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A Dragon's Family(Rewriting) by Pandora's Reader

Anime X-overs & High School DxD/ハイスクールD×D Xover Rated: M, English, Family & Adventure, OC, Rias G., T. Koneko, S. Irina, Words: 187k+, Favs: 175, Follows: 180, Published: Oct 25, 2021 Updated: Nov 17, 2021

22Chapter 14: A trip down guilt lane

AN - This'll be the only power-up Martha gets until the project is done and get Tara gets dragonforce and starts to form her dragon core.

{Tara's POV}

I woke up as usual. I pried Irina off of me and picked up Natsu as i went to freshen up. With that done, i went to order breakfast and started to wake up Irina. She mumbled a good-morning, and went to freshen up. {Today's the day, right?} {Yes it is. And good-morning to you too.} {Good-morning Martha.} {Better. Anyway. The meeting will be in a few hours, and Rias should be clear to go to you tomorrow.} {Nice!} With that, i started looking for what to wear, and then i had an idea. "Irina! I'm gonna call Issei for something!" I heard something clack in the bathroom, and a minute later she's out and bouncing towards me. "I'm ready!" I smiled at her, and started to call Issei. It got a second in and he had picked up. "Hello? Tara-chan?" "Hey Gremlin. I got Irina with me, so you can get a session off before that whole thing goes on. Can the old man hear me?" "[Yes i can hatchling. What is it?]" "Can you make sure Issei punches someone from the church for me?" I saw Irina snap her head to me, and i laughed. And Ddraig laughed with me.

"[I'll see what i can do hatchling. No promises.]" "Nice. Anyway that's all i wanted from you old man. See ya in a month! Alright, it's all you now Irina." She was still a little surprised at my request, but she shook it off and started to talk to Issei. I zoned out of that, and started to look around for something to wear. For some reason, i was feeling my casual wear, so i grabbed my Erza blouse and a pair of good jeans, and looked for my nice sneakers. I i had a strange thought, and grabbed one of the big hats Irina brought with her, and put it on. It was a weird combination, but i felt like it. I heard the room service announcement and went to grab it. After i did, i came back to hear Irina say 'bye' and finished her call with Issei. We ate in peace, and Irina got ready for the day. She grabbed her spare big hat, a nice green sundress, shorts and sandals, and we got ready to head out.

After we left the hotel, Irina got a message in the group chat while i was sending a 'good-morning' to Rias and Koneko. "Tara-oneesan, everyone wants to meet up at Leblanc." "Everyone?" "Yep." "That's not really a surprise. We did drop a bomb on them last night." "True... How are we going to explain to them about Akechi?" "Easy." She looked at me, obviously asking me to go, but i just grinned at her. "It'll be a surprise. Just watch." She narrowed her eyes, and hummed suspiciously at me. But i just kept smiling at her. "Fine. Keep your secrets Oneesan." "Oh hush, you'll find out in an hour, tops." "If you say so." We kept walking, and i let Natsu stay on my head, as we made our way to Leblanc. I was curious about how they'd react. That and about how they'd handle Futaba's palace. She was this precious little roll that i adored when i first played through the game after-all.

As usual, we made it to the platform, got on the train where i glared at anyone too close, and got off at Yongen. We walked down the way, and made it to the door of Leblanc, "Rejoice! Your Queen has arrived!" I was going to milk my title for all it was worth since it was out there. Sojiro looked up at me, and i saw the smile on his face. He was enjoying my constant announcements just as much as i was. "Morning kids. Your usual?" "Yessir Bossman!/Yes Boss." He nodded, and got to work. The old couple were getting ready to leave, and Akira wasn't out down yet, so Irina and i just sat at the counter seats, and talked to boss as he made our coffee. "So, how were the leftovers Bossman?" "Heh, they were pretty good. My daughter enjoyed the cake, so thanks for that. We ate some of the meat and vegetables and saved the rest... I don't know what to do with the beans..." "Hah! See! I told you that you should've gotten something else." "But everyone else already took the good things!" "There was fish!" "I don't like fish!" "HOW?!" "I DON'T KNOW!" Boss' laugh brought us out of that, and we just looked at each other and laughed with him.

A few minutes later, Akira came down and took a groggy look at us before he just went into the bathroom and started to get ready for the day. By the time he was out, Boss had our coffee ready and i was already drinking it. He got behind the counter, and started to help boss out. "We'll be having a meeting when everyone gets here. You're both invited." "Nice. We get to see where the magic happens." Irina just looked confused, but i grinned at her again. Akira caught it and let out a hum. He turned to me 'does she know' clearly on his face. I shook my head, and he raised a brow. 'Do you trust her?' I smiled and nodded. He blinked, then shrugged. Akira worked well with Boss, and we made easy conversation. A while later, Ryuji and Ann walked in together, and they stood notably closer to each other. Irina and i looked to each other and smiled, and Ann rolled her eyes at us when she caught it. They were soon followed by Yusuke, and finally Makoto. With everyone here, Mona was upstairs, they all looked to us, and boss, and nodded.

We all started walking upstairs, and i finally got to see what the room the leader of the Phantom Thieves looked like. He had a plant, a Risette poster, a ramen bowl and something else on a shelf. There was the workbench in the corner, and it had a Jack Frost plush... And my brain stopped. "How does that work? Did a Jack Frost somehow make its way out of the metaverse or something?" The thieves, who were moving a table and other chairs around, all just seemed to pause and look at the plush in question. "... I'm pretty sure i had the same question when i saw it." "Right?!" Makoto got me. "Metaverse? Jack Frost?" When Irina said that, the other thieves, except for Joker, looked surprised. "Wait. Irina-chan doesn't know?" "Nope. I wanted to surprise her with it." Ann just looked at me, and Irina just grew even more confused. "Don't worry hun, i told you you'd find out like 30 something minutes ago. It's time now."

