Chapter 54: The Summit, Part 2

The sun shone dull behind the numerous barriers, yet its warmth spilled across the white stone table. Ichigo shifted his weight as he stood behind Sirzechs, arms tightly folded across his chest. They were hours into the discussion, and there had been tremendous back and forth already.

Above the triangular stone table was a projection of the Earth, and carefully highlighted were the major strongholds of each faction. Well, the one’s they were publicly willing to admit to, anyways.

“The next point I bring up is quite vital for the White City,” Michael said, “Over the millennia, the mortal sphere has been our collective choice of battlefield by proxy. And for this, the Churches have suffered fractures under the machinations of both Devils and the Fallen. My request is simple: pull back. Let humanity’s faith settle without interference. At the very least, withdraw your presence from the sanctuaries of Christendom.”

Azazel leaned forward on his elbows, the picture of carelessness as his wings shifted ever so slightly behind him. A lazy grin carved his face as amusement played across his lips.

“You make it sound like we’re camped in every chapel across the Earth,” the Governor said. “But let’s be honest here, many churches were founded by my people. Not a large number, not when compared to the collective, but not an insignificant amount either. We put in the legwork, ran the pulpits, bribed the local bishops.” Uriel scowled fiercely at that, but Azazel ignored him. “You’ll forgive me if I don’t yank out those roots because you feel crowded.”

The light around Michael’s form shuffled, and though Ichigo sensed no emotion from the archangel, his mien was solemn and earnest. “You know the truth as well as I do, Azazel – the Fallen may bear children, the Devils propagate too and are further strengthened with Ajuka’s abominations, but Heaven’s numbers are impossible to raise. The collective can only be maintained, never grown. And with each year, we lose more and more. Either to your words, or to your spears. And with Father no longer with us, the faith of mortals is far too precious a resource to let dwindle. Humanity is already so fractured, so many different sects and denominations so eager to call one another heretics… is it too much to ask that we consolidate what little remains?”

Ichigo’s brow ticked up. He wasn’t sure if using sympathy would work at this point. Certainly not with him and Sirzechs. But, then again, there was once significant shared history and affection between Michael and Azazel.

Which is why Sirzechs wisely chose that moment to cut through Michael’s momentum. His tone velvet and his smile faint, the Devil himself said, “And yet, Michael, you must see how impossible that request is for our Empire. Many devil lineages hold territories in the Human World that stretch back several millennia. The House of Vassago has managed a swath of Brittany since classical antiquity. The House of Agares has deeply entrenched themselves through Saxony since the early Middle Ages. Am I to tell them to abandon centuries of cultivation because Heaven cannot multiply?”

His hand flicked lightly at the map. “And beyond ancient precedent, there is economic fallout to consider. Investments, manufacturing, agriculture; all threaded through multinational corporation - mundane and magical. The Underworld’s economy is braided through the mortal markets. A full withdrawal would see the collapse of humanity’s globalized economy, and there would be, pardon the expression, hell to follow.”

Azazel snorted sarcastically. “Oh yes, the insurmountable impossibility of Agares and his brood being unable to direct their business without their villa in the Saxon Hills. Remote work from the Underworld via magical communication and human proxies? No, perish the thought. How will they ever manage?”

Sirzechs’ grin widened just slightly.

And like that, Michael, Azazel and Sirzechs continued on for long minutes, skillful barbs and arguments weaving in and out, until they finally sketched a compromise.

Ichigo’s eyes flickered over the edited projection of the Earth, taking note of the shimmering circles of gold, green, and red as they spread across the spinning globe. Each marked an area of influence - zones the other Powers agreed not to trespass in without notice.

He further studied the map, watching the circles tighten over key regions. None crossed major human cities though, of course not. No one here was foolish enough to give up access to the densely populated cities of Humanity.

Save for Rome.

Michael was iron in his stance that the ancient city be free of Fallen and Devil interference.

That being said, these zones of influence were more for the powerful and influential figures of each faction. Pillar Lords and their equals within the Grigori and the White City. No one would start a war if some lowly exorcist stumbled into a Devil’s territory, or if a stray reincarnated grunt hawked his wares in another faction’s corner.

Those incidents would be up to the local powers to clean up.

As things finally settled, Michael continued as they all remained on the subject of influencing the human world. But this time, the Seraph’s gaze was solely on the two Demon Lords.

“The reincarnations,” Michael said. “The practice must be reduced. Specifically, when it comes to the Sacred Gear hosts. The lifespan of a Devil, even a reincarnated one, is infinitely longer than any human’s. Their Sacred Gears remain longer and longer out of circulation, lowering the total number cycling through Humanity. Day by day, new glitches and malfunctions are rising in the System as it fails under the strain to generate enough new Sacred Gears to make up for the loss.”

Sirzechs’ answer was immediate and ruthless. “No.”

Michael did not flinch. “I do not jest Sirzechs, the Sacred Gear System is failing. It will last but a few more centuries. You risk collapsing all of Humanity’s potential to satisfy your thirst for power?”

“Humanity existed long before the Sacred Gears and they will flourish long past it.” Sirzechs said firmly. “Do not pretend otherwise, Michael. Humans have never needed nor will ever need the Supernatural. Theirs is the gift of perseverance. But for we Devils, reincarnated humans with Sacred Gears progress through the Rating Games and develop much faster than others. They are invaluable to my Empire.”

