"" - Speech
'' - Thought
[] - Ddraig
{} - Sparda
"" - Hollow
...
Yukio groaned as he pulled himself from the wall, wondering when a simple Stray Devil had got so complicated. They had taken out the Stray Devil only for a cloaked figure and a metal spider woman called Dalk who had proceeded to knock them around the large warehouse easily.
"Is this all you can do half breed?" The cloak figure spoke in a deep male voice from the rafters, Yukio growling angrily as he pulled himself free before and calling Amonusen back to his hand as Ddraig growled
[What the hell is that damn thing?]
{No idea…} Sparda spoke seriously as Yukio took a glance around. Currently Kiba and Xenovia were attempting to get past Dalk's guard but with each part they cut it, it just remerged with the body before reforming as something else. Koneko was dodging pincer shaped claws while Rias and Akeno launched there magic attacks when they could while protecting Asia and Gasper from the machine gun bullets being fired at them from two cannon shaped arms.
"Just kill it already!" Yukio's Hollow roared as Yukio charged forwards, swinging Amonusen up to block spear like legs from hitting Kiba before throwing his free hand forwards as he shouted "Cero!"
The red beam of energy missed as Balk's body dispersed into large metal orbs, one slamming into each of the front line fighters before swirling around and reforming into her original form as she cackled "And here I thought Devils were strong…Ha, your nothing more then weak little children"
"Why are you attacking us?" Rias called up to the cloaked figure, which turned there gaze onto her as he answered
"I wish to see the strength of the Seishinryutei, Hosokawa Yukio, who is friends with Quincy Devil, Shinji Shida"
"How do you know about Shinji?" Yukio shouted, flaring his reiatsu as he took a ready stance as Balk laughed as the cloaked figure answered
"That is none of your business"
Yukio scowled as he charged forwards, swinging Amonusen as he shouted "It is! Shinji's my friend…Getsuga Tensho!"
Both Dalk and the cloaked figure dodged the attack, Yukio using his Sonido to appear above the metal spiderwoman as he swung down with Amonusen. He missed as Balk split herself into several large orbs which slammed into his body from all sides, making him cry out in pain as the other devils moved to help him as Boosted Gear called
[Welsh Dragon Scale Mail]
The large balls shot back as Yukio spread his large dragon wings, his scale mail covering his body as Balk reformed before him, a large pair of razor sharp wings spreading from her back as she smirked "Well things are getting interesting"
Yuuto an Xenovia shot up into the air, swinging there Holy-Demonic and Durandal respectively towards Balk only for them all to be surprised as the cloaked figure spoke "Balk, we have to go now"
Balk looked annoyed as she blocked both swords before flying up to dodge Yukio's Dragon Shot and firing a barrage of metal balls at the trio to stop there chase as she flew up to the cloaked man before both disappeared into the shadows.
"Damn it…" Yukio spoke annoyed, clenching his fist as he deactivated his Scale Mail and dismissed Amonusen before landing as Sparda spoke up
{We should find out if Shinji's alright if those guys are}
"Yukio what's a Quincy…?" Rias asked as Yukio pulled out his phone out as he gave her a surprised look having expected Keiko to explained it as he answered
"Quincy are humans with the power up manipulate and absorb Reishi, they use Bows, like Shinji's, as there weapons and fight Hollows although Shinigami don't like them due to the Hollow's soul not getting freed and sent to Soul Society when a Quincy destroys them like a Zanpakuto does"
He tapped a few buttons on his phone as Rias looked thought, Yukio putting the phone to his ear as he added "Soul Society is kinda like purgatory for Souls but also is the realm where the Shinigami reside…Ah, Shinji are you alright?"
[Yeah Yu…Just a little preoccupied with some weird woman but don't worry Dai's here and helping me]
"Is it some sort of unnatural looking metal woman and a cloaked figure?"
[No got some green haired woman with a fan and a sword connected by some sort of line…Her aura isn't like anything I've felt before either] Shinji replied with laboured breathes, Yukio guessing he was running around as he talked.
"Same here with my one, I'll head over there now and see if they are apart of the same group" Yukio spoke, starting to spread his senses to pick up Shinji's aura as he replied with a sigh
[Alright, just hurry up otherwise Dai is going to scare her off]
Yukio closed his phone as he kept spreading his senses as he spoke to the others "I'll meet you all back at the clubroom"
"We should come with you" Rias spoke serious, Yukio shaking his head as he replied
"I'll be fine its just one person and I'll only need to check if our attacker is similar to Shinji's one" Rias frowned in response as Yukio disappeared with help from his Sonido.
