Occult Research Club. 4 hours after the ceasefire was established.
Today was a very tense day for Rias and Sona, along with their respective Peerages, all with the sudden arrival of Corvinus Gremory and his short investigation of Fallen Angels` presence in the town, with the subsequent discovery of an affair Rias set up, with Sona taking a part in it. Not to mention the fact innocent people got killed during this whole situation, people who had dealings with Devils and were dead because of it. And all of that and something else as well Corvinus has reported back to Lucifer, his father. Needless to say, Sirzechs wasn`t pleased with how it all turned out to be, but he didn`t directly express his frustration and anger, instead holding on to that and thanking Corvus on investigating this whole situation and managing to establish the ceasefire. As for Rias, he said that he was very disappointed in her and that they will talk about later. He told them that he`ll inform them all of his decision later, and that they shall await for it in Occult Research Club. All of them for that matter.
And so, Rias and her Peerage, along with Sona and Tsubaki were all in the cabinet of Occult Research Club, waiting for the decision made by Sirzechs. And with them were Corvinus and his newest addition to his Peerage, Issei Hyoudou, who were sitting on the sofa, with Sona and Tsubaki sitting on the opposite sofa, Kiba and Koneko behind Corvus and Issei and with Rias and Akeno in their usual places. Corvus` healing spell fixed damaged Issei fast and he awakened in less than an hour. Afterwards, Corvus spent the remaining time explaining to a shocked boy everything that has happened to him and his current situation, along with his Sacred Gear inside him, Boosted Gear, and who was who in the world. Corvus wanted to be especially careful and through about these subjects and did so, while making sure that Issei took it all in without too much confusion and complication. And Corvus had to admit that Issei did take it all in relatively well. And now they were all just sitting in here, with tension high for heiresses and their Peerages.
Issei spoke up once again, concluding everything that had happened to him.
"So, in short, my first girlfriend turned out to be a Fallen Angel, who are not friends with you, Devils. And before she could knock me out, you`ve showed up and it led to her friend stabbing me. And in order to save me, you`ve used your own Evil Pieces and brought me back as your Pawn." Issei concluded, looking at Corvinus, who merely nodded, while his hat was on his knee. "So, does that mean that I am now your period Servant?"
"Basically yes." Corvus confirmed with a bit of bitter sadness in him. "And to be perfectly honest with you, if there was any other option, I would`ve taken it. Turning people into my Servants without their consent is not my style, so you have my apologies on this one, Issei. And if you are wondering if your life is going to change much form it, then I`ll tell you that besides being a Devil, your life is your own to decide. I am won`t abuse you as my Servant if you aren`t in agreement with me and my views. Well, if anything, I`ll just be keeping an eye out for you and train you up so that you can take care of yourself when something like that happens again."
"And you think it will happen again?" Issei asked Corvus concerned about it.
"Unfortunately, but true." Corvus confirmed once again. "Especially considering the Sacred Gear you possess. Red Dragon Emperor always have been known to draw powerful opponents towards them."
"Pardon my curiosity, Corvinus, but how were you able to identify which Sacred Gear Issei Hyoudou possesses?" Sona asked with curiosity and caution. "I mean, he didn`t even manifest it into the display and you knew from the beginning what Sacred Gear it was."
Corvus turned his head towards Sona, while noticing that everyone looked at him for an answer. He simply sighed and spoke up once more.
"Oh well, I guess you all will learn about sooner or later. Might as well just tell you about it myself." Corvus spoke, putting his hat back on. "Two years ago Kyoto Faction of Youkai came under the attack of the previous possessor of Boosted Gear, hell bent of killing Youkais and all things supernatural, because he was Church`s former Exorcist gone rouge after he attacked and killed one of Angels, for he be became obsessed with power and wish to battle more and more powerful opponents. That led him in Kyoto, where he met his end."
"So, you were present when Youkais killed him?" Rias inquired, getting an annoyed look from Corvus.
"Did I say anything about Youkais killing him?" That got everyone confused. "Youkais and Shinto Gods weren't the ones doing the fighting and it weren`t Serafall Leviathan or father and mother, who were visiting at the time. No, Red Dragon Emperor fought against the one who is currently known as Bloodraven. I was his opponent and he fell to my sword." Corvus simply dropped the news on their heads, seeing the complete shock and terror of them all, including those that were standing behind him.
"Impossible…" Rias spoke up, rising from her place and looking at Corvus. "There is no way on Earth that you could defeat a Red Dragon Emperor! You aren`t even a real Gremory to begin with! After all, no real Gremory or a Devil would ever marry to some backwater animal girl…" At that moment, Rias suddenly fell onto the ground, trying to grab air, but getting none and feeling like she was pressed by something immeasurably heavy.