Irina just looked at me, but just hummed and sat besides me, on the desk by the stairs since there wasn't enough space, and waited. When the thieves finished setting up, Joker sat by the workbench and started it off. "As Sakura-san knows, and the rest of us don't seem to mind, let's start about who we are. We, are the Phantom Thieves." Irina looked at them, and just blinked. "Oh. Ok." And all the serious or tense energy in the room vanished in the wind. "Huh? That's it? The hell man?!" I laughed at Ryuji's reaction. Irina just raised a brow at him. "I mean... I've heard and fought worse. But! I can fake being surprised if you want!" Then she put on this obviously fake face, kind of like that old painting with the long faced guy, and mock shouted in surprise. I cackled at that. The thieves, not expecting that, didn't seem to know what to do. Joker was in control though. "You've 'fought worse?' What do you mean by that?" "That'll be a surprise for whenever we head into to the metaverse." Joker narrowed his eyes, but just nodded.

"Aww man, that was so disappointing." "Aw hush it cat, you barely scratch the surface of the stuff we've seen." "I'm n- You can understand me?" "Yup. I have an idea about why, but that's for later." "Oh... Well i'm still not a cat!" "Physically you are." "What's that supposed to mean?" "Exactly what i said it means. Other then a cat, what do you see yourself as?" "A human of course!" "Then you're human. Being human is more then just physically or biologically looking or being human. We've met monsters that were human. Monsters that looked perfectly human. And humans that looked like or are monsters. It doesn't matter if you don't look human. You're a cat? So what? If you live and treat others how they should be treated, that makes you human enough." The room took in the back and fourth between me and Mona, and i could see Yusuke nod. "Wait. Oneesan... The cat can talk?" "Duh. Who else would i be talking too?" "But then why can't Natsu talk?" "He's like 3 months old Irina!" "So?!" I just groaned and summoned Natsu to placate her.

Natsu looked at me, and i just pointed at Irina. He got the message and leapt at her. She caught him and was content to playing with him. I turned back to see the thieves looking confused. Like, very confused. "Did you just summon a puppy out of thin air?" I looked at Makoto, and with my most serious face, said. "Magic." And Irina snorted and laughed. I saw Joker's face struggle to stay serious, but Ann started giggling like a loon, and that got the rest of them. A good laugh later, and we got back to the meeting. "Back to what the meeting is about. Goro Akechi. We'd like to know how you realized he's a murderer." "That's it? Easy. The eye's are the window to the soul and all that. When he heard Irina's last name, the mask he wore crumbled a bit. I know you saw what was there, but so did we. We've both seen our fair share of killers, so we recognized it when we saw it."

Joker took that in, and looked to Queen. I saw them hold the look, as the rest of the thieves and i looked on, and they nodded. "You're right. We didn't recognize it, but i saw it and so did Queen. A follow up question is have you killed before." I saw the others tense up, but i shrugged. "Only anyone that's tried to come kill me or someone i care about. Other then that, no one else." Some of the tension left, but i could tell they were still a bit tense at my easy admission to killing. Joker and i held a look, and i saw him thinking about if i could still be trusted with his team. I just held my look and spoke. "I promise on my name that i won't endanger any of you intentionally or unintentionally. I have only your best intentions in mind and i see you all as friends or people that can become my friends." The thieves listened to that, and they all turned to Joker. "Very well. I'll put my trust in you Sakura-san. Don't make me regret this." "I won't. And you can call me Tara, Joker."

He smirked at me, and nodded. Then i felt it again. My confidant ranked up. "I can't tell if i'm getting used to that or if it's getting smoother." Joker just hummed. "I wouldn't know. No-ones ever recognized when their confidant ranks up." "Huh. Oh well. What do i do now?" Joker closed his eyes again, and we waited. "Leader's intuition. Which is ironic considering the situation. 'In situations that pertain to you or a group you lead, you will instinctively know of and how to get the best outcome.' Which makes this situation easier." The rest of the tension diffused out of the room, and the rest of the thieves relaxed. From there, we talked about Akechi, and what to do about him. We settled on having me or another thief in the area if they were going to 'hang-out' and i agreed to it. Then came the final topic. "Now then, last but not least. Our latest target. Asked for by herself, one Futaba Sakura."

I nodded at that, and Irina looked away from Natsu and looked at me. "Sakura? Oneesan Sakura or Boss Sakura?" "Boss." "Oh, ok." And she went back to playing with Natsu. "Actually... I've been thinking about Natsu for a while now... And i just need to ask now... What is he?" Natsu turned to Ann, and looked at her. "He's my familiar. A hell-hound." I don't know which happened first. Everyone snapping towards me, or Natsu barking. "As in... Hell Hell?" "Yup. And no. Hell's not fire and brimstone or a frozen wasteland." They all just looked at me, and Joker just shook his head and clapped his hands. "Alright... Let's save the world shattering revelations for another time. Back on topic. Futaba has asked for us to steal her heart, and she will deal with the Medjed threat. But, she's said for us to meet, she'd want you to be there." That was interesting. But i'd take it. "Huh. I'll take it." "Good. Sojiro already knows, so we'll be fine with that. Is now a good time for you?" "Sure."

Joker nodded, and we all got up. Before we were all out, i looked at Irina, and asked her a question. "Irina... Are you ok with sand?" She looked at me confused. "Beach sand or desert sand?" "There's a difference?" "Beach sand is ok. Desert sand needs weeks of showers to make sure there's none left." "Huh... Desert sand." "Them the answer is no Oneesan." "Oh. Ok. Want to stay here and play with Natsu then?" "Sure!" And so i left Irina in Leblanc. {The meeting is starting.} {Nice.} After that, i followed the rest of the thieves, and we started to go to Boss' house. He gave us a smile and said to 'be gentle with her' and i did not allow my mind to take that the wrong way. As we left Leblanc, Yusuke asked me a question. "What did you mean by the sand comment Sakura-san?" I grinned at the guy. "Oh you'll see." He looked interested, but we kept going. Boss' house was right next to Leblanc, and we went in with his key.

