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91.32% A Nascent Kaleidoscope. / Chapter 537: Chapter 486

Chapter 537: Chapter 486

"You've just been staring at it for a few moments, what are you thinking?" Venalana's arm interlocked with mine as we stood outside the Bael residence.

"I was thinking that I regret not taking the Train down even if it would have taken longer." I liked the train. "Also, this house is…..oddly not as ostentatious as I expected."

The Bael Family, and the Ancestor Zekram Bael. I intended to come down here at some point, just not under this kind of condition.

Truthfully, my mind was still dealing with the newfound information regarding the Apocalypse Beast and the hints that Pandora gave me. It answered A lot of questions, but it also opened up significantly more.

Even knowing the 'source' didn't let me know how to approach this whole issue and resolve it.

The most obvious answer was to seek out help, which I was going to do. A few hours was not going to harm anything, and while I pushed the thoughts aside while in the other world, I wanted to use this time to catch my proverbial breath and figure out what Zekram knows, if anything.

"Lord Bael's tastes are more….defensive." Venelana decided on.

I could understand what she meant by that. While one would expect glamor and such when looking at the Bael Manor, instead, it looked….fortified.

Oh, it was by no means pedestrian looking, it oozed wealth, but in a different way. The Magical defenses in general were…well, they were impressive. But the decorations, the building materials, there was nothing wasted. Everything here should be here for a reason, nothing to show off simply for the fact.

Honestly, it felt oddly appropriate considering what little I knew of the man.

Oh Zekram Bael was an arrogant bastard, but he didn't need to necessarily flaunt it. His home represented that rather well. It was solid, unmoving, but still retaining its regal undertone.

To Zekram Bael, he already 'won', why did he have to show it at every opportunity?

"It's also home, in a way." Venelana sighed.

"Wistful or reluctant to go inside?" I asked.

"Both? I don't mind visiting my family over here, in fact I was here last month, but I prefer it under less official situations. Zekram Bael is one for proper etiquette, so it's going to be less of a warm reception to me. Right now, I'm Lady Gremory, despite any other relationships."

I let out my own sigh knowing this was probably going to grate on me. I really did not like getting involved in nonsense like this.

I hate politics.

"Well, look on the bright side."

"What's the bright side?" I asked.

"There's a chance I could show you the room I grew up in~"

…that is a bright side.

"Anything I should know before we go in?"

"That depends, what do you know about the Bael Clan?"

I shrugged. "Power of Destruction is their bloodline trait?"

"Funny enough, we actually have a second bloodline trait, but it's not so….elevated in status." She looked amused for some reason.

"Really?" I furrowed my brow.

"Every Bael Woman has a large chest."

"…..you're fucking with me."

"I'm really not." She laughed. "Every single Bael woman has a large chest. We don't know why, and Lord Bael never said anything about it." She simply held her hands up. 

Not that I'm unhappy with this trait, it just…..took me by surprise.

"We actually used to think the same with Purple Eyes, but that was disproved once the Bael family started having children with other pillar families." She also added.

Huh, maybe I should learn a bit more about my heritage at another point.

"But if you want advice, as someone who's had to play these games for a very long time….you can simply choose not to play. Remember that your attachments here are severely limited."

I suppose that does make the situation less annoying.

We walked down the cobblestone path as we passed through a dozen barriers harmlessly before reaching the door.

Venelana didn't even need to knock before it opened.

"Venelana, it's always a pleasure for you to make a visit home, sister." A man that didn't look too dissimilar to her answered.

Venelana kept her expression even. "Lord Bael, thank you for taking the time to personally greet us."

He just nodded and turned to look at me, frowning. "I see you brought the half-breed. Why our Ancestor wants to speak to him I don't understand." He scowled. "I heard some concerning rumors about a certain….illicit relationship. If you wanted some excitement, you could do better than a half-breed, sister."

I wasn't one for taking verbal abuse without returning it at least in equal measure. However, before I could utter a word, Venelana's fist flew out, crashing right into his face, sending him flying through a wall inside the interior of the house, his body twitching on the ground.

I just blinked, looking at the unconscious body of the apparent Lord Bael, and then at Venelana as I processed what happened.

"Huh, those training sessions must have come in handy." It was the first thing that came to mind.

She just smiled calmly. "They certainly did help."

"So...should we dispose of the body now?" Because the situation already seemed to become fubar.

"Oh no, it's fine."

"The Lord of the Bael family is currently twitching under some wood and stone." I gestured.

Venelana's grin widened a bit. "Oh sweetie." She put an amused hand on my cheek. "The first lesson we learned in the world of devil politics is to know when you can and cannot punch someone. And my brother dearest here practically wrote me an open invitation."

"It seems you took that lesson to heart at least." A familiar voice reverberated off the walls. I noticed a door open and Zekram Bael barely glanced at the Lord Bael as he stepped over his unconscious body. "Lady Gremory, Lord Schweinorg, thank you for accepting my invitation. I apologize for the…..greeting. Rest assured; it will be remedied in the future."

"Oh, it's no trouble, Lord Bael." Venelana dismissed it immediately. "Thank you for the invitation, we are honored to be welcomed into your illustrious ancestral manor."

