New chapter guys, drop a review and let me know what you think, I'll post a new chapter this time next week to let you guys review, starting this chapter on the harem starts to come together along with more original content so I hope you enjoy
Chapter 11
It was early morning in the Kouh Park, too early for most to be up and about, but yet the sound of extremely ragged breathing could be heard from one Issei Hyoudou as he rounded the next corner of the jogging path as he continued with his laps.
He was dressed in a grey tracksuit with his red t-shirt below it and a grey sweat band around his head. He was pushing himself to stay ahead of Rias who was behind him on her bicycle riding at a slow pace keeping Issei at a steady pace.
"Come on Issei I know you can do better than this, let's move it!" Risa encouraged from behind as Issei started to slow down even more.
Issei was trying hard to catch his breath as he ran, and was failing too, "I…can go on… ten laps is….just too much" he said breathlessly as he continued to try to run.
As they rounded the next corner they heard a noise behind them before the heard Kenta's voice calling to them, "Make way!"
Looking over their shoulders both Issei's and Rias's eye widened when they saw Kenta, dressed in an all-black track suit with no sleeves, sprinting up the pathway while pulling something behind him, but looking closer both Issei and Rias could make out what it was, it was a modern steel construction of a chariot that he was towing behind him, and in it was Serafall, dressed in an all pink track suit, looking like she was having the time of her life.
"Yippee! Go ken-tan!" she cheered as they raced passed the stunned pair.
Kenta still going strong looked over his shoulder as he pressed on before calling back, "Hurry up back there!"
Both Rias and Issei thought he was calling to them until a second person passed them, at a fast jog, Raynare in an all purple tracksuit was panting heavily as she ran desperately trying to keep up, looking worse for wear than Issei was at that point.
As the scene raced ahead of them both Issei and Rias blinked, not quite sure what they had just witnessed, before quickly continuing on with Issei's training.
Scene break
Issei was once again panting heavily, this time in a single spot, as he was raising and lowering himself with great difficulty as he continued with his push ups, made harder by the fact that Rias was currently seated on his back putting all her weight on him as he continued his workout.
"Come on Issei just seven more" Rias encouraged from her seated position as Issei counted out his set.
"Ninety-four…" Issei struggled to get out as he pushed himself up again, "Isn't a hundred a bit on the heavy side"
"No silly, you need to push your body so you can build up strength at the same time as your body builds up your tolerance to sunlight" Rias chided, "Now quit whining and pick it up already, this is nothing compared to what Kenta is doing" she said gesturing over to where Kenta was training, as Issei struggled to look, but when he did his jaw dropped.
Kenta was currently balancing himself on his right hand, with his left behind his back, as he held himself in a vertical upright stance, and above him, both Raynare and Serafall sat on one of his feet each perfectly balanced as Kenta continued with his single-handed vertical push-ups.
Issei was speechless until he felt Rias slap his ass making him immediately pay attention as she spoke, "Now pick it up, one thing I will not tolerate is a weak servant"
Issei groaned as he went down again and started to push himself back up, "You can't compare me to him look at him he's a freaking tank"
Kenta smirked from his position as he went up and down with ease before calling out, "Four hundred ninety-eight, Focus on something else Issei, it'll distract you from the workout pain and you'll be done in no time" he recommended.
Issei groaned as he reaches the top of his next push up, "Oh yeah like what?" he called out in utter agony.
Kenta chuckled, "How about the fact that you have one of the two great ladies of Kouh academy currently sitting on your back, you're bound to think of something from that simple fact" he chuckled.
Issei blinked at the sudden realisation of what Kenta was getting at as he realised what he was actually feeling pressing against his back as a small trickle of blood came from his nose as his mind flooded with ecchi thoughts, but it was that fact that was his downfall when blood rushed away from his arms to another appendage that made him lose all strength in his arms and fell face and crotch first into the ground, as a silent crunch was heard followed by a loud cry of pain as birds took to the sky in fear of the noise, while every man and pervert in a two block radius winced in pity for their injured brother.
Scene break
Issei lay on his side beside on of the park benches in pain holding an ice pack to his manhood silently mourning the possible loss of his partner in crime. While Rias was sitting on the bench her head in her hand not sure what she was ever going to do with him.
Raynare was currently lying on the grass behind the bench conked out from the workout.
