Grim Academy. Kaido was on the roof of his dorm talking on a phone.

“So how’s everything down there?”

(Everything is fine. Nothing out of the ordinary.)

A gentle female voice came from the other end.

“Really? That’s good to hear. Wait, that bastard Jin hasn’t done or said anything to you right?”

His tone became hostile.

(No, I don’t think Jin would ever do anything like that. I’ve told you already that you two don’t need to fight all the time.)

“I don’t fight with him, I just feel the urge to punch him whenever I see him.”

(Jin actually said the same thing about you once.)

“That bastard!”

The girl from the other end started laughing.

(Let’s forget about that for a while. How’s everything at the academy? Bloom told me that you’re on some assignment.)

“Yeah, But it’s not dangerous so don’t worry. I’m just acting as a spectator.”

(Are you sure? It feels like you called me for a reason….)

“It’s nothing, I swear. I just wanted to hear your voice, Hana.”

(If you so. Just stay safe, alright.)

“I promise I will. By the way, Hana.”

(Yes?)

“Have you’ve noticed any strange people around you lately? Like someone you recently met who’s particularly friendly to you? Or maybe someone you knew who is acting suspicious recently?”

(That’s quite specific….No one comes to mind.)

“I see. Then until I come back stay with Bloom at all cost. If she’s not available stay with Sapphire, if you’re with her then Jin will definitely be close by.”

(…..Kaido, what’s wrong? Did something happen?)

“Nothing really. I’m just anxious from being away from you for so long. I can’t stop thinking about your safety.”

(Alright….If you say so.)

“I’ll call you later.”

(Yeah, take care.)

Kaido looked at his phone after the call ended. A certain conversation resurface in his mind. It was back at the ranking tournament. Just before his fight with Sora, Tang came up to him and mentioned Bloom and Jin Makoto which was a bit surprising but it was one particular thing that caught him off guard.

“Alright. Be sure to fight for Hana’s sake as well.”

Kaido clenched the phone in his hand almost crushing it.

“I can’t let me guard down especially around him.”

His eyes then became slit and gold.

“But make no mistake. If you touch Hana I’ll kill you before Miko gets the chance.”

**********

On the Night Continent there were dozens of kingdoms ruled by certain bloodlines, but there were a few where their leader was the strongest warrior in the country. Those countries tend to refer to themselves as tribes rather than countries. One of these nations was called the Black Bone Tribe.

The Black Bone Tribe was a country of Dragonmen who worshipped strength and had a long history of warfare. To them, there was no such thing as birthright, you must everything through your own strength. So if you want a high status in this place you must be a strong warrior. The citizens were also famous for being honorable warriors who were very loyal, and they viewed treachery as the greatest sin in the world.

Despite how the people were described, the country’s scenery was very beautiful. It had a lot of greenery and livestock. The cities were a bit rural and looked like huge villages which meant they weren’t congested. The people were all tan-skinned and had glimpses of toned muscles which indicated that they all were fit and capable of fighting. Some were in their dragonoid forms while others were walking around in their human forms.

In the street, Zora who had returned to his country was walking with some people at his side.

“Hey Zora, did you hear? Apparently, Klaus is going to mobilize the Rakshasa Corps. I heard that he wants to destroy Dragon Storm. That’s pretty wild if you ask me.”

The one who spoke to him was a teenage girl who looked like she could be around 15 or 16. She was tan-skinned like the rest of the natives of this country. She was around 5’5, had a well-toned figure, and had her silky black hair tied into a pony tail.

“What Klaus does isn’t my business.”

“Then you’re not going to join him? He’s your brother-in-arms right?”

“That’s enough, Kuga. Stop sticking your nose in Zora’s business.”

The other person walking with Zora scolded the girl, Kuga. He was rather tall, around 6’5. He was pretty muscular and had a warrior’s face. He looked to be around the same age as Zora.

“What’s wrong with prying?”

She showed the back of her right hand and showed off a insignia of a dragon with a piece of tree root in its mouth.

“I’m his Apostle, so his business is my business, Laz.”

The teen, Laz showed the back of his hand in response.

“I’m an Apostle too and higher ranked than you as well. But do you see me prying into his business? That’s because it doesn’t matter. If Zora wishes to fight then we’ll fight, there’s nothing to discuss.”

“Stop fighting. You’re making a scene.”

Zora interjected when it looked like Kuga was going to argue.

“I’m sorry, but I’m just curious.”

Kuga became a bit mellow when she saw that Zora was getting upset.

“Klaus hasn’t come to me about anything of that nature. In fact, since we left the academy I haven’t seen him. I’m glad to be honest. I get to focus on making myself stronger.”

“How cold.”

The three heard a voice and stopped and turned back. There they saw Klaus standing with a smile on his face.

“Ugh….”

The trio all reacted with a disgusted face.

“Hey! What kind of reaction is that?!”

Klaus shouted.

“And life was just getting peaceful again.”

“I was planning on visiting Casino City too.”

“Looks like I have to cancel all my plans.”

“Why are the three of you treating me like a huge chore? I haven’t even said anything.”

“Klaus, we all grew up with each other. We pretty much know what you’re here for.”

Zora said. Kuga and Laz nodded in agreement.

“You know, sometimes I wonder how you three see me.”

“A royal pain in the ass.”

“A nuisance.”

