Slayer: Hello again… I see that we're back once more. But something feels a bit off this time around.
Judan: What do you mean by that? We're both still here you know?
Slayer: Yes but this chapter will be a bit different than the others before it. Before this one, things had been lighthearted and filled with adventure. Sure things will stay similar. But…
Shadow: But what?
Slayer: Well things will start to change. This is just a warning, but as you may know not everything can have a happy ending.
Shadow: So… is it time? Already in the other half of this story things have begun to move.
Judan: True but you readers will just have to sit and read as things progress. It's about time that the enemy starts moving once more.
Shadow: Ahh… I can't wait! It's time to finally get a move on. Our destiny is at hand!
Mizore: What about everything dealing with the rest of the Rosario Vampire series?
Slayer: Sorry but as we said things will change, and we won't rely on canon. Now… Shadow do the disclaimer!
Shadow: Alright! Now we don't own anything but Reality building concepts and OC's. Everything else belongs to their respective owners.
Slayer: Now let's start the real story.
Nero
Thoughts/talking to inner voice
'Masamune'
Arc Two: path to might
Chapter Ten: Did we actually wake from the nightmare?
The Void Walker
Looking at my sister now being held in my arms, I sighed in relief that I was able to make it. For a second I was worried that I'd lose her. But I did have to thank the person lying on the ground. He was the one who kept her safe. Hearing her sobs of frustration, cries that I understood. She was glad that she was saved, but at the same time it was by the very person she was trying to save.
"I'm sorry…" Hugging her closer as she spoke I just stroked her head while speaking gently.
"I know, you did your best. That's all we can ever do sometimes." Walking towards us I looked over to see Mizore looking at me in worry.
"Hunter are you sure you're able to be running around like this? I know a week and a half is a good amount of time to regain strength. But if you move around too much your wounds will only get worse." Seeing her worry I picked up Shirone and held her in my arms. Her tears running down my coat, but I didn't care. Walking towards Mizore I decided that now was the time. I stopped only a few inches away from her. That was when I set Shirone down. Looking into her eyes, she was about to say something else when I leaned into her.
Everyone was caught off guard as my lips met hers. Even Shirone! Who was crying before, now was covering her reddened face with her hands. As for Mizore… she eventually accepted the kiss and wrapped her arms around me. We only stopped when we heard some groaning. Looking towards the source of it, we saw the black hair guy start sitting up. He was rubbing his head with his right arm, while he supported himself with his left.
Hearing him speak reminded me of someone. But I couldn't tell where or when I heard it. "Argh….. Did someone get the number on that truck?" Seeing him get up Shirone ran and tackled him.
"Uncle! You're okay!" Hearing her call him uncle I narrowed my eyes at him before speaking.
"Uncle eh?" Turning his attention from my adorable sister he looked at me. He blinked for a few seconds before smirking.
"Well, well, look who's finally up?" My eye twitched as he continued talking. "Not that it matters, your body is still in critical condition. You may have recovered slightly, but by the look of you… you're moving a bit sluggish. Anyway we should leave before that beast comes back." I was about to retort, when I felt a sharp pain erupt from my left side. I winced in pain and put my right arm over it. Mizore seeing this started to fret over me.
"Are you alright Hunter? Where does it hurt?! Is there something you want me to do?!" Because of her acting like a mother hen, everyone gave a laugh embarrassing both of us. Sighing Mizore turned to the one I could only assume was hired to help us.
"Bladedancer what should we do now?" Hearing his name my eyes widened, I couldn't believe it! It shouldn't be possible; Bladedancer sacrificed himself almost a hundred years ago.
'No… it is him Hunter, I recognize his voice from when you watched some old documentaries in school.' Blinking a bit I couldn't contain my rage. Here was the man who was said to sacrifice his life to end the war. But here he is safe and sound, while the remnants of the W.D.O. killed my family!
I couldn't help myself; I walked up to him and grabbed his coat. This action shocked everyone; no doubt they weren't expecting this. Also by the look on his face he wasn't expecting it either.
"Onii Chan! What are you doing?!" I quickly looked at Shirone before turning back to Bladedancer.
"Tell me… is your name Neos Draconis?!" At hearing the name his eyes widened. As did everyone else's, but eventually Neos' eyes seemed to come to a realization.
He even had the gull to smirk as he talked. "Ah… I see you're from my world. But what time period? What region? Was it before or after that detestable war?" At his words everyone stopped paying attention to the fact, that I was grabbing him. Instead they became more interested in our conversation.
However since he asked I did answer him. "As far as I know it was eighty years after your so called sacrifice. Everyone believed you died that day, they called you a hero and yet…" I couldn't help it some tears were forming, while he was starting to look at me with a softer expression.
But still I held my grip and kept speaking. "After your sacrifice, remnants of the enemy surfaced every now and then. But because of your victory and sacrifice. No one bothered with them, until they formed up again into a smaller group. That was when they started killing others again. So tell me… why are you here, while my mother and father are dead because of the fight you never finished?!" At those words everyone was staring at him, while I was breathing heavily. In the end he sighed before grabbing my hand and pulling it away from himself.
He then looked me in the eye and spoke. "Because I never had a choice of going back to help. When I fought the supposed leader I was planning on sacrificing everything. I didn't care if I lived or died. All I knew was that I needed to do what was right. But still it wasn't enough, my strength paled in comparison to his. So I did the only thing I could…" He paused for a second while closing his eyes if to remember.
When he opened them he continued. "I blew up the island along with everything on it." I heard a few gasps from behind me; turning around Kurumu was holding her hand to her mouth. Even inner Moka was shocked at the length at which he would go to achieve his goal. But turning back to him I knew he wasn't finished.
