(Silbern Training Hall)
"Ready?" Issei asked, trying to catch his breath. He was currently wearing black shorts with a tight red vest along with bracelets and anklets on both wrists and ankles, each one reading 2X. Across from him, in a similar state, was Vali with his vest and binds colored white and reading 2.5, and Saji to the side with his gear colored black. The Lucifer descendant nodded with a grin and got into a fighting stance, something Issei and Saji copied.
"Round 3." He said before the three charged at each other, immediately exchanging blows as they got within reach. Similarly in different areas of the training hall was other paired groups in similar conditions; all the Knights and swordsmen sparring against each other with wooden practice weapons while the Rooks and martial artists just fought each other. Kuroka was advising Koneko on Youjutsu in between her bouts against Bikou while Akeno spent the majority of her time training with her father, Baraqiel, and Rossweisse trying to teach all of the Bishops in improving their magic skills. All of this training was being done in preparation of fighting a god and a god killer in the form of the wolf Fenrir, a beast they heard was considered among the top ten strongest beings in the Living World under the watch and guidance of Ichigo and Odin.
"The Gremory and Sitri Peerages have made quite the amount of progress." The old god said, paying specific attention to the three Dragon Sacred Gear users. "Though I must wonder why you feel the need to train them so when they are not your people. Especially those of the Khaos Brigade." Vali blocked a kick from Saji and got blindsided from the left by Issei with a magic powered strike, and all three were grinning like mad.
"Do you clean up after your child when they clearly know how to do so?" Ichigo asked of the god, earning a raised eyebrow. "Or would you prefer to keep cleaning up after them when they're in their teenage years or well into adulthood?" The Captain Commander pointed out the two peerages. "At some point they will be put to the proper test of their skills and growth and I won't be there to be the safety net." Now his finger aimed for the members of Team Vali. "As for them, I have a soft spot for the Pendragons as my former students but Vali needs to realize that a world in chaos is not the only one to indulge his lust for battle." A portal appeared with Azazel stepping out with an object wrapped in cloth that appeared in the shape of a hammer, the training being put on hold as the Angel got crowded by the Devils.
"That's the replica of Mjolnir." Odin informed him. "It's not nearly as powerful as the original, but can be more easily wielded by those with 'noble intentions'." The pair watched as Rossweisse started to explain how it worked, Issei taking the hammer and removing the cloth before it started doubling in size in response to his energy. "And you intend to deal with Fenrir yourself?"
"Did I leave any doubt that I couldn't?" Ichigo returned as Uryu came in, waving for his cousin to join him. "Please excuse me."
"Of course." The god said as Ichigo flashed over to Uryu, turning his gaze back to the teens as they went back to their sparring and practice. The two retreated back to the hallways and started making their way to his office.
"How's the training coming along?" Uryu asked, staying on alert for any listeners.
"The are making fine progress, I wouldn't be surprised if Issei could finally close the gap between him and Vali without draining his life force." Ichigo started. "Rias no longer seems upset about the loss of her position and is focused on improving herself to earn it back for when Sona's school is finally built. But the biggest sense of progress seems to be with Akeno and her father, like she's fully embracing her Angel side."
"And no one suspects you?" The Quincy king asked as they reached his office, opening it to reveal Ichigo already inside and waiting on one of the couches.
"Of course not my lord." The person that was with Uryu said before pulling up a blue hood and their whole form shimmered, the end result being a hooded figure in a Sternritter uniform with the rest of their body completely mummified. "Deception is my specialty."
"Thank you. You're dismissed, Sternritter D." The Quincy king said, earning a nod from the mummified figure as they disappeared. Sternritter D was a unique member of the Quincy elite, deciding that Squad 15 still needed a special black ops unit to handle things in the World of the Living. To that particular end they underwent countless surgeries at the hands of Mayuri Kurotsuchi to essentially take the form of anyone, the result leaving the original self completely unrecognizable, while studying the art of disguise. To reward that dedication Uryu carved the letter D on their soul and named them The Decieve, able to become a near perfect mirror of whomever they could analyse.
"That's always unsettling, no matter how many times I see it." The real Ichigo said as his double left them and Uryu came to join him on the opposite side. "So, shall we go over everything to make sure we have a proper course of action?" Uryu took off his glasses, showing the multiple pupils and irises before he blinked and they disappeared.
