Wow...101 reviews! I can't people this story finally got that much. Thanks for the support people.
Today I start the final arc of this story. I'm not going to go to Loki, or the Hero Faction. I'm finishing this story once and for all. I've come to realize their are too many problems with this story that I should planned out before writing it up but what's done is done now. I'm hoping to end this story by 40 chapters at the most. Anyway lets get this over with.
Chapter 29
"So, how does it fit?"
Asumoto looked himself in the mirror, looking at very piece of the armor that clung to his body.
Two days had passed since the date he had with Akeno and the situation afterwards with her father. The Cadre had been a in a state of shock, sadness, and joy, to hear his daughter had finally found herself a man.
Asumoto, being the man he was, took this opportunity to calm the Fallen and ask his permission to date his daughter, something Akeno was very embarrassed to witness.
The whole event could have gone better if Azazel's laughter and perverted commentary hadn´t been there. Speaking of Azazel, the former Governor General was the one who asked the question. He had called the samurai to the new Grigori base to ask if he'd like a new armor created after losing his old one in the war, to which the former human immediately said yes to. The creating had only taken thirty minutes to create.
Of course it would be quick for the inventor. Armor wasn't as complicated as the thousands upon thousands of Sacred Gears and other items he created.
As for the question asked…
"It's perfect." He answered while getting into a position as if to draw a sword.
Azazel smiled. "I knew you would. That armors made of some of the toughest material the Underworld has to offer. It'll protect you against all, but Longinus's and God based weapons, and endless attacks. I also took the liberty to install magic absorption technology."
"Magic absorption technology?" The samurai repeated. He never heard of that before.
Azazel nodded, "Yup. I was lucky to save those blueprints before Kokabiel took over Grigori. It can absorb magical attacks like light spears or elemental spells. However, like the armor, the stronger the spell, the toughed it'll be to absorb, so make sure you are careful in who you fight."
Asumoto nodded slowly. So not only was he provided with tougher armor to defend against physical attacks, but he was given a bonus defense against magic. This would work perfectly since his fight against Diodora Astaroth had shown he wasn't able to hold against his magical attacks.
"Thank you, Azazel-sama." He said while bowing to the Cadre.
"Don't mention it kid. With all the deadly new threats will be facing, you'll need it. Also, it's the least I can do after what you've done for Baraqiel"
Asumoto raised a brow at the man's words. What was he talking about? He couldn't recall anything he had done for the Fallen Angels new leader.
"You helped Akeno-chan accept her Fallen side and reconnect with her father."
Ah—that's what he was talking about. Well she hadn't fully accepted her Fallen half but was making the efforts to do so. As for her father, he was somewhere in Kuoh town with Akeno having some father daughter time to reform their relationship. Hopefully neither felt uncomfortable around each other. Perhaps Akeno would tell him about it once he saw her again.
Sure he could have Izumi spy on them, but he wouldn't stoop to that level of curiosity, and more importantly, protection. Asumoto knew Akeno could handle herself in a sticky situation. Aside having incredible power, she was with her father who was a powerful warrior that only someone with half a brain would try to challenge.
"Oh by the way," Azazel continued with a slight cheeky grin, "you gonna be her boyfriend now? "
Asumoto whirled around and looked at the researcher with a tiny frown. "Why would you ask that?"
"Because you kissed her boy!" Azazel roared as he tried to hold in a laugh at remembering his friend's expression. "You kissed Akeno-chan on your date. Your first date! You got skills my friend. Plus it's obvious you love her."
Asumoto looked away from the Fallen, a tint of red on his cheeks which made Azazel laugh more.
"Ok yes I love Akeno, but it isn't for her body. I'm not a pervert like you old man! I love her because she's kind and deserve love after what she went through."
Azazel stopped laughing when he heard that. He knew the challenges Akeno faced when she was little and didn't deserve to lose her mother, which he still blamed himself for.
Hearing Asumoto want to make Akeno's future happier made him smile, 'At least the kids honest. Of course he'll make Akeno happy. She loves him just as much as he loves her.'
"How are Raynare's friends?"
The question, while sudden, was quickly answered by Azazel. "They're still grieve for her loss. But at least they kept the Hyoudou family safe from harm."
Their mission was a success but in vain. They were to protect them until Issei reunited with them, something that never happened due to Issei dying at the hands of Kokabiel. Something which Asia still cried over.
