Eve of the Nordic Twilight

(Where we last left off)

"So, tell me what's been going on since I left." Ichigo requested of his old comrade. Ten years ago he was being tested as a Shinigami by being sent to a Valley of Screams that had developed into a separate world. It was full of strife and death as a civil war had begun between the corrupt government controlling a child emperor like a puppet and those who sought to purge that corruption. Ichigo was meant to be a completely neutral and non-involved party, focusing solely on the abundant lost and bound souls. However, his entry into the world exposed him to both sides with them desiring his power and his own morality compelled him to help spare as many innocents as he could. Then the nameless Quincy Emperor found that world as well and forced Ichigo's hand to be that much more proactive. When he left, taking Esdeath and a few other notable Shinigami recruits from the world, he left them with a few bearing the ability of Soul Reapers to continue the cycle in what was a more peaceful age by the time he left.

"Thankfully rather peaceful." Akame started as the two descended toward the city. "The empire has been prospering, the people are happy, the nations are getting along, Tatsumi had his fifteenth kid this year-"

"Fifteen!?" Ichigo asked in shock.

"Yep. Three from Mine, two from Chelsea, and Leone had the rest." Akame said with a nod. "She has no intention of stopping." Ichigo shuddered as he processed that information. "Wave and Kurome have been trying but they're not having much luck, even with a doctor using the Perfector Teigu, since all of the drugs she took growing up ravaged her body. They did start an orphanage for those that lost their parents in the war and seem to be happy though. Emperor Makoto and Empress Hinowa announced the birth of first princess Hinata last week. All in all, everything has been going well."

"Yeah. Remind me, your Zanpakuto is a poisonous blade right?" Ichigo suddenly asked, looking at a grand cathedral.

"Yes. Why do you..." She trailed off as she saw what he was looking at. The church in question was a grand gothic design but the main features were the reliefs of the Gods of the Path of Peace. On the right was a gentle looking great bull that looked to be protecting and nurturing the people while on left was Ichigo's Hollow form guiding the dead. Below him was a carving that resembled with one side looking like a stalwart ally while the other half was a viscous looking demon that tortured her foes and next to that was one that resembled Akame with butterfly wings while wielding a sword that dripped something into a goblet of a man that looked like a decadent noble tormenting the people. "...I can explain."

"You've been using your Shinigami powers to keep assassinating people that might threaten the peace haven't you?" Ichigo immediately guessed, causing Akame to hang her head. The hybrid sighed before rubbing his head. "Well, how attached are you to this world?"

"...My only connection is with my friends and sister." She answered after thinking for a moment. "I've abandoned my place among the Living."

"No lover or anything like that?" He asked, turning to her.

"I thought about it with Tatsumi, but I could never see him as anything but a friend." Akame answered.

"Very well. You're fired as the leader of the Shinigami of this world." Ichigo immediately declared. "Pick your successor and you're coming back with me. I could always use capable allies. And... if you still have feelings for me." He added, looking away with some reservation before she wrapped her arms around his waist.

"I've sworn myself to you after you saved my sister. Whatever you need, I'll give." Akame answered before claiming his lips. "I was alright sharing with Esdeath before, I can do it again." She added with a smile.

"It's a lot more than just Esdeath." Ichigo grumbled before explaining his family life and the situation in the prime reality.

"...So when can I try Orihime's cooking?" She asked, drooling a little.

'A dozen wives, almost a dozen kids, another war, and the only thing on her mind is food. She hasn't changed a bit.' Ichigo thought to himself.

(Time Passes)

"-and that's what's happening." Akame said to her assembled team of Shinigami in this world. Many were unfamiliar faces to fill out the ranks but he recognized a few, the most notable being the former Night Raid and Jaeger members that made up the original Spirit Team back in the war with the Quincy. All were in their Soul Reaper forms and uniforms.

"But that's not right!" Tatsumi and Wave yelled, stepping forward and marching up to Ichigo. Tatsumi had spiky brown hair and green eyes while Wave had more smooth dark blue hair and blue eyes. Kurome, a girl that resembled Akame but had black eyes and shoulder length hair, flashed next to her sister and pulled her into a possessive hug. "You can't just punish her and tell us to not get involved with the Living after what you did BEFORE the Quincy stuff started!" Tatsumi accussed.

"Defended Night Raid's base, killed members of the Jaegers, routinely visited Emperor Makoto to lead him away from Honest's lies, revived the leader of the Path of Peace religion," Wave listed off, "this is just hypocritical of you!"

