Well it sure has been awhile hasn't it guys? So, I will be the first to say I was reading this fic and decided I think I made Issei into a Sue…which kind of took a lot of motivation to write this away. But at least the supporting characters are fun to write at least.

So, I found it funny that most people felt like Assassin had a lackluster introduction when I gave him the same level of into that I gave to Archer…I guess people's expectations were raised…lucky me I guess.

Lastly, I want to say a big thank you to all the readers whom helped me write this chapter, giving suggestions and helping with research into the Celtic Pantheon as I had virtually no time to do it myself you guys are great (everyone give your regards to Shadow of Life especially, he was really helpful).

Question time: (If I didn't answer your question let me know and I will PM you the answers. There were a lot of reviews to go through so it is likely I missed some.)

ColdDeusEX: First, because I might be using the actual organisations for an OC arc if I ever planned one. Second, I'm kind of sick of reading EMIYA fics so once again there will be no EMIYA in this fic. Third, it's one of the ideas I'm playing with.

Avalon: Thanks for the suggestion, I'll see what I can do.

ShadowFreddyRaven: No…as hilarious as that would be, that is not Avenger's identity.

DestinyFriend: As for your question about Avenger's connection to dragons…there was a reason I picked her…it should be very interesting when you consider the Sacred Gear wielders are considered Humanoid Dragons…and that's all I'll say. Next Mordred and the Fate Clarent…no comment.

FateLover: Again no comment on Fate Clarent and Mordred…As for Kiba's sword, I guess I didn't make it very clear so my bad. Basically he created a sword that let him see and hear his heartbeat. It's similar to echolocation, basically google Future Predator sight from Primevial and you'll get a good example of what he was seeing.

: I'm colour blind with some shades of blue and purple…so yeah.

MWkillkenny84: Maybe…

Blinded in a bolthole: This argument comes up all the time, and from memory it's because of the anime confusing Herakles power. No God's Hand gives immunity not resistance.

Flamelegendvargas: Closest you'll get is the Omake. Although I remember reading a fic with that exact premise, it was good but for some reason the author didn't put it in the crossover section.

Ezok: That was the original stats for the include state, and I'll just come out and say it that I got lazy and didn't follow through with that rule.

general zargon: I always wanted to include the two dragons as an NP for Mordred since the start of this fic. The original plan was to essentially become a dragon, but eventually when Heaven's Feel starting playing a bigger part I changed it to the current one…then Overwatch came out and I just went, 'well this is a sign if I ever saw one.' Thus, that's how the NP was created. Yes I wonder what are Vali's theories…

Now without further ado, have fun...

Le Fay was silent as she tried to tip toe out of her room and towards the exit of the Hyoudou residence, there was no way she was staying here. Those Devils had to be lying to her, there was no way Arthur would agree to that deal the Gremory Heiress told her about. She probably just revived her after she had died in order to get information from her as well as gain a powerful Bishop piece. There was no way! Her brother would never abandon her like this! She had to find him quickly, before the Devils realised she was gone.

As she opened the front door and turned to leave she felt a brief bit of sorrow for betraying the Hyoudou family like this, even if the Devils had been less than welcoming, they had not. In fact, nearly all of them went out of their way to make sure she was feeling comfortable, even that exorcist whom had fought her brother had tried to cheer up her depressed spirits. But still, she had to return to her brother, she had to help him. And so, the descendant of Morgan Le Fay softly closed the front door as she double checked her backpack full of supplies, only to hear a female voice echo from behind her and causing the descendant to jump in fright.

"Are you leaving?" it asked in a bored tone.

The descendant spun around and saw a familiar red armoured knight leaning against one of the trees with her arms crossed out in front of her as she stared down at her. "M-Mordred? What are you doing here?" stuttered Le Fay, having not seen the descendant since the fight with her brother.

The Knight of Treachery simply shrugged her shoulders, "You know it's a funny thing, I'm not even sure why I'm here either but I guess… it's because I'm fulfilling a promise I made to your brother."

Upon hearing this Le Fay's eyes narrowed as she prepared to unleash her spells on her opponent as she replied, "I have to go, I have to find him."

"If you abandon Rias you will be hunted down by as a Stray, you know that right?" scoffed Mordred with a raised eyebrow.

Le Fay just gripped the edges of her clothing tightly, "I am aware."

Upon hearing this Mordred's eyes narrowed as the zeroed in on her own and a frown crossed the knight's face, "And how far do you think you'll get Le Fay? With the Devils, Church and Pendragon family after you? At least here your identity is hidden and kept secret, at least here you are safe."

"I don't care. I'm going to find my brother," promised the descendant her face forming a determined frown.

Mordred sighed deeply as she pushed herself off the tree and slowly walked over to Le Fay, the soft sound of her armour clicking together getting louder as she got closer. The knight then stared down at the descendant, whom met her gaze with one of her own, before another low sigh escaped Mordred.

"And do you think that's what he would want for you? He wanted you to be free," asked the knight, causing Le Fay to reel back as if slapped before dropping her gaze to the ground.

"Why do you care?" she muttered softly to the ground.

"I don't really," replied Mordred, hearing the mumble. "But your brother does. He made a literal deal with the Devil to bring you back and suffered for it. Are you going to make his sacrifice useless by throwing away the life he bought for you?"

Le Fay was silent as she heard this, her fists pressed into her palms so tightly they were beginning to draw blood, her mouth opening to voice her counterargument only to find none came. Instead there was nothing but silence that seemed to drone on as Le Fay refused to meet the eyes of Mordred.

"I spoke to the Poser before he left, here. He left you something," informed the knight, snapping Le Fay back to the present as she saw Mordred reach for something behind her back.

The descendant's eyes went wide as she saw her old childish witch's hat appear from behind Mordred whom held it out to her in outstretched hands. Slowly taking it from the knight with shaking hands, Le Fay lifted it up and felt something concealed within it. Frowning she reached inside the overly large hat and found a notebook held within it.

"If you still chose to betray your brother's trust, even after reading that, then I won't stop you…" stated Mordred, stepping back and giving her a clear run to freedom should she want it.

"Did you look inside it?" she asked, getting a silent shake of the head from Mordred.

"It was not my place to do so, whatever that message is. It was made for you and you alone Le Fay Pendragon, and I will respect that," replied the knight.

With shaking hands Le Fay slowly opened the notebook and found a single page covered in her brother's handwriting, it was messy and had clearly been done in a rush but she would recognize that style of handwriting anywhere. She felt tears begin to well up in her eyes and her vision grew blurry as she read the note, taking note of the clearly scribbled and crossed out lines that her brother hadn't the time to erase.

Le Fay, if you're reading this then it means that you survived, thank God. Or should I praise the Maou instead? I wish I had more time, I wish I had the chance to say this in person…I don't even know if you'll even read this after what I did to you. I would not blame you if you simply throw it away or burned it without touching it…

Le Fay…I am so sorry...

Le Fay, no words can ever truly express just how much I regret what happened, I could see what I was doing…but I couldn't stop it. I wasn't strong enough. I raged, I fought tooth and nail to stop myself, but that blade…that tainted thing. It consumed me, turned me into a puppet. No reasons can possibly excuse my actions, I know that. I was weak, I failed. And I made you suffer for it…

Do you remember the garden where we first met? Where the two Pendragon siblings destroyed a centuries old tradition? I do. The maid had dozed off and so I was allowed to sneak into that portion of the castle. I remember staring at the tearful face of a blonde girl and thinking, 'what kind of monster could make someone cry like that?' Such hypocrisy in the end…

Did I ever tell you about why I helped you when we first met? It's because I was the older sibling. As the oldest brother, it's my job to protect the ones that come after me. I failed not just as a descendant of the King of Knights…but also as a brother. It is a sin I will carry for the rest of my life.

You might be wondering why I'm not here to greet you when you woke up, it was part of the deal I made with the Devils to revive you. In exchange for bringing you back, I swore an oath that I would never try to contact you again…

In fact, the only reason you are reading this letter, is that Mordred took pity decided to help me before we left. She's not what I expected Le Fay…I think under better circumstances we could have all been close family. You'd like her I think. She has a very twisted sense of honour, it's just hidden deep within her.

The Devils should protect you from any Chaos Brigade members, but if they fail…find Cu Chulainn's descendant, Mordred trusts him and so should you. Don't return to us Le Fay. I'm going to tell Vali and the other's that you perished in the battle…

You're free now…even if it is as a member of a peerage. Just forget about all of us Le Fay, make new friends. We both know that the Gremory peerage is one of the few that are treated like real family. Serve them well, make friends, new bonds to replace the old.

I know you'll have a great life ahead of you, you're a skilled magician and a member of a powerful Devil's peerage. You're destined for great things Le Fay. I was always proud of you, I guess I never really told you that, did I? I guess it's too late now, isn't it? I regret not telling you when I had the chance, yet another failure for your incompetent brother.

You were always a light in my life, a bright innocent spark in a sea of darkness and filth that was our family, you were the only thing that made me proud to call myself a Pendragon. Not my ancestor, not their wealth and power, not Caliburn, not Excalibur…it was you. Every day I watched you try your hardest to master your skills, you earned everything that you had, whereas I was simply given it because of my name.

This will be the last time you ever hear from me, please don't come looking for me. It's not safe. It's become clear that I can't protect you, even from myself. Stay with Gremory and Issei, they are your new family now.

And…there is one other selfish request from your failure of a brother. If you can find it in your heart to forgive me…then please remember me for what I was, not what I turned into at the end.

And remember that no matter what happens…your brother loves you.

I'll miss you.

Take care…

Goodbye Le Fay.

The descendant stared down at the now tear stained page in front of her, feeling a deep well of sadness that she hadn't even known was possible overflowing within her. Suddenly she burst out into laughter, simply her mind simply unable to cope with the reality of her new situation.

"This…this is a joke, right? Just a bad dream. And any minute now I'll wake up safe and sound in my own bed before pestering my brother for ice-cream. We haven't done that in a while after all," she said before closing her eyes and opening them again.

"Ha ha, that's funny I haven't woken up yet," she laughed with a strained voice and smile before repeating the process again and again…to no avail.

Mordred was silent as she watched the descendant's mental break down before slamming an armoured fist down on her head, causing Le Fay to cry out in pain. "This is no dream brat, or do I need to make you feel more pain to realise that?" sighed Mordred and as Le Fay looked up to her, she noticed the once heterochromatic eyes were gone.

Instead of the one vibrant green and chocolate brown eyes, they had both turned to the same green shade as the chocolate brown seemed to disappear. Even the knight's expression seemed subtly different, seeming more natural as if her previous expression had been faked to look like the current one. It was so bizarre that it snapped the descendant out of her spiraling descent into madness as the knight lowered her raised fist.

"So brat, what will you do now?" asked Mordred.

Le Fay was silent as she tried to ponder her next move before fall to the ground and curling into an upright fettle position, clutching her legs close to her chest. "I don't know! Everything I had is gone! How am I supposed to come back from that? I failed in my duty to my brother!" she cried, breaking down into sobs.

Le Fay heard the sound of metal plates rubbing together again and felt the armoured form of the knight tower over her before sighing as Mordred sat down next to her. "Oi brat, why are you so determined to be with your brother?" asked the knight with a hint of curiosity entering her voice.

"You will be his protector, his servant. That will be your task, your atonement for the past, your only purpose in life, just as all Le Fay before you…" quoted the descendant in response, remembering back to her childhood at the Pendragon estate.

"What are you talking about?" muttered Mordred, an uncomfortable sensation occurring as memories of her own past began to resurface.

"Whenever a first child is born into the Pendragon family it is named after it's ancestor and is given multiple different roles. If the first born is male it is named Arthur and becomes the heir to the Pendragon family," explained Le Fay in a soft tone, her voice breaking in the otherwise silent night.

The descendant's vision grew blurry again as she continued, "but if it is a female it is named Le Fay and hidden away from the rest of the family. Trained from birth to be nothing but a disposable servant to the current 'Arthur,' to wait on their every request, no matter how degrading or dangerous."

There was silence from Mordred upon hearing this before the knight softly spoke up in a hesitating voice, "what happens if the female is born before the male? They would have no one to serve."

Le Fay was silent as she shuddered, "if that is the case the baby is…disposed of."