Boss' home was nice. It was big enough for a small family, and it had a comfy vibe to it. Though we were a little cramped before we made it to the door of Futaba's room. And from there, it played out similarly to the game, but then Futaba addressed me. She sent a text to Akira's phone, and he stopped for a second. He blinked, rubbed his eyes, blinked again and just turned to me. "Sakura-san... Why is Alibaba calling you a dragon lady?" I blinked. The rest of the thieves blinked. And i turned to Futaba. Well her room door, but still. "Futabaaa! That was going to be a surprise! And how'd you know?" The rest of the thieves looked confused, but Akira turned back to his phone, and read her messages. "She says she tried hacking into your phone, but couldn't. So she settled for your camera instead. She says she's seen your wings and tail when you go to sleep and right after you wake up..."

Oh... I forgot she did that... "Well shit... Now everyone's going to be expecting it... Just for that... Natsu! Cuddle attack!" We heard Natsu bark behind the door, and i heard Irina yelp in surprise, oops, and that was followed by Futaba turning into a giggling mess. I turned to the rest of the thieves, and Makoto was the first one to say something. "Dragon lady?" "To be fair, i was going to surprise you all as soon as we got into her palace. But SOMEONE had to ruin it." "I'm SORRY!" That was the first time we heard her voice, but i set that away for later. Then i heard muttering... And i saw Ann looking like she had the biggest revelation since we found out God was dead. "ASCALON! DRAGON!" We all turned to her, the thieves taking a moment to figure it out, but it was Makoto and Yusuke that got it first. "Ascalon, a dragon slaying sword... You are a dragon... You have scales?" I smiled at his question. I let my tail come out behind me, and saw their reactions.

Yusuke and Ann were awestruck at my golden scales, Makoto blinked and just raised her head to the roof. Ryuji and Mona seemed like they'd need help to get their jaws off the ground, and Akira just had a blank look on his face. I think he was about to say something, but then Yusuke said the last thing we needed. "Magnificent. They seem as if they were treasures hidden in the depths of a pharaohs tomb." 'Navigation found. Beginning Navigation.' And the world twisted. The thieves shouted in surprise, but i was just watching and sensing how everything changed. It was weird. It was like we were moving, but it was different then teleporting. I wasn't really sure how to describe it. But i was brought out of my musings as we were dropped into a desert. Then i understood what Irina meant. This was going to be a nightmare. I zoned back in after they were done looking at the surroundings, finding out why they weren't in their thief clothing, and brought out the Mona car.

"You know... For a 'My Neighbor Totoro' reference, i kind of expected more." That got them, and i could see Ann, Akira and Makoto blink. """THAT'S WHERE IT'S FROM!""" Ryuji, Yusuke and Mona just looked confused. I looked at the boys, and gave them a deadpanned look. "Mona i can understand... But you boys? How do you not know what 'My Neighbor Totoro' is?" "I was more focused on my art." "I never really got into cartoons and anime..." I accepted Yusuke's answer, and just looked at Ryuji. I shook my head then looked to the others who got the reference. "At-least you got the reference. But why did it need me telling you to figure it out?" Ann and Makoto looked embarrassed, and Akira just looked back at me. "To be fair, that's an old movie." "It's a classic! Besides, you know of it!" "Old. And i had a history teacher that played it for us once." "Classic! SEE that makes it even more of a classic!" He just looked at me, and i looked back. I huffed and broke the gaze. "Keep talking like that and you'll have to ride in the cat bus all the way there."

That got a reaction from him and the others. "What do you mean? Mona's the only method of transportation we have." I grinned, took out my compact harness, and tossed it into the air. "Don't blink, you might miss it." They all looked back towards me, and i grinned as i transformed. Their faces when my wings came out were amazing. Then when i dropped to all fours and my clothes disappeared while my body and head changed? They were all wide eyed and Mona turned back to just stare. Then i grew and stretched before i was finally towering over them and was ready. I stretched out my wings, raised my head, and roared for added affect. The sound of my roar filled the desert and i watched as they were all too stunned to say anything. Then Yusuke moved towards me, and started to eye me with that artistic eye of his. "Fascinating! The sheen, the quality, the way the sun radiates off of your scales! This! I can feel the inspiration coming to me!" I blinked and looked down at him.

"I know i shouldn't be surprised, but i kind of still am. And you're free to take any scales that i might lose if you want." He looked at me as if i offered him the holy grail. "Truly!?" "Yup. Grandma already uses them, so you're free to take some. They grow back fast." "Thank you Sakura-san!" Our exchange lasted long enough for my harness to drop down, and cover me. They watched as it came on, and Yusuke excitedly got on. That did it for the other thieves, and Ann ran towards me and followed Yusuke's example. She was just radiating joy as she did so. The rest of the thieves followed after them, and when they were all on, i flapped my wings and took to the sky. At some point during this, i felt some amusement and surprise come from Martha, but i was busy. "So, Tara-chan, what exactly are you anyway? I get you're a dragon... But are you an actual dragon or something else?" "Good question Ann. I, am a born lightning dragon."

There were some gasps on my back, but i just took that in. "Wait, but what about your mom and sister? Are they dragons too or something?" Ryuji with the good follow up. "Nope. Moms a Devil, and Martha's human. You can ask Rias about Devils so any questions about that can wait for later." "Wait, Tara-san, how does that work? You and Martha-san are twins, shouldn't the both of you be dragons then?" "That, Makoto, is a secret. Next questiooons." We had a good Q&A session, and i could tell the thieves were enjoying that and the flight. Then Mona asked a very good question. "What you said about being human... You were talking about this Rias, your mother, and yourself, weren't you." He was right. "Yep. But there are 2 other people i meant too. If this was a few years back, you would never believe that i was ok with Rias' brother. He's the strongest person i've ever felt. I even panicked and outright bolted as i transformed with my mom and sister just from him looking at me. But then again, you don't earn the title of Lucifer by being weak. He terrified me. And Sona's sister, the holder of the title of Leviathan wasn't any better.

