I'm so glad I've finally completed the chapter. It took a while with writers block and work but I finally did it!
Highschool DXD belongs to Ishibumi. Marvel Comics belong to Stan Lee.
The Devil's Sorcerer Chapter 25 Coming to terms. Festivals and dates.
Darkness covered Gerard's vision until he opened his eyes to be greeted by the smiling face of Azazel with an outstretched hand.
"Welcome back to the land of the living you four." Azazel greeted as he helped the sorcerer to his feet. "Since you've returned I guess this means Nightmare has been defeated, which I knew you could of course since the Red Dragon Emperor helped you."
"I think it would have gone a lot quicker had you been their too." Gerard replied.
"Oh come now Gerard-kun, I did help. I found you a Sacred Gear to use against Nightmare."
"Yes you could have—never mind. Point is we won and hopefully we won't see him ever again."
"Well now that this fiasco is done we can finally get some peaceful sleep." Issei said with a yawn.
"Not quite," Rias said to her pawn "We still must train for the Rating Games."
"Whaaaaaaat come ooooonnn! We just battled against a Supervillain!"
"As much as I like that my darling Ise-kun, we did come to participate in the young devil gathering." Rias said to her complaining Pawn. "Tomorrow will begin anew our training and beat Sona."
"Buchou, tell us what happened? What was Nightmare like?" Kiba asked, Xenovia and Koneko nodding in agreement, curious to know the details of the battle.
While the red head spoke to her servants, her Queen leave the room with her boyfriend.
The battle against Nightmare had been playing over and over in the sorcerer's head, it was a tough and grueling but thanks to Akeno they managed to turn it around and defeat him. Of course Nightmare would regenerate since he was immortal but what he would do was unknown. Would be try to come back to this dimension or he leave it alone knowing the forces waiting to confront him? He prayed to the Vishanti it was the latter.
He's eyes never left the black haired beauty as she led him down the hall. If her father was there he'd probably be proud of her for finally achieve her true power, Holy Lightning. He had a feeling that as a Fallen Angel she would be able to use light basic magic and got conformation of it from Azazel the day they arrived in the Underworld. The Sacred Gear researcher had planned to have Akeno unlock her true power but knew she'd refuse it. So he proposed to let Gerard help her, which he did, by nearly being killed by a supervillain.
'Would she use that power in the Rating Game against Sona?' He wondered, hoping to see more of it in action as Akeno pulled him into an empty room.
After double checking they were completely alone, she threw her arms around his neck and kissed him with as much force as she could muster before breaking away for air. Never before had Akeno been this glad for a troubling situation to be over at last. Her fears had been holding back when confronting Nightmare, the power he radiated scared her, it was like being in the presence of Kokabiel ten times stronger. But they did it, they beat him, all thanks to the powers inherited by her father.
"What was that for?" Gerard asked, enjoying the feel of her lips.
"That's for surviving this ordeal. When we were confronting Nightmare I felt my fears intensify. As if they were about to come to life and attack me." Akeno admitted shaking a little.
"I wouldn't have let that happen, Akeno-hime. You know I'd do anything to protect you." Gerard reassured with a gentle hug and kiss to the forehead. "So, does this mean you'll be using Holy Lightning now?"
There was a long silence of Akeno until she answered, "If it helps me protect those I love, then yes. After my mom died I was pretending to be someone else, someone who could live without her Fallen Angel powers. I was wrong and you helped be come to terms with who I really am."
Gerard wrapped his arms around Akeno's waist pressing his forehead against hers, "And who are you?" He whispered in a gentle tone.
Akeno kissed him quickly, her smile never leaving. "I'm Akeno Himejima. Shuri and Baraqiel's daughter."
"So you've come to terms with yourself, but what about your father?"
The ravenette's smile dropped instantly a sigh escaping her lips, "I can come to terms with myself, but not him. You have no idea how much I hate him, Gerard."
There she went lying to herself again. She overcame her self-resentment and power but still clung to it the false hatred toward her father, like a leech to skin. She could say all she wanted but he wouldn't let her wallow in this hatred no longer. He loved her and by the Vishanti's light he'd make sure to dispel the pain and hatred from her soul anyway possible.
'And I know just how to do it.'