"Back to the initial fight with Loki?" The Quincy groaned out as he rubbed his eyes and head. "Using the Almighty to affect Gods is very very taxing. I signed that to you while Huginn and Muninn were watching us and we've already confirmed that Loki is trying to follow the natural order. Odin's time has come and gone."
"He's one of the very few that has never lost his throne." Ichigo continued. "That's a testament to his ability as a leader but he's long since stagnated." Uryu leaned back and clenched his eyes, rubbing them with his palms.
"Odin himself admits that it's time to open up a new path for his people and while I can see many roads ahead where he remains leader, pretty much each one where you are involved at length demands penance for his sins."
"He reeks of treachery and wrongful bloodshed." Ichigo answered in response to the accusation. "I understand acting for the greater good, but everyone eventually pays for their crimes. One way or another."
"I'm not arguing that. I fully agree that Odin's attempts to avert the war of Ragnarok merely guaranteed it by accident at best and at worst was made to make it as big as possible." Uryu returned. "Simply that you might cause it somehow."
"Rensa Seigi mentioned a technique for those that commit great sins but don't become sinners. Those that take extreme and unconscionable acts for what they believe to be 'the greater good' but still have enough sense to know what they do is wrong. It's called Tsumibito no fuhai."
"Rot of the guilty?"
"It needs someone to acknowledge their crimes and feel guilty for them." Ichigo explained. "And I think Rensa Seigi is compelling me to bring out Odin's guilt specifically for this."
"Didn't you say that the Soul King foresaw his death? Maybe that is what does it." Uryu offered.
"Endless possibilities and I need blood on my hands." Ichigo sighed out.
"The will of the Soul King is to maintain the Balance of Souls. We facilitate that will." Uryu said, offering some comfort. "Everything we do is supposed to be for the best."
"Then we need to get those kids ready for the bigger fights sooner rather than later. I'm getting sick of all the cloak and dagger." The hybrid declared.
"Agreed." Uryu said, blinking a few times before going to his desk and pulling out a bottle of pills from inside a brown book. "And making sure Odin is saying what we want him to say is going to pop a blood vessel."
"Did you hide drugs inside a Lupus textbook?" Ichigo asked with a raised eyebrow.
"It's never Lupus." His cousin countered, the hybrid shrugging as he accepted the reasoning. The two went back to planning the script of the coming events.
(Time Passes: With Issei)
"Gah!" Issei cried out as he fell from a kick to his gut, Vali's foot still outstretched from where he stood. Both were still in their gear, the amount of weight they experienced being reflected in the numbers on their bands and vest, and covered in sweat from the effort of moving around at more than double their usual body weight. "Damn it! I thought I had more time before you could figure that out." Issei said in frustration as he pushed himself up.
"Magic Jump is just making a magic circle at your feet that you use to push yourself in any direction." Vali countered. "It's really simple when you get down to it. Kind of makes sense why the Devils never really thought about it before." The White Dragon paused before sighing. "Sorry Issei, but can we call it for today? Albion wants to spend time with Melusine." He said while taking off his anklets and bracelets, the 2.5x on them and his vest disappearing as he did so.
"Yeah, sure. I'll just see if I can't find someone else to spar with." The Gremory pawn returned as he stretched himself out, still frustrated that he lost again against his arch rival. "Maybe Bikou is available."
"Thanks." Vali said as he turned and started walking away. "You're much stronger than the first time we fought Issei. Believe that." He added before flashing to the door and leaving.
"Trying to look cool?" Issei scoffed, though he did hear the genuine praise in Vali's voice. "Jerk." He said with a grin as he started to look for the mischievous monkey Youkai before someone else got his attention.
"Red Dragon, I overheard your need for a new sparring partner." Baraqiel said, floating down toward Issei with his twelve black wings unfurled. "Mind if I fill that role? We have something I'd like to discuss."
"Sure. I'd be honored sir." Issei said, choosing to be respectful towards Akeno's father. "How's things with Akeno by the way? Since you've been spending most of your time together." The Fallen Angel smiled while fishing out a vial of restorative medicine that was prepared by Squad 12 in case Loki launched a surprise attack.