There was a loud sound of something cracking coming from beside her and as Le Fay looked towards it she saw Mordred's hand embedded in the concrete, an expression of pure and utter rage present on her face as her green eyes almost seemed to glow with fury. "This is what the Pendragon family has turned into?! I swear I will gut them all before this is over," snarled the knight.

Le Fay was startled by this outburst before a sad smile crossed her face, "now you're starting to sound like my brother."

"But you know what the worst thing is?" asked the descendant, curling further into her ball. "They were right."

"What I did…the minute I was separated from my brother I did terrible things. Even when I was younger I planned how I was going to kill my brother and destroy the entire Pendragon family. I'm just like her!" spat Le Fay, her voice filled with self-loathing and disgust that sounded so wrong from such a childish face.

Mordred was silent as she watched Le Fay cry her heart out, her hostile expression devolving into one of confusion and Le Fay could have sworn she saw a hint of understanding with those piercing green eyes. The descendant flinched as she felt an armoured hand hesitatingly wrap around her shuddering shoulders, as if unsure what to do next, before feeling the arm pull her slightly towards the knight.

Le Fay then found herself pressed against the knight's chest as she continued her silent sobbing, the night silent as the grave, the descendant could hear Mordred's heartbeat as she continued to vent the bottle of emotions that had been stored inside her for years.

"Without my brother…I'm scared," she stated, after finally calming down enough to speak in complete sentences.

"Of what?" asked the Knight of Treachery.

"Of becoming her! Arthur was always my anchor, the one whom I was sure would stop me from becoming another Morgan, the only one I could trust," explained Le Fay, her tears long since run dry as she instead shook with fear.

"But now…what? What's stopping me from becoming another Morgan!" she shouted, clutching her head as more memories from her childhood erupted from in her mind.

The descendant was suddenly grabbed as Mordred forced her to look at the knight in her green eyes, feeling as though the vibrant orbs were staring into her very soul. Eventually the Knight of Treachery just nodded before releasing the descendant from her grasp.

"You're not her," announced Mordred in a certain tone.

"What?" muttered Le Fay in confusion.

Mordred took a deep breath as she replied, "I said you're not her. And you never will be."

A jolt of shock ran through Le Fay's body at this declaration before she frowned and responded, her voice raising in voice as it continued, "but how can you be so sure! How can you know I'm not just like her!"

"Because I know my mother, and believe me you are not her," growled out Mordred, silencing the descendant into shock.

"Mother?" Le Fay repeated softly to herself, her eyes widening to astronomical proportions.

Mordred just continued on, apparently not hearing her murmur, "I know you are different from her because when I look into your eyes. I still see it. The desire to do good, the innocent and naïve belief that everything will work out ok in the end. The absence of manipulative hate that made her so powerful and dangerous."

"But…but what if...your wrong? What if I become her over time?" replied the descendent fearfully as she looked up to Mordred and saw the sun beginning to rise in the distance.

Mordred shrugged, "if you continue to worry about the what ifs then you'll get nowhere."

Le Fay saw the sunlight begin reflecting off the knights metallic armour as she stood up from the ground and stretched, an almost kingly aura surrounding the knight as she unsheathed Clarent. "But if you're that concerned by it then listen to me now, I, Mordred Pendragon, swear upon my sword, that should you ever turn down the path you so fear to trend…then I will drag you back to the right path no matter how long it takes," promised the knight and Le Fay could fell the conviction behind those words.

A small smirk appeared on the knight's face, "besides as someone once told me…that what families do."

Once again, Le Fay felt something hot and wet flow down her cheek and as she reached a hand up to her face she felt the tears once again leaking down her face. And yet despite the tears, she could feel no sadness, instead there was a deep joy building within her.

The descendant of Morgan Le Fay bull rushed Mordred before latching herself onto the knight's waist, causing the knight to topple over from the unexpected weight. "Oi you damned brat I was trying to be nice here and you-" Mordred immediately cut herself off as she heard the soft murmuring coming from Le Fay.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you," she repeated at high speeds and making Mordred just sigh tiredly as she returned the hug.

"Come on you brat, let's get you back inside before we wake up the whole neighborhood," ordered Mordred, unsuccessfully trying to remove Le Fay from her waist.

After another minute of nonstop muttering the descendant finally broke off from her, now one-sided, hug and got up from the ground. "See you tomorrow Big Sis," she shouted gleefully before rushing back into the house.

"Big Sis?" muttered Mordred with a slightly red face before breaking out into a happy smile. "I like the sound of that."

The knight's eyes then returned to her normal heterochromatic colours before 'she' broke into laughter, "who knew you were good with kids Mordred."

The 'Knight of Treachery' then returned to the house as the sun fully rose in the distance.

No one said a word as all the Greek Deities present sat in their thrones and watched as Poseidon stepped forward to begin his report. Each of them were silent as they listen to the evidence that the God of the Sea had gathered from the incident.

"Has there been any news from Apollo and Artemis?" asked Zeus anxiously gripping his throne's armrests.

Poseidon shook his head sadly as silence filled the chamber of Olympus before he replied, "None, we've searched all of Japan and still found nothing. Amaterasu herself is tearing her own territory apart trying to find them."

"I told you that incompetent Fox was useless," scoffed Hades, a low chuckle escaping from his skeletal frame.

Thunder crashed around them loudly as Zeus rounded on his brother, his face red with fury as he roared, "NOT NOW HADES!"

"What were they even doing in Shinto territory?" asked Athena, her long green hair swaying down her back.

"They told me they wanted to make better relations with the Shinto Pantheon. Amaterasu's story seems to agree with this. And that's what we know officially," informed Poseidon, the God of the Sea shaking his head in disappointment.

"And unofficially?" replied Zeus with a raised eyebrow.

Poseidon gave another long drawn out sigh, "It is likely they decided to go against your orders and independently investigate this 'Khaos Brigade' under the guise of helping Amaterasu. Shortly after this, we all felt that. And the two have been missing ever since."

Having finished his report the God of the Sea stepped back and sat back down on his throne as silence filled the meeting halls of Olympus. "It doesn't make sense…why would Herakles attack his siblings unprovoked like that? They got along so well…" muttered Zeus, the father looking torn as he tried to find a reason for his children's actions.

"Assuming it is Herakles…" pointed out his brother.

There was another loud clap of thunder as the leader of the Greek Pantheon rounded on his brother with a furious expression, "We've been over this Poseidon. That was my SON!"

No one said a word after this, fearful of drawing the God of Thunder's wrath, as the storm clouds above them finally cleared and bringing a sigh of relief to most of the other Greek Deities. "So, we have no idea where they are now?" asked Ares his armour glinting bronze as he studying the map of Japan with a trained eye.

"We don't even know if they are alive at this point," admitted Poseidon and causing another uncomfortable silence to reign before Zeus turned to Hades with a hopeful expression on his face.

"Hades please tell me you found something," he asked, a pleading tone entering his voice.

The Skeletal God of the Underworld simply shook his head in silence, "Nothing indicated that this attack was caused by this so called 'Khaos Brigade,' as of right now we can only assume that it has something to do with the Red Dragon's Faction."

"What makes you say that?" replied Poseidon, his eyes narrowing slightly on his brother.

Hades simply turned to meet his gaze as he replied, "There were signs of a massive battle on the outskirts of the city, what little magical energy remained in the area that we could collect matched that given off by the Welsh Dragon Ddraig. There was even the fanit trace of the Calydonian Boar saturating the area. Something that you failed to mention in your report brother."

"It wasn't confirmed that the Welsh Dragon interfered at all, merely that he was present in the area," growled out the God of the Sea.

"The Calydonian Boar?" scoffed Aphrodite with a condescending laugh. "Don't be ridiculous. Even that fool Artemis would never use it again. Not after how she was punished last time."

"How else can you explain this then?" retorted Hades as the Skeletal God spun to meet the other Deity's gaze, whom flinched at his glare.

"What is your current hypothesis Hade?" asked Zeus, drawing a horrified look from Poseidon as the Skeletal God stepped forward.

"Currently I believe that Artemis encountered the source of the power we detected, whether or not it was actually Herakles. This likely enraged her to the point that she used the Boar…" Hades trailed off as the first hints of uncertainty crept into his voice.

"Or?" demanded the leader of the Greeks with narrowed eyes.

"Or she was so out classed she felt no other option was available to claim victory," finished Hades and making all the deities shift uncomfortably as they exchanged glances.

"Either way, the reason doesn't matter. What does matter is that it appears the current Boosted Gear wielder decided to intervene with the fight," concluded the Greek God.

"We have no proof of that yet Hades!" snapped Poseidon, only to be ignored

"What about Apollo? You have yet to mention him," pointed out Ares.

"The only sign of Apollo we could find was the destroyed remains of his Chariot along with his broken bow. We currently have no idea what happened there," replied Poseidon, getting a nod of agreement from his brother Hades.

"Damn it," growled out the Greek God of War.

"Hades…Brother…give me your honest opinion…do you think they're still alive," asked Zeus, his voice wavering slightly as he stared at his brother in the eye.

Hades was silent as he met his brother's stare before replying with a thoughtful voice, "It is unclear…if that was Herakles you detected then I think they're still alive. I don't see him killing his siblings like that…however since they have yet to contact us…it might be best for us to assume the worse. "

"Hades!" shouted the God of the Sea.

"It is the truth brother," replied the Greek God of the Underworld as he turned away from Zeus to face his other brother.

"Hades I have new orders for you. I want you to find out who is responsible for this and if my children are indeed dead…I want the killer's head on a platter," ordered Zeus, a cold fury seeming to leak from his body.

"What about this 'Khaos Brigade?'" asked Poseidon.

"It is a myth," concluded Zeus, his tone leaving no room for argument.

"We don't know that!" shouted the God of the Sea, slamming his hands on his throne. "They could be the ones responsible for this attack! Zeus…brother listen to me. We know that this faction wants to start a war, what better incentive then using an incident like this to their advantage."

Hades once again stepped forward and turned to face his brother, "Poseidon, I told you that none of my investigations indicated that this Khaos Brigade is anything more than a myth."

"I trust in Hades judgement," agreed the Greek leader with a finality in his tone.

"Zeus, you're letting your grief and anger cloud your judgement. At least let me take over the investigation!" begged the Greek God of the Sea.

"No!" snapped the Thunder God. "I will not waste resources on some fairytale when we have better use for them. Hades will find out what happened to my children, all three of them, that is what we will be devoting resources to."

The leader of the Greeks then stood up from his throne and walked over to the door before glaring at Poseidon. "This meeting is finished," he announced, as other Greek Deities started leaving.

Before he could leave Poseidon grabbed Hades' shoulder and spun him around so that the two gods were face to face. "What game are you playing Hades?" he growled out, water seeming to flow into his hand before taking the shape of a trident.

"I have no idea what you're talking about, brother," replied the God of the Underworld as he shrugged off his brother's hand and continued walking towards the door.

For the briefest instant Poseidon considered attacking his brother, his trident beginning to glow with diving energy before being dispelled. "Damn it!" he cursed before walking towards the exit and storming towards his room.

Just as he got to his door the Greek God of the Sea heard a familiar voice, "A rough day?"

The God spun around and saw a centaur approaching him and despite his earlier mood a smile grew on the God's face. "Chiron…that's an understatement if I've ever heard one. Why are you here? I thought you were supposed to be keeping an eye on Achilles?" he asked, curiously.

"I am, he insisted to come see you," sighed the centaur as a familiar male figure appeared from the door into Poseidon's own room and smirked.

"What do you want?" sighed the God, in no real mood to deal with the Greek hero's descdenant's usually amusing antics.

"Is it true?" asked Achilles with an eager expression. "There's a descendant of Artemis living in Shinto territory, some are even whispering about Herakles returning back from the dead?"

The God of the Sea was silent before shaking his head, of course he had expected word to get out that something was going on within the Pantheon. It was impossible to hide that fact, still he hadn't expected word to spread so quickly…unless someone had leaked it…

"Yes," sighed the Greek God with a tired voice. "We were going to announce it today, no point in keeping it secret now."

"Incredible! I can't wait to meet them! So, when are they coming to Olympus?" asked Achilles, eagerly shifting his balance from each foot.

