How about that ending for samurai jack? They pulled a gurren lagann on us!
Anyway I think I should have skipped arc, what's the point of Gerard being here if he isn't gonna even take part in the gathering, which leads to the question, should I just skip the training segment or have him help Akeno with her training? Or skip both along with the rating game? I mean we all know what happens but i'll let you guys decide.
Chapter 21 Gathering of the young Devil's
The next day came and after a filling breakfast Gerard and his Devil friends went sightseeing, except for Issei of course, the Red Dragon Emperor had studies to attend and, to Gerard's point of view, was missing out on quite a tour. The land was beautiful; the grassy plains looked like a green ocean with thousands of threes sprouting out like whales breaching the surface, and the mountains off in the distances looked like islands.
"So, this is one of the many castles the Gremory's have?" Gerard asked.
"Correct. Each noble family owns a piece of the Underworld, each variating in size. The Bael clan has the largest of all, in terms of size, it's the same as America." Rias answered.
"North or South?"
"Both."
Gerard whistled, "I was expecting something the size of Russia, since there the masters of the Underworld."
"And where did you learn that the Bael Clan was the leaders of the Underworld?"
"Through Azazel, I had no idea he was so knowledgeable behind that lazy personality of his."
"Well he is the leader of the Fallen Angel and had lived for thousands of years."
"You know that raises a question, who came first; God or the dinosaurs?" This question cased his friends, except Koneko, to laugh.
"Of course it's God, or was God. The Great War happened long after the Dinosaurs became extinct." Akeno answered after recovering from her laugh.
Huh, so God did come first.
"So, have any of you read about this Great War? Does anyone know who started it and what it was for?"
Silence was the answer he received. Nobody spoke, only looking to one another, wondering who would answer his question.
"The Great War started millions of years ago."
Gerard turned around to see the speaker was Zeoticus, his long hair blowing lightly in the wind. "It was long and bloody fought by the three biblical factions. It has been so long ago that nobody remembers who fired the first shot or what we were fighting for. All that we know is that thousands died on all sides and that and because of that, the truce was made so no more bloodshed was made. Unfortunately, trouble still seem to continue, we have a bloody civil war to overthrow the Old Satan Faction who wanted to continue the war, and rouge Fallen Angels were caused problems for us. Why those blasted crows wanted to continue the war I have no clue. The Angels of course stayed locked away in Heaven while the humans who followed their religion wrote the Bible, which by the way, has history about the war, but it is all false. They have no idea just how brutal it really was."
"I assume you fought in both wars, Lord Gremory?"
"Only in the Great War. My son Sirzechs fought in both wars. He was one of the leaders of the New Satan Faction. He wanted me to join the resistance, but I had a wife and unborn daughter to protect." His eyes lingered on Rias as he said that. He truly was grateful his daughter was born many years after that terrible civil war which had caused so much death and destruction in the Underworld. But now with a new threat on the horizon he feared she no longer be safe.
After the talk with the Lord of the Gremory house, the Gremory group continued their sightseeing till a servant approached saying it was time to depart to the station where'd they'd be transported to where the young devil gathering would take place. All the way to train station and even now on their way to the gathering Gerard was silent, his mind thinking about the future, thinking about the Khaos Brigade and the Great War.
Gerard had never been in war before and hoped this conflict with Khaos Brigade wouldn't escalate into one. As he looked at Akeno, who was speaking with Rias, a sense of worry filled him, he didn't want war to happen. It would mean both of them would have to experience the hardships that come with it and possibly the deaths of many close friends, which he did not want to see. But most importantly, he didn't want to lose Akeno. He just started coming to terms with his past and begin a relationship with her.
If war did come, he would make sure to protect her till the very end.
He couldn't shake the thought of watching Akeno cry out of his head. He had made her cry because he had been a stubborn ass about her affections to him, that stubbornness had been driven by fear.
Fear that history would repeat itself for him; that he would have his heart broken again. Gerard's point of view on a relationships meant committing yourself to the one you love and he loved Elena dearly, giving her everything she wanted and always pleasing her, but she threw it all away, leaving him for another man for reasons that would forever remain unknown to him.
It broke the sorcerers heart, all that commitment he gave to her had been shattered to pieces by her cruel actions and any romantic feelings he had for girls was sealed off by anger and fear of meeting another woman like Elena, until Akeno came along.
