Winds of Change (DxD)

Volume 7 - Chapter 13 - A Dreamer's Dream

Word count: 71k

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Third Person Point of View

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On a different part of Earth, various factions had initiated their plans, each with unique intentions and strategies regarding Team [DxD] and their alliance. Among these factions was one known as the [Malebranche].

[Are we nearly prepared?] inquired Malacoda, who held the esteemed position of leader among the [Malebranche].

[Almost,] responded Barbariccia, [however, we must collaborate with the True Satans Faction and Zaorama Nebiros, as they intend to launch their attack on the same day as us.]

[Very well. Nevertheless, it is of little consequence, for the long-anticipated showdown draws near. The final adversary has been located and is already in motion. All 13 Longinus have been gathered, thanks to the efforts of the individual who has worked in our favor. We will incapacitate them within a week.]

[Understood. I will relay this information to the others,] affirmed Barbariccia before departing from the room.

A potent aura enveloped Malacoda, accompanied by a malevolent grin spreading across his face. [Soon... very soon, we will demonstrate our superiority over the Longinus, whether they be old or new!]

The impending clash between the [Evil Claws] and the wielders of the [Longinus] Sacred Gears was rapidly approaching, and the stakes were higher than ever.

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Aaron Toole's Soliloquy

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I let out yet another sigh, a recurring expression that had escaped my lips at least four times in the past hour, or perhaps even within the last half-hour? I couldn't pinpoint the exact duration, but it had been approximately that long.

"You're slowing down, Aaron," Scathach remarked, perched on my lap, her arms enveloping my neck as I toiled away in my office. Aífe had also been roped into this situation and was seated on the couch with the Church Trio, who had dropped by our place.

"Well, having you in my lap isn't exactly facilitating my productivity," I retorted with a playful tone. She responded with a mischievous smirk and proceeded to pepper my face with kisses, eliciting yet another sigh from me.

Suddenly, Xenovia rose from her seat, causing the table she had been stationed at with the others to violently shake. Snacks were scattered across its surface, but I had designed our glasses to be nearly impervious to tipping over, to prevent spills like this, so their beverages remained intact.

"Shishō," she declared, locking her gaze with Scathach, who returned her intense stare with equal determination.

"Hmm? How can I assist you, Xenovia?" Scathach inquired, the two women engaged in an intense standoff.

"I believe you've been hogging Aaron for too long. I'd like a turn – no, it's not just me; the rest of us want a turn as well," Xenovia stated firmly.

"Hoho? Are you challenging my position right now, Xenovia?" Scathach countered, the two of them locked in a glaring contest.

"I-I want to sit on Aaron's lap too!" Irina blurted out.

"Me too!" Asia chimed in, clapping her hands excitedly.

Aífe, the odd one out in this scenario, surveyed the room, her gaze moving from one person to another. With a sigh, she remarked, "Is this how your life typically unfolds, Aaron?"