Kuoh Academy. Occult Research Club.
Akeno put a teacup before Sona and Rias, before taking her place at Rias` side. It was an often occurrence for the two Heiresses to sit down and have a chat, play chess or discuss their dealings with humans. However, now was a bit of different situation on their hands, as Rias had called this meeting with Sona as to discuss the new information that Vergil had managed to get from a captured Fallen Angel that had killed him, Yuuma Amano. It was something that Rias had not expected to get her hands on, that is for certain, but Vergil has managed to surprise her, and even more when injured and beaten Fallen Angel not just talked, but practically spilled her guts to the Heiress of House of Gremory, her Queen and Vergil. She had quite a lot to tell, and all of this Rias was sharing with Sona, who sipped her tea and thought about it all in her mind, before she put down a teacup and spoke up.
"So, it seems we`ve failed to fully evaluate our initial situation, Rias." Sona summarized to her friend. "If what your captured Fallen Angels says is true, we are facing against 5 Fallen Angels, a small army of Stray Exorcists, and all are led by a 6-winged Fallen Angel named Talia. What do we even know about her?"
"From what Grayfia reported, Talia is a survivor and veteran of Great War, also having fallen soon after Azazel and the rest of Cadre. Suspected of murdering more than 2 dozens of Devils of various standing, including an Heir to House of Belphegor in the past. Aside from that, she is also classified as a user of Holy Fire and is deemed extremely dangerous." Rias spoke up, with Akeno nodding to it. "She and the rest of Fallen Angels were sent here by Azazel to originally simply observe all the humans with Sacred Gears and suspected of possessing such, nothing more. But, later on, they`ve received new orders of starting to eliminate them or try to abduct their Sacred Gears. Two of the Fallen Angels, Raynare and Kalawarner, have found those new orders to be false and not true, so they`ve deserted Talia and other two. I personally also find it odd that Azazel would order such a thing to be done. It`s just my thought, but I think someone had sent them false orders, or Talia is taking charge of things on her own."
"Yes, that seems to be the case here." Sona agreed. "Do we know who their targets are?" Rias nodded to this one.
"Yes, and there are those that we`ve suspected of having Sacred Gears and not." Rias said to Sona. "Issei Hyoudou, Saji Genshirou, Vergil and his sister, Lucina, and even their mother, Marina." Sona looked surprised at the last two. "Yuuma doesn`t know the details, but she said that the entire family of Grayson are Sacred Gear users, with Marina possessing an activated one for a long time. It would seem like Vergil has quite a few secrets that he wouldn`t like to reveal to us just yet…"
"Not surprising, given his past dealings with Devils and his knowledge of our kind." Sona defended Vergil`s position, surprising Rias and Akeno at that one. "By the way, when were you going to tell me of the fact that Vergil is your new Servant and that he is an Angel of all things?" Sona asked of Rias seriously, feeling slightly betrayed and not happy with the fact that Rias intentionally avoided mentioning Vergil as her Servant throughout this entire time.
"How did you find out about it, Sona?" Rias asked of her, curious, Akeno too being interested in this one.
"Yesterday, when we were celebrating Tsubaki`s birthday, he responded to the summoning I`ve used. Had hope that Kiba or you would help with birthday cake, but it was Vergil who appeared and told me about it." Sona said truthfully to him, with Rias and Akeno exchanging surprised glances. "By the way, if I ever need some kind of domestic help, I`ll know whom to call upon."
"Didn`t know he was good with it." Akeno spoke up with a small smile. "And did the birthday go well? Also, I`ve been meaning to ask, where is Tsubaki? I`ve seen her in the class and she seemed practically on cloud nine, didn`t even pay much attention to the class. It`s not like her, to practically daydream… and cast such loving glances at Vergil… Oh my, who would`ve thought that our Student Council Vice-President would be interested in the former Captain of Kendo Club." Akeno giggled a little at that one, with Rias widening her eyes slightly at this one.
"Wait… Vergil and Tsubaki are…" Rias sounded a bit shocked and… insulted, to Sona`s ear, who sipped her tea and answered for her.
"Yes, they are to have a date in a few hours near the mall, if my memory serves me well." Sona said with tiny little bit of smugness in her voice present, watching how Rias` face displayed clear shock and a feeling insult. "I have to say that I am happy for Tsubaki, as she has had feelings for Vergil for quite a while, but never could muster the courage to ask him out. I personally also suspected that Vergil had feelings for Tsubaki, but I didn`t know for sure until yesterday… Is something the matter, Rias? You seem quite a bit distraught for some reason."