"Yes it is." Ichigo admitted. "I got too involved and changed the course of history in this world. for the better I'd say. So I agree, I shouldn't be punishing her for doing what she could to protect the peace of this world. That being said, this is still happening because my need for her back in my world is greater than yours." Akame gently pried her sister off of her and slipped off her white vest that marked her as the commander, presenting it to Kurome.

"Kurome, my dear beloved sister, it's been a joy to watch you all grow and prosper. But a world at peace has no more need of someone like me." She said, pushing her vest to her sister. "I've done everything I can here, maybe this way I can find what you've found with Wave." The sisters looked to the man as the couple blushed, then Akame leaned in to her sister's ear. "And there's no one else I trust to eliminate anyone threatening this peace." She whispered before pulling away, Kurome hesitating but finally nodding to her sister's request. Akame pulled away and walked up to Wave.

"Akame, I-" He started before finding Akame's Zanpakuto at his neck.

"Same thing I said at your wedding. Make her sad, and I WILL kill you." She calmly warned him, making Wave break out into a cold sweat. "Well, this isn't a permanent goodbye, but I will miss you all. Good luck and take care." She said before returning to Ichigo's side. The hybrid opened a Garganta and the two proceeded to enter, but Ichigo hesitated for a second before continuing on. For a moment, he thought he sensed another powerful presence entering the world.

(With Issei)

"RAH!" The Heavenly Dragon shouted as his fist slammed into the face of man with dark hair and wearing a black cloak with sunglasses despite it being night. Called himself Connla before he and his five other companions started the fight, painfully one sided as it was. Sona reported that there was an odd presence located at an abandoned factory in Kuoh and want to send the Gremory group to check it out, but Grimmjow came in and said to only send Issei and Saji. Supposedly a test of their growth and he'd promise to step in if necessary, except he left the moment they reached the factory. Said the outcome was already obvious and if they used their Sacred Gears, he'd kick their asses.

"Damn Devil!" Connla shouted as the shadows rose around him, giving him an armored form as Saji flashed in behind him.

"Took care of my half Issei." The other Pawn said as he got into a fighting stance. "For so-called 'Heroes', you guys went down pretty easily." Connla introduced himself and his group as a sub-group of the Khaos Brigade known as the 'Heroes Faction' and that their duty was to destroy 'evil', so they were targeting the Devils.

"Word of advice, level grind before going after the rare hunts." Issei added, making the shadow user growl. He got ready for another attack as magic circles appeared on the feet of the two Devils, allowing them to flash about the Hero and strike at him in every which way as the two Devils effectively danced around him. "AND DOWN!" Issei called out as Saji tripped Connla while he dropped an ax kick into the man's face, slamming his head against the floor and knocking him out... hopefully. "Uh... Saji? Is he?" The Gremory Pawn asked nervously after hearing the crack from the impact. Saji checked the guy before breathing a sigh of relief.

"He's alive, but I don't know what else might've happened so let's just use a-" He was saying while pulling out a red flask before Connla suddenly flashed a bright light and vanished. Issei and Saji looked to each other before splitting up to search the factory, finding no trace of the other Heroes as they met back up. "Well, I'm not looking forward to this report."

"Yeah, but look on the bright side." Issei said, looking to brighten the mood. "Remember when we would've needed to use our Sacred Gears against guys like that?" That brought a smirk to Saji's face.

"It is rather gratifying to see how far we've come." He said as they started to leave the premises. "Though, I could live without the trauma of master Esdeath's training." He added with a shudder.

"I still have a few gaps in my memory after my talk with captain Unohana after she decided to train me." Issei continued before thinking about the fight. "The rare hunts... level grind..." The crimson Dragon whispered to himself, just barely loud enough for Saji to hear.

"Something on your mind?" The other Dragon asked as Issei pondered what information they had.

"What was the plan here?" He finally asked. "Is it just because we're Devils, because of who we are, or is there something else at play?"

"...sorry. That threw me off." Saji admitted after a pause. "I'm not used to you thinking about anything seriously besides tits." Issei stumbled while pressing his lips into a thin line.

"Kind of deserved that, but I'm being serious here." He mumbled before speaking up again. "Why did they send such weaklings that haven't achieved Balance Breaker with their Sacred Gears to attack us in our territory." Saji started catching on to what his partner was thinking. "They might be trying to awaken their respective Balance Breakers by having them challenge strong opponents in battle."

