Here's the next chapter. Not sure on a couple scenes in this one but think overall it works well enough and hope you enjoy it and the bit of karma Rias will have to deal with now.
...
Rias sighed as she stepped out of the magic circle from seeing her last client for the evening, a bodybuilder dressing as a magical girl called Mil-tan. The crimson haired young woman wondered why most of her clients were weird in some way ranging from wanna-be chunnibyou to a stalker girl who bordered on being a Yandere and even had her deal with some pervert who wanted to take pictures of her in revealing cosplay outfits.
'Is these clients some sort of punishment for my wrongs or something.' Rias thought as she sat on one of the chairs opposite Sona's desk to see her [King] writing something down as she asked "What are you working on?"
"A proposal for my parents about making a deal with the [Bune Clan] for at least two training rooms to be set up at some point in the future." Sona answered before looking to Rias as she added, "Just imagine Rias, if I could have such a training room available for the Rating Game School I want to open. It would be invaluable in how much it could help us teach those children... battle strategies, teamwork and even showing recreations of other battles they can learn from. Such a room would even help you learn to better your [Power of Destruction] as it'd leave no lasting damage on your targets or opponents."
"Your right." Rias spoke with a sigh, surprised at the passionate gleam in Sona's eye as she had explained, as she added "That whole room was amazing, even though we only saw a little of it's capabilities."
...
Sitting in his office at Grigori, Azazel read over the last of the interrogations done with the team that had been sent to Kuoh Town to keep an eye on potentially dangerous [Sacred Gear] users.
'Raynare was so deluded into her grand scheme to get noticed by me, she didn't even thing about the change in orders about those two girls.' Azazel thought with a frown before he commented out loud, "And to come up with the plan to extract Asia Argento's [Twilight Healing] for her own use... That must mean someone is trying to cause war to occur or at least preparing for it."
'But who...?' The question rang inside of his mind as Azazel lent back in his chair and thought about it. Raynare's team could have started war depending on how much they acted against Kazuhiko or the Sitri heiress' peerages in the town. The whole team had been lucky to survive if not for Martina having contacted Barakiel on Kazuhiko's behalf to ask about the team's original orders.
The obvious culprit would be Kokabiel in Azazel's mind. The Cadre not having been satisfied about them exiting the Great War first when Azazel had seen more then enough bloodshed and had even inserted himself into [World War Two] on the side of the Nazis just to see more battle and that was also the most obvious of Kokabiel's involvement in the human wars as he had fought Vasco Strada, the strongest wielder of Durandal.
The annoying thing was that Azazel didn't even know where Kokabiel was at this moment in time as the war mongering Cadre had been only attending the leader meetings and had not been seen within any of the major Grigori institutes according to his own information network. The only thing the Governor of Grigori could be relatively sure upon was that trouble would be coming to Kuoh Town as it held the two younger siblings of the Maou and the winning of the [Tournament of Kings] who also happened to be in contact with Grigori through Martina and on friendly terms with them.
...
"I want to join Kazu-kun's peerage, Kaa-san, Tou-san." Isane blurted out after a few minutes pushing around her breakfast on the plate while trying to work out how to broach the topic with her parents. Isane looked up after a moment to see her mother smirking knowingly to her grumbled father.
"What?" Isane asked with a frown, looking between the pair before her father handed her mother a couple Yen bills as she realised "You were betting on if I would want to join his peerage?"
"When, not if." Her mother answered pleased as she accepted the bills, "We did meet Kazu-kun when you were younger as part of Rykeoss' project and while he helped you train."
"That young man has an empathy towards others that we knew would help him gather loyal individuals who he helps become powerful." Isane's father added with a grudging nod as he thought 'Plus the fact he's obviously the mate to those three dragons so he probably has gone through the ritual to become part Dragon as well.'
"We knew the chances were high when you refused the offer to get your own [Evil Pieces]." Isane's mother added with a knowing look, Isane nodding in agreement with what her father had said before blushing at her mother's comment as she thought over who was part of Kazuhiko's peerage before asking "So, its fine for me to join Kazu-kun's peerage?"
"Yes." The pair answered, Isane grinning pleased as she practically leapt over the table to hug them before her mother chimed in with a smirk "Just don't make us grandparents too soon."
"Kaa-san!" Isane blurted embarrassed, her face red and a faint trickle of blood threatening to spill from her nose at the thought of it.
...
The morning for Murayama and Katase saw the pair go through their usual training routine but with an extra addition, the usual consisted of a long run before being followed up by the pair practising the various strikes with weighted bokken. The addition to this routine came from them resting their bokken on a bench and spending an additional half an hour practising to draw on their [Sacred Gears] power and quick summon and dismiss the orb of light each held so they could call upon it when they needed. This last part was done under the watchful gaze of Samantha, who was also working on her [Rune Magic] once she had seen that they were safely manifesting their powers like they had been practising the previous evening.
