Returning Welsh Dragon Hero - Chapter 14

Retelling the story of the Prisma Causeway mission—as Chaldea came to call it—was tough for Issei.

It was tough for the same reason why talking about any of his adventures during the Grand Order in actual detail, was tough for Issei.

Because it he would have to mention a certain person.

A certain someone that Issei loved and cared for... and didn't want to think about being gone.

Mash Kyrielight.

The girl who viewed everyone as her "Senpai" in life, while assigning that title solely to Issei's beloved Ritsuka.

The girl who was so innocent, he couldn't act perverted toward her even if he wanted to. Yet couldn't help but tease her when Ritsuka did so or when that germline redheaded Master was involved in something insane and silly.

The girl he came to view as a little sister, second only to Ritsuka in how precious she was to him.

The girl... that at the end of everything, he was too weak to save.

If only the miracle I grasped at the Timeless Temple arrived just a little earlier. Then Mash, maybe even Romani...

Issei closed his eyes and took a deep breath. His hands had clenched unconsciously till his knuckled whitened.

A hand gently rested on one of his clenched fist. He let out the breath, opened his eyes, and looked to the side to see Asia looking at him with concern.

Issei relaxed and smile, before rubbing her hand in reassurance that he was fine.

"First Lady-san and Mila-san were reunited in the end." Mil-tan while holding a handkerchief and drying his tears.

"That was sooo sweet. I'm so happy it all ended well." Rias was also crying, yet smiling from joy. "So now that world had become a resting abode for tired Magical Girl as well as an actual paradise for them. I'm so glad!" Then she blinked as she remembered something. "Also, you said the Demon Pillar Glasya-Labolas was Nursery ☆ Rhyme's black sheep pet? Why is that a thing? How is that a thing? You just casually met a Devil from the Glasya-Labolas Clan?"

"No, not member. More like, the only one bearing that name." Issei said, sheepishly looking away. His normal demeanor returning had Asia smiling in relief.

"Wait, you met the ancestor? Like, the original Glasya-Labolas?" Rias blinked in surprise.

"Technically that's correct." Issei nodded.

"Mooou~! There are so many thing you're referencing but not giving the ful context to. Not fair!" Rias pouted.

"Yeah, not fair, nyo." Mil-tan copied Rias.

"Stop pouting, both of you. Especially you!" Issei cried out, pointing at the magical girl love bodybuilder.

Asia an Rias laughed in good-nature at the banter, while Mil-tan "cutely" smiled. There were even weird sparkles.

Issei's brain shut down for a moment at seeing that, before noticing it's a spell and the magical energy was coming from Rias. She looked back at him with a playful smile. He returned it with a non-serious annoyed glare.

"Maybe, I'll tell that story about Demon Pillars another time." Issei settled.

"Um," Asia spoke up. "I remember what Issei said about them. I could tell Rias-san and Mil-tan."

"Ah, thank you, Asia!" Rias said with a wide smile. "But I want to hear it from Issei to get the full experience of the first hand account. I feel it would be more fun this way."

"Mmm, I understand!" Asia nodded, getting Rias' enthusiasm.

The group just chatted a bit more int at good atmosphere.

"Mil-tan," Issei spoke up after a moment. "Thank you. For telling me about End Sacrifice. Knowing that you managed to go there, it means more than I can express in words." He said with gratitude in his voice and frame.

"Ah, those eyes, you'll make this pure maiden's heart go doki-doki." Mil-tan shyly look away cupping his cheeks.

"Right." Issei's expression fell into a dry look, before he shook it off. "So how about we finish up that wish? Rias, is the spell ready?"

"Eh?" Rias seemed to have forgotten the original purpose of this trip. She looked down to examine the magic circle, and her eyes widened in delight and approval. "Yep! It's ready." She nodded with a grin.

"Alright." Issei nodded.

Issei stood up, along with Mil-tan and the girls. Everyone stepped out of the magic circle except Mil-tan.

The Boosted Gear manifested on Issei's left arm and began its work.

[BOOST]

Energy surged slow and steadily from the Longinus.

"The Wish Contract has been drawn."

[BOOST] 

"The terms decided, the participants: Devil and Contractor."

[BOOST]

"The agreement has been reached." Rias began chanting as demonic power began rising from her, making her clothes move with unseen wind, and her hair float and wave elegantly.

[BOOST]

"The payment has been accepted," she declared with a dramatic flair.

He didn't know why, Issei had the odd suspicion that Rias didn't action need the chant to do all this.

[BOOST]

"Issei." Rias extended a hand to him. "It's time." She declared.  

