Next Day
I was going to a shrine today. With me was Athena, she was busy then with more of her study sessions on our universe. I was called by Akeno to come over. I was also told the Rias would be coming later after her work, whatever that work is.
"So this child has the power to stop time?", asked Athena.
"Yeah, but it's unstable. If he's not careful, well, let's just say it won't end well.", I replied as I showed her Gasper's profile.
"Well, he is quite fearful with the past that he has.", said Athena.
We then stood right in front of a shrine. Thanks to my relations with Rika-obaa-sama, it's not wrong for me to enter the shrine. Though if I do get close to one, for some odd reason, I get bad luck happening to me. I look up at the top of the stairs to see a familiar face.
"Welcome, Roxas-sensei, Athena."
"Akeno-san. I see you're busy with being a miko.", I said.
"Yes, I am. Sorry for calling you out like this."
"Ah, it's no problem. I'm on break anyways. So what's going on? I was told that Rias-buchou will be here in a bit."
"Yes, I know. Rias has to do a final meeting with Sirzechs-sama regarding the conference matter."
With the miko outfit, she really does define her title, The Thunder Priestess. Though, I'm curious as to why she is here.
"How come you're not with Rias-buchou? Don't you have to be with her?", I asked.
"Grayfia-sama will follow up over there, not to mention if it advances by a certain degree, then even without me it will be alright. More than that, I have to tend to the people who's waiting upstairs.", said Akeno as she looks up the stairs. I walked closer but, with the whole luck deal.
"Is it safe? I don't want some weird accident to happen to me."
"This place is fine. Even if it's one of the shrines that work with your grandmother, devils can enter. There was a deal made under the table with Amaterasu. So don't worry if something flies into you or any bad luck happening."
So she says it okay. I step through only to get attacked by a random woodpecker.
"Ow, ow, ow. What the fuck?!"
"Oops, looks like I forgot something important. Ufufu.", said Akeno. I bet she did that on purpose, must be her S-mode showing rather subtly. After the incident, we continued on to the main shrine. It looks well maintained, even though it's quite old.
"Akeno-san, do you work here?"
"Actually. I lived here. The priest of the last generation passed away. Rias secured this shrine that was unused until meeting with your grandmother. I at least get to stay with you, ufufufu."
"Is he the Cosmic Sekiryuutei?", said a voice. I turn to see two men. One was a young man with a handsome face. The other, I couldn't believe my eyes.
"...Jack?!"
"Hey dude. It's been a while.", he said as they both reveal their wings. The young man has an extravagant white robe, a halo, and 12 golden wings. Jack on the other hand, has a halo as well as 6 white wings, he also wore a white jacket with a white shirt, blue jeans, and white sneakers.
"I...I...I'm confused.", I said as Jack laughed.
"Don't worry, I'll tell you everything. For now, he is the one you should talk to.", said Jack as he pointed to the young man.
"Nice to meet you, Cosmic Sekiryuutei, Roxas Hyuuga-kun."
"Hmm, 12 golden wings, a halo, are you Michael by any chance?"
"That's right. Your friend is right, you are quite the smart one. I am Michael. I am the leader of the angels. I see, this aura's quality, it's surely Ddraig and Andromeda's. This brings back memories."
Well this is great. I get to see my friend again, yet I'm so confused on the part of him being an angel and Michael being here. I need a few seconds for my head to catch up.
Main Shrine
Akeno led me, Athena, Jack, and Michael to the main shrine. Michael sure has that aura that shows he really high up the ladder. Inside the large main shrine, there were a number of huge pillars. From the center, I felt a dangerous aura.
[Roxas. I'm picking up the aura of a holy sword. But, it's also a dragon slayer.], said Rommy.
"Truth is, I thought of awarding you this.", said Michael as he pointed to the sword that was floating. It sure radiated holy aura, that's for sure. But from what Rommy told, could it be?
"Is this Ascalon?"
"Yes, it seems you know of this sword and its owner I suppose. It makes things easier if you understand it already. This is Ascalon, the very sword Saint George possessed."