"It's... getting better." Baraqiel admitted, handing Issei the vial. "She's still keeping some distance, but she's talking to me during our sessions and I'll take what I can get. Anything to fix my relationship with my daughter. Now go ahead and drink up." The Red Dragon blinked in surprise but took the medicine and downed the contents instantly. "She's also told me a lot about you... and I'd like to apologize. I've let bad rumors and gossip form a negative opinion regarding you, something my daughter made sure to set straight. You've come a long way from the boob obsessed brat from when you started."
"Uhhh, yeah. At least I hope so." Issei said with an embarrassed chuckle. "Looking back on everything that's happened since I became a Devil is both inspiring and mortifying." He held up his hand that contained his Sacred Gear. "I came up with some really silly moves when I should've focused on becoming a better fighter, but at the same time I don't regret it." He held his fist out to Baraqiel with a look of confidence. "With Dress Break, a move I made to strip girls naked, I managed to save my dear Asia and Orihime sensei during that fight with the Old Satan Faction by stripping away their binds. With Boobilingual, a move I made to talk to breasts, I brought out Akeno's true feelings in an effort to salvage the bond between the two of you."
"Yes, absolutely ridiculous techniques indeed." Baraqiel said, folding his arms and nodding in agreement. "Yet, you managed to use them to save what you deemed precious. Very commendable." He smiled to Issei, making the Devil blush. "Now, drop your weights and get ready. Hold nothing back." He ordered, surprising Issei as lightning sparked in his hands. "I'm convinced that you are a good friend to my daughter, but I haven't given my approval for you to be anything more." He held up a charged fist, the sparks cackling loudly in his grip. "This is my test for you; Show me the REAL Issei Hyodou." The Red Dragon removed his binds and vest before activating his Boosted Gear, getting into a fighting stance and glaring at the Angel.
"Yes sir!" He shouted before blasting off toward the Angel, narrowly dodging one bolt of electricity by kicking off a magic platform his summoned as Baraqiel threw his hand out. Issei did not evade the second bolt, or most of the subsequent lightning strikes. But he never once stopped, no matter how much electricity coursed through his body.
"Are you sure about this Issei?" Baraqiel asked after hitting him with another lightning bolt, the twentieth one to leave the Pawn in burn marks. "You do realize that Akeno won't care if I approve or not, so why do you want to keep going?" While he said that, Baraqiel was secretly impressed that Issei kept getting up since most higher ranking Devils would've caved by now with the amount of lightning Issei took.
"I... know..." The Red Dragon grunted out, his voice hoarse from the all of his screams and grunts as the lightning struck him. "Akeno is a Devil, so she'll follow her desires. If that includes me, she'll take me."
"So what, are you a masochist?"
"No, I'm a Devil as well." Issei growled as he rose to his feet. "And... I'm far greedier than she is. I'll admit, I want all the girls in this peerage as my harem. Especially Akeno, a vision of sensual beauty and eroticism. But that's not why I refuse to give up." He shakily pointed a finger at the Angel. "I want... your approval as well." Baraqiel raised his eyebrow, silently asking him to continue. "I want Akeno to be mine, to be happy, and for her father to trust her to me! If that means taking enough lightning to kill and resurrect me, then fine." Issei held up his left arm. "I gave this arm up to Ddraig in exchange for the power to save Rias from her engagement to Phenix, and that was just because I couldn't bear to see her sad. I won't hesitate to make the same sacrifice to help any one of my precious friends! They're mine and I WILL PROTECT THEM!" He roared, entering his Balance Breaker, and stunning Baraqiel as he felt a similar level of power from the Kuoh Peace Summit. Just after Vali threatened to shrink Rias's boobs. Issei then shot towards Baraqiel like a flash, the Angel not moving as a crimson armored fist stopped just in front of him. "So... please father. Trust that I will protect our precious Akeno." Issei asked, the exhaustion in his voice evident as he strained to keep standing.
"What a stubborn son-in-law you'll be." The lightning master said before tapping his fist against Issei's. "Very well. I'll trust you with my precious daughter. Don't ever make her cry and... at least wait for her to graduate before giving me any grandchildren." He asked, despite knowing that Issei had already passed out with his armor dissipating. "Akeno, sorry about this... and take good care of him." He turned to leave just as Akeno flew in and gently lifted Issei in her arms.