The whole atmosphere in the room suddenly became cold and devoid of life, as Corvus rose up and slowly moved from the sofa towards the table and soon he was where Rias was lying on the ground, eyes red and with blood coming out of her nose and body barely even moving. The rest of her Peerage didn`t even move, as they were actually feeling the same effects, only theirs were reduced in power, but were enough to hold them in one place. Sona and Tsubaki weren`t even thinking about stepping in and helping out Rias, because they didn`t wanted to feel the effects of this power on them once more. One time was more than enough for them and the rest of Sona`s Peerage were still out cold. Issei was totally ineffective with the power Corvus displayed just now, but he could clearly feel that there was some kind of magic in use. Corvus with just one hand picked up Rias by collar and brought her up, looking with crimson red eyes in her eyes.
"Listen up, you can mock my ideals, despise my morality, you can even spit on me, I`ll just laugh it off and forget about it. But, if you ever mock one of my friends or someone I love, then regardless, if you are Satan or a God, you are going to pay for it." Corvus told to Rias, finally releasing the hold on Rias and the rest of her Peerage, and dropping her in the chair. "And, just for your information, bloodline means nothing when it comes to battle. It is the first lesson my Swordmaster taught me." Rias was panting and wiping out the blood, with Akeno tending to her.
"Was it master Okita?" Kiba asked Corvus, who looked with a curious eye. "Because I do not recall him saying anything like it or having you as his pupil."
"Charming, just because Souji Okita is my father`s Knight doesn`t automatically make him my Swordmaster." Corvus smirked, coming closer to his swords that were positioned at the sofa. "No, my Master is someone who is yet to be surpassed by anyone in the World. And your Master has indeed tried to defeat him over a dozen times and I even remember one of those tries, but he failed just like all the previous times." That got Kiba to raise a brow, until he finally realized just who in the world Corvus was referring to.
"You can`t be serious…" Kiba said being completely shocked. "He is said to have never trained anyone. I personally have went to him and demanded him to train me, but he merely tossed me out. How is it that you`ve managed to get him to train you?!" Kiba demanded to know, surprising with his reaction everyone.
Corvus simply smiled and adjusted his hat, turning away from Kiba`s angry face.
"Sorry, Charming, but I won`t tell you." Corvus could clearly hear an angry growl from Kiba. "If you are looking to becoming his pupil, then first finish up your training with Souji Okita."
"Why? Because I am not good enough for him to train me?" Kiba asked Corvus, who simply scoffed.
"Idiot, if you can`t understand something like that, then you better just give up on swordsmanship." Was all that Corvus said to Kiba.
Sona decided to address a question that has been bothering her for some time now.
"While you are stating that Issei Hyoudou is current Red Dragon Emperor, Corvus, but how would you be able to prove it?" Corvus turned a curious eye to her. "It is a common knowledge that all Sacred Gears are bestowed upon Humans right before their birth, not during their life. Meaning, there is no chance that Issei has gotten a hold of Boosted Gear."
Corvus simply chuckled, turning to Issei.
"Issei, tell me." Corvus drew Issei`s attention. "Two years ago, didn`t you experience a severe case of unexpected fever, followed with all symptoms of flu?"
"Actually, yes, I did." Issei answered. "Exactly two years ago, just in the middle of school year, I suddenly got sick really bad and even gotten into hospital for nearly a month. I don`t remember anything too well from that period, `cause I was practically in coma, from what I`ve heard from my doctors. All that I know that it was some kind of rare type of flu or something like that and that now, after I`ve healed up from it, I`ve got a full immunity from it again. But, how is it connected with me possessing this Boosted Gear?"
"Most of Sacred Gears do work in the way that Sona said earlier, but when it comes to Longinus-class Sacred Gears, there is a very slim chance of that they might end up inside of already living humans." Corvus explained. "I`ve heard of that theory from Ajuka Beelzebub, after he examined a reincarnated Devil with one of Longinus a couple of centuries ago, similar to Issei, but I didn`t think that I would meet someone who got his Longinus like that."
"Well, if anything, that whole decease actually changed my life." Issei admitted, rubbing the back of his head. "When I`ve finally got over that sickness, I was like a whole new guy. I mean… back then all I was thinking was just seeing girl`s breasts and nothing else, like 24/7. I even was dreaming of having a freaking Harem."
Sona and Rias actually turned a surprised eye to Issei, who was nervously laughing at what he just said. All because he was actually considered to be one of the nicest guys in the Academy, a good student with grades above average, but not too much and as someone who was good in sports. Not the most popular guy, but clearly not like the Perverted Duo and someone many girls actually asked out on a date, but he went out with them only as a friend and not as a romantic date and he made it clear to them. To be honest, Raynare was actually his first real romantic date with whom he went out. Corvus simply laughed up a bit as well.
"Well, I can relate to that one, Issei." Corvus said to him. "Events like that do have the capacity of changing us for better or worse. So, if you aren`t after ladies` assets, what`s your goal in life, just out of curiosity?"
"Well… I don`t have one, actually." Issei admitted, surprising the most. "I just live as I am right now and it is alright with me."
"Good for you, Issei." Corvus admitted, turning to Sona. "Now, answering your question…" Corvus turned back to Issei and smirked. "So and how long are you going to stay silent, overgrown lizard? Don`t you have anything to say to an old acquaintance, Ddraig?"