Everyone had mourned the loss of their fallen comrades and out of everyone, Asia took it the hardest. The blonde had been scared by the many deaths she has seen in that one day; Irina's suicide, Raynare's sacrifice, Issei's transformation into the monstrous Juggernaut, and killing Diodora.
It would be a miracle if she could overcome it and put the past behind her.
"By the way, since you're here I might as well tell you that Gremory's brother has ordered that I become the Occult Research Club advisor, as well as the school's new chemistry teacher."
Asumoto said nothing to the news but acknowledge with another silent nod. He had nothing against having the researcher as an advisor, he was a smart man who had won many battles during the Great War.
"Then what advice would you recommend giving me?" He asked while sending the armor to the pock dimension it, along with his weapons, were now being stored in.
Azazel rubbed his chin in thought at the samurai's question. Looking him over he was in peak physical condition. His skills in battle from the Rating Game against Riser had shown he was an opponent not to be taken lightly. He was clever with tactics and skillful with weapons.
However…
"Well I can see only two things; magic and martial arts. You rely on your weapons too much. I know you have weapons in short, medium, and long, range and you use magic for flying, teleporting, casting barriers, and the traits of the Rook and Knight. However, those alone won't be enough to help you. As a Queen you need to be well rounded in everything. You need to work on your hand-to-hand combat and magic casting."
Hand-to-hand and magic casting huh? Well he knew two people who could help with those.
"…could you repeat that?"
The beautiful Chines girl looked at the Strongest Queen of the Rookie Six who was bowing upon the ground before her in front of the rest of her fellow servants. After concluding his business with Azazel, he chose to pay a visit to the Phenex manor in search of the Rook who gave him a challenge in the Rating Game, Xuelan.
"I'm sure I'm not the only one whose noticed that all I use is weapons during battle. I need to learn more skills to survival this war against Khoas Brigade and I feel no one better to learn martials arts than by you, Xuelan."
The black-haired Rook blushed a little at the handsome man's words. While it was kind of him to praise her for her skills why would he choose her? He wasn't a pervert nor was he interested in younger girls. So why her?
"While it's kind of you to ask, Asumoto-sama. But what about Sairaorg-sama? He's the strongest youth and an incredible with fist fighting." Ravel asked, to which the others nodded in agreement at.
"I could ask Sairaorg." Asumoto said as he raised his head to look at them, "However, when I see him fight it's like that of a western fighter. A boxer or brawler is the best to describe it. I'm looking for someone more…fluent. Graceful in movement. Fast and powerful. That's why I believe you suitable to learn martial arts from."
Xuelan stayed silent for quite some time, her fellow Peerage members looking between her and Asumoto, wondering what she would say. To train the Strongest Queen of the Rookie Six was a great honor anyone would wish for. But while she herself was honorable, the task of trining him was not what she wished to do - not exactly.
"I have a better idea," she said. "Instead of simply teaching you. Why not instead we train together. I may be skilled in martial arts but I'm nowhere near the level of being a master. Besides I too need help in certain areas."
Asumoto rose to his feet, a little surprised that even Xuelan needed help. She was a gifted fighter. So what skills what she trying to learn? If it were weapons, he'd be more than happy to help her.
"What exactly do you wish to know?" he asked his previous though aloud.
"I want to learn spear fighting. I was going to next study that but never got the chance since I died, and no one has mastery over the weapon like you do Asumoto-san. If I train in hand to hand combat with you, I learn how to master the spear in return."
Asumoto nodded at the Rook's suggestion. "This is a plan I can work with."
"As do I."
Asumoto didn't need to look who the new speaker was. He recognized that voice anywhere.
"I recommend doing your training here at the Phenex manor. It'll give you both more space to practice," Riser Phenex said while descending the stairs with his hands in his pockets. "I was wondering when I'd see the Strongest Queen of the Rookie Six again. You're defeat over me is still talked about today. Back then I thought we were unstoppable. You proved that wrong."
Asumoto turned to the Purebloods words. The third son of the Phenex clan still looked the same, but now sported a scar above his right eye. No doubt that was given to him during the war.
"I let my arrogant get the best of me and have brought shame to the Phenex name and my Peerage."
A brief smile crossed Asumoto's face at the older man's words. At least he saw the error of his ways.
"To taste defeat is a lesson we all must learn Riser. In failure, we learn our mistakes and become better from them." He then bowed to the Phenex. "I thank you for allowing us to train at your family's manor."
Riser shrugged. "Meh it isn't my decision to make. Even if it was I'd still approve. Considering you were the first man to defeat me in single combat. You truly are worthy of your title."
Asumoto hummed at the man's words. He honestly didn't feel worthy of such a title. He was strong, but only due to tactics, not power. Twice he nearly died from spells, once by Yubelluna, and Diodora.
"How are things down here?"
"Well, aside rebuilding, the tensions between us and the Church are slowly settling. I guess they're finally admitting they royally fucked up this time."
Indeed they did. If they had sent a more experience Exorcist, they could have helped in preventing this war.
But dwelling on the past wouldn't get them anywhere. It was time to look to the future and hope they could defeat Khaos Brigade.
"Alright! Time enjoy some fun!" Asumoto exclaimed as he strolled toward the locker room to obtain his swim shorts.
When he arrived at the ORC today, he was said they would be cleaning the pool. Which they would afterwards win in. The latter Asumoto was grateful to have occur. For once he could finally be able to have a normal day.
Following right behind was Kiba.
Once inside Asumoto moved to his side the room to get changed, until Kiba turned to him, wanting to say something what had been o his mind.
"Asumoto-kun, may I ask you a personal question?"
"Depends on what it is Kiba," he stated.
"I hope you don't take offence to this. But where did you get those scars?" he asked what had been going on in his mind since he saw them.
Asumoto halted in removing his shirt. He was lucky his back was to the Knight, otherwise the blonde would be seeing a very sour expression on his senpai's face. Why would he ask that question? When had he even seen his scars?
"I'm sorry if I upset you." Kiba's words suddenly said after a long period of silence. He was no longer sure if it had been a good idea to ask this. But it was done now.
"It just that me, along with everyone else, noticed them when you came back from saving Asia and lately, we've all been wondering where exactly you got them."
So that's how they discovered! He had forgotten his armor had been obliterated in his fight against Diodora, leaving his scars on full display for everyone to see and they had probably been talking about it when he wasn't around. Of course out of their curiosity to know how he obtained those, he would be asked eventually.
But now was not the time to ask such dark questions. They came here to have fun.
"Perhaps some other time."
With that answer given to the blonde Asumoto continued his process of getting into his swimwear.
"There´s something else," Kiba added in a serious tone. "I want to apologize for my behavior during our problems with the Excalibur's. All my life I wanted to destroy them. But in the end, I accomplished nothing and lost an arm because of it. I was wrong to direct my hate toward the swords. I shouldn't have been be angry at the swords, but instead at Valper for all the pain he brought upon me and my friends. They said I should forget about the past. However, as long as Valper still lives, I cannot let it go. I still feel that my friends deserve justice for what he did to them — to us. I feel the desire to put an end to Valper and let my old comrades final rest in peace."
"I understand that," Asumoto said. "And I agree with you. If not for your friends and you, then for all the other people he might harm if this man isn´t stopped for good."
At least Kiba's anger is directed toward Valper now. Hopefully he has now a clear mind.' He thought when he finished changing and returned outside.
He looked at the pool, spotting Akeno at its edge waiting patiently for everyone else to join. He hadn't paid much attention to her attire before, due to arguing with Rias. But now he saw she was only wearing a long white t-shirt that ended just passed her thighs. She probably had her swimwear underneath, which was why she was out here waiting.
"Akeno-chan."
She smiled upon being greeted by the Shinto samurai. "How are you Asumoto-kun?"
"I'm alright. Glad to see"
Akeno nodded then paused before changing the subject. "You know Asumoto-kun, I've noticed you're a very serious person." The quirked brow by Asumoto made her continue. "Whenever you're around everyone you are very stern. But when you're with me your more... happy and smile more."
"Maybe. If this is so I would say it is because I love you." Asumoto said as he quickly kissed her lips.
"And I love you too," the ravenette replied while touching his cheek. "But you are very serious though. When we mourned for our friends who died, you didn't show anything. Not for Raynare or Issei."
"I mourned for my whole clan Akeno. My entire family was slaughtered before my very eyes. Because of that I've closed my heart and learned to accept losing the ones I love or care about."
This reply by the samurai made the priestess frown. "Oh really? If that's so then does that mean you won't cry for me if I'm murdered?"
"…." Asumoto didn't reply to her question, unable to find an answer to it. His mind said no, but his heart said yes.
To lose the only girl he loved romantically would tear his heart to pieces. She may be a Fallen, but she was still an angel or at least half one, he thought ironically. And Angels always heal the soul of pain. At least that was what she was doing to him, if she was aware of it or not.
"To be honest I would cry Akeno," he finally said.