"When do we start on molding our [Light Magic]?" Katase asked, once they had finished for the morning. Samantha offering them an understanding smile as she replied "You'll probably start after school today."
"I understand your frustration..." Samantha added after a few moments of silence as they walked back toward Katase's home, "Kazu-san wouldn't let me conjure a sharp blade until he knew I could wield it safely and its similar due to you needing to understand the dangers of your [Light Magic] and how to properly picture the form you want it to take."
"She has a point, Kat... We could hurt ourselves if we picture it wrong or get hurt if we can't draw on them to form quickly enough." Murayama pointed out, Katase grudgingly nodding as Samantha added "The hilts I made also rely on you being able to draw your [Light Magic] quickly so you can defend yourselves."
Samantha stopped suddenly at feeling a malicious intent directed at her. Her hand clenched to the point that it looked like she held an invisible blade as she turned to try and find the source of the feeling only to feel it disappear after a few seconds as whoever was the source had left.
"Is everything alright?" Murayama asked concerned, the greenette turning back to her and Katase to see they had both grabbed the hilts she had made as she offered a smile and replied "I-I think it was nothing."
'I should let Kazu-san know that there might be a rogue member around.' Samantha thought to herself as she ushered the pair towards their homes so they could get ready for school.
...
"So, there might have been a stray exorcist we missed." Kazuhiko muttered as he, Diana and Samantha walked a bit behind the rest of the group, so as to not worry Asia if she overheard them.
"What should we do?" Samantha asked, Diana and Kazuhiko sharing a look before the latter answered "We'll have to keep an eye out for them to see if they try and act although I imagine they'd try to leave if they had any sense."
"Well, most stray exorcists don't have any sense given how zealous they can be." Diana pointed out, getting nods from Samantha and Kazuhiko before she added "I'll pass on the message to Kaichou seeing as you've got a demonstration at lunch. Oh, I'll also ask to see if you can use the Old School Building for it."
"Demonstration?" Samantha asked curiously, Kazuhiko nodding as he replied "Ise says her parents are happy for her to join the peerage so I figured it would be worth showing Murayama-san and Katase-san what happens so they'll know what they are seeing if they run across something like that in the future."
Samantha nodded in understanding at hearing that as Kazuhiko thanked Diana for thinking about where he would reincarnate Isane.
...
"So, there's a chance that a stray Exorcist still around town." Sona mused as she regarded Diana who sat on the opposite side of her desk, getting a nod from the mature bodied ravenette who replied "We didn't do any sort of scan over the town when he acted on the Fallens' attack on Katase-san and Murayama-san. We had assumed they wouldn't want any exorcists potentially disrupting their plans and kept them at the church."
"That's a reasonable assumption." Sona spoke with a nod, "I'll keep my peerage on alert for such a thing."
"Thank you." Diana replied with a nod, "Oh, Kazu-sama wishes to use the Old School Building for a demonstration on how [Evil Pieces] work, now that Isane has decided to join our group."
"I'm fine with that. I'll alert Rias now to expect visitors seeing as she still uses the club as a front." Sona spoke with a nod as both formed a magic circle to communicate with their respective member.
Once she was done, Diana stood up and turned to leave only to stop as Sona spoke up "One last thing... Koneko voiced to me that she sensed something dragonic from Kazuhiko-san. I assumed it was part of his [Bune] heritage but..."
"You want to know if it is or not...?" Diana asked with a raised eyebrow, Sona adjusting her glasses as she nodded once. Diana paused as she wondered whether to answer the Sitri heiress or not before deciding that it wasn't very important information over all as she answered "Its not due to his [Bune] heritage but more due to his status as my, Rhiannon's and Hiromi's mate. Any mate to a partial or full Dragon usually goes through a small 'rite' which imbues a small portion of that dragon's power into the mate. This typically only is to ensure that the non-dragon will live as long as the dragon partner and gifts them some of their power for their own protection at a lower level compared to the dragon's strength."
Sona looked surprised and amazed at hearing what seemed like a open secret among the Dragons, wondering how much of Kazuhiko had gained as Diana answered "Kazu-sama didn't gain much as his own powers is rather strong already in the particular areas that we three gained from our dragon sides and he's roughly a sixth Dragon from the three rites being performed on him after each of us joined. Although the reason for it being done was to make us seem equals in some regard despite me being much like the 'first wife' overall."
"Why doesn't more Devils know about this?" Sona asked curiously, Diana resting a hand on her hip and giving her a 'are you stupid' look as she answered "My Tou-sama decided it was best for us to hide this fact because of your Elders. What would they think if they learnt that some of the heads of the Pillars weren't pure devils any longer because they had Dragons in their harems who had performed the rite on their partner."
Sona grimaced at the thought and realisation that came with Diana's question. She knew it would cause a lot of trouble due to several Lords or Ladies being revealed as not 'pure' anymore and make those who insisted on the pure Pillars Devils ruling try and grab more power or push away those dragons who had came to the Underworld with Tannin, when he became Mephisto Pheles' [Queen].