She would later on notice that the Boosted Gear didn't adhere to the ten seconds rule, as the Boosts rolled one after another, with only little pause.

Issei had an amused smile as he held Rias' hand with his red gauntlet one.

Rias maintained a serious regal face, yet Issei could see him seeing through her act, made her want to chuckle sheepishly but held herself back with discipline from lessons on noble etiquette.

[TRANSFER]

Any playful silent banter between the human and devil was cut, as Rias felt her power skyrocket in a way she didn't expect. She had never experience so much power flowing through her.

Rias felt like she could do anything. Grasp all of her hopes and dreams and make them hers. She moaned as the power seemed to rush through her as an elation of delight.

"A-hem." Issei coughed and squeezed Rias' hand, brinigng her back to the present.

Rias blink, her face then flushed as she regained her composure after that temporary loss of control.

She focused once more on the magic spell and finished it.

"Thus in my name as the Scion of House Gremory; I, Rias Gremory shall now grant your Wish."

The spell rose into a crescendo as light and aura covered Mil-tan who also moaned at the devil magic transforming him...

Into a Magical Girl.

"Haaaa~." Mil-tan sighed with her voice, as she looked at her body in the mirror.

She had transformed into a young woman with the same height as her previous body. Her clothes became those of the style of magical girls, but with a knight theme. Her hair and eye color began purple, and said hair was styled into iconic twin tails. Finally a magic jewel was found magically affixed comfortably against the center of her forehead.

Mil-tan still had all her muscles though. Thus hidden and made subtle under her clothes.

"It really happened." Mil-tan spoke with a much lighter voice, that held a deep sultry hint to it. She sounded like an alluring yet caring older business woman. Or a stern disciplinary with a motherly smile.

She raised a hand and a blue colored ball of magical energy floated above her palm. "This is real!" She moved the ball around, and it became a ray slowly flying around according to her will. "I'm finally a Magical Girl with fantasy power, nyo~!"

"Congratulation, Mil-tan." Asia said earnstly. Not understanding Mil-tan's passion for magical girls, but happy for him, well, her now all the same.

"Thus the contract is complete. Congratulations, Mil-tan. Can you please sign the contract's completion form!" Rias said with a smile, handing Mil-tan a piece of paper summoned from somewhere.   

Ah. Devils here have bureaucracy power. How suitably scary. Issei thought.

"Have you thought of a name for your Magical Girl alter-ego, Mil-tan?" Issei asked.

"Hmm, originally I was gonna Magical girl Cute Fluffy-chan. But given this new look..." Mil-tan thought about it for a while.

"Hmm, it's likely the inclusion of Issei's energy that influenced the wish this way." Rias offered and explanation.

"Errr, sorry if this isn't what you wanted, Mil-tan. I guess Boosted Gear's full form being an armor, tilted things this way."

"No, I love it. That's why," She pumped her fist up dramatically. "I shall be, Magical Girl Pretty Knight-chwan!"  

===x===

During the walk back, Rias, Asia and Issei talked about the visit to Mil-tan.

Mil-tan had felt powerful to Rias, enough to pique her interest to ask her to join her Peerage.

Yet Rias refrained as she felt Mil-tan would want to enjoy her experience as a magical girl before she would want to add becoming a devil on top.

Rias also swore both Issei and Asia to not tell Sona about having turned Mil-tan into a magical girl. Something she really shouldn't have done, as it would annoy her childhood friend, but the excitement of the situation and evening of talking about isekais, just swept her into doing it without thinking of the consequences.

Yet Issei couldn't really focus on the current conversation with Rias and Asia.

He was much visibly happier, he was smiling more genuinely and seemed engaged in the conversation.

But all throughout the walk back to the Hyoudou house, Issei's mind was on the single most important revelation he discovered since he woke back in his own world.

I can go back. The smile wouldn't leave his face at the though. I can go back to Chaldea, to Ritsuka. He closed his eyes and took a breath, and when he opened them, a shining gleam of determination blazed in his eyes. No. I will find them again. Issei vowed.   

===x===

I was traveling by Ritsuka's side once more. We were on another mission. I didn't know where.

We were in a modern city. Huh, guess this mission is like when we went to Fuyuki during the 4th Holy Grail War.

This city...

I can't place where I saw it before, but I swear I know it from somewhere. Like I once visited the place, but it's no longer that city. The differences are small but compound enough that I can't recognize it now.

We were travelling with this Shady Old Man. His words.

Although self-proclaimed or not, he really does feel shady.

Like that used magic car salesman fallen, but somehow worse.