"The conditions for unlocking that seems to be related to overcoming personal blocks and limitations." The Sitri Pawn conceded. "You said Kiba achieved his by setting aside his desire for vengeance while accepting the spirits of his dead friends from the Excalibur tests, you got yours by poking Rias's nipples... why was that necessary again?" He asked, still confused while Issei hung his head.

"I think because Azazel sensei brought it up and I couldn't get it out of my mind ever since my training with Tannin." He said, feeling embarrassed about his past.

"Right, and mine was awakened when Sona gave me that kiss and agreed to go on a date with me." Saji said, choosing to return to the main topic of the conversation. "We should bring this up to Azazel sensei next time we see him. Maybe we're on to something."

"Possibly." Issei agreed as he sprouted his Devil wings. "I'm gonna hurry on home. Apparently I have a date with Akeno tomorrow." He shot up before floating back down. "By the way, how are things with you and President Sona?" He asked, getting a tired and envious look from the other pawn.

"Since our Rating Game, the Satans gave their permission to start up the school Sona's been hoping to build. The Great King guys are still trying to fight it but it's pretty much a guarantee, we just need to get ready for when we can finally open it." Saji told him. "I've been studying my butt off because Sona said no more dates until we're ready to open." Issei pressed his mouth tight, a mix of sympathy and wanting to brag building up in his throat before he finally apologized and flew off.

(The Next Day)

It was a simple day in Kuoh, the early Autumn still feeling warm as Issei wore a dark polo with a lighter dark dress shirt and black jeans while Akeno was in a light amethyst one piece dress with a ruffle frill along the edge and purple stockings with a heart necklace on her chest, giving her a slightly younger and cuter appearance. They went shopping, visited an aquarium, got crepes, they had no plan other than a budget and a desire to try anything that might be fun, to simply feel like normal teens rather than Devils and young soldiers ready to fight against the terrorist groups of the Khaos Brigade. They knew Rias was watching them with a bat familiar, but according to Akeno their leader was also taking notes on what they were enjoying because she decided that she'd be taking Akeno on the next date.

"Let's try going to a love hotel." The Queen of the Gremory suddenly suggested as they were drinking at a cafe, causing Issei to spit out his coffee in shock. "Rias already gave her permission, so let's have some fun~." She hummed out, raising her foot to trace along his inner thigh and causing his body to shiver in anticipation. He was about to say something to her when he felt someone was watching them.

"My, how bold you can be Gremory Queen." A familiar voice called out as the pair turned to find Odin, dressed in a rough outfit and hat with an annoyed Rossweisse in a business suit just behind him and a mortified Baraqiel in a similar outfit. "To think you'd take the reins in trying to bed him in broad daylight? The Sekiryuutei is a lucky one indeed." He teased as Rossweisse looked mortified by what he said.

"Lord Odin!" She silently screamed as the air suddenly became colder and a rush of air alerted them to a new arrival.

"Sir. I would appreciate it if you didn't wander off." The group turned to find Rukia in her Shinigami form, invisible to anyone not spiritually aware. "It's hard to act as a tour guide and bodyguard if you wander off like that."

"Right right, I'm sorry Captain Kurosaki." The old god laughed while bowing his head to her. "But teasing the young is the joy and privilege of the elderly. You might understand after another five hundred years young miss."

"I kind of hope I don't." Rukia said dryly before pulling up her sheathed sword and pressing the tip against the Fallen Angel's chest as he stepped forward. "Leave them to their date Baraqiel, unless you have an actual reason to get involved."

"Akeno's my daughter." He answered, causing everyone to look at the Gremory Queen who was glaring daggers at the man.

"He is, and I want nothing to do with him." She growled out, taking out more than enough money for their drinks out of her purse and rose out of her chair. "Come on Issei, we're going home." She simply said, no trace of mirth or cheer in her tone as she took Issei's hand and stormed away.

"Akeno wait!" Baraqiel pleaded before Rukia stopped him again.

"Not now, give her time to cool off."