The Old Bael smiled with a hint of warmness. "Come long, let's go inside before the neighbors start spreading rumors."

There were no neighbors, I realized after the door closed behind us. Zekram Bael owned the land for hundreds of miles in every direction and no other person lived within eyesight.

Surprisingly as well, there was no staff around.

"Lady Gremory, if you don't mind, I wished to discuss with Lord Schweinorg in private."

"I already anticipated this, Lord Bael. Don't worry, I was merely here to escort him. If I'm unneeded, I was simply going to pick up some items from my old room." She smiled, keeping the formalities despite her basically saying she was going to her room.

Zekram nodded at her and I didn't speak as he gestured for me to follow. We had to step over the unconscious body of …. Lord Bael, and I was confused as to why they were both addressed that way.

"Please take a seat." He spoke, opening the door leading to what looked like his personal office.

I admit, I was tempted to take the seat behind his desk, but I was going to be polite. I waited a few moments for him to sit down. "Rather quiet for such a large mansion."

"I dismissed my workers for the day." He waived his hand flippantly. "And you can cease with the formalities, I am aware from our last talks that you dislike them."

Well, I wouldn't say no.

"I'm curious about something. Venelana called two people Lord Bael. You offered me the position of family head last time, and I'm assuming that's who Venelana was addressing before she knocked him out."

Zekram rubbed his chin with a weird smile. "She has quite the hook. But yes that was her Half-Brother, one of my descendants, and the current head of the Bael family."

"So….you're both Lord Bael?"

"He is Lord Bael as the title of Head of the House." Zekram replied. "I am Lord Bael."

Well then.

"I assume Venelana won't be in trouble for doing what she did?"

The ancient Devil in front of me, his facial expression shifted slightly. "You need not worry. He was not supposed to act in such a manner. However, his upbringing leaves much to be desired. His political aspirations lay in the beliefs of an older ideology."

"Ah, Old Satan Faction?"

Zekram grunted once in confirmation. "If only Venelana was still with the Bael name, I would have made her the family head. Instead I am forced to deal with…..this."

He was being surprisingly open, probably an attempt to broach a sympathetic bond? It seems like something he would do in an attempt to get me to lower my guard and perhaps think of him more warmly.

Zekram, having just sat down a moment ago, sat up and looked out the window behind him. "If you had accepted my offer, I wouldn't have to act like a master pulling on the strings of my puppet." His hand raised up and he rubbed the bridge of his nose. "I am not unfamiliar with politicking and groveling at others. I did not live this long without knowing how to swallow my pride. But that boy can't make a single decision without running to me first." He finished with a shake of his head. "My only hope is that one of his sons will quickly take the reins so I don't have to babysit a devil that's centuries old."

"Does that include Sairaorg?" It wasn't lost on me that the man Venelana punched out was Sairaorg's father.

"I would be delighted if he took over." Zekram spoke without any hesitation.

I raised an eyebrow. "Wasn't he ostracized and basically banished from the family?"

Zekram rolled his eyes. "He carries the Bael Bloodline, he will always be a Bael. Our bloodline is sacrosanct, but that does not mean I'm unwilling to acknowledge strength where it is due. If he wishes to punch his way to the position of Satan, I will sit at the side and silently cheer him on." He turned to me. "Do you find my stance odd?"

"It seems….contradictory from what I imagined."

"Hmph, I have two goals in my existence. To elevate my bloodline to the absolute pinnacle. And to further Devil society to reach as far as possible. If one of my bloodline desires to punch their way upward, I have no qualms and even support them. However, I place an emphasis on my own bloodline ability. If he desires to reach the peak through another method, it is his duty to prove his worth, I will not hold his hand."

A rather spartan mindset.

'I don't hate him, but he has to prove himself for me to care outside of my normal goals'.

"I did hear that he performed exceptionally during the battles that took place in the Norse Realms." He shifted. "Make no mistake, I take pride in any of my bloodline succeeding."

…he was an odd man and I wondered if I would ever truly understand him.

"So hypothetically speaking, you wouldn't be against Sairaorg taking over the Bael family if he proved himself capable of doing so?" Call it mild curiosity on my part which is why I was asking.

"Other than him being an idiot, I have nothing to say."

I raised an eyebrow.

"Don't look at me like that, do you think I don't keep tabs on a young devil of my bloodline with such capabilities? He has an impressively strong will, the charisma of a leader, but he would sooner punch someone than open up any kind of negotiations. Thankfully, he at least had the sense to pick worthwhile peerage members to cover for his weaknesses. This can also be attributed to his leader potential."

Well, I honestly couldn't argue there because it was rather spot on.

He looked back towards me. "I heard you met young Millicas properly. What did you think of the boy?"

Was he gauging me now? "He seemed like a good kid. Surprisingly strong for his age. He….was copying me a bit, learning magic and swords." I didn't realize it at first, but I was smiling as I said it.

Zekram Bael let out a short laugh. "He is a good descendant of mine. He is intelligent and gifted with his bloodline. I enjoy the times I watch over him. He will make a good head of the Gremory Family."

