Normal: Dialogue, Narrations
Italics: Thoughts
Bold: A/N, Quotes, Reality change
Bold + Italics: Songs lyrics, Voice on speaker
Bold + Underline: Dimension change information
[] + Bold: Recording, Chat logs, Small Timeskips and Flashbacks
(A/N: All the images or gifs or videos used do not belong to me, they belong to the respective owners)
Ruins, Unknown Planet, Around 3:00 PM,
Issei and Juniper walked towards the opening room, only to be greeted by what seems to be several tones of Gold and other jewellery. The lights also displayed a Space Shuttle, which seemed to be red in color, almost akin to a Dragon, it had a red hull, reddish silvery wings which had cockpit and two passenger rooms, a lift to connect them and some other storage locations.
"Is this some sort of treasure room?" Juniper muttered to which Issei responded, "I haven't a clue of this place..."
Juniper nodded, as she spoke looking at the ship, "At least we found our way out..."
Issei nodded as he spoke, "Should we take all this gold and gems, I can store it in the Boosted Gear..."
"Up to you.." Juniper mused as she wondered how there can be a ship like this in a darkened location, where there is no life. Issei also saw something else as well, he saw another inscription as he spoke
"Juniper, take a look.." Juniper turned around and headed to the location. She also saw a huge inscription there as well. It had several words, as Issei looked at her and spoke
"I will be reading this..." Juniper nodded as Issei read it out aloud using Analysis Magic.
"To whoever possesses the power and strength to protect, to serve, to fight for the very essence and foundations of Arcadia. Shall be bestowed upon this power. When my time has come, I shall give this power to you. To whoever wields this shall bring glory, loyalty, to all of Arcadia and it's people as a whole!" Juniper became wide-eyed upon hearing this, as she remembered the person that said this, this was an Arcadian. But not just any Arcadian, it was the First King of Arcadia.
Richard Arc, or Richard the Lionheart, he was originally known to be.
"But how can this be? How can he of all people come to this planet?! Don't tell me he was the one who designed this civilization...if so what happened..." Juniper muttered to herself, something that was noticed by Issei, as he asked
"Juniper, you know this?" Juniper looked at Issei and nodded, "Indeed, I do...the person that wrote this was, Richard Arc"
"So this is it, we get out and head back huh?" Issei spoke as Juniper spoke, "Yeah..."
"His name is Richard Arc, formerly known as Richard the Lionheart. He was the very Man who was the first Emperor to unite all of Arcadia's Races into one banner, a powerful warrior who wielded Excalibur, he was able to destroy armies with one slash, and was feared by his enemies." Issei noted, as he wondered just who this man was, she then continued.
"He was also the previous wielder of Knights of the Round, the Eikon you currently possess today, when he died eons ago, the Eikon disappeared and nobody knew where it went...we tried sensing for it's power, usually it would get passed down to his descendent, but it did not...nobody could ever find it...hence, it was termed the Lost Eikon..." Issei nodded in understanding, as he asked
"Just how powerful is Richard?" Juniper responded with a smile.
"He is a powerful warrior who wielded Excalibur, he was able to destroy armies with one slash, and was feared by his enemies. Richard could kill Salem and the Brother Gods with ease. His Magic and Power is tremendous." Issei nodded, wondering what kind of a man he really was. Juniper sensed this and spoke with a smile.
"We can talk about it later, first let's take up all this stuff and head out of here....I will tell you more of his story once we get out of here....I mean, you have the Eikon, the Knights of the Round, making you worthy of another treasure..." Issei looked at her and asked, "What treasure?"
"I will get to that later...let's settle in the ship and see if it is working..." Issei nodded as Juniper decided to speak something else as well, "Ise..."
Issei turned around as Juniper spoke"You know, had it not been for you, I wouldn't have even survived the battle against Nicholas and Vlad, you risked your life to save me, despite my blind vengeance, and words can't describe on how thankful I am...I will always be in debt for what you have done, no matter what happens.." Juniper spoke while looking towards Issei which made the Red Dragon Emperor blush as he responded
"T-Thank you, Empress.." Juniper smiled in response as she spoke, "Now, let's get out of here.."