It was time. The day of the Rating Game had come at last with thousands upon thousands of Devil's gathering to witness the battle between the next heir of the Gremory and Sitri house. It was a spectacle people wouldn't wanna miss, especially for Gerard. Today he'd see the extent of their training and how much stronger they got.
Though to be honest, he had a hunch this battle was in Rias favor for many reasons. Her peerage had faced more combat than Sona, they had been training nonstop up to this point, and Akeno learned Holy Lightning. Would she use it however, was the question today for the blue eyed human.
That and the hopes that someone he asked Azazel to invite would come.
"Ah there you are!"
Gerard looked over his should to see the smiling researcher enter the entertainment booth he was in. Accompanying him was another man dressed what looked to be a leather battle suit nearly concealed by a cloak. He was tall and very muscular. Black hair the color of night sat atop his head jutting out everywhere. His physic of a warrior wasn't the most distinct feature about him, rather, it was his face. His eyes were shut with an expression was so serious he looked like he wouldn't laugh at the world's funniest joke.
'So this is the guy huh?' The sorcerer thought rising to his feet and approaching the man. He looked him over before showing a smile and outstretched hand. "You must be Akeno's father."
"I am." The man replied with a gruff voice, "I am the Fallen Angel Baraqiel and Akeno is my daughter."
"Then it's a pleasure to meet you at last Mr. Baraqiel. I'm Gerard Price, a sorcerer and friend of your daughter." He shook hands with Akeno's father before taking his seat.
"I know who you are, Gerard Price." Baraqiel said, "Azazel-san, has told me many things about you. How you've protected my daughter for the dangers of battle and that you went toe to toe against the traitor Kokabiel."
"To be fair, Kokabiel was a very powerful opponent. As for Akeno, I do what I can to make sure she's safe."
"I also was told that you're her dating my daughter." Baraqiel opened his eyes, violet staring at dark blue before turning to Azazel. "Is this why you brought me here, Azazel-sama? To meet my daughter's boyfriend."
"More than that old friend." Azazel said casually, "You're here to witness the growth of your beloved daughter. She has become very powerful and beautiful. Her boyfriend can vouch for that."
"It's true. You've no idea how hard it is for me to not look away from your daughter's beauty." He wasn't sure how Akeno's father would react to hearing such things but he had to give this man his best first impression if he was to truly become Akeno's boyfriend."
Baraqiel was quiet for a moment before sitting beside the human, his eyes flickering to him. "You are making my daughter happy aren't you?"
"Of course Mr. Baraqiel, I assure you, I want Akeno happy just as much as you do. But…" he paused as a gloomy expression came over his face, "She won't come to terms with the past. You're wife's death, which I send my condolences to, still haunts her. I've tried to help her but she still blames you for what happened. Surely she knows it wasn't your fault."
"You're right it wasn't his fault, it was mine."
The two men looked to Azazel, a look of remorse on his face as he rubbed his eyes. "I sent Baraqiel on a mission that day and thought everything would be alright. I was wrong and by the time I learned of what happened, the damage was already done; Shuri dead and Akeno hating her father, herself, and anything related to Fallen Angels. It's all my fault, Baraqiel, I'm so sorry for causing the death of your wife."
"You're apologizes and condolences are not necessary, Azazel-sama, Gerard-san." The tall Fallen Angel waved, "While the pain still lingers within my heart, I have come to accept she has passed on. Akeno, however, cannot."
"Which is why I've brought you here. It is time for Akeno to accept you back into her life, I don't care how hard I try, I want the bond between father and daughter to be reconnected. I want Akeno to know she still has a father who loves her and will protect her no matter the cost. I don't want her to be like me, without a family."
Baraqiel stared at the human for a long time. He was not proud of something the things he did, especially not being there for his family when they were in danger, His failure to save Shuri caused the rift between him and his daughter to form. How big that rift was now he wasn't sure, but this boy said he would do anything to have Akeno accept him back into her life. Something that caused a glimmer of hope to shin in his heart. While he wasn't open with emotions he truly did love his daughter and would do anything to protect her.
'Then why did I abandon her?' He thought. 'If I loved her I would have been there for her. I should have taken her with me and help her. Some father I am. Hopefully this boy can do more than I can.'
"It's starting." Azazel announced, as the cameras came to life, showing the two Peerages prepare themselves for the battle. "Should have brought some snacks. Gerard, you think Rias Gremory will win?"