(Soul Dragon Candy/Squad 15 Kuoh base)

"Lord Odin has come to initiate trade talks with Takamagahara." Byakuya said from a holographic display with Rias, Sona, Azazel, and Odin in the featureless room sitting on a set of recliners while Issei, Saji, Baraqiel, and Rossweisse stood behind their respective masters. "Ideally he'd be in the meeting with them but he came in early so preparations are not yet complete. So until everything is ready he is essentially here on vacation, but since we can't allow a person of his importance to be unguarded we've assigned extra guards. Especially since word from the Grigori is that the more mischievous members of some pantheons have been looking to cause trouble in addition to the Khaos Brigade. His current guard consists of his bodyguard Rossweisse, my sister and captain of squad 13 Rukia Kurosaki, Azazel sent Baraqiel, and Sirzechs believed that this would be good for both of your peerages."

"Understood Captain Kuchiki." Sona said with a bow. "We will not fail."

"Good luck you two." The noble said with nod before turning back to Odin. "Please try to behave yourself until the meeting lord Odin." He said, giving a look to the elderly god who merely scoffed.

"I'm simply trying to enjoy myself you brat, be more respectful toward your elders." The god scolded with a smirk. "Besides, there's only one brat from my group that's actually being a nuisance and this is simply to give him no room to interfere."

"Loki right?" Azazel guessed getting a simple nod from Odin. "Figures. But on to more crucial matters is this thing about the 'Hero Faction'. For a long time there was a method of forcing the awakening of Balance Breakers that was essentially outlawed by unspoken agreement between the different factions. Gather Sacred Gear users, brainwash them, make them fight strong opponents, then summon them back, rinse and repeat as necessary until they die or get results." The teens in the room winced but were otherwise unresponsive, they went through similar methods but had the knowledge they'd ultimately survive.

"They're probably attempting anything to strengthen their side since Ichigo took the Dragon God Ophis." Odin suggested. "Desperate terrorists, that's a concerning thought. Time for a drink!" He declared. "I want to try an Oppai-pub! Or a hostess bar! I want drinks and big chested ladies!" He loudly declared, surprising most of the room before Azazel smiled and joined the god.

"I'll show you a good one Chief Odin!" The Fallen Angel claimed. "Some girls from my organization recently opened one in Kagawa. Had to trade some top shelf wine for Shuten-Doji to give her permission to open it but the girls are top notch!"

"I'll be sure to pass this information to the Shogun, since I have a feeling this was an under the table matter." Byakuya suddenly said, reminding them that the meeting was still ongoing. "I've just received word that he returned from his vacation, so I'll hang up now." The image cut as the Fallen Angel and God looked to each other in an unspoken agreement to hurry to Kagawa before bolting out of the room.

"Shouldn't we go after them?" Sona asked as the remaining teens and Baraqiel stared at the door the two horndogs ran through.

"We should, but somehow I doubt anything bad will happen." Rias said. "Those two are on a mission to indulge and I pity anything trying to stop them." Issei and Saji nodded in agreement, understanding the drive that pushed the two geezers.

"Well, I'm hitting the training hall to do some cooldown exercises if anyone wants to join me." Issei declared, not waiting for a response as he left to get some more exercise.

(Time Passes)

Issei was drying his hair as he walked down the hall from the showers, having taken one after a light spar with Saji and Kiba. Rukia tracked down Odin and Azazel and proceeded to drag them back to Kuoh while Ichigo meet with Shuten-Doji to 'discuss' certain matters about permitting businesses without proper sanctions. He was planning on heading home to get to bed when he heard the sounds of muffled voices, angry ones. Curious, he tried tracking it down to the kitchen when he started recognizing the voices of Akeno and Baraqiel.

"-all sorts of rumors about him." He heard the Fallen Angel say. "I can't really calm down about it unless I actually confirm it for myself. I'm saying this as your father-"

"Do NOT try to claim any right to being a father!" Akeno yelled out as Issei reached the kitchen, looking in through a small gap in the door as the Gremory Queen glared at her parent. "You weren't there when mom was killed by YOUR enemies and you didn't try to help me afterward!" Baraqiel flinched and looked down, shame evident on his face as he merely stayed silent.

"Can you two shut up already?" Issei heard from behind as Rukia pushed open the door and boldly stomped into the kitchen toward the surprised pair. "You're actually so loud I can hear you through the soundproofing."

"Sorry captain Kurosaki." Baraqiel said before he glared at Issei, his hand cackling with lightning. "But you on the other hand, eavesdropping-" He started before Rukia threw a punch right in his face, leaving his nose bleeding.

"No attacking. You can't complain about eavesdroppers when you yell everything." She scolded while he was stunned.

"I-I can see your point." He said, hesitantly acknowledging her claim. Akeno glared at her father and was about to step away before Rukia grabbed her shoulder.

