A Nascent Kaleidoscope.

Chapter 704: Chapter 622

Death, Death, Death.

Pain and crying.

The world was on fire.

A mountain was being burned down around them.

Two figures, so similar yet different.

One chose duty and restraint; the other chose greed and selfishness. In the end, both envied the other.

Two Oni fighting to the death while the world around them was torn apart.

Eventually, one was beheaded, but it wasn't a victory.

Raikou collapsed, crying, as if some part of her had died along with her enemy. A life that couldn't be lived, and a sacrifice of what she cherished in her fragile reality.

It was one of the moments that led to her ego fracturing into her Berserker state. An overcompensation derived from love.

Everything about her had to be rejected, from her origin to even her gender, yet her only happiness was found in her love for those around her, which became twisted.

A woman who never got to be a wife.

A mother who never got to have children.

An Oni that was forced to become a human.

There was a reason that Raikou never talked about this moment in her life despite it being her 'greatest achievement.'

Minamoto-no-Raikou, the great Demon Slayer who slayed the legendary monster of Japan – Shuten-dōji.

It wasn't my first time seeing this, but every time it just reaffirmed my desire to make sure Raikou had a fulfilling and happy life this time. In the end, her greatest desire was just to be accepted for who she was and be returned the love that she gave others.

The Dream Cycle was starting to dissipate.

It wasn't a normal dream, almost like a lucid dream.

I was technically awake at this point, and if I forced myself, I could have broken out of this sort of subtle dreaming state, but I made sure to watch every one to the end.

My eyes began to properly open, almost grudgingly.

My body was still tired; I suppose it was no wonder I fell asleep so easily.

The ceiling was unfamiliar; I wasn't back home.

Asgard?

I was in a very soft bed.

"Master." I felt a hand in mine, and I turned to see Raikou at my bedside.

I pulled her hand up and gave it a kiss. "How long was I asleep?"

"A little over a day." She told me.

A whole day, huh?

For someone who can go without sleep for months if I needed, it spoke a lot about how exhausted I really was.

It didn't help that I did what I did with my Divine Power in that state.

"You know, I realized something." I smiled.

"Yes?" She tilted her head curiously.

"Shuten-dōji was really short; it must have been hard to fight her. I noticed you missed her a few times."

Raikou's expression shifted a few times, but I could see the corners of her lips twitch a little, finding the amusement in it.

"Yes, she was quite annoying." Raikou said rather firmly, maybe carrying a hint of bite to it. She leaned over and gave me a kiss. "Did Master experience a dream?"

"Mmm." I nodded. "You should expect something the next time you go to sleep too."

The Dream Cycle was weird.

I'm fairly sure that intense emotions sort of provoke an equivalent response from it. In that, if I experience a bad time, the dream cycle will show…unpleasant memories.

It's not one-hundred percent true, but sort of a rule of thumb.

Likewise, when one of us has a Dream Cycle, the other will have one soon thereafter.

That was more of an immutable rule for something as ethereal as a cycle of dreams can have.

It wasn't my first time seeing Raikou's worse moments; it wouldn't be her first time seeing my worse moments.

We didn't talk about them most of the time.

Neither of us was particularly well-rounded emotionally. We both hid behind our own emotional walls in how we dealt with pains.

But weirdly, knowing that the other has seen those moments, it sort of helps? I don't want to talk about them, but I like knowing that Raikou knows those things intimately.

There was a reason that she answered my summons when I used no catalyst.

We were very similar.

"I will see Mother again, then." Raikou smiled.

"Yeah, you probably will." I felt a twinge of pain, but the ruthless marching of time tends to numb the pain.

If I saw her moments with the Oni, Raikou will probably see the last moments I had with mom.

Though, it's possible she also sees my last moments with Scáthach before what happened in the Land of Shadows.

It's a toss up honestly.

…there's also the time I held Artoria in my arms and killed her in the Singularity.

God, I need to stop thinking about this stuff.

"Are we in Asgard?" I asked, changing the subject because I was not in the headspace to think about so many melancholic thoughts.

"That's right. They have been very kind and allowed us to stay while you slumbered and recovered. They have also had their healers over see your recovery and monitor your health. They spoke that the device you had on you was something malicious and they wished to verify that it last no lingering effects."

I let out a long breath. "I'm probably fine. Musu Tengai would have told me if something remained."

She ran a hand across my cheek. "Yes, they were confident that there were no problems, but It didn't hurt to make sure."

"Who all is still here?"

"Salem left," Raikou said plainly. Not with any disdain or annoyance, just a matter of fact.

I didn't fault her. "She doesn't do well with gods."

Raikou nodded.