"Right!?" Issei responded as the two headed inside Ragnarok, wondering what it is capable of, and what it can do.
Opening Start
A loading screen is shown from 0% to 100%
[This heart gives the smallest glow, I think that I can see it show ,Your eyes have a spark, you know, Open them and see me go]
Issei is seen looking at the Arcadian capital in awe, with seeing the Academies fight'.
The Arc Siblings show their fighting skills.
With Issei, Nyx and Invictus showing his skills assisting the Original 15 in their mission.
[This world never knew my game, Hope I have a chance to stay]
A scene of Issei's past is shown, where everyone mocks him.
He wonders if it is worth saving these people, anymore.
[These arms, are worn, and never fading, The cold air is never waiting]
Issei walks the scenes of Kuoh, saddened by how his past was ruined, taken away by his brother.
He grits his teeth in anger, as he punches an image of his family.
[Had me going, my friend, I'm so blind, I can't stand ,Left alone with your hand,I think that I can see your eyes]
Issei is seen talking and training alongside a White Haired Woman, wielding a Katana.
For the first time, he felt a bond with someone, as a silhouette of the Big 3 is shown, with Invictus beside him along with Nyx and Ophis.
[And the past can show you, All the life we've been through]
A memory of his asking to be trained by Azazel is shown, as he ignores him.
He tried to ask Grayfia for training but she rejected him, he was persistent only for someone to threaten him with death.
[Lost and gone and frozen but I'm just..,I'm always running]
Issei gritted his teeth, shattering his memories, as he runs to Arcadia with his new family.
The settlements of Arcadia is shown, with different cities being shown. Issei and Nyx walk across them with awe in their eyes.
The scene changes to Persephone and Hades studying in their respective Academies, learning more.
Issei is seen having a friendship with the members of the Original 15 along with Nyx and Invictus, with a silhouette of the Shadow being shown.
[My eyes have a sparkle too, Hope that I can see this through]
Issei is seen clashing with Jaune, both having smirks on their faces.
As a blonde haired woman and Nyx cheer on the two combatants. Invictus and the others of the Original 15 watch with interest.
[My thoughts, belong, and are ever changing, Remind me on what I'm losing]
Issei looks at Arcadia, here is loved and cared, while there he is hated, in his old world.
He knew that a world that did not appreciate him, doesn't deserve him.
[These feelings in my head, I push them off instead, Of running one way, Just to come on back again]
Issei tries to remembers his past feelings for the girls, before they fade away. He soon encounters a version of Ingvild that is different than his Ingvild.
[Within this circle, Beyond my clouded mind, A new forgotten life, Can I hear that voice again]
Issei is pushed forward by the Big Three, allowing him to move on from his past.
Juniper and his family see in happiness, seeing his smile that was not present for a very long time.
Nicolas has a smirk as several men and people with weapons are seen as his target was the Arc Family.
His desire to rule is shown, as Juniper has a look of horror and despair.
[There's blue in the fire, There's red in your face, My motives are laced with gold, I'm moving, and moving]
Issei helps Juniper and encourages her in this tough time. He also gives hope to the Arc Family, knowing their sadness and despair.
Issei and his family work against Nicolas, gritting his teeth remembering about Dai.
[There's colors in the skyline, That flow into space, The feeling of floating on my own]
Issei faces off against several of the Black Arms, mercilessly killing them, as Great Red and Ophis decimate many of the Black Arms.
Invictus, Nyx, Hades and his family join the fight.
[No one in this place, I don't belong here]
Issei rejects Nicolas's offer of joining him, angering the man even more, as he fights against two Members of the Arc Family.
He watches in horror as Juniper shares the same expression upon hearing Nicolas's intentions
The Arc Siblings fight against the traitors of the Arc Clan, while a Red Haired woman has a sinister look on his face.
The Big Three along with Issei fight off against the last of the Nicolas's forces.
As Juniper and Nicolas clash against each other, with Issei assisting her as well. Both having a smile on the horizon, as they end the fight.