"You do know I could just make swords like these, right?", I asked.
"Yes, I know. Thanks to Andromeda, you can. But since you use your demonic energy, it would be a demonic dragon slaying sword. This however gives you the use of holy weapons in your expansive arsenal. As a special courtesy, since I am giving this, even a devil who has the power of the dragon can handle it. I know of the bangle you have, but I wonder if you could do the same with the Boosted Gear.", said Michael.
"It's yours dude. Just go with it.", said Jack.
'Ddraig?'
{Well that depends on you. It can work on storing it like your bangle. But I'm not ready to do the same with the things you made with Andromeda. Lately, I been wondering if I should and I think that it will depend on how we handle with our prank.}
Well that makes sense. He still has some issues with Rommy until we prank Vali. But I wonder.
"Why me though? It does seem like you're giving away a powerful weapon."
I do wonder why Michael is giving me Ascalon. Does Jack have anything to do with this?
"Your friend here has told me to trust you, and it was actually well-placed. Though, this time's meeting, I think there's a huge opportunity to cooperate between the 3 great powers, thanks to hearing from Amaterasu that you want to pursue peace between the 3 great powers. I hear you already know it so I am saying this but, we lost our creator-God during the last war. Our enemies also lost the old Maous in battle. The leaders of the fallen angels are reticent. Azazel also has his official stand of not wanting to create wars. This is a chance, like what Amaterasu told me when I met her. A chance in order to get rid of the useless battles. If small scale battles continue like this intermittently, then anyhow, the 3 great powers will be destroyed. Even if that isn't the case, from the side other powers may invade, though Amaterasu told me she has no intention to do so. That sword is a present from me to the Maou side. Of course, I also sent presents to the fallen angel side. I got the rumoured holy demonic swords from the devil side as well, our side is very grateful as well.", said Michael. Well this makes things easier for the meeting. Good thing that Ama-chan was able to pull this off. And the other powers, I guess he's a bit worried if they might make a move since God is dead.
"We heard that the one who opposed us, the Welsh dragon had become a devil. Though you also possessed Andromeda as well, which was quite a surprise. The only who knew where Andromeda was, was God. As a greeting, and alongside that as a present, we're giving you this sword. From now on, you'll probably be targeted by Dragon class opponents and the Vanishing Dragon. With the two dragons, you might be the strongest and creative host in history. I thought that this sword would be a good gift. Only once have the 3 great powers held hands together. That's during the time they defeated the red and white dragon, as well as God finding Andromeda amongst those that fell during the battle. Since it was the two dragons who trespassed into our battlefield and threw the battlefield into disarray, though at the time, we didn't know that we had a visitor from another galaxy."
'Ddraaaaaaaaaig?', I thought as I heard Ddraig whistling as if he didn't do anything wrong, only to hear a smack in which I assume that Rommy smacked him in the head. I can imagine those two doing a manzai act.
"Wishing that we hold hands together like that time, I am placing my hopes in you-in the Cosmic Sekiryuutei. It's typical Japanese, right?", said Michael.
"You do know that I'm also half-Hispanic, right?", I said as I look at the sword. I still have some concerns.
"Ther were final adjustments done on that sword in this shrine. Maou-sama, Azazel-sama, and Michael-sama's camps' ceremonies have been performed so even if a devil houses the power of the dragon, he can touch it. Don't worry, it won't be like the prank from earlier.", said Akeno. So that was your fault, not cool.
I then took my hand to the hilt of the sword. No burns, no odd occurances of bad luck, nothing. I try to focus the sword of going into the Boosted Gear. I sense its aura flowing into it. It felt a bit bad, but after getting used to it, I saw a red flash. The blade part was now growing out of the gauntlet from the front potion of my back hand. I bet I can combo this with the GN Sword III.
"Interesting. They combined.", said Athena.
"You must be the other Athena that I've been hearing about. A traveler from another universe, it's astonishing.", said Michael. I guess someone told him, must've been Akeno as she was here before us.
