Sorry for the delay with this chapter.

Raidentensho: Thanks. I haven't thought of including those from Koihime muso but I'll have a look to see if its something I could work in at some point.

OechsnerC: Thanks.

ShadowUzumaki55: Thanks.

Guest: Sorry, but not sure what you mean by overwatch dragon armor.

Stratos263: Yeah, I figured having a hint of Kazu's mother would be an interesting aside to what's going on.

Keramian: I can see your point about having Rias join at a later point and can see it would be interesting to have happen. Not sure if I would do it though mainly cause I'm not sure when it could happen or if I would do it at the moment.

Vander Decken II: True, Sirzechs is relieved about Kazuhiko not having any thoughts about revenge or bad intent at that time but its also that due to Rias' actions which could be seen as forcing Metatron's host into the Devil Faction he could have lost his sister very easily to war had it came out. As for Zeoticus' actions at that point, he was trying to win Kazuhiko's favour by bribery and while he knows about Kazuhiko's nature and what happened since he became involved in the supernatural, most of Kazuhiko's past before that hasn't been shared aside from what bits Rias may have passed on. As for Grayfia not stopping Sirzechs on parent's day, she wasn't there with Sirzechs to try and stop him.

In regards to Saji and Issei's power up, I'm pretty sure I had them explain at the end of chapter 29 that they swapped portions of power within their [Sacred Gears] and that explains why Zirnitra's one can absorb magic now. I thought it was a bit obvious that would work the other way and allow Saji to become better with magic in a more efficient manner.

The next arc is the Diodora Arc although there's gonna be a few differences in it and I do try and change things partly due to Kazuhiko being stronger then canon Ise is.

...

"" - Speech

'' - Thought

[] - Sacred Gear

[] - Albion/Dragon

{} - Metatron

{} - Communication

《》 - Grim Reapers

...

"Now that they've got the three flowers what do you intend to do?" Perseus asked the next morning as he regards the other two of the team and Matsu. They had held off the meeting till the next morning to give them all a chance to sleep.

"Well, first we need to see if there's been any sign of the lightning bolt moving." Kazuhiko answered glancing to Matsu who nodded to explain "No sign of it once it passed into the Realm of the Dead."

"We'll have to go in then. Hopefully find whoever did it and use the flowers to get out." Lara mused, Kazuhiko nodding although he had a feeling something wasn't right.

"Here, you'll need these." Matsu spoke as she threw a small clothe bag to Kazuhiko as she added "Drachma for the ferryman. You can't all fly after all and don't forget to keep those flowers safe before you use them."

"Thanks." Kazuhiko spoke with a nod, pocketing the coin pouch before collecting his Persephone Flower as Lara and Perseus grabbed their own.

"I'll be on the comms still but that'll be it. The protections around the Realm of the Dead are immense and only a few communications can get through it. I'll be sending you to the human world entrance to it but I can't do much else to help you." Matsu explained, getting nods from the trio as they moved to stand together, an magic circle forming under their feet as she added "Look out for each other."

...

"I suppose I should have expected the entrance to be here." Kazuhiko spoke with a sigh as he stood in front of the music studio with the sign of Grimm Recording Studios over the doorway. Perseus and Lara chuckled as the former took the lead as they walked into the studio's lobby, Kazuhiko following behind them and wincing at the music being played as they made their way towards the reception.

"So, what's the questers doing here of all places?" A tall, elegant, and handsome, with chocolate-coloured skin and bleached-blond hair, shaved military style asked curiously from the reception area. He was wearing tortoise-shell shades and a silk Italian suit that matched his hair. A black rose was pinned to his lapel under a silver name tag that has 'Charon' written on it.

"We need passage into the Realm of the Dead." Perseus spoke, Kazuhiko grabbing the coin pouch as Charon looked at the trio "Really? Your all a bit too important to throw your lives away right now."

"Whoever took the Lightning Bolt entered the Realm of the Dead." Lara explained, getting a raised eyebrow from Charon as he replied "The only way to get into the Realm is either being allowed to teleport in, being smart enough to avoid the magical defences or come past me and I've not seen anyone enter from this way."

"Well, I suppose they used one of the other ways then." Kazuhiko spoke up, putting the pouch onto the desk as he added "Look, just take us there so we can search. If the thief's not there we'll have to try something else."

"I don't suppose you have coins for passage? Normally, with adults, you see, I could charge your American Express, or add the ferry price to your last cable bill. But with children ... alas, you never die prepared. Suppose you'll have to take a seat for a few centuries." Charon asked, reaching for the coin pouch only to smile pleased at seeing it full of gold Drachma, "I suppose you did come prepared then. Well, come along then. No time to waste."

Charon lead the trio towards the elevator casually, the doors opening as he approached before he stopped near the buttons with Kazuhiko in the middle while Lara and Perseus stood either side of him.