(Issei's room: Hyoudou Residence)
Issei remained in his unconscious state as the Gremory Queen brought him back to their shared home under the cover of night, Asia immediately tending to him as the whole Peerage helped to get him to his room. Leaving Asia and Koneko to focus on his recovery, Rias had the rest of her group in a separate conversation regarding the coming attack. Azazel and Soul Society predicts that the fight would begin tomorrow after the sunset, leaving tonight and most of tomorrow to recover and rest. They had a replica Mjolnir to fight Loki with, they had a formidable team and they spent the last few days perfecting their teamwork, Gleipnir was enhanced and is currently in the Head Captain's possession, a part of her wanted to be confident in their chances but she's learned what her overconfidence could cost and felt like there was some factor that she was missing. A concern for later though, tonight was for recovery.
"Sorry this happened Akeno. I know I promised you some time with him but that'll have to wait until the battle is over to give yourself to him." Rias told her best friend as they entered the Pawn's room. "And I swear, I wasn't trying to get in your way or anything this time." The lightning user gave her friend a smile.
"I know Rias. You've been more generous and... forward since the Diodora incident." She said, thinking back on how her King has been acting towards her Peerage. "Frankly, I'm more disappointed that I can no longer tease you like I used to." She said, feigning sadness. "I guess I'll have to save that for... more private activities." She suggested with an emphasis to convey her desire.
"I've already ordered some books and toys." Rias answered with a smile. "Surprisingly, Grayfia was the one to recommend the toys." Akeno took a moment to absorb that before sighing.
"Setting that aside." She decided, missing when Rias was more prudish, before turning her attention to the sleeping Pawn. "He has certainly come a long way, hasn't he?" The two Devils smiled proudly at their mutual crush that quickly became the heart of their team. "Though, I do somewhat miss his antics. He used to be so much more vocal about his desires for us."
"They weren't kidding about breaking him down and building him back up." The Gremory heiress added with a bit of sadness in her voice as she brushed the back of her fingers against Issei's cheek. "I can't forgive how rough they've been with all of you, especially Issei."
"You and I both know how far he'd go to protect you, to protect all of us." Akeno said, softly petting his head with a smile. "He was an idiot and a horny monkey, but he loves deeply and fiercely."
"As a true Dragon and Devil should. We are his precious treasure after all." Rias smiled, proud and reaffirming her resolve to protect what she loves. "Though I guess there is one thing we can still compete in with him."
"Oh?" Akeno asked, almost sensing where this was going as Rias faced her.
"Let's find out who'll bear his first child." The Princess of Ruin confidently challenged. "I'm certain I have the lead since my parents insist on having more grandchildren."
"And why do you think I'll listen to my father's request?" The Nephilim countered as the two walked out. "I can have him as putty in my hands and overjoyed to become a grandfather."
"Sounds like you need to put in more effort still~." Rias sang as they went to their respective rooms, not wanting to disturb their mutual love. A couple of minutes after they left however, Issei flipped over and let out a muffled scream
"Oh man that was close!" The Crimson Dragon said as he flipped back over, wincing slightly from some residual aches and pains. "I was about to jump and take the both of them." He panted out, trying to get his heart back under control. "And I guess Akeno is going to be next... hope I can live up to her expectations." He then looked up to his ceiling, starring past it and into the distance. "Kids huh? I hope I can handle that kind of responsibility." He prayed before allowing sleep to take him once more, needing his rest for the battle yet to come.
(Kuoh: A Gremory owned hotel)
Ichigo sat in Jinzen, getting some last minute sparring with his Zanpakuto in before the staged fight was supposed to begin above their isolated location. Next to him was Xenovia, attempting to do the same with her Luce Solare, the ax Zanpakuto laying in her lap with Durandal stabbed into the ground next to her. To the east side was the ORC, the entirety of the group armed and ready with the Sitri peerage on the west side in a similar state along with Baraqiel and Rossweisse to the north. Team Vali took the south and while Vali and Arthur seemed excited, Bikou and Kuroka appeared less than interested while... Le Fey was next to Issei and discussing a contract for the future. Devil business, not his concern and he felt like he could start trusting the Kuoh Devils. Maybe he can finally let off the vigil he and Uryu have been keeping and let them handle the next problem alone.