[Had me going, my friend, I'm so blind, I can't stand, Left alone with your hand]
Issei shook his head, shocking and surprising the Arc Council, who wanted him to be the Emperor. Even Juniper is stunned by this answer of Issei.
[I think that I can see your eyes, And the past can show you]
Issei and Juniper, along with their families watch the horizon of the Arcadia, now that things are getting better, having a smile on their faces.
[All the life we've been through, Lost and gone and frozen but I'm just.., I'm always running]
Issei and Juniper have a loving smile on their faces, as a wedding hall is shown.
The scene changes to a Issei with a different appearance being shown, along with his and the Arc Family standing behind him.
Opening End
Juniper and Issei went inside the ship, the cockpit to be precise. No sooner did they enter, it powered up, they noticed it to be very advanced, comparable to the Arcadian Technology they have today. Issei looked at her and asked, "Any name you think of for this ship?"
"Richard called it Ragnarok in his diary...I think we should call it that..." Juniper mused as Issei nodded the two then sat on the console of the ship, as Juniper spoke.
"This is really something else....Richard's ship is really powerful..." Juniper muttered to herself, as she piloted the ship, Issei wondered if he could learn how to pilot the ship in the near future. Juniper sensed this and spoke with a smile.
"Don't worry Ise, I will teach you how to pilot the ship in the future..." Issei wondered how does she even know about what a person wants.But he nodded regardless, as he spoke
"Right..." Juniper then spoke with a grin, "Let's get out of here!"
Juniper piloted the ship as a magic circle was generated at the top of the area, it teleported them right outside of the ruins. Soon enough, Juniper was ready to pilot the ship, as she soon flew off. Issei had already taken the fruits back in a portal dimension.
Soon enough, they were outside the Planet's atmosphere and back into space. Issei brought out a fruit and he passed one to Juniper, she soon placed the ship on Autopilot, she happily accepted the fruit and started munching it much to her delight. Even she enjoyed the fruit that Issei had located and brought.
"I honestly am happy you brought the fruits with you...these taste delicious..." Issei nodded in agreement, as he spoke
"I am glad you liked it, Juniper..." Juniper smiled in response as Issei soon asked, "Speaking of which, I wanted to ask, can you tell me more about Sir Richard?"
Juniper gave a smile as she spoke, "I could tell you a lot, and even on how the civilization we were in, it once was helped by him, but the people turned their backs on him. They, like the EDF, saw Arcadia as a threat due to its rising power, and in the end he wiped them out. However in the final moments, the leaders of the war detonated a bomb that would wipe out an entire civilisation..guilt-ridden, he and his wife Ayaka, the latter coming from that civilisation left behind a portion of the power in that location...and that power was then left behind and after Richard's untimely demise, the rest of the power went with him.."
"The Knights of the Round?" Issei asked, earning a nod from the Empress of Arcadia.
"Indeed, Ise...that was the reason we could never locate the Eikon...until.." Issei completed Juniper's statement, "It manifested inside of me..."
"Correct...Aside from that, Richard, like me did not start as a prince or princess, Richard was an Adventurer, taking his Fleet to the stars, allying Arcadia with the Species of the Galaxy. The planet Issei and Juniper were on was a Civilization in which Richard befriended, but were later betrayed by its people, seeing Arcadia as nothing more than a rising threat. So Richard used the power of the Eikon to make an example out of them, the aftermath led to a war that destroyed the civilization as we know. When those who led it, activated the temple that destroyed the Kingdom entirely." Juniper spoke the last part sadly, paranoia against Arcadia was something she was all too familiar with. Many were killed because they feared and attacked Arcadia, only for it to be wiped out in response, she had a feeling that NIcholas must have done the same to gather those races that had held fear or a grudge against Arcadia. She was looking down, she always hated war, but now, she had no other choice.
Issei kept his hand on her, startling her as he spoke, "Are you alright?"