…
"Roar, Zabimaru!" Daisuke shouted, swinging his whip like sword at the tanned young woman with dark green hair who made her fan grow to act as a shield and was forced to skip backwards from the force. Shinji slipped his phone back into his pocket and started firing arrows at her from his web shaped energy bow as he shouted
"Damn it Dai, we need her alive, Yu's on his way!" Daisuke's eyes widened in amusement as he swung his sword to give the large fan a second and third hit before his sword moved to return to its normal form.
"Sorry" Daisuke spoke with a sheepish grin as Shinji continued firing arrows which Yoshi dodged while using her sword and fan to block, her eyes widening as she heard
"Underworld Creatures!" Yoshi used her fan to block the pale blue insects as Daisuke and Shinji turned to see Yukio walking forwards with a serious look on her as she spoke annoyed
"Balk and Kuga didn't keep you busy long enough"
"So that was the cloaked figure's name. Why are you after Shinji?" Yukio asked, activating his Boosted Gear and starting to power up much to Yoshi's nervousness as Yukio pointed his hand at her as he called
"[Soul Resonance]…Now answer me! Who are you and why are you after Shinji?"
"(I'm Yoshi and we need a Quincy Arrow to get into Soul Society…)" A cute female voice spoke up, Yukio frowning as he asked
"…A Quincy Arrow…Why would you need one of those to get to Soul Society?" Yoshi's eyes widened in surprise as she started to back away, Shinji giving him a surprised look as he asked
"I take it this is your [Soul Resonance] ability?" Yukio nodded as Daisuke arched an eyebrow as he swung Zabimaru after Yoshi
"Roar! Zabimaru"
"Damn it…" Yoshi growled as she ran into the shadows, Zabimaru slamming into the wall and destroying it to reveal she had disappeared.
"Great…Now we don't know about her group at all" Shiniji spoke with a sigh, Yukio thinking as well as he asked
"Why would they need a Quincy arrow from you to get into Soul Society, Shinji?"
"I'm not sure… They must have some sort of secret way into Soul Society that needs it and I would think it's not even known to the Shinigamis if they intent to use it" Shinji spoke with a hand on his chin, Daisuke dismissing his sword as he spoke up
"What about those weapons they aren't anything like I've seen before and her energy was weird?"
"Yeah…Her weapons weren't a Zanpakuto, Sacred Gear or any Quincy weaponary and her aura doesn't recognise as human, Devil, Shinigami, Hollow or Quincy…Maybe she's a Fallen Angel or Angel"
"No…She would use Light energy if she was and I'd have noticed the aura. Plus we're in an alliance with them remember" Yukio countered, Shinji sighed as Daisuke started to scratch at his head as he shouted annoyed
"GAH! Why is this being so difficult?"
Yukio and Shinji chuckled together in response, breaking the tension between the three of them as the former spoke "I better head back otherwise Rias-sama is going to get worried"
"How's your relationship with her…?" Daisuke asked with a grin, Yukio blushing slightly as he replied
"It's alright…Just have trouble with all the other girls showing up or getting jealous of her or the other way round"
"The curse of being a dragon then" Shinji spoke amused, Yukio scratching the back of his neck as he nodded and spoke
"Let me know if they attack you again…I'll try and come help" Daisuke and Shinji nodded to him before exchanging goodbyes before Yukio started to make his way home.
…
A few days had passed since Balk and Yoshi's attacks, Yukio sitting on the windowsill of the clubroom as he sighed, trying to figure out what they were up to with attacking him and Shinji at the same time. Georgia's arrival had had the boys cheering before shooting death glares at him when it was found out she was living with him and had accidentally used 'sama' around him.
School had finished a short while ago and currently Kiyome was sitting on one of the sofas, sipping a cup of tea before speaking "Rias-san, I have a favour to ask you. Will you allow me to borrow Hosokawa Yukio-kun?"
Yukio raised an eyebrow in confusion as he turned to listen in, wondering what the tennis club captain and monster tamer wanted with him as Rias narrowed her eyes accusingly while answering "I feel like rejecting the favour when you are the one asking me, but I will still listen to what you have to say."
"The truth is, my father will be returning from his travels. I want Hosokawa-kun to help me." Kiyome replied, Yukio looking at her as Akeno spoke
"Ara ara, bullying our Yukio-kun won't be allowed you know?"
"…This helping out might turn into a 'flag' for his death" Koneko added.
