Chapter 6: Investigation beyond Kyoto. Ebbing patience.
(Opening 1: Sequentia - Asriel)
A few days have passed since Aristides and Kunou investigated the disappearances up at the northern section of Kyoto. He looked miserable as he still felt haunted by the bakeneko's last moments.
'I wasn't able to save her... I'm still conflicted, but my hatred of the devils has gotten worse.' He thought.
Kunou could see Aristides looking edgy. She was worried for his sake as he kept twitching with an urge to fight. He didn't had a soft smile, even if he looked at Kunou. All she saw from him was a grief stricken face.
'All of his pain came from those devils... The same ones who almost kidnapped me and killed Aristides-kun's mother... I can't stand it as he keeps staying like this because of them...' Kunou thought with some anger.
Yasaka appeared with Inari. The goddess looked solemn, seeing the demi-god's aura changed.
"I feared of what you told me is true, Yasaka... Aristides is suffering from PTSD and it seems it has been affecting him deeply." Inari said.
"The devils have caused a massacre up at the northern fringe of Kyoto. There were rogue members but were not strays. They seemed to belong to the old Satan Faction. This has caused untold damage to our faction and this cannot be overlooked." Yasaka said seriously.
"Indeed... The devils have pushed themselves too far. We gave them our territory of Kuoh to them. However, their greed knows no bounds." Inari said with a snarl.
Kunou felt shaken from the goddess's anger, especially from her mother. Aristides reflexively went to protect her, but he kept a neutral gaze.
"I'm really sorry for what has happened... No god among our factions can bring back beings from the dead. The people who died have now become one with the life stream within the leyline." Inari said.
"Life stream?" Aristides said with question.
"It's the stream of souls and energy that the Earth has. It's the reason why there are leylines across the world. The leyline here in Kyoto is no exception. To make it simple, the planet is alive thanks to the life stream." Inari explained.
Aristides had some questions of what he recently learned.
"The life stream... Is it the reason why magic exists?" He asked.
"Not quite. Magic is the result of using mental concentration with your supernatural energy. Using the leyline is similar to getting a big power boost, at a terrible cost." Inari said.
"Oh... Since a nine tailed fox can handle the influx of the leyline, their purpose is to make sure it is working properly without causing problems to the life stream." Aristides understood.
"In any case, I have another mission for you and Kunou. However, this may be a long term one." Inari announced.
"Go on." Aristides insisted.
"Alright... We had a few members from the Kyoto faction in Kuoh for a few years. However, they mysteriously lost contact with us for months. We don't know what happened, but we feared the worst. I need you two to go and investigate the town and find any leads to what happened to them." Inari ordered.
"Okay then. Question is, how will we disguise ourselves for this mission? We don't have a house to stay in the town." Aristides questioned.
"Not to worry. We found a vacant spot and purchased the land from the humans. The place will act as your safe house. Now, for your disguise, this will be tricky for you. You need to attend Kuoh Academy, which is a high school that recently turned co-ed." Inari stated.
"How did you know about the area?" Aristides asked in surprise.
"A goddess has her secrets..." Inari winked to Aristides.
Aristides looked away, feeling shy from the flirting action of the goddess. Kunou poured as she held on to the demi-god, biting his left arm.
"Ow! I'm not a chew toy, Kunou-chan..." Aristides said, nursing the bite mark.
Inari giggled, seeing their interaction before turning serious.
"In any case, there's a reason why this is tricky. The school and town is in devil territory. Watch yourself out there, you two. Just make sure you don't stand out too much." Inari warned.
Aristides had an angered expression, but reluctantly took the mission. Inari noticed his expression change bitterly and felt pitiful for him. She decided to bequeath him a new weapon.
"Take this, Aristides. You'll need it to fight off whoever killed the members of the Kyoto faction. I suspect the foe may be supernatural." Inari said.
The goddess presented a sphere that was the size of a human palm. The sphere gave off a bright white color.
"This sphere... It feels like something is lurking inside." Aristides said.
"That's a summon materia. Materia is crystallized life stream energy otherwise called mako. Materia acts as a catalyst for humans or anyone with no magic talent to use magic. For deities, or any supernatural race that have aptitudes with magic, it enhances their abilities. This particular materia summons a being whose power of Holy has no equal. Channel your magic into it so you can summon it." Inari said.