And at that moment, Issei`s left hand has suddenly transformed into a red scaled gauntlet with a big green jewel. Everyone looked in awe as they saw it happen, as Corvus only smirked with Issei looking in full disbelief at the gauntlet. And in the next moment… the gauntlet talked.
"I would much rather incinerate you, Bloodraven, then say something to the man who defeated my previous host." Ddraig said with a bit of anger. "The only one who is allowed to fight a Red Dragon Emperor in an all-out fight is White Dragon Emperor, and you`ve stole that opportunity from me and my host, son of Lucifer."
"You are as grumpy as ever, aren`t you, Ddraig?" Corvus chuckled, before turning serious. "Your host has made a mistake of attacking my bride and all of those innocent people, Welsh Dragon. He wasn`t even fit to be called a Dragon, for he was more of a wild rabid dog with no sense. If anything, that dog deserved to die and I am not regretting killing him myself, instead of allowing Vanishing Dragon fight someone as low as that guy."
"Don`t tell me something that I don`t already know, Bloodraven." Ddraig retorted begrudgingly. "At least that victory come to you easily. How`s your left arm feeling these days, by the way? Does it hurt, to wear these fancy clothes above such a bad burn?"
"I can take a little pain, Red Dragon. If anything, it was well worth destroying your Juggernaut Drive." Corvus replied. "Besides, with Issei, you might actually have a chance of breaking that losing streak of yours. Who knows, you might just be able to, I don`t know, land a punch on Albion`s current partner?"
"Grr… Shut your trap, Bloodraven!" Ddraig replied, before going silent, with Boosted Gear deactivating.
"Looks like we`ll get along just fine." Corvus replied in carefree manner, then he turned his head towards the appeared white glowing circle. "Hey Issei, you might want to stand up for this one." Issei decided to take Corvus word for it and stood up, fixing up his attire a little.
In the next second, out of the magical circle appeared a young looking silver-haired woman, dressed in a French maid clothing. Her mere appearance here forced Rias and Sona stand up in and draw their eyes at her, while Corvus simply sat on the sofa and looked at the woman with a small smile on his face. Akeno and Tsubaki took their places at their Kings, with the rest of Rias` Peerage also standing near their king. Issei could tell that this lady was someone very important and someone not be joking around for no good reason. Silver-haired lady quickly examined the room, noticing the only person in the room simply sitting and nodded to him with a smile, who returned the gesture. And after that, she spoke in firm voice.
"Lady Rias, Lady Sona, Corvus." Grayfia Lucifuge spoke. "I am here on behalf of Sirzechs Lucifer and Serafall Leviathan, along with heads of Houses of Gremory and Sitri, who sent me to tell you their decisions about the situation that has occurred here."
"Well, I don`t know about you, but I am personally throbbing out of curiosity." Corvus said a bit carefree, getting Sona and Rias look at him with glares. "So, what have they decided?"
"Both Great Devil Kings wished to tell me that they are greatly disappointed in both of you, especially in you, Lady Rias." From the tone of voice, it was clear that Grayfia herself was angry with Rias. "Your actions here have compromised not only the safety of Devils here, but also have caused innocent people to die, who were also your and Lady Sona`s clients. I hope that you realize just what kind of a violation you`ve caused and just how it could`ve compromised not just the safety of your clients, but also your own personal positions. Endangering your own clients for whatever reason is one of the worst things that you could`ve done."
"We haven`t directly endangered anyone, Grayfia." Rias decided to defend herself, but to no avail.
"You were appointed here as a governor and you knew well enough about a threat of Fallen Angels and Stray Exorcists, but instead of stopping them before they could do any damage, you`ve decided to make a dangerous gamble and caused civilians to die." Grayfia accusingly spoke, turning to nervous Issei. "My apologies for dragging you into the dealings of our society, Mr. Hyoudou. Great Devil Kings were relieved to know that you were saved, but they also apologize for all the trouble you`ve been put through."
"Oh, I… thanks, I guess." Issei was a bit nervous because of all that has been happening.
"Don`t be nervous, kid." Corvus spoke up, supporting Issei, turning to Grayfia. "Are there any news from Azazel about the ceasefire?"
"Yes, Great King Lucifer has been contacted directly by Azazel who informed him of resuming contact with the group and his decisions made on their behalf. He wished for you to meet with Fallen Angels tomorrow in their temporal HQ in Church to discuss the terms of a proposal Azazel has decided to make." Grayfia said, turning to Rias and Sona. "As for you two, you are to head in Underworld to meet your parents immediately. During your absence, Akeno and Tsubaki shall take care of your dealings while you attend to your meetings. Until this crisis has been fully resolved, Corvus shall remain in Kuoh until the situation here has been stabilized. That will be all." Grayfia ended, turning to Corvus. "Corvus, Great King Lucifer wished to have a word with you, if you have time."