"What about dragonic [Sacred Gears] though?" Sona asked as she thought of Saji, Diana relaxing as she answered "From what I've been told its a different matter as its more akin to a deal made between the Dragon within and the host. Depending on the relationship between them the deal can seem minor or important and in these cases the rite is much the same although depending on what the Dragons wants to do they can focus it on the part of the user's body offered to alter it alone as proof or use the subtle variant that mates perform."
"Thank you for answering that for me. It's been illuminating, Diana-san." Sona spoke with a thankful nod, Diana nodding as she turned to leave but not before adding "I only tell you this because that [Pawn] of your will probably learn about the rite, if Vritra is ever reformed."
...
Murayama and Katase shared a curious look as they followed Isane towards the Old School Building during lunch as the Dhampir explained "Kazu-kun figured you'd like to at least see how [Evil Pieces] work given that I'm going to join his peerage."
"Is it going to be okay for him to turn you during lunch?" Murayama asked concerned, Isane smiling back at them as she replied "I'm already half Devil so all it'll do is bind me to Kazu-kun's peerage and grant me a bit of a boost in power along with allowing me to use [Promotion]."
"What's [Promotion]?" Katase asked with a frown, Isane realising that hadn't been covered the previous evening as they entered the Old School Building. She lead the pair upstairs towards where the Occult Research Club was located as she explained "[Promotion] is the special ability that [Pawns] have. It allows them to gain the powers of another piece when within somewhere that's recognised as enemy territory or at their [King's] approval."
"What powers do the other [Pieces] have?" Murayama asked curiously before Isane answered "[Rooks] have incredible strength and defence, making them like tanks in terms of gaming. [Knights] are the opposite and focus on speed and typically wield some sort of weapon to fight. [Bishops] gained enhanced reserves of magic and an easier time casting it and the [Queen] gets a lesser form of the powers of all three: [Rook], [Knight] and [Bishop], and often is recognised as the strongest member."
Isane paused in front of the door only long enough to knock on it and announce her, Katase and Murayama's presence before they entered. The two kendoists taking several moments to look around the decorated room before their gaze came to land on where Kazuhiko and Rias were sitting opposite each other with Lucile and Daphne either side of the former and Akeno at the latter's side while an awkward atmosphere in the air before the brunet spoke "Glad that you both decided to come watch this."
"It's alright. We figured seeing this would be interesting to see. Plus we finally get to see inside the infamous [Occult Research Club's] room." Katase admitted with a sheepish shrug as Kazuhiko stood up and signalled them to move towards the spacious part of the room.
"Fair enough." Kazuhiko replied with a nod, signalling to the ground as he added "Ise-san, if you'll lie down, I can start."
Isane nodded as she lay down on the ground, Kazuhiko using his magic to form a blue-purple magic circle around her as he explained "This circle is to help fuel the reincarnation ritual and is more needed for those who have recently been deceased but I'm using it now just to be a precaution."
Pulling out a blue-purple [Pawn], Kazuhiko showed it to the pair before Rias spoke surprised "A [Mutation Piece]?"
"As Rias has pointed out this is a [Mutation Pawn], meaning that its value is more then just a normal version. As such, this piece could reincarnate someone stronger where otherwise I might have to use multiple regular ones. Also, Lucile, Samantha, Rhiannon and Hiromi each took a [Mutation Pawn] to join my peerage and the last three I have are also [Mutated] ever since I gained my [Evil Pieces]."
Katase and Murayama looked surprised at hearing that while Rias just hid her look of envy which Lucile and Daphne noticed as they moved to stand near the two humans, knowing that [Mutation Pieces] were a sign of something special about the [King] who gained them.
"Now, I set this piece onto the person's chest so it recognises who will be joining my peerage." Kazuhiko explained as he set the [Pawn] down between Isane's breasts before stepping out of the circle as he continued "And say the incantation... I, Kazuhiko Bune, bid thee, Isane Hyoudou-Zagan, to become my [Pawn]. Enjoy your new life amongst my family."
Katase and Murayama stared as the magic circle glowed brightly, bathing Isane in the light before the [Pawn] started to shine brightly. Seconds afterwards, the [Evil Piece] sunk through her clothing and into Isane's body, lighting up her whole body for a few seconds before the circle and light faded.
"And there you go. With someone who recently died or who wasn't a Devil beforehand, they would probably need longer for their body to fully adjust with the change and so will probably sleep for a few hours." Lucile chimed in as Kazuhiko helped Isane back to her feet.
...
Rykeoss sighed as she sat in the council meeting between the Lords/ Ladies of the [Pillar Clans], listening as one of the [Conservatives] pipe on about how hybrids would pollute the [Clan Abilities] of the [Pillars] if they remained in the the lines of inheritance at all.