Azazel leaned back as, uncharacteristically, his mouth twisted grim. “Even without the Devils and their blasted Evil Pieces, the System is bound to fail, Michael. It wasn’t designed to work without Father. And I can say that confidently because I’m the one who designed it that way. That you and the others have managed to maintain it for this long, if you’ll excuse the blasphemy, it’s a damn miracle.”

Sirzechs crossed his arms and fixed them both a resolute stare. “If it be so dire, Ajuka can stabilize it. Regardless of what any of you think of him, no one can deny his genius. Grant him access to the System, and he can ensure it remains stable for eons to come.”

Uriel’s wings flared, a hiss of holy radiance that caused Ichigo to frown in annoyance. Michael only dipped his head slightly, though his meaning was clear enough.

Azazel, on the other hand, burst out laughing. “Oh, that would be glorious! Beelzebub, tinkering in the deepest and most secluded vaults of the White City? I’m tempted to side with the Devils just so I can see the looks on my brethren’s faces when a Demon Lords strides through the High Gates!”

Michael shot Azazel with a disapproving glare, not that Ichigo could blame him.

Ajuka in the metaphysical heart of Heaven? He nearly let out a bark of laughter himself. The realm would probably upend itself. The utter chaos the Sin of Greed’s sheer presence would cause in the White City would be titanic.

After several more minutes of back and forth, the three leaders came to an agreement when it came to the Sacred Gears and the reincarnation issue. Sirzechs agreed that the Devils would refrain from binding any new Longinus wielders. They already had two, Boosted Gear and Regulus Nemea. Well, technically, they had Divine Dividing as well. But that particular Longinus belonged to the Lucifer descendent. And from what they knew, the half-Devil was more inclined to side with Azazel than he was with his own paternal species.

As for the other issue, of the decline and eventual failing of the Sacred Gear System, Michael had agreed to allow Azazel supervised access into the System’s mainframe. In turn Azazel could share, only with Michael’s approval, share certain insights and findings with Ajuka and work together to come up with a solution.

Privately, Ichigo thought Ajuka would not take well to the compromise. The older Demon had his fair share of projects and experiments underway within the ministries that he managed, and he was loathe to divert his attention from them. Ajuka’s Sin most starkly manifested when it came to his own personal time. He was very stingy with his time.

The map dimmed again and suddenly shimmered from Earth to being a projection of the Underworld. Azazel leaned forward. “Since we’re airing demands, let’s talk Mulach.”

Sirzechs arched a brow. “The mountains?”

“Yup, the western choke point between our side of the Underworld and yours,” Azazel said, tone light but eyes sharp. “I won’t ask you to give it up, but how about you demilitarize the zone and allow for Fallen traffic to pass through? A show of good faith, yes?”

“Faith is one thing, folly is another,” Sirzechs replied wryly. “Mulach protects the heartlands of the Empire and through it you can directly access territories of certain Pillar Lords. Valuable territories. Demilitarization is, thus, out of the question. What I can agree on, however, is opening it up as a trade route. Vetted merchants may be granted visas to travel to restricted parts of the Devil Empire for the express purpose of trade.”

“So generous,” Azazel said dryly. “And pray tell, what is the price of your magnanimity?”

However, as Sirzechs was about to respond, Ichigo stirred behind him and sent a small mental probe at the older Satan.

“Ichigo?” The red-headed Demon asked curiously.

Ichigo pushed off the bench, crimson eyes cutting across the table. “I want access to Malebolge and Kokytos.”

Everyone else suddenly turned their full attention to him, not that he was surprised.

Malebolge was an area of the Underworld… well, it was more than just a simple area. It was a plane of reality that was paradoxically both a part of the Underworld and separate from it. And it could only be accessed from the Fallen’s territory within the Underworld. Malebolge was a primeval realm steeped in energies of decay and malice. Only the most wretched, vile and disgusting creatures that had never known the light of any star dwelled there. A realm of horrors and monsters.

As for Kokytos, the River of Lamentation was legendry in Greek mythology, but what few knew was that the river ran through multiple afterlives, not just through Hades. And a significant stretch of the river ran through Malebolge. Which meant that the chthonic realms could be accessed through the Underworld, allowing for...

“There are Sinners there. Condemned souls that have ferried themselves through Kokytos and into the Underworld to avoid their Fate,” Ichigo said flatly. “They’re mine.”

A ripple of distaste ran through both species of angels, all four of them shifting uncomfortable. Even Michael’s endless radiance dimmed slightly.

“I would prefer those souls be saved,” the Seraph said softly. “But I know salvation from the Fire is not mine to grant.”

Ichigo’s mouth tightened. “No. It isn’t.”

Azazel nodded grimly. “Very well, I agree. If the Devils are willing to allow us to use the Mulach Pass as a trade route, then we will grant access to Malebolge.”

“On the matter of planes within the Underworld,” Michael said suddenly, “The outer realm of Limbo - there is a pathway there that allows one access near the boundaries of the White City. I would like to establish a defensive outpost in Limbo, with the intention of making it a trade hub in time.”