"It is good to know that I mean so much to you," Akeno said as she hugged him lovingly.
"But I cannot guaranty that I would let anyone see it." A small smile formed on his lips.
"It is still good enough," she responded grinning. "But enough of that. We came here to have fun."
With that she grabbed her shirt and pulled it over her head, revealing a very tight-fitting silver bikini.
Asumoto couldn't look away from such beauty. Sure, he wasn't a super pervert like Issei or anything close to it. But he still enjoyed the sight of a seeing Akeno, of all girls, wearing next to nothing.
A playful smile crept upon Akeno's face when seeing her lover stare at her. Raising her hands above her head in a sexy manner, she cocked her hips, threw her chest out (which bounced) and batted her eyelashes and purred. "Like what you see Asu-kun~?"
"Of course I do," he answered with a sly grin, his silver orbs traveling all over her body. Her figure was almost identical to Rias, except her breasts were even a bit bigger. Something he secretly thought of once in a while.
"Asumoto!"
The samurai turned his attention to Rias who was strolling over to him with Koneko and Asia following behind. The redhead´s pink polka dot bikini she wore was seeming to be one size too small on her which showed her curvy figure. Most men would drool at the sight of Rias Gremory wearing next to nothing but Asumoto wasn't like most men.
To him, Rias was just a friend... with smoking hot body.
Asia's tiny frame was completely covered by the school swimsuit she wore and a blush on her face and so did Koneko.
"There's something I need you to do. You know how you helped Koneko learn—"
"You want me to help Asia too?" He interrupted as he looked at the blonde, who shuffled behind Rias making him smile. "Of course. Come Akeno, let us teach our kohai here how to swim."
He took Asia's hand and led her to the shallow end of the pool.
Akeno following behind with a pleasant smile.
A lone ray of sunlight peeked through the curtains of a certain room and landed on the twitching eyes of Asumoto. The samurai opened his eyes but turned away at the blinding light as its heat hit his face. Inhaling a deep breath he spared a glance at the clock seeing it was 7 in the morning, meaning he had two hours before school started.
This were no worries for him anyway, since he could teleport to the old school building.
Before that he—...
….
He paused in his thoughts. Something felt off. He felt pressure was being applied to his chest. Looking down he saw a lump moving underneath the covers toward him. When it reached him he was greeted by the sight of Akeno, a beautiful smile plastered upon her face... Her violet orbs seeming to glow in the dark room.
"Good morning."
"Good morning…" Asumoto said slowly. Trying to recount when Akeno had got into bed with him, let alone his home. "Uh Akeno, why are you in my bed?"
"Ara. Ara. Are you not happy to have your girlfriend surprise you this morning?" she answered with a giggle while snuggling against his chest.
"No. I quite enjoying having you here with me," he answered as he stroked her hair. "Perhaps I should do this to you next time."
"Ara. Ara. Asu-kun wants to sleep with me. Ufufu." A playful smile crossed the ravenette lips as she moved up to be face to face with him.
"Thinking about sleeping with you at my house gets me so hot~" she purred while rubbing her crotch against Asumoto's.
Her action revealed she was wearing a violet button-down shirt and lace panties. It was also causing blood to flow toward Asumoto's neither region.
He couldn't let his hormones get the better of him. He couldn't rush this relationship with Akeno. It was too soon to make love.
Maybe she had other ideas here, but at least to him it was too soon.
"H-Hey Akeno. Isn't something going on today?" he asked, hoping to make her stop her movement.
"Ara. Ara. Have you forgotten? It's… its…"
Her grinding against his crotch ceased and the smile upon her lips dropped. She knew what today was…
"Parents day," he said in realization. Asumoto felt his own mood drop instantly.
His answer was correct. Today was the day where the students of Kuoh had their parents come to watch them. And Asumoto had no parents to see the progression he made in life, he thought - remembering his family.
'Oh Asu, I wish you still had a family to see how far you've come,' Akeno thought sadly while combing his hair.
"Hey, don't let my past trouble your day, Akeno. You got your family to impress. So let's get ready."
But she instead laid her head back on his chest. "Let's cuddle first. I want to enjoy this moment a little longer."
Asumoto complied to her wishes. He admitted spending time with Akeno in bed was relaxing. Her soft skin pressing against him. The flowery scent flowing off her. Her soft breathing.
All of it was so loving.
Twenty minutes later they dressed themselves in their uniforms and teleported to the old school building and silently made their way around to the front-gate. Where multiple students were assembled, together with their parents. Amongst the group was Rias and her family, the younger Devil blushing like a tomato at whatever her parents where saying.