"We already have laws in place to ensure that any formerly extinct Pillar has to marry a pure blood so we can bolster such bloodlines and now you suggest removing the chance of us consolidating our Faction by losing them wholly?" Lord Sebatian Sitri asked with a raised eyebrow, interrupting Lord Beleth's speech before Lord Agares added "If not for the work of Lady Bune and Lord Beezlebub, we wouldn't have regained the three clans - [Leraje], [Focalor] and [Raim] - already, nor the bolstering to two others, [Lucifuge] and [Ronove], who are part of the [King of Kings'], Kazuhiko Bune's, peerage."
Rykeoss faintly smirked at seeing the dark look that flittered over Lord Phenex's face at the mention of her grandson, clearing her throat loudly as she stood to speak "When I started my project I wanted to bring the Devil Faction as a whole up to our full strength. Restoring the [Pillars] and ensuring lost powers returned to our side. Such things like purity of our offspring's blood is something that never enters most parents' minds and even some of our race take advantage of our low birth rate and forget the consequences that can result from it."
A sweeping glance rewarded Rykeoss with several uncomfortable looks as the others were reminded about the illegitimate girls that made most of Kazuhiko's peerage as she continued "But during my work with my grandson assisting me he has shown me that our descendants, pure or not, can truly teach us things we never fathomed ourselves as we teach them. Their powers can develop beyond what we could imagine through hardwork and training and to be excluding them from the lines of inheritance or even shunning them will see us potentially risk another civil war and weaker overall."
Rykeoss swept her gaze over the room once more as she let her warning sink in, seeing everyone was thinking about what could happen as she crossed her arms behind her back, "Imagine, if you will, my grandson and his [Queen] having a child in the future. Such a child would not only house the [Bael], [Dantalion], [Phenex] and [Bune] abilities but also have the toughness and strength of the former [Dragon King] Tannin and be able to wield [Senjutsu]. Would you want such a child working with us or against us? Imagine the children that could emerge between a [King] and one of their peerage and ask the same question."
"The [Evil Pieces] opened up a wonderful opportunity to grow stronger and we accepted that they make Devil hybrids out of those with previous supernatural blood who join by giving them the chance to work to attain [High Class] status. It should only be fair that our Pillars should be open to such a think to help ourselves as well."
"Thank you all for listening." Rykeoss spoke with a flourish before sitting down in her seat as the once silent hall started to fill with whispering.
"Very impressive speech, Rykeoss." Lord Agares spoke impressed. He was a willowy yet intelligent looking man with straw blond hair cut into floppy bangs and ruby red eyes framed by frame-less glasses and dressed in a dark blue suit with a grey shirt.
"Thank you, Stephan..." She replied absently as she kept most of her focus on seeing who was taking her speech well or poorly as she asked "How is your daughter doing since the tournament?"
"Ah, Seekvaira has redoubled her training for the [Young Devil Gathering] this summer. It seems that witnessing the ending portion of the tournament has shown her that she would have lost even had she beaten the Sitri heiress. Your grandson and Sairaorg Bael are both forces to be reckoned with but I think she has set her sights on avenging herself of that defeat against the Sitri heiress, if the match ups fall right for her." Lord Agares answered with a light chuckle, Rykeoss nodding in understanding as she replied "I understand what you mean. Kazuhiko has always been serious about his training but I think he's working himself harder for a potential rematch with Sairaorg."
"Is there any other views people wish to share in regards to Lord Beleth's proposed bill?" Sirzechs asked once he managed to quieten the room, looking around to see if anyone was going to stand up and talk.
Within the Pillar meetings, Sirzechs filled the role of 'Speaker of the House' and helped keep order in regards to the meetings but it was the Pillars that passed bills which would be passed onto the Elders for review. The other Maous would switch with him if the issue or bill raised fit into their areas as it was seem as the Pillar Houses offering advice or direction to said Maou.
"If no one else wishes to speak then we'll begin the vote for this [Pillar Inheritance] bill." Sirzechs spoke, his gaze turning to the magic of the throne he was sat on to see how many agreed or disagreed to pass the bill as he waited for everyone to vote before speaking with a faint smile on his lips, "The bill has been voted down by over three quarters of the Pillars."
Rykeoss smiled pleased at the result and took note of those who looked negatively at losing the bill so she could tell who could be trouble in the future from among the [Pillars]. She absently noted that Lord Phenex was among those number and glaring at Lord Beleth.
...
Griselda stopped as they left the bus station, Irina and Xenovia stopping behind her in surprise at seeing who had came to greet them. She recognised the young man as Kazuhiko Bune from photos taken from the recording of the tournament and the young woman next to him was Hiromi although they were both wearing their school uniform.
"What are you devils doing here?" Xenovia barked off before shrinking under Griselda's stern gaze as Hiromi retorted with a snort "We do live in this town..."