Corvus simply nodded to that one and turned to Issei, taking out of his pocket something that looked like a car remote. After that, he handed to Issei and spoke up.
"Here, Issei." He handed it to Issei. "It`s my personal alarm. If something happens on your way home, press the red button and I`ll teleport right to you. It works even if a barrier is put on, so if you get into a tight situation, press the button and I`ll take care of business. And if it just so happens that I can answer the call… Well, you`ll get the chance of meeting some of my friends. They all got this thing as well, so at least one answers the call."
"Okay, but what is a possibility that you won`t come or that the thing won`t work at all?" Issei asked just in case.
"Well, it`s somewhere around 0.0034% or something." Corvus scratched his head, standing up near Grayfia. "Don`t sweat it, just go home and get some rest. You've had a crazy day. I`ll see you tomorrow." And with that said, Corvus and Grayfia teleported away through her magical circle.
Personal Residence of Sirzechs Lucifer. Underworld.
Within the next second, Corvinus and his mother reached their intended destination, which was the residence of Sirzechs Lucifer and his family, including his and Grayfia`s Peerages, Millicas Gremory and Corvinus with his Peerage, though it was a formality, as he had his own residence in Human World and they mostly resided there, visiting this place only when it was necessary or when they were called to. Along with them, Kunou and Yasaka also had their own personal chambers as well, for Kunou was soon going to be a member of Gremory family and Yasaka was her mother, making her also a nominal member of the family. But in reality formalities played little role in Sirzechs` family, because he and Grayfia viewed both Kunou and Yasaka as their family already for a very long time, ever since they`ve accepted Corvus` stay in Kyoto, which was, in reality caused by Kunou, who really didn`t wanted to let go of her first and only friend at the time, and Corvus was not very happy with leaving her. While Sirzechs and Grayfia were a little saddened by this development, they`ve figured that it would be for the best for Corvus, because in Underworld he was in danger, until the traitors were caught and dealt with accordingly. They were, however, relieved by the fact that Yasaka allowed Grayfia and Sirzechs visit their son whenever they wanted and wouldn`t oppose it, along with Shinto Gods.
This allowed parents of Corvus and Kunou bond quite significantly, especially Grayfia and Yasaka, who became practically the best friends with each other. Corvus was well aware that Yasaka was telling his mother all about his actions towards Kunou and how things were going between them. And that wasn`t even the half of it, considering the fact that just two minutes after Corvus has asked for Yasaka`s blessing to propose Kunou, Sirzechs and Grayfia literally teleported right in Kyoto to observe the proposal. Of course, Corvus did like a true man and gentleman, for someone had to keep things normal with their parents in anticipation and encouraging him to make a move and with heavily blushing from all this attention Kunou. At the very least, congratulation from both parties were genuine and things were as lively as ever in his family. As for the rest of Gremory household, it was pretty evident that the news weren`t greeted well, for Zeoticus and Venelana had hoped that Corvus` wife would be of noble birth from Devils, not a Youkai. There were even rumors that Zeoticus and Venelana were discussing a possibility of a new marriage contract between Gremory and Phenex, only now it involved the youngest child of Phenex, Ravel Phenex and Sirzechs` older son, Corvus. So far, those talks were nothing more but rumors, but who knows…
As the pair went through the hall towards Sirzechs` cabinet, Grayfia decided to ask something that has been on her mind for some time now.
"How are things between you and Kunou? Everything is alright, I hope?" Grayfia spoke in her caring and motherly tone, instead of her usual business one.
Corvus honestly tipped his hat up a bit and looked at his mother with a questioning eye.
"Yeah, everything is great." Corvus answered to her. "She was a little upset when dad decided to send me to Kuoh, but nothing heartbreaking. I mean, we were just planning on going on a vacation to my residence for a month, but now we had to post-pone it until I sort things out here."
"I am sorry for dragging you into it, Corvus." Grayfia honestly apologized. "I asked Sirzechs and Serafall to find a different option, but Serafall insisted on sending you to investigate everything. She believes that you are the best in solving practically every single problem there is."
"Nah, it`s alright." Corvus simply shrugged it all off. "Though, I wish I had acted sooner." Corvus was still sore about his decision to turn Issei into his own servant.
"Are you beating yourself over what happened to Issei Hyoudou?" Corvus nodded to that one. "Don`t blame yourself. If anything, you`ve most probably saved his life and his parents wouldn`t have to suffer a loss of their child. And if you are looking for those responsible for this whole situation, then blame Rias and Sona for their greed, for which they shall be punished."
"Thanks, mom." Corvus smiled a bit. "By the way, why did you ask how things were between me and Kunou? Doesn`t her mother call you on daily basis just to tell you all about it?"
"Well, a couple of days ago Yasaka told me that you and Yasaka have become fairly… quiet, during the evenings." Grayfia was trying to discrete about it as possible. "She was beginning to worry that you two may be… losing interest in each other."