It didn't need more explanation than that.

Salem had trouble being around godly beings. Izzy was probably an exception, and I know Izzy had been noticeably careful and patient with her as well.

It's as you said; there are no lingering effects from the obedience collar that had on you previously. However, your body is still experiencing exhaustion that it hasn't experienced in quite some time. Take it easy for a few days.] Musu Tengai spoke up in my mind.

I sat up in my bed. "Alright, doctor's orders, I'm to take it easy. Shall we go see the others?"

"Do you need help getting dressed, Master?" Raikou offered.

"Well, I think I can handle it." I looked under the blanket and I was wearing my unders, or a different pair. One of them helped me into that I suppose. "It'll be nice to get into proper clothes again after awhile."

I thought about it, and I was actually in the mood to wear something else.

[Line Break]

Raikou held my arm as we left the room.

"Master looks very handsome." She beamed at my side.

"I don't wear a kimono often," I hummed. "But it's nice."

Most people that know me know that I have specific tastes, but that's not to say I hate the traditional clothing of my home country.

There were some staff—palace staff, if I had to guess. Maids and such that took care of the day-to-day necessities.

When they saw us approaching, they quietly stood to the side and bowed their heads.

They were used to dealing with Gods, so their attitudes weren't strange. Hell, it wasn't far off from how it worked back home either.

"You seem to know your way around here. Where are you taking me?" I asked, because Raikou was the one leading me here.

"I had time to explore. We took turns staying by your side, so I know where some of the others are." Raikou explained.

We went through some large ornate doors, which led to a very beautiful garden.

Lots of exotic plants that I had never seen before.

In the middle of it, there was a table with a few familiar faces sitting around.

"Well, look who it is." Frigga, the Queen of Asgard, sat with a teacup in hand, noticing my arrival.

The other two occupants quickly stood up and came my way.

"Will." Jeanne smiled warmly and came for a hug.

The other was Izzy, who was standing patiently, trying not to look eager for her own.

"I missed you." I whispered to Izzy as I wrapped her up just the same.

She let out a small noise as if to reciprocate. "You had everyone worried." She gave a small pinch of my cheek to express her dissatisfaction.

"Please sit down." Frigga gestured to the empty seats as both Izzy and Jeanne rejoined with Raikou and me following after.

With a gesture of her hand, several maids brought over cups and utensils, and fresh tea was poured for us.

"I'm sure you want to go catch up with all the wonderful ladies that came to your rescue, but please humor this old woman." Frigga gracefully put a sugar cube into her tea and used a spoon to stir it.

"It would be rude of me to refuse tea with my Mother-In-Law." I followed suit, tweakign the tea to my tastes before taking a sip.

"Neh!?" Jeanne made a small noise of embarrassment, much to Frigga's amusement.

"Thank you for hosting myself and everyone." I started out being polite.

"It's a small matter. They have been wonderful guests. And it's not often I even get to talk with a goddess from another pantheon." She gave Izzy a warm smile.

Izzy returned it as well. "Asgard does have its own charm, and it was nice to visit."

"And of course, the interesting assortment of ladies was eye opening. Why, I wasn't aware we had a brand new goddess until she showed up on the doorstep."

She was talking about Jinn, that much was clear.

"Well, what's life without surprises?" I offered.

"Jinn is a treat, so I don't mind. Everyone knows now that we have a new goddess, even if she comes and goes periodically. She went around blessing everyone's homes, so Asgard is quite enthralled with her now."

Yeah, that sounds like Jinn.

"And Miss Raikou here." Frigga settled her eyes on Raikou as well. "I haven't seen a proper demigod in quite a long time. As you can imagine, we don't get out much these days, so it was also an enjoyable treat. She hadn't mentioned it, but I would guess Indra, if I'm not mistaken."

Raikou, the picture of grace, nodded. "Yes, he is my father."

"I thought so. His specific flavor of Lightning is hard to forget. Having a son with the same domain, it's something I specifically have paid attention to." Frigga said wistfully. "I believe the ladies that go by Artoria and Scathach are currently at the training grounds, enjoying their time as well. Oh, and not to forget Miss Artoria's child, Miss Mordred, yes?"

The question was more rhetorical.

"Certainly not least are the last two. Your paramour that showed a noticeable curse. It was a nasty thing; I would have offered her our healers to take a look, but by her demeanor, she seemed uncomfortable around us. Considering such, I could understand her circumstances, so I did not wish to offend."

"Thank you for your consideration. Salem doesn't do well around Gods, for obvious reasons." I confirmed her thoughts. If she could tell Salem was cursed, then putting two and two together wouldn't be difficult.