Both Sirzechs and Azazel glanced at one another, and Sirzechs was the first to speak. “I am agreeable, on the condition it remain solely a defensive outpost and that a delegation from the Empire be allowed to inspect freely at request. As for trade, we can discuss the particulars later.”

Azazel folded both hands beneath his chin as he nodded in agreement. “Same, so long as the Grigori can also send an inspection team to ensure there is no military build up to turn Limbo into an invasion point into the Underworld, I have no issues on the matter.”

Several more hours passed like this, with all three leaders negotiating and striking bargains and compromises. Every so often, Ichigo, Uriel or Baraqiel would speak up to weigh in on a subject matter, but for the most part they were silent.

And as Ichigo could make out the sun setting past the horizon, allowing the night to creep over their little island, Sirzechs leaned forward again. And given the resolve and weight in the older Demon’s eyes, Ichigo knew that they had arrived at probably the most contentious demand from the Devil’s side.  

“Rhongomyniad.”

The air shifted, as if the mere mention of the Slaying Spear caused the Earth to shudder. Uriel glowered instantly, his grace slightly flaring like a blade drawn. But Michael only shook his head once.

“No,” the Seraph said. And it was clear Heaven did not even wish to bring up the superweapon, let alone entertain the idea that it could be negotiated upon.

“You’ve lost it before,” Sirzechs countered, hands carefully folded on the table before him. “How Kokabiel managed to raid the most secure vaults beneath the White City I will not ask, but it is not something we can risk happening ever again.”

Michael’s gaze turned sharp, and for the first time the compassion in his eyes was replaced by a hint of sharpened steel. “I hope you are not about to suggest something as foolish as handing the Slaying Spear into your custody, Dark One?”

Sirzechs let out a humorless chuckle. “No, of course not. I don’t want that thing anywhere near me or my people.”

“Then it remains in Heaven,” Michael said plainly.

“If it could remain there evermore, then I would never bring it up. But as I said, history has proven that is not a guaranteed possibility,” Sirzechs said resolutely. “Rhongomyniad is too powerful, too dangerous to be allowed in a compromised position.”

“We have taken all the precaution necessary to ensure it remain-” Michael was abruptly cut off by Azazel.

 “He has a point," the Fallen Governor said carefully. “I don’t know how Kokabiel managed to slip past the defenses of inner vaults, even I’m not capable of that. And if I knew, I would tell you in a heartbeat because the Spear is just that dangerous.”

“Would you, betrayer?” Uriel sneered.

“Yes,” Azazel said severely, “I would. Sirzechs is correct, the Spear is simply too powerful... Father should never have made it.”

Uriel’s voice rang sharp. “How dare you question Father’s wisdom-”

“I question it because he’s no longer here!” And the Fallen Lord’s power fell in a corrupt wave across the world, causing reality to groan under his fierce shout.

As Azazel’s eyes glowed a dread gold, Michael looked at him sadly, softly calling out his name, “…Azazel.”

“You may not believe me, and quite frankly I don’t give a damn,” Azazel said furiously, “but I hate saying the bitter truth as much as you do: Father is gone, Uriel! He is not here to protect us anymore! Not from each other, and not from his creations! Without him there are none now who can contain Rhongomyniad. At least, none within our mythos. And unless you mean to raise Arthur out of his grave, in which case, good bloody luck dealing with the apocalyptic prophecies surrounding his fated return, the Spear is massive liability! So, at the very least, let’s hear out what our potential newfound friends have to say.”

Uriel fell silent, his gaze never leaving Azazel’s equally fervent glare. But Michael folded his hands, eyes lingering on each of them and his expression turned thoughtful.

Ichigo had to keep himself from sighing through the entire exchange. And he thought his family drama was bad.

When Michael finally spoke, his tone was calm, but the weight behind it drew everyone’s full attention. “What is your proposal then, Sirzechs?”

Sirzechs let out a low breath as he politely inclined his head towards Michael and Uriel in thanks for their consideration. “A newly created vault under the joint custody of all three factions. Whose location and existence should be kept hidden from all save the highest echelons.”

Michael raised a fine golden brow in question. “The Seraphs, the Satans and the Cadre would know alone, then?”

“Maybe not all the Cadre,” Azazel said surprisingly, as he and Baraqiel exchanged knowing glances. “The current Satans have the advantage of being free of the zealous hatred that stemmed from the Great War, but there are still some in the Grigori who are quite unwilling to let go of previous grievances. Aside from myself and Baraqiel, I would only unquestionably trust Shemhazai and Gadreel.”

Michael nodded to himself, before quietly asking, “How is Gadreel? I have not seen our sister in o’er a thousand years now.”

Ichigo could sense the stark touch of regret and grief from both Fallen Lords, their auras coloring a different shade of dark. While he had never met the Cadre, he knew that Gadreel was the only other twelve-winged Fallen within the Grigori. She was considered to be the most powerful of them as well, even more so than Azazel.

“Alive, and as strong as ever,” Azazel answered just as quietly. “But the war changed her. I have not heard her laugh nor seen her smile in centuries. Not since so many of our kin, and Father himself, were ultimately consumed in Albion and Ddraig’s Outrage.”

Much to Ichigo’s surprise, even Uriel dipped his head, eyes colored with a touch of sorrow. Michael nodded sadly to himself.