But despite how powerful they were, how monstrous they were, they could still love. They took their time for me to get used to their presence, and now? Years later? I can walk downstairs and see Sirzechs or Serafall eating breakfast or popping in unannounced, and be fine with it. It helps that Serafall wears a magical girl outfit and acts like a child. But back to your question. Yes. And back to my answer from before. You're a cat? So what? If the strongest monsters i know can love and treat the people in their lives the right way, then why can't you? You can be just as human as they are. And if you really want a human form, i could probably ask Martha to work a trans-configuration spell or ask Rias to help make you the familiar of someone you trust. At that point it'd just be a few years and then boom, human form." They were all listening to me talk, and i could tell Mona was going over my words. A bit later, and he spoke up again. "Thank you Tara-san. That... I feel like i needed that." "Anytime cat."

He didn't deny being a cat, and i just smiled. The Q&A went from there, and Ann asked another good question. "Tara-chan, if your grandparents are human, how'd they find out you were a dragon?" That came up after i told them i was born in human form and only told them years later. "That... Now that's a funny story. Me and my family do this thing, a cuddle pile. When i was still young, i could fit on the couch in dragon form. So sometimes, me Martha and our mom would cuddle on the couch and i'd wrap around them and cover them with my wings. It was a day like that, when our grandparents just showed up unannounced, and saw us. They never did that so we didn't expect it. So there we are, on the couch, and i'm this little 3rd of my current size dragon with my mom and sister in a pile, and our grandparents are staring at us. And then my grandmother pulls a Yusuke and she goes straight for my wings and scales. She started muttering about the quality and about what she can do with them, and asks if i shed. Which i do. And then things went from there. Eventually grandma would start making things from my scales, fangs and claws, and you know how that turned out."

"Really! I own REAL dragon scales?!" I wasn't sure if i should laugh at that being the part she zoned in on. "Yeah. Your free to ask for any scales just like Yusuke, if you want." Ann squealed, and hugged one of my horns, and then the pyramid came into view. I think Yusuke was being overloaded by inspiration, and was in his own world. The others just took in the way the sun shone off of the pyramid, and the fact they were doing so on dragon back, and took it all in. "This is beautiful." Surprisingly, that wasn't Yusuke. Akira spoke it and the rest of us just nodded. As a flight attendant, i rarely covered flights that went over Egypt, but this obviously beat them all out. "Remind me to take you all flying sometimes. Views like this never get old." I heard murmurs of agreement, and i started to take us down. We landed, and i turned back, with hat and all, and walked besides the thieves, still in their casual clothes.

"The hell? How's that work? Shouldn't the hat be gone at-least!?" The others looked and i saw they had the same question. "Fuck if i know. Magic doesn't always make sense." That just got a groan out of Ryuji, and i laughed. We all walked into the pyramid, and the feeling of AC hitting us made us all happy. They figured it's because she never left her room so it's all she knows, and we walked after that. I kept my tail and wings out since Yusuke and Ann were gushing over them, and we talked about me and their current target. Then, when we were maybe halfway up the steps, Futaba's shadow showed up. Things went similar to the game, but when she started to hear the voices, my protective instincts surged. I appeared in-front of her and held her like i did when Koneko had her attacks before she was ok. I wrapped her up in my wings and held her while gently letting my fingers go through her hair. I spoke slowly and softly, i told her it'd be ok, and i kept doing that even as the voices tried to get louder.

The voices didn't seem to be letting up, and that was starting to piss me off. Even though i could feel Futaba's shadow relaxing in my arms, the voices wouldn't let up and tried to get even louder then their annoying screams currently were! I was beyond fed up with them and i just roared. The walls shook and the voices were silenced as my roar reverberated through the pyramid. Futaba's shadow seemed surprised, and looked at me. When she first showed up, her eyes felt so dull. So lost. But when i looked at her now, i could see her eyes glimmer in hope. I liked that, i wanted to see that feeling grow. I smiled at her, and she froze in my arms. The hope in her gaze turned into fear, and i heard the distant sound of wings beating. 'FUTABAAAA!' And then there was that. The thieves looked concerned, but Futaba's shadow started to panic again, and then she disappeared. I heard the crackle of flames, and i saw the thieves change into their gear. Then i felt it. My lightning crackled around my body, and i felt pain!

It was like someone was taking my being and shoving an ocean of power inside of me! I couldn't move or transform, and it started to hurt even more, and i screamed. I fell to my knees and my tail slammed into the pyramid steps. And even with my lightning crackling and the red marks appearing on my body, i felt myself being carried off by Joker and Skull. I couldn't stop screaming. Something was hurting me. Something was becoming a part of me. Something was becoming mine and it was doing it in the most painful way possible. My wings were trying to lift me up, but something was keeping me grounded. My body felt like everything was being attacked at once, and i think i heard Martha shouting in my mind, but i was in too much pain to really hear her. I wasn't sure how long it went on for, but when i stopped feeling pain, and was able to move without my body saying i was dying, i was outside of the pyramid. I looked around, and saw the rest of the thieves looking at me, a little battered, which should be cause of the Mot fight and carrying concern in their eyes. When they saw i was looking at them, Panther ran towards me and pulled me into a hug.

"Tara-chan! Are you ok? What happened? Does it still hurt anywhere?" I tried to feel around my body, and i couldn't feel anyt- there was something new. My magic felt... More? Like there was something else there? And when i followed that train of thought, i felt something shoot into my mind. Knowledge. Knowledge of something only the real Erza Scarlet should have. When my brain finished digesting everything, i was stunned. I didn't answer Panther, and she got concerned again. When she pulled out of the hug, i blinked, and said something that surprised the rest of the thieves. 'Requip.' And i glowed. I could feel it. I felt armor after armor, blade after blade, and all the knowledge of what they were, what they did, and how to grab them appear in my mind. And on instinct, i grabbed Erza's iconic 'Heart Kreuz Armor' and the sword and skirt that came with it. I blinked, and the glow was gone.