It took everything from Corvus not to scream out right, as he finally got what it was that Grayfia referred to. He really wished that Yasaka has stopped to tell Grayfia about this part of his relations with Kunou. It was embarrassing enough that Yasaka heard their activities during the night and told them that she was proud of them being so enthusiastic, but now his mom and possibly even dad know about it as well. He silently cursed to himself and began answering.
"Everything is fine between us, mom." Corvus was getting a little red by now. "It`s just… I`ve simply installed a better soundproofing in our room, to avoid disturbing lady Yasaka`s rest."
"Really?" Grayfia was honestly surprised and relieved. "Well, that is good to hear, because she was starting to think that you two might not give us grandkids at all, which something that I myself found to be disturbing. You two do plan on having kids, do you?" Grayfia decided to put a little pressure, just in case.
"Mom..." Corvus looked at her with a bit of accusing look.
"It is a very natural thing for a mother to worry about her son and how are things between him and his future wife." Grayfia defended herself. "Now, what have you decided about the kids? And don`t even think about lying, young man."
"When did I ever lie to you, mom?" Corvus sighed in defeat. "Alright, fine. We`ve decided not to wait and are already at it, okay? If you want me to be completely honest with you, then we are just practicing because… Kunou will be in her first heat next week and we were planning to…"
Grayfia got what her son was saying and understood that everything was going as smooth as it could be. Accept for the fact that Sirzechs just basically pulled their son away from his future wife, when she will need him the most for the most urgent needs possible. Another reason for Grayfia to give a good earing to her husband.
"Well, let`s hope that you and Azazel will settle matters tomorrow for good." Grayfia quickly spoke, understandingly. "Though, I can`t help but admit that you are actually handling this much better than your father did."
"Really? I`ve always believed that you and dad were a perfect match to each other."
"Oh, I am not talking about love." Grayfia confused Corvus a little. "I mean that you are acting much better than your father did in our younger days. Back then, your dad was the most indecisive man when it came down to us, especially when he was trying to propose to me. He spent nearly a year building up courage and strength to say, even though I`ve practically directly said him my answer on his question a hundred times over, but he still was afraid just to ask about. You`ve handled it much better, with Kunou being the nervous one."
"Well, how could she not be, with you, dad and Yasaka, and then with Amaterasu practically holding your breath for this moment." Corvus recalled it all. "But seriously, waiting for the year? I can`t believe it."
"Oh trust me, son, I`ve made your father pay for every single day of waiting." Grayfia chuckled. "Treasure every moment you two have with each other and do not be afraid."
"We will, mom."
"And I`ll also be expecting a word of progress with your other ladies as well." Grayfia added, making Corvus growl in a bit of frustration.
While his dad was married only on his mother, it was because of ancient law, preventing the birth of too many heirs to the thrones of Satans. The same applied to the current Great Satans, although they were now chosen through voting and the supposed successors would have to also get rid of harems and choose only one lady as official wife and live solely with her. Corvus was a son of Sirzechs, but that didn`t immediately made him his successor on the throne of Lucifer and he was absolutely fine with it and wasn`t actually planning on succeeding his dad as a future Lucifer, with which Sirzechs was fine with. Especially considering that over 15 years Corvus not only built around himself a close group of friends and members of Peerage, but also, unintentionally, he gathered around himself beautiful ladies that had the same feelings as Kunou towards him and he himself wasn`t willing to let go of either of them. And so, the road toward being a Satan was close to him, but he was completely fine with it. Though, Ajuka and Serafall did say that given some time Corvus would be more than a worthy Great Devil King Lucifer. Well, Corvus wasn`t looking for this position and dismissed the idea. He was fine as he was.
As the pair approached the doors of Sirzechs` cabinet, they could hear that he was in a bit of an argument with someone. Grayfia and Corvus glanced at each other and simply decided to enter. And there they saw those with whom Sirzechs was arguing and, not surprising, those were actually his own parents, Zeoticus and Venelana. Corvus could already guess what topic they were discussing. As they`ve stepped in, Grayfia and Corvus didn`t voice their presence for now, interested in how talks were going .
"What you are asking of me? Simply to let it slide?" Sirzechs was talking to his parents. "You have to understand that there must be a punishment for Rias` action and the mistake she made, or the same thing may very well happen again."
"Sirzechs, we understand that this can`t be left unpunished." Zeoticus spoke. "What we are asking you is to let us handle this situation. There is no need to make this little blunder into a public scandal."
"What Rias has done is anything but a 'little blunder', father." Sirzechs was standing his ground. "Letting innocent people die just because of a possibility of acquiring a Sacred Gear user and allowing murderous Exorcists and Fallen Angels roam town freely is something that is unacceptable of a future heir to the noble house. And don`t even get me started on the fact that she lied Corvus directly in the eyes, a member of her own clan and an investigator who was acting in accordance with not just my orders, but also orders of Serafall."
