Ch 4

It's Been an Hour Since The ORC's Encounter with Bennett, They All Decided to Tag along With Him to Finish a Commission from Albedo at the Suggestion from Asia. Along the way Bennett Kept Glancing at Issei, Making Sure his Mind wasn't playing tricks on him as He keeps seeing Issei and Aether Glitching between each other 

'He can't be Aether, Aether Died on Natlan... unless he's been reborn or something...' Bennett Thought to himself as he rubs his eyes

They traveled from windrise all the way to the Foot the Dragonspine using the road, Eventually crossing into a snowy plane 

Bennett: Here we Are, This here is a Snow Covered Path, this will be our guide to up.... there

He Points to the Mountain itself. Issei's Friends looked at the mountain scenery in awe

Irina: *Shivers* oo-o-oh it's cold

Xenovia: Is The person who Commissioned you up there?

Bennett: Yep, The Chief Alchemist like to keep himself secluded, so we have to go up there

Rias: You're not gonna be Cold?

Bennett: There's some heat along this trail, we'll just just follow then and gain some warmth along the way-

As Bennett was about to finish his sentence, Kiba got in front of everyone, Took out a red-ish Orange mechanical Fist with intricate detail on it along with a small black bottle (Cross-z Magma Knuckle and Magma Fullbottle). He Jammed a Bottle into the Knuckle to activate it

[BOTTLE BURN!!]

then handed it to Bennett, who got startled by His action 

Bennett: W-W-What this?

Kiba with a no nonsense expression replied

Kiba: Take it and stay warm with my friends, we don't need to look for any other light source 

Issei: Wait Kiba what about you?

Kiba walked ahead a little bit before turning around

Kiba: I'm European, I'm used to these temperatures 

The ORC crew let out a 'really...?' Face at his statement 

Bennett: Euro.... pean...?

Everyone looked at the boy, Realizing Kiba let out something he doesn't know

Rias: It's something From where we come from

Koneko: You don't need to Ask further.

Bennett: Wha? Why? I wanna know

Everyone looks to each other until issei spoke up

Issei: Trust me Bennett... It's better for all of us if you don't know where we come from

Bennett was a little confused on why they can't but respects their Decision. Maybe it's something sensitive 

Bennett Held the Burning Magma Knuckle that Kiba gave him as They all began walking up the mountain, passing by many terrains, coming across many Monsters that Bennett advised that it would be best if they outright avoid and go pass them

They went up the trail towards Wyrmrest Valley when they approached a broken bridge 

Bennett: Cross this bridge and Albedo's cave will be on the left 

Kiba: he lives in a cave?

Bennett: It's his workplace.... although I won't be surprised if he actually lives here

Rossweisse walked to the ledge of the bridge and looked down 

Rossweisse: It's pretty far down. Looks like there's no other way to cross this other than-

And without a warning, Kiba ran passed all of them, literally took a leap of faith and made it to the other side with a slide without an issue. Bennett's jaw just dropped at his action

Kiba: *brushes himself off* your turn!

Issei: You show-off.... *smiles*

Bennett: Who's going next? I-I mean it sure won't be me, knowing my bad luck I'll probably just slo-

Koneko: Oh shut up.

Bennett: Ah-!

Koneko just grabbed Bennett by the back of his shirt and hurled him across, being caught by Kiba as he settles him on the ground 

Bennett: Oh jeez... oh jeez....

Kiba: You okay? Feeling winded?

Bennett steadys himself, resting his hands on his thighs. Seeing him distracted, Kiba signaled everyone to just use their wings and fly across 

Bennett: She's Strong for her size.... phew~

Kiba: *chuckles* well... she's like that

Bennett: Really? Then she must be a real- *turns around to see everyone already across* h-huh? How are you all here so fast?

Akeno Giggled 

Akeno: Ufufu~ that's a secret Darling~

Bennett just stared, but shakes his head and moved on

Bennett: Okay... anyways Albedo is right around the corner here

Bennett Leads them all a cave just ahead, Turning the corner to see a well lit place with books and Alchemical tools, The ORC sees Three people Talking going in, one Blonde Guy, One Green Haired Girl, And One Tall Light blue Haired Woman

Bennett: Albedo, I'm here

The Three turns to Bennett, which in turn Bennett threw the things He got in a pouch to Albedo who caught it seamlessly. but was also surprised with all the people with him. 

