Chapter 24: Chapter 22: A Dragon’s Claim
Alex hovered in the Dimensional Gap, his arms crossed, observing the woman before him with a mixture of confusion and curiosity. Great Red's human form radiated an aura of raw power and confidence, her crimson hair cascading down her back, her glowing red eyes locked on Alex with unwavering intensity. The chaotic energies around them seemed to settle as if in deference to her presence, though Alex's calm demeanor made it clear who truly held dominance here.
"So, you're telling me," Alex began, his voice steady despite the odd situation, "that after trying to obliterate me for the last... however long, you've decided I'm worthy of being your mate?"
The fiery-haired woman smirked, her eyes narrowing slightly. "You make it sound strange, but that's the essence of it. Power respects power, and you've proven yourself beyond a shadow of a doubt. No one has ever pushed me to this point—or humiliated me like that."
Alex sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Look, I didn't come here to get into a relationship, especially not with a dragon that just tried to turn me into a smear on the walls of this place."
"You're not just any mortal," she retorted, stepping closer, her fiery gaze never leaving his. "I've lived for eons, watching countless beings rise and fall. None of them were worth my time—until now. You've done what no one else has: you've defeated me. And not just defeated me—humiliated me without even trying. That kind of power deserves respect—and more."
Alex uncrossed his arms, standing his ground as she approached. The chaotic winds of the Dimensional Gap ruffled his hair, but his expression remained calm. "I didn't defeat you because I wanted to prove something. I did it because you came at me with everything you had. I wasn't about to just roll over."
Great Red chuckled, the sound low and almost sultry. "And that's exactly why you're different. Most beings either grovel or flee. You didn't even flinch."
As she stopped a mere foot away from him, Alex could feel the heat radiating off her form, her presence as overwhelming as the dragon she had been moments ago. Despite her human appearance, her power was unmistakable—a reminder of the colossal force she truly was.
"And what if I say no?" Alex asked, tilting his head slightly.
Her smirk widened, and for a moment, she looked almost playful. "You don't get a choice. A dragon never lets go of its prize."
Alex sighed deeply, muttering under his breath. "I didn't sign up for this."
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Back in Kuoh, the group of devils, angels, and fallen awaited Alex's return. Rias paced anxiously in the clubroom, her crimson hair swaying as she cast frequent glances at the clock.
"Are you sure he's okay?" she asked, looking to Akeno, who sat sipping tea with her usual serene expression.
"Alex isn't someone who can be defeated easily," Akeno replied. "I'm more curious about what's keeping him."
Issei, sitting nearby, fidgeted nervously. "Yeah, but we're talking about Great Red here! That thing's supposed to be the strongest being in existence! Even if Alex is crazy strong, isn't it dangerous to just, you know, face it head-on?"
"Alex has handled worse," Rias said firmly, though her tone betrayed her concern. "Still, this waiting is unbearable."
As if on cue, a ripple of energy filled the room, and Alex appeared in a flash of light, his expression somewhere between exasperation and disbelief.
"Alex!" Rias exclaimed, rushing toward him. "You're okay! What happened? Did you fight Great Red?"
Alex raised a hand to stop her barrage of questions. "Yes, I fought Great Red. Yes, I'm fine. And yes, it's dealt with... sort of."
"Sort of?" Akeno asked, raising an eyebrow.
Alex sighed, running a hand through his hair. "It's complicated. Let's just say the Apocalypse Dragon won't be a problem anymore."
Before anyone could press him further, the room's temperature spiked, and a fiery crimson portal opened behind Alex. Stepping through it with an air of dominance was Great Red, still in her human form.
The room fell silent.
Rias, Akeno, Issei, and the others stared in stunned disbelief at the woman who radiated overwhelming power. Even without her dragon form, her mere presence was enough to send shivers down their spines.
"Alex," she said, her voice smooth and commanding, "you left before I could properly introduce myself."
The group's collective jaws dropped.
"Who... who is she?" Rias asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Alex rubbed the back of his neck, his expression torn between frustration and resignation. "Everyone, meet Great Red. Apparently, she's decided to follow me home."
The silence that followed was deafening.
Issei was the first to break it, his voice high-pitched with disbelief. "Wait, wait, wait—THAT'S Great Red?!"
"Indeed," Great Red said, her crimson eyes scanning the room with disinterest. "And I suggest you show some respect. I'm not fond of being underestimated."
Akeno narrowed her eyes slightly, her polite smile masking her unease. "And what brings you here, Great Red?"
Great Red smirked, stepping closer to Alex and placing a hand on his shoulder. "I'm here for him. He's proven himself as the strongest being I've ever faced. As such, he is now mine."
The declaration sent a wave of shock through the room.
Rias stepped forward, her crimson eyes blazing. "What do you mean, 'yours'? Alex isn't some trophy to be claimed!"
Great Red's eyes narrowed slightly, her smirk fading. "Careful, little devil. I tolerate many things, but disrespect is not one of them."
Before Rias could respond, Alex sighed heavily. "Enough. Great Red, you can't just show up and declare things like that."
"I just did," she replied, her smirk returning.
The tension in the room was palpable, the air thick with unease as the group tried to process the bizarre situation.
Alex glanced at the others, his expression apologetic. "Look, this is... complicated. But trust me, I've got it under control."
Rias crossed her arms, her gaze sharp. "You'd better. Because if she thinks she can just waltz in here and claim you, she's got another thing coming."
Great Red chuckled, clearly amused by the devil's boldness. "I like your spirit. But you'll find I don't take no for an answer."
Alex pinched the bridge of his nose again, muttering under his breath, "Why me?"
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(Sorry folks PC broke so updates will be slow until I get a new one I also might do a Marvel Story…. Still debating)