"Son, it is a well-known fact that Corvus has some issues with respecting her and he might be exaggerating the facts by some margin." Venelana voiced her opinion, visibly angering Sirzechs by such thing, along with Grayfia as well. "I understand that it is hard for a parent to admit, but perhaps…"
"If you really do doubt my own words, then go and ask Sona with Tsubaki, they`ll confirm." Corvus made his way forward towards his father and grandparents. "And it is true that I don`t respect Rias, but that is only because and she and her Peerage have proven themselves not really worthy of respect, with this scheme they`ve been trying to pull off."
"Corvus, I am glad you`ve came." Sirzechs greeted his son with a smile. "My apologies for dragging you out of Kyoto."
"It is nothing, father." Corvus assured his father, turning to his grandparents. "Now, is there even a reason for you to question my words, I wonder?"
Zeoticus eyed his grandson, along with his wife. They loved their older son and his wife, along with their younger grandson, but with Corvus… things were always difficult with Corvinus for them. He was unlike any other High-Class young Devil, disrespecting traditions of respect towards the chosen Heir and living within the household and following the laws and orders that were set. Instead, he lived in Human World with his Peerage and was very rarely in Underworld at all, marking himself as a rebel and outcast of the society and family. And for some reason, he had a full trust of 4 Great Devil Kings and somehow has earned himself a reputation among the heads of other houses, which wasn`t exploitable by them, as it was made perfectly clear that Corvus was on his own and the rest of Gremory had very little to do with him. And then there were rumors of Corvinus killing previous Red Dragon Emperor… If that was the case, that a member of their family defeated one of the most legendary creatures ever exited and that it wasn`t Rias… Devils would be asking a very good question of why Corvinus wasn`t appointed as Heir and was actually deliberately removed from the line of succession, even if he didn`t have the Power of Destruction in his veins.
Zeoticus sighed and spoke up.
"Corvus, you have to understand that because of your antics, your word might be put in question." Zeoticus spoke, Sirzechs not liking where this was going to. "If you were acting accordingly to traditions, then there wouldn`t be even the slightest doubt in your words, but because of your association with Youkais and marrying one of them…"
"Her name is Kunou and I would appreciate if you showed respect to her and her mother." Corvus spoke in defense of his future wife and mother-in-law. "They are not just some Youkais, but rulers of Kyoto Factions and close friends to Shinto Gods, not to mention that I see them as my family. So I suggest you choose your next words with better care."
"Watch your words, boy." Venelana said with accusing tone. "Your disrespect to Rias is one thing, but to address your grandparents, much less head of your clan, is something that can`t be overlooked. And we have the right to say what we believe is right about your unhealthy infatuation with that fox you call your bride. And she can hardly be called your bride, for you haven`t actually asked for permission from us."
"He asked it from me, his father." Sirzechs spoke in now cold voice, having had enough. "And I`ve given him my blessing and I genuinely support them both. Corvus is right on all accords and I won`t stand for you doubting the words of my son and showing such disrespect to both him and Kunou. And if I am being completely honest with you, father, then I believe that making Rias an Heiress of the House just because of her possessing a Power of Destruction was a mistake."
That took both of them by shock, with Venelana voicing her frustration.
"Sirzechs, you can`t possibly…"
"Corvus possesses all the qualities needed in an Heir and a leader of House of Gremory and just because he doesn`t show off as most of young Devils do or participates in Rating Games." Sirzechs was adamant. "Just because he didn`t inherit the Power of Destruction doesn`t determine his true power and potential, nor does it make him inferior to Rias. If anything, he is even more of a Gremory then Rias, because he actually possesses the Power of Gremory, despite your claims. Now, if you have nothing new to say to me, get out of my office." Sirzechs released a small portion of his power for intimidation.
Zeoticus and Venelana understood that there shall be no compromise with their own son and so, they`ve decided to simply leave, through teleporting away. Sirzechs sighed from frustration and spoke up again.
"I swear, even after so many years, they still believe that I`ll just take their word on as if I`m still a little kid." Sirzechs rubbed his temples. "I am beginning to think that they still can`t understand that I am no longer their son and have a responsibility before all Devils. Handing over the punishment of Rias over to them would undermine my whole position as a Great Devil King."
"You don`t need to tell me that, dad." Corvus said sympathetically. "Favoritism is one thing that you can`t afford in this game. One of the reasons why I tried to get avoid asking for your help, along with not wanting to be an abuse to you and mom."
Sirzechs chuckled to it and looked at his smiling son.
"If anything, you`ve always made me and Grayfia proud, Corvus." Sirzechs smiled to him. "Though I will admit that I feel a little sad that you never allowed your old man flex his muscles and show off a little."
"If you had ever been allowed to do so, Sirzechs, then we would have to be explaining to the rest of the world where half of Asia with Japan is." Grayfia spoke up critically, getting a pout from her husband. "And yes, you`ve never been an abuse to us both, Corvus. If anything, we couldn`t have asked for a better son."
"Heh, just wait until Millicas grows up a little. That kid is going to overshadow me in no time." Corvus joked. "Anyway, you wanted talk, dad?"