Kenta was shaking his head at the scene, "Honestly, it's too easy sometimes," he said before moving to sit on one of the benches arm rests as Rias sighed.
"You were supposed to be helping him by setting an example of how to train" Rias chided with a sigh.
Kenta shrugged, "I thought I was, not my fault that he took what I said in a perverted way, but then being him, I don't think he'd know any other way to take it," he said with a smirk.
Serafall giggled, "well he would have noticed it himself eventually,"
Kenta smirked, "Yeah, and in all truth he actually impressed me a bit, the park's track is a kilometre long, so doing a ten kilometre run for someone like him is an achievement in itself, and then a hundred push up right after, that'll be a strain on any first timer," Kenta said before he looked up at the sky, "I can only do the stuff I can because I had to get stronger in order to survive, and even after I was free the ritual of daily exercise to keep fit and improve stuck with me, years of the same thing tends to do that"
As Kenta talked both Serafall and Rias listened to him hearing the way he talked about his years in that hell so casually, neither could imagine what he had gone through at such a young age, but it was obvious that it had made him into the man that stood before them, he was so much wiser and knowledgeable for his age, it was scary in some ways, to think about what he went through to make him who he was.
As they both looked at him in their newfound respect, Asia came around the corner holding a small basket in her arms coming to meet them, "Hm, excuse me" she said getting their attention as she rushed to them, "Sorry I'm…" she started to say while rushing only for her foot to catch a loose stone causing her to lose her footing, her eye's widened as she started to fall but before she had a chance to cry out, she felt an arm around her waist steadying her before helping her back to her feet.
Looking to see who had saved her, she blushed seeing it was Kenta with a friendly smile, "Careful there Asia, the last thing we need is you falling now, that wouldn't be too good" he said a friendly smile still present as he stepped back.
"Oh, arigato Kenta-san," Asia said with a growing blush realising how close they'd been when he saved her from falling.
"Holy crap dude, you moved like lighting," Issei said as he slowly got up from the ground, he'd seen Asia about to fall and was going to help her but Kenta was way ahead of him.
Kenta smirked as he looked to the shocked Issei, "Knight's speed Issei, perks of being a Queen" he said before looking back to Asia, "So what brings you out here so early Asia?" he asked with a smile.
"Oh, um," Asia says as she opens the basket showing two thermoses with a number of cups, "I knew you, Raynare-san and Ise-san were going to be training, so I thought you could use something drink afterwards"
Kenta smiled, "that's actually just what we need, thank you Asia," he said as he walked her over to the rest of them before he started to help pour out the drinks for each of them.
Scene break-Kenta's POV
I took my tea and went to sit beneath the shade of a large tree a bit away from the bench and path, sitting with my legs crossed and holding my tea out in front of me as it cooled I enjoyed the fresh morning air, it's cool touch and scent a delight for my heightened senses.
As I relaxed I found myself lost in thought as I thought back to how things had changed so drastically over the past week, so much had happened, I became a devil, second in command to a Maou no less, I revealed what I was, and my past, to people other than family, I got a fallen angel for a maid, I was attacked, beaten, and left for dead by five of my own kind.
So much in so short a time, it was almost overwhelming, and I can't tell yet if it's over yet or if this is just a breather before the next wave of stuff hits the fan and we all get hit, but something tells me it was the latter of the two.
As I was lost in thought, I found myself quickly pulled out of it when a weight was pressed against my back like someone leaning on me, I turned my head to see who it was only to find a smiling Sera-tan hugging me from behind, "he-he, what ya thinking about~" she asks in her usual childish manner.
I smiled back, "Just wondering what's going to happen next in the chaos that has become the norm around here since I became a devil. It's too quiet"
Sera-tan hummed to herself as I spoke, "Hmm, well whatever is going to happen, I'm sure we'll get through it, after all" she said before hugging me more tightly, "You're my big strong, cute and cuddly queen, and I know we can do it"
I chuckled at the compliment, "that's me alright, Strong, Cute and Cuddly, the whole package" I laughed at the odd description as I lifted my cup of tea and took a warming sip, as I did I took note of Rias, who was sitting on the bench opposite Issei and Asia, but she was looking down at her cup, her mind seemed to be elsewhere.
I raised an eyebrow looking in her direction before I looked to Sera-tan, "Do you know what's bothering Rias, she hasn't been herself the past few days, she's been more distracted than usual?" I asked thinking she might know something about it.