"Y-yes, I am fine..." Juniper spoke with a smile as she continued while Issei kept his hand down, "The Civilisation was called the Zenith Empire: A civilization at the peak of enlightenment and progress." Juniper spoke with a sad smile, as she continued, "His wife, Ayaka Arc was from that world as well, Richard befriended her in the Civilization he visited and helped. There, the two fell in love, she was a renowned Mage and was powerful, but not as powerful as the High-Class People. She was one of the numerous individuals that saw the dark side of Civilization. So she helped Richard in defeating these conspirators but ultimately accepted when her planet got destroyed. Knowing it was set to fall from the beginning.."
"I see....it must have been hard for her to know that her family perished in the war..." Juniper nodded as she responded, "It was hard, but knowing where the Zenith Empire was going, it was meant to be the end. It's a sheer shock of coincidence that we even ended up here, and the Lost Eikon was found to be at the location.."
"Yeah, and I even got over my past as well.." Issei spoke while looking down, his past burden was going away and soon it will be gone. He will no longer be shackled by his past, and that was the best part about it.
Juniper smiled in happiness, the experience at the planet helped in getting over his past. She knew how much he suffered, but she vowed to never make him suffer again. She looked at Issei saying.
"Ise, know this, Arcadia won't treat you like what happened in your old world..just, if you wish to talk to me, I will always be there for you.." Issei looked at her for a moment with hope in his eyes as he soon smiled.
"I know...Juniper, I know..." Juniper smiled as she soon remembered something else as well.
"Oh this reminds me, once we reach Arcadia, remind me about something I need to give you...anyone who is worthy of the Eikon of Steel, Knights of the Round can be given this..." Juniper spoke while remembering a certain sword Issei can be given. Issei nodded in response, and she then continued.
"Speaking of Richard, he was the reason why Arcadians in general always held great distrust and even hatred towards the Four Kingdoms.." Issei was surprised by this, as he asked, "Why did this happen?"
"He wanted to help them, Ise, but seeing how corrupt they were by backstabbing him and his Allies. Those from the 4 Kingdoms used him and only wanted his power and to rule his home and pillage his resources. He destroyed the Armies of the 4 Kingdoms and took off, writing a law for no one to step foot in the 4 Kingdoms or accept anyone there. Thus creating the term, Outsiders...that is why we call most of those from that location to be outsiders, however there are cases, exceptional cases when said Outsider is accepted here. Take An Ren and her family for instance, they were technically outsiders before they even came here..." Juniper spoke with a smile, as Issei nodded in response, as he spoke
"You are right, An did tell me she was once a part of the Village Kuroyuri, of the Kingdom of Mistral, and I did hear about what Summer Rose did to one of her squads, due to playing the hero.." Juniper nodded in response as she spoke, "Yes, you are right, Summer also belonged to the Four Kingdoms, and decided to play the hero which caused Jaune's squad to get killed. He won't forget their deaths, especially not one of his friends..."
"Truth be told, with An and some others, I was more welcome to the people of the Four Kingdoms, more than many of my Emperors before me. Despite many of my people hating this, over time they gradually became even more accepting of them. Even my own former husband was one of them.." Juniper spoke the last part sadly, as she continued.
"The worst part is that, as to what Nicholas had done, this would affect my Kingdom for generations to come, the deaths he had done, the despair to the families he has brought, including mine...*Juniper looks down as Issei keeps his hand on her shoulder* I sometimes don't get it, why did he turn on the people that loved him? Yet, I don't think I will ever get my answer....Looking back, I always thought, like did I screw up in our marriage somewhere, even though my family loved him. But I always wondered, was he always like this, and I guess we both have screwed up love lives..." Juniper spoke with a sad smile as Issei nodded in response, "I guess you are right.."
"If my brother wasn't there to screw my life, I would have settled down with Ingvild back in my home, there was another I loved.." Juniper was surprised as she turned around to ask, "Who was that person?"
"Her name was Gabriel, Seraph Gabriel...she could read a person's heart if she wanted to.." Juniper was surprised as Issei keeps his hand down, he did not want to hide his past from her, at least not anymore.
"She could read hearts...how could she not see your brother's rotten heart?" Issei shook his head and spoke with a sigh.