“The war changed all of us, Azazel. And none for the better.” After a solemn minute, Michael turned his gaze to Sirzechs. “If I agree to your proposal, Demon who wears my twin’s name, I would demand something of equal worth in return.”

Sirzechs’ brow arched. “Equal to a myth amongst myths like Rhongomyniad? I shudder to think.”

Michael turned to Ichigo. Then to Azazel and Baraqiel. And then finally back to Sirzechs.

“Beelzebub’s Evil Pieces,” he said at last. “Through fearsome and unknown rite, he crafted sorcery that could bend any and all souls and twist them into the abhorrence of a Devil’s. I wish the equal but opposite of this, Dark One. A sanctified rite of purest and holy light. I would ask, nay demand, that he, and you as well Azazel, work in tandem to create a way for new Angels to be made. This, in exchange for Rhongomyniad.”

Silence fell. Even Uriel stared in utter shock. Obviously, this was something that Michael had not discussed with his fellow Seraph.

Azazel, just as amazed, stared in open disbelief. “Corrupting a soul is easy, Michael. But to raise one in holy station…? You ask much, brother.”

“What I ask for is a future where the White City does not wither,” Michael said softly. “A future where, not just humans souls, but other beings may join the ranks of the Heavenly Host if given the choice. Give me that, and we will lock Rhongomyniad away forevermore.”

Ichigo glanced towards Sirzech, and the other Demon Lord caught his eye. The Evil Pieces were the single greatest advantage they had over the other two Great Powers. It allowed for their ever declining population to turn around and surge for the first time in their species’ history. And there was no doubt in Ichigo’s mind, if there was anyone who could create a way for new Angels to be made, it was Ajuka.

But the ramifications for such a creation would drastically change the future of the Three Great Powers. In truth, their mythos was in great decline. Still powerful, still dangerous, but a fractured shadow of what they had been before the Great War.

It would take centuries, millennia even, for the Angels to recover. And if the Sacred Gear System was repaired and improved upon on top of the Angels gaining the ability to reincarnate souls…

Ichigo frowned considerably. He suddenly understood why Tiamat said this was the turning point of a new age. Whatever decisions they made today would irrevocably change the world.

Very quickly, Ichigo held a small mental conversation with Sirzechs. The other Satans had essentially given the two full negotiation powers on behalf of the Crown Princes, so whatever decision they came to would be binding and uncontested.

After a full minute of back and forth, both he and Sirzechs came to the same conclusion: the potential of Rhongomyniad falling into the wrong hands was unacceptable. The True Longinus was already damning enough against their species. They didn’t need another superweapon tailor made for their murder.

Ichigo turned his gaze to the two archangels and gave deft nod, even as Sirzechs said, “Very well, if the Governor is agreeable, we will cooperate to create a reincarnation system for Angels in exchange for Rhongomyniad to be jointly sealed away.”

All eyes then turned to Azazel who leaned back and put both his hands behind his head. The Fallen Lord let out a low whistle. “Can’t say I ever saw things turning out like this.” He then cast an appreciative glance at Michael. “Smart play, elder brother. Once again you prove why you and your face were Father’s favorites. Fine then, I will commit to this. Rhongomyniad sealed, in return I get a whole new batch of Angels to corrupt and drag down! It’s a win-win!”

Rather unike his poised self, Michael let out a sigh as he gave Azazel a disapproving stare. “I would prefer if you did not.”

“Nope!” Azazel said cheekily. “Too late, no take backs! But then, let’s move on, shall we? The details and dreadful bureaucratic logistics can always be discussed later. We should really move on to biggest reason we’ve all gathered here.”

And just like that, Ichigo felt the mood grow a thousand times heavier.

“Ophis.”

-----

High in the skies of Iravex, Tiamat sprawled in full dragon form upon the soft grass that the servants so painstakingly took care of. Her massive coils shifted as she dug herself comfortably.

With a single exhale, she brought forth a gale from the oceans, filling the air about her beloved’s citadel with the scent of sea salt.

Idly, she lifted her great neck and watched as a horde of monsters the Devils called Reavers hauled away colossal bones, the cracked remnants of some unfortunate beast she had devoured the week before. Even stripped of flesh, the greyed, titanic ribs radiated a magical menace, and the Reavers strained against carrying the carcass, bellowing guttural grunts as they worked together.

The mark of a true sovereign, even in his absence, the servants carried on loyally and without question. He was growing well into his station.

But then, the magic of the air shifted, and soft blue light shimmered into being and the she-Devil who served by her beloved’s side rose from the ground. Flanking her side was a smaller figure who immediately darted towards her. The boy’s crimson hair and earnest grin bouncing in her summoned ocean breeze.

“Auntie Tiamat! Auntie Tiamat!” Millicas shouted, practically vibrating with excitement.

A lone sapphire eye peered down, lazy and amused. “Hatchling.”

“I’ve made huge progress in my training! I want to show you.”

Tiamat turned her head and let out a great yawn, ivory fangs as tall at the little Devil gleamed, and then she folded her head down onto her talons. But as she did so, she sent a very pointed stare at the she-Devil, who had the good sense to give a polite bow before departing.

She then turned her gaze back to the hatchling. “Very well. Show me.”