Sera-tan looked in Rias's direction, only for her happy smile to fade to a small frown as she sighed and shook her head before looking back to me, "Family troubles, it's not our place to get involved" she said in a sad tone.
I nodded in understanding, from what little I knew of devil matters, they were rather traditional in family matters and it wasn't wise to get involved in others businesses, especially for myself in my position, being Sera-tan's queen meant I was in the public eye so to speak, if I got involved it would look like she was getting involved also, and that couldn't happen, it was one of the reasons the former Maou were revolted against, interfering with matters concerning houses other than their own, so whatever was bothering Rias we couldn't interfere publicly, which sucked but that was the hand I was played in my position, but that didn't mean I was just going to sit back, whatever it was I would find a way to help her, she's my friend, after all, I'll just have to be careful about it.
Taking a final sip of my tea I stood up and made my way down to them, Sera-tan still clinging to my shoulders like a piggyback ride.
We made it over to them and I handed my cup back to Asia, "Arigato for the tea Asia, it was delicious" I complimented her.
Asia smiled back at me with a slightly blush as I handed her back the cup, "Oh arigato Kenta-san"
I smiled at her before a thought came to mind, "Oh that reminds me, Asia, I was meaning to ask if you've found a place to live yet since you're new in town"
Asia seemed to blink rapidly, "Ano..." she said as she pushed her fingers together as she looked to be thinking.
Rias seemed to giggle at the scene as she noticed, "Oh, I was actually meant to talk to you and Serafall-sama about that Kenta, it would seem that Asia would like to stay at yours, as you and she have history, I was wondering if that would be alright?"
I blinked at the sudden request before smiling, "Of course it would be" I said before looking to Asia, "I would be delighted to have you come and stay Asia, the only problem is that it's a little cramped as is, I only have three beds and both Raynare and Dohnaseek are taking up one a piece and sera-tan is bunking with me, it would be tight but I'm sure we can find room" I said with a slightly sweat drop in embarrassment, my house was becoming an overcrowded inn at this point.
"He-he, Actually" I heard Sera-tan giggle from my shoulder, "it shouldn't be a problem now, but sharing a room is still an option" she said giggling making me blink as I looked to my king over my shoulder, unsure of what she was getting at, but I had a feeling I was going to find out when I got home.
Scene break
"Wow, what happened to your house dude?" Issei practically yelled in shock as he looked on.
I myself stood blinking rapidly, unsure of what to say at the sight in front of me, I was actually speechless at what I was seeing, it couldn't have been possible. We were only gone for three hours.
On the spot where my house had been and the houses on either side, now stood a three floor mansion, with a white wash and sandstone finish. I felt my mouth gape.
"How is this possible, I only just approved the plans yesterday, and we left three hours ago, my house was still there, how, what…" I said unable to comprehend how the house… no Mansion had gone up so fast.
I heard Sera-tan giggle from beside me, "he-he, devil connections and persuasions of a Maou, with a little magic thrown in," she explained like it happened every day.
I looked to her blinking, "and the neighbours?" I asked
Sera-tan just smiled back, "Both families were given generous settlements to relocate, with a little magical persuasion to smooth the transition, both were very happy I'm told"
I ran my hand down my face trying to comprehend what I was hearing, before I sighed, "I guess I should have seen this coming" I said before looking back to the mansion with a little excitement, "well I guess we should take a tour of the new house" I said with a small chuckle as we started to head inside.
Walking inside through the large varnished oak doors we entered into a large hallway entrance with an open ceiling that carried up the two floors to the top, with a railing running around the interior as a banister, in front of us was a large staircase going up to the second floor and an elevator go up to the top floors or down to the sub-basement levels, which I've I remembered the plans correctly there were four of, the first was a large indoor Dojo and Gym area to replace the outside dojo, the basement below that was divided up into an indoor cinema big enough to fit forty, with a very extensive library of both movies and Anime series that I would be enjoying in the near future, and an entertainment area with two pool tables, darts boards and table tennis, with a fully stocked bar with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
And the final basement was also divided in two one side was for the new indoor pool with had an automated cleaning system for emptying and sanitising the pool every few weeks to keep it fresh, and the other side was for a hot spring spa and Jacuzzi for relaxing after long days.