"Going down." Charon chimed with a smirk, pressing a button on the panel. Kazuhiko blinked as elevator music started to play as the doors closed, it being much the same as what was being played in the lobby before.

An awkward silence set in as the quartet stood in the elevator, Charon being the only one unaffected as he bobbed his head along to the music.

[I don't know how anyone can enjoy this sort of music.] Albion grumbled, Kazuhiko mentally nodding as he replied 'I supposes Gods don't have the same tastes as most normal people does... That or Charon is a bit weird in his own right.'

Once the doors opened, Charon lead the way into the giant cave and the wooden long boat that sat on what Kazuhiko could only figure was the River Styx.

"Well, come along then. All aboard and all that." Charon spoke as he ushered the trio onto the boat.

"Eager to send us to the Realm of the Dead, huh?" Perseus spoke with a short, Charon smirking as he retorted "Well, who else is going to tell Hades that I want a raise?"

Kazuhiko snorted as he retorted "We're not intending to go anywhere near Lord Hades' palace. Just seeing if the Lightning Thief has hidden themselves in the Realm of the Dead somehow."

"Really?" Charon raises an eyebrow as he looked at the trio before shrugging and starting the long boat on its way.

...

Seraphina frowned in confusion as she looked at the small stack of presents and letters in front of her while a nervous Asia sat next to her and a worried Rias sat opposite her as bluenette mused "This is a worrying situation..."

"I know. Diodora Astaroth is sending love letters and presents to Asia while Kazu is out of town means he must have some sort of gaze on us." Rias muttered as she looked through the various things that had came. Amongst them were movie tickets, dinner invitations, product tokens and even various products.

"I don't want to leave, Kazu-san!" Asia blurted out worried, Seraphina hugging the blonde as she replied "It's fine. Kazu-kun and I aren't going to let him continue acting like this when he comes back. We'd already warned him off months ago about approaching you. So he's a coward for only trying this now when Kazu-kun is out of town."

Rias grimaced as she recalled how Seraphina and Kalawarner had explained what Kazuhiko and Matsu had discovered about Asia's situation, their suspicions and the first confrontation between the brunet and Diodora. She couldn't believe the audacity Diodora had to enter her territory and then try and spy on someone who was living here and under Kazuhiko's protection.

"Don't worry Asia. I won't let him try anything else with you. Why don't you go relax with Mittelt or Gasper." Rias spoke with a reassuring smile, waiting for Asia to leave before suggesting to Seraphina "Maybe we can contact Ajuka-sama or Azazel about this?"

"I suppose... although I don't think they could do anything about this at the moment." Seraphina replied with a shrug, Rias biting her lip as she tried to come up with a workable idea before the bluenette added "Let's ask Kuroka-san to keep an eye on her."

"Alright." Rias spoke with a nod, coming to the same conclusion that the older Nekoshou would be strong enough to protect the blonde ex-nun.

...

"Everyone off." Charon spoke as the boat slowed to a stop, Kazuhiko looking at the snarling pair of Cerberus on either shore of the river unimpressed and recalling those he had fought when Kokabiel had attacked as he lead Lara and Perseus off the boat once the other spirits had left.

"So, what can you tell, Matsu?" Kazuhiko asked, bringing out a metal ball with a camera len on it and throwing it into the air. The metal orb started to hover in the air as Matsu took control of it, zipping around before Matsu spoke up {I'm starting my scans now, Kaz-tan.}

"How long do you think it'll take?" Perseus asked curiously, eyeing one of the Grim Reapers who was pulling some of the spirits through the gates. Each Grim Reaper wore a pitch black, body concealing robe with a wicked looking scythe in one of their bony hands while the hood concealed any part of their face.

"Give her a few minutes to at least get started." Lara retorted with a frown, watching as Charon's boat headed back the way it had came before she added with a sigh "Looks like the flowers are our only way out now."

"Yeah..." Kazuhiko mused as he looked around, waiting for Matsu to speak up while the Grim Reapers sorting through the thinning crowd.

{From initial scans I can't pick it up at all anywhere near where you are standing. I'm going to start doing a deeper scan although it'll take more time as I'd rather not anger Lord Hades.} Matsu spoke up to the trio with a frown, wondering where the [Master Bolt] and thief could have gone.

《Justice Dragon Emperor. What brings you here?》 The shorter of the Grim Reaper asked curiously as they approached, a female voice partly distorted by the robe's enchantments as Kazuhiko blinked in surprised at hearing his title in English as he replied "The [Master Bolt] was last sensed somewhere near here and we wanted to check if it was hiding in the Realm of the Dead."

《The [Master Bolt] is missing...? Does this have something to do with Lord Hades' anger and why he tightened up security so much recently?》 The Grim Reaper quietly mused to herself, Kazuhiko raising an eyebrow at hearing that.