"They aren't," informed the God of the Sea before shrugging. "For some reason the two have decided to remain hidden from our sight."

Both Chiron and Achilles had a surprised look on their faces at this new information before the centaur had a disappointed frown on his face. "I see, that's a shame. I was looking forward to meeting Herakles again," pondered Chiron wistfully.

With their task done Achilles stepped out of Poseidon's way and the two flinched upon hearing the sound of the God's door slamming shut. "Well he was in a wonderful mood today, I wonder what happened?" muttered Achilles, before a thoughtful expression grew on his face followed quickly by an eager smirk.

"I know that expression anywhere Achilles, what are you planning?" sighed Chiron, looking at his student with a tired face.

"I think we should go on a trip Teacher, wouldn't you say?" replied the descendant with a smirk.

Blood.

Blood.

Blood.

It was everywhere.

People were being peeled away layer by layer, revealing skin and muscle before even this were peeled away and there was nothing left but the blackened bones staring blankly at her. Damning whispers surrounded her as she struggled to climb over the mountain of corpses, desperate to escape the black sludge that was rising behind, merely inches from her feet.

"Buchou…Buchou…please somebody! Anybody please help!" she screamed, before losing her grip on the pile of bodies and falling into the filthy mud.

The former Nekoshou felt her body burning from intense pain and heat, struggling to swim to the surface even as the sludge pushed her further within its rotting embrace. Koneko cried out as she felt the sludge rushed down her throat and nose, struggling to breath as the mud flooded her body. The Devil struggled to maintain consciousness as she forced her failing body back to the surface, only to feel something grasp her foot before dragging it back in.

Looking down in fear she saw a black muck filled, and yet dreadfully familiar looking figure, staring at her with her own face. The muck filled doppelgänger wrapped itself around Koneko's throat as it tried to drag her back down into the sludges depths. Koneko flailed and struggled against the unyielding grasp of the mucky twin, however just when it seemed hopeless her arms caught hold of some sort of floating debris on top of the surface.

Latching onto the debris as if it were her only lifeline left, Koneko gave a desperate cry as she pulled herself from the muck and onto the large debris. Collapsing onto it Koneko began sobbing uncontrollably as she felt herself get rocked by waves from the filthy sludge, as if it was trying to submerge the debris along with her. But still the Devil clutched onto it for dear life, instinctively knowing what awaited her within its depths.

Suddenly a massive wave rose up bedside her and slammed into the Devil, causing her to scream in fear and tears to come to her eyes as she felt her grasp slipping. Shortly though the Devil's cries of fear were drowned out as once again she was dragged under, leaving only the debris left floating within the muck but soon even that was consumed by the filth.

And so, the floating gigantic white rook piece sunk into the muddy filth along with the former Nekoshou whom could only silently sob as her eyes closed and darkness claimed her. The last thing she saw was her mucky doppelgänger staring down at her before sinking into the Devil's flesh.

"Shirone, Shirone, wake up my little kitten," whispered a comforting female voice, and snapping the former Nekoshou awake.

Koneko looked up with wide eyes as she saw Kuroka smiling down at her as she wiped away a few strands of hair from her little sister's face. "Onee-chan?" muttered the Devil in shock.

"That's right. Come and give your sister a big hug," replied her older sister.

This wasn't right…she was sinking into the muck…the…the filth…or was that a dream? Was everything a dream? Buchou? Being a Devil? "No…no, but how?" asked Koneko, her mind staring at her older sister and trying to compared it to everything she'd remembered of her, looking for some sign of deception.

Kuroka just burst out into hilarious laughter, "Silly Shirone, did you really think your Big Sis would leave you like that?"

"Are you real?" replied the younger sibling in a soft and halting voice, before clutching her head in pain.

"What kind of question is that? Of course I am! Don't you recognize your own Big Sister?" exclaimed the black haired Nekoshou.

There was silence as Koneko looked up at her sister before tears sprung from her watering eyes as she rushed over to Kuroka and embraced her in a tight hug. "Onee-chan! Please help! I keep seeing them, please make them stop!" she begged, making Kuroka begin giving a soft cooing noise as she stroked her head.

"What is it? What do you see Shirone?" asked Kuroka in a quiet voice.

"Nightmares," muttered the Nekoshou, shuddering from the memories.

"What do you see in these nightmares?" consoled the older sibling.

Again, Koneko shuddered from the experience as she forced herself to speak, "Flames consuming everything. People being flayed alive, black sludge spreading, tainting everything it touches. I hear screams of the victims burning, whispering to me, trying to get me to do things, bad things. I smell burning flesh, and it makes my mouth water! WATER!"

Koneko clutched her head, her voice filled with loathing and self-disgust, "What's wrong with me! I can feel it inside me, the sludge growing…MAKE IT STOP!"

Kuroka didn't react to her outburst and instead once again drew her into a tight embrace, "Shirone…my sweet little Shirone. You have nothing to feel ashamed about, indeed you should rejoice."

Upon hearing this Koneko's eyes widened and for the first time she noticed the room they were in, it was an exact copy of the ORC clubroom. But what drew her eye was the chessboard in the centre of the room, or specifically the Rook piece. The White King seemed to be in check, only not by any of the other sides pieces but rather by its own Rook Piece. The Rook's once White surface having been sloppily painted over by a very familiar filthy black sludge. Koneko felt her heart begin to pound against her chest as slowly the room lost its colour and returned to a familiar corpse filled field.

"O-onee-chan…let go," she said, struggling to break 'Kuroka's' near crushing embrace, the older sibling's hands beginning to dig into her shoulder hard enough to draw blood.

"WhAt'S Wrong ShiROnE?" asked the fake and as Koneko looked up at her, she saw the flesh covering the Fake's body get replaced by the same muck as her own doppelgänger had had.

"No not again…GO AWAY!" screamed Koneko, using all her strength to push the mucky copy away from her, watching as it broke into little globes of mud as it hit the ground.

"But wHy MY lIttLe KITtEn? DOn't YoU lOvE yOuR oNEE-chAn?" it said in Kuroka's voice, reforming together back into her shape before trying to embrace her again.

"I said LET. ME. GO!" cried the Devil, black flames beginning to form in her hands as her cat-like features became visible.

The mucky copy was then dosed in black flames that caused it to recoil, as Koneko's teeth grew razor sharp and her second, rotted black, tail reappeared. "REjoicE. Drink fRoM ThE WeLL of PoWeR. GiVE IN tO YoUR DeSires," announced the copy, before it was dissolved by the black flames and became nothing.

Koneko stared down at the burning remains of the muck creature that had tormented her, the briefest hint of a sadistic snarl appearing on her face, before a dark light forced the Devil's eyes shut. Once she opened them she found herself once again in the ORC clubroom and groaned as she forced herself to her feet.

"Koneko?! You're awake! Don't move, I'll get Buchou!" shouted a familiar voice.

Koneko spun around to see Akeno placing a book down, seeming to a have a picture of a very familiar mirror on it, before the Gremory Queen rushed from the room. 'Am I back?' thought the Devil as she waited from some sign of the black sludge. But none came…

The Devil felt her hopes begin to rise slightly, it was over, the long nightmare was finally over! Tears of joy began streaming down her face as she started eating her favourite snacks…and yet for some reason the taste seemed to turn to ash in her mouth.

ShiRone…

The Devil froze and spun around, trying to find the source of the voice, and the Devil could have sworn that for the briefest moment…as her eyes passed over a nearby mirror. She saw her mucky doppelgänger, having replaced her own reflection, but as Koneko blinked the sensation was gone. The Devil sighed and tried to tell herself that it was only her imagination but…she couldn't escape the image of the chessboard she had seen…

ShiRone…

Le Fay sighed as she got changed into one of her new school uniforms, honestly how Rias had convinced the school to let her attend at such a young age was beyond her. 'I wonder what Kuoh will be like? I've never gone to a normal school before,' she wondered, picturing what her first day at school could possibly be like. Sure she had already been doing work for the Devils in their clubroom but that was after school hours, this was her first time being revealed out in public like this. Rias had thought it would seem suspicious if she immediately got a new piece for her peerage just after the Excalibur fiasco and so had been having her fulfill contracts out in secret for the past week.

'Come on, no need to be scared they're just normal humans, right? Think, what would Big Sis Mordred do?' wondered the descendant as she thought back to the blonde knight, picturing her beating up all the students that even looked at her funny.

"Maybe that's not a good idea," she muttered sadly.

Speaking of Mordred, Le Fay hadn't seen her ever since their discussion when she was about to go and become a Stray. Where had she gone? Her brother's note clearly implied that she and Issei knew each other quite well and yet she hadn't seen her since.

It was at this moment that Cu Chulainn's descendant walked in and approached her with a smile on his face, "alright Le Fay, are you ready?"

"My baby girl's first day at school, oh I'm so proud!" gushed Mr. Hyoudou with his entire body wrapped in bandages, getting an annoyed sigh from Issei.

"Thank you, Mr. Hyoudou," she replied with a bow.

"Oh, please call me Otou-san, you've been here a week now, that means your practically family!" laughed Mr. Hyoudou before turning to his son.

"Issei, is everything alright with Irina and Asia…they've seemed really distant for the past week, and Scathach seems to be constantly busy with 'work,'" he asked, making Le Fay flinch slightly at the unintended guilt trip.

The group had decided that for now it would be best if they kept Issei's father in the dark, telling him a lie about the house caving in due to poor construction when it was built. It was clear even to her that he didn't believe them however, this was made abundantly clear when he didn't question how his house seemed to magically be repaired with the span of a few days. For the time being though he seemed intent on playing along with their charade, although he kept sending pleading glances to his son every now and then before sighing.

"I'm working on it dad," replied Issei softly before turning to the door. "Come on Le Fay, if we stay around any longer we'll be late and I already have Kaichou wanting my head as it is."

"Bye Otou-san!" waved Le Fay as she followed Issei out the door, turning to him as the door shut. "You must be lucky having such a friendly parent like him."

Issei just shrugged, "parents you know what they're like."

"Actually I don't, the only interaction I had with my birthparents was magic tuition," informed Le Fay, getting a flinch from Issei.

"Right…sorry about that," apologised Issei.

Le Fay just shrugged and decided to ask the question that had been bugging her for the last week. "Where's Mordred?" she questioned happily skipping around Issei, her witch's hat bobbing along with her.

"She left for an assignment I'm afraid. You know what they say about idle hands," replied Issei with an apologetic shrug.

Le Fay just giggled, "You know you're talking to a Devil right?"

"Fair point," conceded the human before a frown crossed his face. "How's things with Rias and the rest of her peerage?"

Le Fay's smile dropped slightly at this question but she still managed to give a halfhearted smile, "It's not the best…Buchou seems nice enough, same with Akeno. Xenovia is always trying to praise God and being hurt by it…also she apparently wants to have your children…I'd keep my guard up around her if I were you Issei."

"WAIT! SHE WHAT?!" shouted Issei, only to be ignored as Le Fay continued.

"But Koneko…scares me…she is always jumping at everything, sometimes even attacking thin air, and has massive mood swings," informed the former human.

"She is a girl…" trailed off Issei in confusion.

Le Fay shook her head as a frown crossed it, "Not that kind Issei, it seems almost unnatural. One minute she's happily munching on treats and the next she looks ready to rip my throat out. Even Buchou and the others seem concerned about it."

"Rias did ask me if I could get in touch with Atalanta about something, but whenever I asked why she never said. Come to think of it, she said not to worry about it once Koneko woke up…maybe that has something to do with it?" frowned the human.

"Maybe," trailed off Le Fay, not sounding very convinced.

"What about Kiba?" asked Issei hesitantly, dreading the answer.

The descendant's frown just deepened and she sighed, "I've had warmer receptions from my old family…he tolerates my presence…if only barely. He refuses to even look at me when we're in the same room and often tries to keep as big of a distance between us as possible."

"Just give it time Le Fay. I'm sure he'll come around eventually," assured Issei as he rested a hand on her shoulder.

"Maybe…I wouldn't blame him though if he never got over it. Not after what I did," she replied in a depressed tone.

"Come on Le Fay, just have a little faith. I'll talk to Kiba, okay?" promised Issei, trying to cheer her up and causing a sad smile to appear on Le Fay's face.