"Distraught? One of my adorable Servants is going out with your Queen and he didn`t see fit to mention this to me." Rias replied in an irritated voice. "Would you not feel distraught if something like that were to happen?" Akeno and Sona both casted a curious look at Rias.
"You sound like it is a bad thing, Rias. What is wrong for Vergil and Tsubaki to have private, personal time together? I do not prohibit members of my group from going out on dates with people they like." Sona countered.
"Your Servants are one thing, Sona, but mine are a completely different case." Rias said harshly. "Now, if you are quite done, I still have matters to deal with."
"Hm, as you wish, Rias. If you do not mind, I`ll be handling Saji Genshirou personally. Seeing how you`ve already gotten your hands on Vergil and have sights on Hyoudou, it would only be fair, wouldn`t you agree?" Sona asked of her, before she simply disappeared from the room via teleportation circle.
"Rias, do not take it the wrong way, but I think you are reacting a bit too aggressively to this." Rias casted a small glare to Akeno. "What is wrong with Vergil to have private life of his own? He may`ve not completely opened up to us, but it is no reason to react to such news like this."
"And how would you have me react to this? My newest Servant is going out on a date with Queen of my rival. Do you find it to be normal?" Rias asked of her, before humming angrily. "And what is there so interesting about Tsubaki, anyway? She is a bookworm and uptight practically like Sona and would much rather read those romance novels then go out with someone. Vergil could`ve found someone better to ask out on a date…"
"Someone like you, you mean?" Akeno asked her King in a teasing manner, watching how a clear blush appeared on Rias` face. "My, now I see why you`ve really asked me and Kiba to be thorough with Vergil…"
"Akeno, i-it`s not what it seems like…" Rias tried to defend herself, but Akeno simply giggled at that one.
"Really, it isn`t? You`ve practically exploded when Sona told you about Vergil and Tsubaki going out tonight, and she saw it too." Akeno noted out. "Hm, now that I think about it, I seem to recall a couple of moments when you`ve looked at our Angel for a tad bit longer then usually, and your look was quite… sensual. Deny it all you want, Rias, but there is no convincing me of the otherwise, and you know it."
"Ugh… Alright fine, yes, I do like Vergil." Rias admitted with a healthy blush. "And how can I not? Handsome, kind, caring to family and friends, nothing like the upstart Devils or most of the students here. Hell, compared to Riser, Vergil literally is an Angel in all regards… And he is going out tonight with Tsubaki of all people. What is so interesting about her, anyway? I could give her a run for her money in looks and personality any day, and yet still, she somehow managed to get Vergil for a date…"
"You know, perhaps Vergil could really have feelings for Tsubaki. Everyone has their tastes, you know." Akeno noted out. "Rias, while I do wish you the best of all, I think you shouldn`t react so… extreme to this. Let Vergil have his time with Tsubaki, and after he does that, try and make more attempts to close the gap between the two of you. Let him see who you really are and become important for him, not as a Master."
"Hm… Okay, I`ll do that, Akeno, but I still…" Rias wasn`t able to finish up her sentence, as she and Akeno suddenly saw how before them appeared a green magical circle, bearing a personalized magical crest upon it.
In the next second, before Rias and Akeno appeared a young looking man, with short, reaching to the middle of his neck, dark green and black hair, mixed in together, possessing golden eyes and sharp, yet elegant features of face, and pointy, elven ears. He was dressed in a black long coat, with green features and golden ornate patterns, made in a style of wines and trees, with a shirt of green color and golden pattern, black pants and boots, coupled with golden colored wrist and shoulder armor plates, protecting the wearer. This was someone whom Rias and Akeno had met a couple of times, and who was quite famous, or rather infamous, among Devils of Underworld, for he was one of the few that completely denied his right of owning a Peerage, completely disregarded practically all traditions of Devils, along with his duties of an Heir to House of Astaroth.
Even more so, it was a great rarity to find him in Underworld, as most of his time he would be found in Kingdom of Elves, on an island of Tir na Lia, where his mother presided and lived, ruling Elves as one of the High Warlocks, their magical and political leader. And Gallian Astaroth, son of Ajuka Beelzebub and his contracted Sorceress, Elyssa Highmoon, had chosen instead of his Devil`s heritage to follow his mother`s path, as well as persue his own purposes, known only to him and none others, as he was mostly a mystery to most people. What was known, however, of him is the fact of his genius level of intellect, immense magical power and his logical and cold calculus way of thinking. Rias and Akeno gulped a little, as Gallian spoke up in a collected, cold and fully focused way.
"Rias Gremory, Akeno Himejima, my apologies for a sudden intrusion." Gallian addressed them.