[You think Hades had something to do with this?] Albion asked curiously before Metatron rebuked {I don't think so. He may not like Zeus, Poseidon or many of the other Pantheons but I can't seem him going to war with them in the current climate.}

'I agree with Metatron. Lord Hades wouldn't do it or make it get tracked back to his realm. If anything the signature of the [Master Bolt] going here is more a distraction or ploy to cause a war to happen.' Kazuhiko thought to the pair before he focused on the Grim Reaper as he asked "Has there been any unusual visitors during the last few days?"

《I-I don't believe so... but I am just a novice Grim Reaper.》The Grim Reaper replied, lifting one hand so a bony finger could tap where their chin would be inside the darkness before Lara asked "Is there any higher up that you could ask?"

《Bennia! What is going on over here?》 A powerful voice called curiously, obviously male despite the distortion as a large Grim Reaper floated over to them as the now named Bennia turned as she spoke 《Fa-Commander! I was just answering questions for the Justice Dragon Emperor and his companions.》

《Ah. I suppose you are here because of the power of the [Master Bolt] was briefly released here.》 The Grim Reaper spoke with an understanding nod as he stood looking at the trio, 《It was around that time that Lord Hades tightened security.》

"Why did that happen?" Perseus asked curiously, the Grim Reaper showing no reaction as he answered 《From what I'm aware of, Lord Hades has suffered a similar theft but in his case it was his [Helm of Darkness], one of his items of power.》

"The [Helm of Darkness] and the [Master Bolt]... It can't be a coincidence, can it?" Kazuhiko muttered to himself in thought before asking "Excuse me, Commander...?"

《Orcus, young man.》 The Grim Reaper replied with a hint of warmth in his voice, Kazuhiko nodding as he continued "Commander Orcus. Was there any visitors that you knew of during the time the [Master Bolt] was sensed here or even a few days before then?"

《Visitors? Hmm...》 Orcus muttered thoughtfully, 《There was only one that visited during that time but my Lord was busy with other matters from what I have heard from his private guard... That was Lord Ares.》

"I should have seen it..." Kazuhiko growled, running a hand through his hair as he started to pace before Bennia spoke up 《You can't be thinking that a God did this?》

"Just hear me out for a moment." Kauzhiko started, turning to both Grim Reapers and companions as he explained "Whoever did this was using a mixture of the book and the movie to shape the actions. In the movie, the [Master Bolt] is stolen by a son of Hermes, who is one of the few Gods who can easily travel through the realms. The book has the same person stole both [Master Bolt] and [Helm of Darkness] but was caught by Ares and he was convinced to go along with the same plan.

This could be much the same plan as the latter but orchestrated by the Khaos Brigade in some form, as I have been told that there's a group of Hero descendants amongst their numbers by a defector, or a disgruntled Demigod of Hermes. Ares could have found out about it but decided to not turn 'them' in to allow the war to happen as it would probably only benefit him in the long run. His visit could either be him getting the helm himself or providing a decent distraction so it would be harder to sense the true thief at work."

《That does make some sense...》 Orcus spoke up, Lara nodding as Perseus spoke up "But why not turn them in? I mean if a Demigod is doing this off their own back then he's just helping this Khaos Brigade in trying to start a war. The Khaos Brigade would just plan to do something else to try and start it sooner or later?"

"I don't know. Probably cause its easy to play it off as being too late to stop it whenever the first attack occurs and he returns the [Master Bolt] and [Helm of Darkness]. Maybe he wants a thief to call on to help him start conflicts in the world." Kazuhiko answered with a shrug, "As for the Khaos Brigade... while it's true they could come up with another plan in the future, you would be wary of them by that point, if we discovered it was them behind it all and informed the Gods it was them. Plus it allows them to sit back and just pick off the survivors of whatever war occurred among you if you are all fighting against each other. After all, the first time the Three Biblical Factions knew about them beyond rumours was during a peace conference to try and stop them from allying together. Before that they tried to get access to the Shinto Faction's records about Sacred Gear users so they are interested in expanding their numbers by using them somehow as they are one of the few weapons humans have against the supernatural."

Perseus nodded in understanding at Kazuhiko's answer, watching the brunet put his finger to his earpiece as he spoke "Matsu?"

{Already on it...} Matsu replied seriously, {But if he's using the [Helm of Darkness] I won't be able to pick it up without some divine assistance. Looking for the [Master Bolt] as well to see if it'll show up somewhere else now.}

"I don't think he will be using the helm." Kazuhiko answered, "Making himself hidden from everyone is a sure fire way of drawing attention to himself. After all, not being easy to find might draw suspicion on him more then him just going to unusual places at times."

《That does make sense in a round about way.》 Bennia spoke with an agreeing nod.

{I've found him.} Matsu spoke up through the spherical drone which float in the middle of the group {He's in the Mojave Desert and there's a faint signature of the [Master Bolt] with him and something else.}

"Right." Kazuhiko spoke with a nod as he looked to Lara and Perseus as he added "Let's go talk to a God then."