"What about Venelana's daughter?" I'm pretty sure she's the heir.

"Bah, that girl, I love her like my own grandchildren, but she is as much an idiot as the punching fool. A different flavor of idiot, but one all the same." He paused as if he just had an epiphany. "Why are there so many idiots in my bloodline, certainly that must be a coincidence?" He shook his head. "Regardless, she will become a Phenex because her head is stuck in the human world."

I decided not to poke at that bear because it involved a great many things I didn't know the full details of.

"Should we cut to the chase now?" We had a polite conversation about random things, I didn't want this to drag on much longer. "What was so critical that you requested a meeting like this?"

"Very well." He sat back down at his desk. "Tell me, do you know of Rizevim Lucifer?"

"I am aware of who he is, but I have never met him."

Zekram frowned. "He is the son of the original Lucifer. A 'weapon' that my lord and our mother created together. She carried him for six years, six months, and six days before giving birth. A sort of ritual, for which the details I am not privy to. He surpassed the originals in every way. However, he lacked any drive, any desires. He supported the Old Satan Faction during the Civil War simply for the fact that he felt like he should because of his father. He disappeared for the longest time and only reappeared in the underworld several days ago whereupon he visited me."

"It was also noted that he was a member of the Khaos Brigade." I pointed out.

"Quite, and you would know more about that than me it seems." He cast his gaze at me oddly. "I'm not surprised to hear he was a member. His mindset….even by my own history, I would call him a particularly Evil individual, even if he does not often dirty his hands with such things."

"The son of Lucifer is evil? Color me shocked." I snorted.

"Yes, it shouldn't be a surprise. I honor my former liege, but I am not blind to the atrocities that occurred. My respect and adoration is not the same as blind obedience. I supported the New Satans for a reason."

"Alright, I'm neither questioning your stance, nor do I particularly care where you fell on the spectrum." It was clear where he was right now, and that was enough for me considering how distant we were.

"He came to speak to me, as I said. However, the topic of our conversation was you." Zekram Bael stated, looking at me intensely. "He asked me about your details, how you grew up, your acquaintances, your desires, your goals, your life."

That made me….give pause for consideration. "So he's looking into me?" I suppose I should have expected to attract their direct attention sooner or later in this manner.

"I believe it was a personal interest on his part. He mentioned feeling kinship to you and wanted to know more."

"….I don't know what to say to that."

"I am of the same mind." Zekram admitted, shaking his head. "My intention was to invite you here and give you a warning while also properly providing you insight into what you were potentially getting involved with."

"I…thank you for the good will then." I could appreciate the sentiment when it was given. He was being genuinely helpful and I Would be an asshole if I didn't acknowledge that.

He smiled rather…grandfatherly. "Even if it's the child of my former liege, I will not allow them to harm a Bael." He spoke with sure pride. "Truthfully, I feel this is merely the prelude to something else. Something is building up, and I believe this Khaos Brigade is a part of it at the center – " He stopped looking at me in a scrutinizing gaze. "You know."

"Pardon?" Do I have a tell I don't know about?

"You have knowledge then? Hmm, I shouldn't be surprised. Those Youkai were the ones who revealed them to the world." He tapped his desk. "You have a source of knowledge I'm unaware of, that is obvious. Venelana is obviously out, those brats on the thrones are running around like headless chickens. Odin? No, from the reports, Loki was a member of the Khaos brigade and was hostile to you both. The Youkai, despite the show, are too low on the ladder." His eyes were strange as they narrowed as if he was looking at something in the air and then they widened. "The Death Goddess. I see, that makes sense then." He rubbed his chin. "Curious."

Did he just…..sniff out who I was in contact with by only the few clues left behind?

He stopped, dropping it as if it were unimportant. "Would you be willing to tell me what this Khaos Brigade is planning? I can offer payment, and I'm even willing to sign a contract."

This is the reason I hate dealing with old monsters.

I grumbled under my breath and closed my eyes for a moment or two. I haven't even told my girls or anyone else yet because I didn't know much myself. Could I even trust him? I mean….I barely knew him, but so far, all our interactions were…positive.

And the goodwill he showed already wasn't something I was going to ignore.

{I believe we can trust him.} My Zanpakutō spoke up. {Having more allies may prove beneficial. Zekram Bael is very old and has reach and connections that may prove beneficial.}

I was on the fence, but if my Zanpakutō thought it was worth a shot.

I guess in the worst case scenario, everyone finds out about this, which….it just means everyone is aware? It also alerts out enemies that we know and could muddy the waters,…

"Have you ever heard of the Apocalypse Beast mentioned in the bible? 666?"

Zekram's demeanor immediately changed. He usually kept his emotions in check, only softly expressing himself. But in this instance, the armrests of his were shattered by his hands, and his aura exploded outward.

"That arrogant son of a bastard!" Zekram let out a furious roar and the windows shattered. "That's his plan!?"

"Wait, you know about it?" It was a turn of phrase, I didn't actually expect him to know about it in detail when I was even in the dark about things.

Zekram's eyes flared up and his temper slowly reined back in. I could still tell he was furious. "I am bound by an oath; I cannot speak about it." He grit his teeth. "How do you know about it!?" He gaze bore down on me.