"You are thinking that you have to help someone in need, correct?" Asia asked curiously as Georgia added
"It must be something serious to require Yukio-sama's help"
"So what is this problem that requires Yukio's help?" Rias asked curiously, Kiyome taking a moment before answering
"My father is telling me to have a marriage meeting. I'm still a high school student. I told him that he is rushing it, but he won't listen to me….. My father is someone who makes sure he, "follows through", once he has made a decision."
"I see. Abe-senpai comes from a monster tamer household, with an ancient and honourable origin. So your parents decided to choose your groom immediately right?" Kiba spoke with a nod of his head in understanding as Yukio scowled. He had only crashed Rias' engagement because he knew Raiser wasn't any good for her and that she didn't like him but from the way they had acted Rias and Raiser had at least met a few times to attempt to get along in some regard.
"That's exactly right. To be expected from Kiba-kun." Kiyome answered with a nod as Xenovia spoke to Gasper who was in his box
"Gasper. She seems to be a monster tamer. Don't you think you are the most fitting to be her consultant, since you are a Vampire?"
"Hiiiiiii!" Gasper screamed from the box before adding
"I don't want tooooo~! I won't be of any uuuusssee~!"
Rias sighed as she asked "So you want Yukio, to interfere in your marriage meeting or something?"
Kiyome nodded her head as she explained "Yes, I want Hosokawa-kun to act as my boyfriend. I have already informed my father that I have a boyfriend and that I don't want to have a marriage meeting. Then he told me, if that's the case, he is willing to cancel the marriage meeting, under certain conditions. I just need him for that day and…. Arara, I feel like I'm suddenly receiving hostility now."
Kiyome shuddered as all the girls in the room were glowering dangerously at her, Yukio scowl darkening as the girls spoke up
"Yukio-senpai as her boyfriend…?"
"That can't be, even I still haven't…"
"I won't allow it."
"Yeah, you are right."
"I still haven't had my chance…"
Koneko, Akeno, Xenovia, Asia and Georgia spoke in low scary tones while Rias put her hand on her mouth in thought, not looking angry as she spoke
"I'll accept it"
"I am not doing it…" Yukio spoke seriously making everyone look at him surprised as Rias started
"Yukio…" He continued speaking regardless as he focused his gaze on Kiyome
"Abe-sempai, I refuse to lie about a person's feeling and while you may not like having to go to a marriage meeting you should, at the very least, meet with the person that he feels would be right for you to see about it"
"Yukio, this is a contract…" Rias spoke as she looking seriously at him, Yukio frowning at her as he added
"The only reason I intervened with your engagement to Raiser was because I could tell he was douche, he didn't deserve you and you didn't like him…You had already met him before then I would assume there was plenty of chance for you two to get along or him to change. Abe-sempai is refusing to even give the marriage meeting and the person who they set it up with a chance so I see no reason to intervene to stop that"
With that Yukio used his Sonido before anyone could argue with him, disappearing as Rias sighed sadly as she spoke to Kiyome "I'll go talk to Yukio about this and see if I can't get him to change his mind."
…
Rias had rushed home after that and was currently heading towards Yukio's personal room. It had been something Sirzechs had insisted on being added so he could get away from the others on occasions. Silently cursing, she remembered that her mother and Grayfia had been the ones to bring Sirzechs around to the idea, both she-devils aware of Yukio's past from talking with Keiko after the Ratings Game and yet hadn't told her about it. Rias could understand why Yukio didn't want to do Kiyome's request but it was just a contract which reminded her of her own previous trouble with Raiser as she spotted Keiko leaning against the wall blocking her way to the room.
"I can't believe that you, of all people, forgot about Asuka, Rias?" Rias' eyes widened as she felt the colour drain from her face at how she had forgotten the reason Yukio had trust issues in the first place. She tried to hurry past Keiko so she could talk to Yukio only to find Keiko step into her way as she spoke slightly angry
"Yukio doesn't want to see you now… so we are going to have a little talk"
"You can't stop me from talking to my servant" Rias countered only for Keiko to roll her eyes as she retort with a prod of her finger as her reiatsu started to rise
"Nii-kun has been my brother longer then he has been your servant, Rias, so don't try and claim seniority on him and remember you are still a guest in this house" Rias' eyes widened as she stepped back, Keiko crossing her arms as she spoke
"You know he doesn't like liars and even lying to people especially about feelings and relationships what do you think you were doing accepting that request from that monster tamer?"
"…It is just a request to stop a marriage meeting…" Rias started only for Keiko's hand to come up and stop her as she countered
"It was a request for Nii-kun to pose as that girl's boyfriend…The other girls were against it and given how possessive you are of him I would've expected the same from you"
"I…I just wanted to help Kiyome-san with getting her parents off her back…" Rias replied quietly with a sigh, