[239] To Save A Dragon

Chapter 239: To Save A Dragon

—

I landed back at the Hoshino household, the familiar scent of home distracting me from the problems of the world. I stepped through the front doors and was greeted by the sight of my girls waiting in the living room, scattered around like they owned the place… which, in a way, they did. 

My mother was seated gracefully on the couch with Ranefer beside her, and the two were reading some magazines while sipping coffee. Ruby was leaning against the wall, arms crossed complaining about something, while Mem-Cho wore a worried expression, sitting beside Tsubasa on the floor. 

They weren't the only ones. The five tiger cubs, led by Blue in her human form, were gathered near the fireplace. Winter was coming, and the evening was cold.

Asia sat nervously beside Irina and Xenovia, who were chatting quietly. Everyone seemed to be on edge after hearing the news of Quetzalcoatl, and I could understand why.

"I'm back, girls," I announced, clearing my throat. We've got work to do." All eyes turned to me, and they stopped chatting to focus on me. "I'll be heading to Aztec soon, Quetzalcoatl's waiting. The situation there is bad, but it's not good here either. So, I need some of you to cover things here while I'm gone."

I spoke as I walked to the center of the room, hands in my pockets. Ruby perked up, already frowning. I could see where this was going, but I ignored her for now. "Ruby, Tsubasa, Mem-Cho—you three are heading to Kuoh. Keep an eye on things there. Some secret organizations are trying to cause trouble there. Report if anything happens. Irina, Xenovia," I glanced at the two of them.

"Yes… my lord?"

"You two stay here. Make sure the neighborhood is safe since Uncle and Auntie live nearby. I don't want anything happening to them. You kids," I turned toward Blue and the cubs, who straightened her posture, "You're assigned to guard duty as well."

The tiger girl with short white hair with a batch of blue in it stepped forward and her head slightly. "Understood, my lord. We won't let anything happen while you're away."

"Good."

I wish the talk could have ended there. But, of course, Ruby had to say something. "What? We don't get to go to Aztec with you? Bullshit!" she groaned. Mem-Cho, sitting beside her, sighed dramatically.

"Yeah, c'mon, Aqua," she chimed in, her usual bubbly tone replaced with something more pleading. "I lived with Quetzalcoatl for months, you know? I care about her too! You can't just send us off to babysit Kuoh while you're off fighting gods to save her."

I exhaled slowly. "No, you're not coming. This is not a vacation, Ruby," I said firmly. "It's too dangerous, Memmy. You're strong, but Aztec is on another level. It's one of the stronger pantheons. Tezcatlipoca's in control now, and all the Gods will follow his command. They'll tear you apart before you even know what hit you. I understand your feelings, but I'm not letting you get killed because of some sentimental bullshit."

Mem-Cho's shoulders slumped, her energy drained out by my words. Ruby just clicked her tongue, muttering something under her breath, but didn't argue further. The only one among the three to remain calm and silent was Tsubasa. When I looked at her, she smiled gently and gave a nod, accepting the decision without complaint.

"Alright, I'll make sure we do our job right," Tsubasa said quietly. She stood up, stretching her arms. "We'll keep Kuoh in check."

"Thanks," I said. At least one of them wasn't giving me trouble. Not that I expected anything less from Nyx… I wonder when her memories will return. I was very certain that she was Nyx, but I didn't know how to bring her back to consciousness.

Ai, who had been silent the entire time, lowered her magazine and finally spoke. "Don't be sad, Ruby. This isn't the kind of fight any of you should be involved in." She said toward Ruby and Mem-Cho. "Let us handle this. If things go right, you'll get to see Quetzalcoatl soon."

Ranefer shrugged, falling back onto the couch, her curves swaying in response. "Yeah, yeah, what she said," she yawned toward the ceiling.

This scared woman would be coming with me, but she didn't look worried. When I had asked her about it, she replied, 'I'll be safer with you, even if we end up in the belly of Great Red.' So she didn't mind going to Aztec with me.

The decision had been made. 

Ruby and Mem-Cho exchanged a look but didn't protest any further. They knew better than to push the issue when they were so weak. "Fine, we'll go," my sister murdered, standing up with Mem-Cho beside her. "But don't think we're happy about it."

I shrugged. "Noted." I could break her anger anytime.

With that, the little group was led away by Tsubasa, and my Jade Perception caught their retreating figures moving toward the Kuoh High. I watched them go and then turned to Irina, Xenovia, and the tiger cubs. "Then, you guys, stay sharp," I said, "I expect things to stay quiet, but don't take anything for granted."