《Take my daughter with you. She can contact myself so we can alert Lord Hades to what is going on.》 Orcus spoke up, getting Bennia to turn to look at him as Kazuhiko nodded as he replied "Alright. I suppose that's fine but we only have three flowers."

《I-I can get there on my own easy enough.》Bennia replied eagerly with a nod, a magic circle forming underneath her as her dark robe was soon replaced by a white skull mask with a light blue, sleeveless dress that was cut high on both thighs to show off most of her legs and also had a black and white hood on top which resembled a jester's cap with an emerald green gem at the tip. She also wore a pair of black elbow length gloves covered in gold neon lines with gems at the back of her wrists. Without the concealing uniform, Bennia looked like a cute, teenage girl with pale skin, long dark purple hair that was tied into a long braid, by a bow with a purple skull, reaching all the way down to her hips. She also has 3 black markings on both her thighs also having gold neon lines in it's interior.

Kazuhiko blinked in surprise at seeing how Bennia truly looked, not having expected her to look cute either. Focusing back onto the situation at hand, he pulled out his Persephone's flower before sharing a look with Lara and Perseus as he asked "Do you have a location for us to travel to, Matsu? I imagine the Mojave Desert is a big place."

The drone turned so the lense could project a hologram of a gas station before Matsu spoke {This is the nearest place to where Ares is at the moment. The coordinates are below so Bennia can use them to teleport herself there.}

《Thank you, Ms. Matsu. I'll meet you there.》Bennia spoke with a cheery smile before she sank into her shadow and leaving the trio to break the jewel-like flower to send them and making them disappear in a pulse of light and swarm of flower petals.

...

When the light faded the trio found themselves outside of the empty gas station, Kazuhiko spreading his senses to see what was nearby before Bennia seemed to step out of a shadowed corner before rushing over to them.

"Which way Matsu?" Kazuhiko asked, pressing a finger against his earpiece and waiting for her to scan the area more thoroughly as Lara and Perseus started to walk about to have a look around while Bennia stood near to the brunet, looking over him curiously.

{He's about ten minutes walk into the desert about North-West and there hasn't been any change about the [Master Bolt] moving at all.} Matsu explained, Kazuhiko nodding as the quartet broke into a run towards where Matsu had told them.

The ten minute walk was shortened as the group opted to run towards where the God was, hoping to meet him before he could disappear to elsewhere in the world or Olympus. Kazuhiko was the first to spot Ares, seeing him dressed up in Greek armour rather then some casual clothes that he had been expecting, a brown clothe sack tied onto a belt so it hung over his hip.

"You three, huh? And you even have one of Hades' little Reapers with you. Have you come for some help in your search?" Ares asked with a superior smirk, Kazuhiko narrowing his eyes as he started "No, Lord Ares..."

"We wanted to know what you know about the theft of Lord Zeus' [Master Bolt] and Lord Hades' [Helm of Darkness]." Perseus added as the quartet approached, Ares smirking as he retorted "I suppose you would know about that with the addition to your group... I was tracking down the thieves myself."

"Really? Cause that bag you've got says differently." Kazuhiko asked incredulously, raising an eyebrow at the War God as he looked at the bag on his hip before adding "Who was working with you?"

"I suppose I should have expected an outsider to not outright believe me." Ares spoke with a smirk before shrugging, "Oh well, it won't matter in the end. I caught on to what the [Hero Faction] was doing here, trying to start a war so we wouldn't align ourselves with the Three Biblical Factions. Not like I'd accept such a thing in the first place... Now, I'm all for war but I'm not going to let humans be the reason for a war between the Gods of my own Pantheon, that's my job after all. Plus it'll be so much more devastating without them involved."

The quartet stared at Area as he explained, shocked and surprised at the admission before jolting as the War God clicked his fingers and an orangy-red barrier sprung up over the whole area before his smirk turned bloodthirsty as he added "And none of you will escape to stop me from taking advantage of those humans' actions."

{I can't sense anything outside of the barrier any more!} Metatron spoke up concerned before Kazuhiko spoke quietly to the other three of the group, "We just have to hold on until Matsu gets the word out."

"Hold on?" Ares spoke with a snort at hearing them, a Gladius in hand as he retorted "You won't be surviving long enough for anyone to interfere."

[Balance Break!] Ares dashed forwards at the call from Kazuhiko's body as he jumped forwards and summoned [Castiel] and had the armour of his [Celestial Magistrate Aegis] forming around him. As the two weapons clashed, Kazuhiko gritted his teeth as he tried to not get knocked back by the force of the War God's strike, his wings shifting behind him in an attempt to help before extra power was applied and the armoured brunet was sent flying back.

The other three hadn't been idly as they had split up to attack the God from multiple sides, Bennia being the first to strike as she jumped out of Ares' shadow and swung her scythe in an attempt to behead the God only for her blade to be deflected by one of his hands which then attempted to grab her only for Lara to start firing bullets at him from her twin handguns while her [Twice Critical] was active over her limbs.