I told Ritsuka about that fallen leader, but she can't seem to hear me. Guess she's stressed out.

Yeah, without Mash around, I guess she doesn't feel like her usual cheerful self. I mean, the ghost of Mash popping up on occasion to give us directions or information, certainly isn't good for either of our mental health.

Oh damn, that Speedy Wolf Rider really is a bad dog. Thing is really vicious chasing us.

The Wolf and its Dullahan Rider are Phantom Spirits? So... people that didn't make the cut to become Heroic Spirits? Man, that's sad.

Wait. I probably count as one of those Phantom Spirits. Ouch, self-burn.

Ritsuka snorted and giggled to herself.

"Oh my. You're able to laugh even in this situation? Your resilience is down right terrifying, young lady." Said the Shady Old Man. "But please focus on the current situation!" He cried out in distress.

"No, no. I just couldn't help but think of Issei making a comment about—Never mind!" Ritsuka chuckled then focused the pursuing Speedy Wolf Rider.

The Wolf was getting near, but suddenly Emo Saber arrived to save us on a motorbike.

...It looked so damn cool!

Emo Saber helped us out and took us to her base. And of course it's under a burger joint.

Wait, she adopted a dog and called it Cavall II? Heh, she continued to have an unexpected cute side.

"Awww, who's a good boy? Who's a good boy?" Rituska petted the dog. Although it's awkward how she's insistent on taking my right hand and using it to pet the dog with her.

 "I'd appreciate it if you don't ruin my dog's discipline with your antics." Emo Saber glared.

"Wow, you're still an adorable tsundere, Salter."

Wow, Ritsuka. You don't know how to be discreet.

"Do you want to get stabbed?"

Heh.

After that, I didn't really focus much. I was alter for dangers, but Ritsuka had it mostly handled.

We faced some weird Blackface EMIYA. I feel he'll get in trouble for that.

Hmm, Emo Saber doesn't like the Shady Old Man. He seems like one of those brainy smug smart types. But Evil.

Yes, Capital "E".

But he wouldn't be the first Evil Servant we had at Chaldea so I don't see a problem with him.

We'll him on our side eventually if we haven't already did that.

Hey! We saved Emo Jeanne!

Oh wow, Emo Jeanne is in pretty bad shape. Hope she's okay. It's one thing to joke and bully the French Saint, either of them, but if someone dares harm them, then they'll pay.

I power up and send my energy to Ritsuka to use it for our friend's sake.

"I say! That Mystic Code is surprisingly versatile, young lady. I didn't realize it provided such healing capabilities on hand." The Shady Old Man said in shock, pointing at the cool slick modern red gauntlet with a green jewel Ritsuka had.

Heh, we match. Although its on her right arm. We're symmetric?

Wait...? Did he not notice me using Gift? Heh, better keep it a secret then. Ha! Take that, you smarmy asshole.

"I felt I had enough energy for a healing spell this time." Ritsuka seems to be on the same page as me.

Then we fought enemies. So many enemies. Magic thugs with gun. Some Bigger Chimeras. Super Chimeras? What a dumb name.

My instincts screamed.

I moved in front of Ritsuka.

The Speedy Wolf Rider had arrived, killed the enemies and was attacking us. I pushed Master out of the way, while defecting a hit from it's claw away from us.

The Wolf seemed confused, and it landed and spun toward us. Ritsuka seemed shocked and confused too.

I focused on the Wolf and glared with the force of a dragon.

It froze in place for a second out of confused once more.

Emo Jeanne arrived to save the day.

Yey.

Some fighting. More rest. More planning. More battles.

I'm starting to feel sleepy.

No.

I have to stay awake by Ritsuka's side until the mission is over. Until she's safe back in Chaldea.

We fought and beat a Crazy Doll and Opera Phantom. Huh. Guess we finally get to meet his Christine that he always talked about.

Oh, and we learn the Shady Old Man is James Moriarty, Sherlock Holmes's nemesis. I'm shocked, shocked I tell you.

Well, okay. I'm a little surprised, but once I learned his True Name, yeah, he's as slimy as I'd expect Sherlock's mortal enemy to be.

Huh.

Old Man Cursed Arms saved us.

...Was he one of the Servants to come with us on his mission?

Who were the Servants that came with us on this mission again?

Hmm...

No.

Ritsuka, watch out! That's not Cursed Arms.

She hears me and jumps away, just in time for the False Assassin to miss.

"...How? I have copied Hassan's presence down to the last mole. I even copied his Spirit Origin. It shouldn't have been possible for a Servant to notice the difference, let alone a human." False Cursed Arms cried out with wide eyes, as he sheds his disguise.