"Yes, Sir," they replied in unison, and Irina gave me a respectful bow.

They left too, surrounding the mansion. Now the room grew quieter, leaving only Ai, Ranefer, and me. This was the core of the group that would be heading to Aztec, just the three of us. These two women were strong enough that I could trust them with my back in the hell that awaited.

"So," Ranefer spoke first, her tone casual but curious, "how bad are things going to get once we get there?"

I didn't reply immediately. I looked out the window into the night. "Bad," I said honestly. "Tezcatlipoca isn't going to make this easy. But I'll deal with it."

Ai walked beside me, her gaze warm. "We'll deal with it," she corrected, a small smile tugging at her lips. "I told you you're not alone, did I not?"

I smiled back, just slightly. "Yeah."

I ignored Ranefer's raised eyebrow as Ai ruffled my head. A minute later, the three of us rose into the air, the cool night wind brushing against our faces as we prepared to leave. The sky crackled with energy as my Sage's authority pushed open a portal.

Another war might break out as I looked at our destination.

Ilhuicatl-Teoiztac, the Ninth Heaven of the Aztec Pantheon.

****

The sky of the Ninth Heaven shimmered as my portal tore it open. Energy crackled around it like lightning as we emerged through the rift. 

The fresh air of a heavenly realm, far richer than earth, filled my nostrils. I took in a deep breath, enjoying the scent. However, there was something odd. I had been here before, but the energy felt different now. The joy, the vibrancy, the very life that had once pulsed through every corner of this divine realm was gone now. It had been replaced by something cold. I guess people were happy with her ruling. 

Ai hovered quietly beside me, having chosen not to transform into anything and just remain in her default supergirl template. I rose slightly higher, observing the people below. The celestial spirits' wings were duller than the last time I had seen them, and divine beasts no longer roamed with pride. Everything felt... subdued.

The pyramids still stood tall, their ancient stone radiating power, but the festive atmosphere was absent. It made me curious how all their functions and stuff worked and how different rulers meant different ways of life.

"Last time I came here, it was to wage a war and burn that forest," Ranefer said with a chuckle as she floated beside me, her eyes scanning the surroundings. I was curious about her story with Quetzalcoatl too, I'd need to catch up one day.

"Stay alert," I suddenly said. "They're here." As soon as I said that, a ripple of divine energy surged through the realm. Within moments, four figures appeared.

All of them looked strong, but the strongest was the man leading them.

Tezcatlipoca, the Jaguar God of the East.

The Jaguar God himself stood before us, his presence heavy and commanding. His long, golden hair flowed behind him, the cold, icy blue gaze of a ruler embedded in his eyes. Armor adorned with obsidian and feathers clung to his form, as if exploding with the raw, primal strength of the night.

And behind him, three more stood. We were already outnumbered. Deities, strong enough to be considered major forces in the Aztec Pantheon, stood behind him. 

Among them, I recognized one—Yohualteuctli, the daughter of Tezcatlipoca. That Jaguar Girl who had accompanied me to Vedas. Her short yellow hair and blue eyes gave her a fierce look, as her jaguar ears twitched when meeting my eyes. Sweat formed on her forehead. She was strong, her aura humming with the power of Tezcatlipoca's Avatar, but she didn't look confident facing me.

I didn't know the two others. It didn't matter. My focus was on Tezcatlipoca. For a moment, we all stood there. Silent. It was as if a storm was about to break.

"You're not welcome here, Tiger," Tezcatlipoca finally spoke, his voice commanding. "Leave."

I met his gaze, unfazed. "Welcome or not, I'm not leaving. I am here for my friend Quetzalcoatl."

His expression didn't change, but his aura grew heavier. He grumbled, "And what if I say that's impossible? She's a prisoner."

I smiled. A sliver of my divine authority leaked into the air. The atmosphere cracked, the sky screeching under the pressure of our clashing auras. Lightning sparked around us, and his jaws clenched in annoyance. He was not an easy enemy, but that didn't matter. He narrowed his eyes, and for a brief moment, it felt like the world itself would tear apart from the weight of our presence.

Ai and Ranefer stood quietly beside me, and I sensed that my mother was ready to transform. The potential for this battle, if it were to erupt, would leave the Aztec half-destroyed for sure. Still, Tezcatlipoca wasn't a fool.

After a long moment, he exhaled sharply and turned to his daughter. "Bring her."

Yohualteuctli blinked, clearly surprised by the command, but didn't hesitate. She vanished in a ripple of air. I raised an eyebrow. That was… quick. 