"Oh, no worries, Gallian." Rias smiled to him, along with Akeno. "Is there something we could help you with? Forgive my curiosity, but it is a rare sight, to see a man with your kind of reputation appearing before an Heiress of a Noble Devil House, no offence."
"Understandable, I am very much aware of my reputation amongst 72 Pillars and Devils in general. It is a logical decision to be curious of my intentions of being here." Gallian commented in emotionless way. "I am here to inform you, a governor of this area, that I shall be residing in this town for an undetermined amount of time. I can assure you that my presence here will be most discreet and will not interfere with your affairs and life in any way, as well as with life of Sona Sitri and her Peerage. My personal request is that you do not interfere with my personal business in this area."
"I see." Rias nodded to this one, thinking this over. "I am sorry, Gallian, but, while it is well known that you do not tend to cause any sorts of trouble, I need to know just what kind of personal business has brought you here?"
Gallian was silent for a second, clearly thinking over all of it, before speaking up.
"Very well, I shall inform you." Gallian agreed. "It has come to my attention that a personal friend of mine has become a target of Fallen Angels, which reside somewhere in this area as well. My goal is to prevent any form of physical and psychological harm to done upon my friend and his family. I do not intend to seek out the Fallen Angels, as this is under jurisdiction, but if I, my friend or his family members are threatened or harmed by them, I will use whatever means and resources I possess to eliminate them. Until such event happens, I will maintain discretion. Does that satisfy your curiosity?"
"Almost. I would like to know, who is this friend you are speaking of, exactly?" Rias asked of Gallian. "Because a week and a half ago, a student of this Academy has been attacked by Fallen Angels and killed, but I`ve managed to reincarnate him as my Servant. However, there were some… unexpected factors and he ended up being turned into an Angel and is currently working with me."
"What is the name of your new Servant, Rias?" Gallian asked of her.
"Vergil Grayson, a third-year student and my classmate." Rias answered to him, seeing how Gallian`s face twitched just a tiny little bit. "Is he your friend?"
"Correct, he is." Gallian confirmed, with both Rias and Akeno looking shocked at this development.
"I… I did not know that he was friends of son of our current Beelzebub. He mentioned that he has met Devils in his hometown, but he didn`t state that he was friends with any of them." Akeno commented.
"Those are the details either of you do not need to know, or are they important enough at moment." Gallian commented with a bit of steel in his voice. "I do not find the fact of Vergil being turned into your Servant pleasant to hear, Rias. However, considering the fact of him being attacked at the time and lack of any sufficient alternatives to saving my friend`s life, which I suspect was the case, you have my gratitude for saving his life. Now, I expect that you and your Peerage will not be getting in my way while I am here. And I do hope, that you will refrain from mentioning of my staying here to your brother, and subsequently, to my father, though it is an unlikely and illogical course of action." Gallian spoke up, as if he was examining something like a scientist or a detective.
"I… I will not interfere with you stay here, that I can assure you of." Rias promised to Gallian, who nodded to this one, as he already casted up his magical circle. "By the way, while you are here, would like to see Sona? She is the Student Council in this Academy, and I think she would be pleasantly surprised to see you here, Gallian."
"Unlikely and illogical, Rias." Gallian answered to her. "Sona and I are not friends, barely acquaintances, share little to no interests or have any intentions of finding out more about each other. Paying her a visit would be a waste of time, effort, and words, along with possibly being interpreted wrongly by her."
"Still, you do have a history between the two of you, as you were engaged once." Rias reminded to Gallian, who wasn`t even fazed by it.
"Matter of the past, long resolved and forgotten." Gallian responded. "It is pointless to bring it up again to Sona, especially considering that we both have no interest in each other. Also, for the record, it was an arranged marriage contract, made by the Heads of our respective Houses, much like the one you currently are in, Rias. Now, if that is all, I shall be on way." Gallian said, before teleporting away from Old School Building.
"Well… He certainly leaves quite an impression." Akeno commented. "Still, he and Vergil are friends? I find it quite hard to imagine, for an out-going and emotionally expressive Vergil to be friends with someone so… stiff and calculating."
"You and me both, Akeno." Rias said to her, nodding. "However, that does tell us something. It seems like Vergil has quite a few secrets that he hides from us. And the fact of his sister also possessing a Sacred Gear, and his mother… We better find out what else he has hidden away from us."
Kuoh Town. Near the main mall.