"He is a master manipulator, he was able to convince her that she did not need to do that at all, and she agreed with it...but in reality, he only loved her because of her beautiful body. She was known to be the most beautiful woman in Heaven..." Juniper looked at Issei and asked, "Just how beautiful was she..?"
"And was she even more beautiful than me...? Juniper thought, as she shook at pondering what kind of a person she was.
"Her beauty was regarded to be one of the highly regarded, almost on par with some of the most beautiful women as well. However, that was one of the reasons why many fell for her...but not me..."
"I fell because she was humble and polite, even towards me despite my reputation. However, in reality, she talked behind my back, and mocked me thinking that I was nothing short of a pervert. She only did this because Dai manipulated her naive personality against me, knowing all too well that I would be devastated. In reality, she turned out like many others..." Issei continued sadly as Juniper had a feeling that like many others she was toyed like many others in Issei's world.
She wanted to tell him that she was there for him, but didn't feel right to do so. He may have recovered from his past, but he needs some time to work on his broken heart. At first, she did not think he would work it out so soon, but now she knows that it is only a matter of time before he will break free, and she will help him do it.
And looking back, she was really naive as well, she hated the fact that she was so naive to fall for his charms and manipulations. But in a way, she would become more perceptive to not fall that easily, she had a feeling that Issei would also help her, like he was always doing, and she could have complete trust in him.
The reason being, he could have easily taken her down to the island and escaped, but he did not do that, he made sure she was alright, she remained alive and well. He even came back with food and even almost died twice to make sure she was alright. She trusted him, and he did not abandon her, when she was at her lowest.
"They really threw away a gem...broke him, and he came to me and my kingdom to only restart a new life...he had every damned reason to abandon them, and if I was in Issei's place, I would have taken revenge, burned them all to the ground...but he did not chose that...he really deserves someone worthy of love...his love..." Juniper thought knowing what kind of a person Issei really is, he is a loyal person, loving and proving until the very end. She hated them for abandoning him and especially Dai for making his life miserable. She vowed to make his life better and even heal his heart.
"Issei....this Gabriel, she is a fool if she listened to Dai...I seriously feel nothing but pity for those fools for being under a false deception for so long...anyways, you have me, you have your family, they, no we, have helped you for a very long time, haven't we...if you ever feel any problems, know this, you can tell it to me, and I will tell you anytime, alright?" Issei looked at her and nodded as he spoke
"Yeah I guess you are right...it's time I don't let my past define my future, no matter what happens...and right now, Arcadia is my future!" Issei declared as Juniper responded.
"Now that's how it should be done, now let's head back....I wonder if we are even there, or not.." Juniper checked the console as she knew she would have to talk to the Arcadian space station to know who she is.
"Well, we still have a few minutes..." Juniper turned towards Issei and spoke, "Want to pass some time with some stories of your world...?"
"Sure...what do you want to know?" Juniper spoke with a normal tone as she spoke, "Tell me, did you fight for something worth fighting for in your home world...?"
"I did...there was someone that threatened to end all of existence in my old world...this was before I even met Nyx or had a cursed encounter with Ingvild..." Juniper nodded intently, listening to Issei as he continued.
"The name was the Beast of Apocalypse, also known as Trihexa. It had the appearance of a large beast with characteristics coming from different animals like a lion, a leopard, a bear, a dragon, to name a few. It has seven necks, seven heads, with ten horns, as well as seven long thick tails of different shapes. It also has four stout arms and two legs that are even thicker than its arms. Its main body is that of a primate leaning forward and is covered in black fur and what appears to be scales all over its body. Its size is well over several hundred meters, making it significantly larger than even Great Red." Juniper was surprised when she heard that such a thing existed in Issei's undiscovered world, which was soon going to be discovered. But unfortunately the Black Arms did first, and she feared the possibility of them working against Arcadia.
"It threatened all of us, and I had to protect my family, Persephone, Hades, Melinoë and Macaria. I managed to design a powerful seal, comparable to what the Biblical God has performed. Knowing that no one will help me, I was forced to read many of the magicians in my world to see how a seal of such a magnitude could be performed, including Rossweisse who had information on the Beast to do so.." Juniper nodded in understanding, normally she would frown on someone doing this tactic, but they would never even try to help him in any way. It was the only way that he could achieve his progress. Not to mention, he also did this to protect his family.