"Well, first off, I wanted to ask you if things were going well with Kunou, because…"
"Everything is fine between them, dear. A new soundproofing of the room, that`s all." Grayfia quickly intervened, getting Corvus to sigh. "And we have nothing to worry about them, I am sure of it."
"Oh, that`s a relief." Sirzechs said with a cheesy smile. "Because Yasaka was practically on high alert already because of you two."
"I am well aware of the fact, I assure you." Corvus was glad that he was in the hat and it covered up his intense blush.
"And, aside from that one, there is also one more thing that I wanted to ask you about." Sirzechs spoke up once more. "After Azazel and I`ve reached a conclusion in our talks, he said that the group with which you`ve established a ceasefire were also holding a hostage, a former church nun, excommunicated for healing a Devil."
Corvus actually paid attention to that one last part, because it was something that he has heard a couple of times already, only it didn`t involve healing, but involved a Devil. A couple of his friends were telling him about it and Corvus took notice, because he wasn`t someone who liked Devils using humans senselessly for their own amusement. And after he and his Queen did a little digging, all the threads were actually leading to a certain somebody he knew: Diodora Astaroth, heir to Astaroth family and Ajuka`s little brother. If he were involved in that one too, then there could be a possibility of him also having a part in Fallen Angel`s plan.
Corvus spoke up.
"I`ve heard a couple rumors about nuns being kicked out because of a Devil." Corvus stated. "I`ve checked them out and it would seem that the Devil causing all of that is Diodora Astaroth, Ajuka`s little brother."
"Do you have any solid proof to it?" Sirzechs asked him.
"Nothing too valid, only rumors and a couple of indirect evidences." Corvus stated. "Plus, because he only corrupts them and not outright attacks or kidnaps them, there is nothing that can be done about him."
"Well, that nun possesses Twilight Healing and Azazel, as a sign of his apology, is going to give her fate to decide." Sirzechs stated. "I was wondering what you will do about it."
"I`ll look after the girl and help her out, but I am not planning on expanding my Peerage any further for now." Corvus explained. "I`ve got no desire to turn people into Devils without their full consent, as you know."
"Good enough for me, I simply wanted to you know about it." Sirzechs nodded. "Now, how about we all three go and…"
Suddenly, a loud alarm sound began ringing throughout the room and Corvus quickly took his phone up and checked. And it was just what he had feared.
"Damn." He cursed, creating a circle beneath him. "Sorry, dad, but next time. Looks like I`ve jinxed my new Pawn." And with that he was gone in a second, leaving his father and mother.
"Well, that was awkward." Sirzechs stated, looking at his wife, who, much to his fear and surprise, was holding a Harisen. "G-Grayfia, why are you holding it in your hands?"
"Dear Sirzechs, there is a certain issue I would like to address." Grayfia said in her more lighthearted tone, which was a signal for Sirzechs to start praying for forgiveness. "Now, about this assignment you`ve given to our son…"
Kuoh`s Park.
As Corvus teleported right into the same place where he saved Issei, he was immediately forced to draw out his Kuroitsuki and cut down a flying blue Light Spear, which he did right in a millisecond as it was about to him. Gremory always liked having this weapon with him, even if using it in combat meant that he couldn`t cast any magic because of its curse, not that he needed most of the times, because his reacting and speed were so high that during one of the sparring matches with his Knight, they`ve managed to create an empty space during the rainfall, which they`ve maintained for a minute straight, cutting out all rain drops with their swords. But right now, he was actually not looking back at his past, but a man wearing a fedora and a trench coat. And behind Corvus was Issei with the remote.
After looking around, Corvus spoke up.
"Okay, maybe I am having a déjà vu, but I think I`ve totally been in this place before." He said jokingly, looking back at Issei. "Say, Issei, are you having the same weird feeling as I do?"
And before Issei could answer, Corvus pushed him out of the way with his right arm and in midair, cut a flying revolver bullet, which was intended for his new Pawn. And after that, Corvus spoke again.
"Alright, now I know that I do have a déjà vu." And with that said, Corvus looked at the guy who was shooting. "Well, I`ll be damned. Isn`t that my favorite deranged serial asshole-Exorcist, Freed Sellzen."
"My, you do remember me. I am touched." He spoke in his usual tone. "And now I can kill you knowing that you know who`ve killed your shitty Devil ass!" He pointed a gun at him.
"Only after you wash your teeth and mouth, which won`t be happening." And with that, Corvus looked at a Fallen Angel in the fedora. "Okay, trench, there is only one guy who can wear a cool hat and make it look solid badass, and that`s me, so I suggest you tell me who you are and them ship you fedora ass out of here, before I send it somewhere in Africa, `cause folks there could really use some humanitarian help and you are just the right stuff to send to the cannibals only."
"Pardon me, I was hoping that I would get your attention, Bloodraven." Fallen Angel spoke. "My name is Dohnaseek and, as you may`ve already guessed, I am one of the local Fallen Angels, sent here by Azazel with a special task."