"And that just leaves the Demon, hmm?" Frigga looked amused. "I thought you were an abnormally rare exception, but exceptions don't happen twice like this, methinks. I got to enjoy tea with a Demon in polite company, I can't say I've ever been able to do that in my long life."

Venelana can be very charming, so I know that she at least kept Frigga entertained and gave her a pleasant conversation.

Apparently, people in this Universe don't look kindly upon 'Demons' or the extended Demonic family of creatures.

With good reason.

And I shouldn't be surprised, we're Devils afterall. It would be weird that they just assumed good intentions while knowing our identities.

As much as it annoys me, people are going to assume the worst if they know my Demonic attributes and bloodline.

"Where is Venelana now?"

"I believe she is chatting with the local brewers. She seemed quite interested in the variety of alcohol we make here." Frigga mused.

Good. If Frigga seems casual about it, then there shouldn't be any trouble. She would be the one I would be most worried about considering our shared demonic heritage.

You never know when you're going to get a crazy and just decide to go against common sense or reason because 'demon'.

Though, she could handle herself in most cases.

I still worry.

"You know, I was quite worried when I heard just how many…ladies seemed to be at your side. I can't say I'm not accustomed to the idea of sharing a partner; my own husband has had his fair share of mistresses and lovers over the years, with my consent. But my dear daughter here is oh so innocent; as a mother, I couldn't help but worry."

"Miss Frigga, Wilhelm isn't like that!" Jeanne was quick to come to my defense.

The Goddess laughed. "Do you see? How was I supposed to judge things based on her own words alone when her head is so far into the clouds?" She reached over and gave Jeanne a side hug. "But I'm happy that my worries were unfounded. If my Jeanne were being bullied or not taken care of, I would have had very stern words with the ones responsible. But imagine my surprise at how you all get along."

Is it weird that I feel proud at her compliments?

"Seeing how well everyone treats my daughter and how much they care for you when there's nothing to gain from it, well…it would be foolish of me to clutch onto fears and suspicion."

Izzy let out a little scoff, not indignantly, but more like an eye-roll response. "I am far too old to get swept up in any of what you're suggesting."

"Oh most certainly. Another point in your favor. As the mortals say, you have a type, yes?" Frigga's eyes all but sparkled mirthfully. "All your lovers are quite along in age compared to you. Jeanne here was telling me your age. How old was it again? Not even thirty Midgardian winters? Perhaps my daughter is the one I should be careful of, going after such a young man."

"Neh!" Jeanne puffed up cutely, if not bashfully as she showed Frigga a pout.

It just made the Queen laugh even more.

"I can't say I've ever been shy about it." I knew I had a type. "And they're all well aware."

Izzy let out a small huff, looking very cute as I smiled her way.

Frigga put a hand on Izzy's arm. "Oh, he's much sweeter than the last one. I remember that man when Odin last attended a Sky-Father gathering. He was always so serious, quick to anger, and arrogant. I swear, he could have competed with Zeus in vanity."

"Why am I not surprised?" Izzy rolled her eyes. "And Lazy. That was another one."

It was nice to see Izzy not so trepidatious around the topic of her former husband.

Frigga looked like she was enjoying herself.

I don't think he gets company here very often, so it must be fun for her.

"Oh, and before I forget." She wasn't slouching, but it felt like she sat up straighter. "As Queen Mother, Frigga of Asgard, I must give thanks to you for the safe return of one of our lost and nearly forgotten."

"Technically, I didn't do anything. Had I not said a word to Odin, he would have found your wayward Valkyrie regardless. In fact, I should be the one, thank you, for helping me when I was in a bad position." I honestly didn't really do much.

"Gratitude should be given and accepted in equal measure when it's heartfelt." She spoke as if chiding me in a motherly tone.

Her way of saying, 'Let's both accept the thanks and move on.'

"Now, I will extract a payment from you and our guests for services rendered." She turned her nose up in a faux haughty tone. "It's rare for me to have guests that I can enjoy the company of, so I am going to shoo you away." She made the little gesture in a playful motion. "I would like to suggest you go find my husband; he is currently at the shipwrights working on a project that you would be most interested in. Perhaps investigate sooner rather than later if you value the ship you left behind."

My eyes widened in realization that I hadn't returned my ship to my storage and sort of passed out.

I quickly shot to my feet. "There better be a super god he can pray to if he ruined my ship!"

I was about to leave, but Frigga's throat clearing stopped me.

"You do know where the shipwright is, yes?"

"...Honestly, I don't even know where you keep your ships."

They're massive, and Asgard isn't that big.

[Line Break]

Frankly, I should have known.

Of course, they would keep everything stored in a pseudo pocket dimension.