"So did you succeed?" Juniper asked a pretty obvious question as Issei responded, "If I did not, I would not have even been here, none of us would have been here..." Juniper nodded in understanding, knowing just how powerful Trihexa would have gotten if they had not dealt with the beast as soon as possible.
"I see...and it was on par with Great Red and Ophis?" Issei nodded as he spoke, "Yes, it was. But it was not unstoppable..."
"If that is the case, who was the one that unsealed the beast to even begin this whole mess, Ise? I am not criticizing you or anything, I am just more curious, I wonder if this Trihexa is a threat to Arcadia, or will be a threat in the future. '' Juniper spoke with concern, the Black Arms was one thing along with its allies, but she was worried if Trihexa were to join them.
"No, he was a man known as-" Issei was about to continue when the ship's signal cuts him off as Juniper stops the autopilot and check where the signal is coming from, as she plays a familiar voice speaks through.
"Unidentified Ship! Identify yourself, you are in Arcadian territory!" Juniper connected the number and spoke.
"Jeanne, it's me, Empress Juniper, we managed to find our way back home. Let everyone know that I am alright.." Jeanne was surprised by this, as she spoke
"Empress, we thought you were a goner! Hades and Great Red along with several other scouts were working hard to locate you, but couldn't find you, some even gave up home, but I am glad you are back...say is Issei with you?" Juniper responded with a smile.
"He is, he is alright, he is the reason even I am alive, and this ship was something we found on the planet we were stranded on...we will head back soon, let the Arcadian Scouts in...this ship is Arcadian, so you need not worry..." Jeanne responded with a much better tone.
"Copy that, we shall do as you ask Empress, it is good to have you back...you too Issei..." Jeanne cuts off the transmission as Juniper pilots the ship towards the Hanger of the shuttle. She soon notices several Deep Space Vanguard and Arcadian Shock Troopers all expecting the Empress's return, along with Issei's as well.
The ship's stairs opened up revealing Issei and Juniper outside, aside from her military uniform being in a bit of a bad shape, they were all alive and well.
"The Empress has returned!" One of the Shocktroopers responded.
"She was saved and protected! By Issei Hyoudou!" Another of the Shocktroopers cheered for the two, as a third one responded.
"Cheer for them!" A Deep Space Vanguard responded, as they all cheered for them.
'Hip, Hooray!', 'All hail Empress!', 'Issei!' was heard amongst the crowd, as Issei was surprised, he was taken aback by how much Arcadia loves him. Juniper turned around and gave a genuine smile as she had spoken.
"See, you see it too, don't you? The people in Arcadia, they love you, they cherish you and they look up to you. You were always meant to be loved Issei, those that don't or never valued you, don't deserve now...see for yourself Issei, the people loved you, initially you were respected and admired. But now, they love you Issei, we love you..." Issei was surprised for a moment before he spoke with a tear falling from his eye, soon changing into a smile.
"I guess you are right..." Issei soon waved back, in response as the crowd cheered even more, as the two walked towards the center, they were greeted by Jeanne and a familiar primordial Goddess of Darkness who rushed towards Issei with tears in her eyes.
"Issei!!" Nyx shouted as she embraced Issei, who returned the embrace in return, as he spoke, "I told you, I won't go down like that, and always will be there for you.."
Nyx looked at him with tears in her eyes as she spoke, "I thought you were a goner..." Issei soon puts down Nyx, who rubs her tears as she speaks, "But deep down, I knew you would come back..."
"Yeah, we both managed to came back...and I even got a ship of my own..." Nyx soon looks to the side to see a brand new ship that didn't belong to the Arcadian Technology, it seemed to be ancient which even caught the attention of almost everyone. Even Jeanne pondered on what kind of a ship it is, although it did seem familiar to her.
"Anyways.." Jeanne spoke while looking towards them and responded, "It's good to have you back, Empress, and you too Issei...you managed to make it out of the broken ship...alive..."