Perseus started to charge in then with Harpe drawn at the ready, Kazuhiko soon joining him while armed with [Israfel] and his [Limit Break] active as the two started to clash with Ares who created a second gladius to use against them. The God was easily kept up with the pair, always seemingly able to move a sword into place to block or deflect a blow with little effort and could move to avoid the stray bullet that was shot at him by Lara or when Bennia swung her scythe into the mix.

'He's just toying with us.' Kazuhiko thought with a frown, Ares unleashing a Spartan kick onto Perseus that sent him flying before swinging heavily to send Bennia flying while his other sword block both of the brunet's holy weapons with swift and fluid movements with a smug smirk on his lips. The second sword slashed upwards and Kazuhiko had to jump back to avoid serious damage although the attack still rended his chest plate in two and scored a cut across his chest.

Kazuhiko hissed a curse as he flew backwards, using a mixture of [Sun] and [Star Flames] to first heal his injury and then repair his clothing before his armour repaired itself as he bought both swords up to meet the pair Ares was swinging down at him laughing "What a bunch of weaklings!"

Kazuhiko flared [Aurora Flames] over his two swords, smirking himself as he cut through both of Ares' swords and making him snarl as he created a new pair to use, "I'll have to just use something stronger then."

The two clashed again with Ares' swords standing up against the holy flame, Bennia dashing in to try and land a strike only to get struck by a kick that sent her flying as she coughed up blood.

"Bennia!" Kazuhiko shouted before a fist slammed into his stomach, crunching through his armour and sent him flying back several feet before the War God turned his attention to a charging Perseus and Lara.

[Kazu, you need to be careful against him. He's getting serious now.] Albion spoke up as Kazuhiko got to his feet and retorted 'Yeah, I noticed. Do either of you have an idea how to stop him?'

{We don't need to stop him just keep delaying him.} Metatron reminded her host, {But no... I don't know what more we can do to keep delaying him then to keep fighting.}

[I might have an idea.] Albion spoke up thoughtfully, [Remember Shirohime, partner.]

'Shirohime, of course!?' Kazuhiko thought as his eyes widened, getting to his feet as he muttered "How could I forget that she was made with [Celestial Bronze]... but can she join with [Heavenly Judgement] weapons that easily?"

{She should be able to join with it in the same way [Ascalon] is merged with it and be safely separated later on.} Metatron spoke up, Kazuhiko smirking as he held his hand out as he called "[Gaghiel]. Cambio Forma."

As the naginata formed in the brunet's grasp, Shirohime quickly wrapping around the weapon before merging with the weapon and causing a bright flash of light. The blue pole took on a metallic shade while the silver blade turned faintly glowing bronze while the pale blue glowing accents shone brighter. The biggest difference was the white dragon-like head that was open mouthed around the point where the pole met blade, making it look like the blade was coming out of it, two sapphire blue eyes glowing with power as Kazuhiko added words that felt fitting for the new form of his weapon, "[Celestial Dragon Mode: Gaghiel]"

Spreading his golden feathered wings, Kazuhiko launched himself at the War God, orange flecks showing on them as his [Sky Flames] surged through to them to helped speed him up even more. A diagonal upwards swing of the naginata to the right nearly caught Ares off-guard as he used a gladius to block the attack only for Kazuhiko to smirk as he called out "[Divider!]"

Ares eyes widened at seeing that his sword had easily been cut through by the weapon before Kazuhiko twisted his blade so he could swing a horizontal attack back across his body, making him jump back as he finally noticed the metal that the blade was made of.

"You dare use a [Celestial Bronze] weapon against me!?" Ares roared in anger, Kazuhiko smirking as he twirled the weapon and shot back "This isn't just that. It's a weapon harbouring the power of both Albion and Metatron. I may not be able to divide a God's power but I can certainly split those simple weapons of yours in half with this."

Ares growled as he created a more strudy Greek spear in his hands before coating it with his divine power before charging at Kazuhiko, faster then before and forcing the Draphalem to go onto the defensive as he brought the enhanced [Gaghiel] to bear against him. The exchange of blows seeming more of a blur as Kazuhiko used [Comet Flames] to enhance his own speed to match up to the God's current level.

{The others are alright. They just managed to avoid lethal injuries although I think that was Ares plan as they probably won't be able to help any more for now.} Metatron spoke up, Kazuhiko mentally nodding as he blasting the enraged God with a thick spray of Holy water that made him stumble before taking advantage of it to land a light cut along Ares' right forearm.

Ares countered viciously, a spartan kick slamming into his chest to both shatter his chest plate once again and knock the wind out of him as he was sent flying back. Kazuhiko landed on his back as he tried to gulp in air after having spat up blood before another roar of pain came from him as Ares stomped on his left knee, wrecking the armour around it and destroying his knee in one go.

"You think you can just waltz in and ruin my plan for war." Ares pridefully sneered down at Kazuhiko, the brunet gritting his teeth as he snapped back "It wasn't 'your' plan until you caught the Hero Faction."