"I should've finally died that day. But fate gave me a different hand. Instead of dying, the dark matter that I destabilized to do the deed threw me somewhere else. When I awoke I found myself in a different land. A place called Gensokyo. It was there that I eventually met my first teacher… and my first adopted family. The scarlet vampires and my teacher Yukari Yakumo." Hearing that name we all turned to our own Yukari Sendo, who just waved her hands in front of her face.
"Hey don't look at me!" Hearing him chuckle we turned back to him.
"No Yukari Sama certainly isn't a witch. But she is for certain one of the most powerful people I've ever met. You see… she's the Yokai of boundaries. Her power is to manipulate them, for instance a language boundary or barrier. She could easily manipulate it to allow you to talk, and understand all languages. But that is only a small part of her power. Another ability was the manipulation of worldly boundaries. In other words… dimensional barriers. I had hoped that by using her teachings that I could get back home one day."
Listening to him I had started to understand what he was trying to tell me. "I see… so despite your efforts you were never able to find our world again?"
He shook his head before speaking. "Yes, but while that was one reason. There was another…" Narrowing my eyes at him I waited for him to continue. "You see eventually I created a mercenary group to pay for my expenses. My first member was my own apprentice Gravelord, the next was my friend and partner Darkheart the void dragon. During a job I took I found something that disturbed me. I found Jackson Grove, in a completely different dimension. Now as you know he was the one person ranked above me."
I nodded my head before speaking. "Why would he be where you were at?"
He shook his head before answering. "You see… as I later found out he was there because the W.D.O. wasn't destroyed. No the group that attacked our world was only a scouting force. As unfortunate as it is, our world now belongs to them." Hearing his words I stepped back in shock.
That's just not possible! That evil group was only part of an even larger and stronger force! Seeing my panicked expression, both Shirone and Mizore wrapped their arms around me. It worked though slightly, Neos watched the scene for a bit before talking again.
"But if I'm honest more recent developments has made the situation more worrisome." Looking at him I grimaced knowing I wouldn't like what he would say next. "There were a few things that gave this away. One was my recent fight with a man named Haze. He was powerful… stronger than me if only by a small margin. During the fight I learned that he was a servant of someone named Maxos. Otherwise known as my jerk of a birth father." I winced at his mentioning of his father, the word was spit out as if it was poison. "But that's not the half of it…"
I looked back to him as he continued. "During it he dropped some hints of an even stronger enemy out there. But it was only thanks to my most recent fight with Gil'thorax that I finally figured it out."
He took a breath before continuing. "You see both the W.R.C. and the W.D.O. are just fronts. Meant to hide the real battle that has been going on. Our side or the so called "good" side is led by Maxos, while the "bad" side is controlled by someone else. And so far both have only started to move with pawns. But from now on… we should prepare to face off against rooks and knights." After hearing his words I thought back to the words Shizu said to me.
"Though my lord was quite surprised when he found out you existed. As such he ordered me to eliminate you."
"To be honest unlike most others my lord isn't blinded by pride and sees things as future threats."
"Because while you're not a true threat yet… You have a high chance of becoming one."
Remembering his words made my eyes widen as I looked between myself and Shirone. Seeing my actions Neos nodded his head sadly.
"Yes I see you understand… you, me, Shirone, my friends, your friends… We're the next pieces saved for the second round." Hearing his words I turned to him slowly. I knew what I wanted to ask next, but I was afraid to ask. But still I knew that I must… so steeling myself I asked.
"What happens to the pieces that don't make it through this round?" looking down to the ground he closed his eyes before answering.
"That's simple…" Breathing in through his nose he looked up as his eyes opened. "They die…"
My heart feels cold, is it because of death's presence? : By the line break
The Dragon
I could tell that my words had frozen everyone in their place. But I don't blame them… I had just said those who aren't strong enough will be eliminated. Turning my back to them I continued speaking.
"As I said that is for the next round. Until then we have a little time to prepare. I just hope Jack will be a good enough distraction. But seeing how someone's already trying to eliminate future threats to their side… I'd say he was useless once again." Looking up at me I sighed again.
I seem to be doing that a lot here. But I can tell these recent skirmishes have restored my personality, and the rest of my memories. Still these guys aren't ready yet even for the end of round one. Turning quickly to Hunter I made my decision.
"Hunter from now on we need to work together. You can still stay here but we also need to help the other, if we need it of course." Looking up at me he looked at me quizzically. I only snorted at the look however. "Now don't give me that! Alone we can't protect those we care about, let alone ourselves. But together along with a few others capable of keeping up with us… we might stand a chance." He thought for a moment and was about to nod in consent when pain wracked his body. Falling to the ground in pain Mizore and Shirone were on him in a flash.
Grimacing I went over to him and kneeled next to his downed form. "He may have been able to wake up, and also fight for a bit… but his adrenaline has stopped. Quickly someone hand me a flower!" Looking at me Shirone quickly produced a flower before she too fell over. This caused me to panic even more; she was holding her chest in pain. It got worse as she coughed out some blood. Looking between both her boyfriend and little sister figure, Mizore didn't know what to do.
Growling I knew I'd have to take charge myself, more than likely the wounds Shirone got from earlier are now acting up. The reason was the same as Hunter here; all adrenaline has worn off now that things have calmed down.
Turning to Mizore I yelled at her snapping her out of her panic. "Mizore!" Startled she looked at me. "Quickly I want you to use your cryokinesis to numb the pain on both of them." Nodding dumbly she concentrated a bit and when cold air started to come forth from her hands. She put them on the wounded, and after a bit their pained breathing lessened. Nodding in satisfaction I got to work, the first was definitely Hunter. For despite how much I care for Shirone more, he was in worse condition.