This one girl, a hybrid human fallen angel turned Devil, caused something to reignite the flames of love within him. It was just a tiny flicker at first, a close friendship, and with the more time he spent around her that feeling began to grow. He loved her as a friend and when she had declared her love to him, the first hint of true love he hadn't felt in years began to fill his heart once again, it felt as if a burst of flames came coursing through his body when she kissed him back in the shrine all those weeks ago.
It was brief but he had felt love in those seconds. He never told Issei but, during the training he put the pervert through, he thought of Akeno occasionally, those beautiful violet eyes of hers, her adorable laugh, and of course the feel of her lips, their softness was something he would never forget. But like that kiss, he could never forget the wicked action Elena did and fear tugged at his heart that Akeno could do the same thing. Yet even after everything that happened up till now, Akeno never went after Issei, she only looked to Gerard for love and support. He at least saw her love for him was unyielding and when she promised to never leave him, the chains that locked his feelings away had snapped finally. He would give love a try again, he would give Akeno a try.
"Gerard-san."
He turned to who spoke, finding Akeno sitting beside him, a look of worry on her face. "Yes, hime?"
"While happy you're here with us, I'm concerned your presence may cause some issues. This morning Rias told me that word spread quickly about you, a human, staying in the Gremory territory and now both Lucifer-sama and Gremory-sama are being questioned about it"
"That doesn't concern me, Akeno." The human replied with a wave of his hand, "What concerns he is the discovery of the multiverse. You and I both know if people fine out, especially Khaos Brigade, they'll try capturing me and use me as a means to travel through it. Unfortunately I do not have that power, the Sorcerer Supreme dose, and nobody in this dimension comes close to the strength of Doctor Strange."
This prompted the black haired beauty to raise a brow at the human, was he sure that on one in this universe was strong enough to defeat the Sorcerer Supreme? He was probably right, she saw what he did to Kokabiel and during Khaos Brigades attack. However…
"Are you sure about that?" She couldn't help asking, "What if the Infinite Dragon God and Great Red team up to destroy him? They are the most powerful beings in this dimension."
"Gerard shrugged, Trust me, Akeno-hime, Doctor Strange is more power than everyone here, even if all the magical beings merged together, it wouldn't be enough to stop him."
Akeno smirked, was there a hint of pride and arrogance in his tone? "Oh really? Then tell me, is he the most powerful being in your dimension?"
….
….
….
….
"No. To be honest, I'm not sure who the strongest being in my dimension is?" Gerard replied with another shrug. "But make no mistake, there arebeing's stronger than Doctor Strange but who those are, he never got the chance to tell me. But, my master is stronger than Great Red, that debate is settled."
"Are you sure?"
"Of course am I, I said the exact same thing to Azazel; Doctor Strange would either destroy Great Red or throw him into another universe like he did with Kokabiel."
"Do you think you'll become as powerful as him?"
"Possibly," Gerard answered quickly, "Thought I doubt that now that I am living in a new dimension."
"Do you regret staying here?"
"How can I regret it when I found the girl who rekindled the spark of love in me lives here?" He asked smiling as he wrapped an arm around her while she giggled and kissed his cheek.
The remaining hours were past in silent for the black-haired duo till at last the high schoolers arrived at the capital were they were greeted by a large crowd.
"Geez, never expected to be greeted by so many people?" He questioned aloud waving casually at them.
"Their unfortunately all here for me." Rias said, her tone holding annoyance for the gathered crowd.
"Yes, all hail the great red princess! Yahoo!" Gerard sarcastically cheered, "And don't forget her merry band of friends!"
Ignoring the human, Rias ordered the guards to take them to a subway station, which transported them to building were the young devil gathering would take place.
"Alright Rias, what exactly is this young devil gathering?" Gerard asked staring down the red haired princess, having enough of not getting his answer.
"To put it short, the young devil gathering is an event were younger devil's gather together to compete against one another in Rating Games to see who is the strongest."
So that's what this was about, to see which young devil was the strongest. Since Gerard wasn't a Devil he couldn't participate in them, which he was thankful for. He did not wish to have all the Underworld to see the magic of the Sorcerer Supreme wielded and he was sure neither did the Sirzechs or Serafall.
"Now listen everyone," Rias continued as they entered an elevator, "No matter what happens, stay in a calm state of mind. No matter what is said, don't start a fight. These people will be our future rivals. We mustn't show an unsightly form."
"Well, for you guys. I'm just a bystander who you happened to drag along." Gerard said giving a sheepy smile at Rias who glared at him for ruining her speech.
"Yes well, these are still rivals to all of us, including you, Gerard."
"Me? I'm no Devil, which mean's I ain't participating in the Rating Game, but I will be rooting for you guys when it goes down."
Arriving on the floor which they needed to be they walked down a corridor toward a large set of doors, Gerard was the first to notice another group gathered within a corner. "Guess we got company." He said motioning to them.
Rias smiled as she approached the group, "Sairaorg!"
The one called Sairaorg, smiled when being addressed and approached them. From Gerard's perspective he was a rough yet good-looking guy with short black hair. His body was covered in muscles and his appearance was very energetic. Quite honesty he looked like someone who participated in pro-wrestling matches. While had the look of a fighter his attire showed he was of Devil royalty.
"Rias Gremory, it's been too long!" He greeted shaking hands with her, his purple eyes roaming around the Gremory Peerage, "And I see you have some more friends."
"Yes I do." Releasing the shake she addressed her peerage, "For those who don't know who this person is, his name is Sairaorg Bael, the next head of the Bael family, and also my cousin on my mother's side."
'Cousin? One of Buchou's rivals is her cousin!?' Issei mentally screamed looking the strong man over, fearing he would snap him like a twig.
While Asia, Issei, and Gasper stood in shock at this revelation, Gerard stepped forward to shake hands with the newly introduced Devil, "A pleasure to meet you, Sairaorg-san. Name's Gerard Price, while I ain't not Devil or servant to your cousin I am a sorcerer allied to her."
"A sorcerer?" The Beal clan member said in surprise before laughing, "First the Red Dragon Emperor now a sorcerer? You're full of surprises, Rias."
"Who else has arrived?" Rias asked, taking pride at the praises her cousin gave.
"Agares and Astaroth have already arrived. Zephyrdol came last. Immediately after he arrived, Zephyrdol and Agares started arguing." Sairaorg replied, showing great dislike for what he spoke of.
At that moment there came a loud sound, the kind heard when a battle was going on. It seemed this Zephyrdol and Agares had gone from arguing to fighting, that explained why Rias cousin was out in the hall.
Gerard followed Rias and Sairaorg through the doors into what once was an elegant room that now resembled a battlefield. Two of the three peerages were staring down one another, weapons drawn and shooting glares at one another. Off in a corner sipping tea was the third devil. It didn't take a genius to figure how who was who; Agares and Zephyrdol were the one's doing battle and Astaroth was enjoying a cup of tea.
"So, since these are you're rivals, you gonna let them kill each other? Less competition to worry about." Gerard said looking at the two devil's fighting. He had to admit, Agares was a beautiful woman, she was draped in a blue robe with long light blonde, pink eyes that had a cold gaze in them glared behind glasses at Zephyrdol, who in Gerard opinion, looked more like a goblin than a devil.
"Zephyrdol, can you not help starting a fight at a place like this? Do you want to die? Do you really want to die? Even if I kill you, I won't be blamed by the people on top." Agares warned, eyes never leaving her opponent.
Zephyrdol laughed like a mad man at the girl's threat, "Die? Bitch, I think you've forgotten that my power dwarfs and you're and you're shitty group of a peerage! I'll show you in a private room without interference! The Agares' onee-san really doesn't like being without her guards, now does she? Heh, is that why you're still a virgin who hasn't let a man come near her till now!? Geez, all the women of families of the Satan's stink of virgins and are unbearable! That's why I said that I'd do a formal opening ceremony for you!" Sensing someone watching he turned his gaze to the new comers, his wicked grin widened, "And speaking of virgins look who showed up, the selfish brat Gremory and her bitches!"
Rias frowned at the foul language the devil sent towards her, "I suggest you pay attention on what you're doing, Glaysa-Labolas."
The green haired Devil scoffed at her words, "And what you think the grumpy bitch can beat me? You know, I think I realize why you bitches are so stuck-up, cuz you ain't gotten fucked yet! Hahahaha!"
"Hey goblin boy!"
