Summer sales. RIP wallets everywhere.
So the number of reviews in the last chapter is, well, not as much as I hope it would be, honestly. At first I'm a bit worried, but the followers kept on increasing and so were the views. So I'm just going to assume I did fine lul.
STILL. Thank you for the kind reviewers!
-Wacko12
-Shikkokuakushintei
-Mahesvara
-Zarroc789
-Noctis Lucius Caelum
-A Certain Triangle
Thank you for the follows and the favorites. I'm proud to say that this story has passed its predecessor in terms of reviews, followers, and favorites. Thank you, and thank you very, very mucho you guys. This wouldn't be possible without you.
Without further moaning,
ENJOY!
Death's Journey: Smokes and Shadows
Chapter Twenty-Eight
||Calm||
"We'reeee hooooome~!" Majority of students, if not each one of them, love the end of their school days. They can hang out with their friends without fearing being reminded to button up their unbuttoned buttons, but few are as excited as Asuka coming back to her home.
Before the house turned to a mansion, she would've lied down somewhere, be it a couch, the floor, her mattress, or even on Asia's belly. But now that it had evolved to something she thought existed in manga and anime and movies and probably the richer part of the country, Asuka had never been so active, and never been happier before dinner.
Three days since the house had an immense upgrade and a day since those two girls left after meeting with Rias, her hectic life steadied at last. Along with Leanne, the most recent addition to the household, they lapped the underground swimming pool at professional athletes, even with the help of doping.
As unbelievable as it may sound, if you put her natural gift and her prior training as a former assassin, coupled with her Knight's boosts, it really doesn't sound so farfetched. As for Leanne, she was as fond with water and swimming as her, and equally fierce when it comes to competing for something, even for a mere bragging right as the fastest swimmer in the house.
Koromaru, the blue and white Hellhound puppy that Kojiro took as his familiar and named after 2 days of thinking it over and over, stood no chance against these rabid swimmers. The wolf pup had admitted defeat long ago, and was now playing chase with Yuki by the pool. With Asia and Kojiro's supervision, the two puppers chased after Aleta and Raikou, Asuka and Asia's respective familiars. But of course, to no avail. In the puppies' defense, the last time they played chase, their mates can't fly.
Oh, and Narina's screams of terror could be heard despite her size as she held onto Yuki's furs for her dear life.
At the basement floor below them—yes, there is another basement floor—, the Nekoshou sisters trained together, holding a spar against a Dragon named "Venetia" that is one of the feared Dragon King without Koneko realizing. Though Tiamat had to held back most of her powers and fight in her human form to not cause a clusterfuck, she was pleased. Kuroka's ability actually surpassed her estimation, and would had lifted her respect for her if Kuroka didn't mock her every time she missed an attack.
This all had become a part of their daily life at home, and none of them thought the renovation was a horrible idea.
But what about our unlikely hero? Where would he be during such a scene in his mansion-house?
"The sun's setting."
"You noticed?"
"People are going home... I have to prepare for dinner."
Another hum, tailed by an unreasonable reasoning. "They won't starve."
"This isn't the time for your witticisms..."
"You say that regardless of the time." Seifer squeezed her shoulder. "It's not like you don't like it. Am I right or am I right?"
As self-conceited as that sounded, that's how she truly felt, and her silence made his grin wider.
Saying things that make fun or provoke one's hidden desire is one of his keys of getting what he wanted, like the amusement of seeing a woman being so skittish around him. In this case, Grayfia.
But, the fine woman didn't seem to take the bait this time. "...Still, I have obligations. You're not the only one I serve Shinjiro."
As usual, she put her duties over anything else, including her personal wants. Admirable, but quite sad if you think about it.
"Would be nice if you do, though." A light blush daubed her comely face. Giving her another of his tight-lipped smile, he got off the wooden bench and then extended a hand to her, a gentle look on his features. "At least walk with me for a while."
She reached for his hand. A feeling of warmth coursed as she felt the rough callouses of his palm, resurfacing the memories of their first meeting. Back when the entire was against her, he offered his hand just like this.
The sea breeze blew past as the waves rolled by, washing away a sandcastle some children built earlier. The pier was becoming empty as the sea level was bound to raise and the temperature started to fall. Couples had left the benches, and only a few fishermen were hanging by, leaving the pier almost for the two of them. It's like their own personal wooden catwalk. Exposed with nowhere to hide, but they didn't care. One was too concerned for the other, and the other was too lost in her thoughts to notice.
"Grayfia?"
"N—Nn... Yes?"
That was the third time he called her name. "Something on your mind?"
"...Nothing..." Her silver bangs swayed as she shook her head. "It's... nothing to worry about."
"M'kay."