Vergil looked down at his watch, seeing that it was still 15 minutes early before the set time for his and Tsubaki`s date. While this hasn`t been his first date, or a tenth, he still couldn`t help but being a little bit nervous, given the fact that it was Tsubaki, one of the most gorgeous and beautiful girls he had known. Vergil has cleaned himself up completely and nicely, wearing for this occasion light blue jacket, blue shirt and pants with shoes, discarding his less colorful black and white. His mom and Lucina were very quick to point that out and deduce what was the matter with Vergil. Lucina let out a couple of snarky remarks, but nothing too offensive or bad, instead wishing her brother good luck, along with their mother, who smiled and gave her son some additional cash for this one, even though he had saved up a bit.
Vergil looked around for a bit, until he saw a familiar looking girl moving towards him. In her he recognized Tsubaki, though it took some time for Vergil to process, seeing how she was dressed in a white everyday dress, which elegantly and charmingly showed Tsubaki`s waist, curves and legs, while she also had a small purse with her. It was the first time Vergil had seen Tsubaki dressed in such a manner and if anything, it was truly a beautiful sight to see. Tsubaki closed up the gap, smiling to Vergil, with a bit of a blush, before speaking up.
"Hello, Vergil, I hope you didn`t have to wait too long for me." She said to him with a smile, while Grayson`s brain rebooted.
"Um, n-no, no you didn`t. I… I came here early and…" Vergil was practically blabbering with a nervous chuckle, while Tsubaki let out an amused chuckle. "Heh, sorry, Tsubaki. It`s just… You look so… beautiful, that I literally find myself at a loss words and can`t really put mind together." He saw a healthy blush on Tsubaki`s face.
"Th-thank you, Vergil. You too, look quite… dashing yourself." She complimented him, with Vergil looking at himself.
"Really? I usually prefer black and white, so I`m not too used to other coloring." Vergil noted out.
"No, it really does suit you." Tsubaki commented. "So… Do you have any plans for our… date?" She asked of him, with a bit of a blush.
"Actually, I`ve kinda learned that dates and planning don`t really work out with me, sorry." Vergil said truthfully, as he lead Tsubaki into the mall. "So, I`m thinking, why don`t we just be ourselves and roll with whatever strikes your fancy?"
"My fancy?" Tsubaki asked him a bit curiously, with Vergil smiling to her and kissing her hand charmingly, before he spoke.
"Indeed, milady. Today, I am at your service." Vergil said to her charmingly, as Tsubaki smiled to him and the two headed out into the mall, to have the time of their life.
Three and half hours later.
What seemed like a few short, yet bright and happiest moments, Vergil and Tsubaki spent together, having fun and relaxing. It was initially a little bit embarrassing for both of them and tense, but the easiness soon settled in with them both, as Tsubaki let go of her stress and Vergil gone into his good old goofy self soon enough. And once it happened, the two had a time of their life, starting with the bookshop, where Tsubaki had wanted to go and see if there any new good books for her to read, with Vergil following her. Student Counsil Vice President half expected that Vergil wouldn`t be so interested in romances and dramatic novels, along with detectives, but she was proven wrong, when she found herself engaged in a heated discussion some of her favorite books and sharing their interests, with both finding out that they actually enjoy and love Agatha Christie's Poirot. Vergil noted out that the BBC`s adaptation is the one with which he is practically in love with, and Tsubaki couldn`t help but agree with him.
After that, and buying a couple of detectives and romances, Vergil and Tsubaki soon found themselves before cinema, with a new light hearted romantic comedy going there. Without too much thinking around, Vergil bought him and Tsubaki the tickets and they went there, though Vergil did refrain from buying the seats in the last row. The film was enjoyable, funny, but also lighthearted and had a good tone to it, as well as a romantic line. Both Vergil and Tsubaki were soon influenced by it, as their hands soon connected, much to the surprise of the both when they discovered it with a blush, but they didn`t disconnect it and stayed like that for the rest of the film. And after the movie, they were moving out of the cinema together, catching somewhat envious looks from similar couples, causing Tsubaki to blush up a little bit, but not disconnect. Following their exit from the movie, they went to the café, where they ordered their treats and eaten, chatting up along the way, with smiles and laughs.
And now, after an eventful day, the pair had exited from the building and were moving along the road, as the sun was beginning to set in. Tsubaki and Vergil looked at the setting sun with smiles, with Tsubaki smiling up and speaking.
"Ah, a shame we can`t watch it from somewhere with a better view…" She said a bit dreamily, with Vergil picking this one up and getting an idea.
"Tsubaki…" He drew his date`s attention, smiling to her, as he offered her his hand. "Do you trust me?" Tsubaki blinked a couple of times, before nodding, while Vergil spoke up. "Then close your eyes and don`t open them up until I say you can, okay?"
Tsubaki nodded to him, closing her eyes and waiting for whatever Vergil had planned to happen. And Grayson, without wasting much of a time, opened up a magical portal and teleported them both away from the place, leaving without a trace. In a next second, the two were standing in a completely different area, filled with flowers and grass, smooth hills and plains adoring the land. They were currently in a completely different side of the world, where it was just beginning to dawn, as the sun was starting to show up and it`s rays come to light, as the cool breeze felt upon the skins of the young couple, causing Tsubaki to shiver up a little. Vergil saw it immediately and put over her shoulders his jacket, warming her up before speaking up.
"Now, open your eyes." And Tsubaki opened them, finding herself in what essentially seemed like dream come true, as the sun started to rise, flowers bloomed around them and wind danced on the plains and small hills.
"Where… Where are we?" She looked in awe at all this beauty, with Vergil answering to her.
"We are in the US right now. I`m sorry, but I didn`t know any great spots to watch a sunset." Vergil admitted to her, before moving in closer and taking her hand. "But I knew of this place and how beautiful dawns are here and I thought that instead of watching a setting of something good, why not see a break of something beautiful instead. I know it sounds silly and…"
"No, it isn`t silly." Tsubaki smiled to Vergil, as she and him sat on the cool grass and watched the dawn break. "I think… I too would like that… To see a beginning of something so beautiful." Tsubaki shivered out of the cold breeze.
Vergil saw it and moved in closer, hugging her and sharing his warmth with her, while also spreading to Tsubaki his wings and covering her away from the cold. Tsubaki blushed up a bit, but she didn`t move away or release herself. No, instead, she simply allowed him to hold her like this, and she felt her heart start pounding faster and harder, while also bathing in the warmth she felt. Vergil`s angelic wings felt warm, soft and they were beautiful. She didn`t believe Sona when she told Tsubaki of Vergil`s real predicament, and even when he confirmed it, she still doubted it. But, to see and feel it now, it`s warmth and softness… Tsubaki voluntarily allowed herself to move even closer to Vergil, hugging him too, before looking in the eyes. Vergil looked in Tsubaki`s eyes, almost drowning in her golden gaze, and with his mind sensing her soft, pure and warm feelings, the Empath moved his head closer to Sona`s Queen, until their heads connected softly, with both closing their eyes at the feeling. And then, this feeling was further intensified when Vergil moved his hand to Tsubaki`s back, while his lips found hers, connecting them in a kiss. Tsubaki`s hand caressed Vergil`s cheek, as she mellowed down in the kiss, warmth and softness. It was nothing like she imagined it would be. No, it was nothing like she could even dream of.
No, it was better. Much better and incomparable to anything. Their kiss wasn`t passionate, nor demanding, but soft, sensitive, light and pure. It was symbol of their connection, their first step upon a road that neither knew where it would take them, but they both wished to walk upon it. Eventually, they broke their kiss, with Tsubaki looking dreamily in Vergil`s eyes, a small smile upon his face. The two turned back to facing the dawn together, staying connected and not letting each other go, no matter what, as Tsubaki laid her head softly upon Vergil`s shoulder, with both of them knowing, that after now, they wouldn`t want to return to how things were before today. And nor would they ever do so.
Two hours later. Kuoh Town.
Gently, without any mistakes or hurry, white winged Angel landed on to the ground, carrying Tsubaki in his arms, putting her gently upon the soil and releasing her. Tsubaki stepped upon the ground and looked at Vergil, who was smiling to her, and she answered with her own smile to him, before she spoke up.
"You know, I`ve imagined a hundred different variants of how our date would go." Tsubaki admitted to Vergil. "I was nervous and tense, because it was my first date ever and I thought I would mess it up or something else… But I never would`ve imagined that this would be so…" Tsubaki was at loss of word, until Vergil came up to her and gave her a quick kiss on the lips which she accepted, and almost groaned when the two parted.
"Yeah, I feel the same way too, Tsubaki." Vergil said to her lovingly.
"Good, because I would`ve been offended if you didn`t." She joked a little, causing Vergil to laugh up slightly. "This was the best day of my life, Vergil. Thank you. And… I would like for us to… continue having these kinds of days and…" Even after all that had happened, Tsubaki was still feeling a little indecisive and scared, but Vergil calmed her down, when he took her hand into his.
"Tsubaki, I know that it`s a bit too late to ask, but… Would you be my girlfriend?" Vergil asked officially, with Tsubaki blushing up even more, before nodding and answering him.
"Yes… I would love to." She answered to him, as the two connected with their lips for one more time, before separating. "I should probably get going. Sona must be going crazy without me out of worrying."