"I've run into its power a few times at this point. I visited the Vatican and there was an incident with the 'power' of the thing appearing." I briefly described my ordeal.

He blinked. "Why were you in the Vatican?" He stopped. "It doesn't matter. You must have run into a seal there are….many of them. And before you ask, I do not have knowledge on where or what they are." He didn't clarify, and It wasn't hard to guess that this 'oath' of his was more than an honor thing. "but that doesn't explain—"

"I know quite a few Gods."

He clamped his mouth shut as if that answered everything. "That stupid boy!" He growled again before calming down. He reached a hand down his shirt, pulling out a strange metal object connected to a leather strap, a necklace.

Though, looking at the thing he was holding, after giving it another glance, it looked….like half a key? It was oddly shaped and white in color, but I didn't notice anything particular about it otherwise.

"I met the Biblical God once. Rather than from afar, I mean." He seemingly changed the subject. "He appeared in my home, right in front of me. I thought I was going to die."

"What did you do?"

"I offered him tea." Zekram said with a rather self-mocking smile. "He accepted. I admit, it was one of the strangest experiences of my long life. We simply….chatted. He asked me questions, asked my opinion on certain things and when it was over, he departed." Zekram looked up. "It wasn't much later that he perished."

"Are you happy he's gone?" My goal of reviving Big G was still a priority but….I was curious as to his thoughts.

"It's an odd thought to consider. If everything remained the same, and right at this moment, he sat upon his throne in Heaven, I believe it would be preferable. It is exhausting trying to wrangle the direction of Devilhood where I desire. Having him alive would mean that Devils would be much less lazy and seek to better themselves without me having to forcibly exert myself." He let out an annoyed huff. "Do you have any idea how hard it is to balance Devil politics so they don't kill themselves? But I digress, we are moving away from the elephant that you introduced to the room."

"The Beast of the Apocalypse"

"Trihexa." Zekram Bael spoke. "Very well, I will assist."

"What?"

"Whoever you are involved in, whatever you are doing, you are obviously on the opposite side of the Khaos Brigade and that idiotic bastard, so I will lend you my support. Speak to whoever you need to, but I wish to join."

Right, he deduced I had a group with me beyond what the public knew about.

Hades is going to be pissed with me, isn't he?

This is not what I expected when I came here earlier.

I let out a sigh because I was already getting a headache from this. "I have no idea what I'm doing at the moment, but I will…..talk to a few people. That being said, perhaps we shouldn't make it obvious regardless of what happens, that we are on polite terms?"

"Yes yes, do what you want." Zekram waived his hand. "Make a show of it, storm out, I'll sell it afterwards." He looked off. "I will begin making my own preparations. The underworld is not without its own failsafes."

Well, this meeting ended rather abruptly, but neither of us could be blamed, we were both….focused on other things at the moment.

Well, if Zekram was going to offer his full support, then I wasn't going to turn it down.

 

@***@

 

Zekram Bael POV

"Zonvas, get in here."

"Yes, Lord Bael?" He was kneeling on the ground already.

"I hope your sister didn't give you any permanent damage." I said dryly looking him over. He shook under my gaze and I dismissed him. "The mansion stopped shaking, can I assume that our guests left?"

"The Half bree –"

"Careful, Zonvas, with but a word from the Half-Breed, and I would gladly give him your position." How dare he speak down at a Bael that I acknowledge? Hmph, if it weren't for his talent in sniffing out profit, he wouldn't have lasted this long as the Bael Head.

"He left, Lord Bael. As did my Sister." He quickly corrected himself.

I'm sure if I held my foot out, he would be kissing it right now. I had plenty of bad memories being forced to literally do so with Lucifer in the past, not something uncommon with my kin as the man was sadistic. But this is hardly a comparable situation. I made sure to always keep the proverbial dagger sharp for when I needed to stab it into his back.

This one, he would probably wet his pants at the mere idea. And while I would despise treachery, I abhor such patheticness.

Why wouldn't he have just accepted my offer to be the Bael Head? I thought it was a good enough offer, but I suppose I simply don't know enough about my descendant to truly entice him.

He is an enigma of epic proportions.

"I assume by the house shaking previously that Lord Schweinorg left in a foul mood?" I barely trust him to tie his shoes without begging me for my input, much less important information that should remain secret.

"Yes, Lord Bael. He blew a hole through the front door while leaving…..and…"

"…and what?" I raised an eyebrow.

Zonvas coughed awkwardly. "He….used magic to draw a large phallus on the front of the mansion."

I silently looked at Zonvas, oddly having trouble providing a response.

"….no matter what I do, it will not come off."

Before I realized it, I found myself laughing, a hearty laugh that I have not had in a long time. Something I truly needed after having my anger rising up at the stupidity of Lucifer's progeny wanting to awaken the Beast!

That fool, he wants to doom us all, for what purpose? Atleast one of my descendants has proved themselves competent and is already aware and actively going against the maniacs.

The Key half around my neck felt heavy.

"Lord Bael, what should we do? The Staff won't return until tomorrow, should I demand they return earlier?"