She's rare to get lost in her thought. She didn't even realize they had walked far from the pier. Seifer didn't press it for now, however. Instead he let go of her hand, and turned around and stand in front of her. He pulled her close, and wrapped her in his arms, and then held her tightly that she felt she's being squeezed.
Despite the heaviness in her stomach, it fluttered at the amorous hug. Her never ending thought processes were put to a pause as she smelled his citrusy perfume. She sunk into the warmth he gave, drawn in by the feeling of security and his gentleness. She paid no mind to the smell of his cigarettes or the humid sea air.
Still in his hold, Grayfia raised a question. "...What's the occasion?"
"Nothing." He hummed, his chest vibrated against her face as he did. "I just felt like hugging you."
Her hands slinked to his back as she yielded momentarily, appreciative of the simple gesture she knew he's so generous to give out. Soft yet so strong. His touch made the entire world warmer somehow, and the sounds were much more soother. But even so, this dragged her down. Not that she showed it blatantly.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome." Seifer gallantly said, making sure she knew he was taking credit for brightening her day. Well, not that she minded.
"Wish we could spend more time like this." He told her as his thumb drew circles on the back of her hand. "Even teens have later curfew than yours."
She giggled. Having to come home before 7 from their already brief date was ridiculous to him. However.
"That would be nice. But I am happy just to be with you."
"Oh, stop it. You're making me blush."
"You don't blush."
"Whaaat? I blush too. Just not as often as you."
Fingers linked, the couple stood as they watched the horizon turned from orange to violet and blue. As the moon begun its climb, they shared a tender kiss, before leaving the Clevedon Piers.
Although they teleported together, they arrived at a different part of his house/mansion. She arrived in her bedroom with the bright shine of the Gremory clan's sigil, while his body formed inside his room with a twirl of his smoke.
However, they shared the same thought of what to do before continuing their activities and duties.
They needed a shower to wash the other's scents. And also, the sea and the beach.
.
.
.
Dinner had always been wonderful when shared together with the family members, and the more the better. It is rare in the Kawamura household due to their nighttime activities as Devils and bodyguard, but today was a day off for all of them. Added with Koneko who's staying for some nights, and a pair of mutts, a hatchling, and a chirpy fairy, dinner was lively.
"Aaaaah! Anna-chan! I won the race so that last egg roll is mine!"
"What?! Nonsense! We've never agreed to this! There was never such deal!"
"Leanne! Don't raise your voice at the dining table! This applies to you too, young lady Asuka!"
"Y-Yes Ma'am..."
"...Mou... AH! KORO-CHAN! NOO, THAT'S MINE! Ah... he ate it..."
"Ne~ Shirone, how many stomachs do you have nyan? How come you're never full nyan?"
"..."
"That's rude."
"Shut up. You're ruder nyan."
"Me? Rude? Pft."
"Kou-san, h-how does the soup taste...?"
"Hmm? It's good."
"A-ah... I'm glad..."
"AAAAH! Ojii-tann! Yuuki's chasing Narina again!"
.
.
.
Yeah. It's like a big family gathering, except with more teens and more Devils and other supernatural beings and animals plus one humanized God and one Death. Well, not that much of a difference anyway. For example, the dishes are aplenty, and no one would willingly volunteer to clean them despite they only have to arrange it in the dishwasher, reason being too full to move.
Thank Creator Grayfia was there.
She was there when they ate, sat together with them on the large table as she ate with reserve, speaking only when she was asked a question or offered something from the table. At first, she ate at a separate time and place as how a standard housemaid would, but Seifer forbade her, as well as Asuka and Asia, saying that she's not here as a housemaid but as a person living under the same roof with them.
What else could she do but to give in.
Furthermore, her maid outfit was no longer a must. Yesterday, she went outside to accompany Kuroka with her shopping, not knowing that the clothes were meant for her. Her wardrobe was a mere quarter of Kuroka's, but that's already overwhelming for her.
But at the end of the day, she was truly grateful for everything.
"So, Grayfia," Seifer said as he grabbed a cold one from a refrigerator that was two heads taller than him. The beer's cap clinked down the fridge's preinstalled bottle opener, something he actually wanted from way back then. "How do you think of living here so far?"
As there were others nearby, or more appropriately, everyone including the little Pixy at the living room, she replied in a reserved, humble manner.
"I am very obliged to be here. Everyone treats me kindly." She said with a polite bow, "I can only hope to repay your kindness by serving this house with my uttermost best."
"That I'm sure you will." He chuckled. "Are those the clothes Kuroka picked for you?"
"Yes, they are."
"Huh. You look nice in it."
Again, she lowered her head. "Thank you very much Shinji-sama."