"Would you like me to walk you home?" Vergil suggested her, with Tsubaki chuckled, as she pointed at the house at just the end of the road, which was actually where Sona and Tsubaki lived.
"No, I think I can walk the 25 feet from here." Tsubaki jested to him, as they`ve separated. "So, any ideas when we can have a new date, or… How does that work anyway?"
"Well, I am no expert, but I think it goes along the line of me secretly passing you flowers on your work desk, sneaking up on you in the corners to spend time with you, beating up every single guy that even tries to have a look at you…" Vergil continued to recite in joking manner, with Tsubaki shaking her head in response, but with no ill. "… And with the priceless and beautiful moments like these with you, Tsubaki. So, see you tomorrow?"
"Yes, see you tomorrow." Tsubaki smiled to him, as she went on her way towards home, while Vergil just followed her with his gaze to all the way, until he was rudely interrupted by a magical circle appearing at his ear, forcing him to answer.
"Okay, this is better be an end of the world level of importance, `cause if it`s not, then I`m gonna be really frustrated, Red." Vergil spoke up to Rias on the other end of the communication circle.
"I take it your little 'date' with Tsubaki has went okay." Rias said, in a clearly irritated voice, which somehow didn`t surprise Vergil one bit. "Would you mind explaining to me, why I, your King and a girl that has revived you, did not know of the fact that you, my Servant and a boy who I`ve revived, decided to go out on a date with Tsubaki, a Queen to not your King and not a girl that saved you?"
"I don`t know, maybe because I have that little thing called "right of private life?" Vergil replied sarcastically to Rias. "Also, what`s with the sudden interest in my personal affairs and that tone of yours? If I didn`t know any better, I would`ve thought that you were jealous." Vergil could clearly hear some grumbling on the other end of the comm circle.
"Don`t sound ridiculous, Vergil. We`ll talk about this later. Right now, I would like to know, how in the world do you know Gallian Astaroth?" Rias asked him a very sudden question, making Vergil raise his eyebrow up at that one. "And before you ask, he appeared before me and Akeno today, wishing to stay in Kuoh and defend a certain specific friend of his, who, after some questions, turned out to be you. Care to elaborate?"
"So, good ol` Gallian is in town and he is here to protect me? Ah, reminds me of the good old times…" Vergil said in his usual manner. "And as for how the two of us know one another… It was a logical conclusion of series of specific illogical events happening." Vergil could clearly hear a growl on the end of the comm circle this time. "But in all seriousness, Red, he and I know each other since he went into Boston`s MIT and lived in Lexington for a while, so I`ve crossed paths with him more than enough times. I`ve known him since I was 8 years old and he helped me a lot, from school to being a brother-like figure, even a father figure of sorts back in the day… Heck, he even saved my life three times while there, two times from Strays and another one after that time I found that jerk molesting a nun, the one I told you about, remember? He saved my ass back then, and if it wasn`t for his Elven magic, I wouldn`t have made it to the hospital bed. I owe him a lot, and if there is a Devil I respect the most, that would be him. You don`t even come close to one tenth of his worth in my book." Vergil said with full seriousness to Rias. "Now, anything else you want to ask me about or what?"
"Just one more thing: Yuuma`s information was true." Rias informed Vergil. "Issei Hyoudou was attacked by Talia, who managed to get him on a date with her, and tried to kill him during it. Akeno and I responded with haste, soon after your friend had left us. Hyoudou is alive and mostly unharmed, but we had to tell him who we are and the whole deal about it. And… In order to keep him safe, I`ve had to make a decision and I`ve made him into my new Servant, my Pawn."
"You know, even though he may possess that Boosted Gear or whatever, I would`ve honestly preferred him being dead." Vergil replied halfheartedly and half-seriously. "And here I thought I might actually end up liking you, but nope…"
"Vergil, please, it can`t be all that bad…" Rias tried to reason with him, while he simply shrugged it off.
"Eh, whatever. I`ve had the best day of my life so far and I do not want to spoil the mood, so I won`t argue with you on this one, Red." Vergil replied to her. "Anyway, I`ll be on my way home. Knowing Gallian, by now he would`ve already found out where I live already. Time to meet an old friend of mine. Talk to you later." Vergil disconnected from Rias and was about to begin walking towards his home, until…
"You know, Vergil, most of the sentient beings are known for their illogical and impulsive actions. You, on the other hand, seem to have a completely different and unique trait: finding new and impossible to calculate ways to make your life dangerous and with high-risk of short ending, as well as emotionally stressful for you, your family and your friends." Out of the shadows, stepped out Gallian Astaroth, with a slightly amused smile on his lips. "By all accounts, I should`ve simply allowed you to carry your life on your own, let the natural process of evolution and selection do its part with you, but it would seem you have a way of making me do illogical things, my friend." Gallian extended his hand to Vergil, who took it an shook it.