The materia floated to Aristides's hands. He then placed it inside a bag that was given to him by Inari. With a new weapon provided, Aristides felt his spirit restored. Kunou got close to the demi-god, who now had a positive aura to her. Inari also went to Kunou.
"I also have something special for you, Kunou. Since you have shown your ability to use senjutsu in the form of fire, I have this sword specifically for you." Inari told to the young nine tailed fox.
The goddess provided a special sword to Kunou. The blade was large, appearing to be a nodachi. It's over 3 shaku in length and gives off a red orange glow. Heat was emanating from the blade as though fire was burning in it.
"This is the Kashagiri Hiromitsu. It's a youkai sword made from the remnants of a kasha. The kasha's spirit within the blade determines who is worthy so be ready the moment you touch the tsuka." Inari said.
Yasaka was reluctant, along with Aristides, upon hearing the goddess talk about the blade. They decided to stay put and watch. Kunou touched the hilt and felt the kasha enter her mind. She could feel the youki inside her body.
{You... You who dare touch the blade that contains my essence... You're a kyuubi no kitsune, are you not?} The spirit said.
"Yes. I'm Kunou, daughter of a nine tailed fox. I wish for your help to protect the person I care for." Kunou said to the spirit.
{I can read your mind, young maiden. Plus, I know that your mother is a tenko, a rare variety of kitsune. You have her blood flowing in your veins. However, your desire to protect your mate is also present. Is this what you need of me?} The spirit called out.
"Please, kasha spirit. I request your aid to help me fight alongside him. I don't want to watch him suffer as he fights to protect me. I wish to fight and protect the people I care for." Kunou begged.
{Your response proves your worth. My power is now yours to command through this sword. You may speak with me through the blade at any time you wish.} The spirit proclaimed.
Kunou held the sword before it disappeared on her hand. A small mark appeared on the middle fingers of her hands. It then faded in a few seconds.
"It seems the sword chose you as the current wielder, Kunou. This is indeed a development for you." Inari said with a smile.
Aristides couldn't help but smile in response. He now had someone who can fight alongside him.
"Kunou, please come back here in one piece when you two are done. Let us know for anything." Yasaka said with a motherly tone.
"I know, kaa-san. I'll be able to send a letter to let you know that I'm doing okay." Kunou said.
Yasaka smiled in response. She then looked at Aristides.
"Take care of my daughter, Aristides. Also, I expect a couple of kids if you two are feeling romantic." Yasaka said teasingly.
Both Aristides and Kunou's face turned like a tomato. Reflexively, Kunou was fidgeting, thinking about her mate.
"W-we're too young to suddenly have kids! I'm not ready in being a father yet!" Aristides said, embarrassed.
Inari and Yasaka giggled in response. They could see how flustered the teens looked.
"In any case, if you're ready, you can set out to your safe house in Kuoh. I've also taken the liberty to help provide you with the school uniforms." Inari said.
"Thanks, but I'm still not willing to be in devil territory. I've killed plenty of devils, especially as a kid. If I ended up encountering a devil, there's no question I would act hostile." Aristides said with disdain.
"I know. That's why Kunou will be with you to help control your grudge against them. If they do threaten her, you have permission to strike back." Yasaka said.
"We need a map of the town though. It won't make the mission easy for us if we don't know the layout of the place." Aristides mentioned.
"Not to worry. That bag I gave you along with the summon materia has a map of Kuoh. Also, you have a train ticket needed for your way to Kuoh. The train station is nearby. You can't miss it." Yasaka said.
"Thanks, Yasaka-sama and Inari-sama. We'll be heading off." Aristides said.
"Mou, I told you Aristides-kun that you can call me 'kaa-chan'. Don't worry about calling me like you're my son." Yasaka pouted.
######
Kunou and Aristides were waiting at the train station. Aristides was wearing blue jeans with black-red sneakers, a white t-shirt and a necklace with a fox design. Kunou still wore her shrine maiden kimono, but it was more conservative. The demi-god looked at the spherical materia he had in the bag.
'It feels as though someone's memories are being flooded in my mind... Is this what happens when one is exposed to the life stream? It seems rather stressful to handle. No wonder a kyuubi no kitsune can handle this.' Aristides thought with wonder.