"Yeah, and I recall establishing a ceasefire with your boss, Raynare, right in this exact spot just a couple of hours ago. Heck, you are even standing in the exact spot where she stood." Corvus pointed out. "Damn, it really is a déjà vu. So anyway, care to elaborate what are you doing here, threatening this kid and getting my attention? Because the terms were that no side attacks the other, or the peace is off."
"Oh, those were the conditions you`ve managed to arrange with Raynare, but, unfortunately, me and my friends here aren`t exactly going to follow them." Dohnaseek snapped his fingers.
And out of the bushes and outside of barrier came a large group of stray Exorcists, surrounding the pair. Issei was a bit frightened, but was good enough not show it, summoning up his Sacred Gear. As for Corvus, he wasn`t exactly impressed. In fact, he actually wondered why the temperature in the air was dropping. Freed spoke up.
"Oh, look at that! Looks like the party is about to start and the main event is slicing the Devil bastard son of bitch right here!" He said, pointing a light sword at him.
"Now, unlike Kalawarner and Raynare, I am not frightened of your reputation, Bloodraven." Dohnaseek warned him. "And my colleagues here too and because you`ve became a nuisance to my master, you and this little boy will have to die have to die. Any last words?"
"Actually, I`ve got a question." Corvus stated. "Am I the only one who is feeling a bit cold right now?"
"Huh, actually it is a bit cold to..." Freed was suddenly cut off.
And the reason to that was a sudden blizzard that just came out of nowhere and was literally attacking the Exorcists and Fallen Angel, with sharp as spears icicles, frost spikes out of the ground and all out storming wind. Issei and Corvus stood still, as the blizzard wasn`t even touching them in the slightest. Then suddenly, a dozen of Exorcists that managed to escape the bombardment were struck down by an unknown attacker, who appeared only after the group fell a second after the strike. And then another group were getting slaughtered by two fast moving figures with blades, who were cutting down their foes with deadly precision, leaving no one alive. And once all the Exorcists were dealt with, the one that caused this entire blizzard revealed herself in form of young beautiful looking woman in her earliest 20s, with long blue hair and same alluring blue eyes with well endowed body, wearing a military style uniform for women and a rapier on the hip. The man that attacked the first group was also coming closer to the pair, wearing dark grin kimono with red belt and three sheaths on the hip. He had green hair and one eye closed with a scar, wearing a bandana and having one of his swords right in his mouth and the other two are in his arms. And lastly, the pair of last attackers was also closing the distance, now seen clear as day. They were two young looking girls in school-like attire and with katanas as their weapons, looking very much alike, akin to sister, but with several differences, for one of them had long black hair and red eyes, while the other, younger looking one, had short hair in twin tail fashion and black eyes. As the group closed in the distance, green-haired swordsman spoke, with muffed voice.
"Sorry for the intrusion, but there is no chance that we will allow you to even touch our boss." He said, positioning himself for the attack. "So, if you want to survive, then I suggest you surrender now."
"Unless, of course, you deliberately seek your own death." Blue-haired woman spoke, summoning more icicles and pointing them at Dohnaseek. "Then, in that case, feel free to try your luck."
And in the matter of a second, both raven-haired girls were right behind Dohnaseek, with their swords ready and waiting for his move, with no killing intent being leaked out, but they were clearly ready for killing.
Issei finally spoke up.
"Corvus, who are those guys?"
Corvus simply grinned.
"They are my family, Issei." He stated proudly. "My team, my comrades and family. My own Peerage members."
Corvus with a smile looked as his Knight Roronoa Zoro readied his three swords, 2 Pawns Akame and Kurome prepared their weapons and how his Queen Esdeath casted more ice, awaiting his command or Dohnaseek to make a move. Corvus grinned, looking at them.
"Good to see you, guys."
Phew, what a blast.
Okay, right out the bat. I find Pervert!Issei annoying and a bit overused already, so I`ve decided to make him into a decent guy for a change. Let`s face it, that`s for the best for all our sakes.
Now, here is the question for all of you, my dear readers: who was it that trained Corvinus in swordsmanship? Who is, in your opinion, can be named the best swordsman in the world? Let me know in Review section.
Also, I told you that I would reveal a member of Corvus` Peerage in this chapter. Well, I`ve decided to give right out the bat 4 of them! And, yes, Zoro is a Knight (cause he is a freaking best swordsman I`ve seen, after Mihawk), Kurome and Akame are Pawns (I`ve decided to take both of them, as they are sisters, but the reason why they are Pawn is because I have another character as a Knight and they have a role as diversionists and recon) and Esdeath as Queen (what other piece could that lady fit?)
Also Harem list: Kunou, Xenovia, Kuroka, Akame, Esdeath, Serafall.
Under consideration: Kalawarner, Ravel, Sona and Rosseweisse. Suggestions are always welcome.
With those 4 now revealed, who do you think is also in Corvus` Peerage?
Now, leave a review if you have a question, suggestion or want to comment.
Next time: Meeting with a team; Bloodraven in the Church; Kunou arrives…
After next time: Bloodraven and Phenex.