Albedo: Ah Bennett, you're early, did you get the things i asked for? And what's with this company you brought?

Bennett smiled

Bennett: They're new around here, so I decided to be their guide 

The ORC group waved in greetings as Rossweisse steps forward 

Rossweisse: Hello, my name is Rossweisse, as Bennett mentioned we're not from around here

Albedo nodded

Albedo: I see.... well then greetings, I'm Albedo, Chief Alchemist of The Knights of Favonius

The Green Haired Girl next to him slowly and nervously greeted

Sucrose: H-Hello, my name is Sucrose, his assistant and apprentice 

The Tall woman also introduced herself

Eula: And My name is Eula Lawrence, Captain of Reconnaissance Division of the Knights of Favonius pleasure to make acquaintance 

The group met their greetings with a Smile. But quickly whips to Eula with eyebrows raised. More specifically her appearance 

Eula: hm? Is there something wrong?

The group stared at her, then turn to Xenovia, then back to Eula, then to Xenovia...

Xenovia: hm? why are you all looking at me and her- oh come on we are not that similar 

Irina: I'd beg to differ....

Akeno: The Similarities are uncanny... I see it

Eula Chuckled at the banter

Eula: How Cute, but This might be the time where you all should introduce yourselves 

Rias: Ah, well then. My name is Rias Gremory, nice to meet you

Akeno: Himejima Akeno, Pleasure to meet you

Asia: A-Asia Argento, nice to meet you too...

Koneko: Toujou Koneko

Xenovia: Xenovia Quartra

Irina: Shido Irina 

Ravel: Ravel Phenex

Gasper: G-Gasper Vladi

Kiba: Kiba Yuuto

As Everyone introduce themselves one by one, Issei mentally prepares himself 

Issei: Hyoudou Issei...

And on cue, Albedo, Sucrose and Eula's Sight starts to distort upon eyeing Issei. Glitching between him and their old Friend Aether

Eula: H-Huh?

Sucrose: O-ow...

Albedo: Wait.... You're...

Albedo slowly gets closer to Issei, His hands hovering the Brunette's face, His mind blank with tunnel vision. Issei jolted and started to step back, Nervous 

Bennett: Albedo?

'Oh no no no please no...' Issei internally panicked 

Kiba: Respectfully Mr Alchemist, Not Another Step.

Kiba Raised his arm in front of Issei with a stern look in his eyes, Blocking Albedo from getting any closer

Bennett: Uh.. Albedo?

Sucrose: Mister Albedo...?

Eula: What are you doing?

Albedo snapped out of his trance, Looking at a Nervous Issei and a Brick wall that is Kiba

Albedo: Ah... my apologies... I didn't realize-

Kiba: Save it

Bennett: Albedo, what was that about?

Albedo turned back to his friends, Eyes looking down

Albedo: it's just... I saw someone else when I see his face...

The Monstadtians Eye's widen, Realizing that they all had the same reaction

Eula: Wait a second... me too

Sucrose: Yeah Me too.... it was... Aether, wasn't it?

Issei Tenses up as the moment he heard that

Bennett: wait Really? I thought I was the only one

Hearing this, The ORC raised their guard. With Kiba pulling Issei behind him, getting ready for anything 

Albedo: Wait.. Is he...

The Four stared at the Group, Then at Issei. Their vision distorts again

But before anything happens, a couple of Knights from Reconnaissance rushes into the cave, cutting off any kind of tension they have

"Captain Eula! Emergency!" One of them pants

"The Abyss Order came out of nowhere and ambused us!!" Another hurriedly said

Everyone jolts up, setting aside any current thought they have now

Eula: *rushes over to the Knights* Where are they?

"By the outskirts! They're closing in on us!"

Everyone dropped what they were doing and rushed out of the cave and to where the Recon were being pushed. Soon they arrived at the west side of Dragonspine to where they all see Eula's Team trying to hold off The Abyss Possessed Hilichurls, Mitachurls and more along with 2 Herald's behind the small army

Eula: Knights! Fall Back! We'll Handle the rest!

