least to me, you're not just Saitama's son." Rias' words caused Issei to look right into her eyes. When their eyes met, Issei saw nothing but convictions in her looks.
Unkown to Issei, Rias believed she just found that the two might have gained some form of similarity; insecurity of their own standing. While Rias always felt inferior since she had always been dubbed as 'Sirzechs Lucifer's little sister', Issei had begun to be dubbed as 'Saitama's son'. In that sense, Rias could understand how Issei felt about it.
"I don't care if you are the son of a hero, or just a son of normal human. You are my Ise, my pride. So get stronger, for I have faith that you'll achieve whatever dream you're aiming for."
"Rias…."
"And you just called me by name twice now." Rias softly giggled and she returned her gaze towards Issei's eyes.
At that moment, Issei just realized. Since when did he start calling his master by her name? And he did not even have any kind of difficulty in doing so. Everything between them just came naturally. Both of them trusted each other with their lives. And come to think of it, why was he actually terrified at the thought of Rias dying during Loki's ambush with Fenrir?
"…Right." Issei somehow felt himself to be embarrassed. "Sorry."
"No, it's fine. In fact, call me by your name whenever you feel like it." Rias replied with her smile. "And as long as I can become the source of your power, I'll gladly become one. When you feel doubt, whenever you feel yourself weak and insecure, I'll always be there for you. My adorable Ise."
Issei found herself to be speechless. There it was, her beautiful, loving smile. His heart pounded even stronger in his chest as he felt his face heated up gradually. He just could not win against her. The girl… no, the young woman was far too good for him. Seeing her beautiful face framed with her crimson hair took him back all the way to their first encounter on that very day. It made him want to know what she was thinking, what was making her feel so strongly. The way she carried herself; strong, dignified, yet gentle towards her servants that she viewed as her own family. It was her kind attitude that made Issei attracted to her. Her words that banish his insecurity during his early days of becoming a devil just what had made him fiercely loyal to her, the woman who still believed in him when himself did not. There were moments when he was with other girls, engaging them in conversations that got his full attention; like Asia, who he had come to care for so deeply.
But Rias Gremory was someone who could get his attention even she was not present. It was proven further when Issei felt an overwhelming drive to protect her, to keep her from any harm during Loki's attack. Now, he just could not stop thinking about her, about the slight dimple on her cheeks when she scowled; about the subtle twitch on her eyebrows whenever she felt awkward, the adorable expression when she was agitated from constant teasing. And at this moment, Issei just found himself to be entranced by the sight of her teal eyes, particularly the glittering that showed sincerity, he just could not take his eyes off them; he came to love the softness of her skin that was making contact with his own; he came to love the smell of her hair as he held her close.
And even now, as Rias' face was approaching his, until their lips overlapped each other, he came to love the taste of her lips; his free hand found its way at the back of Rias' head, and slowly moved to the side of her face, caressing her cheek as he returned and deepened the kiss.
When Rias broke the kiss, the two were staring at each other's faces again. That was the moment that Issei finally realized…. that he had fallen for her, perhaps even earlier than he thought.
When Rias noticed the blush on Issei's entranced expression, she just smiled devilishly as she whispered to his ear. "…To be kissing with another girl while your girlfriend is sleeping right beside you… What a handful child you are, Ise." the girl said teasingly.
When both girls by Issei's side had finally fallen asleep, the boy was still frozen awake at the revelation of his own feelings as well as Rias last teasing words.
"…Draig." Issei, still staring at the ceiling, called out the dragon within him out of the blue. "I'm the worst, aren't I?"
[Bah, stop beating yourself, partner. Falling for girls and attracting them left and right is just natural for dragons. You just have to get used to it.]
It took four hours for Issei to finally get his own share of sleeping.
At certain region of wilderness in somewhere in China, a stark-naked man was searching through rubbles and ruins of rocks, stones, and dirt. The place where Saitama was enjoying the hot spring had been reduced into mass of rubbles. Around him there were numerous remains of monstrosity that were slowly disintegrating into ashes.
Saitama had lost track of time and had no idea of how much time he had been wasting. The man was infuriated enough that he had to fight a horde of Leornardo's monsters while wearing his birthday suit. The monsters' strength itself was nothing difficult, but the sheer, seemingly endless number caused the battle to take some chaotic turn, resulting Saitama to lose all of his belongings in the midst of the fight.
There was also an issue of the surrounding mist. God knows how long Georg wanted to keep Saitama inside the 'fake' world within his mist. Of course, he could try blowing the mist away with the shockwave of his punch, but there was a good chance that he would lose the bag containing his belongings forever should the dimension disappeared. After all, all of his travelling necessities such as passport, money, change of clothes, etc. were all inside his bag.
It was after who-knows how many more hours that Saitama finally found his duffle bag. He checked the contents, while his clothes, money and passport were all rumpled from being buried under tons of rocks and rubbles; they were all still relatively intact. Saitama then proceeded to cloth himself back and prepared himself to leave back to Japan. However, when he was preparing to deal with the mist, the said mist suddenly faded away, leaving Saitama alone at the middle of nowhere. The man looked around and he found himself to be anywhere but the hot spring where he conversed with Cao Cao. He looked up and found that it was already night time with the moon shining at him. He did not have a map nor compass, thus he had no way to find which direction he should go.
Then, Saitama remembered that he could use his cell-phone as his navigator. He then rummaged through his stuff…. Only to find that the cell-phone's screen was cracked, the buttons were totaled as the device itself had been crushed under the rubble.
"…Fuck." Saitama cursed his own luck as he realized that he would need some time to go back home.
To be Continued…