The first main floor had two large living rooms and a rather large dining room connected to the even larger kitchen space which was now equipped with three cookers each with four rings each and three oven shelves, and if that wasn't enough there were another two industrial size ovens both over a meter and a half in height and two meters deep, and to the side of the kitchen there was a fully stocked seven by ten pantry with enough food and cooking ingredients to keep me baking for months.
The second floor was a residential area with a number of bedrooms and bathrooms for anyone who wanted to live here, the third floor was a meeting room with a large table in the centre and multiple chairs around it and sofas and comfortable seating in another area off to the right for less formal meetings.
In all it took two hours for us to tour the house, and I was speechless as before as I stepped out of the elevator after viewing the massive anime collection for the cinema, I don't think I'll be able to stop once I start, there's so many of them, she even got ones aren't meant to air till next year, don't ask me how.
Stepping out we met up with Issei, Rias and Asia who were all looking around very impressed and in awe as I was.
"Damn dude, this place is even bigger on the inside, talk about a step up," Issei said as sera-tan and I walked over.
I rubbed the back of my head sheepishly, "Yea it is a bit much, I didn't think it would be this big when I approved the plans, but it's something I could get used to" I chuckled before looking to Asia, "well it looks as if there will be plenty of room now Asia, so you're more than welcome to stay here if you want"
Asia blushed as she bowed, "Oh arigato Kenta-san"
I chuckled, "it's really not a problem, seeing as we've got so much room now", I said as I gestured up to the many doors on the others floors, "you'll be able to have your choice of any room you want, and so will you Sera-tan, plenty of rooms to choose from now" I said looking to sera-tan but she was shaking her head.
"Nope, I'm not choosing another room, it's only fitting a king shares her bed with their queen if they live in the same house" Sera-tan argued as she hugged onto me, "Besides with Asia here now, she can join us too" Sera-tan said looking to Asia with a welcoming smile, "your more than welcome, the more the merrier, and besides I'm sure Kent-tan won't mind another cuddling his tail at night, he's so soft and cuddly under the covers"
I blinked at the clear double meaning before I sighed at my king's antics, 'should have seen that coming'.
'Well you certainly aren't complaining' Adara chuckled slightly.
I mentally shrugged, 'What can I say, can't beat a girl cuddling your tail, and petting your ears, for a male Yōkai it's the best position to be in'
Sera-tan looked up to me, "what do you say Ken-tan, shouldn't Asia-chan join us in bed tonight?"
I sighed shaking my head, "I say we sort out the sleeping and moving arrangements after school, which we've still to get ready for" I said reminding them, "and if Asia does want to share the same room I wouldn't be against it, that just means nightwear is essential for you Sera-tan" I said before smirking, "both upper and lower, not just panties" I added making sure this time, getting a pout in response. While Asia seemed to blush heavily at what the sleeping arrangements had been like before, I chuckled at that, until we heard the sound of a door opening and Dohnaseek's voice booming out,
"What the hell, when did this happen!"
We all looked to see him on the second floor in a dressing gown looking out over the railing at the rest of the house.
I blinked, "Dohnaseek, were you sleeping the whole time the house was being rebuilt?"
Dohnaseek just shrugged, "what can I say I'm a heavy sleeper"
At that everyone face planted on the floor hearing his explanation, 'more like mega-tonne sleeper'
Scene break
It was another hour later where we were all finally ready and on our way into the school grounds. Both Rias and Issei had gone home to get ready and were already in ahead of us, while Asia had brought her uniform with her and changed at ours and we had walked in together. Sera-tan had left for the underworld to take care of some business saying that she'd see me at lunch time in the Student Council room for lunch.
As we walked through the gate into the main yard Koneko landed on my shoulder as usual with a pleasant smile on her face.
"Morning Imouto" I smiled up at her as she landed on my shoulder.
"Morning Nii-chan, Asia-chan" was her reply as she landed on my shoulder and we continued on our way in.
The school seemed to be much calmer than usual, I viewed that as a good thing with all the chaos lately, calm could only be viewed as that.
'You sound hopeful it will stay like this' Adara voiced in my mind.
'Is that so bad, after the last week a guy could use a bit of down time'
We continued on into the main school building as we started to talk.
"So Imouto, you ready to move in after school, the new house is all set, and there's plenty of room?" I chuckled.