"Sit down. I'm not done yet." She ordered. "There's unresolved issues here and we're going to sort them all out."

"Captain, I have nothing to-" Akeno started before Rukia punched her in the face too.

"Sit down." She repeated with Akeno immediately complying. Now both father and daughter were sitting Seiza style before the Shinigami with Issei just behind her. "Okay, now both of you explain what happened to start this. One at a time, Akeno goes first." She declared with the unquestioned authority of a mother.

"Yes ma'am." Akeno said submissively before clearing her throat. She then told Rukia and Issei about her past; a girl growing up in a secluded shrine with her mother Shuri while her father was often away on missions, how one day enemies of her father came and cursed her and her mother for being defiled and bearing the blood of the 'Black Angels' before they killed her before Baraqiel managed to arrive and slay them. "I soon learned that my Fallen Angel heritage would bring me nothing but misery and I wanted nothing to do with them, especially since it was his fault mom died." She said, glaring at the Fallen. "Everywhere I went I was afraid of what would happen if the truth came out and who would come after me for the crime of having that blood. I got lucky when Rias and her father's Bishop Cornelius saved me from my uncle, who intended to finish the job and remove the 'black stain' of the Himejima." Issei looked pale and horrified at the news while Baraqiel only looked down in shame.

"Is this all true?" Rukia asked, looking at the man next to Akeno.

"Yes." He admitted, quietly, as if the very act of talking was painful. "I was negligent and let my guard down and it cost me my family."

"No, letting your daughter run off cost you your family." Rukia immediately stated. "I can understand how much it hurt to see that happen and I'm all too familiar with trying to run from your problems or trying to assign blame in a desperate attempt to feel better." She said, looking to Akeno in that last part. The Queen was about to say something, but the look in Rukia's eyes clearly conveyed her experience in the matter. "Baraqiel, you failed as a father when you let Akeno run away from you instead of taking her in to a place where you could actually keep her safe. You would definitely be exposed to her constantly blaming you for what happened for a time, but what you should've focused on was making sure she was safe." Baraqiel grimaced and hung his head.

"Yes! You're right!" He choked out as tears fell. "I was too weak! Every time I saw her I wanted to hold her, to protect my little girl, but it keeps opening that scar and I'm reminded of my failure to save her! I am a failure of a father!" Akeno's expression softened for a moment before steeling it once more.

"And Akeno, grow up." Rukia sternly told the Devil, making her snap her head to the captain. "It was understandable when you were a child, it was traumatic and you needed to direct your anger on something to blame, but you're not a kid anymore and you keep living in that one moment. You're actively refusing to shift the blame on the ones that actually killed your mother instead of the one person you should've been relying on." Akeno was about to say something before Rukia continued. "Has any Fallen Angel attacked you since the truce? Has Azazel been anything less than helpful? Or can you not see the tears in your father's eyes?" She challenged and Akeno could say nothing. "You lost a mother and denied your father, using anger as a shield. He lost his wife AND his child hated him, there's nothing worse for a father that genuinely cares for his family and he clearly does." Akeno face showed how conflicted she was in the moment.

"Captain Kurosaki, may I try something?" Issei suddenly asked, activating the Boosted Gear. Rukia thought about it and gave a nod. Issei stepped up and generated a large aura. "Boobilingual." He cast, enveloping Akeno specifically.

'I know it wasn't his fault!' Akeno's voice emanated from her chest, causing everyone to look at her boobs. 'I know dad was hurting just as much, but I was too weak. If I didn't blame someone, I would break apart. But I wanted him around! I wanted the three of us to be together! I wanted to be a family!'

"ENOUGH!" Akeno herself shouted before running out.

"Akeno!" Baraqiel called out, reaching desperately for his fleeing daughter but couldn't bring himself to follow. Something told him now wasn't the time, no matter how much it hurt to watch her run.

"Uh... did I make things worse?" Issei had to ask, looking to the Captain who seemed just as surprised.

"She needed to face the truth, no matter how painful." Rukia answered. "But now she needs someone that she can truly lean on. Go to her." Issei nodded and went out to find the Gremory Queen. "Oh, and Issei?" She said, stopping him just before he left the room. "If you ever use that technique around me again, I'll castrate you by freezing your balls off." Issei froze as a chill went down his spine, making a mental note to stay distant and respectful to any wife of the Captain Commander.