The laughter that echoed through the room died and was replaced with a frown, the heir to the Glaysa-Labolas eyes flickered to one who called him out. A lone man stepped forward, long wavy black haired and piercing dark blue eyes. Zephyrdol narrowed his eyes at the stranger, "Who are you?"
"The names Gerard Price and I'd tell you to apologize but a foul mouth like you're should be shut forever!"
The frown reverted back to an arrogant smirk, "Oh really, what can you do? I sense magic within you but it ain't devil magic which means….oh I see! You're a magician Gremory made a pact with! Did she make you her sex slave!?"
Gerard was unfazed by the crude words but could sense killer intent behind him but paid no attention to it. "That's cute. So you just all talk and no show? If so then get over here so I can beat you senseless you sassy goblin bitch." The sorcerer's eyes flickered to Seekvaira who smirked in amusement what the insults he sent to the Devil she was arguing with.
Anger flashed across Zephyrdol's face, "How dare you!? Do you know who I am?"
"A filthy goblin trying to impersonate a devil?" He paused taking a sniff of the air before wave his hand before his nose, "Phew, what is that stench? Is that you? My word, I think you really are a goblin? Hey everyone we got a goblin in the house!"
His insult caused many to laugh, giggle, or smirk in amusement at what he just called the green haired devil. Zephyrdol himself had a look of rage on his face, demonic power flowing from him.
"You-you smug piece of shit!?"
"Smug? No you're the smug one goblin-boy."
"Call me goblin one more time you filthy human!"
Gerard cocked his head to the side as he spread his arms wide gesturing for him to fight, "And what if I do? What are you gonna do about it, huh? Come at me bro!"
Dark blue eyes watched the enraged Devil zoom toward him at lighting speed, hell bend on murdering him. Zephyrdol drew closer and closer, fist reeled back to make a permanent dent in his face.
"I'll teach you to talk down to me you fucking piece of-"
BANG!
Instead of a dead sorcerer the trash talking Devil's vision was blocked by dust and concreate. What the hell just happened!? He had the sorcerer head in his sights! Where did he-
"Boo."
Zephyrdol acted, but too late, a fist logged itself into his face. The sound of bone cracking was heard and next thing he knew, the clan heir was sent spiraling across the room into the wall, leaving a deep crater from the impact.
Silent filled the hall, nobody spoke as all eyes were on the sorcerer who just beat the rebel child of the Glaysa-Labolas family. Arm outstretched and glaring at the defeat boy. The power he displayed was incredible he, one moment he was standing there, then he disappeared making Zephyrdol pass through him! What sort of magic was that!? Did he have a Sacred Gear?
"Now, you gonna apologize to the ladies or do you need to be punished again?" Gerard asked, earning another amused look from Seekvaira and a giggle from Akeno.
"Bwahahahahha! That was very entertaining, Gerard-kun! And here I thought I'd have to beat Zephyrdol into the ground!" Sairaorg roared with laughed, a wide smile plastered on his handsome face. "If you're participating the in the Rating Game I look forward to clashing with you."
Before Gerard could reply, the sound of groaning and moaning along with shifting rocks was heard. Zephyrdol was struggling to get back up, while he physical was beaten, his mentality was far from being knocked down a peg or two. "You…I'm going to rip you apart!" He turned to his peerage. "Forget about the bitch, I want that filthy human slaughtered!"
"Not so far Zephyrdol!"
Sairaorg stood in the path of the Glaysa-Labolas peerage. Eyes narrowed, fists clenched, and muscles bulging. "I think we all know who the victory of this bout is. If you wish to take the head of Rias' magician, you'll have to go through me! I think you're forgetting I'm the strongest here."
The strongest young devil huh? That left a very impressive thought for Gerard. If battle broke now he would get to see firsthand what the number one young devil was capable of. His hope was dashed when he saw the nervous looks in the goblin looking devil's faces. Even they wouldn't dare fight the next heir of the great king family! It would be suicide, so, with fearful tones they backed away, allowing Sairaorg to lower his defense.
"I suggest you listen to Gremory's sorcerer, Zephyrdol, otherwise you'll be meeting my first next time."