"Umm, thanks, Supreme General.." Jeanne spoke while shaking her head as she spoke, "Call me, Jeanne, you have earned it, Issei.."
"Thank you, Jeanne..." Jeanne smiled in response as she asked, "But how did you even escape the planet and how did you even come back here...with a ship never seen before...?"
"Oh Jeanne, do I have a story to tell you..gather my family something wonderful has happened.." Juniper spoke with a smile as Jeanne nodded in response, as they soon decided to reveal it to the rest of the Arc Family.
*Scene Change*
Arc Medical Bay, 7:00 PM
Jade was scanning her mother along with several of the scientists present to make sure if the nail is still under affect, but it is close to gone. She had reunited with the rest of her family and they were ecstatic to have her come back, they were happy that she was not gone, especially Artemis and her children. She embraced all of them, happy that she was back. Additionally, the Arc Children now hated their father who had almost killed their mother, having no sympathy left at all for him.
Even Rosemary hated him, which was something many did not expect since she was the closest to her father, but it was inevitable that this happened. They knew that their father had to be dealt with along with any and all allies.
Issei also had to deal with his own family who was ecstatic for his return, as Persephone refused to let him go for a very long time, until Hades and his sisters had to force her away so that he could breathe. Despite this, Issei knew that he had found his new family and wasn't going to lose them. They all had a group hug, as Issei returned their embrace as well, even Ophis and Great Red were also included.
Back at the current day, Jade was done scanning as she spoke
"Alright mom, you are done..." Juniper asked with concern, "So what does the scan say, Jade?"
"The nail's curse is still there, but it should be gone by tomorrow morning, your powers should come back as soon as it does, so you will be fine, Mom.." Juniper nodded with a smile, as she spoke
"I guess..." Juniper shook her head as she spoke, "Thanks Jade...I think I should rest for a while.."
"That would be for the best mom.." Jade spoke in agreement, as the two watched with Issei recounting everything. The Arc Council and the other Arcs were surprised by the revelation as Juniper added her own words.
"It all happened in front of my eyes....he is the new wielder of the Eikon of Steel.." The Arc Council was surprised by this revelation as Alsie spoke
"I can sense his power too, he really is the Eikon of Steel...the same Eikon not witnessed in eons was witnessed today..." Alsie spoke with a tone of surprise as Liam nodded in understanding.
"Never thought the day would come, the day when someone outside of the Family, not having Arc Blood, would be worthy of an Eikon, you really are something Issei..." Liam mused, however he was happy that the Knights of the Round was in the hands of someone worthy, someone deserving, like Issei. He trusted Issei at this point, who came back with his daughter alive. Even risking his life and almost being killed, he used a power that would have been almost fatal to him, and that day, he became worthy of the Eikon.
"But before you think of returning it, no, we are not asking you to do that, the Eikon has chosen you due to how you fiercely protected the Empress, even when giving your own life to do so, the power of the Knights of the Round, that is yours Issei..." Galath spoke with a genuine smile, as Artemis responded
"You protected our Empress valiantly, and in response, we want to honour you for your service, despite not being into the army as well..." Artemis spoke with a smile, as Issei responded
"Can we do it at a later date? I would really like some rest as well..." Jeanne nodded in understanding as she responded
"Very well, Issei, you can rest...just let me know prior about your promotion..alright?" Issei nodded in response as he knew that the war is far from over, the Black Arms are still out there, and despite the Empress being safe, they are still present.
*Scene Break*
(A/N: Bang that's it for this chapter, the next one will be the chapter will be a little break and some happiness for Issei as something surprising will happen)
(A/N(2): Issei now has a new ship Ragnarok, which will play a vital role in the story)
(A/N(3): The next few chapters should bring up some Undeads...)
(A/N(4): Massive thanks to Darkdecade97 for reviewing the chapter and helping me with the mistakes, along with providing me pictures of the characters and their descriptions, along with the speech)
Please let me know in the comments on how to improve and I will catch y'all later
Peace!!!
Ending