Koneko nodded from my shoulder, "Hai Nii-chan, Buchou told me after her and the perv left yours I've already started packing"
I chuckled at her rather accurate nickname for Issei, I don't think she likes him very much, "good, I'll come by with Dohnaseek and Raynare after school to start moving, you'll have your pick of the rooms"
Koneko looked behind us, "Speaking of the bird brain, where is she?" Koneko asked not seeing Raynare.
I sighed, "She was exhausted after our morning training so I opted to let her take a few hours to recuperate, she'll come in a few hours, she's got a long way to go," I said as she hopped off my shoulder as we reached the split off for her class.
I gave her a hug and patted her head, "see you in the club room later Imouto" I said with a smile.
"See you then, Nii-chan," Koneko said back with a smile before taking off down the hall as Asia and I continued on our way.
As we walked I looked and saw that Asia was fidgeting a bit as we continued down the hall I smiled gently guessing what was wrong, "You nerves Asia?" I asked as we walked getting a jump and an "Eep!" in response as Asia looked slightly embarrassed.
"Ano… I've never been to a public school before" Asia said looking a little more worried, "in the church I had private lessons but I've never been in a class with others"
I chuckled putting my hand on her shoulder, "I'm sure you'll be just fine Asia, they'll all be the same age as you, none of them will judge you" I said with a small smile trying to reassure her, "I know exactly how you feel, it was the same for me when I had to restart my education, I was a nervous wreck the first day too, but you know what, I found that all those worries I had were only me trying to scare myself, cause when I got into class nothing I was worried about happened, and it will be the same for you Asia, I just know it, just be yourself and everything will turn out fine"
Asia started to smile a bit more and slowly nodded her head as we got to her classroom, "I'll try Kenta-san" she said with a bit more of a smile.
As we got to the door I could see Issei standing outside of it waiting for us, looked like Asia was in his class, 'I think I might need to have a word with him here', I thought to myself as we approached.
"Hey, Kenta, Asia-chan" Issei waved to us before looking to Asia, "You ready for your first day?" he asked with a kind smile.
Asia looked to me, as I gave her a small smile letting her know everything would be fine, before she looked back to Issei with a bit more confidence, "yes"
Issei smiled, "Great come on in, Sensei should be here in a few minutes," he said gesturing into the classroom.
Asia nodded and started into the classroom, Issei went to follow her in but stopped when I put my hand on his shoulder, "Go on ahead Asia, I just need to have a quick chat with Issei here about somethings" I called to Asia who nodded and went into the classroom, when she was out of sight I gripped Issei's shoulder a little bit more tightly making him gulp as I turned him to look at me.
I started letting out a little bit of my aura as I spoke wanting to make sure I got my point across the first time, "Ok listen and listen well Issei, Asia is a sweet and gentle girl and while I approve of your friendship and I know you wouldn't try anything, leaving a pretty girl in the presence of a pervert it's only a matter of time, so I will make this as clear as I possibly can. Should either you or your perverted friend do anything to Asia that is any way perverted, should you sully her mind intentional or not, or even hint towards trying anything perverted in nature with her…" I spoke as my aura took the shape of a large Demonic Oni mask with glowing red eyes scaring the pervert shitless, "I will peel your rods like bananas before I cut them off and serve them to you on a silver platter, am I making myself clear" I threatened, boosting my aura output a bit more making him shake as he nodded his head so fast I thought it was going to fall off.
I smiled kindly as I cut my aura and the Oni mask disappeared, "Good glad we understand each other Issei, please look after Asia in my absence, and have a nice day" I said before I turned and continued on my way leaving him frozen in fear, he'd be fine in a few minutes.
'That was rather descriptive, first time I've seen you get so protective of someone like that, Asia must mean a lot to you'
'I owe her a lot, as far as I'm concerned if it wasn't for her I'd likely be dead or still fighting for the amusement of others in that god forsaken ring, if I can keep her from losing her innocents to early then it's the least I can do for her as repayment, although I don't know how I'm going to do so with Sera-tan about the house, the comment about Asia in bed with us is still in the air'
'You know the girl likes you, Serafall as well, they're both giving off the signs of it'
'Really?' I asked shocked, 'I noticed Asia being a little shy around me and blushing a bit but I thought that was just her being her, and I know Sera-tan cares for me but I don't think it goes beyond the king and queen dynamic, are you sure?'
'Positive, remember I can read their minds remember when you caught Asia in the park her thoughts were all over you and your strong arms around her and how close the two of you were. And as for Serafall, well while she may act childish on the outside, the thoughts she has about you and the dreams she has are quite vivid, although she's been worrying a lot more lately after finding out about your past, she's concerned for you'
I paused walking for a moment as I stepped to the side and leant against the wall frowning slightly, 'Asia and Sera-tan, great, the sweet girl who pulled me from despair and my king who pulled me from death… what am I supposed to do with this information now, Asia she's just so sweet and innocent and Sera-tan, she's my king, can I even have a relationship like that with her, are there any rules against it, would it sully her name to be with a servant devil like me…. Or what I am, can I even be with either of them for what I am, what's inside me'
'… You know you can,'
'Yes I know I can, but should I, should I risk it and put them in danger, with what I am it's a game of roulette when I could go off, when something would put me over the edge, and I could snap and lose it, they could be caught in the aftermath of it for being with me, or worse near me when I do snap and they'd get hurt or worse'
'Stop trying to talk yourself out of it, you have had this inside of since you were born, for seventeen years, and you've only ever lost control once, the odds of you doing it again when you're venting regularly are near to impossible, and you know even in the aftermath they'd stick by you, with you or not, and for them getting hurt, one is a Maou that would have the strength to keep you at bay in your state, and they'd be in the area regardless, so all those reasons you've listed are just you trying to talk yourself out of the possibility of a relationship with either of them'
'But Asia's in another peerage and Sera-tan is my king, even if I could be with them, I could never choose one'
'What are you brain dead, different peerages or positions don't matter, and why do you have to choose, your kind have harems remember, and I'm pretty sure devils do as well, so why not have both of them, chances are all three of you will be sharing the same bed tonight anyway'
'Sweet innocent Asia in a harem, yea I can really see that working out' I thought sarcastically before sighing, 'this is just so confusing, this is why I've been reluctant to use your mental abilities for a while, knowing others thoughts and feelings can make things complicated'
'What's so complicated, you have three girls who have feelings for you, and having a harem is an option, most guys… no strike that every guy would be through the roof at the prospect, why aren't you?'
'Because I'm…. Wait, did you say three, who's the third?' I asked in shock
'That chick who's into S&M, Akeno, don't tell me you've forgotten about her little daydream about her, you, whipped cream, strawberries and a leather outfit, she's got the hots for you as well'
'I thought that was just Akeno being Akeno, so she's got feelings for me as well?'
'In a manner of speaking yes, she's definitely attracted to you, and you know what they say that's where love starts, but lately she's just fantasising more fun time between the two of you, hard not to really, you are quite the specimen'
'Um, thanks' I said not sure how to respond to the compliment before I shook my head, 'so now it's three, mind reading can be so troublesome, I'm going to have to think on this later, I'm going to be late for class as it is' I thought as I pushed off the wall.
'Well you'll have plenty of time to think in class about how you're going to get those three to consent to a harem'
'I just had to get a perverted female fire snake as my scared gear'
'One that can read your thoughts as well, I know what you want, and what you feel, you have feelings for each of them as well, why not just admit it,'
'Because it's not as simple as just admitting it' I thought as I entered my classroom seeing both Rias and Akeno already in their seats, I moved to take mine, 'things are never as simple as they appear to be'
'Except when they are' Adara replied, 'like Akeno right now' she mentally spoke as I glances at Akeno from my seat who was just looking forward as our sensei came into start the lesson, 'she may be putting on a normal face right now, but I'm betting she's got a sexy little S&M number playing in her head about you and her'
'And that's why I'm glad you can only read people's minds when they're in contact with me' I mentally sweat dropped before my glance landed on Rias who seemed to be lost in her own thoughts as she looked blankly in front of her, I frowned, 'but I just wish you could tell me what's bothering Rias lately, she's so distracted it's not like her'
'Sorry, unless you're touching her or my sacred gear I can't get into her thoughts to let to know, but judging by her look, whatever it is, it saddens her'
I sighed mentally leaning back in the chair, I had read ahead in the lesson plan last night when I was catching up on what I had missed so I knew what was going to be taught so I had time to think, whatever was on Rias mind that was bothering her so much would come to light sooner than later, I didn't want to invade another girls thoughts, I knew it wasn't me but I was still an invasion of privacy one that I didn't want to abuse too much it was a powerful ability just like everything about my sacred gear, but I was wondering just what else it was capable of.