"It won't help, but thanks anyway Issei. Any idea when Big Sis Mordred will get back from her mission?" asked Le Fay, wanting to change the subject to an enjoyable one.

"It might be awhile, why?" he answered, making her brief bout of happiness drop like a stone in water.

"I was hoping to see her again before she headed off on another mission," she answered with another sad smile on her face.

Issei just stared at her before clutching his head, as if listening to something, and nodding as he spoke up, "I'll see what I can do. After all, I'm sure Mordred can spare some time from her busy schedule to come see her cousin."

"Really?" asked Le Fay, a bright, innocent, eager smile appearing on her face.

"To keep that bright smile on your face? I'm sure she would," smiled Issei, and causing Le Fay's face to turn a crimson red.

"ISSEI!" she shouted in embarrassment.

The two continued on in silence and as they rounded the final street before Kuoh Academy, Issei spoke up again, "How are you coping? You know, with being a Devil and all."

Le Fay just frowned at that question. In truth, she hadn't thought about it until now but she was a completely different species. She hadn't even tried flying yet, and her magic was stronger than it had ever been before so that was good.

Eventually the new Devil shrugged, "It's an odd feeling but nothing I won't get used to."

The two then crossed the gate into the school but were immediately stopped as two figures began rapidly approaching them. Suddenly Issei's instincts took over as he dodged under a punch to the face before being crashed tackled to the ground by the second figure.

"ISSEI HYOUDOU YOU BASTARD!" growled out two familiar voices.

"Motohama, Matsudo? What the hell is wrong with you two!?" he shouted, pushing them off him as he stood up.

The two perverts glared at him as they stared between him and Le Fay, "Scathach wasn't enough! You had to go and collect another for your harem! And a blonde at that?!"

Le Far gave an innocent smile as she tilted her head in curiosity, "Harem? Are they talking about Asia or Irina, Issei?"

"You have more! YOU GOD DAMNED BASTARD!" they shouted and attempted to attack once again, only for a dreadfully familiar female voice to halt them in their tracks.

"Fighting on school grounds, tardy to class, you must really enjoy detention Issei Hyoudou," growled out the voice.

All three of them spun around and froze as the saw Sona staring at them with a cold, predatory grin on her face. "This must be my lucky day right Hyoudou-san? You two can go," she asked, glaring solely at him.

"Hold on Kaichou I had nothing to do with this!" he protested, even as Motohama and Matsudo quickly made a break for the school building.

"I sincerely doubt that Issei Hyoudou, name one incident that has happened here that you have not been involved with," she growled out, causing Issei to blink and think back.

[The fact that this is so difficult to answer is pretty telling Partner.]

'Shut up Ddraig,' growled out the human as he searched his brain for anything he could use.

"The cute Magical Girl that visits every year?" he said, knowing the urban myth about Kuoh's magical girl.

However, Sona didn't seem to find his joke that funny as her expression darkened and shadows began to cover her eyes. "You…how do you know about that! I thought I erased everyone's memories!" demanded Sona and Issei swallowed fearfully as small droplets of water began hovering around the Student Council President.

"Umm…Sona what are you doing?" muttered Issei fearfully as the ground beneath the Sitri heiress began to freeze over.

"My only course of action is clear, to erase all knowledge of her. I must kill you," she muttered as numerous magical circles appeared around her hands.

And so once again the morning of Kuoh Academy was greeted to the chorus of Issei's cries of terror and Sona's howl of rage as the two chased each other around the campus. Truly normality had finally returned to Kuoh Academy…

Issei stumbled home, having been exhausted by the current day's events, first Motohama and Matsudo, then Sona, then Akeno glaring at him far more than normal when he went to pick up Le Fay. That mixed with Rias' and now Xenovia's usual flirty manner. Was it wrong that he wished Kokabiel would come back? That at least he knew how to deal with, and Scathach was still busy at 'work' guarding Apollo and Artemis until they could interrogate them tomorrow. The Immortal Witch had also been mumbling to herself about this Dun Delga again…the smile on her face had caused the human to shudder slightly. Whatever she was planning couldn't be healthy for him….

All in all, the teen was looking forward to bed and some honest to God rest, however as he walked into the family living room he noticed his father gesturing for him to come closer. Sighing Issei walked over to him and frowned as his dad silently pointed to the outside backyard, as he followed his father's gaze he spotted Irina looking up at the sky with a longing expression on her face.

"Go get her tiger," smirked his father before pushing Issei out the back door and causing him to stumble out into the backyard.

"Issei? What are you doing?" asked his childhood friend, watching as Issei pushed himself off the ground and walked over to her.

"Just checking on you Iri, you haven't exactly been well…the same after what Kokabiel said," replied Issei, a concerned frown growing on his face as he sat down beside her.

"I've been think about what he said for the past week…praying for some sort of guidance, some sign of what I should do next. And I've only gotten silence…I was hurt, my entire life I have been telling myself it was all part of some greater plan, then I find out I was wrong. That for all my devotion…I would get no response," muttered the exorcist as her hands curled into fists.

The exorcist just sighed deeply as her hands uncurled, "it gave me time to think and in that time, I realised something important."

"Are you seriously going to be okay Irina? It must be rough, to believe in something so much and have it disappoint you like that," asked Issei a concerned frown growing on his face as he wrapped an arm around her shoulder.

The exorcist was silent as she stared up at the sky with tear-filled eyes before a sad smiled crossed her face and she nodded in response, "you wanna hear something weird?"

Issei nodded silently as he saw Irina wipe the tears away from her eyes before replying with her sad smile still etched on her face, "I'm okay, really."

The exorcist sighed deeply as she embraced Issei in a tight hug, "I guess if you're gonna have faith, you can't just have it when miracles happen…you have to have it when they don't."

With that the teen saw the cheerful smile return to his childhood friend's face as she prepared to stand up and turn back to the house, "even if God is dead, I won't stop preaching his message. In the end His death won't change the way I feel about Him…that being said, the Church can expect my letter of resignation in the next couple of days."

"So what will you do now?" asked the teen, his face showing a deep frown as he stared at the former exorcist with worry.

Irina shrugged, "after I hand in my report and resignation to the Church. I'll probably go home to see my family…explain to them why I left. After that…I guess I'll just travel around for a bit, trying to correct some of the wrongs I've done. Continue to serve God in the way He wanted me to."

Issei just stared at his friend with a shocked expression on his face before shook his head in admiration, "and to think, I thought you needed help. You're really an incredible person you know that Iri? Not many could have the strength to face the truth like you have and come out with their faith intact."

"How Xenovia deals with this information is up to her. I'm not going to judge her for her choice no matter what it is. It's Asia you should keep an eye on, as bad as the news was for us…it must have been devastating to her," replied the exorcist, her mind going back to Xenovia and her new position within Rias' peerage.

"Besides, even if God is dead, he still answers his follower's prayers," continued Irina with no trace of doubt in her voice.

"How can you be so sure?" asked Issei in confusion.

Irina just smiled at him before resting her head on his shoulder, "because the Lord works in mysterious ways, and regardless of what happens next…he has already granted me my prayer."

"Oh? And what was that?" replied the teen in a curious tone.

Irina just giggled softly before she lifted her head up and turned his own until they were facing each other, for the first time Issei noticed how close their faces were and a blush spread across his face. "You really want to know Ise? Then first close your eyes and I'll tell you," instructed his friend, with Issei following her directions.

The teen closed his eyes and heard Irina take a deep breath before her lips met his in a kiss that shocked his eyes open. Breaking the kiss off quickly Irina's red smiling face met his own stunned expression as she stood up from the ground. 'Did…did she just kiss me?' he thought, his brain struggling to reboot after this surprising experience.

"My prayer was to be able to see you again, just once more, and tell you how much I appreciated the time we spent together as children. Thank you Ise, for everything," smiled a grateful Irina as she headed towards the house before the exorcist suddenly stopped and turned to face him again with a determined expression.

"While I'm gone can you give a message to Asia and Scathach? Tell them that I won't lose, and that I have first blood," she smirked before walking into the house to collect what little possessions she had in preparation for her brief return to the Church to report.

Issei just stared at the door in shock, only snapping out of his daze as the Caster Card began burning with a furious heat, as if enraged at the exorcist. Meanwhile, Ddraig and the others could only watch from a safe distance as Tamamo just had an angered expression on her face, which quickly changed to a determined one.

"I'm not going to lose to any of them," she growled before walking back into her domain.

Apollo groaned as he finally came to his senses, only to frown as he saw his still unconscious sister chained up on the wall next to him. Runes decorating every square inch of the cell that the two Greeks now found themselves in.

"Sister, WAKE UP!" shouted Apollo, causing his sister to groan slightly as she opened her eyes.

"Brother, what's going on? Where are we?" asked the Moon Goddess.

However, before the Sun God could answer they both heard the door to their cell open and watched as a man clad armour that appeared to be made of stone, his blue cape and fiery hair seeming to glow in the dim light as he walked towards the twins. Stopping before them he snorted as he stared down both before gripping the sword on his back with one hand and unsheathing it.

"So, you're the twins who caused us no small amount of trouble," muttered Lugh, glaring down at the two imprisoned Greeks.

"Where are we?" question Artemis, getting a raised eyebrow from the Celtic God as he lifted his helmet off his face.

"Are you really in the position to demand answers here? To think I came here prepared for a battle and yet you two are still here imprisoned, I guess she did her job too well," he groaned before unclipping a water skin from his belt and sculling its continents. "But to answer your question, welcome Apollo, Artemis, to the Land Of Shadows."

Both the Celts had expressions of horror appear on their faces, as Apollo spoke up, "That's not possible…this place should be sealed off…"

Lugh just shook his head before clipping his water skin back to his belt, the strong alcoholic smell now spreading throughout the room as he continued, "Wrong that's just what we tell people so they don't come here and get killed by the 'Queen' that guards this place."

Instantly both the Greeks remember the terrifying sensation of facing down the Godslayer and shudder in unison, "Death…"

The Celtic Sun God just looked at them and smiled, "So you did fight her, I'm surprised you survived…I guess Morrigan was right about Issei keeping her in check. That boy truly is an amazing individual."

The two Greeks were silent before Artemis poke up, "Why are we here?"

Lugh's expression darkened as he approached them, "To answer some questions. You attacked our people and we want to know why."

"We'll tell you nothing Celt," snarled Apollo, causing an amused smirk to cross the Sun God's face.

"You won't have a choice. Just be grateful Morrigan is at a meeting right now, she's just as scary as Scathach when she wants to be," he remarked before the unsheathed sword in his hand became a blur of movement as it now rested on Apollo's throat. "This is a fun little blade, isn't it? Whether you want to tell us or not is irrelevant, Fragarach will get the answers we need from you."

A predatory smirk grew on Lugh's face as Fragarach began glowing ever so softly, "So, let's talk about your little attack, shall we?"

The Death Goddess sighed internally at the usual topics being brought up for the meeting, wanting it to be over already so that she could go supervise the Greek's interrogation. She could only hope the others were up for the challenge, they needed answers and they needed them now.

"Morrigan," called Dagda, snapping her from her thoughts as the rest of the Celtic Deities turned to face her.

"Dagda," she greeted with a stiff nod of her head.

"Where is Lugh?" asked the Celtic God of Life, finding it odd that the Sun God wasn't by her side today, they had been growing closer after all.

"Taking care of some business for me," she replied in vague tone.

"I see," he frowned, but didn't push the issue any further. "How are the preparations for Samhain Feis coming along?"

"On schedule," informed the Death Goddess. "A few of the other powerful players have reached out now that we've ending our isolation, asking if the ceremony would be open to outsiders."

"Send them a message that for now it is not, and give them our condolences," ordered the leader of the Celts.

"I'm not a messenger to be used at your beck and call," snarled Morrigan, for a brief moment her eyes seeming to flick between three different colours before returning to normal.

"Are you sure? I heard Ravens were used by mortal's as glorified messengers for years. Only use for the damn things if you ask me," smirked Fodla, walking up to Morrigan and just smirking at her.

A loud crack resounded around the room as Dagda smashed his fist on his desk, "Fodla, not now. And Morrigan, as one of the two heads of Foreign Affairs this task does fall under your job description."