"Certainly. They've seen more combat than Sona's has. She may be smart but I don't think her peerage will win. Especially with the training you helped the Occult Research Club with. Partially with Akeno."
"I didn't help her with anything. You did."
"Yes but you wanted her to learn Holy Lightning. You knew I was the only one who could help her accept that part of her."
Baraqiel said nothing, his shut eyes focusing sole on his daughter. Azazel was right, his little girl had blossomed into a beautiful young lady. She looked just like Shuri, same face, same hair, but she had his eyes.
And was dating the boy sitting beside him.
'Make me proud, Akeno.'
He did make her proud. The Rating Game had been long with many intense moments, such as Akeno unleashing barrages of Holy Lighting at the enemy, defeating them in one blow. In fact, this wasn't considered a Rating Game, it was a 9one side smack down! Everyone suspected the Gremory Peerage would do like they did against Riser's peerage, wing and do what they could. Instead Rias was using hit and runs, ambushes, and tag team tactics against Sona, which confused and surprised Sona greatly. The first to fall was one of Sona's Rooks, after that the slaughter began!
Retired two Sona's Pawns.
Retired Sona's Knight.
Retired Sona's Bishop.
The minutes passed and with each new confrontation it ended with Sona losing a piece, until Tsubaki came to the field taking Xenovia out with a surprise attack and engaging Kiba in a long grueling duel that ended with Kiba defeated.
The glasses wearing ravenette's victory was short lived however. She herself was hit by a surprise attack by Rias and Akeno, the latter giggling with joy at the screams Sona's peerage let loose.
With half her peerage defeated and running out of ideas, Sona surrender.
All in all the battle had been one the Underworld would never forget; how Rias Gremory defeated Sona Sitri through surprise. Many were cheering the victory but none were louder than Gerard and Baraqiel, both called the name of the one they supported, Akeno Himejima.
"That's my girl!"
"Way to go love!"
Azazel was trying not to the laugh at the two men. This was too priceless, if only he had a camera to record it and show the others! Besides the hilarious celebrating of the sorcerer and Fallen Angel, Azazel was himself was very proud of the Gremory peerage, particular Issei and Akeno, those two had shown tremendous skill in this Rating Game with Issei fighting three Pawns and both Rook's by himself. Tannin trained the boy well, he'd have to thank him later for that.
"My, my, those kids sure are powerful." The Allfather complimented as he entered the booth, a smirking showing on his elderly face. "Young Gremory proved quite the leader out there today. I'm sure her family is proud, as should be you Baraqiel, your daughter displayed incredible skill on the field of battle today. I have no doubt this generation's kids are bound to make great changes for the future. I say we go congratulate them."
Agreeing with the leader of the Norse God, they followed him out to the hospital wing were they currently were visiting there wounded comrades. As they walked Gerard nudged Baraqiel to get his attention.
"Baraqiel, whatever happens, whatever Akeno says, I'll make sure she accepts you back into her life, I know somewhere within her heart that she still loves you. She just needs some help to realize that." The sorcerer was replied with a nod. As they drew closer to where his lover, Gerard's heart began to beat faster and faster, he tried to relax but couldn't. He knew Akeno wouldn't react kindly to seeing her father again and prepared himself for whatever she would say to him or her father.
The doors opened and in the four men stepped, the room was surprisingly empty with only one group gathered around two bed.
Hearing the doors open the Devil's looked at who came to see them, Akeno's widened briefly before sharpening, anger filled them. "You…"
'This is it…' Gerard thought before glancing at Baraqiel, wondering what he would say to her.
"Akeno….I hear you have a boyfriend."
Really!? That's the first thing you say to your daughter after not seeing her for so many years!? Geez, this guy was straight to the point!
"And? Why dose that matter to you!" Many of the Devils winced at the volume of Akeno's voice. Violet eyes snapped to the human, betrayal could be seen in them. Betrayal that he had brought him here. "Did you bring him!?"
"I brought him." Azazel said before Gerard could answer, "I brought him so he could see you're growth. And so he may—"
"Leave me alone!" Akeno interrupted.
"—say sorry."
"And I don't want any apologized form him! I don't want him anywhere near me! I want him out of here!"