"Hiromi." Kazuhiko spoke up with a warning tone as he looked to her, Hiromi stopping and settling to look unimpressed at the group as he added "I thought it was only courteous for me to meet with you, afterall we are going to be co-existing within this town. Plus to give you a heads up for what's going on at the moment before the official meeting."
"That would be great." Irina spoke cheerfully, Griselda nodding herself as she added "Thank you for the courtesy."
With that the group started to walk towards the church, Kazuhiko explaining about the rogue Fallen Angels that had been in town and the chance that a few stray exorcists could have avoided their raid on the church to clear them out while Irina looked interested, Griselda keeping a respectful air while Xenovia looked at them with grudging respect at the fact they had protected the humans in town from rogue Fallen Angels.
...
"Are you sure about this?" Diana asked Daphne quietly as they stood off to the side while Asia created a glowing green barrier from the ring form of her [Twilight Healing] to block small blasts of water from Lucile.
"At this point she can block those attacks fairly easily but for it to truly evolve she needs more focused resolve. Giving her a surprise attack should help test that and with the system it'll make it safe for her." Daphne answered, keeping her gaze on Asia as Lucile used her [Kappa Soul] to fire off stronger water attacks at the blonde.
"Alright but if this doesn't work, Kazu-sama isn't going to be the only person punishing you for this." Diana spoke seriously, Daphne nodding in agreement as she replied "That's fine. After the help she's given us with him, I'll take it if this doesn't work."
Diana nodded in agreement at hearing that, Asia having an affinity for [Dragon Taming] had helped Kazuhiko let his guard around them all a bit more as it was obvious that the girl had no ulterior motives and it showed him that there were people out there who wouldn't take advantage of him. Even when they helped her, Asia was concerned about being a burden on them and Kazuhiko had just asked for Asia's help in regards of teaching them about the Church and help teach all the girls some basic healing techniques.
"Here." Daphne spoke, handing over the bracelet that allowed people to interact with the illusions from the system and, more importantly for what they were about to do, would turn her attacks into part of the illusion. Diana noticed that there was a bracelet already on the silver-blonde's wrist as she took a calming breathe before spreading her wings and taking the sky as she put the bracelet on.
Steeling herself, Diana raised a hand above her and started to concentrate on her power and created a giant sphere of [Power of Destruction] as she intoned "Chaos Nightmare."
She ignored the ache in her chest at seeing the frightened look on Asia's face as she threw the attack at the blonde, watching the young healer throw her arms up create a large green shield while her twin rings shined brightly to power it. Diana's attack was stopped against the shield
Asia soon realised that despite Diana's attack being stopped by her, she still had to defend against Lucile as she moved a hand to create a separate shield to block the water attacks while her first shield flickered slightly as it shrunk in size but still stopped Diana's attack.
"Ice Make: Spear!" Daphne shouted, sending the spear rocketing towards Asia, shocking the blonde as her eyes widened in fear. Her rings shone a blinding white as they started to change, six beams of white light shooting off each one to different points around her as her original barriers disappeared to only be replaced by a spherical shield that holds all three attacks with ease. The glow faded to reveal that her rings had changed into a pair of silver hoop bracelets with a pair of marble sized emeralds embedded in them on opposite sides while around her was twelve small angel charms that were providing the focus points for her current barrier.
Asia stared in amazement at the barrier around her as the trio of attacks faded from sight, her barrier soon following as the angel charms flew back to attach themselves onto her bracelets as Daphne rushed towards her, hugging her as she spoke "I'm so sorry I did that but it was the only way I could think of to give you that final push."
Asia blushed at the affection from the normally cool, young woman as Diana and Lucile approached before Kazuhiko's voice made the quartet jump, "What did you do?"
The three devils stiffened as they turned to see Kazuhiko looking serious at them with an eyebrow raised and arms crossed. Daphne coughed into her fist to regain her composure before she explained "I convinced Diana and Lucile to use the system with me to throw illusionary attacks at Asia-san to provide the emotion needed for her to evolve her Sacred Gear."
Kazuhiko relaxed at hearing Daphne's explanation, understanding that if Asia had known she wouldn't have had the same reaction to it as he spoke "I'll let you off this time, Daphne, but next time you better let me know before hand otherwise I'll make you have to go through a Alien training scenario alone."
Daphne shuddered at the thought of being put through that, she couldn't stand the movies and spent most of them clinging to Kazuhiko with her face buried into his neck.
"So, Asia-san. What can your [Twilight Healing] do now?" Kazuhiko asked curiously as he turned to the blonde, getting an excited look from her as she started to explain what she knew about her Sacred Gear as the pair walked off to head back upstairs.
...
Nagi smiled as she appeared from the magic circle with an exhausted Katase and Murayama after their lesson with Masaomi. She had only expected that they would have been tested to see their current level but her teacher had included the first lesson which left the pair rather bruised up due to the spar he had with both of them. That had also been why she had brought the pair to the Bune home as she knew Kazuhiko could heal such wounds and avoid more questions being asked by the two girls' families when they got home.