And as the boy planted his feet, she could sense the swell of power from within his small frame, his hands coming alive with crackling crimson lightning. One orb flared, then another, then a third, until five spheres of destruction spun around him, humming with unstable power.

As he stared up at her expectantly, eagerly awaiting praise, Tiamat couldn’t help but feel a touch of amusement… as well as the stir of her domain of motherhood which had been dormant these past few centuries.

“Well done,” she said, her amusement growing with a touch of affection as she sensed his pride and sense of accomplishment swell.

“That’s not all! Watch this!” He thrust his hands upward and the orbs began to rotate. Slowly at first, but then faster and faster until they blurred into a glowing ring - black and red lightning snarling along their edge.

Oddly reminiscent of her beloved’s power, his Black Fang when he wielded his blade.  

But as she turned her thoughts back to the little Devil, she sensed his quickly growing panic as the momentum of his technique grew beyond his ability to control. With a crack, the orbs shot free, whistling like arrows. One streaked into the distance, another exploded harmlessly against the fortress walls, but the last three smashed into a towering hedge.

A twenty-foot shrub, painstakingly trimmed into the likeness of her beloved as he stood proudly with sword raised in eternal defiance. The shaped greenery erupted in a thunderous blast of scarlet lightning.

Millicas froze. “…uh-oh…”

“No matter,” Tiamat cut him off, her voice rich with amusement. “He had no fondness for the effigy.” Indeed, it had been remarkably amusing watching the sheer horror in her beloved’s expression when the little gardener so proudly showcased his work. Which was the only reason he hadn’t destroyed it himself, he wished to spare the servant’s feelings.

As if the feelings of a mere servant were ever something to consider. Ah well. He still had some areas of growth left when it came to matters of ruling.

Millicas still stared on in concern, his cheeks colored with mortification.

But then, Tiamat’s gaze suddenly fell upon the severed head of her beloved’s likeness as it burned into an ashen grey. Her amusement dimmed, replaced instead with a foreboding feeling.

A tremor rippled along the currents of Fate, something dark and cold pressing faintly against the weave of the future. She frowned, her blue scales shifting. Then, with a huff, she ruthlessly dismissed the sensation. The skein of the future was forever restless; there was little point dwelling on phantom doubts.

Her eyes settled back on Millicas, who stood uncertain, waiting for her word.

“Again,” she commanded. “Breathe in as you draw your strength, breathe out as you give it shape.”

-----

Yasaka’s office was completely silent, save for the soft scratches of her pen. Scrolls and stacks of papers littered across her desk, all of them an aggravating reminder of the endless bureaucracy that ruling a country demanded. Sighing softly as she stamped another decree, her thoughts drifted away from the ink and toward her husband

While she and Amaterasu-sama had agreed to host the Summit of the Three Great Powers, at a cost, it still unsettled her having so many immensely powerful foreigners right at the edge of her borders.

The temporarily leased island was occluded from her senses, but she could still feel the weave of their protective magics. As if she could ever fail to recognize her own husband’s mythical touch.

She put down her pen and quietly folded her hands. Softly sending a prayer towards the Celestial Heavens, earnestly hoping for the Summit to succeed and broker a legitimate peace between the Three Great Powers. What with the Devils’ internal strife already boiling over into outright war, she did not want her husband embroiled in a bigger one.

She had been born well after the Great War ended, but she knew the legends and stories well enough. If a second all out war between the Three Great Power erupted…

She shuddered, banishing that thought.

As she steeled herself and went back to work, the doors to her office suddenly burst open.

“Okaa-sama! Look, look!” Kunou bounded in, golden eyes bright, foxfire dancing in her palms. Tiny flames leapt and curled into patterns, perfectly controlled.

Yasaka’s brows furrowed. “Kunou,” her voice dragging her daughter’s name as a warning. “What have I told you about bursting into my office without knocking? And about summoning fire while indoors?”

Kunou wilted instantly, ears falling flat against her skull. “S-sorry…”

Yasaka exhaled, a touch of mirth snaking past her exasperation. Really, this girl. So excitable and rash at times.

She set her pen back down and gave her daughter a warm smile. “But well done, sweetheart. Your control has improved drastically.”

The girl’s ears perked right back up. “Okaa-sama, let’s go outside then! I want to show you more! Please!” She practically jumped up and down with excitement, causing Yasaka’s smile to grow.

She considered her daughter’s request, weighing it against the ever-growing stack of documents. But, nonetheless, the young vixen’s pleading stare won her over. “Oh, very well. I suppose I can take a short break.”

Kunou squealed with joy and darted around the desk to hug her. But in her haste, one of her little tails swept across the corner, knocking down a delicate lantern. The glass shattered across the floor and the light of the lantern immediately sputtered out.

Kunou gasped. “I-I didn’t mean…!”

With a flick of her hand, Yasaka’s magic mended the frame and the glass knitted whole. But when she lifted it to inspect it, her heart sank. The night pearl within had cracked, its inner radiance having flown out into the air, leaving it dull and hollow.

Kunou’s ears drooped lower. “I’m sorry, Okaa-sama.”

Yasaka crouched, brushing her daughter’s cheek. “Hush. It’s just a simple lamp. This is why I’m always telling you to be mindful of your surroundings and not run in the palace.”