Guess her hatred ran deeper than the human thought, but he would still do what he must to save her from that hatred. "Akeno—"
"It matters because I am your father." Baraqiel said, which made Issei and Asia gasped at the revelation that this was Akeno's father.
"You're not my father!"
Everyone was silent, wondering what would happen after such an outburst. Asia was trembling, Issei was caught between what to do until Akeno began to make her way out of the hospital until Gerard grabbed her hand, refusing to let her leave.
"Let go…" She said, not wanting to yell at her boyfriend.
"No." Gerard simply said.
"Let go!" Akeno said again with more force.
"I won't. It's time to face you're demon's, Akeno." Gerard said turning her around. "I asked Baraqiel to be here because it's time to reconcile with him. I understand you're angry but hating your father won't bring your mother back. I'm sorry she died but that was a long time ago. Stop living in the past."
"Gerard, I don't wanna hurt you but you don't let go of me I will." Akeno warned lighting dancing around her finger tips. "I hate him."
"Your mother wouldn't want you to hate him would she?"
Of course not! Her mother loved them both dearly, Shuri died protecting her…while her father was away like always! "Gerard I told you before that I hate my father. I hate him and will never forgive him. I-"
"Should hate your relatives." Gerard interrupted, a dark look in his eyes, "They tried murdered you're mother and tried to do the same to you, an innocent child!" He didn't mean to raise his voice but just thinking about it made his blood boil. "What sorta of family dose that sorta of thing!?"Those Himejima's who tried to murder you are dishonorable bastards. Akeno, despite what you say about hating your father, I truly think that deep down you still love him. You can blame him all you want for what happened to your mother, but in the end that anger you have should be directed to the Himejima's for what they did. They took your mother from you and your father. I'm sure your mother must be disgusted with her clan. All she did was marry a Fallen Angel and she's murdered for it." To him, the Himejima clan was a disgrace to the name of Shinto. If he was a lesser man, like Frank Castel, he probably would go to their area and slaughter the whole clan to avenge Akeno for the pain they brought upon her, but he wouldn't stoop to that level.
He wasn't the Punisher.
...
Akeno contemplated his words. He was right. It wasn't her father's fault, it was the Himejima's! They killed her mother! So why was she directing her hate toward her father and not them?
Her father couldn't save her mother!
"He couldn't save mother…" Akeno said.
Couldn't save her mother? "Then let's see what she has to say." Gerard said making Akeno's eyes widened in surprise. He stepped away from her and raised his hands high. "What happens in here stay's in here. No one is to tell anyone, Odin, Baraqiel…"
"Gerard what are you—"
"I call upon the first Sorcerer Supreme Agamotto to lend me your powers to bring one back from the death. Agamotto, by your all seeing light, by your omnipotent power, I call upon Shuri Himejima to come to us! Let her body and soul take return from the netherworld!"
There was a great burst of power following by the symbol of the Sorcerer Supreme appearing below the sorcerer. Gerard knew, If Akeno was to forgive her father, her mother would have to return from the dead! He would not do so through the wick power of necromancy, to return one from the death was a horrendous crime against the ways of the Mystic Arts. He would bring her back through the light of Agamotto, just for this one time.
The human grunted, he never used this technique before and understand why, it was draining him of his magic very rapidly.
'Shuri….come back to us. Help your daughter!'
He gasped and collapsed to the floor, the spell breaking as he did so. Akeno was at his side at once, trying to help him stand. His blue eyes scanned the room. Did it work!?
"Gerard-kun, what did you try and do?"
Before the question could be asked, a bright light filled the room, it glow was warmth, like of a mother's love. It started to take shape, in the appearance of a woman, a woman who looked exactly like Akeno, only with shorter hair and and brown eyes.
"It worked…" Gerard breathed in relief. "Agamotto heard me…"
The apparition of Shuri blinked and looked around in confusion, wondering where exactly she was wondering who these people were till her eyes caught sight of two people she'd recognized anywhere.
"Baraqiel…A-Akeno…"
"Mother…"
"Shuri."
Father and daughter stared at the deceased woman, tears threatening to spill from their eyes.
Shuri smiled at her daughter, a smile Akeno hadn't seen in forever. She approached the young girl, cupping her face in her hands. "Akeno, sweetie, look at you…you're so beautiful."