I looked down at myself, and i saw that i was is the set. I had changed in an instant, and i understood. My power just reached a whole new level. Hell, that pain was SO worth it for this. "-an! Tara-chan!" "Huh?" I looked up, and i saw Panther was still worrying about me. Even when i 'Requiped' she was still worried. I smiled at her, i planted the sword i held into the ground and i stood up. "i'm... I'm good. Hell, i'm better then good now!" And i really was. I was happy! I brought Panther in for a hug, and i laughed. {Tara! Are you ok?! What happened?!} Oh yeah. My pain must've radiated through the link, and Martha would obviously be worried. {So... I went to the metaverse with the thieves.} {Go on...} {And you know how Azazel said it was all about concepts and the other shit like that?} {Ye-... Tara... Answer me a question i have...} {Go right ahead oh sister of mine.} {Did you or did you not gain access to Erza's signature type of magic?} {Oh bitch, i am standing in her Heart Kreuz Set! And i can feel it. This is mine now!} And then i felt Martha TUG, and then she was by my side. And then the process repeated.

The thieves had a second to realize there was someone else with them, get battle ready, and then stand down when they saw her going through the same thing i did. And i realized what it was. It was the process of opening a 'Second Origin' and i felt Martha's pain over the link. "Ok, what the hell is going on?!" Similar to Sona, Queen was losing it. I looked at all the thieves, and i just coughed into my hand. "Uhh, meet my sister? Martha, Phantom Thieves. Phantom Thieves, Martha." "Hel-ARG. A pleasureee!" They didn't reciprocate her greeting. I did tell them that me and Martha had a link, just not that she could teleport to me. While Martha was in pain, i just walked over to her and looked at her. "You uhhh... You gonna be ok?" "I-IF, you caaan take this, SO can i!" "I mean... I know. But i was out of it for..." I looked over to them. "How long was i out of it?" They looked to each other, and Joker blinked. "A good half hour i'd say." I thanked him, and turned back to Martha. "You heard him." She scoffed at that. "You've hit me with worse in our spars."

This bitch. "Suuure. You've literally chopped my arms and wings off in multiple spars! That shit still hurt! No fucking way you're being tough through this." She looked up at me from the ground, and smirked at me. "Juuust! WaAAtch mE!" I scoffed at her. I turned my gaze back to the thieves, and they were just observing the byplay. "So, while she's suffering, how do you guys usually do palaces? And how're you going to do this one?" They all just looked at me, and then to Martha, who was struggling to stand, and back to me again. Ryuji broke the silence, Martha's screams didn't count, and spoke. "Timeout! She what! How're you fine after that shit!?" I shrugged. "Dragons heal fast, and Martha can fix anything." That stunned him. And i saw it. Behind that skull mask of his, his eyes widened and i saw hope in them. "A-Anything?" I smiled at him and nodded. "Anything." He looked so shocked. Then i remembered. Kamoshida broke his leg. I turned to Martha, who was annoyingly able to stand and was just twitching a-lot. "He's got a bad leg, mind fixing him up?" She rolled her eyes at me, but didn't speak. She probably knew she'd scream out if she did.

She walked over to Skull, and her hands crackled with her green lightning, and put a hand on him. Skull straightened, and i could hear the bone mending in his leg. A few seconds later, and Martha got up. She was still twitching, but she got up, and we watched as Skull tested out moving his leg, and even started to run in place. He kept doing it, and then we saw the tears run down his eyes. He even did a perfect bow and the thanks we heard was so full of gratefulness and genuine thanks, that Martha and i just smiled full and happy smiles. The thieves joined him, and we took it in. Martha took a bit, but then she spoke up. "I'll accept the payment of saving this... Futaba, i think Tara said her name was. That's all you have to do." They were all surprised by that, and just jolted up to look at her. "Are you sure?" Joker asked, and he was making sure for his team. "Yes i'm sure. Anyway, i need to head back soon, we're still re-organizing after the battle and it's all hands on deck." She turned over to me. "Anyway, see you in a month Tara." Then she left.

I was annoyed at the fact she got herself together after only a few minutes of suffering, but then i caught what else she said. "Battle!? What battle?!" {WHAT DO YOU MEAN BATTLE?!} {Oops. Ask Rias tomorrow.} I felt my eye twitch, and just shouted. "No fucking way she just did that!" I ranted and raved for a good few minutes, and eventually just grumbled. The thieves had got themselves back together by the time i was done, and they were just huddled around Skull. Joker saw that i was good, and we started to talk. When we got to their plan for this palace, i was interested. "Now usually, we take 3 separate days to understand the layout and to go through the palace. The day after we enter, we use the day after to relax and recuperate. The next day we go back in and repeat till we're done. We focus on understanding where the traps, dead ends, or other areas that we need to know are, and then we take a day to backtrack and loot. After Queen joined us, we ran in two teams of 3 with both sides having a healer. I would run the advance party and Queen would run the back-up team. However, with you here things change. First, we need to give you a code-name."

It was interesting hearing how real life differed from the game, and his idea to give me a code-name was cool. I thought of it, and smirked. "Titania. Call me Titania while we're here. And unless you guys are in danger danger, i'll let you guys do your jobs. Mostly, i want to be there to comfort Futaba. She needs it and those voices piss me off." Joker nodded, and we went from there. Joker teamed up with Panther and Fox, while Queen grabbed Skull and Mona. We walked into the pyramid, and saw the doors blocking the stairs wouldn't open. I even hit it with a 'Lightning Dragon's Iron Fist' and it held. And that annoyed me to no end. We were about to head out, but then Futaba's shadow came back. "You truly intend to help... Will you still do so after finding out the truth?" The thieves looked confused, but then she did the whole 'i killed my mother thing' and i just walked back up to her, 'Requiped' something that wouldn't tear or crack, and brought out my wings as i hugged her again. She froze in my embrace, and i just ran my fingers through her hair again.