“A narcissistic parasite.”

“…..Sometimes I wonder why I’m friends with you three bastards.”

Klaus sighed.

“Listen, I want to talk about something very important. Can we talk privately?”

At Klaus’s wish the group moved to a restaurant that offered their customers private booths that were soundproof.

“Alright, just come out with it. You want me to help you fight Tang right?”

Zora asked with an impatient tone.

“I do but that’s not the sole reason I’m here.”

Klaus showed a serious expression.

“Zora, I want to establish a Proxy Alliance.”

Zora’s eyes widened.

“Say what?”

Kuga and Laz also responded the same way.

“I’m sure you heard me. I want to merge our two factions.”

A Proxy Alliance was when two or more proxies, along with the Higher Beings they represented, decides to merge their factions to create a bigger faction for the sake of destroying enemies. This alliance could be dissolve whenever one party wished.

“Klaus, do you fear Tang that much?”

Zora asked. He never expected the proud Klaus to propose something like an alliance to take down one enemy.

(Even though we would occasionally fight together, a Proxy Alliance was far more serious then just helping each other out. It’s basically announcing to the rest of the world that you were giving each other your unconditional support. My enemies is his enemies and his enemies are my mine. Its a literal blood contract.)

Zora thought to himself.

“I’m not just taking on dragon storm. I’m challenging Renacido as well.”

“You want to take on both Miko and Tang?”

“That’s right. Like I said before, I want to settle old grudges. You have grudges against them as well right?”

“No, I don’t. I have nothing against the two.”

“But they stand in the way of your dream.”

“My dream? Isn’t it yours as well, Klaus?”

Zora’s eyes became sharp.

“My dream is to have that bastard of a father acknowledge my existence.”

“Then you’ve forgotten your gratitude towards Kylian?”

Klaus shook his head.

“No, I’m still grateful. However, I can’t be like you, Zora. I can’t just dedicate my whole life to one thing like a fool.”

*Bam!*

Kuga and Laz slammed their hands on the table and glared at Klaus while reaching for their weapons.

“Careful, Klaus. This is the Black Bone Tribe.”

“Our motto is literally Death Before Dishonor.”

Klaus smirked in response to their threats.

“I’m well aware of that. But the truth is the truth. Would you rather I lie and deceive someone who has been like a brother to me? My pride wouldn’t allow it.”

“Stand down, you two. Don’t let him draw you into his pace.”

Hearing Zora, the two sat back down.

“So you’ve finally given up on our dream? I expected as much.”

“I thought that you would be pissed.”

“Oh, I’m pissed but I also know that you’re not a honorable person so I expected this.”

Klaus frowned.

“Saying that I’m not honorable is uncalled for.”

“Why? It’s the truth isn’t, you piece of shit?”

Zora’s tone was harsh but Klaus didn’t get mad.

“You may think that I’m scum but you can’t deny that what I said was the truth. Miko and Tang are obstacles in your path to become strongest. Why not get rid of them now instead of waiting until it’s too late?”

“So you’re saying that we can both benefit from this?”

“Why wouldn’t we?”

Zora sighed.

“Fine.”

Kuga and Laz looked at Zora in surprise while Klaus smiled.

“I knew that you would be reasonable.”

He stood up and stretched his hand out. Zora stood up and stretched his hand out as well. They gripped each other hands and then a light engulfed their hands. The two then spoke at the same time.

“I swear to give you unconditional support and come to your aid as long as this alliance exist.”

The entire room lit up causing Kuga and Laz to close their eyes until it faded away. When they opened their eyes they saw a change in their Apostle Crest. There was now a second dragon hidden behind the first one. They looked and saw that Zora and Klaus were now wearing each other’s insignia on their hands. That meant that they had become each other’s Apostle. This was required to form a Proxy Alliance.

Klaus smiled.

“With this, I’ll be able to use Nidhogg’s abilities and you’ll be able to use Vritra’s. This should also apply to our apostles.”

Through a proxy alliance the proxies will be able to share their abilities making them much more powerful. So Klaus was naturally happy that Zora agreed to the alliance. If he wasn’t so close to Zora their Higher Beings would’ve never agreed to join their factions since they were proud beings.

“Thanks again, Zora.”

Klaus thanked Zora and tried to release his hand.

“Hm?”

But he wasn’t able to because Zora was still gripping his hand. Feeling his hand being squeezed, Klaus looked at Zora with a glare.

“What’s the meaning of this, Zora?”

“……..”

Zora didn’t respond and kept gripping his hand. Zora just stared into Klaus’s eye with a cold gaze. And then-

Zora suddenly pulled Klaus towards him and pulled his head back and headbutt him.

*Bam!*

Klaus’s head was flung back and blood started gushing from it. It was only then did Zora release his hand.

“What the hell was that for?!”

Zora took out a kerchief and used it wiped the blood off his face.

“If you don’t know, then there’s no saving you.”

After saying that he turned his back on Klaus.

“After this thing is over we’re no longer brothers, got that?”

He started to leave.

“Give your brother and sister my regards.”

He then left with Kuga and Laz. The former showed Klaus a middle finger before leaving.

“……”

Klaus stood by himself in the booth. After a while he started smiling.

“Very well, Zora. If that’s how you want to play then have it your way.”

He clenched his fists.

“After Tang and Miko, you’re next!”