"Mom…" Akeno choked on her words, tears rolling down her cheeks. Her hands were soft and warm, like they always where. How could this be possible!? Did Gerard bring her mother back from the dead!? This…this was a miracle!
"Shuri…Himejima…" Gerard said through panting breath, "I've brought you back to see your family for this moment, just this moment. I don't know how long it will last but I ask you, please help your daughter find the love she has for your husband, for her father."
Shuri smiled at the young man. "I know you….you're Gerard Price. I have been watching you from the netherworld and couldn't be as happy as I am to see Akeno find such a wonderful man." She turned to her crying husband. "Baraqiel, I don't blame you for what happened all those years ago. I did my part, now do yours, as her father, to protect her as best you can." Then she spoke to Akeno, who tried to smile but was having difficulty with all the tears, Akeno, I understand your anger and I know he has done many hurtful things but…" She embraced her daughter and husband in a hug, her warmth flowing onto them. "He truly dose love you. Just as I love you both. That's why, Akeno, please love him too."
Akeno's lips quivered her body shook as she threw her arms around her mother. "Y-You're right…" She said, unaware of her cracked voice, "It wasn't father's fault. But…. If I didn't think of it like that, then my mind wouldn't last….. That's because I'm….weak…. I was lonely…and I just wanted to live with only the three of us….."
"You're not weak, sweetie. You were upset about you're my death, which you have a right to be. You had so much anger build up inside that all you could do was direct it toward your father. But deep down, behind all that hatred you have and will always love him." Shuri reassured.
"I do! I….want him…..back in my life! I miss him so much! I…..I…..I LOVE MY FATHER!" Akeno screamed through sobs as fresh tears rolled down her cheeks.
Shuri smiled as the light returned, signaling it was time to return to the afterlife. She looked Gerard dead in the eye, her smile never wavering. "Gerard Price, thank you for being there for my daughter. I know you can make her happy and I know you will always protect her."
"Your welcome, Shuri." Gerard said with a thumbs up.
Akeno's mother nodded and hugged her family tighter, "Akeno, Baraqiel. I love you both so much. I know you can be together again. Akeno, you've made me so proud and don't worry I'll always be with you my sweet Akeno-chan."
"I-I know…I love you Kaa-san."
"I love you too Akeno-chan. Baraqiel-kun." She kissed her daughter and husband before disappearing, leaving the room in silence once more.
Akeno turned to her father staring at him with tear stained cheeks before embracing him in a hug, "Father…I…..I….I missed you so much! I want you back!"
"Shhh. There, there, Akeno-chan…it's ok." Baraqiel reassured as he dried his eyes. When he regained himself he looked to Gerard, a tiny smile forming on his face. "I don't know what sorta of magic you just preformed boy but…thank you for letting me see my wife one last time. You have no idea how reliving it is to know the regret I held final be lifted from by heart. You have my gratitude, Gerard Price."
Gerard smiled, glad that Akeno was at finally accepting her father back into her life. He felt tears form in his eyes but wiped them away quickly, he'd save the waterworks for another time.
"Well, well, well, it looks like this sorcerer of your is full of surprises Rias Gremory." Odin said stroking his beard with interest for the human.
"Which is something that you and Baraqiel must keep secret Lord Odin, this is a secret nobody aside Sirzechs, Michael and I are to know of. And here I though Gerard wanted his magic to be kept secret, but I guess his love for Akeno is stronger than that."
"That's true, Azazel," Gerard said at last getting energy to stand on his own. "I love Akeno. I love her dearly and would do anything to help her. Which reminds me." He paused turning to Baraqiel, his body straight as a statue, he knew it was late to ask this but now was as good a time as any. "Baraqiel, I love your daughter very much and would love to have her as my girlfriend."
"For all that's you've done for my daughter, I'd let you be her husband."
"Dad!" Akeno was blushing very red, embarrassed at his words but happy to know that Gerard at last called her his girlfriend.
Azazel and Odin laughed, which Gerard and the others joined in with. The human pulled his girlfriend toward him kissing her rosy red cheek. "You're so cute when you blush, Akeno-chan."
"Hahaha! You kids intrigue me more and more by the minute!" Odin bellowed, "Now, if you'll excuse me, I must return to Asgard. Today has been quite a day."
Baraqiel hugged his daughter and bid farewell to the human before leaving with the ruler of Asgard.