He then looked at Kunou, specifically, her hands.
'The sword she was gifted does have some kind of strange aura... According to Inari, it's from a kasha, which is a fire based youkai... I'd say the goddess has answered my mental concern for Kunou. I'll have to thank her later on.' Aristides continued.
Minutes has passed and the train arrived. Kunou and Aristides got on the train.
######
The ride to Kuoh was quiet. Aristides merely looked outside the windows, lost in thought.
'I'm going to miss being here in Kyoto. This place is my home, where I lived peacefully, despite the devils coming here. Will I be able to handle being near devils, the same beings who have caused so much trouble?' He thought.
Aristides knew he would have to face his inner demons. However, his grudge only grew as the ride got close to the town of Kuoh. Kunou could feel his divine power leaking from his body. She placed her hand on his shoulder in response. His aura started calming down in response.
"I know it will be difficult for you, Aristides-kun, but we have to find out what happened here. These are our fellow youkai that we care for." Kunou said.
This made Aristides recall the incident from the north. A sudden flashback occurred, showing him the bakeneko, who was gravely injured. The memory suddenly showed the same youkai, only more distorted.
"Why didn't you save me!?" The distorted bakeneko screamed.
Aristides shook his head, trying to rid the sudden hallucination. Kunou noticed and could feel his aura showing turmoil.
'He must have gotten lost within his memories again... Aristides-kun, it hurts to see you go through this torture...' Kunou thought.
The train ride had no other passengers, despite it being dusk. This gave Aristides time to look at the white materia. It gave off a warm glow as he held the sphere of crystallized life stream energy. It also came with a sudden knowledge of its use.
'The materia...! It's teaching me how to use it. Could it be that the life stream of Earth is trying to help me?' Aristides thought with surprise.
Kunou noticed the white materia glowing on Aristides's palm. The radiant light felt peaceful to her, but she was equally surprised.
'I can feel the materia passing me knowledge on how to use it... It's also doing the same to Aristides-kun. Inari-sama was right about him.' Kunou thought.
######
-Flashback-
Kunou was with Inari. She was curious of why the goddess was looking at her.
"Kunou, what I will tell you must be kept at secret from Aristides for some time. Please hear me out." Inari said.
"What is it that needs to be kept secret from Aristides-kun?" Kunou asked.
"He plays a role unlike any I've seen through his spirit. If I have to follow Amaterasu, Aristides will be fated to protect Kyoto. He will become a protective god of Kyoto, protecting the people from any harm. I'm not certain when this prophecy will be fulfilled, but it is certain it will happen. However, there is a test." Inari said.
Kunou was now surprised of what she learned. Hearing that her mate will embrace his divine power to protect her home made her smile. She was curious of what the goddess was about to say.
"What test will he have to take?" She asked.
"It's to test whether the life stream accepts him. The only way to know is through the use of materia. If the materia reacts and provides its knowledge from the life stream to him and it spreads to others, he is indeed the prophesied one." Inari said.
"What is materia, Inari?" Kunou asked.
"Materia is essentially crystallized magic energy. This energy comes from the leyline within Kyoto. Ask your mother of her duty, who keeps the leyline in check." Inari answered.
-Flashback end-
######
The train arrived at Kuoh. It was currently night. Kunou and Aristides could feel the demonic aura around the town. It felt uncomfortable for them as the aura felt putrid.
'This aura is awful... It practically feels as though I'm within a devil's den.' Aristides thought with disgust.
'The territory of the devils... I never liked the idea of going into one. It feels awful.' Kunou thought.
Aristides brought out a slip of paper, containing the address to the safe house. He was able to ask the people who lived in the town for the location. Thankfully, they were all human.
"I found a way to the safe house, Kunou-chan. Good thing I know a shortcut." Aristides said.
Kunou then held Aristides close, fusing herself to his body. The now kitsune Aristides leaped at the rooftops, making his way to the safe house.
"It should be near from this area. According to Inari, it's near Kuoh Academy. The address shows it's roughly two city blocks away." Kunou's voice called out.
Aristides nodded. He kept hopping across the rooftops with silent efficiency. On the way, he noticed a particular building that looked like similar to a university. He noticed the name plate at the entrance.