Seifer took several swigs. He eyed the golden liquid through the green glass, before he eyed her with a coy smile. "You know, you can start repaying my kindness in the storage later on."
Even she had trouble coping that. "I... I'll..."
"NEE-CHAN! ONII-SAN IS FLIRTING WITH GUREIFIA-SAN AGAIN!"
"Christ— you're like a car alarm."
He never thought he'd receive this many displeased looks in his house. Hell, even Koneko jumped in the bandwagon—though it was understandable. She wouldn't want her sister to date a playboy would she.
"What? That room is a bit dusty. Don't just jump to the conclusions." With that lie serving as his excuse, Seifer retreated towards the elevator to continue the unhealthy part of his daily routine; smoking at his roof garden. There were stairs to every floor, yes, but that would be wasting his time.
"Ah, please wait for me Shinji-sama. I'd like to discuss a matter with you." Tiamat said as she hurriedly got off her seat, and trotted to catch up with him in the elevator. Seifer gave her the "sure hop in" gesture.
As she moved to the lift, so trotted Yuki along, bushy tail wagging and tongue flopping out. Koromaru bouncily followed behind the white pup, with Narina riding him as if he's her noble steed.
"No, girl, stay. You too Koromaru. And that means you as well, Narina." Seifer said decisively to both of them. "Go play with your furry friends; like Kuroka."
"I heard that!" a voice came from the family room—located at the center of the floor. He might or might not care even if she didn't.
And with that, the two went to the roof, and the two pets were let down. But they got their energy back up as they started to play chase with Aleta and Raikou joining the party. Narina luckily got off Koromaru's head.
"Then I will excuse myself. Good evening, everyone." Grayfia bowed to the large family, earning some sweet-flavored goodnights from Asuka and Asia, and a cool see-you-soon from Tiamat and Leanne. And she was halfway to the stairs, Kuroka pranced off the large U-shaped couch that faced the plasma TV.
"Hey, you, meido. I wanna have a chat with you nyan." Yapped the Nekoshou, but without showing much of her intent or her reasoning. "Come with me nyan."
With another bow, Grayfia complied. "As you wish, Kuroka-sama."
As the two headed for the lift that was now descending, several suspicions rose from the girls—mostly from Asuka, as she's the only one who paid attention for these kinds of things, namely, drama.
"Ooooh, something's telling me it's about to blow up~!"
"What is? A bomb?" Kojiro asked, representing the oblivious folks—that is to say, everyone else but her, Koneko, and Narina.
"Mufufu~ only chosen girls have this kind of special sensing." Asuka said, beaming with pride.
"I'm going too~! Let's go Acchan!" Narina squealed. Though she was palm-sized, her love for possible drama was high, and her voice was loud and clear as Kojiro would describe as "supersonically annoying".
Asuka rushed to the stairs with Narina pocketed in the flock of her dark brown hair, with Leanne joining out of curiosity. Their footsteps thundered as she scaled the spiral stairs with ease. Asia could only sigh quietly as she couldn't keep up with their dynamism.
Seeing the blasé attitude of the other people present in the living room, Koneko couldn't resist asking. "...Does this happen often?"
"Yes." Answered Kojiro in a flat tone as he threw a rubber ball for Koromaru and Yuki to chase around. It saddened Koneko since she was wanting to pet the white-furred dog. He was being extra careful, as being told off by his brother for breaking a vase was unbelievably embarrassing.
Koneko let out a small "oh.". The young man eyed her for a moment, as if studying her, and then asked: "Are you not going to join them?"
"No..."
"Why?"
"It's my Onee-sama's matter."
"Huh." Kojiro snorted, amused by her short and frank responses. "Don't you at least want to know though?"
"Y-Yes... but..." He had no intention to make her think about it deeply since he said the first thing on his mind, but that's what she did. "...Kojiro-san, does Shinjiro-san talk to you about his..." Koneko paused as she searched for a word to use. "...relationship with my Onee-sama?"
She looked at him expectantly, and so did Asia. Kojiro felt under pressure.
"Err... no. He's a private person. He sees much but shares little." He admitted. "But he does tell me about—" Kojiro cut himself after his eyes briefly settled at Asia, then back to Koneko again. "Uh, never mind."
"Oh..." Koneko sighed. It's hard to tell if she's disappointed or not due to how quiet she was and how rare she changed her expression. "What about Asia-senpai and Asuka-senpai?"
"Mm? Ah, umm... W-well... I don't think Onee-chan has anyone she likes..." But what if she does? her own mind contradicted with herself. "I'm not sure... though..."
Before Koneko could say something to cheer her up, the said person, along with her two comrades, came out the elevator with defeated looks on their faces.
"That was fast." Kojiro hmphed. "Did something blow up?"