"Yeah, yeah, I missed you too, Gallian." Vergil replied with a bit an amused smile. "By the way, didn`t sense you out there. Managed to find a way of countering my empathy?"
"Correction: always have known a way to do so, saw no need or worth of using it until now." Gallian replied to Vergil. "Did not want to interrupt your moment with Tsubaki Shinra, would`ve been rude, illogical and unethical, in case of my people`s culture. Still, have to admit, did not expect to find you being attracted to Tsubaki Shinra of all people…Curious decision."
"You know, that sounded quite like you know her from somewhere, Gallian." Vergil noted to him, with Gallian nodding to him.
"Familiar? Yes, but not closely acquainted , do not know full personality, analysis is purely based on limited knowledge and rumors." Gallian admitted to Vergil. "Aware of the fact that she is a Queen of Sona Sitri, my former fiancée, have a disciplined mind, but not as rigid as Sona`s. Beyond that, only pure hypothesis."
"Wait, wait, you and Sona were engaged?!" Vergil asked him, utterly shocked and flabbergast, with Gallian nodding to that one as well. "Should I be worried about it?"
"No, the matter was long resolved through a Chess Game between the two of us. I allowed her to claim victory and break the engagement, since marrying her, despite being a logical and positive thing for House of Astaroth, would`ve been a disastrous event for my plans, an insurmountable waste of valuable time, a negatively built on relation with no solid foundation upon it and an illogical over all thing to do for me." Gallian assured Vergil, seeing how he relaxed a little at hearing it. "Hm… Interesting reaction on the information regarding me and Sona, while you are also physically attracted to Tsubaki Shinra. Contradictive, if I were to say, illogical, hm… Apparently, you are physically attracted to both Sona and Tsubaki at the same time. Curious…"
"Always could read me like an open book, couldn`t you, Gallian?" Vergil sighed. "Also, the way you speak about it? Makes me feel like I am some kind of animal, trying to get a mate or something…"
"When all additionally developed social rituals and procedures are put aside, then you get the basic need for mating and passing on your DNA at its core. A fundamental and essential part of any organic life, no matter how you put it." Gallian countered, with Vergil sighing at this one too. "Nothing to be surprised here with, Vergil. It is a natural thing to be emotionally and physically attracted to several members of opposite gender, despite how morally questionable that may seem from your point of you."
"Gee, real thanks there, Mordin Solus." Vergil said in a bit of mocking voice. "Would you also give me pointers on the intercourse with them too?"
"No, I will refrain from that, as well as from singing Gilbert and Sullivan." Gallian responded. "I believe I have told you about the fact that polygamy is a natural thing for most of the major Supernatural races, given the fact of low birthrates and a completely different moral ethics, when compared to human race. And, given the fact of your biological change, as well as a change in your DNA structure, it would be a logical thing for your psychological profile to change, as well as for your moral views to adapt to new circumstances. Considering the facts, I would say that you have all the chances of pursuing them both, without suffering from severe consequences in the long run, safe for occasional jealousy fits and usual for such situations fights for male`s attention in bed."
"Doesn`t make it all very easy for me, Gallian." Vergil argued to him. "Look, I`ve heard and remember you telling me about this whole harem things, but goddammit, I can`t simply accept it all! Heck, call it my inadequate human morality or something, but I simply can`t wrap my head fully around it and go with it… For me, it`s always been like this: you have someone special, you hold on to her and stay true only to her. But when I moved here and found myself getting attracted to both Sona and Tsubaki, I just couldn`t decide what the bloody hell I needed to do. If I were to date one of them, I would be mentally betraying another, because of my feelings. Had tried to move away from them with someone else, only made things even worse for me and her… Dammit, this all bloody complicated."
"Blame the social evolution of sentient races and humanity`s system of ethics and morals, since those are your main nerve wreckers." Gallian said to him, gaining a small glare from Vergil. "We sentient being are a mystery even to ourselves, never capable of simplifying things to their basics. One of the reasons why I find Supernatural animalistic races and Dragons to be more favorable, especially in a relationship department. Simple, pure, no need of wasting time, effort in most case and do not hold back with feelings and passion, as well as compassion. No need to lie, cheat or half-truths amongst each other or with chosen mates on regular basis, only at an emergency. Fascinating…"
"Always one for simplification of things and logic, aren`t you, Gallian?" Vergil asked of him
"Prefer simplicity of nature and it`s purity, compared to complications and unnecessary additions of various societies, races and groups as of whole." Gallian noted. "And most certainly prefer to break situations and subjects down into adjustable parts then to further complicate things and leading them to the point of an eventual disastrous breakdown at the apex of its forced evolution, like Devils prefer to do. Ironic, sentient beings would most often say that they wish things were simpler, but in reality, they subconsciously tend to make them more complex and harder to adjust to than they need to be. An oxymoron of nature, if there ever was one. Devils are one such kind that does it better than others."