" " " " " Yes Ma'am!! " " " " The Knights all said before fleeing and Letting The Them all be at the forefront. With Asia also falling back to heal any of them if necessary 

Kiba: Bennett, can I have that back

He Points to The Magma Knuckle still in his hand 

Bennett: O-oh yeah, Sure

Bennett hands Kiba the Magma Knuckle as Kiba Pulls out a Build Driver from his Blazer and slap it on his waist

Bennett: Huh? What's that?

Kiba: Just wait and see...

Everyone shifted their positions as they ready their weapons, magic or fists. With Gasper also pulling out a Build Driver of his own and putting it on while walk up beside Kiba, and a Knuckle identical to Kiba's, only colored Blue

Eula: What are they doing?

Albedo: Pardon me but are they your leaders or...

The ORC chuckled amongst each other, slowly relaxing 

Akeno: No he's not

Irina: Don't worry, just sit back and watch 

With the Two. Gasper gazes on the mini army with a semi determined expression 

Gasper: Well this will be interesting 

He said as he shakes a small bottle and inserts it into the Knuckle 

[BOTTLE FREEZE!!!]

Kiba: Just think of it as a Warm-up 

The Two flick the handle of their prospective Knuckles up then inserts it into their Drivers

[CROSSSSS-Z MAGMA!!!]

[GREEEEASE BLIZZARD!!!]

The two spun the lever on the side, activating their Transformation sequence. Two large metal foundries appeared from the ground

[ARE YOU READY?]

Kiba: Henshin.

Gasper: Henshin!

The Foundries tipped over, covering them with Magma and Freezing Water, turning them into stone and ice respectively. The Teyvatian's looked on with shock and awe 

Sucrose: O-Oh Wow....

Bennett: Holy...

Eula: Wha...?

The Foundries smashed the Molds, revealing Two Suits, one orange magma dragon and one blue Freezing Robot with a crane claw where his left hand is

[THE BLAZING MUSCLE! CROSS-Z MAGMA! YEEEEWOCH!]

[THE FROZEN PASSION! GREASE BLIZZARD! CHILLCHILLCHILLCHILLCHILLLLL!!]

The Abyss halted their steps as they saw 2 normal "Humans" dawning two polar opposite armor types

Kiba: First and Last Warning.... Walk Away

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Eula: Huh? Why is he telling them to walk away?

The Girl's in the group turned to Eula. Rias had an answer as she glances to Issei 

Rias: It's because of him. Issei has always been someone who kept us grounded. Now not to say he hasn't punch first ask questions later, but Gradually as he became more powerful his views starts to change-

Issei: I can take over. Simply put, I don't want to Fight that much anymore. If there's a peace option I'm picking that first. I've killed enough. No more

Everyone looked at him with a sympathetic gaze. For the girls, him turning a new leaf and becoming almost a pacifist is endearing, showing that he's growing up

But for the Teyvatian's, they couldn't stop seeing Aether whenever they gaze at Issei

'Could it be you... Aether?' Albedo thought to himself... before his eyes widen with one single conclusion 

Back with the 2 Rider's. The standoff between them and the Abyss continues 

"We will walk away... with him in the Abyss's possession" One of the Herald's spoke in a commanding voice as it points to Issei 

Kiba: Huh....

Gasper:... That's a No-Go

Gasper quickly spun the Lever, increasing the size of his claw arm, grabbing a bunch of Hilichurls, crushing some, and throw them at the Herald's 

Kiba: President! Keep Issei-kun Safe! They're Gunning for him!

Kiba and Gasper soon engages the Herald's and the leftover army that left

Rias: Got it!