"Kazu-sama! Asia-san!" Nagi called as she lead the two inside from the large back garden, looking around for her [King] so the two girls could be healed before their lesson with Martina. The two girls traipsed behind her as she lead them towards the living room, sliding the door open to see Kazuhiko half watching [Bleach] again while tapping away at a laptop he was working on as he asked "What's wrong, Nagi?"
"Ah! A seat." Katase groaned as she dropped onto one of the comfortable sofas nearby, Murayama soon joining her as Nagi looking embarrassed as she explained "Sensei included the first lesson after seeing what level they are at. Where is Asia-san?"
"Ah... She went out with Sam and Jessica after an incident that happened earlier." Kazuhiko spoke with a slight frown at being reminded what had happened. He put down the laptop before moving to stand in front of the pair as he rested a hand on each girl's shoulder before intoning "Vivification."
Both girls released a relieved sigh as a sunny yellow and soothing green aura flowed from his hands over their bodies. He'd copied the technique from [Aesthetica of a Rogue Hero] as several of his own healing techniques before then would have resulted in both girls having haircuts due to the nture of the [Sun Flames] but combining it with his [Senjutsu] meant he could channel the healing power to just affect their natural healing ability without causing outwards signs. Before he had gotten proper control over manipulating his [Ki] it would have been hard to heal both at once but now he could use it easier and with less energy although Asia had helped as well by showing how her [Twilight Healing] healed as well.
"Let them rest here for a bit to get their strength back. Oh, and tell Martina their back." Kazuhiko spoke to Nagi, getting a nod from her before she left amused at the coincidence of the episode being the one where Byakuya and Ichigo fought.
"Do expect us to be able to do that?" Katase asked with a frown as Byakuya unleashed his [Bankai], Kazuhiko offering a nod as he answered "Not now of course but your [Sacred Gears] has the potential to be able to do that given [Elemental Sacred Gears] operate on the user's imagination and reserves of energy with how they create attacks, whether they be simple bow and arrow or a dozens of swords like that. As you get use to doing it, your skill for it and speed will grow along with your reserves so you can do bigger stuff or doing the simple things more easier."
Kazuhiko held out a hand and conjured a ball of [Sky Flames] as he added "I've been in the same position as you both considering my 'father' didn't see to training me in my powers once it was learned I didn't have the [Phenex Regeneration] at its natural level and I know it can be frustrating to get the basics down."
The two kendoists were entranced as Kazuhiko dropped his hand and the ball of flames split into a dozen smaller wisps that lazily danced around him as he added "I probably had a good dozen accidents with each [Vongola Flame] when I first recreated them but as I got use to doing it correctly it became easier and I could do more with them and even then there was the odd accident when I tried something new."
"All the training you're going through now is so you can avoid accidents that might have happened had you learned to use your [Sacred Gears] on your own and even if you don't stick with the suggestions I made, you'll have learnt how powerful imagination can be with your [Sacred Gears] and at least be used to forming swords for your own safety." Kazuhiko finished with, Katase and Murayama looking thoughtfully as the flames extinguished themselves.
"I didn't think of it like that." Katase spoke thoughtfully, shifting her gaze to glance at the tv once more as Kazuhiko took his seat.
"What are you working on?" Murayama asked curiously, Kazuhiko offering a smile as he replied "Just reading a report about some business with the Dragons from in Diana's father's group. Its something I need to get use to doing more, even if its boring, as I'm going to become the head of my clan."
With a nod, Murayama turned her gaze to the TV as well, both getting absorbed into the anime while their bruises healed.
...
Both peerages had to only wait a day before the Church representatives approached the school for the official meeting, Kazuhiko and Sona both agreeing to have it the day after. They were currently gathered in the Occult Research Club room, minus Diana and Tsubaki, before the meeting with the group from the Church. Both [Queens] were at the gates to meet with the trio of exorcists and guide them to the meeting, even as Asia, Katase and Murayama shifted nervously on the extra sofas brought in so both peerages could sit down behind the one Kazuhiko and Sona were currently on while Akeno served tea.
"Are you sure its a good idea to have them attend as well?" Sona asked quietly, Kazuhiko nodding as his fox ears twitched atop of his head as he replied "Think of this as showing them who is already aware of us and under my protection. Plus, Asia-san would hopefully show them that we are taking care of her and haven't done anything nefarious."
Sona nodded slowly as she understood what Kazuhiko meant and was hoping to achieve. The exorcists seeing that Asia was still human and treated well would hopefully make them more amenable and open to peace in the future. The ravenette glanced back to see Rias shifting uncomfortably where she sat, a sign she wasn't use to the idea of not being involved in the upcoming meeting, before letting her gaze drift to Kiba Yuuto in worry at the potential trouble that could occur due to him as she thought, 'I hope he can keep his cool if they bring any Holy Swords with them. And I pray they don't have a fragment of Excalibur with them.'