"You know…I wasn't expecting something like this to happen." Kiba said with a smile. "I can safe for sure that today has been a good day for all of us."
Rias nodded, smiling at the black haired couple. Kiba was right, today was a good day; they won the Rating Game and Akeno finally accepted her father back into her life again. Yes, this day was a truly a good day.
Gerard laid in bed as he waited for Akeno to join him after showering. The human had spent the rest of the day with his friends celebrating their victory in the Rating Game and teases from Akeno at what she'd do to him now that he official was her boyfriend. What she experienced as a child was a traumatizing event that left a permanent scar on her life that finally was now starting to heal.
How long till fully healed was unknown, but at last Akeno accepted her father back into her life. She really did love him, she could never hate him.
Though his eyes were closed, he heard the shower turn off followed by the door opening, and Akeno sliding into bed with him. Her slender arms running along his shirtless covered body as she laid her head upon his chest. From what he felt she seem to be wearing a long t-shirt and panties, a little bold of her to wear something like so soon in their relationship.
Akeno kissed his lips a kind smile on her face, "Gerard-kun, thank you. I don't know what I'd do without you. I'd probably still be weak and broken."
"You're neither weak nor broken." The human replied holding her close to him, "We all go through tough times in our lives. I'm glad you at last have forgiven him for what happened in the past. You know Azazel said that when he discovered you were kidnapped by Hextin he was prepared to go in search of you. That's proof enough for me that he will always love you."
"But does he know how much I love you?" Akeno whispered brushing his bangs away from his face and kissing his forehead before sitting up on his lap, a sultry smile on her beautiful face. "Does he know my darling Gerard-kun has done so much for me that I wanna thank him for it~?" She grabbed the hem of her shirt slowly lifting it up but was halted by Gerard.
"No, no, no, no. Not yet Akeno-hime, we just started this relationship and you don't need to thank me, I'll do whatever I can to help you."
"But I do. You deserve something for the help you've done."
A long silence fell between the two. Gerard looked to the ceiling, wondering how she could replay him, what would work… His eyes widened, he knew exactly what could make her smile. "You know, before summer vacation started I heard Kuoh holds a summer festival in August. If I'm correct, tomorrow is the last day. Why not we go there for a date."
Akeno's eyes widened and cheeks flustered at what he said, he was offering to take her to the summer festival of Kuoh! Something she never had gotten to see in all her life. But more importantly, he was taking her on a date! A date! Excitement filled her at the chance to finally go on a date with the handsome sorcerer! Akeno leaned forward and kissed him passiaotnly on the lips, "I'd love that, my darling Gerard-kun~"
Gerard looked himself in the mirror. The red kimono fit perfectly on him, it was light, roomy, and comfortable. Tonight, he'd be going to the Kuoh summer festival with Akeno, on a date.
He had never seen Akeno so happy before, it honestly made him happy.
Speaking of Akeno, she was taking a long time to get ready. The sun had set and he was waiting for her to join him.
After the emotional talk, the pair continued their training, with Akeno unleashing a new attack on him, holy lightening, and boy was it powerful. It almost broke through the Rings of Raggadorr, proving that Akeno's full power was something not to underestimate. He couldn't wait to see what she could do in the Rating Game, there was no way Sona could win now, not when they had the Priestess of Lightening.
The sound of footsteps caught his attention, Akeno was finally ready. He turned his attention and-
'…Wow.'
His eyes stayed on Akeno as she descended the stairs, a smile upon her face. A black kimono with orange and patterns on the bottom of the sleeves and robe hugged her curvy figure tied together by a white blue obi and her hair was tied into a bun held by two chopsticks. If she was wearing any makeup he couldn't see it, it blended with her face perfect.
"You look beautiful." He admitted once she reached him.
"I knew you'd say that." She replied, a faint blush on her face. "I didn't keep you waiting did I?"
"No, you're right on time." He answered offering his hand to her.
Akeno smiled and took his hand, her blush deepening when he closed his fingers around hers. "To tell you the truth, Gerard-kun, this is my first date."
Surprise was what showed on the American's face before replacing it with a smile. "Don't worry, hime, I'll make sure it's fun." The sorcerer reassured as he cast a portal for them to walk through.