'Adara, you said before back when Issei was awakening his sacred gear, that mine could change to anything I wanted just like my fire, what exactly did you mean'
'I meant exactly that, very few scared gears have sentient beings in them, if they do they were sealed in them for a reason like a prison, but mine is one of the few that can take on different forms like the very fire I control, I can make it take on the shape of anything within reason'
'What do you mean within reason?'
'The sacred gear has to be touching you always, so something you hold or wear, and not something ridiculously huge'
I paused for a moment before mentally nodding, 'ok I got ya now'
'Why are you asking anyway, do you have an idea for some new forms?'
I mentally nodded, 'I do, three, for now, are there any downsides to the change, usually when something sounds good there always a catch'
'There is but just a small one, each new form will take me six hours to modify the sacred gear to use and swap between them easily, if I did add three designs you wouldn't be able to use your fire for the next eighteen hours, and we'd be cut off till I was done, that sound good to you?'
'It's reasonable, here's the designs for the forms' I thought as I mentally sent her the images of the forms I wanted to be added, and I could feel her nodding in approval.
'Oh very nice, I can see these forms coming in very handy in combat, I'll get started on them right away, see you in eighteen hours' I heard as I felt the line go dead.
I sighed closing my eyes, 'perfect now I can sleep without interuption or any cat nap jokes'
Scene break
Class had been relatively fast given I had slept through most of it, sensei didn't seem to mind, but the strangest thing had happened while I was sleeping, Rias had gotten out of class early for some reason, Akeno had said that it was to deal with some personal matters, but that had gotten my wondering, if it was devil matters wouldn't Akeno have gone with her as her queen, whatever was going on was starting to worry me, but perhaps Sona would be able to fill me in on whatever it is.
That's where I was heading now the School council room for lunch, and to meet with sera-tan, she should already be there.
Opening the council room door I was greeted by the sight of Sona, Tsubaki and Sera-tan all sitting around a table with their meals out in front of them, I smirked, "that's for waiting for me" I said coming in and closing the door.
"Ken-tan!" Sera-tan cheered, "How's your day been, have you missed me!" Sera-tan cheered as she nearly knocked me off my feet when she rushed me into a hug.
I chuckled as I started walking over to the table my king currently hugging around my waste, "My day has been good so far Sera-tan, thank you for asking, I'm once again ahead of my classwork, after that gap the paperwork caused you'll be happy to know Sona, so no reason to be worried there"
Sona gave me a nod, "that is good to hear Kenta, you seem to be taking everything in your stride, as usual"
I gave a nod back before I reached down and pulled Sera-tan off me by her collar with a gentle pull before I lifted her over and dropped her on her seat as she gave a little giggle as I shook my head before sitting down myself.
"Ok I brought us all a little treat for today" I said as I reached into my bag and brought out a plastic box, the contents covered in cooking paper which seemed to get their attention as I set it on the table and opened the lid, inside were what I had been preparing last night, white chocolate and cranberry jumbo cookies, Sera-tan's eyes turned to stars seeing them making me smirk, "finally got the mix just right, I hope you like them" I said as I pushed the box into the middle of the table as the others reached for the cookies.
I took the last one and we all took a bite at the same time, the reactions were something I wasn't expecting, well two of them at least, Sera-tan the second she tasted it, her eyes sparkled as she froze on the spot before as I predicted the next second she let out a high pitched scream that dwarfed that of the one she did for my muffins, "Delicious!"
I winced hearing the cry and rubbed my ears to make the ringing stop, but no sooner had I could swear I heard a quire singing halleluiah somewhere as I looked to both Sona and Tsubaki as their eyes were both large stars with cookies in them making me blink rapidly before chuckling at the scene, well I think it was safe to say that I had officially found my best recipe to date.
Scene break
It was fifteen minutes later when the four of us were finished our lunches, it had taken half that time for Sona and Tsubaki to snap out of what I had now dubbed their "Cookie coma state" and we were now each sitting down to a cup of tea relaxing.