"Fine. I'll add that to the list of things to do before the festival that I organized begins," she growled out and glared at the Goddess of Ireland, causing her to back away fearfully.

"So will this ''mysterious' descendant be making an appearance at the festival," asked a whispery male voice.

Everyone turned to see a male form, wrapped in a dull brown cloak hiding most of his body from view with the skull of a ram as a head, glide over to the Death Goddess. The other Celtic Deities gave him a wide berth until the two were staring at each other, neither backing down from the staring contest.

"No, he will not," replied Morrigan in an angered tone.

"And why is that? It seems to me that you're trying to hide something Morrigan," shot back the cloaked Deity.

"I'm not hiding anything," informed the Phantom Queen of the Celts.

"Oh really? So why is it that we have never seen this descendant? You've had multiple chance to bring him into the Otherworld and instead you leave him rotting in the Shinto territory," asked the brown cloaked man.

"I have my reasons," growled the Death Goddess.

A low hollow chuckle was heard from the cloaked figure, "Of that I'm sure. But tell me, how do we know that this descendant even exists?"

Morrigan's eyes narrowed before they rapidly changed colours again and her own voice seemed to briefly become three different ones speaking in unison before merging back together into one. "Are you calling Lugh, and myself a liar?" she asked with a frown and causing her opponent to raise his hands in surrender, revealing them to covered in pale skin unlike his skull head.

"Not at all. I'm just pointing out some facts that simply point in a certain direction. It's up to the others what they make of it," reassured the cloaked figure before turning to the rest of the Celtic Deities watching them in silence. "I'm sure I'm not the only one that has thought this. Why does this descendant not show himself to us? How did he obtained the support of Scathach of all people? And finally, what is he like as a person?"

The man then continued as his raspy voice rose in volume, "We know nothing about him, only that he has rapidly been gaining in power and support, managed to recruit the Godslayer into his faction and that his faction seemed to come out of nowhere under the leadership of the Red Dragon Emperor. Is that not a cause of concern for anyone else?"

"Arawn, if this is another petty display of the rivalry between us…" she warned in a soft voice.

"He has a point, Morrigan," interrupted Dagda.

"Dagda, Cu Chulainn's descendant is no threat to you or the Celtic Pantheon," replied Morrigan as she spun to face him.

"And you don't think your opinion is biased in anyway?" commented Arawn, hints of amusement appearing in his whispery tone.

"SHUT UP ARAWN!" shouted Morrigan, feathers sprouting from her flesh as she rounded back on him.

"Why? Are you afraid I'm right?" countered the Celtic God of the Underworld.

"Enough!" shouted Dagda as he glared down at the two of them. "Morrigan, if we are to form this treaty that Scathach proposed…then the descendant will be at the Samhain Feis, am I clear?"

"Crystal," replied the Death Goddess through gritted teeth.

"Good, I'm sure that everyone is eager to meet him," commented the Celtic God of Life.

"That's what I'm afraid of," muttered Morrigan quietly before she left the room and punched the nearest wall she could find. "Fucking politics."

Lugh just smiled as he sheathed Fragarach and turned to face his two captives, "Well I think that's all the questions we've got time for today. I'll be seeing you both for another session tomorrow."

"Zeus will find out about this," snarled Apollo.

"Will he? As far as he will know, you two independently teamed up to try conduct your own investigation, defying his direct orders, before attacking the Godslayer and nearly killing her charge then disappearing. As far as the rest of the world will be concerned, you two died in combat against her," pointed out the Sun God, getting horrified looks from the two Greeks.

"Best make yourselves comfortable, you're going to be here a while. At least until we've figured out what to do with you," he informed them before heading to the door.

"Anyway, you have someone here who wants to see you, so I'll give you all some alone time," announced Lugh as he pushed the door open.

"What are you talking about?" growled out Artemis.

"You'll see, you can come in now," he called into the hallway beyond the cell.

The two Greeks picked up the sound of light, graceful footsteps echoing down the hall before an all too familiar figure emerged from beyond the doorway. Instantly both Greeks rushed towards her, their faces red with fury as the chains quickly grew taunt and sent them flying back to the cell wall.

"I was informed that thou hast thee desire to speak to myself," said the Fake, even her voice an exact copy of their child.

"YOU FAKER!" snarled Artemis as she continued violently struggling against the chains binding them.

"You have some nerve showing yourself to us here, Fake," spoke Apollo, in contrast to his enraged sister, he was the epitome of a calm fury.

The Fake turned to the Celt and frowned, "Lugh, I request that thou leave the premise, I wish for privacy."

"I'll be in the next room if you need me," he replied with a nod.

As soon as the door was shut Artemis yelled out, practically frothing at the mouth at the sight of her, "How dare you disgrace the memory of our champion like this! How dare you use her weapons like this! They do not belong to you! GIVE THEM BACK!"

"They do belong to me. I am the Chaste Huntress' descendant," argued the green clade cat girl, her voice once again making the two Gods flinch.

"Lies!" spat Apollo, the temperature in the room beginning to slowly rise as flames danced along his hair.

"And how can thou be sure?" shot back the Faker.

"Because we know our daughter! We buried her after Aphrodite betrayed us! She died young…having no children to call her own," snarled Artemis, her chains making a racket as she continued trying to break free.

"And now you come here parading around with her face. Tell me, what vile Necromancy did you use on her corpse? How did you desecrate her grave to obtain her power?" continued Apollo, his face beginning to go red as he rage continued to build.

The Faker's eyes widened slightly as she fingered her stolen bow and frown, "I did no such thing."

"More lies. Tauropolos was buried with Atalanta in her tomb, a location known only to us both. The only way you could have gotten it was if you robbed it," growled out the Greek Sun God.

The Faker was silent as the two groups just stared at each other, neither side wanting to break the stalemate. It was then that Apollo noticed her eyes were not the same heterochromatic colour as before with the chocolate brown seeming to be missing entirely. Finally, the Fake just gave a long drawn out sigh.

"I was asked to give thou a message…" she said, causing Apollo to raise an eyebrow.

"And what is that?" he asked through gritted teeth.

The Fake refused to meet their eyes and instead looked down at the ground as she replied, "Herakles sends his regards."

"And now you bring up our dead brother. Do you really have no shame?" growled out the Sun God, only for Artemis' eyes to flicker with uncertainty for the briefest moment before the hate returned in full force.

Once again the staring contest continued and as the two Greeks glared into the chillingly familiar eyes staring back at them, their minds began to wander as unwanted memories began to resurface of the first time they looked into those eyes.

Artemis looked down at the child now abandoned in the forest and a low sigh escaped her as she cradled the baby girl, looking at the chubby face that stared back at her with wide eyes and a bright smile. "Hello little one, and what's your name?" she asked in a motherly voice.

The baby just gurgled before bursting out into childish laughter as it reached up to the Goddess' long white hair and began to chew and suck on the long white flowing locks cascading around the baby's face. The Moon Goddess quickly pushed the baby away from her with a look of disgust as she saw the clumps of salvia now hanging off her precious hair.

Derived of its chew toy the baby quickly burst into tears as it let out a loud wail, causing Artemis to quickly and frantically try to coo the crying child. Unfortunately being the Goddess of Virginity meant she had no experience handling a child before and it showed as Artemis unsuccessfully tried to coo the baby.

"Sister, what is that racket? I was enjoying our hunting trip until that noise scared away the deer," growled out a male voice from behind her.

Artemis spun around as she saw her brother Apollo walking over to her before the Sun God stopped upon looking at the child held cradled in her arms and a smirk appeared on his face. "Is there something you want to tell me dear Sister, who's the lucky guy?" he asked in amusement, clearly enjoying the sight of his sister flustering in her attempts to calm the child.

"Just shut up and help me!" she snarled, knowing her brother had more experience with this then herself.

Apollo just laughed as he took the child from her and softly cooed it into sleep, the forest once again descending into silence as the two Gods stared at the child in their hands. "So what's the story?" he asked in a whisper, nodding to the child before handing her back over to his sister.

Artemis took the baby from her brother and frowned, "she was abandoned by her family and left to die. I saw it happen. How could they just leave a child like that?"

As if hearing this the child seemed to squirm in her sleep as the baby maneuvered itself closer to the Goddess' chest, hugging it protectively and bringing a small smile to Artemis' face. "She likes you," said Apollo with a happy smile, watching his sister beginning to dote on the baby.

"Why don't you just adopt her?" he suggested, seeing how happy his sister seemed at the moment, the Moon Goddess still smiling down at the child with an expression that he hadn't seen in years.

Pure and utter bliss…

Upon hearing this Artemis looked down at the child again and sighed, "I don't want to involve this child in the power plays of the Pantheon. Let her live a life free of all that."

"Then do it in secret, the others don't need to know that you've taken a shine to a single mortal," shrugged Apollo.

Artemis shook her head, "I wouldn't know the first thing about raising a child."

"Then I'll help out," replied Apollo, getting a shocked look from his sister. "I think it will be good for you Sister, besides the child is cute. I wouldn't mind looking after her for a bit."

Artemis was silent as she looked down at the baby still cuddled up to her chest and stared at it, watching as it slowly wrapped its tiny hand around her pinkie as it slept. Apollo watched as his sister gave the child a smile and kissed the baby on the forehead, before leaving it in the care of a female bear. A smiling growing on his face as he watched his sister walk off, and turned to see the bear nuzzling the child lovingly.

"So you made your decision?" he asked as he hurried after her.

"I have," replied his sister, not turning around.

"And?" prompted the Sun God.

"And I think we have a busy few years ahead of us Apollo," she said, in a fond tone.

"That we do, so what's her name?" he asked, with a curious expression on his face.

"Atalanta," she announced with a large, bright smile on her face.

"Atalanta, the champion of the Moon Goddess Artemis and the Sun God Apollo," mused the Sun God with a laugh, only to stop as his sister turned to face him.

"To others perhaps but not to me. She is not my champion, but my daughter," stated the Moon Goddess, a determined gleam in her eyes as she walked off.

"Daughter huh?" mused Apollo as he thought back to the childish smiling face of the baby that he had cooed to sleep. "I like the sound of that…"

There was a deep silence as the two Greeks were snapped from their memories and continued to glare hatefully at the Fake in front of them. "Thou truly cared for her, didn't thee?" asked the Fake in a soft voice.

"Like she was our own child! And now you…you…you desecrate her memory! Is it not enough that you use her gifts from us, but you have to take on her form as well," spat Artemis, before growing still as she continued meeting the Fake's gaze with her own.

"I am so sorry…" apologised the Fake in a soft voice.

"For what? You are impersonating a dead woman. Someone who was close to our hearts and you didn't stop to think how that could have affected us. We raised her since she was young, we watched over her, trained her, WE WATCHED HER DIE! WE WENT TO HER FUNERAL! OUR OWN CHILD'S! WE BURIED HER WITH OUR OWN HANDS!" shouted the Moon Goddess, causing the Fake to flinch visibly and refuse to meet her gaze.

"And then you come along pretending to be something you're not…bringing up emotions and memories that we both had buried deep within for years…you sicken me," continued Artemis, getting a sick twisted glee at the obvious discomfort that the Fake was feeling.

"That was not the inten-" started the Fake before being interrupted by Apollo.

"Get out," he said in a deceptively calm voice.

"But-" began the Fake only to be cut off as the Greek Sun God raised his hand.

"Get. Out. Now. Before I do something that we'll both regret," he demanded, and no one said a word as the silence stretched.

"Very well," replied the Fake, bowing to them as she left the room and leaving the two Greek Gods to once again try and bury the unwanted feelings that the meeting had stirred.

Issei sighed deeply as he left the cell and headed towards Scathach and the others, his mind going over that last encounter with no small amount of guilt. 'Atalanta are you okay? What they said…' he asked, knowing how devout Atalanta had been in her time.

There was a brief pause before the Chaste Huntress replied, her voice seemingly devoid of any kind of emotion, and making Issei's worry grow.

{I shalt be fine Issei. That conversation hast merely reinforced my theory.}

'Theory? What theory?' he replied, trying to stay focus and not play with his new tail and ears…knowing that Atalanta wouldn't be happy about using her form like that. The Chaste Huntress herself seem distracted though as her voice became distant and almost wistful.