"Oh sweetie. There are... Things you don't know. Things you forgot... But there's something you SHOULD know. It wasn't your fault. Nothing was your fault." Futaba's shadow just stayed in my embrace, and a minute later, she phased out of it. And even as she did, i could see the longing in her eyes. She was starved of love, and i wanted to change that. She looked at me, and hesitated, before she looked away and told us about the guy that stole from her. We agreed to go after him, and we left. I wanted to hug her again, but she disappeared before i could. We left, and i transformed and had my harness on for them to climb on. They did, and i took to the sky. The thieves talked about their plans, but then Queen asked me something. "Titania, you seem to be good with children. Are you a mother?" My age never came up in the Q&A's the guys were too scared and the girls knew it was girl-code not to ask. But Queen's question was a good one.

"Sort of. Back home, there's a girl. Her current name is Koneko, and she's a Nekoshu. A kind of cat Yokai. We've known each other for years, but she's 3 years younger then us. A while back, she told me she saw me as a mother. She was a part of our cuddle piles and she told me the security, the warmth and love she got when she was around me made her see me as a mother figure. It didn't really change how we interacted and i'm happy to call her my daughter. And i'm 18." They listened to that, then Ryuji said something smart. "Wait a minute. Didn't Joker use a Nekomata back in the bank? Those are real?!" "Hmm? Yeah. I know Nekomata twins, i'm just not friends with them." "Whoa." We talked some more, and then another question came. "Titania-chan, you mentioned that cuddle pile again. Whose usually in it?" "Now? It's just Irina and Natsu. But when Rias gets here, she'll join in. She's been growing a little stir crazy at not being able to cuddle under my wings. Koneko's been taking the cuddles, but i don't doubt Rias has missed us all in a pile."

"Really? Doesn't it get weird?" I thought of that. "Nah. The feeling of knowing people you care for and love, that feel the same way, are in arms reach, makes sleeping so much more calming and fulfilling. It was only a little weird when Rias wouldn't stop sleeping naked, but we got used to it." I heard someone start choking, but i couldn't tell who it was since there was at-least another person choking too. Conversation went from there, but Ryuji needed help to breath and i think Mona did too. We got to the town, and i circled it for a bit, and landed on a rooftop Joker pointed out. The thieves broke off and i watched them go after the shadows. I saw Joker and his group fighting some Sandmen and a few Naga's. While they did that, Queen and her group split off to fight a group of Lamia's that tried to box them in. The fight went by pretty quickly as they both had the advantage, and Joker covered them when they needed to a move to knock down the sandmen. I watched from the roof, and evaluated them.

(They can do better.) And they really could. For 'thieves' they were oddly flashy. Joker flipped a-lot which he could use that time to either dodge normally or counter for less energy. Panther seemed to be getting used to her whip, which i'll give it to her since they said they got new weapons a week earlier, and she wasn't used to it yet. Skull i could give, he was getting used to having his leg back to 100%. Fox didn't know any stances with his blade, and seemed to be reacting and using it according to the situation. I'd have to beat Queen into better shape, and i had no idea what to do with Mona. At-least now, i could use my new knowledge from Erza and beat them into shape. While they were doing that, i decided to look into my 'Requip' space, and looked at it. I had knowledge of all the armors, weapons and normal clothes, but i wanted to look through it myself. When i saw the playboy bunny outfit, i choked. It didn't help that the other sexy outfit from the undercover mission that Erza and Lucy wore was in there too.

(I'll just... Remember those for later.) They looked hot on Erza, i knew they'd look GOOD on me. I zoned back into the rest of the space, and found the 'Heaven's Wheel Armor' and i couldn't keep myself from using it. So i did. 'Requip!' A second later, and i'm in the armor. When i put it on, it felt like i was home. It just felt right. I didn't even need to think about how to use it, i just knew. Just like how i knew how to call for it, i knew how to use the signature attack. "Blumenblatt!" And my magic responded. I could feel my magic flow from me and into my armor, as i lightly glowed and hundreds of swords filled the sky. "Dance, my swords!" And they all shot towards a part of the desert like rain. And i had ideas. I cackled like a madwoman when i thought of them. 'Requip!' I chose the 'Lightning Empress Set' and i could feel my lightning surge within me. It crackled and arcs of it radiated from my being. I increased my grip on my spear, and spun it. My lightning responded to my idea and i felt it mold itself into what i wanted. I spun my spear, and when it was ready, i pointed it forwards. 'Lightning Dragon Empress' Drake!'

A surge of lightning blasted forwards, in the shape of a drake, and descended towards the desert. A massive explosion of sand and 1 cackle session later, i turned to see the thieves looking at me like i was crazy... And i'd just give them that. They asked why i decided to go crazy on the desert, and i just said i was testing my new powers. They accepted that, and we went back to the pyramid. We talked, and then i landed at the entrance. I swapped back to the 'Heart Kreuz Set' and Joker went into the Velvet Room, which i couldn't see, and we spent a few minutes preparing. {Tara... How do you bring your tail back in?} I tripped. {HUH?!} {You heard me! How do i put the damned thing back in!? I've asked Koneko but her method and mine don't work. How do you make it go away!?} My brain stopped... Then i figured it out. {You've got a fucking dragon form now don't you!?} {Obviously. Now answer the question!} {Ughhh. Focus on it. And i mean all of it. Then picture it doing what you want. I think of it like a leg. Want to use that leg for a kick? You go through the motions and do it. That's my way.} There was silence for a bit, then i felt her relief. {Finally! Thank you Tara.} {Yeah yeah, question. How big is your dragon form?} {Ddraig has said i'm only a dozen or so feet shorter in height and a few feet smaller in length then he was.}

"Fucking damn it old man!" {He's so lucky i can't kick him in the ass!} {I'll be sure to tell him about that.} {You do that.} "Um, Titania? What happened?" Queen looked at me, and i just huffed. I wasn't going to say her actual name here so i settled for something else. "Irene can do everything now. That includes a dragon form which is at-least twice mines current size. It's not fair! I've been growing for years, and then she just comes here, takes the pain, and leaves as a fully grown dragon?! That's so bullshit!" Her brain seemed to stop, and the rest of the thieves weren't any better. Joker got back to see the rest of his team weren't all there, and asked me what happened. I told him, and he had a question about it. "You can use the abilities from the metaverse in the real world?" I was tempted to tell him they were linked, but if the fucker controlling the 'game' knew i knew, there'd be an issue. So i went for another answer. "Me an Irene had the abilities merged with us, since we pretty much are Erza and Irene. With how the metaverse works, it considers those abilities OURS, and tied them to our very being. Besides, you can too. Your abilities are tied to your souls. You'd just need training to feel the magic used to transform and you'd be good to go. Well, not right away, but you get it."