And though she said the words to comfort her daughter, in truth, there was a touch of sourness in her heart. The lantern had been a gift from Ichigo for her birthday. It was a simple thing, nothing grand. But he had crafted it on his own, having apparently spent an entire month on learning how to shape and color molten glass with magic. And the night pearl within he had personally fetched from the depths of some horrid sea in the Underworld.

But despite the protest in her heart, she was a mother first and foremost. Parents exist to assuage the worries of their children and teach them with patience and care. There was no need to burden her daughter with knowing the lamp had been a token of Ichigo’s love. To do so would be needlessly cruel.

Kunou nodded sheepishly. “Yes, Okaa-sama.”

Yasaka rose, setting the lifeless lamp aside, but slipped the hollow night pearl into the sleeves of her robe. Maybe it could be repaired.

She sent her daughter a soft smile, and together, hand in hand, they left the office.

-----

The name hung heavily in the air, and Ichigo could practically feel the world around them shudder at the mere mention of the Void.

Ophis.

Michael’s wings fluttered ever so slightly behind him as he adjusted his posture, folding his hands neatly on the table. His expression remained calm, though his light dimmed slightly, as if he wanted to make sure every word was heard clearly.

“Based on our investigations,” he said, tone as straightforward as if he were presenting a budget report, “we have confirmed the Devils’ assertion that the Infinite Ouroboros has found some purchase on the Earth. We’ve also confirmed that Khaos Brigade has indeed made contact with the Void. Though in what capacity remains unknown.”

Azazel put both elbows on the small stone table as he leaned forward. He didn’t look particularly alarmed, but Ichigo sensed a glimmer of unease from the Fallen governor’s aura.

“The Grigori have confirmed the same thing,” Azazel said. “Ophis has directly manifested an avatar on the Earth. Why? I doubt even Khaos Brigade really knows.” He tapped the table once. “But before we go any further, let’s go ahead and acknowledge one simple fact: there’s absolutely nothing we can do to the Void. Ophis is completely and utterly beyond all of us. You can’t kill nothing, after all.”

From behind Michael, Uriel shifted, his usual glower replaced by a pondering frown. “It is unusual for the Void to interact with Creation. More unusual still that it has allied with any sort of cabal. I am unaware of any record that indicates the Void has ever given its attention to any outside of its mortal kin.”

Michael brows furrowed with a touch of reservation. “I highly doubt that Ophis considers Khaos Brigade allies. The Divine Dragons are simply too powerful to fully manifest in Space-Time. If Ophis were to impose too much of itself, inevitably the universe would utterly collapse under its weight. Khaos Brigade is, in all likelihood, a convenient and temporary tool to carry out its will.”

Ichigo’s eyes narrowed even as he set his jaw grim; memories of his abrupt brush with the Void Dragon in the Fourth World came back to him in a cold shudder. Even in the deepest, darkest depths of Hell he had never felt something so… alien as Ophis.

Azazel’s gaze sharpened as he crossed his arms. “I can’t imagine what Ophis would want from this corner of the universe. Like Uriel said, historically, it’s only ever spared its attention to other Dragons. Even then, only the more powerful ones. And since the Heavenly Two are still sealed, and most of the Dragon Kings have been inactive these last few centuries… well, almost all of them have been inactive…” He let the sentence trail, and his gaze flicked toward Ichigo.

Ichigo folded his arms and scowled as all eyes turned to him. He didn’t like the implication, or even the slight chance of it becoming an accusation, but he couldn’t fully deny it either. “Tiamat… may be involved.”

That earned him a sharper look from Azazel. “You sound a little too certain that Ophis’ attention is on her.”

Ichigo briefly opened his mouth before promptly shutting it. He then gave a faint glance towards Sirzechs who caught his eye. And though he said nothing, Ichigo knew that the older Demon was also contemplating the events Ichigo had shared with him via the dreamspore.

In response to the two Satans’ silence, Michael leaned forward slightly. His tone calm and even, but there was no mistaking the pressure in his words. “The purpose of the Summit is to share what we know and build trust. No one gains anything by keeping secrets, least of all, those about Ophis.”

After a few terse seconds, Sirzechs gave him an imperceptible nod and, deciding to trust in his former King’s wisdom, Ichigo let out a slow exhale and said, “There was an incident a few months ago. I encountered Ophis very briefly when I ventured into the Fourth World.”

There was a sudden dead silence and four pairs of angelic eyes stared at him wide and amazed. Ichigo couldn’t help but stare back at them, confusion coloring his gaze. What had he said that surprised them so?

Azazel broke the silence first as he leaned forward, disbelief plainly etched onto his face. “What do you mean you encountered Ophis in the Fourth World?”

Ichigo frowned. “Exactly that.” How much clearer could he make it?

Both of Michael’s golden eyebrows rose high, and he asked in a light voice, “You are able to immerse yourself in the realm of Time?”

Ichigo gave a casual shrug. “Partially. Retaining my sense of self is still a challenge and I tend to get overwhelmed when I try to look at too many timelines or try to peer too far into the past or future.”

Michael and Azazel exchanged a wondrous gaze. Meanwhile, Uriel and Baraqiel continued to stare at him in shock. Evidently, his admission had rattled them rather significantly. After a moment Azazel shook his head and gave a humorless laugh.