Pulling out a mortar and pestle I put one of the flowers in there. I then quickly started to grind it up, while taking out some other ingredients and adding them. Eventually satisfied I got out a tea cup and a bottle of water. Putting the mixture into the cup I then poured the water into it. After that I took off my glove and bit my finger, adding the drops to the mix. Seeing this Mizore became concerned.
"What are you doing?!" I didn't even bother turning to answer her.
"Don't worry dragon blood has interesting healing properties if used right. My younger step sister Flandre Scarlet always loved my blood. And despite not being an almost invincible vampire… my blood will not harm him." Using a Psi-fire spell I heated the mixture and water. However I did catch the look Moka was giving me, and I decided to quickly shut her down.
"No Moka I won't let you take a bite from me." After saying that I stopped paying attention to her as she whined.
Taking hold of Hunter I sat him up straight and talked to him. "Hunter if you're still conscious drink this, it's the antidote for the poison." He slowly opened his right eye before closing it and nodding. He took hold of the cup and with Mizore's help managed to drink it all.
Once done he pushed the cup away and started gasping for breath. Patting him Mizore waited for him to recover. After a few moments the antidote started working… with him coughing out black goo. It certainly was nasty, and gave off a foul smell. But after a few moments he stopped coughing, as I brought out another round pill.
"Now then take this, it will get rid of the new poison in you and start the healing process." Looking to me he nodded his head, before taking the rest of the water along with the pill. Seeing how he'll be alright from now on I turned to Shirone, my face contorting with worry I put my hand on her side. Closing my eyes I started to use a stronger psi-spell to heal her. I would've healed my own ribs and hands as well… but they already healed on their own. Us dragons have quite a healing factor after all, not like that insane Deadpool but still pretty good.
Huh… I wonder what the idiot is doing now?
Another world with Deadpool…
"That's for making me love you!" Slaps Wolverine again. "That's for making me hate you!"
Back with the actual cast…
Meh… probably best not to dwell on it… Shaking my head my thoughts were interrupted by a sound.
"Mhmm…" Looking over to the one making the sound, I smiled in relief as Shirone started to sit up.
However I just laid her back down scolding her a bit. "Sorry but you shouldn't move just yet Shirone, I'm not completely done healing you." Looking up at me she smiled before closing her eye's again. Only this time she fell asleep. Shaking my head I turned to Mizore, who was letting Hunter's head lay on her lap. "We should probably get these two back to safety. The healing spell has pretty much drained me of everything I had had left." Nodding her head she motioned over to Gin, who then came and picked Hunter up. As for me I picked Shirone up bridal style, and looked into the direction of the spatial distortion.
Closing my eyes I concentrated as I forced the thing open. When I opened my eyes again, there to my relief was a portal. Seeing our way out I quickly moved towards it, everyone else quickly followed. Once everyone was through, I closed it just in time for the Ginily to try and put an arm in. It was rather disturbing to see its arm fall onto the ground. But that's what happens when you try to force your way into a closing portal. I was just happy that Shirone was asleep for it.
Sighing I turned to the others. "Well we've finally accomplished our objective! So let's head back I want to rest and relax before I go home." Everyone seeing that they were finally done cheered. However something that happened in my arms surprised me.
Raising her own hand in a fist Shirone cheered as well. "YEAH!" Her fist then quickly dropped back down, as she snuggled deeper into my arms still asleep. We all blinked a bit before laughing at the display, even inner Moka chuckled a bit. As we decided to move towards the exit of the portal, I couldn't help reflecting on things. I wasn't really thinking of the enemy right now, we've done a lot and deserve a small break from that. Instead I was thinking of the family I've managed to create. For my mother I have my adopted mother. For a little sister I have Flandre, as for older… well Sakuya fit that bill.
Then for a younger sibling there was my real half-sister. Then I even had Shirone as an adorable niece, I'd like to introduce to Flandre someday. Especially my sister, I think they would both appreciate it. I even had a crazy aunt named Yukari! I also had a wonderful and beautiful girlfriend!
But after that thought... I couldn't help but smile sadly. My family had grown so much, yet… my own father had decided to do horrible things to make us all ready. He was willing to sacrifice everything just to win the fight. And at my current level, especially with his seals on! I just couldn't do anything about that yet…
YET! Someday Maxos I'll make you pay for what you've done! Now at that thought… I couldn't help but smirk, and looking forward it became deeper as we walked to the exit. As we continued forward I felt a small stirring in my arms. Looking down I saw Shirone was awakening. And I couldn't help but chuckle as she stretched and yawned. Opening her eyes she met my and she smiled.
"Good morning Uncle!~" Smiling I returned her greeting.
"And good morning to you Niece.~" We looked at each other for a bit before laughing as I set her down. After we stopped laughing I spoke to her. "It's nice to see you up and running, I was worried there for a bit." I then looked at her sternly making her back up a bit nervously. "Next time… tell me if you're injured! I wouldn't like to lose you because you thought you could tough it out." Her cat ears and tail drooped sadly before she nodded her head.
Placated I smiled and rubbed her ears softly. "Don't worry I'm not really mad at you, I was just worried that's all." Seeing me smiling again while I petted her, Shirone perked up happily again.
She then jumped up and hugged me tightly before speaking. "Don't worry I promise to always tell you. But you have to make sure to visit me, and bring along your own sister next time! I really want to meet her." As I returned the hug I gave her my answer.
