True Magician (FatexDxD)

Emiya's residence.

I was sprawled on the couch, not paying attention to anything around me, my aloof gaze never leaving the ceiling. After his arrival, Vali's group, as well as himself, were seated in the common room while Morgan, who had taken a seat next to me, watched the white dragon bearer echidotically.

Arthur was enjoying his tea like a well-mannered aristocrat, Le Fei was smiling "sweetly" at a profusely sweating Kuroka, and Biko was sprawled on his cloud. Katarea and Elaine had retreated to the kitchen to cook something. Vali, meanwhile, was trying his best to ignore Morgan and maintain some semblance of confidence after her verbal attacks.

A tired sigh escaped my throat, even without looking at Tia and Ophis beside me. I then turned towards Morgan and rubbed my temples as something seemed rather suspicious to me.

- So, what's your plan, Your Majesty?

- Oh? - She was naively surprised and covered her mouth with her hand - What makes you think I had any plan, my husband? And when did you decide to address me as 'you'?

- So, you at one moment "absolutely accidentally" wanted to get acquainted with Vali's group, and then just as "absolutely accidentally" bring them here? - I rolled my eyes at her actions.

She remained silent in response to my words, but there was a definite satisfied smile on her face that Morgan made no attempt to hide. Then she made a gesture with her eyes, as if asking me to continue.

- Let me guess, it's something to do with Albion, isn't it?

- Indeed it is. And if you think about it for a moment, you'll see what I want. - Morgan nodded, looking at Vali, who didn't understand what was going on and neither did the others.

I pressed myself against the Ophis again to get my thoughts in order.

To make a long story short, Morgan is referring to Albion Nasuverse, specifically the fact that both the red and white dragons there are 'Albion'. That's what the ancient Greeks called Britain before it even became one.

Generally speaking, Albion Nasuverse is retarded or overconfident, to say the least. When all dragons preferred to shift to the Backside of the World, sensing the end of the Age of Gods, this one did nothing. Eventually, when it came to him that the consequences would still affect him, Albion thought of nothing better than to try to dig a hole in the ground to escape. Failed miserably, though, as the Clock Tower was built on his corpse.

Going back to Morgan's idea, she probably wants to synchronize Ddraig and Albion somehow and see what happens. You could say that Nasuverse's Albion is the embodiment of the island of Britannia, and if that's indeed the case....

- Oh? You don't want to get those two dragons in your charge, do you? In that case, Artoria is entitled to it too, you know.

Why did I say "dragons" and not "hosts"? Obviously Morgan won't be interested in them, but rather just the Holy Mechanisms.

- What?! I won't obey anyone! - Vali exclaimed.

- That's right! - Albion supported him.

- It doesn't make sense. My dearest sister has absolutely no interest in this," Morgan ignored their cries and said, "And leaving such toys in the hands of humans does not give me pleasure. Besides, doesn't your opinion on these toys support my actions? After all, you're in favor of choice in any situation.

- That..." I started to say, but stopped, and then thought about her words for a moment, "That makes sense. But you understand our circumstances, don't you? If you were three times queen of the fairies, Alaya would be stronger.

- Did I say I'd do it before the event? Don't underestimate my intelligence, husband, or I might take offense, you know. - Morgan smirked wryly.

- Anyway," I waved her off, "I take it Vali is under your wing now? Or rather, only him, since the red one is not available yet.

- Hey! Are you listening to us?! - shouted Vali and Albion in one voice. True, they were ignored, as usual.

- Right," Morgan nodded, "I don't want to find a new white host. Besides, the current one is quite docile. I just need a little more etiquette.

- I've had enough! - Vali roared and entered his Balance Breaker, then flew towards us with an outstretched fist.

I didn't react to that in any way. There was no point to it. My magic circle would automatically block it. The Office wouldn't be affected by his attack at all, and neither would Tia. Besides...

Crackle

In an instant, Vali was nailed into the wall by Morgan's axe staff. His Balance Breaker shattered into thousands of shards and slowly disappeared. And blood flowed from his head, but nothing lethal.