(Smaller Time Skip: Hyodou Residence)

After getting confirmation that Akeno was no longer in the Gotei base, Issei started looking around the city before a call from Rias confirmed that the Queen came home and proceeded to lock herself in her room. Issei flew back immediately and got to her room, his mind racing desperately for what to say to her. The captain made it his responsibility and he was told repeatedly that basically the heart of the Gremory group, but what was he supposed to say after hearing what Akeno went through? He took a deep breath and just decided to wing it, knocking on the door.

"Akeno? It's Issei. Can I come in?" He said, hopefully loud enough for her to hear. "You don't have to say anything if you don't want to. I just want to make sure you're okay." There was no sound until the door locks clicked before it was pulled open to reveal Akeno, who grabbed him and pulled him inside before tossing him onto her bed. "Akeno?!" Issei gasped in shock as Akeno started tearing off her clothes.

"Let's make love." She told him as she unclipped her black lace bra, baring her large breasts to the air before his eyes. "Rias gave her permission, let's do it." She said as she went to him and started undoing Issei's pants before he caught her hands.

"Akeno. Not like this." Issei stated firmly. "I'd love to, believe me. I want to make love to you every day until you end up pregnant with our child, but not like this." He said as he sat up and looked her in her red puffy eyes an tear stained face. "Even if you feel good for a moment, you'll only end up regretting it later. The first time we do make love shouldn't be part of a distraction, it should be when we both truly want to do it. So instead, I'll just hold you until you feel better." He pulled her into a hug and fell, pulling her along with him. "Let it out Akeno. I'm here for you." He assured as Akeno started wailing, crying out years of frustration and heartache.

(Netherworld: Bael Territory: 3 Days Later)

It was the single most unnoticeable and hidden patch of land in the realm of the Great King Pillar, ignored by guards and the family heads as utterly insignificant. The few people aware of this small patch was two of the ruling Satans; Sirzechs and Ajuka, the previous head of the house of Bael, Zekram Bael, and the most recent arrival that infiltrated the domain without anything noticing until he knocked against the door of a small hut. A small hut that was hidden within a special barrier meant specifically to avoid the notice of other Devils, crafted by Ajuka Beelzebub.

"Please, let's keep this brief." Ichigo said as he entered the hut, dressed in a black cloak and wearing his Hollow mask before removing it. "I've got the Gotei on high alert ever since Odin came to Japan and my instincts are all but screaming at me that something's going to happen soon."

"Do you wish for additional aid?" Sirzechs asked, concerned about the possibility of an interpantheon incident. Especially since Soul Society has a habit of going for overkill when given the option.

"Whether that's necessary yet remains to be seen." The Shogun answered before turning to Zekram. "You wanted to speak to me?"

"Yes, Champion of Hell." Zekram said as he tapped his fingertips together. "I was informed about your investigation into the members of the Great King Faction and of the possible 'King Pieces' they may have been using to rig the Rating Games. However, if my family is in a way implicit in this then that will horribly damage the overall image of the clan. If you want me to help, I'll need to assure that my family's reputation will recover from this." Ichigo thought for a moment.

"How's this for payment?" Ichigo asked as he held up a finger. "I'll sponsor Sairaorg in his goal to become a Satan, and I'll even teach him a new technique that might be perfect for him to learn. Take his already impressive strength and amplify it to even greater levels."

"Was it that form that created a black hole behind you?" The Devil asked with calm curiosity, easily seeing how such a thing would benefit his grandson.

"No. That's unique to me." The hybrid answered. "Whatever form it takes for Sairaorg will be for him to discover."

"So it takes a different form for each user." Zekram stated, coming to that conclusion from what Ichigo said. "Fascinating. But why do you think he can learn this particular skill?"

"From what I heard, he managed to figure out Touki on his own." Zekram nodded at the Commander's statement. "Shunko is very similar, but on a much higher level. I'd give you a demonstration of what the base level of it can do, but then we'd ruin our cover."

"A demonstration is not necessary." The Devil stated before holding his hand out. "I trust you to uphold your end and you can trust that I shall deliver on mine." He said as a sheet of paper manifested with the terms of their contract getting written out. Ichigo shook it and their names appeared and sealed the deal. Now to honor their agreement.