Glaring at the two as he was helped to his feet, Zephyrdol turned his gaze to Seekvaira who smiled smugly at him, which was rare from the usual stoic expression she wore. Guess this guy left a good impression on her. Gritting his teeth in anger he muttered "Sorry" before being taken out of the room by his peerage who trooped behind shooting glares at the sorcerer who returned the glares with his own.
Silence fell on the room again before Gerard was addressed by his fellow black haired male, his smile never wavering. "I must say that was quite a show you gave, Gerard-kun."
"Yes, I too must thank you for the entertainment and rescue of me." Seekvaira said joining the black haired boys, "I believe you announced yourself already, Gerard Price. I must thank you for coming to mine, to our, aid." The blonde beauty said, referring to all the girls in the room. "I couldn't stand hearing Zephyrdol's words anymore and was about ready to kill him right there. Ah, forgive me for not introducing myself sooner. I am Seekvaira Agares. The next head of the Agares family, rank Archduke.
"Archduke? Begging you're pardon Mrs. Agares, but that's quite a title for someone so young. You sure you're up for the task?" Gerard asked as he kissed her wrist like the gentleman he was.
"You're concern is noted, Mr. Price. However, do not worry about me, worry about your friends." The glasses wearing girl answered with a tiny smile, this boy had definitely left a good first impression on her.
Twenty minutes later Sona and her peerage arrived as the last of the mess caused during the fight was cleaned. Soon the five noble devils were gathered around a table with their peerages standing behind them.
"I suppose introductions are in order. My name is Seekvaira Agares. Seekvaira started with a nod to her fellow nobles.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Rias Gremory, the next head of the Gremory family."
"I'm Sona Sitri, the next head of the Sitri family."
Rias and Sona continued the greetings.
"I'm Sairaorg Bael, I'm the next head of the Bael family, rank Great King." Sairaorg followed after the ladies.
Lastly was the boy who had been sipping all throughout the quarrel, he had black hair and an innocent look about him. "I am Diodora Astaroth, the next head of the Astaroth family." He spoke in a gentle tone.
'Gremory, Sitri, Beal, Agares, and Astaroth. These five are the future leaders of their families.' Gerard thought looking over them all, his eyes lingering on Diodora. The way he held himself was of a gentle nobleman, but something about him seemed distrusting, he didn't know why but this Diodora was someone to be careful around.
"Where's the other guy?" He asked wondering what happened to goblin boy.
"There was a problem with the Glaysa-Labolas family. There next head of the family was reported to have been killed in an accident so Zephyrdol has become the next head." Sairaorg answered with a frown.
"Does that mean he won't be taking part in the young devil gathering?"
"It depends on what the Glaysa-Labolas family decides." Sona answered after sipping her tea, "Thought I believe Zephyrdol will no doubt take part. He always was one to show he was the strongest."
"That of course was put to a stop." The blonde archduke replied as she turned address the sorcerer, "Which reminds me, will you be participating with Rias Gremory's peerage in the rating game Gerard Price?"
"Unfortunately Gerard Price is only a sorcerer I formed a pact with, which means he it isn't part of my peerage." Rias answered.
"So he isn't part of your peerage. That's too bad, I was hoping to see how he'd fair against me. Guess I'll have to settle for the Red Dragon Emperor." Sairaorg said flashing a smirk at Issei who shivered a little.
Before any more talk could be made the doors opened and in came a servant, "Everyone is waiting." He said beckoning them in.
The Devil's trooped toward the door to-
"You're not coming Gerard?"
They stopped and looked back at the sorcerer when Rias' Queen asked the question. The human indeed wasn't among them, he was sitting at the table watching his friends.
"Why shouldn't I? I'm not taking part in the rating games, and I'm just a human. This is Devil business, if I'm wanted them they can call me in."
Akeno rushed to the sorcerer kissing his quickly on the lip.
"Hey, it's ok, I'll just be outside the doors." Gerard reassured creasing her cheeks. There was no point in hiding his relationship Akeno, he wasn't gonna keep it a secret, he would let the universe know he found love again. Giving her another kiss he said "I love you" before gesturing her back to her peerage. He watched them go pass through the doors before they closed.
"Well, now I'm alone." He said aloud looking around the room. There was only one thing left to do.
Meditate.
Akeno stood silently beside her master, listening to what was said by those who spoke. Her lips forming a frown at the noble's laughter of Sona's dream of forming a school for low class devils. These old fools wished to hear the dreams of the next generation and here they laugh at Sona's, such cruelty.