He received a perfect pouty face. "...Mu..."
"The only thing that blew up was our cover, thanks to her." Leanne jibed. Her face contained tinges of disappointment and irritation towards Asuka.
"It was cold out there!" Whined Asuka as she rushed towards the couch. She cuddled Asia and rubbed their cheeks together without regards to the others—something Kojiro had been envious about. "Aaaah~ Asia-chan, you're so warm~!"
"Uuu— N-Nee-chan!"
In their moment of sisterly bonding, Narina popped out from Asuka's hair, using them like a fur jacket to fend the cold. Then Aleta came from the pets' area along with Raikou, possibly hearing Asuka's voice. The grey-brown feathered hatchling perched herself on the brunette's hair, thus sandwiching the tiny Pixy, while the Sprite Dragon floated around Asia, maintaining his eyes at Kojiro.
At this sight, Koneko wished for her sister to return quickly.
Break
The perfectly mowed grass seemed like a huge green carpet covering the entire square-shaped area. While the roof garden wasn't as grandiose as the one located in the backyard, it had its own charms, especially at night. Though not the tallest house around the neighborhood, it rose above the other houses, granting an unobstructed view of the pleasant city.
It's also free from those pesky insects.
The crisp wind of summer blew the nicely mowed grasses, the colorful flowers, the hedges and the decorative plants he took care as well as he took care of his dog. Dogs, now. Koromaru might be a Hellhound with a growing blade on its forehead, and might grow as big as a wolf, but he still was a dog to him.
Looking back to where he moved to this city, he had never imagined having so many people and animals living in his house. Looking to the days ahead, Seifer figured he'll probably going to miss those hectic yet peaceful days.
Sitting by his side, Tiamat quietly looked at him as he watched his garden with an expression she couldn't discern what. To her, he appeared to be smiling, but a human smile can hide so many, more so the smiles of a God like him.
"So," Suddenly, Seifer sparked a jovial tone that shook the Dragon lady a little. "What do you have in mind?"
Blinking as he took out a pack of cigarette and stuck one between his lips, and then calming herself, Tiamat began with an apology. "Pardon me for coming with you..."
"Oh, no no. Don't worry about that. I'd always enjoy the company of a beauty. Anyone would."
Her cheeks flushed faintly. "I—before I ask, might I enquire how you can say such compliments so straightforwardly without meaning?"
"Hmm? I don't say meaningless compliments, dear." He chuckled, and the grey smokes he puffed out flew as if the ghosts of his laugh. "And why not? It's better than foul-mouthing someone, and less likely to make anyone mad."
"But, if you say those things so often to any women you met, won't it give them the wrong impression?"
"Ah, that." His expression changed to that of a silver-tongued veteran—kind of annoying how he appeared all-knowing regarding this matter. He's joking, of course, but that didn't lessen his level of jackassery. "Do you know the saying "some things are better left unsaid"?"
Tiamat thought for a brief time, before nodding curiously. "I suppose I have..."
"Well, that too, applies for compliments."
Now Tiamat thought for a longer while. "...I don't understand."
His eyes glanced around as if looking for an example to the confused Dragon. He took another drag of his cigarette, and blew out several smoky rings.
"It's a bit hard to explain, but first know who they are. See if they shrug off light compliments or not. For example, Kuroka. She's the kind that would say "Of course" to any sort of compliments thrown at her." At the mention of her name, Tiamat's forehead creased, and her lips tugged down to a small scowl. Seifer laughed lightly at this. "What? Did she tick you off again?"
"That feline is swifter than I thought."
"Oh, right. You sparred with her, didn't you? How was it?"
Tiamat huffed through her nose and crossed her arms and posed regally. "Hmph. Had I used half of my powers, she would pose no threat to me."
Seifer chortled. All he heard was excuses. "If that's the case, then who could?"
"Evidently, you, Shinji-sama." Said Tiamat. "This leads back to my reason of coming with you..." the lady paused, and her expression turned somber as she peered to the blanket of stars. "I... I have been wondering, Shinji-sama... are you... do you happen to be a Deity?"
"Huh. I knew you'll figure that out soon enough." Seifer acted as if he's surprised. His act was horrendous for someone who does it a lot. "But yes, I happen to be one."
Tiamat's golden eyes lighted up with interest, and she appeared more astonished than he was, as she expected him to stall instead of bluntly answering. Then again, she couldn't complain.
"I suspected as much." She muttered, watching him breathed out those unpleasant smokes. "...I... don't mean to meddle, but if I may know... how did you meet my grandfather?"
"Valstrath? Hmmm... well, it certainly has been a long time." Smiled Seifer. "Wasn't it a custom or some of the sort for your kind to tell their children and grandchildren their story of battles and such?"