I waved my hand. "Leave it be, let everyone see what happened."

"I see." He grinned evilly. "Yes, let everyone see what that bastard did. We'll tarnish his reputation first before demanding satisfaction."

….fool, he cares not for the underworld.

'Tarnish his reputation' all that you want.

And you can enjoy fighting against his growing fans among the reincarnated devils. But of course, you don't even deem to think about them in your arrogance. The only reason I do not quite literally whip the stupid out of him is because one of his children is bound to take over soon and I simply don't want to waste my effort on such a task.

The Key Half was clenched between my fingers as I gazed towards the territory of my old friend.

The ancient Oaths still hold.

The underworld is threatened.

It's time to rally the old guard once more, Runeas.

 

@***@

A/N

If you want to read 10 chapters ahead or support me, visit my p.a.t.r.e.o.n.c.o.m / astoryforone

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next chapter

Chapter 538: Chapter 487

 

I moved Mirage up to deflect a blow from Scáthach's spear as it narrowly missed me. She followed up by swiping its bottom at my side and I was forced to bring my sword down to block it, but the force sent me sliding across the ground a few feet before coming to a stop.

She took steady steps towards me, each one measured as her spear leveled towards my eyes and thrust it with enough speed that I had to jerk my body and twist in an awkward way to dodge.

A flurry of spears continued to assault me, each one slowly increasing in speed that I continued to block and deflect.

Finally, she managed to hook my blade with her spear and force it from my hand, sending it sailing off to the side and gently, the bottom of her spear poked my chest. "If this was a real fight, I would have taken your heart, student."

I let out a sigh, admitting defeat. "You can't take what already belongs to you." I shot a cheeky grin her way.

She rolled her eyes with an amused smile but reached over and lightly pulled on my cheek. "You mind is elsewhere."

"Is it that obvious?"

"Who do you think I am?" She raised an eyebrow, fetching my sword and tossing it back at me. "How do you feel?"

"Hmm, not bad" I stretched my arms. I always enjoyed our little workouts, even if they weren't always the most intense. Specifically, this time, I wasn't using anything beyond my basic physical strength. "I think I got the hang of my new strength though." I said flexing my hands.

"Mmm, it is noticeable but not something unusual. You have a firmer foundation to build upon now at the very least."

Yeah, an increase in my base self was an upward multiplicative increase across the board with the other things I had going on. I would never say no to a costless strength boost as it were.

"I appreciate you helping though. I wanted to see where I stood with just that little bit added on."

"I am always here to assist student." She spun her spear, stabbing it into the ground. "However, that is not all you have for a showing, is it not?" She quirked a smile.

I scratched my head and relented. "My new Authority, its true power requires certain conditions, but there is something I can do without them being met.

From my shadow, a gigantic hand emerged and grabbed hold of Her, lifting her up off the ground.

She looked down at me from a dozen or so feet in the air with a chuckle she pried herself free and touched the dirt below. "Interesting, student. That is a very practical and beneficial ability. I assume it is not limited to a mere hand."

"I can generate a shadow avatar of the God I defeated. It's not…..unprecedently strong, but it's a good tool to add to my arsenal." And that wasn't getting into the effect that I required certain conditions to meet to utilize.

Though it had an extreme counter towards fire and sun related abilities. Which is why Hanuman was able to stop the arrow released from the Bow as the origin is the authority of a sun god.

"I look forward to seeing it truly unveiled in battle." She spoke happily. "For now, a continued spar is pointless. If your mind is focused elsewhere, then you will not gain anything."

"I'm sorry." I apologized with a small smile.

"Your worries are understandable." She quickly closed the distance between us and grabbed my cheeks before placing her lips on mine for a quick kiss. "Our time has ended regardless. You have other duties to attend to."

Izzy had come by and was waiting at the side, and she wasn't the only one.

"Daddy!" Kunou came running over to me and I quickly opened my arms to accept her into a hug.

"And here's the Birthday girl." I swung her around. "How old are you now? 5? 6?"

She puffed up cutely. "I'm 11, I'm not a baby anymore."

"You'll always be my little fox." I kissed her forehead.

"Did you get me a present?" She asked so bluntly.

I chuckled and rubbed her head. "A present, what for?"

"My birthday!"

"You're supposed to give presents on birthdays?" I faked surprise.

"Don't make her cry." Scáthach quickly came in, pinching my cheek again. "Don't worry lass, I have a present you will enjoy."

"Auntie is better than daddy." Kunou pouted.

"Yes, I am much better, aren't I?" Scáthach laughed. "Now, off you go. We must prepare for your celebration."

Well, it wasn't much of a surprise, rather obvious as well.

"Are you ready to go?" Izzy asked. "It was abrupt, but I managed to convince him of the importance."

"Yeah, let's quickly do this. I feel anxious enough that I don't want to put it off if I can help it." Well, mixing business and pleasure did leave a sour taste in my mouth, but it's not like Kunou would just be sitting in a corner somewhere.

"We will be prepared for your return." Scáthach said again with a rare hint of gentleness as she gazed at us.

"Bye Auntie Scáthach." Kunou waived as I created a portal at Izzy's beckoning.