Her hands opened and closed repeatedly, she wanted Gerard beside her. His hands holding hers and his gentle smile showing everything would be alright, but like he said he was just a human and had no reason to be here.
Her eyes looked back to door, behind them was the man she loved.
What was he doing right now? Drinking tea, thinking about her, meditating?
Her thoughts her interrupted by a nudge from someone, she didn't know who, to listen to the Satans.
Sirzechs rose from his seat and cleared his throat, "Now that we have all heard what these young people have said then let's-"
"Hold on Lord Lucifer!"
The red haired Satan turned his gaze to one who spoke, as did everyone else. The noble who spoke was looking at the young of Devils closely, as if searching for someone. Someone Sirzechs was hoping would not be brought up.
"Eight are here yet nine their where who arrived. If I recall, I heard recently that the Gremory family was being questioned for bringing a human to the Underworld! Tell us where the human is Rias Gremory's, for we'd very much like to meet him."
Murmurs and whispers began to spread throughout the room while the Satan's shared a look with one another, and Akeno was glaring at the nobles with great distain. These old men first mocked Sona's goal and now they wished to speak to the sorcerer from another dimension.
Azazel had given a cover story for Gerard and knew he'd stick to it, he didn't want the multiverse revealed.
Stepping to the podium, the black haired beauty said she'd fetch him and turned on her heels to the waiting room. When the doors opened she found him meditating, did the mystic arts need the use of meditation to keep it flowing through him, or was it to gather power?
She shook him lightly on the shoulder to break his meditation and when he looked at her she spoke in an annoyed tone that she wasn't aware of, "The nobles want to meet you. They were questioned why you weren't among us…"
Gerard rose a brow at that, so the rich folk wanted to meet the Sorcerer Supremes' student huh, then he would do so. Getting to his feet he snapped his fingers and in an instant his casual attire was replaced by the black suit worn yesterday, along with his hair slicking back. The expression Akeno had showed she wasn't happy about it and he was sure the Satan's weren't either but complaining about it wouldn't solve anything.
Motioning for Akeno to lead he followed besides looking around the massive room where all eyes were on him. He never liked being the center of attention, but lately he had been, and it annoyed him greatly. "So, what do I do?" He asked the ravenette.
"Are you the human who is staying with the Gremory family?" The same noble who asked for where he was questioned. Receiving a nod he continued, "May I ask who you are and where you come from, human?"
"You may indeed sir." Gerard replied stepping forward, back straight and arms folded in front as if ready to present a school project to a class. Clearing his throat he spoke loud and clear for all to hear. "My name is Gerard Price, I'm from the United States of America and I am indeed a human, no, I am a sorcerer, who has made a pact with Rias Gremory."
This caused quite a reaction from the assembled nobles. More whispers and murmurs were spoke, as they stared in surprise at the human.
"More and more do you amaze us, Rias Gremory, the Red Dragon Emperor, a holy sword users, and a sorcerer? Is their nothing else you have hidden from us?"
"Nothing at all. This sorcerer, Gerard Price, is a powerful and noble man who fought alongside myself and my peerages many times. It was he who aided us in the battle against Kokabiel and he who also destroyed the portal Khaos Brigade used to attack the conference." Rias stated proudly, unaware of the frown Akeno gave her.
More whispers were said.
"Very impressive if I say so myself. However, why haven't you converted him into a Devil? Someone as powerful as him would be a great ally to us."
That left many nobles nodding in agreement, why had the red head not turned such a powerful sorcerer into one of them?
"Because I do not need to be a Devil to be you're ally, sir." Gerard replied simply. "Besides, it was master's wish to not turn me into one, which she will stay true to." He glanced over his shoulder to wink at the red head.
Sirzechs hide his smirk, very clever of him to make up a lie like that, although it could be true since Doctor Strange didn't want his pupil. "Now that you have gotten your questions answered we can-
"What about letting him patriciate in the Rating games!"
Sirzechs was quick to answer that question knowing it would come up, "He isn't official part of Rias Gremory's peerage and he also a human so he won't participate. Now let us continue."
'Thanks I owe you one.' He heard Gerard say in his head. Thought surprised that the sorcerer could contact others through thoughts, he didn't show it. "The first match will be against Rias and Sona."