"True." Ares retorted before stabbing the point of his spear into Kazuhiko's right shoulder as he countered, "But it is now and I don't like meddlers trying to stop me."

"Well, you should of hidden better." Kazuhiko shot back, giving a bloody smirk as hundreds of [Cloud Flame] covered Chakram from [Celestial Dragon Mode: Leliel] flew in to attack Ares, making the God backpedal and swat them away. Under the flames, they looked sharper with bronze dragon-like claw blades protruding to give the Chakram curved spikes more akin to a saw blade around the edges while at the middle a hand grip had formed which had a dragon head shaped hand guard that covered the hole in the middle on one side.

Kazuhiko gritted his teeth as he pulled the spear out of his shoulder, managing to get himself to sit up as he thought to his two spirits while keeping an eye on Ares, 'We're going need something bigger to stop him if the Gods don't show up soon. I'm gonna need to use [Juggernaut Drive] given my leg is buggered and I can't exactly properly heal it.'

[I don't like it but you're right, partner.] Albion grumbled unhappily, [Just make sure you don't give in to the past possessors.]

'Don't worry Albion. I have an idea how to stop them from affecting me.' Kazuhiko thought as he struggled onto his working leg after dismissing his angelic armour, using [Divine Dividing] to help balance himself. He knew the moment he used his [Scale Mail] would have to be quick to pull off the chant in a similar fashion to avoid Ares trying to attack him before he could take finish and his angelic weapon wouldn't be there to act as a distraction.

"Ready Albion?" Kazuhiko asked quietly, getting a growl from the dragon, [Ready.]

[Balance Break!] At the call, the white scale mail formed around Kazuhiko's body while [Leliel] disappeared from sight leaving Ares snarling mad with several more light cuts over his body.

"I, who is about to awaken, Am the Heavenly Dragon who has taken the principles of supremacy from God." Kazuhiko started, his armour starting to grow and shift as it became sharper and more dragonic. Ares' eyes widened in shock for a moment before they narrowed as he launched himself towards armoured Draphalem as he continued "I envy the "infinite" and I pursue the "dream". I shall become the White Dragon of Supremacy..."

A long tail formed behind him of thin plates as his wings grew larger and the 'bones' that made up them merged into a single limb and grew a noticeable point at the joint in the middle. His size had settled at about five metres tall although his hunched body made it deceptive to judge.

"I won't let you stand up against me!" Ares roared, drawing back a fist to punch Kazuhiko only to get a smirk as the brunet countered "And I shall take you to the limits of white paradise."

The more dragonic helmet parted to show lines of razor sharp teeth as Kazuhiko uttered the last words before the whole armour roared out [Juggernaut Drive!]

A wave of power surged out of the armoured dragon's form in a deafening roar that even has Ares falter for a moment.

...

"Another has embraced the power." "Another has fallen into the curse." "Another wishes to destroy those against us."

Kazuhiko gritted his teeth as he was bombarded by the thoughts and wills of the past hosts of [Divine Dividing], his vision having gone black once he had finished the chant for [Juggernaut Drive].

"Give in!""It's impossible to resist!""Embrace the destruction." Kazuhiko felt hands move to grab parts of his body as he focused his will on how he was going to stop this form from taking his control.

"I won't fall to this curse like you lot have!" Kazuhiko shouted back to the darkness, igniting flames over his body that started from both of his hands. In his left hand was [Sky Flames] while in his right was [Lunar Flames], both of them swirling over his body and combining in a pale orange-silver flaming aura that burned the hands and illuminated the darkness and making the shadowy figures of the past hosts hiss and retreat from him as he added "And if I have to I'll purify and scorch all of you from this prison!"

A wave of orange-silver flames burst out from his body to send the past hosts away before he noticed his vision had returned and Ares was lauging in front of him.

...

"You turned yourself into a monster to stop me!? All you've done is help me bring about war! And now I can include the [Biblical Factions] in as well as we all have to kill a monster." Ares cackled almost eagerly before a giant fist slammed into his face and sent him flying as Kazuhiko chuckled in a deeper tone as he retorted "I haven't turned myself into a monster, War God. And there will be no war while I still breathe."

"N-No! That's impossible!" Ares spoke shocked as he got back to his feet, staring at Kazuhiko in shock as the brunet's left wing turned crimson with emerald energy membrane as his armour roared [Boost!Boost!Boost!Boost!Boost!Boost!]

"Not impossible if you know what to expect and plan to counter it. Shirohime!" Kazuhiko retorted his next punch at the God was covered in [Celestial Bronze] and sent him flying before he moved at blinding speed to unleash a barrage of punches and claws at Ares as he knew he couldn't use this form for too long without ending up with it starting to drain his life force instead of just his magic. Ares tried to counter with his own punches and kicks only for them to hit harmlessly against the dense armour which had been enhanced through the [Boosts].