"Yes, but neither of my grandfather or father ever mentioned they had fought alongside a Deity... And I had never expected to meet one in this Realm, in fact."
"Oh? Even though there are at least a hundred in this Realm alone?"
"Ah, no, no, I know there are others, but they're only minor gods as far as I know." Seifer could hear the Gods laughing at this brave statement. "My interest is within the major Gods, like you yourself, Shinji-sama. We from Avernus hold great respect to those with higher power than us."
"Why, is that so..." He chuckled. As he reminisced, Seifer closed his eyes to help him relive his first meeting with his late friend. "It was at Thedas, now another blackhole in the universe. You've heard of it, yes?"
The woman nodded eagerly. "Yes! I doubt no one had never heard of the Fall of Thedas. It is the first grand battle we took part in—" Suddenly, she perked up, leaning onto his face and stared at him with gawping eyes. "Th-Then did he fought alongside you?! That was the first war after the God of Death was thwarted...! Which means you're a—!"
"Okay, okay, easy down girl. You're like my daug—" he cleared the lump in his throat. "—friend's daughter when it comes to story."
She settled down, though not in shame. "I-I apologize... But that means you're as old as and perhaps older than my grandfather!"
"What? No, no, no. I'm not that old. Not to offend you, but he is quite a relic."
"Really...? But, I thought no more Deity was born after the Eternal Conflict...?"
"That's where you're wrong, Venezia." Teased Seifer with a crafty smile on his face, flicking away the cigarette butt that then combusted into black smoke.
Tiamat jumped to her feet. "S-So you are one of the Creator's creations?!"
"Shh— quiet now. People are trying to sleep." The Dragon Lady nodded, and sat back down. "But yes, yes I am indeed."
Her look of adoration shone even in the dark of the night. Seifer wondered if this is what famous people feel when they meet their fans.
"Unbelievable... To meet one of the Maker's Children... I feel as if I'm dreaming..."
"Haha, glad you're jumpy over this, but I really am just another of His creations."
She didn't seem to hear him. "Th-then, if I may ask further... Wh-what do you represent as? Or what do you associate with the most? Is it smokes, vapors and the like?"
"You'll find that out one day." A simple smile was what he gave her along with his unfulfilling answer. "But keep in mind I'm not much more than a man. I need sleep, eat, and drink as much as they do. And remember, not a word to the others."
He'd like this kept in secret, and thankfully, she understood him without much questioning.
"You have my word, Shinji-sama." She said with a satisfied grin on her face, "So... I suppose grandfather had served you till his passing?"
Seifer lighted another cigarette. "Since my first battle." a reluctant pause. "Until his last. He's the Aide all Gods wanted for."
"...I can only hope to achieve half of what he has done." With a smile that touched her lips, Tiamat skimmed across the horizon, counting the stars as she recalled an old lore of how Dragons become stars after they died. "...It's a shame he lost his last battle. I wish I was there."
Seifer had nothing to say. He was there, but he wished he wasn't. Seeing that many deaths was bad for him.
"I wish I can listen to his stories once more."
This one, he agreed with. Wholeheartedly. "He did have the most amusing of tales."
Then she suddenly spun around to him with the brilliant night sky behind her, and looked him straight in his seemingly tired eyes with a Dragon's red-hot resolve.
"As have my grandfather, I will serve you until my last breath. I may have no home to protect, but I will protect you at all costs."
With the blinking stars cheering her on, thus was her Oath. Short and simple; such is the Avernusian way. Albeit forceful too as he couldn't reject it whatever he says.
"I'm sure you will make your grandfather proud."
She smiled. "I strive to do just so."
As she turned to watch the serene heavens, and as Seifer contemplated if he should ask about what got her here, or if she would like to be alone with herself, the wind rustled the leaves once more, and this time managed to stir a shiver from the normally cold-resistant young male. He decided it was best to be wise and search for a warmer place, even though that means he had to part with his smokes.
"Right then," he stood up, "I'm heading down. G'night, Esdese."
"Good night, Shinji-sama. I wish you rest well."
"Yeap. Oh, and by the way, this is your home too, so don't forget to protect it too, okay." Humming a whaling tune, Seifer then walked towards the small elevator room, leaving Tiamat smiling to herself at his warm response.
With a ding, the metal doors slid open, revealing two women standing rather awkwardly inside. They stared at the young man. One in particular was quite peeved by his appearance.
" Wrong floor?"
"Are you going down nyan?"
"Going down... on you? Maybe..."
Maybe it's because of his tease or his smirk, but Kuroka looked even more annoyed. Before Seifer could say 'what', she pulled him inside the lift. Beside her, Grayfia shut the doors close. In his head, he's working on what the hell he had done to deserve this rough treatment.