{That those two art not thee same Gods I swore an oath to…even if I wish it otherwise.}

'Atalanta…seriously are you okay? You're not acting like yourself,' question the former human, his enhanced senses picking up the sounds of Artemis' cries of rage even from this far away.

{I wast thee champion of Apollo and Artemis, their favoured warrior. But that wast all. In the end, I wast still nothing but a tool for them. A pawn in the games of the Pantheon.}

'I'm sure it wasn't really like that. I mean, this Apollo and Artemis clearly cared for your counterpart, so why shouldn't yours?' reassured Issei, only to get the distinct impression that the Huntress was shaking her head at him.

{Thou does not understand Issei…this world thou lives in. It is much kinder then thee one we art from. Back there thee Gods considered us nothing but toys, no matter how loyal we were to them in the end. Tools to be cast aside when it suited them.}

'Atalanta, I'm sorry…' he began, only to be interrupted by the melancholic voice of Atalanta echoing across his mind.

{They art not my Apollo and Artemis. They art not my Gods. Indeed, I am jealous of my counterpart that existed here. She had a family that loved her growing up, whereas I had no such thing.}

'Well you might not have had a family growing up, but you sure do have one now, right? We'll take care of you Atalanta, we all care for you, even Tamamo. So, that's something, isn't it?' argued the former human as he prepared to Uninstall the Archer Card.

However, before he could he heard Atalanta speak up again, her voice once again seeming distant and distracted but nowhere near as melancholic as an amused tone entered her voice.

{A family huh? I shalt not be part of thou's harem Issei Hyoudou.}

'Wha-what? What harem? No I don't mean it like that! I'm being-' stuttered Issei, only to hear laughter echo through his mind.

It was beautiful, like a series of wind chimes flowing with a nice breeze, and despite himself Issei found a small smile had crossed his face. Eventually though the laughter died down and Issei heard his companion once again continue.

{But I appreciate thee gesture all thee same. I am aware that I am not thee easiest person to be around, but I can honestly say that thee time I hast spent here hast been some of thee best memories I hast had in a long time…even if that damned Fox seems to test me each day.}

'I'm glad to hear it, and I'm sure everyone else feels the same about you Atalanta. Even if they won't tell you so directly,' replied Issei.

{This dysfunctional family you've created Issei…}

'What about it?' prompted the former human as he heard her trail off.

There was silence before he heard the soft female voice reply in a slightly embarrassed tone.

{…it's nice.}

[Wow Partner, you've breached the Iron Wall! Do you secretly have EX Charisma or something?]

{Thou art dead Dragon!}

And just like that the mood was ruined as Issei Uninstalled the Archer Card and headed off to find Scathach, he needed a transport back to his home after all.

Issei was in high spirits as he prepared for his new day at school, things had finally been quieting down now after the Excalibur fiasco, not including the imprisoned Greeks that they still had to worry about. Apparently, Mordred and Arthur Pendragon were now public enemy number one in the Devil's and Church's eyes, ironically bringing the two organisations much closer together in their hunt for them. Rias had kept her word though and so no one had known about Le Fay's existence for the entire investigation, and now the investigators had finally finished examining the area.

And so Issei could finally relax and just worry about being a normal high schooler, he was even looking forward to a test, a test! In short, the human was ready to relax and just enjoy a normal life for the next couple of days, especially since it was almost time for Halloween. Maybe even visit Charles and see how he was adjusting to everyone. At least that had been his plan until Scathach had burst into his room.

"Come with me," she ordered, before forcibly dragging him out of the room and into the backyard.

"It's been a week Scathach but it's good to see you too," he mumbled, getting a glared from the Godslayer. "So why exactly are we here?"

Scathach just began activating numerous ruins along the back wall as she replied, "Morrigan sent me a message. Apparently, she needed to speak with us urgently."

A frown crossed Issei's face at this, "Is it about Apollo and Artemis?"

After all, last thing they needed was for those two to escape prison, still at least Morrigan and Lugh should be able to deal with them. However, this line of thought was destroyed as the Immortal Witch shook her head and frowned.

"No, she said it had something to do with the Celtic Pantheon, I have my suspicions on what exactly is the problem…and I rather hope I'm wrong," she replied as a portal opened and Morrigan strode out.

Morrigan smiled upon seeing the two before her expression turned soured, "We need to talk…the Celts want to meet Issei…"

"Samhain feis," asked Scathach getting a sigh and a nod from the Death Goddess.

"That's right we need to leave now-" the Death Goddess paused as she noted their new surroundings.

"What is going on?" questioned Morrigan as she stared at the Halloween decorations hanging from the homes and trees.

"Yes Issei, I was meaning to ask that myself. Some of these decorations look eerily similar to some found in Celtic festivals," pointed out the Immortal Witch as she eyed a Jack-O-Lantern with interest.

"It's Halloween, a time of the year when everyone around the world dresses up in costumes and gives each other sweets," explained Issei, causing both Morrigan and Scathach to watch with wide eyes as small children dressed as Oni came rushing past the house with sacks full of sugary goodness.

"You mean this is what Samhain feis has been turned into?" muttered the Death Goddess in a quiet voice.

Issei just frowned in confusion, "Samham fis? What's that?"

"Samhain feis," corrected Scathach as she glanced over to the still shocked Goddess with a concerned look. "It was a festival of the dead, also known as All Hallows Eve. The time when the barrier between the mortal world and Otherworld weakened, a day where people would worship the Death Goddess Morrigan…and the day she would be at the peak of her power."

"This was once my day…" muttered Morrigan, still watching the happy celebrations going on around her. "A day where I would let the dead return to the world of the living. A day where I would let loved ones see each other once more. A somber, yet hopeful time for my followers, and now…"

Issei swallowed fearfully as he heard the Death Goddess trail off, after all if this was once her day, then to see it distorted into something like this…well he wouldn't be happy to say the least. "Morrigan, I'm sorr-" began Issei, only to be interrupted as a soft happy smile spread across Morrigan's face.

"It's incredible," she whispered in a grateful tone as tears welled up in her eyes.

Both Issei and Scathach turned to look at the Death Goddess in shock, seeing this Morrigan just ignored the two of them as she walked over to watch the laughing children. "Never before have I seen such cheer and joy on the Day of the Dead. It was always a somber event but now…I guess some good things did come from the Christians stealing our festival," muttered Morrigan, wiping the tears of joy from her eyes.

"The school was performing a play as a celebration of the event, I'm sure the Devil's wouldn't stop you from participating in it," smirked Scathach, knowing the headaches this would cause the Devils and Dagda.

Judging from the smile that spread across her face, Morrigan realised this as well, "I think that sounds like a wonderful idea, come let us go back to school."

"Hold on, didn't you say the Celts were waiting for us?! Do you really want to antagonize them? Same with the Devils. They'll need to come up with a cover story for your sudden return to school," pointed out Issei, trying to stop this before it got out of hand.

The two Celts then turned to him with identical smiles on their faces and for a brief moment Issei could almost believe they actually were the sisters they'd pretended to be when he first met them. "Issei, today is Morrigan's day, the Day of the Dead, everyone knows…you don't cross Morrigan on her day. Especially Dagda," replied Scathach, before walking over and dragging Issei with the two of them as they walked towards the school.

Inside the clubroom Rias immediately had a shudder run down her spine…

The trio then headed towards the school, with Morrigan and Scathach stopping to admire the numerous Halloween decorations and costumes hanging from walls and roofs. The two Celts sharing an amused knowing smirk as they examined the Jack-o-lanterns before they turned back to examine the costumes with a smile.

The two Celts then nodded to each other and Issei's eyes widened as he saw Morrigan and Scathach drop their student disguises and revealed their black and purple leather armour. Issei's eyes bulged as he saw this before he rushed over to them.

"What are you doing?! Change back quickly before someone sees you!" he hissed out quickly, getting a grin from the two of them.

"What do you mean Issei? These are our costumes, I'm going to be the Immortal Witch and Morigana is going to be the Celtic Goddess Morrigan. After all, that's what our 'parents' named us after," replied Scathach.

The teen was going to argue further before he saw the almost childish smiles on the Celt's faces as they continued examining the different surroundings, even going so far as to actually 'borrow' some candy from the trick or treaters. 'I suppose I can just let this slide for now…although I doubt that I'll tell them just how revealing their skin tight armour is. Let them enjoy this night without worrying about the looks from the others,' he decided, shrugging before shaking his head.

The trio continued down the streets, the two Celts taking everything in with wide eyes as Morrigan almost seemed to glide from one location to the other, eagerly questioning Issei on the purpose of everything she saw. This process continued on until they were stopped by a curious teen whom quickly brought out his phone at the 'realistic and skintight costumes' the two females were wearing.

"So, who are you supposed to be?" he asked, his phone flashing in light as he snapped pictures of the two.

The Phantom Queen's chest puffed out in pride as she walked over to the mortal with eager eyes, "Behold mortal, here on the Day of the Dead, The Death Goddess Morrigan appears before you."

The teen just frowned in confusion, "Really? You don't seem to give off the right feel for that…besides you should have gone as her from Dragon Age she was hot!"

Instantly a frown appeared on the Celt's face and everyone felt the winds go silent as a soft chill ran up their spines. "But I am Morrigan you fool! Who is this imposter from the Age of Dragons!?" she demanded beginning to storm towards the human.

"Right…I have a picture here if you want to see it…" stuttered the fearful human as Issei rushed after the Celt and grabbed her by the shoulders.

"We're leaving right now, come on Morrigan!" he said, trying to drag the unmoving Goddess away from her new victim.

"Issei wait…I must find this imposter and kill her!" snarled the Death Goddess and throwing him back before turning back to the helpless human in front of her.

"Morrigan if you stop struggling I'll buy you and Scathach some Pizza okay!" shouted Issei, desperation beginning to seep into his tone as he noticed an abnormally large number of Ravens seeming to appear all around them, silently staring down at them.

For a moment, there was silence before Morrigan turned away from her victim and the Ravens seemed to disappear, "Your terms are accepted Issei."

"I regret ever introducing you two to that food…" muttered Issei as he watched Morrigan cheerfully walk down the streets of Kuoh.

"Come the school awaits…" cheered the Phantom Queen, leaving her two companions to stare at the departing Goddess with a frown.

"Hey Scathach…does Morrigan seem off to you today…" he asked, pondering on the Goddess' unusual and unpredictable mood swings.

As he turned to the Godslayer he noticed her hands had been resting on one of her spears for what had likely been the entire encounter and his frown deepened as the Godslayer appeared to relax. "Issei do you ever wonder why she is called The Morrigan and not just simply Morrigan? The name Trinity Goddess isn't just for show after all. Some days she isn't as…stable as usual…this is one of those times," she explained, beginning to walk after the Death Goddess.

"What do you mean?" replied Issei, his brows furrowing in confusion as he fell into step beside her.

"It's not my place to say but…do you remember back to Asia's reincarnation?" answered Scathach in an eerily quiet tone.

Issei instantly had a massive headache spike through his head and grunted slightly in pain as a series of images quickly flashed through his mind, before the silvery doorway burned itself back into his mind. "Not really…I remember the doorway of silver twigs…and vaguely seeing something beyond it…but not much else," he admitted, getting a shocked look from the Godslayer.

"You saw the doorway? You never mentioned that," she pointed out, her frown deepening as she turned to glance at Issei.

"Is it that odd?" questioned the human in confusion.

"Not odd…just very rare for someone not related to an Aspect of Death to see, let alone a human. Most, like myself, only see light and darkness, not the doorway itself and those who do…" the Immortal Witch trailed off as a thoughtful expression crossed her face.

"Those who do?" prompted Issei, feeling slightly uncomfortable about this new information.

"Have a unique connection to death," finished Scathach before the duo fell slightly as the trailed after Morrigan.

If Morrigan noticed the change in atmosphere between the two she didn't comment on it and instead spent the rest of the trip to school examining the decorations with child-like wonder. Issei and Scathach continued watching her in silence, each consumed by their own thoughts, before the trio arrived at Kuoh Academy and were greeted to the sight of Sona and Rias standing out front as if waiting for them.

"Issei Hyoudou, late once again I see," growled out the Student Council President.

"Through no fault of my own this time Kaichou," replied the human, his eyes quickly darting to the still oddly acting Morrigan before returning to the Devil.