"And that is coming from a Devil himself." Vergil noted out. "Though, with your looks, you always do look more like an Elf than a Devil."
"Personal advice from a friend, Vergil: do not trust Rias completely. She is a Devil, and while she may be of the House of Gremory, who statistically possess a better relations with their Servants, the "Master-Servant" relation always remains in whatever interactions and work you may have with her, until you rid of what binds you to her." Gallian said to him, with Vergil nodding to it. "And besides that, Rias also pursues personal interests, which tend to take a higher priority over the needs of her individual Servants and even her duties at some points, if my personal experience with Devils is any indication of it."
"Yeah, I know that already, Gallian." Vergil said to him. "Unfortunately, as long as there is a crystal that powers up my heart and binds me to Rias, I`ll have to continue working with her on the line you`ve just described to me."
"That is actually something I might be able to assist you with." Gallian suddenly said to Vergil, getting a reaction of surprise from young blond. "However, would require for us to continue this conversation in a more private and secure place, preferably with a multilayered magical barrier and silencing fields to prevent any information leakage. Your mother`s workplace would be adequate for this task, also would require Marina`s magical expertise and specific resources for this this one."
"Hold on, I know you are like a genius and all, but… Really, you can actually get me rid of the leash on my neck?" Vergil asked him half whispering, with Gallian responding to him in his more serious manner.
"Vergil, I would like to remind you, that when it comes down to people I care about, I tend to get… illogically persistent and stubborn." Gallian said to him. "Along with that, have personal issues with the core concept of the Evil Pieces, especially considering their entire programming. Not sure that whatever happened to you wouldn`t lead to bad accidents happing to you in the future. Possible outcomes and consequences… Problematic. And as for getting rid of the crystal inside of you and leaving you intact, I haven`t spent the last 25 years of my life for nothing and most of main efforts have been diverted to counteracting my father`s hideous work."
"Still got issues with your dad?" Vergil asked him, with Gallian nodding to this one.
"After finding out just what those Pieces do and have installed in them, it was only logical that someone were to create a counteragent for his… solution." Gallian practically spat that last word out of his mouth. "We can stand here all night and listen to my rumblings, or we can go now to your home and get started. I would prefer that we`ve gotten started as soon as possible."
"Right, me too. While Rias is nice and all, I would prefer to be the master of my fate and life. Plus a prospect of being basically a slave for the next century doesn`t look all that nice and promising." Vergil grumbled, as he and Gallian began to walk towards Vergil`s home.
"Correction: you would be stuck as Rias` Servant for over 210 years, in the most promising scenarios. Even if you were to reach a High-Class Devil status, there would still be a prolonged period of examination of you and deeming you worthy for a Peerage, during which you would still be stuck with Rias Gremory and House of Gremory. That is, if we were to not consider the fact of you being an Angel, instead of a Devil. This detil, however, is an anomaly, a mutation of sorts that makes your progression in the social ladder of Devils… Problematic." Gallian informed him as they`ve moved.
"Yeah, I`ve missed you, Gallian." Vergil said to him with a smile.
"Feeling is mutual, my dear friend." Gallian actually smiled to him for the first time during the entire evening.
Phew, one more done, dozens more in the future to go. A bit low on the action, but I hope you`ll find it enjoyable to you all. Also, yeah, Gallian Astaroth, son of Ajuka, brilliant scientist, went to MIT and is a pretty tight friend of Vergil. And he is a half-Elf, so here is that too. As for his personality… Based a bit from Mordin Solus from ME and inspirations from a few other sources.
Well, now you have it, folks, Tsubaki and Vergil are now a thing and it will remain that way. And we`ve also got Rias having hots for Vergil, which will be covered later on. Also, I would like to know your opinion about Lucina and her possible romantic interest, as I would like to focus a bit more on her in the future and not leave her hanging around. Just… no Issei (can`t stomach him) and Vergil (yeah, yeah, they are basically half Greeks and Greeks had incest, yada yada yada… Hell no I ain`t doing the incest between the two.)
Leave review, comment, question, suggestion for harem, future events and other stuff.
Next time: Tensions within the Peerage; Meeting a Holy Maiden and Angels.
See ya!