Issei's heart sinks. If the Abyss wants Him specifically then "She" knows he's back

Koneko: Senpai. Stay close to us

Issei: Koneko-chan, I'll be fine-

Akeno: Red Dragon or not, you've got a target on your back now Issei. For once in your Selfless, Kind consciousness, Let Us Protect You 

That's when a out of nowhere Mitachurl leapt over, trying to slam it's axe on them before Xenovia Blocked it and knocked it away with Durandal 

Xenovia: you always did so much for us, it's time to repay you tenfold 

Issei couldn't believe his eyes and ears. They were protecting him? He got so used to fight for his loved ones or protecting them all that he never thought the day the opposite happened 

Some Hilichurls and Mitachurls slipped through Gasper and Kiba and when for the group. But the Girl's were able to fend them off easily. Impressing the Monstadtians 

Meanwhile with Kiba, He was doing pretty well knocking down some mooks, and occasionally throwing them at the Herald's 

Kiba: You're not getting him

"Oh we will, by her Highness's order" One of the Herald's boast

Kiba: Well you can go tell "her Highness" to take that goal and Shove it up her-!

Gasper: Language! *Blast a group of mooks with ice*

Kiba: Sorry! Motohama's rubbed off me a bit!

Kiba spun his lever, charging up his finisher

[READY.. GO!! VOLCANIC FINISH!!!]

His foot overflows with Magma, Kiba jumped at the 2 Herald's, spinning his body like a drill. 

"Don't thinking this is enough..!"

One Herald blocked his kick with a magic barrier... but Kiba kept powering through 

"W-What!?" The 2 Herald's now placed 2 layer's of barrier. But Kiba still kept powering through 

"How can this be!?"

Kiba: Oh I'll tell you... if it's to protect someone important to me... I REFUSE TO LOSE! HAAAAAAAAAAAA...HAH!!

"GAHH!!" "HUEKK!!"

Kiba Kicked through both Herald's chest, sliding and landing next to Gasper who finished up the last of the army

"W-who are you....?"

Kiba: ...Why would I tell you that? Now. Take this last mystery to the grave

The 2 Herald's Exploded up in a huge mushroom cloud, Ending the fight. 

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Moments earlier, With Paimon. She was running across The land to Windrise, But no one was there, she then checked Springvale, but no sign of a large Group

Paimon: hah... hah... where are they...?

The more time passed, the more she lost hope

Paimon: come on... Where is he...?. please... I don't want to be alone anymore...

Right then. An explosion can be heard from far away. Startling any animals and people nearby, including her. She whipped her head to the direction of Dragonspine which has a mushroom cloud in the sky

Paimon: Huh? What the-

Her mind click with a conclusion. He might be there. She quickly Dashed to Dragonspine, to see if her predictions is right

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Back with Issei and the rest. They were holding up pretty well, helping some wounded Knights from the fight and escorting them to Albedo's cave, Kiba and Gasper, untransforming and checking to see if anything slipped passed. Eventually they all regrouped 

Issei: All clear?

Gasper: All clear

Albedo soon spoke up. His mind coming up with a single conclusion 

Albedo: Pardon me but... you all are not from this world, are you?

The ORC stiffens, realizing that their cover was blown

Issei: Were we... that obvious?

The Monstadtians all nodded

Eula: Yeah

Sucrose: Y-Yes

Bennett: I mean it was a shocker but it made sense

Albedo: That kind of technology doesn't exist here. It was logical to come up with that conclusion 

Kiba: Damn... well... What else do you know?

Albedo slowly walked up to Issei... before putting his hands on his waist and... KISSED HIM!?

Issei: MmmHmhmhhmh?!?!?

Everyone's jaws just dropped at the scene. Issei was blushing like crazy, Bennett was dazed, the girls were in shock, Gasper and Kiba froze

Albedo pulled away and looked into Issei's eyes longingly woth a soft smile, while the latter was bright red and frozen. Albedo caresses his face before saying

Albedo: it's been too long Aether... I missed you...

... That's when all bets were off.

Issei: W-W-W-What!?!?

Kiba: Oh Hell NO!

Kiba tried to jump in but was stopped by Gasper 

Gasper: Calm down Senpai, CALM DOWN!

Rias: What?!

Eula: H-huh?!

Akeno: O-oh my~! I didn't know THIS was the case!

Irina & Xenovia & Bennett: *Jaws dropped*

Everyone else's reactions were sheds of that. Albedo ignored the commotion and only focused on Issei 

Albedo: I'm not letting you go easily this time...

And With this, Issei realized there were more people who were interested in him on this world than he originally thought...