The air around us shifted quickly as the harsh, deathly air of the Underworld took over.

I staved off the oppressive feeling from Kunou rather easily and our hosts were there upon our arrival.

"Hades." I greeted.

"Mr. Schweinorg." He politely returned. "I believe I don't need to introduce my associate, but considering it's our first meeting, I will do so anyways. Thanatos wanted to meet you." He gestured to the second 'person' at his side.

Thanatos, the Primordial of Death, son of Nyx, the night itself.

He was a good two feet above Hades in height with a rather slim build. His body was black, almost like it was partly made of fabric, and his face was covered in a strange pale mask with only his eyes and mouth visible. And from his back sprouted two wings that at first glance seemed to be made of feathers, but that seemed to not be accurate as if they were solid extensions and not a culmination of many feathers together. Almost like they were crystalline in shape.

"Wilhelm Henry Schweinorg, at your service." I was also polite.

Manners cost you nothing and they can gain you everything.

The Primordial tilted his head and seemed to smile lightly.

"Don't mind him, he rarely speaks." Hades was quick to answer for him.

"I like your wings." Kunou spoke up, looking at the large being.

Thanatos looked at Kunou strangely and his smile spread. Truthfully, I may have been concerned in any other situation but….well, I felt a rather gentle aura from him.

He slowly and gently reached out his hand and patted Kunou on the head.

Many people don't seem to understand that Death isn't a destructive or evil force.

At its core, it's a gentle embrace.

"Hello Thanatos, it's been a while." Izzy also spoke up and Thanatos nodded in her direction. "And Hades, it feels like I've seen you more in this past year than the last few centuries combined."

"Yesh, I wonder why that is." He drawled, looking at me.

I set Kunou down. "Thank you for agreeing with everything. I know this is an odd request and abrupt meeting…"

Hades let out a sigh. "I understand that mortals feel the need to rush." He flipped his hand through the air. "I merely hope that it's worth having to force an opening in my schedule." He then clapped his hands and the ground shook as a three headed dog came barking over the horizon.

Cerberus looked ecstatic to greet everyone as Hades rubbed his snoot. "Cerberus, would you be so kind as to watch over the young lady? I heard that she's particularly fond of giving good boys lots of attention."

The three headed dog looked across us and all its eyes landed on Kunou and lowered its heads to match her height.

"So big!" Kunou threw her arms open at the first head and they seemed to accept her rather quickly.

I had Izzy message Hades and ask him permission to bring Kunou so she can play with Cerberus for a little bit while we have a quick meeting.

Figure she would enjoy it and it would give us an hour or two to cover the important stuff.

I let Sir Wiggles and Lady Wiggles out to join them.

Hades had a rare smile as he looked at them. "Come, Thanatos will watch over them and make sure she does not go where she's not supposed to." He put a passing hand on my shoulder. "He is good with children, he often watched over mine when they were still young."

I quickly grabbed at Kunou's tail to get her attention. "Behave yourself while Daddy has a quick chat with his friend, alright? Thanatos is in charge."

"I'll be good." She promised.

I looked up and Thanatos silently met my gaze, I gave him a thankful nod and I followed along with Hades and Izzy to our secret location as Hades forced our arrival through his Divine Power.

In our secretive room where we plot, Odin was already there, waiting. "So, the gang's all gathered."

"Odin."

"Brat." Odin returned. "And the cougar."

Izzy's lips twitched. "I heard you went to Olympus."

Odin's grin immediately fell, and he let out a groan. Funny enough, Hades also raised a hand, covering his face.

"Please don't mention that it was a headache for me as well." The God of the Underworld sighed.

"How bad was it?"

"Could have been worse." Odin shrugged. "You know how the song and dance goes, Zeus puffs his chest, I call his bluff. We make threats at each other."

"Atleast for now, he is…. placated." Hades forced out. "Though, I fear it is only a temporary measure. Zeus is very paranoid; he simply won't accept other's words or threats. Especially with Father now walking 'free' upon the Norse Realms, he is even more on edge."

"Any issue with Atalanta and Achilles?"

Hades' lips thinned. "I told him that their souls were still safe and sound in Elysium, which is not a lie."

They both expressed wanting to visit their 'home'….and I wasn't in a position to deny their request. It was going to come out eventually, and they more than deserved the chance to meet certain people they missed.

I guess we'll cross that bridge when we get to it.

"How's Asgard doing?"

"About the same. It's only been a few days." Odin snorted, stretching his back. "Though the way I've been bouncing around various factions trying to calm people down, it sure feels longer."

"I share the sentiment." I've bounced around a few worlds now and it really does feel like Asgard was…months ago.

"Enough of the pleasantries, I'm very busy and I did not anticipate this meeting, so I was forced to push some of my work off. I want to know what was so important that both yourself and Izanami were adamant about this gathering." Hades finally cut straight to the point.

"Did you hear any news form the Vatican?" I asked.

Hades, while not upset or in a mood, visibly calmed down. "Merely some words that there was a disturbance."