He blinked at me. The rest of the thieves blinked at me. And i just looked at them as they did. "What?" Joker just stared at me, and sighed. "I thought i said world shaking revelations were to be saved for later?" "It's just common sense though. You've all told me how having your persona's has changed your real lives, why is the fact that you can use your powers in the real world that surprising? Hell, you've even said that you can use 3rd eye in the real world. That's magic. If you focused on the how, you'd be on your way to being Joker in the real world." I saw them take that in, and Queen just smacked herself. "When she put it like that, it does sound like common sense." I nodded my head at that, and the rest of the thieves just thought about it. Then i remembered another thing i saw. "By the way Yusuke, i found a proper Toga in my 'Requip' space. I'll be good to go after tomorrow." That brought him out of his thoughts, and he brightened up right away. He seemed simple. After him, the rest of them broke out of their dazes, and we talked a bit more.

Then i ran the idea of me training them up by them, and they accepted. Skull even looked excited at the prospect of running again with his leg healed, and we made a plan to do our training everyday for 2 hours. With that done, we went back inside the pyramid. Futaba's shadow showed up, and i immediately grabbed her and pulled her into a hug. I accidentally did it too hard, and there was a clang as she hit my armor, and i just lightly pushed her back. "I'm sorry! I forgot about that." She just looked at me. It was a 'How?' look, and i just looked away. "Sorry." I heard a distorted hum, and i hugged her again. Bust softly this time. I requipped out of my 'Heart Kreuz Armor' and back into my casual clothes, and just held her for a bit. After deciding she had enough of the hug, she let go, and i gave her a good headpat before she left. The thieves started making their way through the pyramid, and the 1st safe-room later, decided it was enough progress and information for the day, and we left.

We reappeared outside of Futaba's room, and she noticed that. She started to message Akira, and asked for me to call back Natsu, and i did. My little boy seemed like he had fun, and i just put him on my head, and we left after a bit. I let Futaba have my number, and promised to talk with her later. We all made it back to Leblanc, and decided to relax. Irina joined us and we all talked, ate and drank in peace. We even decided to try out the group training, and went to the local park. From there, i made sure we were clear, and requipped into a drill instructor uniform, and got to training them. They all needed different training regiments, and i had to make them. Irina even wanted to join in, so i had to make one for her. Since they were all new to this, i gave Akira a normal workout you'd expect in a gym class. Ann and Yusuke, since the guy was still a bit malnourished, got half of that. Makoto and Ryuji got the most, but i made sure Ryuji took it easy so he could finish getting re-adjusted to his leg. I was still unsure of what to do with Mona, so i just sicced Natsu on him and told him to avoid being tagged. Irina went back to our routine, and we sparred at her level.

2 hours of that later, and we left. The thieves broke off, and Irina and i decided to check out the amusement park Ryuji mentioned. Irina had a great time, and i won us some stuffed animals. I wondered what to do with the rest of the day, and decided to just go full speed ahead, and get the Fairy Tail tattoo. There was a good shop for it an hour away, and we went for it. Irina liked the idea of getting a tattoo, since it was another thing the church didn't allow, and got one with me. I had mine where Erza's was, and got it the same color, while Irina decided to copy Lucy. Tattoos done and a trip back to the hotel later, we talked about the day, what Irina did after Natsu disappeared and terrorized Futaba, and what we did in the palace. She was interested in Erza's magic, and i showed her what i could do. I decided to fuck with her and chose the sexy nurse outfit that i had, and the giant fucking syringe that came with it, and watched as she fainted... Huh. I filed the fact she was scared of needles away for another time, and just put her in bed.

After that, i thought about Futaba. At the start, i didn't want to interfere too much in her palace. I could just roll through anything in there on my own. But those voices pissed me off, and i wanted to hold her as soon as possible. I ended up deciding to just help with the efforts to get her used to people and take her to Akihabara with Rias. I could glare people away, even if i got recognized as Erza, and we could nerd out together. I nodded with that thought, and sent that to her. I couldn't interfere too much. The thieves were nowhere near ready to take care of the grail, so i needed to let them fight their battles and gain their own strength instead of giving it to them. From what Akira told me, my confidant abilities would help him and the thieves in the long run. With those thoughts done, i went over and put the clothes i liked the most in my storage for armors and weapons, and requipped into some sleeping clothes. I joined Irina in bed, and let Natsu get comfortable. I wrapped them up and closed my eyes. A few hours later, Rias teleported into our room and joined us, but i was already in a deep sleep at that point.

(Akira's POV}

Today... Today had to have been the strangest and most world shattering day of his life. His sham trial? That was just the world being fucked up. Awakening to his persona and learning of the Metaverse? That was something he could reason with being something unique. Learning the woman you were becoming friends with was a dragon and her dog was a hell-hound? That magic was real and they could do it too? That the world was bigger then they could've ever know? He was tempted to go to Crossroads and drink Ohya under the table. And he wasn't sure Morgana would stop him either. The training had helped him work out his exasperation, so he was a little better after that and spending some time with his teacher turned maid, and even had a conversation with her about that. One conversation about her former student and payment for her service later, Akira was laying against his bed and just thinking. Morgana jumped onto his bed and the both of them just said nothing.

It had to have been a few minutes, but Morgana eventually spoke. "About what she said... I've been thinking about what it means to be human. I don't think i want to stop trying to get a human form... But she's right. Even if i'm a cat, so what? I'll define what i want to be like as a human, and i'll work on that. I'll work on being a dashing and gentlemanly human! I'm not sure of what i want to be yet. If this was before i met you and the rest of the Phantom Thieves, i know i would've chosen to be transfigured into a human... But now... I've gotten used to this form in the months i've had it... And If i chose to be a familiar then i know i'd always have a place here... I don't know what option to choose... But i have time." Morgana always did believe he was human. Akira had chosen to believe him, even when he knew there were some doubts creeping up in him.