"Well, it's time. I have to go now. Jack, meet up with me later."
"Will do."
"Wait. I have some things to say to you.", I said as Michael was leaving.
"Time to visit the conference, let's hear it after the conference. I'll definitely hear it. Don't worry. You have some catching up to do with your friend.", he said as his body was then wrapped in light. After the flash of light, he vanished.
Later
"Here's some tea."
"Ah, thanks a lot."
We're in the shrine after Michael left. It was me and Akeno. Athena went to look around with Jack. He said that he wanted to give me some alone time with Akeno before talking to him. I was turning the cup 3 times and drank the tea. It's quite bitter, but Akeno laughed with a low voice.
"Did you work with Michael on the sword?", I asked.
"Yes, in this shrine the specific modification ceremony was held for Ascalon.", she said. I guess this conference is very important. Well, why wouldn't it be. I want this kind of peace as well. She must've worked hard on tuning the sword. Now that I think about, I want to ask her something, but I'm not sure how to put it.
"Can I ask you something?"
"Yes, of course."
"It's about your dad.", I said as Akeno's expression changed.
"...That's right. Originally I was born between the leader of the fallen angels, Barakiel, and a human.", she said. I guess it's difficult to talk about, even though my Obaa-sama told her that everything will be okay.
"My mother was a daughter of a certain shrine of this country and was one of your grandmother's apprentices. I heard that on a certain day, my mother saved Barakiel who had collapsed from injuries and from fate of that day I was born."
I guess that's how her parents met, she looks like she's too hesitant to talk more. I then saw Akeno spread her wings. I saw two different kinds of wings.
"They're dirty wings... The wing of a devil and the wing of a fallen angel, I possess them both.", she said as she grabbed them with some feeling of spite.
"While hating these feathers, I met Rias and became a devil. Sure I've been getting along with Raynare and the other fallen angels-but what was born from meeting Rias was the feathers of a fallen angel and devil, a more disgusting creature who possessed both. Fufufu, this may suit me who has dirtied blood flowing in her veins.", said Akeno as she looked down.
"...How do you feel, Roxas, after hearing that? Do you hate fallen angels? They killed you and Asia-chan once, and tried to destroy this city once, even though you forgave Raynare's group, I still don't know what your point of view is on that.", she said very sadly.
"The only fallen angels I hate are assholes like Kokabiel. I like you Akeno. That's because you are you. Sure Raynare and her group killed me and Asia-chan, but I already let that go. And Obaa-sama wanted you to meet me and take you in. So don't worry, I won't blame an entire group because of one of them decided to do dangerous things. I'm not stupid.", I said as I hug her. She looked very surprised.
"I won't ask anymore. But I know that we'll have to deal with your father when the time comes. When it happens, I'll help you deal with it, okay? I never disliked you and never will. Besides, if were talking about halves, I'm half-Japanese and half-Hispanic, and there's also Gasper. If you want to cry, then let me hold you until you're done, okay?", I said as Akeno started to cry.
"...You said some killing words...After hearing that... won't I really really get serious..."
What did I just do? I then felt Akeno hug me back.
"Akeno-san...?"
"I have decided. I, have decided. Roxas-sensei, do you like Rias and your familiars?", she whispered into my ear.
"What kind of question is that? Of course I do. And not just those three, there are a lot of girls that I like. Though I have to be careful about how to handle things like this."
"...That's a given, right, you're already married with your familiars by their customs. Rias is serious, so legal wife is impossible. There's a possibility of Asia-chan being the legal wife as well so... The first four are taken I guess...", she said.
"Hey, Roxas-sensei."
"Yes?"
"I won't mind being 5th position."
"If this involves marriage, listen. If I love every girl who truly likes me, I'll be fair with all of them. So it doesn't matter. But this is a bit hard to do with a student you know."
"I see. But I think it's a comparatively good position. Even though your familiars are willing to help, there's the feeling of unfaithfulness so it'll be burning. Ufufu, Roxas-sensei. Is it fine if I spoil you more? I'll even give you lap pillow instead of Buchou or your familiars. Or maybe something even more daring?"