"That was me, or rather, an extension of my presence there. And before you ask, I was invited. But to make matters short, I accidently tripped a….seal that was under Saint Peter's Basilica. The Presence in Pandora's Box resonated with it and broke the seal, releasing a wisp of power from the same source. It nearly caused the Archangel Gabriel to fall. But that's beside the point, I hurried over to visit Pandora to see if she could gleam anything from it." I paused for a moment catching my breath and letting my words settle in. "Have you heard of the Apocalypse Beast – Trihexa?"

Hades's expression stiffened and even Odin seemed to tense up.

"Are you positive about this?" Odin asked.

"I agree with the All-Father, that is not a name to throw around unless you're absolutely certain."

"I take it you're both familiar?"

"Familiar, I suppose you could say that. The name isn't new, it's been called many things based on the region of the world. But the thing is…..no one thought it was real until now. "

"What do you mean no one 'thought it was real'?" I was finding out about this for the first time now. I mean sure, the whole idea of the Beast was in the bible, and I knew the story, but…..that was an entirely different thing. They would be the ones to know these types of things.

"It is speculated…" Hades held up his hand. "That the prophecies of destruction. The inevitable ends, the stories of each faction's death can be traced back to a singular source. It was merely a rumor and there had been no indication of its truth. Think about it this way, in the myths and stories of mortals when talking about various factions, can you name a single one that has a 'happily ever after'?"

Now that he said that I couldn't.

Sure, there were plenty that didn't outright mention an end like the Norse's Ragnarök, like the Greeks that was more vague such as the prophecy of Zeus being overthrown or the Gigantomachia and things like that.

I pursed my lips and really thought about it. "Not directly responsible for destruction, not Surtr carrying out his prophesized role, you're talking about the concept of civilization destruction. Something seeped into the core of the world that no Faction can escape an 'apocalypse'."

"In a manner of speaking." Hades nodded. "As I said, it was merely a whimsical speculation."

"This is assuming that we are to believe the source." Odin also added. "I am likely to accept it out of goodwill, but this is something that needs…verification."

"Agreed." Hades' eyes glowed briefly. "This is no longer a matter about resurrecting the Biblical God, this has escalated far beyond. Tracing back the origins of the Box, it was in Loki's hands and my Father's hands and the connection there is the Khaos Brigade. Is that their true goal then? To….unleash this monstrosity on the world?"

"Did you not know anything while you were there?"

Hades shook his head. "They were…careful about the dissemination of information. I also did not care about their overt goals as it did not seem substantial at the time. Izanami, what are your thoughts?"

"I can understand your reservations, even hearing it myself I am…concerned. And I know you are not one to take things so easily even from myself. Wilhelm also has someone else that can verify the information if you are willing."

Hades tapped the table infront of us. "Adding a new person to our group, that's what you're suggesting in this."

"To be honest, he was able to guess the existence of this 'group' from a short meeting I had with him." I smiled wryly.

Hades frowned. "You're not one to reveal things, so I can only assume it was done through logical deduction. The clues are there, even if they're not easily alignable to the vast majority of people."

"Alright, just pull off the bandage. Who had the big brains to deduce our little secret get togethers, hmm?"

"Zekram Bael." I just blurted it out. "He invited me down to talk because Rizevim Lucifer paid him a visit, having been oddly interested in me. He wanted to warn me, of course, but he was able to gleam some things from my reactions and was able to guess about our association."

Hades let out a long groan. "Devils. Always the Devils, isn't it? Atleast it isn't one of the annoying ones."

"There are non-annoying Devils to you?" Izzy snorted.

"Yes, I much prefer the ones who are quiet and have no need to be uppity brats. I am aware of who Zekram Bael is, I have folders of documents and information on him like most entities in the world." Hades tapped the table with increased fervor as he clearly was thinking deeply. "A long time ago while the war still raged, I met the origin of your bloodline. Him and his cohorts found themselves on my wrong side as they wound up in my Underworld. I was not involved in their petty squabbles, so it was obviously an error that they appeared in my territory. The first thing that Devil did upon seeing me was admit the fault was only his own and offered his head as recompose and asked for his followers' survival."

"Did you kill him?" Odin asked.

Hades gave him a rather dry look. "I admit it took me by surprise at that point in time. Even with my hatred of Devils, the Devils back then were significantly worse. I asked him why he was willing to sacrifice himself for his fellow devils. He simply told me that it was his pride as a King."

I think I understood Zekram a little more at this point.

He was ruthless and pragmatic, but he wasn't without his own pride or honor. He would, without hesitation, send his family and friends, those who trusted and even those he cherished to their deaths if it was a worthy cause in his eyes. But at the same time, if he fucked up, he would also willingly pay the price just as he expected from everyone else around him.

"I of course found it utterly hilarious that this pathetic Devil was before me claiming with full seriousness that he had the Pride of a King. I spared him and his, as they were not there intentionally. Though, I had to punish them, I let Cerberus chase them out." Hades had a little smile on his face. "I don't trust the devils in their promises, but I will trust in their arrogance. I assume you are waiting for my permission, bring him."

Well, Hades was right, I was waiting for permission and was already in contact with Zekram.

A portal opened up next to me and the Devil walked out.