But that. That made him think. As much of a surprise Tara had been in their lives, she had been doing a-lot of good in the handful of days they'd known each other. She created an accidental confession, helped them know Akechi was dangerous, showed care and love for the shadow of Futaba, and had her sister heal Ryuji's leg. And he had to say. In just a few days, she was leading the thieves in a direction he approved of. Ryuji and Ann were happy. Yusuke was inspired to create. Makoto was started to practice her [Aikido] and working out. Even he and Morgana were exercising. Despite all the world shaking information, they were becoming better and he knew it. Even now, the new ability from her confidant was giving him ideas to better further his training and what he should focus on. Tara and her inclusion into their lives, as sudden and subtle it was, did a-lot of good... Even if her cackling after detonating a massive blast of lightning was a little scary. "You're right... It's still just a-lot to take in." "Yeah, i get it. Even i only know about the Metaverse. Finding out about dragons and the other races... That's disorientating." And it really was.

But those thoughts aside, he sat up, and sighed. He was too exhausted to debrief, so he decided to just look into the group-chat. And surprisingly, it was doing far better then he expected.

-Group Chat-

R.S - Maaaan, running like that... That just brought back so many memories.

Alibaba - ? Did something change?

A.T - Oh yeah, we never told you. Tara-chan's sister teleported into your palace and healed Ryuji's leg. It's like it was never broken!

Alibaba - Really? Why'd she do that. Teleport in i mean.

M.N - Tara-san gained the abilities of Erza Scarlet, and used the mental link she has with her sister to tell her. A few seconds later, she teleports in and goes through the process Tara-san did, and left when it was done. Tara-san ranted about it being unfair that she and i quote 'just comes here, takes the pain, and leaves as a fully grown dragon?! That's so bullshit' which i will agree, sounds unfair.

Alibaba - SHE WHAT?! SHE CAN USE REQUIP?! A DRAGON FORM? WHAT HAPPENED IN MY PALACE?

Y.K - Yes. And if Martha-sans dragon form is as stunning as Tara-sans, then it would be a sight to behold.

Alibaba - SHE HAS A DRAGON FORM?!

A.T - Makoto, explanation go!

M.N - Why me?

R.S - Akira's not here yet so it's up to you. Besides, i think Yusuke's bust playing with those scales Tara gave em.

Y.K - I am not 'playing' with them, i am examining them and using them as a basis for a painting on Tara-sans dragon form.

Alibaba - Can someone tell me what happened?!

M.N - ... The cliff-notes are as follows. Tara-san is a born 'Lightning Dragon,' and is a over 50' long and over 10' tall golden dragon. After meeting your shadow, which we met on 3 occasion, all of which she hugged whenever we heard these voices attacking you, she began to go through what she said was a 'Second Origin Awakening.' 30 minutes of her screaming in pain later, and she used 'Requip' and changed into a set she called 'Heart Kreuz Armor' along with a sword. During our time there, she explained more aspects of the supernatural world and a bit of her family. At one point she started cackling and then changed into her 'Heaven's Wheel Armor' shouted 'Blumenblatt!' summoned hundreds if not thousands of swords, said 'Dance, my swords! and launched them into the desert. She then changed into another set 'Lightning Empress Armor' and spun a spear she gained, and sent a dragon shaped blast of lightning out into the desert, again, and cackled, again, like a madwoman.

Y.K - The cackling did instill a sense of fear in me.

A.T - I thought it awesome!

R.S - Nah. Scared the hell out of me.

M.N - I'll have to agree with the boys on this one.

A.T - Whatever. Anyway, there's the actual palace too, but we made good progress with that.

Alibaba - Whoa... So... Many... QUESTIONS!

From there, Akira saw them answer questions asked by Futaba, or say she'd need to ask Tara. Then she seemed to zone in to the non anime aspects of what Makoto said.

Alibaba - Wait... You heard them?

A.T - The voices? Yeah. Tara-chan just hugged your shadow tighter when she first heard them.

Alibaba - Really? Even after hearing them?

M.N - Yes. At one point, they got so loud she roared them into silence. She seemed very protective of you. We later asked her why, and said it was because she has a 'daughter' that had problems accepting herself and would have panic attacks. She said she did the same to your shadow that she would do for her 'daughter.'

Alibaba - I... Did... Did my shadow enjoy it?

Y.K - Very. Her hugs seemed to sooth your shadow self, and by the end of our venture, your shadow seemed to want another hug.

Alibaba - ... Do you think she'd hug me if i asked?

A.T - You might not even need too. I bet she'll hug you the moment she sees you.

M.N - That's a losing bet, but i agree with Ann.

Y.K - As do i.

R.S - Yup!

Alibaba - I see... I-I think i'll see... After you've stolen my heart... Yeah... After.

A.T - Awesome! You're going to love the hug Futaba-chan!

Y.K - However, i'm interested. What have you and Tara-san talked about?

Alibaba - Oh that? She sent me pictures of Natsu, talked to me about how her day went, and offered to take me to Akihabara with her sister!

R.S - Which one? She's got like, 3 of them.

Alibaba - The girl named Rias Gremory.

A.T - Huh. Didn't they say she might be here tomorrow?

M.N - Yes. We'll just have to see about it tomorrow.

R.S - Isn't she the Devil?

M.N - 'A' Devil. Not THE Devil Ryuji.

R.S - Uhuh...

M.N - Again, we'll meet and find out about her ourselves tomorrow or a day or 2 later.

A.T - I wonder what she's like.

Y.K - If she is someone Tara-san looks too as a sister, then she may be similar to Irina-san.

A.T - Ooou, good point! If she's like Irina-chan, then she's probably going to be fun!

From there, it was speculation about how Rias may be, and Akira decided to just say he'd go to sleep. He'd had enough for today.

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