As I took a sip of my tea I looked to Sona before swallowing, "Sona, you wouldn't happen to know what's been bothering Rias as of late, she hasn't been herself, she's been distracted and that just isn't like her, and then there was her getting out of class early today, I asked Akeno and she said it was a personal matter, but if it was devil business wouldn't Akeno have been with her as her queen"
As I spoke I saw Sona and Tsubaki exchange looks before looking to sera-tan as she sighed as she set down her cup and spoke, "He must be pushing again" was what sera-tan spoke getting my attention, so she does know what was going on.
I set down my cup, "Ok would someone please tell me exactly what is going on, cause it feels like I'm the only one in this room who doesn't know all the facts here, what exactly is bothering Rias"
Sona sighed, "Kenta how much do you know about the war between the devils, Angels and fallen angels?" she asked with a rather serious tone.
I sighed, "as far as I know the war has been going on for as long as anyone can remember, but it's been in a stalemate for a while now given the massive casualties on all sides,"
Sona nodded, "yes and that stalemate was only made possible by a further civil war on our side when the old satin faction wanted to continue the war regardless of the casualties, a civil war that eventually led to the overthrow of the old Maous and the instalment of the current system"
I nodded, "I see, but I still don't get what this has to do with Rias at the moment"
Sona took a drink before continuing, "while it's not the direct cause for Rias's state it is the problem in a way for not just Rias but for all devil kind, after the three-way war and then a civil war that divided our numbers yet again, we find our numbers dwindling, and the older pureblood devils are pushing for unions between those purebloods that are left to ensure the next generations of devils are born"
I blinked, "wait, unions, next generations? Are you saying that they are doing this through marriage, that Rias, is engaged to be married, that's what's got her distracted?"
Sona nodded, "Indeed, I myself have had dozens of suitors looking to forge unions between their families and my own, however, I was fortunate to strike a deal with my parents that I would only wed someone who I consider my intellectual equal," she said fixing her glasses, "and that is decided via a chess game," I smirked hearing that, "needless to say I have never lost, Rias isn't so fortunate"
I sighed, "I see, Damn, I knew Devils were set in the old way's but arranged marriages, that seems so medieval" I looked to sera-tan, "Isn't there anything a Maou can do to stop this, they're forcing her to do it"
Sera-tan shook her head, "No as Maou I can't interfere with other family's inner workings, that was the other reason that the civil war was fought, the old Maou were tyrants who used their power to do as they pleased, to do so would make us no better than them, if we could Sirzechs would have done so already, he wants nothing more than to help Rias but he is as restrained as I am in this situation"
I quirked an eyebrow, "Sirzechs?" I asked looking to Sona.
"Rias's Onii-sama, he holds the title of Lucifer, as Onee-sama holds the title of Leviathan" Sona explained
I nodded in understanding, "Damn, all that power and he can't use it to help his Imouto, gotta feel for him that rough, but surely there's something that can be done to help her"
Sona shook her head, "there's nothing we can do, the house of phoenix is pushing for this and lord and lady Gremory both see no harm in it"
I blinked, "wait, Phoenix, as in the legendary birds, reborn from ashes and all that?" I asked wanting to be sure.
Sona nodded, "the very same, why do you ask?"
I scowled, "that would explain it then," I said clenching my fist realizing what it meant, 'and that would also explain a lot more'
Serafall looked to me with a raised eyebrow "Ken-tan, what do you mean?"
I growled, "the other day at my house when we all gathered, during the party I went outside to check something that caught my eye, we were all being watched, it was a Phoenix watching us"
As I spoke I could see each of them frowning hearing what I had discovered, and I could tell they were as unhappy as to what it meant as I was. "It would seem that whoever is to wed Rias doesn't want to let her out of his sights" I said in a growl
"That does sound like Raiser", Sona spat, "and I definitely wouldn't put it past him"
"I take it this Raiser is the one Rias is to marry then?" I asked getting nods from the three of them, "Do you guys know if Rias has any serious plans in action to get out of it, knowing her she won't go down easy" I said with a smirk, 'no she'd go down kicking and screaming till the very end, she'd be too proud to go down any other way'
Both Tsubaki and Sera-tan shake their heads but Sona thought for a moment before she spoke, "Rias did say something to me about a last ditch effort she had thought of, but it was her last resort, she didn't say anything other than that"
I frowned, "well at least we know she has something up her sleeve, I just hope she doesn't do something stupid"
Sera-tan giggled, "Oh ken-tan, its Rias-chan, I'm sure she'll be just fine"
I just nodded in response, 'I hope so too'