"Don't worry I promise to visit. But only with my sister Blake! But with all my friends eventually." Beaming at my answer she pouted a bit when I set her down. However returned to smiling when I took her right hand in my left. Watching the scene was a slightly less unconscious Hunter. However when I looked at him… he smiled at me as he nodded his head. Understanding I nodded back as he fell unconscious again. You see he basically had just given me permission to actually be Shirone's uncle figure.
I guess he forgave me for what had happened before. Not like I could do anything, if anyone is to blame its Jack for becoming lax! Though I was making an excuse it was fairly valid. Jack was still there in the world, yet he did nothing to snuff out the remaining embers. Still even I had to admit I held some blame. Ridding myself of those thoughts, I looked ahead as I saw the end of the tunnel. However we weren't prepared for what we would see on the other side of it…
Looking on in shock I could only say one thing. "What happened here?!" Ahead of us was the school… or at least what was left of it. The entire building was in shambles, with brick and stone thrown about everywhere. In some of the areas not consumed with rubble, there were tents were students and staff a like were being treated. Looking around even further and eventually behind us… I felt bile starting to come inside my mouth. What I saw made me sick to my stomach.
There were bodies… though only a half a dozen. But what they were like is what made me sick. The bodies were in human form, and they were skinned so only their muscle, bones, and organs showed. However they were also all speared Vlad the impaler style. Blood dripped down the wooden stakes, as organs also hung limply off the bodies. I didn't understand it… Hunter was gone for only a few short hours… and yet this happens! As the wind blew towards us the corpses rotting stench made it to us.
Having the nose of a dragon I had to let go of Shirone's hand to plug my nose. Unfortunately it didn't really help, however looking up at me while also covering her nose. Shirone looked towards where the bodies were. I quickly looked down to her, seeing her out of the corner of my eye turning around. However I was too late she saw them. For a second she froze, as stiff as a board…
But then she screamed. "AHHHHHHH!" Despite being a yokai and seeing death before, this grotesque scene before her was too much. She dropped to her knees with her hands holding her head. Dropping down quickly, I put myself in front of her and wrapped my arms around her. I then brought her in close and let her sob into my coat. As I did so her hands reached up, and clung to my coat as if it was her life line. Her sobbing in fear broke my heart.
Damn! If only I was just a little faster! I could've shielded her! But I wasn't… and now Shirone had to live with the image for the rest of her life. She was too young for this, and had already had to deal with so much. Looking over to Hunter he was still unconscious thanks to the antidote. But I did hear him say his sister's name as she screamed. Looking around at our group I cursed again as I saw Kurumu comforting Yukari.
She too was a little young for this; in fact… all of them but Gin, inner Moka, and Hunter didn't have the mental capacities to handle this. However Outer Moka was back and crying in Tsukune's arms. Who was also trying to stay strong just for her sake, while Kurumu was doing the same for Yukari. Gin was patting her on the back while; Mizore was kneeling behind Shirone rubbing the small girls back. Although I could see she was shaken up a bit as well. As for me? I was just trying to help Shirone at this moment. Personally while the sight disgusted me… it was not the first time I've seen something like this done.
The first time was when I was actually younger than Shirone. It was eight years ago, and I still didn't have all my memories. I was in a war… I didn't want to join but I was forced into it. It was there that I saw even worse atrocities, and even more horrible acts of violence. At the time I wasn't ready, it was only thanks to my draconic mind that I kept myself together. Shirone… she didn't have my abilities.
So all I could do was sit there and let her wailings, snot, and tears get onto my coat.
My heart feels cold, is it because of death's presence? : By the line break
The Void Walker
I stirred from my sleep as I heard Shirone's crying. Opening my eyes I looked around with bleary eyesight. Eventually I could see again, but my eyes widened at what I saw. The school in ruins, medical tents set up everywhere. And the bodies! There were some in the rubble, but the worse were the ones on the stakes.
Looking around at my friends I cringed. Yukari crying while being held by a teary Kurumu while having gin rub her back. Tsukune was also holding a crying outer Moka. As for Mizore and Shirone… I walked up and moved over to them. Mizore heard me and turned around from her spot behind Shirone. Kneeling down to her level I looked her in the eye. Seeing me up and moving again she smiled, although it didn't reach her eyes. But still she tapped Shirone's shoulder, and as she looked at her Mizore pointed to me. Seeing me awake Shirone jumped from Neos to me.
Her sobs were painful to hear, it reminded me too much of the time we first met. When she was still so fragile, and looked like she would break just by a light breeze. It was that time all over again, only this was caused by the horrible scene before us. I found it detestable, reminding me too much of some of the things back in Yarnham.
"There you are!" Blinking at the familiar voice, we turned around to see Miss Nekonome running towards us. Despite some dirt and a few tears in her clothes, she seemed fine for the most part. Although there was a bandage on her right cheek, she was also in her nekomusume form. Stopping in front of us she spoke.
"It's good to see that all of you are safe." She then turned to me specifically smiling widely. "Especially you young man! I say you almost gave me a heart attack when we found you missing." Turning from me to look around she grimaced before continuing. "Although based on the circumstances… maybe it was for the best." Standing up with Shirone in my arms, I nodded my head positively.
Frowning I spoke the question everyone was wondering about. "Miss Nekonome what exactly happened here?" Hearing my question her ears drooped as she spoke.
"We're not entirely sure to be honest. All we know is that a bunch of people, in black cloaks arrived here five minutes after you left. They were looking for someone, and when the student police confronted them…" She looked behind us with her hands clenched. "They ended up like that shortly after…" Following her gaze, I looked back over to the staked bodies and grimaced.