The last punch sent Ares crashing into the ground, bloodied and bleeding as he clambered back to his feet with a vicious grin, Kazuhiko landing his larger form several feet away and waiting to see what he would do before a strong voice spoke from the fading barrier's edge "Justice Dragon Emperor! Stand down now."

Kazuhiko turned his head to see Poseidon standing there with his trident in hand and a stern look on his face. Kazuhiko nodded as he ended [Juggernaut Drive] the rush of power he had felt leaving his body as he collapsed onto the ground with his broken leg and stabbed shoulder both sending another jolt of pain through him as he muttered "Do you know...?"

"Yes. Matsu showed us Ares admission before the communication cut due to his barrier." Poseidon spoke as he approached, putting a water barrier around Ares to avoid him causing more trouble as Kazuhiko asked "Are the others alright?"

"Yes. Rest now child." Poseidon spoke in a soothing tone, Kazuhiko succumbing at hearing the others were alright.

...

{You think he'll be alright?} Metatron asked concerned, looking around at the chaos caused by the releasing of [Juggernaut Drive] only to then spot Albion with a smirk on his lips as he replied [Yeah. I think he knew how long he could take the form for and made sure to get out before the drain could even touch his life force. Even the use of [Divine Booster] didn't do much more then drain a good portion of magic from him.]

{I suppose it was an ingenious way to counter that curse. Using his flames to purify it from getting close to him and pushing back the past hosts. I imagine it'll have a greater effect on them then he planned} Metatron spoke with an approving smile as Albion chuckled [Yeah. I think it probably worked sooner then either of us expected if I'm right about how he knew his own limit.]

{You think one of your past hosts decided to help him?} Metatron asked curiously, Albion shrugging as he replied [Possibly... we'll just have to see if any of them contacts him in the future to be sure.]

...

Kazuhiko let out a groan as he woke up, his eyes taking in the large medical tent as he realised he was back in Camp Half-Blood as he moved sluggishly to sit up as he asked "How long have I been out?"

{Only three hours. One of the Apollo Demigods healed you up albeit its not as good as Asia's.} Metatron answered first with a smile, Kazuhiko nodding in agreement as Albion added [And before you ask, they managed to fully repair your knee as well. You shouldn't have any problems with it.]

"Kaz-tan!" Matsu called from the entrance, rushing over to glomp the brunet and making him grunt as he replied "Hey Matsu."

"I can't believe you used [Juggernaut Drive] and managed to retain control over it." Matsu spoke before slapping his chest as she scolded him, "You shouldn't have used it in the first place. You could have gone on a berserk rampage for all you knew."

"I had a pretty good idea I could control it." Kazuhiko admitted with a shrug, "Between using [Lunar Flames] to purify those too close to me and [Sky Flames] to temporarily infuse them into my body I figured I could hold off the past hosts long enough for a God to show up."

"Well, try explaining that to Sera and the others when we get back." Matsu huffed before Kazuhiko glanced around as he spoke "Don't worry I will. Now, where is Shirohime and the others?"

"Bennia went back to the Realm of the Dead after she was healed. Perseus and Lara were both released before you as their wounds were easier to deal with by using Ambrosia." Matsu explained before she was interrupted by Hephaestus who stood in the entrance "As for Shirohime, as part of your reward I've taken the liberty to upgrade her with a couple of dragon pieces I had from Ddraig and Fafnir as well as some [Adamantine] I had. She also seemed to have taken in a bit of holy power."

Shirohime happily flew over to Kazuhiko, making him notice the slight changes as the formerly pure white serpent dragon as it now had glitters translucent white scale, sort of like a cross of silver and diamonds. It also sported a pair of scarlet red horns from the back of its head that formed a crescent moon shape which turned a bright gold at the base as if to make it look like the serpent dragon now sported a sort of crown. Its eyes were still mostly icy blue but the left sported veins of emerald green while the right sported a royal purple veins.

"[Adamantine] is super strong metal that's incredibly difficult to destroy." Matsu explained as Kazuhiko petting the dragon before he asked "So, does that mean she gained a small portion of Ddraig and Fafnir's powers?"

"That's right. She'll now be able to amplify your attacks somewhat and can easier split herself into multiple forms due to Fafnir's ability to replicate himself. Not sure if she can negate magic attacks herself so you'll have to tell me if you find out." Hephaestus spoke jovially as he looked at the young man and his descendant before he added in a more formal tone "Also I've been asked to pass on the thanks for the Greek Faction for bringing Ares' and the [Hero Faction's] plan to light and protecting the trio that was with you. The monetary reward has been added to an account Matsu made for you and Zeus has also showed signs of opening up to the [Biblical Factions] so peace with them is probably going to happen in the future."

"It was no problem Lord Hephaestus. Just maybe check that a Deity isn't involved the next time I'm asked to be involved. Fighting Lord Ares was tougher then I expected, even though I knew he was a War God." Kazuhiiko admitted with a nod, Hephaestus chuckling as he nodded before smirking knowingly as he teased "I'll leave you two alone for now though. I'm sorry to have ruined my descendant's chance to reward you."