"'Kuoh Academy'... We're on the right track." Aristides said, before jumping away from the area.
Two blocks ahead, Aristides found the safe house. It was a two story sized house that looked renewed. It kept its Japanese charm, but it was mainly built with rocks and cement.
"This is our safe house...? Wow." Kunou's voice said in surprise.
"It looks really nice. I can also feel something akin to a barrier surrounding it. This is perfect for us to hide in." Aristides agreed.
Aristides walked in the property, holding a key for the front door. He opened the door and went inside. Upon entering, Aristides's body started glowing before separating himself from Kunou.
"Looks like we don't need to remain fused here... Let's get ourselves settled in before we act as transfer students in the school." Kunou said.
Aristides was dreadfully upset. He didn't like crawling in the middle of the devil territory. Kunou knew he would snap if a devil were to suddenly come up to him.
"Aristides-kun, we'll worry about the devils later. Right now, we need to find the killer of our people who lived here." Kunou told to Aristides.
"Sorry, it still brings a bitter taste in my mouth if I'm within their home turf. Let's make sure we don't get their attention, Kunou-chan. I don't want to deal with them in any way." Aristides retorted.
Kunou held his shoulder, hugging him from behind. Aristides felt calm, but blushed red as he felt Kunou's chest press on his back.
'Thank you, Kunou... I'm just high strung after dealing with repeated cases of devils attacking us.' He thought.
######
The next day, Aristides was wearing a white t-shirt underneath a short sleeve white dress shirt. He was wearing a blazer that was black with white highlights. There was a white ribbon at the collar. He also wore black dress shoes.
"I like this uniform... It does fit well to me." Aristides complimented.
Kunou also changed her outfit. Instead of her usual mojo outfit, she was wearing a short sleeve white, buttoned-down shirt, a white ribbon at the shirt collar with a small white shoulder cape. She had a black corset on with a magenta skirt with white accents and frills. She was wearing white crew length socks and black shoes. Overall, her appearance was beautiful in Aristides's eyes.
"Wow..." He said, speechless.
Kunou smiled with a seductive expression. She went to Aristides and hugged him close.
"You like what you see?" Kunou asked.
"More like I'm looking at a princess." Aristides replied.
This has the effect of making Kunou blush in response. The two teens left their safe house and made their way to the school.
######
Several students were walking by till they noticed Kunou and Aristides. Kunou managed to hide her tails and ears, making her look human in appearance. Aristides was wearing an eyepatch on his left eye to hide his heterochromia eye.
"Wow... Who are they?" A girl asked.
"They must be transfer students, but I never seen such beautiful hair from both of them." Another girl said.
"Those two might be a couple. That girl looks really cute." A boy said.
Aristides and Kunou ignored the commentary from the passing students. They wanted nothing more than to head in to the school.
'So much for keeping our cover...' Aristides comically thought.
Near the walkway to the main school building, there was a smaller building. From it, a girl was shown watching the crowd. She was wearing the female school uniform of the academy, but she also had a buxom figure.
"Akeno, do you sense that?" The girl asked to another.
Akeno was a girl with a buxom figure. She had long black hair tied in a long ponytail with an orange ribbon. The length of her ponytail reached at her ankles.
"Ara ara... Thinking about recruiting our fellow newcomers, Buchou?" Akeno asked.
"I don't know what I'm sensing, but I can feel their power, albeit very faintly." The girl with red hair said.
######
After talking with the Principal, Kunou and Aristides were at Class 2-B. They were waiting outside for the teacher to call them.
"You two can come in now." The male teacher called out.
They both walked inside. Upon being seen from their new classmates, they were surprised of their sudden response. The classmates were in awe upon seeing them.
"Please introduce yourselves." The male teacher said.
"I'm Miyamoto Aristides. It's a pleasure to meet you." Aristides introduced.
"My name is Imari Kunou. Pleased to meet you." Kunou followed.
Several classmates began to request answers for their curiosity of the two teens.
"Where do you two lived before coming here?" A male student asked.
"We used to live in Kyoto." Kunou responded.
"Kyoto!? You two lived there!?" The male student responded, exacerbated.
"Yes. We know of the history from it so there's no need to feel surprised about it." Aristides responded.