It was becoming stressful, trying to maintain control of everything that was happening. Uryu's Almighty let him see every possible future, Urahara and Mayuri were two of the smartest beings in the world and regularly devised hundreds of countermeasures for each individual possibility, and his own nature demanded that he keep these children safe despite his claims of only caring for his country, but all of it and the growing attacks in Japan were straining their forces and resources. The other factions of the Alliance should be in proper wartime mode and the training for many of them showed. This would, and should, be the last time he would be holding their hands without them knowing.
The plan was quite simple; While in this neutral location for Odin and Amaterasu to negotiate whatever trade alliance they would have, Loki would make his attack with a sufficient force. Except Loki would disguise Uryu as himself while he was something on the Quincy's person and together they would provide a sufficiently difficult challenge using the Almighty's precognition while Loki followed Uryu's lead, during which time Ichigo himself would "fight and tame" Fenrir to give a believable reason to grant the massive beast asylum in his domain. There was little doubt that the Captain Commander could handle the great wolf while he could trust Uryu to control the disguised training scenario for the young Devils. He was brought out of his thoughts as a magic portal appeared above them in front of the ORC, everyone readying themselves for battle as 'Loki' made his appearance with Fenrir at his side.
"I know you tend to be a victim of your own arrogance Loki," Ichigo started before flashing before the pair, "but you should've realized that you can't win this with you two alone." The trickster merely smirked before snapping his fingers and enveloped the entire group in a flash of light, teleporting them all to what appeared to be an abandoned ancient mining site. Nothing but rocks in piles, large standing slabs, cave dotted walls, and nothing alive aside from the group ready to fight. A perfect place to go wild as they inspected their new opponents. Two more wolves, slightly smaller than Fenrir, jumped out of the caves to stand by the giant wolf's side while twenty miniature versions of Jormungandr came slithering out of various caves.
"Is this more of what you were expecting?" The trickster asked with a twisted chuckle as the group got ready for battle, plotting out their moves and strategies. "I've had to work very hard to make this many clones of that giant lazy brat I call my son, but they should be suitable opponents to keep you occupied. My dear grandchildren, Skoll and Hati, would like to join their father in battle payback." Each one of those serpents were as thick as train cars while Skoll and Hati stood to Fenrir's shoulder at their tallest.
"Okay." Ichigo nodded. "I'll take the wolves. Do you think you can handle Loki?" He asked as Issei and Vali donned the armor of their Balance Breakers, Issei immediately promoting himself to Queens, as they flew up to face the god.
"I'd rather take on Fenrir myself." Vali stated as he stared down the form of the Norse Trickster. "He seems like more of a challenge."
"Just think of it as practice for your rematch with Kyoraku." Ichigo said, getting a growl from the White Dragon. "You need more practice with trickster types. Not every battle will be as straight forward as just hitting them." Vali didn't say anything while Issei summoned up Ascalon.
"Irina! Catch!" The Red Dragon called out as he tossed the blade to the reincarnated Angel who wordlessly caught it as everyone else got ready to fight. "Everyone? Don't worry about us. We can handle this guy for as long as necessary." Issei promised as he and Vali got ready to fight.
"Keep this up. I'm starting to get proud of you." The hybrid said as he unsheathed Zangetsu's dual blades. "One last thing; Don't make me save you this time." He before flashing in front of the wolves and manifesting a giant foot that kicked them away, instantly flashing again to follow as they disappeared into the distance.
"Asia, focus on healing!" Rias immediately called out as the Jormungandr clones tensed up and moved to ready their strikes. "Gasper, see if you can't restrain their movements! Miss Kuroka and Le Fay, see if you can't help!"
"Saji, assist them with that!" Sona ordered as well, holding the hilt of her Fluens Chalybe as the metal formed a trident. "Ruruko, protect our support!"
"Roger!" The various Devils and magic user called out as they readied their skills.
"Everyone else? Don't hold back!" Sona ordered as water swirled around her.
"Crush these fake Dragons!" Rias demanded as her black destruction magic gathered in her hand. The battle had now begun, a final test of their current skills.