I was on one of their totally-not-a-Viking boats as it left the gravity well of Asgard—artificially created, mind you—and sort of did a loop and went under the floating landmass.

There were easier ways to get to it, like actual stairs or elevators or something, but this was apparently quicker.

There was a very large hangar on the back that I hadn't seen before, for obvious reasons. And the ship flew right inside without any issues, passing through an invisible barrier I noticed, presumably to keep the breathable air and what-not from flowing out into the vacuum of space.

It was a bit busy.

We entered, and space expanded exponentially. I think it was several times the size of Asgard itself.

I noticed quite a few ships that had taken some damage that were currently being repaired.

Others probably just routine maintenance from having fought for the first time in a long time.

I saw a streak of lightning fly overhead and caught a certain ball of fluff into my arms.

Sir Wiggles had been left out as well.

I felt through our connection what he wanted and let Lady Wiggles out to accompany him.

Lady Wiggles was showing a bigger belly; I think her children would be born soon.

The two of them were happy to be reunited and sort of made their way back towards where he came from initially.

Oddly, my ship didn't stand out amidst all the Asgardian ships.

Sure it looked different, but most ships here looked like they were made of wood. I knew better, of course, but they seemingly liked to keep to a certain look.

I mean, if you're going to go all in on spaceships and a certain aesthetic, may as well keep with it.

I gave a nod of thanks to my 'driver' and hopped out onto the shipbay and made my way back to my beautiful and thankfully intact ship.

…mostly.

I heard rumbling inside but paused for a moment because next to my ship, it was Brunnhilde's ship as well.

"I installed the –" A familiar face popped out from below deck.

Brünnhilde was holding a tool that looked like a wrench but stopped when she saw me.

"Hey old man, we got a guest," she hollered.

"I heard the ruckus already!" another familiar voice hollered back.

I may have stalled a second too because Odin walked up from below deck. But he wasn't wearing any of his normal regal attire. No armor, no cape, no fancy clothes. If anything, he was dressed like a normal worker, but his arms were covered in grease and dirt and maybe oil.

Some splattered on his face too, and even parts of his beard looked like they were dirty.

"All I'm going to say is, if you fucked up my ship, we're going to be throwing hands," I warned.

"Bah." Odin dismissed me entirely. "I'm not too old to bend a brat over my knee."

I felt my eye twitch.

Brunnhilde put her hands on her hips. "Don't get your panties in a twist, scrawny boy. I'm giving your ship an upgrade. Or, well, we are."

"...go on."

She rolled her eyes and gestured for me to come up. "I'll show you what's going on."

I followed her up and down to below deck.

I looked at what was down here now. "That was definitely not here before."

"It's a hyperdrive." She explained I was staring dumbly at it, and she patted my shoulder. "Right, Midgard is still primitive. I'll explain in a way you can understand. The machine makes the ship go fast in space!"

I gave her a dry look. "I understand the concept."

She gave a cheerful smile.

Fucking Odin was smirking behind us.

I did some quick calculations and frowned. "My ship shouldn't be able to handle the intensity of speeds that approach Faster-Than-Light, even a fraction of it. Even the magical defenses and durability would be torn apart from the stress."

"Do you think I would put this into your boat and just clap my hands and say I'm done?" She deadpanned. "We've been upgrading things, dumbass."

"Well, excuse me." I rolled my eyes but found myself smiling. "What'd you do?"

"Added some good old Asgardian steel under the hood and made sure to put the wood back so it still looked the same. Enchanted, obviously. Standard Asgardian Ship Runes and Spell Structures."

"Without disrupting the existing magic and enchantments?" I raised an eyebrow.

She jabbed a thumb at Odin, who scoffed as if he were offended I even asked.

"How…why exactly?" I changed my question.

Brunnhilde's smile slowly faded, and she let out a sigh. "Wanted to say thanks for…everything. It's nice to be home again."

"Ah."

"The Old Man joined in after I got started and he saw me tearing things apart." She said casually.

Odin grunted, not caring to add anything.

"Congratulations." She slapped my back. "Your ship is technically star-worthy now."

[Line Break]

A/N

Wilhelm's pirate ship is now star worthy. All space ships beware.

On a side note, I'm having surgery this Friday, 6/26, so I won't be posting this weekend and a few days after most likely. I don't know how long I'll be out, but I'll most certainly be on pain meds for several days.

On a side note, due to popular demand, I'll be dusting off Through the Looking Glass for next month.

If you want to read 10 chapters ahead or support me, visit my p.a.t.r.e.o.n.c.o.m / astoryforone

I also have a boosty if you can't use the above under the same name