"Miyamoto-san, your given name doesn't sound Japanese. Are you half?" A female student asked.
"Other than my name, my hair color and eyes also gave it away. Yes, I'm half Japanese and half Greek." Aristides responded.
The girls were equally shocked of what they heard. A Japanese person with Greek blood in his veins was within their sight. They all cried out in excitement and giggled.
"Um, Miyamoto-san... Why are you wearing an eyepatch on your left eye?" Another girl asked.
Aristides placed his left palm on the latch. He was reluctant to show his heterochromia eye. He decided to leave it.
"Let's just say that this eye has its problems that can never be fixed." Aristides responded.
The students understood his message and wisely decided not to pressure him. Before more questions were asked, two boys suddenly asked in a rude manner.
"Miyamoto, are you and Imari-san dating?" The first boy asked.
Aristides had a look at the boy. He was wearing the male school uniform but he appeared bald headed. Aristides didn't like the person who asked the question.
"I won't divulge in much information, but yes. Don't even try to do anything perverted with my girlfriend." Aristides said, showing a cringe inducing smirk.
The bald headed boy nodded in response, not wanting to anger the demi-god. The other boy, who was with the bald one, had glasses. He too didn't want to mess with Aristides.
"That's enough, you two! Miyamoto, Imari. You two can take the two seats that are empty at the right back." The teacher said.
######
Several hours have passed. It was currently lunch time. Aristides and Kunou had to leave the classroom and reached the ground atrium. Since the current season was spring, they had some time to look at the cherry blossoms that fluttered in the air.
'I truly wish this place wasn't in devil territory... It would have been much better than right now.' Aristides thought.
The two teens had their bentos prepared to eat. It was a wide assortment of croquettes and rice balls mixed with sashimi. They began eating peacefully as the wind blew. Before they could take a single bite, Aristides suddenly stood up, sensing someone watching them.
'Someone is watching us... This is not good...' He thought.
From the bushes, there was a petite girl. She had silver white hair with gold hazel eyes. There was a hair clip with a cat motif on her left. She had several loose bangs, including two long ones at her sides, making her hairstyle into a bob cut. She knew Aristides sensed her and was surprised of his ability.
'Buchou might want to hear this...' The girl thought.
Aristides looked carefully through his surroundings. He didn't like what he was sensing, causing him to frown in response. Kunou noticed the presence nearby and was also looking around.
"Someone was here watching us..." Aristides said, sitting near Kunou.
"I know, but they've hidden their aura well. I have a feeling whoever that was, they may be able to use senjutsu." Kunou whispered.
Aristides nodded in response. He kept his guard up, but resumed eating his lunch. Kunou followed along, eating hers as well. It was a quiet time for them to get used to in Kuoh.
######
Classes have ended for the day. Aristides and Kunou were about to leave the premises of the school.
"Let's go have a look around town, Kunou-chan. We could find something to do." Aristides said.
Kunou agreed in response. She knew he wanted to find any clues of the disappearing members of the Kyoto faction. Before they could leave, a girl suddenly came into their view.
"Um... Are you Miyamoto Aristides?" The girl asked.
Aristides and Kunou were surprised to see how bold the girl was. He knew it was an act as he could sense the girl's aura.
'This is not a devil, but I can sense something similar to tainted light. Could she be a fallen angel?' He thought.
Aristides, deciding to find answers, nodded. The girl then asked another question.
"Are you dating someone?" She continued.
Aristides had to take a mental spit. The girl in front of him was about to ask him out for a date. He couldn't believe what she was implying.
"I'm already going out with someone. If I were to cheat on her, I would lop off my head if that were to happen." He said.
Kunou smiled from his response. The girl made a dejected expression, but she was inwardly fuming.
'Damn it...! I can't ask him out so I can kill him...! I have to find another way to do so!' The girl thought sadistically.
Aristides and Kunou left, away from the fallen angel's presence.
######
Nearby from the school entrance, the petite girl was watching the events.
'I need to report to Buchou immediately...' She thought.
The girl went inside an old school building that looked Victorian. Inside, the red haired girl was sipping tea.
"Anything on our transfer students, Koneko?" The red hair girl asked.