- Oh? What a naughty dragon. Maybe I should teach you some etiquette. - Slowly stepping towards Vali, Morgan asked - We know very well that I'm stronger, don't we, boy?

- Damn witch... - he hissed back before passing out.

Those observing the action were merely observing. Well, except for Kuroka and Bikou who found it amusing.

- Aaaaaa~" Tia sang out, getting up from the couch and walking over to Vali. She began gently stroking his head and back, from where Albion's wings were coming out - Aaaaaa~~.

- T-thank you, Great Mother. - Muttered the white dragon.

- This is learning, Beast II, not a beating. Children need lessons for them to grow and become better. Ask your mate if you doubt my words. - Morgan smiled and pointed at me, to which Tia paid no attention, preoccupied with the battered Vali.

Deciding that the matter was relatively over, I wanted to take a nap. However, I wanted to check on Azazel and ask about my artificial Noble Phantasm. After all, enough time had passed without any news. And Da Vinci-chan was still not saying anything.

With these thoughts, I teleported to Azazel in the Underworld, where I found him by magic signature.

Well, let's see what's going on there. I'll check on Rias.

-0-

The Underworld.

Well, I found myself in the middle of a rocky area with mountains and hills. The sun was still in the sky and the temperature was neither cold nor hot. But I didn't see anyone in visible proximity.

Was it me screwing up the coordinates, or had Azazel already left?

Shrugging my shoulders, I was about to go looking for him when suddenly....

BOOM

A decent-sized explosion went off not far from me. A strong wind picked up and started blowing my face and clothes around. And the area where the explosion occurred filled with smoke, dust, and tongues of blue flame.

It was only after noticing the last item that I froze in place for a moment, and then headed towards the source of the explosion.

Blue flames? Only Tiamat possesses flames of that color, doesn't he?

Almost reaching the spot, I saw Azazel standing on a relatively tall stone spire, crossing his arms and watching something. I teleported over and found myself standing next to him, and then looked where he was looking. And what I saw was, well... hopeful?

Standing in the middle of the area was Tiamat in her human form, with little tongues of blue flame still coming out of her mouth. And just a little further away from her was a large crater that was most likely formed due to her attack. Attack on who? Rias and her retinue, of course.

They all lay battered and exhausted behind the site of Tiamat's attack. Their entire clothing, still school uniforms of course, was soot, dirt, blood. Claw marks were clearly visible on it, and some parts of it were burned or scorched, much like their hair. Minor scratches or abrasions covered their skin, but...

They were still on their feet.

Rias, Asia, Gasper, and Akeno stood behind them. In front of them were Koneko, Zenobia, and Kiba, and already in front of them was Issei. Their breathing was all intermittent, heavy and labored. Their legs were shaking, but still kept their bodies standing. And, most importantly, their gaze...

It was as hard as stone. There wasn't an ounce of fear or doubt in there - only confidence.

I can clearly see that they are now working as a unit, not what they were before the performance on the train. Not perfect, of course, but it's something.

- Not bad, is it? - Azazel said casually when he noticed my gaze. "I think your prank had an effect on them.

- It did. Really, isn't that too quick a change? - I raised an eyebrow.

- Well, it's because of Sirzechs's sister. - he said as if that explained everything.

- What?

- Let's just say your words hurt her pretty badly," he started and scratched his chin, 'You called her a 'trophy' and it hit her pride. She spent half a day freaking out as best she could, and then she had a very heartfelt conversation with her entourage. You can see the results.

Oh? How unexpected. Quick and unexpected, to be exact. Like, all I should have done was call her the right word?

I grinned.

- I guess they won't mind my visit, will they? - I muttered thoughtfully.

- Well, that depends on how you look at it. - He grinned.

- I'll have to put up with it. - I grinned back.

Well, it'll be interesting to talk to them now. And I think I forgot something....

Never mind, though. I definitely know what to do now.

-0-

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