Barely any resistance and no tricks at all. Just like that?

Moments later, Yohualteuctli returned. Beside her stood Quetzalcoatl. Her wrists were bound, chains wrapping around them, but her posture was relaxed as if she didn't care about her appearance. Bruises marred her divine skin, but her eyes still shone with that defiant, arrogant glint that I knew.

"Sup, guys," she greeted us, her lips curving into a tired but cheerful grin. Then she looked at me, biting her tongue. "Erm, sorry, cutie, but I can't go with y'all. I've been beaten in a fair fight. Guess I'm stuck here as a prisoner."

I frowned. "Don't give me that warrior nonsense. You don't have to stay."

Tezcatlipoca cut in, his voice filled with mockery. "Oh, she's definitely free to leave if she wishes. I won't stop her."

Quetzalcoatl scowled. "Oh yeah? Leave and give up my throne forever? No thank you, you cheating punk." She then turned to me, "No worries, cutie. He and I keep fighting all the time. Sometimes he wins, sometimes I do. It's a cycle."

I stayed quiet for a moment, studying them. Their dynamic was odd. This wasn't what I expected. There was no bloodlust among them, no deep hatred. 

It was... almost too civil. 

"Quku," I said, locking eyes with her. I spoke my next words in a commanding tone, "Come with me."

"Not gonna happen, sweetie," she sighed, shaking her head..

"Why not? I'll make you stronger," I promised her. "Stronger than you've ever been. You don't have to be a part of Aztec, you can defeat him as an outsider and then take back your throne when the time is right."

She fell silent, her eyes narrowing. "If I leave, I'll be branded a traitor. An enemy to the Pantheon."

"I can handle that." My voice was steady. "You're aware I can. Join me. I'll make you a Sect Elder, and then you can take back your throne. You don't have to be a part of your pantheon for it. You'll regain your throne faster with me, while it might take centuries if you do it on your own."

Quetzalcoatl stared, and then slowly bit her lip, glancing between me and Tezcatlipoca. 

She was weighing her options. Tezcatlipoca, sensing the shift, started to speak again, but she cut him off this time.

"Alright, fine," she said with a sigh, stepping toward me. Her chains clinked softly as she walked. "Just make sure it doesn't take forever. I've got a throne to reclaim~"

"Promise," I said, offering her a hand as she barely took it, thanks to her chains, and stood beside me. She had made her choice.

Tezcatlipoca was frowning, and his eyes were filled with surprise. He must be confused as to why his rival trusted me so much. However, when his eyes met with his daughter's, a light of realization soon crossed his features. 

"...Hmm, I see," he said. He must have heard about my fight with the Vedas Pantheon, his daughter must have told him all the details. He knew. He knew what I was capable of, and that gave him an idea why Quetzalcoatl trusted me so much.

Someone else might have attacked me right now, so as to stop a future threat. Tezcatlipoca didn't. He smirked.

"Alright, Quetzalcoatl," his voice was colder now, more formal. "Since you've chosen to flee from your punishment, you are now a traitor to Aztec. The next time you meet anyone from here, you will be hunted down. And captured. As will these friends of yours."

Well, I just lost an alliance, I noted with a sigh.

"Yeah, yeah," Quetzalcoatl just rolled her eyes again. "Now remove these damn chains?"

Tezcatlipoca smirked, shaking his head. "Hah, no. You're a traitor now. I won't help you escape."

"Ugh." She grumbled but didn't argue. It was clear this wasn't about fighting anymore, he was just messing with her. The game had changed.

I exchanged glances with Ai and Ranefer. Both of them seemed relaxed again, ready to leave. I agreed. There was no need to stick around longer than necessary.

"Alright then, goodbye," With that, I wrapped an arm around Quetzalcoatl's waist, pulled her close, and shot into the sky. 

Ai and Ranefer followed close behind as we tore through the atmosphere, opening a portal above, and leaving the Ninth Heaven behind. Tezcatlipoca just watched us leave, he wasn't going to make a move.

At least not this time.

Once again, a war had been avoided—but an alliance was lost. If Norse attacked me, I didn't have another pantheon to fall back to. But with Quetzalcoatl in my arms, that didn't feel like too much of a loss.

**

**

**

Author Note: Hey, I'm back! It was a great birthday, thank you for waiting. I hope you enjoyed the chapter, and don't forget to vote powerstones for the chapter!

Come read the next chapter, as well as the entire month's worth in my Patreon.

Link: Patreon.com/Master4thWall