I couldn't help but comment on that. "Yeah… You know when I first got here Mikogami warned me about them. Seems like we won't have to deal with them after all…" Turning back to her I continued talking. "Still that might explain them, but what about the rest of the school?" Turning around so her back was facing us she answered.
"The school was destroyed shortly after they defeated the student police. Even the student council couldn't do anything about it. They literally tore the place apart. They were looking for something, or someone. However they never found it or them. Still when the Chairman confronted them… let's just say the ensuing battle destroyed what was left of the school. It also left him hospitalized. Right now we're sending students home until the school can be repaired. However with the amount of injured, and with there only being one bus…"
Understanding what she meant I finished her sentence. "The process of getting everyone out of here is slow going." I couldn't help but sigh at the situation. "Huh…. How long do you think it would take to fix the building?" Turning back to us she exhaled, while bringing her hands up and just shaking her head sadly.
Then with a frown on her face she answered the question. "To be honest we have no idea! It'll be a few weeks that's for sure, then when everything's back to normal… we'll have to bunch all of our lessons up to make up for lost time. It's not going to be fun for the students, or the teachers." I nodded my head and set Shirone down, seeing how the current conversation had calmed her. While that relieved me from that worry, I was now more worried about what the strange beings wanted here.
Behind me Neos spoke up. "Do you have any idea what they were after? Because I already have a few guesses." Looking at him Shizuka blinked for a bit, before her eyes lit up in recognition.
"Ah! You must be Bladedancer! The one the Chairman hired to help heal Hunter's poison. It's nice to meet you I'm Shizuka Nekonome, everyone's home teacher!~" Nodding his head Neos returned the greeting.
"Yes it's nice to meet you as well; my real name is Neos Drakon Goodwitch. Now as for my question?" Realizing she got the conversation off track, Shizuka rubbed the back of her head in embarrassment.
"Sorry about that… as for your question, no we have no idea since nothings turned up missing."
He nodded his head before looking at all of us and speaking. "To be honest the ones they were probably looking for are right here. So congratulations you guys, round two has finally begun." We all stared at him for a while before Moka, Kurumu, Yukari, and even Tsukune started freaking out.
Kurumu was the first to yell at him. "What do you mean round two?! I thought you said we had a little more time before that started!" Yukari nodding her head quickly followed up.
"Yeah! Plus what do you mean by congratulations?! Super powerful beings are now targeting us! Plus why are we being targeted in the first place?!" Tsukune and Moka both yelled out their agreement to the statement.
Rolling his eyes he yelled at them. "Would you all be quiet?! I'll answer you only if you shut up!" Everyone shut their mouths quickly. Looking at each of their faces he nodded his head in satisfaction. Then folding his arms across his chest he continued. "Thank you that's better, now as for your question I'll sum the answer up for you. First the congratulation was purely sarcastic. There's nothing fun about this entire situation."
We all nodded our heads in understanding as he continued. "Now as for the other things… well let's be honest, how was I supposed to know round two would start this quickly?" We stared at him for a bit but we all understood what he meant. "As for why you're being targeted?" At his own question he smirked evilly. "Well that's because the enemy has already deemed both Shirone, and Hunter as a threat. So why not break him by either, capturing or killing his friends and girlfriend?" At those words I clenched my first and looked away.
I may not like what he said, but it was true. I'd do anything to protect them, and if one of them died… especially Mizore. I'd more than likely break down, and become unable to fight. Didn't mean I had to like the way he phrased that sentence. But before I could say anything another voiced spoke.
"He's exactly right." Turning to the new voice we saw, to our surprise Mikogami approaching us. "As unfortunate as it is, the lot of you are now a danger to the school. If not the world at large." Yelling out with worry, or homeroom teacher spoke to him.
"Chairman! What are you doing up! You were seriously hurt, you shouldn't be wandering around right now!" Chuckling creepily he just waved her off before continuing to speak.
"Hai, hai, you worry too much Shizuka. Thanks to someone's blood vials lying around, I was able to heal most of my wounds."
Blood vials… I was confused at first, but I quickly realized what he meant.
Pointing at him with my right hand I yelled at him. "HEY! I never gave you permission to use any of them! You owe me for whatever you took!"
Looking towards me he laughed before speaking. "I say me getting Neos to help you is payment enough. Besides… we have more important things to discuss." Grumbling a bit I conceded to his point. "Good! Now then as I said all of you are now a danger to the entire world. Because as you may know now, the W.D.O. won't just stop at killing all of you. No! they'll go after everything around you as well. They don't care about collateral damage, or "innocent" lives. This only means two things for all of you…" Everyone but me and Neos, looked around in worry. Before setting our gaze back onto the creepy priest.
Looking at all of us he finally spoke. "The first is that you can't stay here at this school, and the second is that you can't go home either." The others were about to protest, before he lifted his hand to silence them. "I am truly sorry, but if you went home or stayed here. Then not only would the students and staff here be in danger, but also your family. You can come back when and only when… you take care of all your enemies. Until then there's not much we can do, except send you school work and study books so you can still graduate."
He then shrugged his shoulders before continuing. "But I think having an entire organization, whose only goal is to either rule. Or destroy everything going after you, is a bit more important than school work." The jest was in poor taste thanks to the atmosphere. Currently everyone was rather worried, but they did accept his words as they made sense. But still… leaving their families for a while, will probably rather difficult for all of them. The only ones not affected were me, Shirone, and Neos. But that was a given, since me and Shirone were our family.
As for Neos… he lived in another world where he had other people to back him up. Currently I was the only one strong enough, to deal with any enemies trying to get to us. Not even Mikogami was strong enough to beat back the intruders.