"Ah, so it was rather close to what I anticipated." Zekram Bael noted upon seeing the room. "I admit, I was on the fence if it was the Greeks or the Hindus."

"Do you really think Indra and I would willingly work together like this?" I raised an eyebrow.

The Bael progenitor shrugged. "It would have been a rather devilish red herring if it turned out true." He had a little smirk. "Lord Odin, Lord Hades, and Lady Izanami." He greeted around the room.

"Zekram Bael." Hade's voice had a subtle air of authority to it and a certain pressure weighed down. "Tell me, do you still have the Pride of a King."

"That question is the same as if asking if I am still alive, Lord Hades." Zekram merely smiled.

"Still arrogant." Hades snorted, releasing the pressure. "If It comes to light that you reveal things you should not, your Satans will not stop me from taking your soul."

"Your stance is noted."

Well balls on Zekram, not many people can stand so nonplussed under the intense gaze of Hades.

"Alright, if you're done waiving your dicks at each other, back to the important bits." Odin interrupted them. "The brat says that you're in his corner regarding the Trihexa. I would very much like to know what you know."

"What I can say is limited I am….under an oath that doesn't allow much information to pass my lips. I can verify that it does exist, and I believe that the bratty son of my former Liege is intent on releasing it from its seal."

"Its seal?" Hades questioned.

"Do you truly believe the Biblical God would die to the original Satans?" Zekram Bael raised an eyebrow. "Just food for thought."

Hades frowned and we all seemed to consider what he said.

"There are a lot of things we're still in the dark about." I crossed my arms. "We're playing catch up and the Khaos Brigade is several steps ahead of us."

"More than you possibly know. One thing I can say is that there are plenty of seals around the world. Their locations and numbers are unknown to me." Zekram stated.

"Yes….he mentioned the Vatican." Hades rubbed his chin. "That makes sense. The Biblical God must have known much more than us. He created Seals to prevent the beast from expanding its influence directly into the world, that is the only certainty that comes to my mind when mentioning something as small as you experienced in the Vatican."

"We have to be careful about how we investigate." Odin spoke up after a moment of silence. "Our advantage right now is that they don't know that we know."

"Well, one of our advantages." I whispered.

"We must prepare for the worse case scenario." Hades said solemnly. "It's making sense now; the flow of the world has changed drastically in recent times. It's as if war was going to erupt."

"You're not the first one I heard that from in recent days." Odin frowned. "I have a few people I can reach out to and tell them to subtly start preparing. Asgard can amass without concern under the guise of rebuilding."

"I have already begun. The Underworld is not as defenseless as many may assume." Zekram Bael stated.

"Our original goal now takes precedence." Hades stated.

He's right, if the Biblical God has a hand in containing the beast originally, then it's very important that we accelerate the timetable for his revival.

"Original goal?" Zekram asked.

"Do you remember when I asked you how you would feel if the Biblical God was still alive?" I responded.

It only took Zekram a moment to contemplate what I meant by that, and then he started laughing.

 

[***]

 

A stark contrast to the tense discussion I was having with the others just a bit prior with adding Zekram to our little 'group'.

I had Kunou on my shoulders while she was finishing off an ice cream cone at a place we stopped at to kill a bit more time.

I was stressed…not overburdened like I was previously, but this kind of pressure wasn't something that was going to disappear for a little while.

Just another thing to add onto the pile of stuff to worry about.

But I had reliable allies that were all working towards the same goal. We had to be careful and quiet about our movements, if our enemies found out what we were doing, they may decide that it's better for them to just tip their hands completely and not give us time to properly set up.

From the sharing of information, it's rather obvious that the Khaos Brigade has plants in every faction to a substantial degree. To the point where every faction would be enveloped in their own war just like how the Norse were with Ragnarök.

Our little 'ploy' with shifting the blame onto Indra way back when is just evidence of that with how quickly the dissidents in the Hindu faction were quick to throw a punch at Indra when given the opportunity.

There wasn't much I could personally do at this time, and besides, I was about to be enveloped in my own War along with Yasaka and the Youkai.

Once we send off Kunou to Hogwarts, a mere few days after her birthday, we were going to announce that the timetable had moved up and we were preparing our assault.

Oh, the rage had died down, which was Yasaka's intention, but instead of a raging flame, it was a simmer that could reignite with the right fuel.

But that was in the future.

I forced those thoughts away for the last time we would be together as a family for quite awhile as I approached our home.

"Happy birthday!" A Chorus of voices rang out as we opened the first door.

Kunou happily jumped off my shoulders and squealed happily. Everyone was here, from my girls to Rin to Medea and her Fiancé. Even Thorum was present along with the Servants from the Grail War. And not far from us, even Gramps was standing there with Lucretia.

Oh dear, Scáthach was holding Gae Bolg. It was not her Gae Bolg and it certainly wasn't mine.

It also had a bow wrapped around it.

…..this was going to be an interesting birthday party.

 

[***]

A/N

If you want to read 10 chapters ahead or support me, visit my p.a.t.r.e.o.n.c.o.m / astoryforone

I also have a boosty under the same name if you can't use the above.

 


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