"It's just as you thought. He already brought the attention of the fallen angels. I can also sense something from the girl that's with him." The girl named Koneko said.
"That concludes everything I need to know about them... We will try to recruit them tomorrow." The red haired girl said.
"Buchou, you do realize that would threaten us in going to war with the fallen angels..." Akeno said.
"I know... However, we can use their killing attempt as an excuse to recruit them. Since that boy dissuaded that fallen angel, this might prove difficult." The red haired girl responded.
"Buchou, be careful with the boy though. I can sense something else from him." Koneko warned.
"Thanks for the warning, Koneko. I need to recruit them for I must deal with him..." The red hair girl said with a suppressed snarl.
######
Aristides and Kunou were walking in Kuoh, taking a look across the town. It made them think of Kyoto for a moment.
"I miss our home already..." Aristides said, feeling homesick.
"Me too..." Kunou agreed.
"We just need to stay here for a bit before going back home. It may take days or weeks, but we have to endure it." Aristides said.
The two teens then stumbled upon a gift shop. Aristides went inside the place to purchase a gift, leaving Kunou outside. Kunou was curious as to what he was doing. When he came out, he was holding a small bag.
"What did you buy in there, Aristides-kun?" Kunou asked.
Aristides chuckled in response, which made Kunou tilt her head in response.
"You'll see when we get home." He said.
######
The two teens went to a nearby park. The sun was setting, giving the sky a bright, orange color. The air was warm as the evening sun shone across the horizon.
"It's nice to be here, Aristides-kun." Kunou said, leaning on his chest.
Aristides looked at Kunou, who also looked back at him. Both were lost in their thoughts as they kept staring at each other. Their faces got close, but a sudden sensation interrupted them. A barrier was suddenly invoked, blocking off any would-be trespassers.
"Who's there!?" Aristides shouted with anger.
The demi-god looked around, trying to pinpoint where the enemy is. He closed his eyes and began sensing a different aura near him. Aristides felt a sudden feeling to move. He quickly moved his head down, narrowly avoiding a light spear to the head.
"Oh my... You're quite the fast one to dodge my light spear. No matter, just get this over with and die already." A female voice called out.
Aristides turned and noticed the same girl he and Kunou met earlier. She had a revealing outfit that gave her the impression of a sadist. Her wings looked like that of an angel's but they were black. Her eyes were a purple color, while her hair was a darker shade of said color. He gave a scowl in response.
"You're that girl I met with Kunou earlier... I can see that you're a fallen angel... Why are you hunting me down?" Aristides questioned, dodging the light spears.
"Why should it matter to you since you're both about to die? I may as well answer. You two are a threat to my boss and he wishes to eliminate you." The fallen angel replied.
"Petulant fool... Do you truly believe that you stand a chance against me!?" Aristides bellowed, unleashing his divine power.
The fallen angel stumbled on to the ground. She couldn't believe what she was feeling. The godly aura in front of her was suffocating.
"Tell me your name, fallen one." Aristides said with authority.
"R-Raynare..." The fallen angel replied.
"Raynare... Consider this a warning. I don't have any qualms of killing you. However, since you're not my enemy in the first place, I'll let you live." The demi-god stated.
"W-who is your enemy then?" Raynare questioned.
"Devils... I despise them for everything they've done." Aristides snarled.
Raynare was surprised to hear Aristides spat the term with such discontent. She knew not to go and mess around with him.
"Now that you know, I may want to contact your leader of your faction. I want to discuss with your leader about what he or she ordered you to do." Aristides said.
Raynare looked mortified but she was willing to answer.
"I can lead you all to the Grigori. Just follow me so I can show you the way." She said honestly.
"How will I know that this a trap you intend to lure us to?" Aristides questioned.
"I'm directing you to our leader. Since you also possess unimaginable strength, I won't even survive fighting you." Raynare reassured.
Aristides relented, but he kept his guard up. Kunou stayed close to him, channeling a thin layer of touki to act as a shield.
Ending 1: (Gundam Seed Destiny OST - Kimi wa Boku ni Niteiru)
Note: I'm using some elements of FFVII and some parts of 11eyes. Let's just say that it may go well in the DxD universe.
Shaku is a real life, archaic Japanese term for measurement of length. It's about 11.93 inches or roughly one foot.