We're going to die aren't we?
'No! Hunter we can't give up! I mean what would be the point of all that training?!'
Ugh… she's right. And I hate you for putting me into a position to say that!
'What do you mean by that?!' Tuning out the ensuing argument I turned to Moka as she started talking.
"Wait Chairman sir, what about my father? I mean he is a powerful vampire lord. Couldn't he do something to help us here?" Looking towards her Mikogami shook his head.
"Not a chance! To be blunt he and I are near each other in power. Although he is stronger in martial might, my magic is a bit more than his. However Hunter here is almost as powerful as your father. In other words depending on who they send, they can easily eliminate your entire family." Moka quickly paled at what he said. Apparently she thought her father was a lot stronger than that. I however didn't care too much, I mean if you want a powerful vampire go talk to Alucard. Not that he'd do anything to really help mind you. But he was still probably stronger, if not he was impossible to actually kill.
The freaking cheater… Still he had his uses, even if they were few and far in between. I mean he told me his story, and then when I try to tell mine he cuts me off!
As life would have it my thoughts were cut off by Shizuka. "So you're saying that they need a place to stay and train right? That way they can focus on the enemy and eventually eliminate them?" Mikogami nodded his head as I thought about it. Having an idea I spoke up.
"We can always use my home to house everyone." Very quickly they all turned to me. Blinking at their reaction I raised an eyebrow as I questioned them. "What? Why are you all looking at me like that?" Everyone but Shirone and Mizore were giving me an odd look.
Clearing her throat Yukari questioned me. "Ahem… not to sound rude… but how exactly would you be able to house all of us? I mean I know you take on jobs and other such things. But are you sure that you have not only enough room, but that your home will also be safe and out of the way?" At her question I just smirked while folding my arms proudly.
"Don't worry, the thing's a mansion and definitely out the way of literally everything." Yep I was talking about the Beast Palace. Also yes… I finally decided to rename the place from the hunter's dream. While they stared at me skeptically, Mizore and Shirone nodded their heads vigorously. As they have already seen the place they knew I was telling the truth. Heck! Shirone lives there with me!
Clapping his hands loudly Mikogami spoke again. "Well then it seems as if we have a solution here! We'll give you a week to get your affairs in order. After that you'll be moving in with Hunter." Although they still seemed rather worried about the current state of affairs, everyone nodded their consent. Although Mizore seemed a bit happy about moving in with me. Well she is my girlfriend so I'm perfectly fine about it. But I had to give Mikogami credit. The week was not only do they could explain the situation to their families. But it was also the amount of time it'd take, to write their permissions into my book.
Yeah… the Outsider didn't tell me of a way to make it easier. Turning to me Tsukune held out his right hand, as if to ask for something.
Looking at his hand then to his face I questioned him. "What are you doing?" Sighing he answered me.
"Sorry but you're the only one with a working phone. I'd like to call my parents and cousin and tell them about the situation. Or at least as much as I can that is." Finding the request reasonable I took out my phone and put it into his hand. Once a hold of it he was about to walk off, but he stopped as our teacher spoke.
"Chairman… I'd like to go with them." We all turned to her in surprise. It was after all, rather sudden. However at our faces she scoffed before continuing. "Don't look at me like that! I mean not only am I your homeroom teacher, but also your club advisor. I'm pretty close to all of you, so eventually they'd come after me as well." Thinking over what she said I realized that she did have a point. I also noticed that the chairman also agreed with her, since he nodded his head and spoke his agreement.
"Alright then, from this time forth. You Shizuka Nekonome will be the adult in charge of this ragtag group." At his words she smiled brightly while saluting. I however was a bit annoyed seeing how I should be the one in charge. I mean I will be the one earning most of our spending money. Not to mention it will be my house, and I was the strongest.
Luckily Mikogami seemed to sense my thoughts and spoke again. "Although you'll have to refer to Hunter's authority, seeing how it's his house. Plus he is the smartest and strongest of all of you. Not to mention he's more familiar with situations like this." At his words she pouted before speaking.
"You mean I'll have to take orders, from someone a little more than ten years younger than me? That won't be fun at all!" At her words Neos laughed a bit before speaking.
"Well it seems as if you all have your bases covered! As for me I think I need to head on back home. But feel free to visit and call me anytime you want. After all we are working together here." Turning to him I smiled while holding out my right hand. Seeing it he also smiled while taking hold of it and shaking it. "It seems we're in agreement than." Taking out a note pad he wrote some things on it, before ripping the page out and handing it to me.
"Here, this is both my contact information and dimension coordinates. Make sure to call me some time." Taking it I nodded my head while putting it into my void pocket. As he turned to leave Shirone ran up to him and gave him one final hug. Smiling down at her he kneeled down and returned it. He then spoke kindly to her. "Take care of yourself Shirone, I promise to visit you soon."
She replied quickly. "Don't worry I will! Plus we might visit you first, until then take care uncle." Rubbing her head softly he stood up and stretched a bit. He then proceeded to walk a few feet away from us. Moving his right index finger downwards in front of him, a portal opened up as he turned to us.
He waved to us a goodbye as we did the same. Then stepping into the portal it closed behind him. Seeing how he was gone I yawned as I stretched and cracked my back.
Turning back to the others I spoke. "Alright then, let's get to work we have quite a bit to do." Everyone turned to me and nodded as they gained a look of determination. I couldn't help but smile at their faces.
Hm… It seems as though we'll be fine after all.