"How about we don't try something that can get me arrested.", I replied.
"Alright, Roxas-sensei, can you at least call me 'Akeno'?"
"Alright...Akeno.", I said as she hugs me further.
"Thank you...I am happy, Roxas...", said Akeno. She's now acting more like a normal girl than her usual Vice President of the club. I then hear the door open. It was Rias, and she was with Jack and Athena.
"Roxas, may I ask what you are doing?", said Rias as she radiated aura. This is bad.
"Way to go dude.", said Jack as he laughed.
Rias then walks toward me and pinches my cheek.
"What about the sword?"
"G-got it!"
"And Michael?"
"Already left!"
"Good, now you have to talk to your friend!", she said as she left with Jack and Athena with me following her. I bowed to Akeno before leaving.
"I am really jealous of Rias and his familiars.", said Akeno as she murmured.
Later
We were leaving the shrine. Rias was angry as she made rather heavy steps. I had to ask Jack on a few things. As for Rias, I guess being betrayed by Akeno, was too much. Well, those two are really close.
"So, how is it that you're an angel? I thought that there couldn't be anymore.", I asked Jack.
"After I died, I met Michael. According to him, I became an angel by means of ascension. Something to do with the system that he was overseeing. But he's assured me that something like that won't happen again.", said Jack.
"I see. That's unusual as God from the Bible is dead.", said Rias.
"Then what about that ghost of you I saw?"
"That, well after I died, Michael told me to keep watch over you. So he placed me in a machine that made me like a ghost. You could only see me when the orb started to react to Kiba. I did say that I was going to surprise you."
"I see. Think we can have fun, like old times?", I asked.
"Of course. You have anything fun in mind?", he asked.
"I'm setting up a game night. I got to invite Azazel for it. I'm hoping to get more. We're fighting the Enderdragon on Minecraft.", I replied.
"I see. I'll join in. I'll get Michael to play as well. He could spare some time."
"Nice. Do you want in Athena? Rias?"
"No thanks.", said Athena.
"I'm not sure, if I'm not busy, maybe I will. But you'll have to teach me how to play.", said Rias.
"Alright then."
"...Hey, Roxas."
"Yes?"
"Akeno is...Akeno."
"I know. And Rias is Rias.", I said as Rias blushed a bit. Was it something I said?
"Man, you are one smooth talker.", said Jack.
"What about me?", asked Athena.
"Well, how do you want it?", I asked Athena.
"I...nevermind, forget I asked.", said Athena as she blushed a bit.
"Dude, you really are a lady killer.", said Jack as he stifled his laugh.
"Oh shut up."
"Well I got to go. Michael wants to see me. I'll see you later.", said Jack as he left.
Next Morning
It was me and Gasper doing training in the forest surrounding the school.
"Guuuuu...Roxas-sensei...I-I am tireeeeeeed.", said Gasper as he rubbed his eyes.
"Don't let out a weak voice! We have to fulfill our dreams!", I said as I threw more balls.
"Roxas-sensei, here are the balls.", said Asia as she gave me more balls. She and Athena came along with me for Gasper's training. We were able to get far with the training. He was now able to succeed once every 20 times. Compared to when we first tried, it's an improvement. If this keeps up, he might have really good control by the time we make an official debut into the Rating Game. Huh, weird, my arm feels off. Oh great, Gasper accidentally stopped my arm.
"E, eek, s-sorryyyyyyy!", said Gasper as he curled up.
"He still has much to learn.", said Athena.
"That's why, didn't I say not to mind about that? We're in the middle of training, and you're a rookie, so it's fine. Though if I'm completely stopped, that would be bad. At least the number of accidents has gone down, right? Let's keep going.", I said as Gasper made a complicated expression.
"...S-Since I am incomplete both as a human who has a Sacred Gear, and as a vampire as well, I only cause trouble to everyone...I-I have to control my power more...W-What a half way incomplete existence I am...*sob*.", said Gasper as he cried.