"...How are you... feeling?"
A compassionate question, and even uttered in such a compassionate way, yet it freaked him out. And this time, Kuroka didn't need to look long to determine his feelings.
"Ugh! Don't make me ask you again!" Kuroka protested as the elevator went down. Seifer finally took a look on her face, and its bent red in embarrassment. He looked over to Grayfia questioningly, asking for hints, but the maid didn't even say a letter. Rather that not knowing, it's more of not wanting to tell. Something surely had happened between these two ladies in a sort span of time.
"Okay, okay, easy down." Seifer said in a composed tone, despite the circumstances. "First off, do I even look sad?"
"That's the point!" Kuroka, while still latched on to his chest, glared at him from below as the flush over her nose bridge reddened and reddened. "You're confusing, okay?" Though he wanted to justify that it was him who was confused by her sudden question, he stayed quiet while she continued in stuttered words. "It's just— you're... you're stupid!"
The more she said, the more puzzled he was. Luckily Grayfia was there to place some of the pieces.
"What Kuroka-sama's trying to convey to you, is that she is worried about you, Shinji-sama." Seifer then made a skeptic face that said 'so you knew after all' to her.
"You never said anything." Kuroka continued, "I'm not like you, so how the hell am I supposed to know what you're feeling! You didn't even tell her anything!"
"Wha—"
"If I may be honest, Shinji-sama, I too am worried. Neither of us can tell whether you are pleased or not..." Her sullen silvers slid over to meet his coffee brown eyes, revealing the same face he'd seen back at the pier. "I can never tell..."
He felt Kuroka's grip tightened as Grayfia uttered the last few words. But alas, he had finished the puzzle now, but why was he being double teamed? Since when did they unite? What the hell was he missing and how? Anyway, this wasn't the time to question these delicate ladies.
"Alright, alright. I got it. I'm touched." Seifer spoke gently to the two of them. He placed a hand atop of Kuroka's head, and began to stroke her hair in the way she loved it. "To be clear, I haven't felt sad in the past times, so don't worry about that too much. How can I be sad when there're two women so madly in love with me?"
Again with his tease. Though the girls showed different reactions; Kuroka reigniting her spiteful glare while Grayfia lowered her eyelids in silent disdain, none of them countered his statement or told him to wipe that stupid smile off his face.
"Just like right now, I'm so happy I could die." He said in a flippant, sneering tone as he pressed the button to the second floor. And the elevator finally began its descent. "I mean it, you know, in case none of you couldn't tell."
"I'm being serious! Stop jerking around you idiot!"
As Grayfia was about to follow through, her lips shut suddenly, and her look drastically changed to a look belonged to the woman who held the title of Silver-Haired Queen of Annihilation.
Same applied for the other two. Despite the elevator worked perfectly fine, they felt the tremor. The ground around the mansion had shook, and it was unnatural. A few seconds later as the elevator opened, his phone rang a tune he despised the most; the Crimson Satan's designated ringtone.
"It's Sirzechs. Ready up, don't tell the others, and meet me at the roof." Seifer stepped out to a less crowded room, away from the residents of his house who still in a jovial mood. Prior to answering, he was heard muttering a curse.
Kuroka and Grayfia shared a knowing look at each other before they too exited the metal box, before they headed to a separate direction to prepare themselves for the next order.
Break
The world revolved around him. And you may take that in literal sense. The ceiling rotated as if he's riding a carousel. As he sat up, he nearly fell to either side due to how woozy he was. A headache split his head, and Kiba buried his eyes on his palms as if it could miraculously lessen the pain. His throat was sore, and even speaking a word would worsen it he thought.
It was probably somewhere around 10; he knew that much. It was still too bright for midnight and too quiet for the beginning of the night.
Having collecting himself, that is remembering his defeat that made him salty and deducing how he got back in his bedroom, Kiba slid his legs down to the bedside. The cold, polished wooden floorings bit the soles of his feet. His muscles were sore, and moving his arms caused him to wince. But he could tell all the wounds had healed. He'll make sure to thank Asia when he sees her later.
"..." His eyes fell to the floor, hands clenching the brim of the mattress. Not one to fail often, he was bitter of his failure. Add a stinging headache to worsen it. Not the most likeable condition.
Taking his time, the young Knight pushed himself up, and trod outside his dorm room in dragged steps. As uncomfortable as he was, he still needed something for his dry throat, and more importantly and perhaps most importantly; pay a visit to the toilet.
The hallway was dim, having only one window at the far end of the corridor. Most part would be left completely dark if not for the lights coming from the lounge. Accompanied by silence and his own thoughts, Kiba walked down the corridor. First, he thought about his defeat, his frustration grew as he only managed a nick on one girl. Years of training with the best swords master, and that's all he could do.