"Some reason I should be wary about Kiba-san for this?" Kazuhiko asked curiously, Sona turning back to the brunet as she shook her head and replied "I'm hoping it won't be..."
Kazuhiko raised an eyebrow at Sona, who sighed as she added "I'll explain it later but it its unlikely to cause any trouble for this meeting. What about your peerage?"
"Alright." Kazuhiko replied before offering a smile as he answered her "Only problem from my peerage is one that the Exorcists make in the first place."
Sona frowned at the cryptic answer before sipping her cup of tea as they waited for the exorcists to arrive. The next few minutes passed by peacefully as a faint soothing aura seemed to form within the room, Sona turning her attention to Kazuhiko to see him using his finger to trace a few symbols into the air as he explained "Just a little thing to help calm nerves."
Sona raised an eyebrow at him before a knock on the door signalled the arrival of Tsubaki and Diana along with the church's representatives for the town as she called "Come in!"
The door opened and Griselda lead in Irina and Xenovia, each was dressed in the skin tight black exorcist uniform which were standard for all and had a cloak over the top to avoid drawing attention from normal people spotting them. Xenovia had a large wrapped blade strapped to her back crudely by a strip of brown leather while Irina had a white ribbon around her right wrist and Griselda had a sword sheathed at her waist.
"Please take a seat." Kazuhiko spoke with a smile as he signalled to the empty sofa opposite him, hiding his amused look at the surprised looks the two younger exorcists had at seeing him with his ears and tails on display. Diana and Tsubaki closed the door behind them and then moved to stand behind the opposing shoulder of their respective [King].
Griselda sat in between the two younger exorcists, offering a happy smile to Asia as she spoke "It's good to see you're alright, Sister Asia."
"It's nice to see you again, Sister Griselda." Asia spoke with a bright smile as she added "Kazuhiko-san and his group has looked after me since I arrived here."
"I bet he has..." Xenovia grumbled with a glare at the former nun before Griselda swatted her on the back of the head and retorted "Sister Asia was an unfortunate target of Diodora Astaroth. If not Bune-san, he would be free to try and corrupt another good soul so do not try and presume things."
"S-sorry Sister Griselda." Xenovia mumbled embarrassed, Irina looking at Murayama and Katase as she asked "May I ask why those two are here if they aren't part of either of your peerages?"
"Murayama-san and Katase-san are under my protection after the rogue Fallen Angels targeted them." Kazuhiko answered, ignoring Xenovia's earlier outburst, "They are being trained to use their [Sacred Gears] by myself and my peerage so that they can defend themselves in the future."
"You didn't try and have them join your peerage?" Irina asked surprised, clasping a hand over her mouth in embarrassment at asking that as Kazuhiko offered a smile as he answered "No. I prefer helping those I come across get stronger on their own. If they choose to ask to join after learning about the [Biblical Factions] and the Supernatural as a whole then I want them to be sure about such a life changing choice."
Irina looked amazed at him while Griselda smiled pleased even as Xenovia regarded the brunet with disbelief and grudging respect as Kazuhiko sipped at his drink before realising he hadn't offered the exorcists any as he asked "Would you like some refreshments before we start or...?"
Griselda shook her head at the offer as she replied "No, thank you. And I apologise for these girls' outburst, Xenovia's still getting use to the idea of a chance of peace between our groups and Irina has always been inquisitive."
"That's fine. Diodora Astaroth's actions were something none of the Maou approved of and both myself and Kazuhiko must seem unusual compared to the usual Devils you deal with." Sona spoke understandingly, Griselda nodding as she replied "Let's start with picking the guidelines for our time here in your territory. I'd like to first propose that we share information about any strays that enter this town and allow the group that learned of it first chance to handle the matter."
"That's fine with us." Kazuhiko spoke with a nod after looking to Sona for her reaction before adding "I'd like to add that if either group feels a situation is beyond their own group, then they can ask for assistance so we can work together to resolve it."
"I can see the merit of that." Griselda spoke with a nod, "We have been given orders by the higher ups to not interfere with any Devil contracts within this town and how you operate within."
"Thank you." Sona spoke with a nod, "As, I'm the [Student Council President], I've begun to make preparations for your two juniors to join Kuoh Academy so they can settle into the town better and have an appropriate cover for being here."
"That is much appreciated as I already had been directed to enrol them within the school." Griselda spoke with a soft smile as she added "I believe that will be a good start for our future relations within this town."
"Ah. One last thing, Griselda-san." Kazuhiko spoke up, clicking his fingers as he remembered it, "I would hope that you'd allow Asia-san to be able to visit the church as I'm sure she would be happy to aid you in taking care of it, even if she was ex-communed for an error that wasn't her own."
"Wasn't her own!? She healed a Devil?" Xenovia blurted out with a scowl, Griselda turning a withering glare to the girl that was like her own daughter as Kazuhiko pointed out "Diodora-teme would have never got that close to Asia-san if it wasn't for the lax actions of the exorcist protecting her."