My heart feels cold, is it because of death's presence? : By the line break
Finally once we were all done talking we all set off to get ready, well at least everyone but me and Shirone. Since me and her already had all of us stuff there, Shirone started training a bit. While I started on the scripting. I couldn't help but give a laugh, as everyone muttered something about the situation being unfair. But still my job wouldn't be easy, I'll have to dip into my funds keep everyone fed. Not to mention clothed, and get anything they might want in their rooms.
"Ahh… I might just become broke soon at this rate…" Looking over to me as she heard my groan, Shirone started giggling at my fate. I just gave her a pained look as I felt Mizore approach me. Turning to her I watched as she took a seat next to me. We had moved away from the corpses to another part, of the now ruined academy. Sitting down on my left she leaned over, and rested her head on my shoulder before speaking.
"You think everything will be alright from here on out?" Taking a deep breath I put my book down as I wrapped my left arm around her.
I answered her as truthfully as I could. "To be honest Mizore… I'm not sure. But I do know that I'll protect all of you for as long as I live. And if we all keep on living… then I know one day things will be alright. They might never return to the way they were. But things will be alright." Being reassured by my words, Mizore snuggled deeper into my embrace before speaking.
"Thank you Hunter, now I know things will be fine. Although I do have one thing left to say…"
I turned to face her before speaking. "Okay… what is it?" Smiling beautifully she sat back a bit before wrapping her arms around my neck. She then leaned in and kissed me, thus marking our third kiss. At this I was a little surprised but it quickly faded as I returned it. After a few seconds we broke away as she spoke with a heavy blush.
"Over the time I've known you, I've come to truly love you Hunter." Now blushing myself I put my forehead to hers as I answered the unspoken question.
"I've also come to love you Mizore, so please… don't leave me." She giggled cutely before speaking.
"Don't worry I won't, however with those words… I suppose that means we'll have to share your room now." I sat straight up at her statement. Truly I wasn't expecting her to say that. I was about to protest, saying that it wouldn't be proper. But she quickly gave me a nice, innocent, and sweet look. However I could also feel something very dark coming from her, so I ended up not saying anything.
Well… it seems as if I'll be getting a bunkmate then… I doubt her mother would care if she slept with me. Yuki-Onna sure are strange sometimes… Of course Nero had to agree with those thoughts…
So true… But hey you should feel lucky that cute girl wants to sleep with you. At her words I could only sigh and turn back to finishing the scripting. Just wondering what the future might hold for us now.
Character notes
Monster classes… SSS, SS+, SS, S+, S, A, B, C, D, F+, F
Moka-Vampire: Natural S class monster-current class S
Mizore-Yuki Onna: Natural B class Monster-current class A
Kurumu-Succubus: Natural A class monster-current class A
Hunter-Voidwalker/Beast hunter: Natural D class monster-current class S+
Tsukune-Human: Natural F class-current F+ (comparison to Navy seals-C class)
Shirone-Nekoshou: Natural B class monster-current class A
Kuroka-Nekoshou: Natural B class monster-current class S+
Shizuka Nekonome- Nekomusume: Natural D class monster-current class ?
Yukari Sendo-witch: Natural C class monster/border being-current class C
Ginei Morioka-Werewolf: Natural S class monster-current class S verge of S+
Bladedancer- Multi type- unnatural Class… Human form (Psion)… Dragon form (Wrym)-Current class S+ Verge of SS
Gil'thorax- Nether demon (Corrupted)-Current class SS
Ginily Protero- Natural S+ class creature-current class S+
Story Omake: Two
The adventures of Shirone Infinium
Part Two.
(This is an alternate non-canon series of shorts that take place six years in the future. Note that this will have no impact on the actual story. These will be at least 800 and at most 1400 words. So without further ado let's start.)
The White Cat
Observing the brown haired guy who called me Koneko, I took in his appearance. He had long messy brown hair and brown eyes; he was also wearing some kind of uniform. That consisted of a black blazer with white trimming, a white long sleeved dress shirt underneath, and black pants. It also has some kind of ribbon instead of a regular tie. He looked nice enough… however I was getting the same kind of feeling from him, that I get while being around Gin. In other words… I feel that it isn't too much of a stretch to call him a pervert.
But I wouldn't know for sure until I actually got to know him. As for the nun next to him… she was actually quite pretty, and had a rather innocent face. She had blonde hair and bright green eyes. She was currently looking between me and the brown haired guy in confusion. I guessed that she didn't know who this Koneko was.
Deciding to get the ball rolling I talked to the one who called me out. "I'm sorry, but I believe you've got the wrong person. I'm Shirone Infinium, not this Koneko you called me. Might I ask who you two are?" He eyed me in confusion as the nun answered me.
"My name is Asia Argento Shirone san. A pleasure to meet you." I couldn't help but smile at the nun, she really was friendly. As for the boy he finally snapped out of it as he introduced himself.
"Uh… my name is Issei Hyoudou. Sorry about calling you Koneko, but you really do look like someone I know." I just shrugged off his apology before answering.
"Don't worry it's not that big of a deal. But if you feel bad about it maybe you could help me." He blinked for a bit before gesturing me to go on. "Well you see I am completely lost, and have no idea where I am. So if you could tell me what this town is, where it is, and also any local landmarks. That'd be a great help."
At my words he scratched his head a bit before answering. "Sure I can help… but I'm actually taking Asia here over to the church. So if you want to follow, we can walk and talk." Seeing how I wasn't really going anywhere else I just shrugged while nodding my head. Seeing how I agreed they both smiled while the continued on their way. During this time Issei told me what I already figured out. But as Onii Chan say's… it's good to have conformation.