The two heiress' eyes followed his own and their faces paled upon seeing Morrigan appearing from behind the human. "Issei, can I ask why you brought the Death Goddess here on today of all days?" questioned Rias, a slight bit of panic entering her voice.

"Well after I found out about these celebrations on my day I just had to be a part of them," informed the Goddess.

"For what it's worth I tried to convince her otherwise," sighed Issei as the two heiress' shot him horrified looks.

"Let me get this straight you want us to let THE GODDESS OF DEATH AND DESTRUCTION ITSELF participate in the Halloween festivals…are you insane?" exclaimed Rias, before rubbing her temples.

"Actually, I think it's a good idea," smirked the Sitri heiress, ignoring the shocked look from Rias.

"Besides I can't think of a better person to play the part of the narrator then the Goddess of Death herself," replied Sona, pressing the glasses up to her face.

"And what would be the name of the play?" asked Morrigan, curiosity evident in her voice.

A smile grew on Sona's face, "it's called The Tale Of The Three Brothers."

The crowd was silent as the watched the shadows play along the white canvas screen, forming different structures and environments until the shadowy shape of three men appeared on the canvas, surrounded by dark trees. An unsettling atmosphere descended on the audience as the lights in the room seemed to dim and they heard a soft, haunting voice begin its tale.

"There were once three brothers who were traveling along a lonely, winding road at Twilight," whispered the female voice, sending shivers down the spines of her captive audience.

"Wow, Morrigan's really getting into this," muttered Issei quietly to Scathach, getting a nod from the Godslayer.

"Like I said…this is her day Issei, you can't blame her for wanting to enjoy it," replied the witch.

"Indeed, I must say that it is very human of her to act like this," replied Rias as the Devils took the seats around them, much to the Celt's chagrin.

Their conversation died down as the shadow puppetry on the canvas changed to reveal the three figures standing in front of a chasm and once again the audience heard the soft whispers from the yet unseen Morrigan. The listeners could not help but loses themselves in her haunting voice as the winds outside grew still and silent.

"In time, the brothers reached a river too treacherous to pass, but being learned in the magical arts, the three brothers simply waved their wands and made a bridge," she continued, a low sound seeming to fill the auditorium.

Smoke seemed to rise up from the floor and cover up the canvas, and it seemed that Morrigan's voice held a sliver of anger as she continued reading.

"Before they could cross however, they found their path blocked by a hooded figure, it was Death. And he felt cheated…Cheated because travelers would normally drown in the river. But Death was cunning…" trailed off the Death Goddess, an almost smug smile seeming to emanate from her voice.

The crowd watched as the smoky shadows coalesced into the shape of a giant hooded figure towering over the trio before giving them a mocking bow. "He pretended to congratulate the three brothers on their magic and said that each had earned a prize for having been clever enough to evade him," read Morrigan in a cold tone of amusement, bringing shudders to everyone as they heard it.

After all, all living things feared death and whether they knew it or not, here was an aspect of Death that was rapidly getting more and more angered. Deep within their instincts were beginning to realise an oncoming danger and the audience struggled to keep their hearts from bursting out of their chests as they continued watching the performance.

"Scathach…" whispered Issei in concern.

"Don't worry, she won't do anything…I think," replied the Celt, getting a shocked and fearful look from the human and Devils.

"You think," hissed out Sona, only to shut up as the witch sent her a glare.

The argument halted however as Morrigan's angered voice continued, "The oldest asked for a wand more powerful than any in existence and so Death fashioned him one from an Elder tree that stood nearby."

The canvas then changed to show a massive tree before the hooded figure reached out and handed one of the three figures something. The hooded figure then turned to the second person and it seemed that the angered tone in Morrigan's voice grew exponentially as she continued.

"The second brother decided he wanted to humiliate Death even further and asked for the power to recall loved ones from the grave. So Death plucked a stone from the river…and offered it to him," she growled out, the audience hanging on her every word.

Everyone watched with baited breath as the shadowy hooded figure then looked at the last of the three brothers and this time there was a slight hesitation from Morrigan as the Death Goddess continued in a confused tone, "Finally, Death turned to the third brother, a humble man he asked for something that would allow him to go forth from that place without being followed by Death. And so it was that Death reluctantly handed over his own cloak of invisibility."

However, this confusion passed quickly as her voice grew cold and angered again, and the image changed to reveal the first of the brothers drinking in what appeared to be a pub. This image quickly changed to the brother pointing his new wand at someone and killing them, everyone felt the temperature in the room become icy cold as ravens seemed to be heard calling outside.

"The first brother travelled to a distant village where, with the wand in hand, he killed a wizard with whom he had once quarreled. Drunk with the power that his prize had given him, he bragged about his invincibility…" explain the Phantom Queen of the Celts, a sinister satisfaction entering her voice as she continued.

"But that night another wizard stole the wand and slit the brother's throat for good measure…and so Death took the first brother for his own," laughed the Goddess, her haunting laughter echoing across the room as the body of the first brother was claimed by the hooded figure whom then vanished in a puff of black smoke.

Morrigan's voice seemed to gain even more sadistic glee as she continued and images of the second brother appeared beside a female figure. "The second brother journeyed to his home, where he took the stone and turned it thrice in hand. To his delight, the girl he had once hoped to marry before her untimely death, appeared before him…" she said and another cold feeling washed over everyone present.

They watched as the women's figure began weeping softly to herself before fading away into black, shortly after this the second brother's form also began weeping uncontrollably. "Yet soon she turned sad, and cold, for she did not belong in the mortal world," concluded Morrigan, a hint of pity for the unfortunate soul entering her voice.

"Driven mad with hopeless longing the second brother killed himself so as to join her…and so Death took the second brother," she finished grimly, watching the image of the brother hang himself from the rafters.

The cold voice of Morrigan vanished as instead it was once again replaced by a confused tone as the canvas changed to show the third brother hiding from the hooded figure under a cloak. "As for the third brother, Death searched for many years but was never able to find him…" she continued, both intrigued and confused as the game of cat and mouse continued to play out on the canvas.

Suddenly it seemed that the hostile atmosphere that had descended on the audience was replaced by a light hearted one instead as the Goddess of Death continued. "Only when he attained a great age did the youngest brother shed the cloak of invisibility and give it to his son," she replied, an almost proud tone entering her voice.

"He…" paused the Goddess as the ravens outside flew away and a shocked, yet happy Morrigan emerged from behind the canvas and smiled at the crowd. "He then greeted Death as an old friend and went with him gladly, departing this life…as equals…"

The crowd roared as they gave the Goddess a standing ovation for putting on such a convincing performance, while those in the know breathed sighs of relief that the danger had passed. For her part Morrigan looked slightly shocked at the response from the crowd before her smiled widened and she bowed deeply.

"Thank you, I must say never has my day ever been this joyous. And I thank you for the bottom of my heart for making it so," announced the Goddess, getting low whispers from the crowd.

Of course being normal human's there was only one way they could interpret this speech and as once the crowd got together and sung a hilariously out of tune rendition of…'happy birthday.'

"Well this was unexpected…" muttered Sona, getting nods from her companions.

"Just go with it, if this is the excuse they want to give for that speech then I see no reason to question it," sighed the exasperated Issei, collapsing into his seat.

The group silently agreed with the human's logic as they watched Morrigan slowly approach them and Issei smiled up at her, "you did a good job Morrigan. You really got into it."

Morrigan nodded and turned to give Issei a thoughtful look, "at first I thought it would be another insulting and degrading look at Death. But in the end it was a good message to teach others."

"I suppose the message that you can't cheat Death would appeal to you," mentioned Rias, nodding her head.

The red head then shrank back as Morrigan glared at her, "foolish Devil. Although given what your kind does I can see how you would come to that conclusion. No, that is not the message of this story."

"Then what is?" challenged Sona, trying to hold her ground against the Death Goddess.

"It's that you shouldn't fear Death," replied Issei, causing everyone to turn to face him in surprise and Morrigan gave him a happy smile.

The Death Goddess walked over to Issei and stood beside him as she rested a hand on his shoulder and turned to face the rest of them with another satisfied smirk as a figure walked into the auditorium.

"I wondered how long it would take for you to realise I was back here…Amaterasu," replied the Death Goddess.

Everyone froze as they saw the Kimono wearing male storm over to them, making both Rias and Sona briefly wonder what had happened to the peaceful territory they used to own.

"Morrigan…my name is Tsukuyomi, under order of my sister Amaterasu I have been tasked with removing you from our territory, by force if necessary," sighed the white haired man, seemingly exasperated as he just shook his head.

"The Sun Goddess couldn't come down here and do it herself?" scoffed the Death Goddess.

Tsukuyomi just growled before his eyes narrowed and his hand ever so slowly began drifting towards the handle of the ornate katana held clutched in his other hand. "You know why my sister doesn't visit the human world anymore, Celt! Do not insult her," hissed out the Moon God as the surrounding Devils began backing away from the two Gods.

"Your sister tried to assassinate Issei, we will say whatever we wish about her!" snarled Scathach, causing the Devil's eyes to widen to astronomical proportions.

For the first time in the conversation Tsukuyomi reeled back in surprise before frowning, "my sister is many things but she is not a murder!"

The Moon God then drew his sword, revealing the pure white sword blade that began glowing in the pale moon light, only for the Shinto deity to frown as a rune engraved crystal was dropped at his feet by Morrigan. "What is this?" he growled out, wary of the crystal.

The Death Goddess gained a dark smirk on her face as she replied, "that is a recording of the confessions obtained during our interrogation. It clearly shows your sister scheming with Artemis and Apollo to kill Issei, I haven't shown it to Dagda yet…but tell me how do you think he will respond to this act of aggression? Or better yet Zeus's reaction to his children being manipulated?"

The colour draining from Tsukuyomi's face was all the indication that Morrigan needed to see as her smile grew wider, "why don't you go and give that recording a watch, I'm sure you have some things to talk to your sister about."

The Moon God kept a careful eye on the Celtic Deity as he sheathed his blade and slowly picked up the rune crystal, the artifact then glowed softly and suddenly Tsukuyomi's eyes widened as if seeing something they could not. Eventually the crystal's glow died down and they heard a soft sigh escape the saddened God, "sister what have you done?"

The dangerous air surrounding Tsukuyomi seemed to fade and was instead replaced with a depressed atmosphere as he looked towards the full moon before everyone felt small droplets of rain begin pouring down from above. The Moon God then turned back to face the smirking face of Morrigan and knew immediately this wasn't going to just blow itself over.

"Morrigan, Scathach…Issei, let me be the first to apologise for my sister's actions…but please don't go to Dagda and Zeus with this information…I beg you. Let me talk to her, please there is no need for more bloodshed," begged the Moon God as he bowed before them, his voice wavering slightly.

As Issei stared at the bowing God he felt the Caster Card give off a warm glow from within its holder, the human went to place a hand on Tsukuyomi's shoulder, only to have Scathach yank him away before standing protectively between them. At this point Rias and the others decided to start making themselves scarce, the two heiresses rushing to send warnings to their siblings about a possible conflict arising between the Shinto, Celtic and Greek Pantheons.

"And why should we just give you a free pass?" growled out Morrigan.

"I'm not asking for that…I'm just asking that we settle it privately, without using official channels. Morrigan, you are one of the official diplomats for the Celts…you have the authority to make arrangements without Dagda knowing. I know I can convince my sister to come to the negotiating table, I just need more time. Please I can promise you all reparations if you don't get the Greeks involved," informed the Moon God, not rising from his bow.

All the Celts were silent and Issei was about to break the silence as he shot the Death Goddess a pleading look, feeling Tamamo's influence beginning to press in on his mind as the Class Card began glowing brighter. Upon seeing his look the Death Goddess sighed before giving him a nod as she turned back to Tsukuyomi.

"You have until the end of the Samhain Feis after that if reparations have not been made…" the Death Goddess trailed off as Scathach summoned Gae Bolg.

"I understand, I'll have it done. Can we iron out the details at Kyoto after the Samhain Fei celebrations?" asked Tsukuyomi, rising from his bow.

"That is fine, but until then Artemis and Apollo will be held captive as insurance," informed Morrigan, causing a frown to grow across the Moon God's face.