"You're not incomplete Gasper! I like you! Don't mind it! Before you start brooding, come strike me! I can handle it!", I said. I know what it's like to be half of something, but that doesn't mean I'm incomplete.
"We're both members of the same club, and Rias-buchou's servants and comrades! Come at me bro!", I said as I saw Gasper wipe his tears and stand up.
"Roxas-sensei, I-I'll do my best...!", he said as I smirked.
"Yeah, that's it! Till school starts I'll be throwing 100 balls!"
"Understood! Th-Then, I'll wear this mask and do a power up."
"Fine by me! Do whatever it takes!", I said as Asia and Athena look at the mask.
"Did you make that mask?", asked Athena.
"Yeah. It's a confidence booster for him.", I replied.
"I see. Do your best Gasper!", said Athena.
"Do your best! Roxas-sensei, Gasper-kun!", said Asia.
"Gasper! Since Asia and Athena are cheering you on, give it all you got!"
"Y-yessssssss! Thank you very much, Asia-sempaiiiiii, Athena-saaaaaan!"
Like that, we continued practice. I wanted to help Gasper on his Sacred Gear, though there are somethings that I didn't know about them. Maybe I can ask Azazel about it.
Later
"-Now then, we're leaving."
We were all at the clubroom. Today is the day of the meeting. Ama-chan wants me to help make peace. If I have to, I'll use the one thing that will interest everyone. The GN Drive. That is something that Azazel wants to look at. I bet Michael would be curious about it too. The location of the meeting was in the new school building's staff meeting room late at night. All the factions' top members are standing by at the new building's lounge. The school was sealed with a strong barrier, so it was no entry, and of course until the meeting is over, no exit. Outside of the barrier, there are angels, fallen angels, and devils' troops surrounding the school. I can tell that this is a critical situation.
"If by chance something happens in today's conference, if the conference breaks down, this place might become a battlefield...", said Kiba.
"Don't worry. Amaterasu-sama has her hopes on me to make this a successful meeting.", I replied. We all follow Rias out of the clubroom.
[B-Buchou! Everyoneeeeeeee!]
The cardboard box was left in the room. Of course, Gasper is in there.
"Gasper, today's conference is important so, since you cannot control your time stopping Sacred Gear, you can't participate, you know?", said Rias. If Gasper comes with us, the meeting will be a disaster since he still can't control his Sacred Gear yet. If I recall, Rias does have a Rook piece here, so if something bad happens, we can castle over to him.
"Gasper, be a good boy, okay?"
"Y-Yes, Roxas-sensei..."
"I left a PS Vita in the clubroom if you get bored, snacks if you're hungry, and the mask if you're lonely."
"Y-Yesssssss!"
Good. Now that Gasper will be fine, I followed Rias who had left the room. Kiba murmurs to me while smiling.
"Roxas-sensei, you really are a caring person."
"Of course he is. Master is a very kind person.", said Kanna.
"Leave it to me, I'll do something about this student of mine.", I said.
"Well, if its you, I'm sure you can handle it.", said Kiba.
This meeting is very important. We need to make sure things don't go south. And there's also Halo. It would be bad if we're still fighting when the Covies are on Halo and would've figured out a bypass to activate the ring. I remember that I still have the robot and game to do. And my date with my familiars. As for Vali, I don't know what he might pull during the meeting, but I know that he will fight me. It's the only feeling I can get from him when I thought of that dream.
[I hope you're ready to fight.]
If that's what you want, I'll be ready. And I have a special surprise for you as well.
A/N: Finally, after some guns squirting ketchup, an arm falling off, a spike grenade to the crotch, a 360 no-scope that gave me a quad feed headshot from one bullet, a pinch of potassium chloride, and one errant twitch, and kablooey. My laptop was finally fixed. Okay that didn't really happen, though it would be epic if it did. If this chapter is a little awkward in some spots, just know that I followed along the LN on this one. It's also short since there's nothing much going on. Kinda hard to put the dialogue in there properly in some spots. Next time, The Meeting, part 1 I think. It is a very long meeting and the battle.