He told me I was in a town called Kuoh, which was in Japan somewhere close to Kyoto. He also said I was in a neighborhood near the school he went to. Apparently it was a place called, Kuoh Academy not as interesting as Yokai academy. But I figured not everything had to deal teaching Yokai to blend in with humans. If only I knew exactly what the school was for. Then maybe I wouldn't have written it off.
But back to the present. As we approached closer to the church, I could see that Issei was becoming increasingly nervous. It appeared as if he was fighting himself to keep from running.
Deciding to see what was up I questioned him. "Um Hyoudou san, are you okay? You're acting as if a bear is going to come out and eat you." A strange analogy for sure, but I have been living with Onii Chan for a while now.
Turning to me he looked confused as he whispered his answer. "Yeah I'm getting an uneasy feeling as we approach the church. Aren't you getting the same feeling?"
I shook my head no as I whispered back. "No… why would I feel uneasy? It's just a church. Ugh! If I got nervous from being near a church and Onii Chan found out… He'd tease me for an entire month!" Once again he scratched his head in confusion, but didn't say anything back. Instead he faced forward, and soon enough we were right outside the church. I could only blink at it… the church if it could be called that. Was in complete disarray. The windows were cracked, and some were even missing. The wood was also a worn and old. All together it didn't seem as if anyone had used it for years, at least twenty to be exact.
Asia however was extremely happy as she turned to him. "Thank you so very much Issei San! I'd never have made it here without your help." Still smiling she then addressed both of us. "Please I insist that the both of you come in for some tea." Looking between her and the building I couldn't help but wonder…
Is there anything to actually make tea with in there?
Still looking nervous Issei declined. "Well I would love to, but I'm already late for school. So maybe next time." At his words Asia seemed a bit down trodden so I spoke up.
"Well I've already graduated from school. So I can definitely try some of your tea.~" Hearing my words she perked up.
"Really?!" I just nodded my head politely as I turned to Issei.
"Well Hyoudou san, I thank you for your help. Maybe we'll meet again someday… as for now you said you were late so get going. Being late for class is rather bad after all." Turning to him Asia gave a small bow while also giving her thanks. Now embarrassed Issei said his goodbyes as well and ran off.
Looking back to the building I gestured to the doors while speaking. "Well then Argento san, shall we?"
The Red emperor
Wondering just was going on I spaced out during class. The subject was math so it was already boring, which ended up helping me get distracted.
I swear Shirone looked just like Koneko, yet she acted completely different! I didn't get it at all, the two looked so alike. As the bell rang for the final class of the day, I decided to go to the club room for some answers. You see I'm part of the Occult research club. Which is just a front for the people in the club, you see… everyone in there is a devil. Or a reincarnated devil in my case. Our king is Rias Gremory, one of the great ladies of the school. She had crimson hair that went down to her thighs, blue eyes, and a large chest. Something I couldn't help but feel happy about.
She also had a strand of hair sticking out from the top of her head. She also had loose bangs covering her forehead, and side bangs that framed her face. Her skin was also pearly members included Koneko Toujou our rook, also the person I was currently wondering about. Yuuto Kiba our knight, a blond haired blue eyed pretty boy. He also had a mole under his eye and was in the second year same as me. While Rias was in third, and Koneko in first.
Finally we had our queen Akeno Himejima; she had long black haired with violet eyes. Her hair was tied into a ponytail that reached all the way down to her legs. She used an orange ribbon to tie it back and had two strand of hair sticking out of it. That was it for our group, besides me who was just a pawn apparently.
Walking up to the ORC room in the old school building. I opened the door to see everyone already in there, with my object of interest munching on some snacks. This was the usual norm but seeing how I practically saw her clone I decided to talk to her.
Sitting down on a couch opposite of hers I asked my question. "Hey Koneko chan… Do you perhaps have a twin sister? Or maybe even a clone?" At my words everyone stopped what they were doing to look at me. Koneko was especially confused. However it was Rias or Buchou as we call her, was the one to question me.
"Issei Kun what do you mean by that? Does it have anything to do with why you were late today?" Sighing at everything and life in general, I explained what happened that morning.
Slayer: Huh that was interesting… But as you've noticed everyone has gotten a bit stronger thanks to their trip. But things have also started to finally move.
Judan: I'll say way to make the story even bloodier. I mean seriously? The freaking corpses!
Shadow: Ahh… the carnage and blood shed how it doth soothe me!
Mizore: That line sounds familiar…
Judan: Soul Caliber, Nightmare says it sometimes when he wins.
Mizore: Oh… wait Shadow you enjoy the blood shed?!
Shadow: I am a dark wraith, just because I'm on the side of good doesn't mean I don't enjoy a good slaughter.
Everyone: Uh….
Shadow: Well screw you to!
Shirone: I don't like the part where I'm weak, but once again my own adventure came out again!
Slayer: Yeah I decided since we did that to put that in there for balance sake.
Shadow: Meh… I could easily take over the whole DXD universe.
Mizore: That's because dark wraiths are way to over powered.
Judan: Yet they are awesome.
Slayer: Please don't make his head any bigger!
Shadow: You're so mean to me my creator!
Slayer: Whatever… it's time to finish this anyway.
Judan: You're right about that It's three am right now. I've told you before we're going to die if we keep doing things like this.
Slayer: Who cares! I can do what I want! Besides… dying is easier than living anyway…
Judan: Not sure what to say about that… but I personally don't want to die so there!
Shadow: Let's just end this! We've wasted enough space as it is! So Shirone please send us off.
Shirone: Sure! Ahem… so this has once again been a dark guards production, now signing off!
Everyone: Goodbye!