And then there was Sirzechs, lips curved with a faint sense of smugness coloring his aura. Ichigo fought to roll his eyes.  

“Impressive,” Michael murmured.

“Impressive is underselling it,” Azazel said flatly. “Aren’t you only twenty-two?”

Ichigo scratched the back of his head. In truth, he wasn’t exactly sure how old he was any more. “Technically, yeah. But between time-dilated dimensions and other realities I’ve visited to hunt down Sinners, I’m probably a bit older. A couple of years, maybe.”

Azazel let out a low whistle. “Where the Hell did you find this monstrous kid, Sirzechs?”

“I’m not a kid,” Ichigo groused, mouth twisting in annoyance.

“But he’s perfectly fine with being called monstrous,” Azazel muttered to himself.

Before Ichigo could respond, Sirzechs cut in smoothly. “We’ve digressed. If Ophis has approached Ichigo, perhaps, by proxy, it wishes to reach out to Tiamat. Or perhaps, Ichigo is its intended focus. Which means we cannot rule out that Ophis may have designs on Hell.”

That quieted the table again. Ichigo didn’t think it was anatomically possible, but all the angels paled as Sirzechs’ words set in.

“If the Void and Hell were to clash,” Michael said quietly, “the entire multiverse would be destroyed as a consequence.”

Ichigo blinked in surprise at Michael’s admission. He knew that Ophis was powerful but… the multiverse? Lucifer, no wonder Tiamat was so adamant that he never attempt to carry out his idea of using Hellfire to burn Ophis.

Another tense heartbeat passed, and then Azazel waved one hand. “Pointless speculation, no point in getting worried. Nigh-omnipotent it may be, even Ophis would think twice before challenging the First Flame. If Ophis has designs on Hell, and that’s a pretty big if, more than likely It wants something specific. Or, here’s a thought, maybe it wants nothing at all? Maybe it’s simply entertaining itself? Besides, it wouldn’t be the first time the Divine Dragons have done something beyond our comprehension.

“You Satans wouldn’t remember, but some three thousand years ago, Great Red caused a few dozen supernovae to create a temporary constellation in the sky of a giant hand giving the finger. The worst part? We had to wait nearly seven-hundred years for Aristophanes to invent the insult!”

Sirzechs inclined his head. “Regardless, when it comes to Ophis, the only choice we have is to appease it. Or at the very least, negotiate with it. What we must do, however, is control the controllable. That is to say, focusing our efforts on neutralizing the threat of Khaos Brigade. Thereby, limiting Ophis’ agents and their influence.”

Ichigo unfolded his arms and spoke up. “Our intel confirms members of the Old Satan Faction have joined forces with Khaos Brigade. Katarea Leviathan. Creuserey Asmodeus. Shalba Beelzebub have all been confirmed to have met with suspected leadership of other sub-factions within the organization. We’ve not seen any movement from Rizevim Lucifer, but we can’t rule him out either.”

From there, the leaders fell back into a familiar rhythm. No raised voices, no flourishing, just straight business. They traded information one after another and, within his own mind, Ichigo cross referenced everything he had learned about the organization from Sera’s intelligence reports.

But then, when Azazel and Baraqiel laid out their own intel, specifically about the group that called itself the Hero Faction, Ichigo had to admit, he found himself caught off guard. They had names, training routines, funding sources, even recruitment tactics. It was too precise to be guesswork. Someone was feeding them intel. Though Ichigo wisely kept that thought to himself. Sirzechs would have realized it on his own, and there was no reason to cause any unrest for the two Fallen Lords.

But still, it was pretty grim news to hear that Sera’s suspicions about there being Longinus wielders among the Hero Faction be confirmed. Three Longinus in total. Annihilation Maker and Dimension Lost were both considered amongst the top tier Longinus. But the third… apparently, the leader of the Hero Faction was this generation’s possessor of the True Longinus, the strongest of them all.

His face set stern when he heard that news. The True Longinus was the brother of Rhongomyniad, and while it was not as catastrophically dangerous, it was no less powerful if the legends about it were true. Legends that claimed it could disintegrate even a Satan-class Demon with naught but a scratch.

But after Azazel and Baraqiel’s intel and ominous revelation, Michael and Uriel contributed their own information in turn.

They listed off human sorcerers, covens, and guilds that had quietly shifted to support the rogue organization. Michael had even added that some of those sorcerous groups had been making frequent trips and contact with the more powerful Vampire houses in Europe.

But the thing that gave Ichigo most pause was when Michael explained how Khaos Brigade had been moving through chthonic realms and afterlives to slip between pantheons. “Ancient pathways that have long since been forgotten,” the archangel said.

“Like Kokytus,” Ichigo realized.

“Indeed,” Michael responded with a nod.

Ichigo crossed his arms, even as he could briefly feel Hell stir within his soul at the thought of the Sinners wandering free.

Right, that settled it. He’d have to push Sirzechs to prioritize getting access to Malebolge once it came down to hammering out the details after the general agreements of the Summit had been finalized.

He needed to send all those Sinners to Hell, and Ichigo would sever Kokytus permanently from the Underworld if need be.