"Dunno. I just felt the urge to jump just then." Ritsuka says.

The Emo Girls arrive and take down False cursed arms.

Yeah! Go Goth Girls!  

More stuff happen.

More mooks taken out.

I think we killed Romeo and Juliet at one point?

Wow. Dark.

Oh, Speedy Wolf Rider is back.

Wait, the fuck you mean we're using Cavall II as bait?!

"Hey, are you actually saying what I think you're saying? You want to play bait for Lobo? I refuse." Emo Saber protest.

Yeah, you tell'em Emo Saber.

Bark. Bark.

"He says he wants to help us." Ghost Mash says.

Ghost Mash, why are you trying to kill the doggo?

Yet we go ahead with that plan.

It's really not the craziest we had to pull.

But we will not fail. We'll kill the Wolf and protect the Doggo.

We are enter high speed chase on the highway with Speed Wolf Rider after us.

The Wolf naturally evades the first and second traps. It falls into the third.

We fight it with a cheating advantage, like the cheating cheaters we are.

It surprises us and tries to go for Ritsuka mid-fight once more.

Ritsuka is a step too slow. She's vulnerable.

"Not today, Lobo!" Shady Moriarty jumped from behind and fires his coffin guns into the Wolf's face, but it is still not face enough. The Wolf is still too close Ritsuka.

Of course, I'm here. It's almost like they forgot me.

I'm right in front of Ritsuka and give it a right hook taking out one of its fangs.

Then Shady Moriarty's gun fire launches the Wolf back into the trap for our Goth Girls to take it out.

"Thank you for the help, Moriarty." Ritsuka thanked him. Well, I guess he did step in when needed.

"Of course, that's what a Servant is for. Yet... Did you truly need any help?"

"Heh, yeah obviously. I can't do anything without my Servants." Ristuka said with her usual modesty.

"Hmm, I could have sworn..." He then notices the broken fang. "I see. It seems my strength from the contract has improved."

We take the fang as spoils. Da Vinci likely will manage to do something with it.

I feel too tired.

More battles, more mooks.

We take out more of the League of Phantom Fiends.

Or did we already take them all out?

I'm so tired.

I close my eyes and—

Huh?

What did I miss?

Shady Moriarty was actually Evil Moriarty? There was no Good Moriarty, and Evil Moriarty was... Demon God Baal, because of fucking course there's a Demon Pillar involved.

Okay, let's the ass kicking over and done with.

"There's just one thing. One thing that I felt was off about you, Fujimaru Ritsuka. A unknown variable that keeps appearing from time to time. Almost seems like you have a guardian angel watching over you."

Nah, not an angel. A Dragon.

"No, maybe that's the melancholy of an old man. Travelling with you was fun, young lady, but no miracle will save you this time, I'm afraid. Everything had proceeded as planned, and now the final curtain falls."

Nah, you can't calculate for this idiot. I'll take you down and beat you with my idiocy experience.  

"Nah, we'll win." Ritsuka grinned.

Then Blackface EMIYA betrayed and shot Baal.

Wait, what the fuck?

Also Moriarty's plan to kill us by using an asteroid to blow up the planet is wild.

Then again that's about what's expected of our villains. They're made of higher quality.

Its why when they fall, they fall harder than normal villains.

Like the Professor of Crime not realizing that he should never reveal his culpability. Because then any Detective that arrives will strip him of his power.

"James Moriarty, you're the Culprit!" Ritsuka shouted as she pointed at Moriarty with the power of numerous famous Detectives.

Shady Moriarty loses his power.

His asteroid is destroyed and his Demon Pillar partner shot and killed in a back alley.

Then Ritsuka danced with Emo Jeanne in a gown dress.

What? Excuse you?

Jeanne d'Arc Alter, are you making a move on my girl?

Fucking French Servants.

Finally it was just us on the roof top of the Barrel Tower.

Another wild mission, huh, Rits-chan.

"Issei," Ritsuka spoke, looking at her gauntlet covered right hand.

Yeah?

"If you can hear me, thank you for looking after me."

Heh. 'If I can hear you'. Weird thing to say when I'm right here.

But I guess she's tired.

"Fujimaru, all lights green for the Rayshift back. Countdown beginning." Da Vinci said over the comms.

I looked at Ritsuka. She's looking up at the sky and the glowing bits of meteorites burning in the atmosphere.

My eyes were drifting. Eye lids so heavy and falling down.

But I still have to answer her last words to me.

Looking after her? There's no need to thank me.

"Of course I would."