The pair spluttered embarrassed as the Forge God bellowed his laughter before leaving the tent.

...

The next to enter the tent was Lara and Perseus, the former caught between blushing and leering as Kazuhiko was topless testing to make sure his knee was fully healed before turning his attention to the four sets of wings that spread from his back. They were different to the usual individual pairs he had before and now more resembled dragon wings in shape with the left four being a pure white and sporting feathers in the membrane and back while his right four were pitch black and more angular as if to resemble a more bat-like appearance similar to Devils.

"I suppose if this is the only side effect from using [Juggernaut Drive] then I can be happy with them." Kazuhiko mused to himself as he looked at the altered wings, Matsu smirking lecherously at him as she retorted "Well, I don't mind if you take your time getting use to them here."

"You might but we've got guests." Kazuhiko pointed out with a roll his eyes at hearing Matsu's words, retracting his wings before pulling on his shirt as the perverted genius turned to usher Lara and Perseus in.

"How are you doing?" Perseus asked first, trying to hide the shudder as he recalled seeing Kazuhiko go into [Juggernaut Drive] as the Draphalem replied "I'm fine. All healed up and no worse for wear from what I did. I take it you both got healed up."

"Yeah, Bennia is fine as well." Lara answered with a nod and a smile as she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear as she added "She wanted to thank you for giving her the chance to get out of the Realm of the Dead as well, even if it was only a short while and did end up with her having to help fight a God."

"Well, there was a warning about that being possible." Kazuhiko admitted with a shrug, pulling on his jacket. Lara chuckled at hearing that before she clicked her fingers as she remembered something else, "There's a party going to start this evening over the successful quest, you should join us."

"Sorry but I don't I can really." Kazuhiko replied with a soft, apologetic smile, "The next round of Rating Games is being run soon and I need to get back to prepare for them and find out who I'll be against."

"That's a shame." Lara spoke disappointed, Perseus sharing a similar look as he added "Well, I suppose we'll have to party harder to make up for your absence."

"You do that." Kazuhiko replied with a chuckle as Perseus gave him a nod of thanks before leaving the tent, leaving Lara to walk closer as she spoke "I know its only been a few days but I've enjoyed having you around."

"Well, I suppose you can come visit if you have some free time." Kazuhiko replied with a shrug, Lara smirking slightly as she brushed her lips against his before speaking "When you get your [Evil Pieces] do try and remember me. I'd enjoy working under you."

"I wouldn't worry too much. Knowing how things have gone so far for Kaz-tan, I wouldn't be surprised if he got them by the end of the year if things keep happening." Matsu spoke with a smirk, making Lara smile at not having to wait for very long like she had thought may be possible.

"Here's my number, Kaz. Don't be a stranger." Lara spoke, holding a piece of paper for Kazuhiko to accept, which he did as he replied with a smirk, "I'll keep in touch then, Lara."

...

In the end, Kazuhiko was teleported back by Matsu as she had something else she had to deal with back at the camp. Due to the time difference it was 2AM when he appeared in Matsu's lab and everyone in the house was already asleep which was a bit of a relief to the young man as he would be able to readjust to Japan time before he had to report about what had happened and tell them that he had used [Juggernaut Drive], although Kazuhiko imagined that Azazel would be eager to learn how he stayed in control during it.

'I'll probably get poked and prodded by the Biblical Factions again afterwards.' Kazuhiko thought as he stepped into the lift and started to head up to his floor, checking that he had the pill he had used before to adjust to US time.

Slipping into his room, he couldn't help but smile at seeing Seraphina and Kalawarner sleeping with a space between them as if waiting for him to return, even though Asia was also there, hugging the former's front tightly. Blaire was in her wolf form on the bottom of the bed although one eye was current open to look at him as Kazuhiko brought a finger to his lip so she wouldn't alert the others of his return before using a bit of magic to strip to his boxer shorts before easily clambering into the space on the bed before taking the pill so he would fall asleep quickly.

Had he stayed a wake for a few moments longer, Kazuhiko would have been surprised to see Asia roll over to cuddle into his side, so his arm was behind her while Kalawarner rolled over so she was half draped over him and Seraphina wiggled over to hug onto his right arm.

...

Author's Note

Sorry for the wait on this one, had trouble deciding on how things would escalate when they met Ares and also how Kazuhiko and the others would scale to him although I know I focused a bit too much on Kazuhiko during the fight and think I had it end too quickly with [Juggernaut Drive] being brought in. Especially so when I've also introduced [Celestial Dragon Mode] which is Shirohime combining with the weapons of [Heavenly Judgement]. As for Shirohime's upgrades its not much more then the ability to amplify magic used through her and the ability to create copies of herself like Fafnir does.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy this chapter and next time will be the Diodora Arc.