At the same time though, his thoughts drifted towards the very land they were currently meeting in. If Khaos Brigade were using the chthonic realms to slip between mythos… were Soul Society and Hueco Mundo also being used? A part of him mused that perhaps Khaos Brigade was involved with the sudden changes in the Shinto afterlife he had learned about from Urahara and Rukia.

And yet…

A shade fell across his eyes as he felt this suspicion may be a misplaced one.

-----

The All-Father looked up from his throne in the Carrion Hall, a hint of surprise crossing his mien before he suddenly threw back his head and laughed. “Oh, so that’s how this all begins!”

“Are you not worried, father?”

“Eh?” He barely paid attention to his son, instead he kept his focus on the infinite threads of possibility all coalescing on that small island far to the east. But even then, Odin quickly waved his son off dismissively. “Whatever for, Thor? It’s not our story. Ours is a minor role.”

Thor turned to him with a flat stare. “Unless the Wargs succeed in devouring the Sun and Moon in this pivotal moment.”

“Well, yes, of course. But that… wait, what?!” The All-Father frantically tore his attention away from Fate and looked at his son with some alarm.

“Oh, did I forget to mention it?” Thor asked a little too innocently. “The Wargs emerged from the River Ván as the Eastern Sun began to set. I do wonder what that old Wolf is planning.”

Odin stared at his son dumbly for a moment before he began angrily yelling at him. “Well don’t just sit there! Go stop them! That’s not how this story is supposed to go!”

Thor roared with laughter, and thunder boomed ahead. “As the All-Father commands!” And as his son vanished in a bolt of lightning, Odin put aside the matter of the Three Great Powers and turned his full attention to the Monster of the River Hope.

What is that damn beast plotting now?!

-----

The discussion at the Summit cut off all at once. Six heads turned slightly, not towards any sound, but to the sudden shift in pressure as magic charged frenetic in the air.

Ichigo felt it first in his chest, the way everything seemed to double in weight. Something -no, many somethings - had manifested on the island. He frowned considerably; that shouldn’t have been possible. The magical palings the six of them had created were still intact, still standing and unbroken. Yet the ground thrummed with new arrivals.

Slowly Ichigo’s eyes began to widen as he counted them all… thousands upon thousands.

His senses parsed them quickly. The bulk of them were Devils, no doubt loyalists of the old Satans. But the remaining invaders were a strange blend of humans and other species.

But more troubling than their numbers was the peculiar sensation that their souls were strangely muted. Smothered beneath some kind of veil where even his Demonic magic, so sensitive to souls, could not pierce through.

And then the pressure increased several hundred-fold.

A new presence emerged, one that blotted out the rest like a roaring bonfire compared to the embers that it left in its wake.

The sky warped an eerie bluish-pruple, and a shape uncoiled above them: a titanic serpent-like monster, miles long with scales the color of bruised steel. Its head carried heavy black plating like natural armor, and its forked tail cut the air with each swing. Broad fins jutted from its sides, tufted in white fur and thrashing about, summoning hurricane force winds.

And the ocean answered in kind. Waves rose in sheets, the horizon bending as winds clawed across the water. A sea of lightning flashed with jagged purple arcs that roared through the sky.

He could clearly sense that the creature was easily settled in the ranks of a Satan-class being. But surprisingly, Ichigo did not sense the weighted presence of another Demon from this gargantuan monster.

It feels like a Devil? Ichigo thought confused. A Devil with the power of a Demon but isn’t actually one? How bizarre.

Ichigo brought magic to his eyes and peered beyond the corporeal realm, and that’s when he saw it: a second serpent like creature wrapped invisible around the physical beast. Black, insubstantial, like a wraith made of shadow, moving where the larger body did not.

Beside him, Sirzechs questioned the name low. “Katerea?”

“NO,” a distorted female voice, near guttural roared through the sky.

I Am the Seat of Water of the Reversed Elements

The Intrinsic Evil of the Lower World

The Gaping Maw of the Middle Air

I Am Leviathan

And I Have Come, Usurper

To Reclaim My Crown

-----

A/N: Well, I had planned on ending the Summit this chapter, but the dialogue and negotiations ended up being much longer than anticipated. Therefore, we're getting a Summit Part 3.

It's a lot of dialogue this chapter, I know. There were parts where I felt things were being dragged out, but at the same time, I wanted to make the weight of the moment stick. This was, almost certainly, one of the hardest chapters I've ever had to write. There were so many other characters talking, but I had to interpret the conversations from Ichigo's perspective and have him give his thoughts on what he just heard/participated in without making it sound like a repeat summary.

Genuinely a very tough chapter for me to write. That being said, if there's anything you felt off about this chapter or didn't like, please let me know. This was definitely a learning experience for me and I want to know what not to do next time.

That aside, the chapter ends with Budget Tiamat making an entrance, albiet a much grander one than the one she made in canon DxD, withsome help from dearest Ophis. Also, what's going on in Valhalla?

On a comepletely unrelated note: someone asked in Discord what happened to the Mid-class Devil and that group that got caught up in Ichigo's aura farming in Chapter 52 and whether or not they survived.

They did, but they're very confused and scared. That poor new Mid-class Devil had to treck back through the wilds with his brand new elf waifu, fight through the wilderness, come across some ancient temple of a long forgotten Demon Lord and went through a bunch of trials to earn said Demons inheritence, along with its ancient enemies. But that's a different story.