Asumoto, not wanting to speak with them at the moment chose to look for someone else and he just so happen to find him.
"Baraqiel-sama!"
The tall Fallen in the business suit turned from the two other men he was talking to at hearing his name being called.
"Asumoto-san," he greeted in his serious tone before it became gentle when addressing his daughter with a smile. "Akeno, I'm looking forward to seeing how you do today."
Akeno nodded eagerly, before noticing three more familiar faces.
"Uncle Iwamatsu! Auntie Suzaku! Tetsuishi!"
The three Shinto greeted Baraqiel's daughter with hugs and smiles. She hadn't seen them since before returning to Kuoh to aid in the war. Which reminded her, she needed to tell them of what had happened. Something that she herself was not looking forward to.
"Akeno-chan, I'm so glad you're ok. I was told what happened from Baraqiel. I'm sorry for the loss of the Red Dragon Emperor and your other friends," Iwamatsu said solemnly. "But I am more than glad that you are okay."
Ah-so they already knew what happened. That saved her the trouble of retelling the battle. She really didn´t want to have to bring up that events.
Iwamatsu then set his eyes upon Asumoto. A sad smile forming on his lips. He looked exactly like his father.
"You must be Rias Queen. I'm Iwamatsu Hayashi. A pleasure to meet you." He said shaking hands with the samurai. His greeting was followed by his sister and son.
Asumoto greeted each of them with pleasant smiles. He had heard about the Hayashi clan's leader but never thought he'd actually meet the man himself. This was such a great honor.
"I'm so glad to final all of you." He said. Before a sly smirk crept upon his face, "I must confess Hayashi-sama. I have developed feelings for niece. I wish to ask you all permission to official be her boyfriend."
"Of course you can, son. As long as you promise to make Akeno-chan happy." Suzaku answered for everyone with a sweet smile.
"You can count on it, Suzaku-sama."
"Ufufufu. Just Suzaku. We are family after all."
Form the corner of his eyes, Asumoto saw a faint blush spread across Akeno's cheeks. He knew she had a knack for teasing people, well now she got a taste of her own medicine.
Soon the bell rang, and school began. When Asumoto and Akeno entered their class, they, along with Rias where surprised to see a familiar face. They knew who it was by why where they here?
After everyone was seated the teacher stepped forward and introduced the newcomer.
"Class let's give a warm welcome to our newest student from Kyoto Gakuen!"
"Moritsugu Rika…" whispered Rias.
The brunette smiled as she bowed to the class. The cross hanging from her next glinted in the rooms light. If she still wore that, did that mean she wasn't excommunicated? Had the Church forgiven her for her failure in the mission? And if she was still with the Church, did that mean she was their representative for the town?
When class ended, he quickly, along with everyone else converged upon the Exorcist, hoping to get answers as to why she was here.
"Rika, I see the Church chose not to exile you and stationed you in Kuoh now." said Rias.
"Along with Xenovia, yes. I'm also her new partner as well. We were spared exile after informing the hire ups of what happened. The Archbishop has chosen to take full responsibility of everything. He has sent us to aid in protecting Kuoh from Khoas Brigade. As well help prepare for a meeting between the Three Great Faction leaders." Rika greeted before introducing herself to the others. "I am Rika Moritsugu. I'm honored to meet you all."
"So it's true." Said Sona, trying her best to ignore her hyperactive elder sister. "The leaders of the great three are finally coming to meet."
"That is correct. When it is set thought we are not sure, but we will be prepared to guard the meeting should anything happen."
"There is... also something else as to why we are here... and it is related to you Asu—"
"You heard what Valper said to me," interrupted the samurai with a frown.
Rika nodded. "Please listen, Asumoto. The Order are a threat to both of us. They killed your clan and stole our swords. And if I recall, you asked me once of the Church was involved in a massacre of a Shinto clan. I asked the Archbishop of that and even he said that, no church force was sent to commit such a horrible act. This group is clearly a rogue faction from the Church. What their called and who leads them, we don't know. The other reason we're here is to keep an eye on you, in case the Order goes after you."
"And why would the Church do something like that?"
"Because you know why the Order slaughtered your clan. I ask in name of friendship to tell me why they went after them specifically. There must be a reason why the Order did that."
Asumoto looked to Akeno. Remembering her words of telling the others about his past. About who he was. He turned to his master. "Let us all gather at the ORC immediately. It's time for you all to know who I am..."
End