Just one damn scratch.
Afterwards, he thought on what he should say to his master for running off. While revenge would be the honest answer, she will still chew him out regardless of his reason. But Rias should know already without him saying a word.
'Whatever', Kiba thought; it is what made him a Devil.
Too engrossed in his inner debate, Kiba didn't realize somebody had been staring at him as took out a water bottle from the lounge's fridge.
"Yu—Yuuto?!"
Kiba blinked, and he lowered the bottle as he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, and his bothering thoughts swept clean by seeing her deep blue eyes, widened ever so slightly in surprise.
"Ah... Senpai..."
Civilly sitting on the couch, Satellizer placed her book to her side as her black, racy nightgown transparency swayed. Even so, dressed in such an eye-catching attire didn't lessen his disappointment.
"Y-You're awake..." She muttered, gasping slightly. To him she seemed to be confirming if she was dreaming or he was only a mere hallucination. Took her some seconds to be ensured it was him alright.
Her face softened as she averted her sight, smiling at ease. "I—I'm glad..."
Kind and gentle. It's unfortunate that only a few could see her smiling like this.
"...Yeah..." Kiba ineptly rubbed his neck as he opened the fridge. "You should smile more Senpai."
Though he didn't mean anything more than just a compliment, the fact that it's a compliment made her embarrassed. Clumsily hiding her face by pretending to read her book, Satellizer quietly watched Kiba browsed the fridge.
She cast a side glance as she thought of what he's doing. "...Are you... hungry?"
Kiba laughed sheepishly. "Well, I haven't eaten anything in..." he paused, and glanced at his senior. "How long was I asleep, Senpai?"
"Ah, um... three days..."
His eyes broadened a bit. "Three days?" There was another pause as another thought had entered his mind. Taking out a plate of fried rice wrapped in plastic sheet, Kiba then closed the fridge. "...Senpai, what... can you tell me about what happened after I passed out?"
Having never been the one to recount, and not one to tell a story or speak more than a few words, his request took her more surprising than it should. As a result, she panicked.
"A-ah. W-well... Kyoujiro defeated those two girls... a-and..."
"Where are they now?!" His raised voice startled her. This was the first time she ever heard him shout, and he was a bit scary doing so. After a while, and seeing her frightened look, Kiba went back to heating up his food.
As Kiba pressed the buttons, the repeated beeps tingled the modest lounge.
"I'm sorry for raising my voice Senpai. I really didn't mean to shout at you."
Something was wrong with him. She knew, but she didn't dare to ask. Instead, she picked up her book, and said; "It's alright..."
Silence fell as the microwave processed the food. Oddly enough, this silence hurts her more than what she had been accustomed to.
"...Satellizer-senpai."
"Y-Yes?!"
"Are those two girls alive?"
The question wasn't asked out of concern, and that scared her. "...Yes..."
Kiba glanced at her, looking at her from the edge of his eyes. "Do you know where they are?"
"..." Satellizer gripped her book tighter. "...I—I don't know... They left after talking to Rias... I'm sorry..."
"I see..."
Beep! Beep! Beep! Bee— Taking out the fried rice out of the microwave, Kiba bid goodnight to her, before he walked back to his room, leaving the girl alone in the lounge. As he disappeared from her sight, Satellizer felt sad, and guilty. She's his friend, but she's unable to console him. Not like she ever had, but, she supposed it would be a pleasant thing to feel.
On top of it all, she was worried. When he was asking her, his voice was cold and distant as if he's a different person. And she was worried he might do something as reckless as before. Though guilty, she believed her lie was justified. It was for his sake, after all. No one liked seeing their friends hurt, more so if they only have a few.
Satellizer stood, taking her book along with her as she too made her way to her room. Hers wasn't much different. Same cool colored wallpaper and tidily furnished, a teddy bear resting on top of her bed. She momentarily looked out the window, seeing the empty school grounds and thought how creepy the school was during the night, and then she opened it, welcoming the cold air.
Tossing her book to the bed, Satellizer then dragged a chair by the window. Resting her hands on the frame, she gazed out the window. The sky was oddly bright tonight, but she didn't really put much thought on it as she lied her head on top of her piled hands, and sighed dreamily as a pillar of light pierced the night sky, followed by a light tremor that shook her entire room, and the mad laughter of the Fallen Angels.
Break
"There's too many of them." Akeno whispered in anger and horror as she watched cracks spreading like cobwebs over the barrier. "Buchou, What should we do?"
"Keep renewing the barrier for now, but don't spend too much energy. We'll strike when they've drained themselves."
"Yes, Buchou!"