"But what if Zeus comes looking for them?" he replied, getting manipulative smirks from the two Celts.

"Well you best hurry up and get your sister to agree, mustn't you?" replied the Godslayer.

Tsukuyomi just nodded in defeat before he turned to face Issei, whom had been silent the entire exchange before walking up and holding hand out to the human. "For what's worth, I truly am sorry about my sister…she has just…not been herself lately," he apologised, a sad smile still etched on his face.

Issei was silent as he looked at the outstretched hand before pushing past Scathach, whom tried to stop him, and grasping the Moon Gods' hand. Tsukuyomi blinked as he grasped the teens hand, feeling a very familiar power emanating off him, and for the briefest second he could have sworn he saw a girl clad in a purple kimono smiling at him. Her fox ears and tail happily waving in the wind as she gave a nod to the Moon God before fading away, like smoke blown by the wind. Shaking his head Tsukuyomi found himself once again staring at a very confused looking Issei whom looked down at his hand and gave a sheepish smile.

"You know you can let go of my hand now, right?" pointed out the human, causing the Moon God to blink before he came back to the present and let go of the teen's hand.

"Is there a problem Tsukuyomi?" asked Morrigan, watching as Scathach began readying her spear from behind the Moon God's back.

Thankfully he just shook his head, "no I'm fine. Issei was it? You should come to Kyoto when you have the chance, I can promise you that we're not all like my sister…I'm sure you will find our followers most hospitable. Consider it an olive branch and a personal apology for Amaterasu's behaviour.

The teen grinned, "sure I'll come visit with Morrigan when you guys begin negotiations."

"Issei," hissed out Scathach, once again angry at this apparent disregard for his own personal safety, after all these people just tried to assassinate him!

"Wonderful, I'll inform our followers. I'm sure Yasaka would be eager to meet the one who is the reason her Lady is not wanted for murder by two factions," smiled Tsukuyomi, before the Moon God began walking off into the distance and vanishing into the streets.

"He seems nice," commented Issei as he turned to face the angry expressions on the Celts.

"YOU IDIOT WHY WOULD YOU AGREE TO GO TO KYOTO?! IT'S YOU AMATERASU IS AFTER AND YOU JUST AGREED TO WALK INTO HER DEN!" screamed out Scathach getting a flinch from Issei.

"Come on Morrigan will be there. Besides no matter how much Amaterasu may want to question me, not even she would want to risk a war for it…surely?" argued Issei, getting a nod of agreement from Morrigan.

"He's right Scathach, the Shinto Pantheon wants to avoid war just as much as we do, no one in their right mind would interfere with these negotiations, agreed the Death Goddess, getting a low sigh from the Godslayer.

Cao Cao smiled as he read the newest report coming from the, once peaceful, Shinto territory of Japan, his smile widening to Cheshire proportions the more he read.

Unofficial meeting between the Celt and Shinto Pantheon, spies from within the Devils and Kyoto faction can confirm that there was a recent confrontation between the two factions in the territory claimed by Gremory. While the cause and result of the fight is unknown, both factions are taking great lengths to avoid using official channels, wanting to keep it a secret. What little information that we do know is that it has something to do with the mysterious descendant of Cu Chulainn and the Shinto Sun Goddess Amaterasu. Recent report of our agent in the Greeks indicates that the Greeks are also beginning to place a large amount of pressure on Kyoto. The timing of this is not coincidental, as two Greek Gods that have recently gone missing, Apollo and Artemis, were last seen talking to Amaterasu before they disappeared.

After the Samhain Feis, the Celtic diplomat team will meet with the Shinto in Kyoto to secretly iron out details of reparations. Among them will be the descendant of Cu Chulainn, if he were to go missing in Kyoto, Amaterasu will take the blame and conflict will be reignited. The result likely ending in war. This presents an opportunity for us…

"Well looks like the Hero Faction will be going to Kyoto far earlier than planned, I can't wait to meet you, descendant of Cu Chulainn," smirked the leader of the hero Faction.

Omake: The War To End All Wars

Issei groaned as he got up from the ground, his eyes snapping open as he noticed that he was no longer in his room but instead in some abandoned street. 'What the hell?' he thought before seeing the smiling face of a familiar old man watching him before disappearing into a portal.

Realising the cause of his new surroundings Issei yelled into the night, "ZELRETCH!"

Suddenly Issei heard a male voice cry out in pain followed by the sound of glass shattering from one of the nearby houses, an old styled Japanese Mansion. Rushing over to the sound Issei was momentarily shocked to see none other than Cu Chulainn himself standing over the bleeding body of a red-haired boy whom fled into the nearby shed.

Realising he didn't have time to waste he quickly grabbed a Class Card from his holder and quickly Installed it, causing the Servant of Lance to freeze slightly as he felt the magical energy and spin to face Issei's new form.

As the light died down Issei saw Clarent held tight in his hand and turned to face Lancer whom had an intrigued expression on his face. "What are you? You feel like a Servant but it's not entirely the same," mused the Servant of the Lance.

{Oi Issei, some warning next time okay? I was enjoying a good spar with the dog when you pulled me here…why is Lancer here?}

'Zelretch,' said Issei in explanation, getting a grunt of acknowledgement from the Knight of Treachery.

"I have no reason to tell you Sétanta," replied Issei, readying Clarent.

Instantly the grin on Cu Chulainn's face disappeared and a slightly angered look appeared on his face, "not many know that name…and even fewer have the right to call me by it."

"Sorry Lancer but I don't have time to play around," apologised Issei as he immediately used Prana Burst to close the distance before activating Clarent Bloody Arthur.

The Servant of the Lance's eyes widened as he was caught completely off guard by the sudden and powerful opening move, after all it was completely the opposite to how most fighters in the Holy Grail Wars fought. Keeping their Noble Phantasm's secret until they have to use them. The Servant of the Lance could only watch with wide eyes as a wave of Crimson lightning slammed into his body at point blank range, the Shield of Ulster's magical core destroyed as he was sent flying.

"Oh my God…I killed Lancer!" shouted Issei with a horrified expression on his now female face as he stared at the dissolving form of Cu Chulainn.

[Good job Partner!}

{You're one of us now!}

Ignoring the cheers coming from Mordred and Ddraig, Issei only frowned as he gave a silent farewell to the blue Servant of the Lance. "I suppose it's better than the alternative of serving that bastard of a master," he muttered, getting agreements from his companions.

"Well at least I saved that kid. Better go check on him," he muttered, trying to put the thought of killing Lancer out of his mind.

Issei then walked over to the Japanese styled mansion that the red-haired boy from earlier had fled into and sighed as he rubbed the back of his head, trying to think up an explanation for what just happened. And if he was lucky maybe convince the boy to let him stay here until the he could get back home.

[Use sex appeal, Partner. He's a young teenage boy, I doubt he could say no to your current form.]

{Issei, if you do that I will gut you!}

Ignoring the two arguing in his head, Issei headed towards the shed before his Instinct skill starting screaming at him to run, causing the human to stumble to a stop as he realised something.

[Is something wrong Partner?]

"It was too easy…it worked too well," he muttered, realising that there was no way he could have been that lucky with his surprise attack on Lancer.

{Lancer's abysmal Luck stat was probably responsible for that. Honestly, Issei just relax, we saved the kid, everything worked out. All we have to do is check on him and then leave, how hard can that be?}

"Haha yeah even my luck can't be that bad," laughed Issei, putting his Instinct skill to the side as simple paranoia as he entered the shed, only to see the familiar magical circle glowing beneath the red-haired boy.

"No way…" he stated in disbelief before being thrown backwards and out of the shed by the pulse of power that burst from the magical circle.

[…I am impressed. Your luck never ceases to amaze me.]

Issei just growled at the dragon before getting to his feet as he prepared to make a bolt for the nearest entrance, after all there was no way he was going to fight another Servant after being drained by his surprise attack on Lancer. Suddenly Issei felt Clarent begin to vibrate in his hand and heard Mordred's voice echo across his mind.

{This power…}

Instantly Issei brought Clarent up to block an incoming blade as a blue blur rushed towards him and was sent flying into the concrete by the force of the blow. "Mordred, so it was you who attacked my Master. I shouldn't be surprised by you lack of honour," growled out the blonde swordswoman.

{FATHER!}

'Oh, you've got to be fucking kidding me…' sighed Issei, using Prana Burst to try and escape, only to find Arturia doing the same to block off his exit.

{LET ME FIGHT ISSEI! I'LL KILL HIM!}

'No! If you two fight, then you'll destroy the entire god damn city!' he replied in a firm tone as he dodged another swing from his opponent and retaliated by punching his opponent in her face. The human then back up as he heard the sound of someone rushing over to them and saw the red-haired boy from earlier now watching them with wide eyes.

"Answer me Mordred! Or are you incapable of such? I shouldn't be surprised you were summoned as the Berserker Class," shouted Arturia, raising her blade back into a ready position.

[So Partner, any ideas.]

'I'm working on it!' growled out Issei as he tried to think of a way to escape. 'Maybe take the Master as hostage…no that will never work, she'd hunt me down long after I let him go.'

{LET ME FIGHT!}

Upon getting no response the angered expression on Arturia's face grew and her sword was instantly bathed in a bright warm light that reached up to the heavens. Issei felt the blood drain from his face as he recognized what was about to happen.

EX-

"Shit! Now, now, Arturia…let's just talk about this!" he begged, raising Clarent to counteract the attack.

"We have nothing to talk about Oathbreaker," she snarled, causing Issei to sigh as Clarent started glowing with red lightning.

Rebellion-

Upon seeing this Arturia braced herself for the clashing of the two Noble Phantasms, only for her jaw to drop in shock as she watched Issei abandon his attack, activate Prana Burst and dash towards the street. The King of Knight was so shocked by this uncharacteristic fleeing from battle that she reacted too slow to stop Issei and growled out in anger as she chased after him.

"Why are you running coward!" she screamed, trying to close the distance.

Issei briefly glanced behind him, only to crash into a tanned man wearing a red cloak and an attractive teenage girl. Issei instantly leapt backwards as the man gave off the feeling of a Servant and causing the tanned man's eyes to widen in confusion.

"You're not Saber…" he muttered in a confused voice, as the sound of Arturia's yells and howls got closer.

"How astute of you," commented Issei before rushing up to the man and grabbing a fistful of his clothes just as Arturia burst through the last wall and into the narrow street.

Issei smirked as he picked up the tanned man and hurled him at Arturia causing them to collide with each other in a tangle of limbs. Seeing his opportunity Issei gave the female master a nod before turning to run.

"GET BACK HERE MORDRED!" howled Arturia, struggling to untangle herself from her compromising position.

"Should you really be following me when there is another Servant here and willing to kill you Master?" chastised Issei before giving Arturia an amused smirk.

"Bye Father," he said with a wave of his hand.

{NO GO BACK. WE CAN TAKE HIM!}

'Like hell we can!' replied Issei as he left the growling Arturia far behind and towards the outskirts of the city.

Illyasviel Von Einzbern frowned as she felt something interacting with the Grail. As a Lesser Grail herself, she had a unique connection to the wish granting device and so she could feel it. It almost felt like there was an extra Servant in this war, but it had no Class, in fact it didn't even feel connected to the Greater Grail at all…but that wasn't possible…the only way that could work would be if…

Heaven's Feel…

Suddenly the Master of Berserker's eyes widened to astronomic proportions as she realised what this meant…there was a Sorcerer in Fuyuki…one that wielded the Third True Magic…

If she managed to capture them and bring them back to the family…

Her red eyes hardened as a smirk appeared on her face, "Berserker, forget Onii-chan, we have a new target."

IT'S GODDAMN DONE! YOU GUYS HAVE NO IDEA HOW MUCH I HATED THIS FUCKING CHAPTER. I REWROTE IT SO MANY FUCKING TIMES! To give you guys an idea of how hard this was to write, the amount of words that went into this chapter, including all the rewrites, is 10K larger than the total words of this fic. Anyway, if you guys were wondering here are the links to what Lugh and Arawn look like, just remove the spaces and add the start h_ps: / /

Lugh: : el-grimlock . deviant art art /LUGH-2-167304192

Arawn: i79 . servimg u / f79 / 11 / 27 / 80 / 45 / arawn10 . jpg