[He does have a point, partner. The nun wasn't taught to sense Devils like exorcists are. All she probably saw was someone injured.] Ddraig spoke up to Irina before she could let out a retort, flushing as she looked down at her left hand and the glowing green circle on the back as she thought 'You're right, Ddraig.'
"Be silent, Xenovia." Griselda ordered sharply at the bluenette's outburst, "Will I have to remind you of your manners and decorum when we return home?"
Xenovia's shoulders dropped heavily at the rebuttal, ducking her head in shame as she spoke "I...I'm sorry for my outburst, Sister."
"I would be happy for her to assist us as long as it doesn't interfere with her studies." Griselda spoke with a smile, seeing the hopeful look on Asia's face at Kazuhiko's suggestion before she nodded vigorously at the given condition.
Kazuhiko leant back as Sona took charge of the final part of the meeting, handing over the packet of papers that the trio would need to fill out so that both Xenovia and Irina could attend Kuoh Academy. He was thankful for his preparations as Xenovia seemed like the one to jump to conclusions and be headstrong enough to cause trouble when he met them yesterday. He could also sense a strong dragonic presence coming from Irina which he figured was a Sacred Gear but had no idea what it was and doubted they would disclose it or what each holy sword the three Exorcists wielded, just like he or Sona wouldn't give them any information about their peerages.
'Oh well, suppose peace has to start somewhere.' Kazuhiko thought as he sipped his tea, 'Trust will hopefully build with time.'
...
"Well, that went relatively smoothly." Sona spoke with a relieved sigh as she sat back in her seat, removing her glasses and started to clean them with a handerchief from her skirt pocket, "That 'soothing aura' obviously helped if the comments by that Xenovia were anything to go by but at least she didn't reach for her sword."
"I think she would have been even calmer had I not mentioned about Asia's dismissal from the church in that way but it seems that Griselda-san and Irina-san are the more understanding ones of their group." Kazuihko replied with a slightly sheepish smile. There was only the two [Kings], their [Queens], Rias and Kiba Yuuto left in the room after the meeting had ended and the others had been allowed to leave.
"So... What was your concern about...?" Kazuhiko asked, letting his gaze shift to Kiba as he trailed off as Rias asked "Have you heard of the Holy-sword Project?"
Kazuhiko shook his head, having never heard of it as he glanced to Diana to see she had the same reaction as the redhead continued "It was a project several years ago inside the Christian Church that aimed towards making people who could wield the holy-sword Excalibur."
"So, you were part of this project, Kiba?" Kazuhiko asked, Kiba nodding as he replied "Yes, Bune-sama."
"Yuuto received artificial treatment to adapt to the holy-sword but..." Rias continued only for Kiba to interrupt in a tight, angry tone "Myself and my comrades back then were deemed failures because we couldn't adapt to them and disposed of... That is why I will destroy Excalibur. If it wasn't for those vile blades..."
"Really? You're blaming a weapon?" Kazuhiko asked surprised, getting a glare from Kiba as he pointed out "If not Excalibur, the Church would have chosen another holy-sword to aim for with that project. The Joyeuse, Durandal, Galatine, Ascalon... Any of those swords could have become your target for revenge just cause they were aiming to make a wielder for them."
Kiba's anger seemed to quell under Kazuhiko's words, seeing the truth and logic behind it as the brunet added "IF you want to blame someone then it should be the person who created that project or even those who followed orders to dispose of your comrades deserve it but not a weapon. Not some tool whose only sense of will is being able to pick a wielder to use its power for good or ill. And even then the best revenge you could give them is to live for those comrades who died and become stronger then that project with your own strength."
Diana smiled proudly as she caught the surprised looks from the other young women in the room at Kazuhiko. This was the same Kazuhiko who tore strips from a pompous HIgh Class Devil who was just after her for her body and then beat him without any need for magic.
Rias grimaced as she realised she'd not helped her former [Knight] realise the problem with his need for revenge as well as she had thought as Kiba slumped slightly where he stood and took in what Kazuhiko had said. The brunet taking a calming breathe himself before he added "That is what I did when I was constantly looked down on by my father and Riser for not inheriting anything near to the full [Phenex Regeneration]. I didn't go and blame it on something I had no control over. I worked to make sure the next time I saw either of them that flaw wasn't going to hold me back."
With that Kazuhiko signalled to Diana that they should leave, the pair leaving the room and the quartet within to think over what he had said.
...
Author's Note
First things first, I know Asia's Twilight Healing could evolve into the form naturally and the evolution scene of her Sacred Gear is one of the scenes I'm unsure about in this chapter. The reason I did this was so it was done before I could forget about it and I think Asia would need the push to get the form she has now. The other scene I wasn't sure about was the meeting between the Devils and Church group although that's more to do with how Xenovia comes across.