Behind her desk, Rias was in her thoughtful posture; eyes closed and folded hands over her mouth. Time was against her, and her peerage lied in wait in need for her command. They were able to form the barrier at the last minute thanks to Satellizer's imminent warning. In a mere minute, all of them were readied for battle.
Satellizer had her blade and a cold, fearless look on her eyes. Kiba had yet to say a word about his condition, but expressing her doubts regarding him would be a horrible move. She didn't need to demotivate her friends and comrades about her Knight's unfit state.
Akeno had donned her priestess outfit and she was as prepared for the fight, just like Rias.
But that's all of them right now. It was only her and some of her peerage, faced against a horde of vultures raring to shred them apart. They needed help, and fast, yet there was no way for them to communicate with the rest as long as the barrier was there. Forming a Teleportation Circle needed time and energy as well, meaning Akeno have to help. That means a minute without her and the barrier.
She was out of viable options.
She knew from the start, but her peerage hasn't, and she's determined to keep it that way. But will she risk the life of her friends just to keep their morale? Is that wise for a leader to do? But what other choices did she have?
"...I..."
"...as...Ri...you...me?"
At the verge of her desperation, Sona's static voice reached her through the blurry, transparent screen in front of her. The buzzing kept on droning, and Sona's face kept fading and reappearing.
"Rias, can you hear me? Please respond."
"Sona?! Thank goodness you're alright... Yes! Yes, I can hear you. Is everything alright at the school?"
"We're doing fine." Her best friend responded just as the screen ran out, leaving only static. Rias held her breath until Sona spoke again. "We have enough members to keep the shield up. I will send out some of my peerage on your way to help."
"Don't." Rias firmly objected. "There are around a dozen of them, maybe more." Another crack on their barrier, and Akeno could be heard chanting a spell to fix the cracks. "I appreciate your offer, but you too have your own trouble."
"Hmph. Still considerate I see." Sona softly chuckled as a scream entered the intercom for a split moment, yet it was drowned by the sound of the static and the echoes of lightspears colliding against their barriers. "Take care, Rias."
"Same to you—" the screen died, "—Sona."
Hearing the voice of her best friend lifted her spirits, and her burning confidence revived her dwindling flames.
They'll get through this.
"A flock of ravens are nothing compared to the Strays we have fought together." Rias roused, and everyone stopped whatever they were doing, and turned their head to look at their King. "We have slain Strays more than we can count, even far before Mio came to this world. Tonight will just be another one of those night of us hunting the Strays, but instead of searching for them, they're handing themselves over."
"Since they seem too daft to understand to know what territory they are standing upon, what say we show them whose land this belongs to?"
The group of four cheered as if they were a dozen. As the barrier shook and trembled, they stood strong and keen to teach the Fallens why Devils reigned over the Underworld.
"Good. We'll use the standard formation, with Satellizer and Akeno on the offense. Yuuto, I need you to cover me while I contact the others."
Kiba nodded.
"...Yuuto," Satellizer spoke quietly, "Please don't overdo yourself."
She received no response from the Knight other than a cold-blooded nod of his head.
As their magic shield fractured, the fracture spread wider and wider until their barrier was covered in glass-like cobwebs, and then, it shattered.
"Here we go boys! Spare the redhead! KILL THE RES—" a violent yellow lightning shot through the window, and handed him a third-degree burn, roasting him and killing him in an instant. His charred body fell to the ground like a lump of meat. Burnt meat.
Stupefied, the Fallen Angels went mute as a gorgeous Devil, clad in a serene white and red priestess outfit, floated out of the broken window with yellow sparks in her palms, smiling at them with a pleasant smile that sent shiver down their spines.
"Ufufu~ do you like my shock treatment?"
Chapter Ends
Hello, nice to see you here. Do you enjoy the pun? Shocking isn't it.
So the Fallen Angels attacked without warning and in number, because why the hell shouldn't they. Yes, they're under Kokabiel, and no, not all of them are cannon fodder despite that's what their purpose is normally.
Leanne's character will be revealed more the more we progress, obviously, as does Satellizer's. And the rest of the casts, duh. I do hope you like the bits of Satellizer's character. She's an awkward lass, like Kojiro but less stupid.
This marks the start of the end of the arc too. I don't want to spoil anything, sadly for you, but I can assure you, Akame, Leone, Irina, Xenovia, and one girl you might've forgotten, will make their appearance again in the next chapter.
Lastly, it'd be nice if you leave your thoughts. I did skip a lot of canon things in this one; Irina's and Xenovia's meeting with the Devils for one, and the entire staking out thing. Sorry if you didn't like the rush.
That said, thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed it, and see you in the next chapter.
Byeee have a great time!