It didn't take long for them to find the festival. The sound of music, laughter, and many lights had shown them were it was happening, the downtown shopping center. This year's festival looked like a good one, there were games booths, food joints, music, plays, and lots of young couples enjoying themselves.
Akeno's excitement never left as she pulled Gerard along through the festival. She had been so nervous getting ready for tonight but now she couldn't stop smiling with joy, joy that she was going to have fun with Gerard. If she told Rias, she'd be very mad at them for skipping training, but oh did she want to see the redhead's reaction at being at not being the first to have a date. Rias was her best friend, but Akeno was determined to be the first to win love, which she was doing. She found a man who made her feel safe, helped her with her problems, kissed her, loves her, and now was going on a date with him.
Rias really needed to step up her game to be with Issei. She had been there when he finally said her name and it truly touched her heart that the two were finally starting to connect. Perhaps after this Rating Game was over, then maybe those two could go on a date.
No even better, a double date! Herself and Gerard with Rias and Issei.
"Akeno-sama and Gerard-senpai!?"
The black haired duo stopped when they heard a voice causing them to look at who called them.
"Katase-chan, Murayama-chan!"
The captain and vice-captain of the Kendo club approached the couple, both wore light blue kimonos and hands full with prizes. Clearly they had been very busy tonight winning games.
"Where you two been? We haven't see either of you since summer started?"
"Rias-sama wanted to spend her summer at Kyoto. Akeno suggested we got on a date here." Gerard's answer had all three girls blushing, the second years looked as if they were about to explode with joy.
"You're on a date!?"
"That's so sweet!?"
"Have you guys kissed yet!?"
"Is this your first date!?"
"Did someone say Gerard-san and Akeno-san are on a date?"
"Kiyome-sama!"
The blonde beast tamer also was wearing a kimono, solid white with cherry blossom petals on it. Her smile widening when she saw the black haired duo holding hands. "You two are so cute together, I knew you'd be a perfect match!"
"Ara, why aren't you all out here with boys?" Akeno teased, clinging to Gerard's arm.
"W-we don't have dates." Murayama admitted.
"I'm here with my family." Kiyome answered, "Which reminds me, I gotta go find them. If you guys stay till 9 you can see the fireworks. If you go east theirs a small hill you can get a great view of them from. Well I'm off, good seeing you guys, bye!" and off Kiyome went in search of her family.
"We gotta go too, hope you have fun. Nice seeing you again Akeno-sama, Gerard-senpai." The kendo girls departed into the crowd in search for more prizes to win.
"So, were do you wanna go?" Akeno asked, purposely pressing her breast into the side of his arm as Gerard scanned the festival for-
"Their." He said leading the ravenette to a dart throwing booth. He paid for a handful of darts and took careful, hitting each one on the mark. "Which one, hime?" He asked waving his hand to the multiple prizes on the shelf, he was answered by her finger pointing to a blue stuffed teddy bear which the owner handed to her, congratulating the American as well.
They next went to a store selling beautiful made wooden carvings, ships, animals, cars, people, trees, and many more. There was another store that caught Akeno's eye, jewelry. Gerard could tell Akeno wanted to buy something form her by the way her violet eyes looked at the many rings, necklaces, and earing's. He knew they just became a couple and this was their first date but still, if Akeno wanted something he'd give it to her to make her happy. He started pulling his wallet out when a hand touched his wrist, dark blue eyes flickered to Akeno who shook her head.
"You don't have to, Gerard-kun, I only wanna look."
"You sure?" He asked.
"This teddy bear is more than enough."
"I thought I was your teddy bear?" He teased kissing her on the cheek which she giggled at. "Come on, let's get some food, I'm starving."
Give minutes later they were in a restaurant waiting for their food to arrive, Akeno's smile never leaving as she leaned against Gerard. Her first date and it was going wonderfully, she couldn't feel any happier than she was now. Being here beside her boyfriend enjoying time together.
"Say Gerard-kun, I wanna get to know you more. You're a superhero, a human, American, but I don't know your likes and dislikes."
"Well I like you." He replied kissing her quickly.
"Besides me."
Gerard stared at the girl before averting his gaze away, a small blush forming on his face, "Well there is something…Elena got me into…she made me like…"
"Made you like what?" Akeno asked, eager to know what was causing such a reaction from the usual gentlemanly sorcerer.