(Days Later: In the sky above Japan)

The days fell into a rather familiar pattern for the force in Kuoh, during the day they would escort Odin around to indulge his fancies and by night they would train in shifts to keep their skills sharp. Akeno was still coming to terms with what her breasts ended up revealing and was spending her nights in the embrace of Rias and Issei while training with her father in small intervals, a proper talk was on hold in favor of getting stronger. At the suggestion of Uryu, both the Gremory and Sitri peerages were escorting Odin and Rossweisse in full force along with Baraqiel and Irina flying on the outside while Rukia and Xenovia were inside Odin's carriage as his eight-legged horse, Sleipnir, galloped through the sky.

"As much as I disapprove of this attitude on my vacation, you have a good reason to believe in that Ishida fellow's warnings?" Odin asked, his usual cheer gone as the two Soul Reapers seemed to focus on their meditation. Suddenly their eyes snapped open.

"Stop the wagon." Rukia demanded as Rossweisse complied and pulled the reins, causing Sleipnir to stop. The group came out to find everyone was already looking at a man floating above them.

"Nice to meet you everyone! I'm the evil God of Northern Europe! Loki!"

(Omake)

Shuten Douji's Prohibition

"PLEASE STOP THIS! I BEG YOU MY LORD!" Pleaded a slender woman wearing a long open velvet purple and rose colored robe and a black bikini, doing little to hide her figure, bearing two crimson horns on the top of her head with a black hime haircut that reached her chin. This was Shuten-Douji, the current queen of the Oni and descendant of the original bearer of that name, and she was currently crying fat tears and clinging to Ichigo's leg while an army of Oni emptied her entire liquor reserve storehouses to send to Kyoto.

"If you didn't want this to happen then you shouldn't have made an agreement without my okay." Ichigo scolded, as if talking to a toddler. "No alcohol in any form for one month." Shuten wailed out her sorrows once again.

"Booze really is life to that girl isn't it?" Odin asked, having watched all this. Not that Azazel could answer after his mouth swelled shut from all the slapping he received.

Akame's Reunion

"It's good to see you again, Sheele, Bulat." Akame said as she met her two old comrades from her time alive when Night Raid was just an assassination unit. Sheele was a woman with long purple hair and eyes wearing square half-framed glasses with a scar just under her right eye while Bulat was a heavily muscled man with black hair in a heart shaped pompadour and blue eyes. All three were in Shinigami Shihakushos and enjoying tea and dango at a corner tea shop in the Seireitei.

"Ten years since the Quincy War back home." Bulat said, reminiscing on the past. "It took a little while for things to finally settle down enough for us to get our proper footing. I managed to become the lieutenant of Squad 7."

"And I became the fifth seat of Squad 6." Sheele added with a smile. "Lieutenant Renji has been a major help to me." She started to blush. "We've actually been dating for a few years now."

"Congratulations Sheele." Akame said with sincerity. "I'm glad to see you're all doing so well."

"Yeah, too bad the guy I'm interested in only wants to fight." Bulat sighed. "So, do you have any idea about which squad you'll join?"

"Well, Ichigo advised Squad 2 but said that I could pick any division I wanted." Akame told them. The pair took all of ten seconds to remember everything they knew about their dear friend.

"Go with Squad 2."

Akeno's Surprise Morning

"Ah~! Issei~!" Akeno moaned out, feeling a hand groping her chest. She was laying in bed dressed only in panties since she wanted to tease the Pawn last night, but he was exhausted after spending the day with the Chief Norse God and settled for cuddling her before falling asleep on her chest. Akeno herself fell asleep soon afterward, enjoying the time alone with her developing first love. "Your hands feel so niceAH!" She continued to gasp, feeling a mouth gently clamp on her nipple. She opened her eyes and was greeted with a head of crimson, surprising the Queen.

"Good to know you approve." Rias said as she rose her head to look her best friend and future lover in the eye, licking her lips before purring. "You truly do have magnificent breasts Akeno, and your skin tastes so~ sweet." Akeno stiffen as Rias's hand trailed down her body. "Maybe I'll just take you for myself first." She suggested, leaning in towards Akeno's face. The Queen closed her eyes as a mix of thoughts whirled in her mind before feeling Rias's touch leave. "But I love you too much to ruin your first time." Akeno's eyes opened to find Rias dressing herself. "I'll wait until after you make love with Issei to have my turn with you." She said before giving a mischievous wink and smile. "But hurry up, I don't want to wait too long." Rias then left, leaving Akeno to reflect on what just happened.

'It... wouldn't ruin my first time.' Akeno concluded with a blush, feeling a certain wetness on her lower lips.