"Cost play...Elena used to cost play with me…"
Akeno stared at the human in disbelief before raising a hand to her lips to stifle her giggles. "Ara ara, dose Gerard-kun wanna see me in a bunny suit?" Gerard shook his head no but the blush still remained, her smile growing wider at that. This boy, who was honest, brave, and true…did have a dirty side to him.
"Ara, he dose doesn't he? Gerard-kun is a pervert." Her giggling didn't stop as he hung his head in shame at revealing his secret, it was so cute to see.
"W-well, when were you born?" The human asked wanting to not have the girl continue to tease him, especially in public.
"July, 21st."
"July? Shoot! That means we missed your birthday!"
"It wasn't possible with all the stuff that happened last month, the Excalibur's, Kokabiel, and the conference." Akeno reassure.
"Nonsense. I'm surprise Rias didn't try to hold a party for you. You know what Akeno, our first date is you're late birthday present."
"Gerard-kun…" Akeno leaned on his shoulder, loving the warmth that flowed off him. While she now knew he had a perverted side, she didn't care, she loved him for he was just as he loved the same as he did. He was nothing like Issei, while both were perverted, Issei outwardly showed his naughty side for the whole world to see, Gerard on the other hand was a gentleman and could charm the ladies with just a few kind words, which was exactly how she fell in love with him.
His handsome face and kind words seem to cast a spell on her that made her refuse to look away from him. He was just so sexy to not look away from, those long black locks of hair, his dark blue eyes that sparkled like the stars, the way his R's rolled when speaking Italian. His hands were so soft and the way he lips felt…
She could kiss those lips forever!
She was his Devil and he her Sorcerer.
As the hours passed the black haired couple had more fun, they ran into more familiar faces form school, played more games, one of which Akeno won a ring from for the sorcerer, and watched a play. Now they were on their way to the hill Kiyome suggested to them to view the fireworks from.
"Finally arrived." The human said taking a seat against a tree he found, Akeno sitting on his lap afterwards.
"Gerard-kun," Akeno said breaking the silence, "While I hate my clan for what they did, my cousin still cares for me. When I was became Rias Queen, Shuzaku would secretly come visit when she could. I believe she's now the leader of the Himejima's. Even if she is I don't wish to go back there, not after the murder they committed. Thought I wish I could make my uncle pay for what he did."
"I'm sure your cousin carried out that revenge on the old fool. Also remember what I said about coming to accept what has happened, now we just leave it behind and move forward to a better future. Speaking of which, if we have a daughter let's name her Shuri."
The blush on Akeno face's spread quickly as she looked away. He was already talking about babies!? He had complained about Xenovia trying to have one with him! Was it because she wasn't his girlfriend?
That had to be the case, which explained why he suggested it so casually to her. Her blushing face soon changed into a warm smile. The thought of having a baby, of carrying his baby, their baby, filled her with happiness.
"Ara ara. Gerard Price, you silly to talk about children but want to wait on sex."
"Having sex this early in a relationship isn't good. We need to get to know each other more, have more dates."
"But we do know each other."
"I didn't know when your birthday was and you still don't know much about me."
"I know you're a great kisser~" She kissed him, "And that you're a sorcerer from another dimension. And you're a sweetheart."
Gerard smiled, "That's me in a nutshell."
Akeno shifted herself to lay her head against his, inhaling his scent. "Gerard-kun, thank you for making this summer festival, this date, special. You truly are one of a kind. I don't know where'd I'd be without you."
Gerard wrapped his arms around her waist, holding her close to him as he kissed her. "I could say the same for you, hime. It's thank to you that I feel love again."
"And that love is only for me?"
"Only for you."
The couple kissed again as the fireworks began.
End
Finally, Akeno and Gerard are an official couple and had there first date! I know I changed stuff with Akeno forgiving her father this soon but hey, my story, my plot.
To my fellow San Diego citizens, I hope you enjoyed Comic Con. It wasn't as good as last year but still fun to visit.
And from July 26 to August 1 i'll be out of town with no computer or electronics but when I return i'll get started on the next chapter for this or Priestess and Samurai, which reminds me, do you think it's an ok name, or should it have a different one?
And what do you think of this chapter? If you liked it please let me know in the review section and I will see you guys later.
Hope you enjoyed this chapter.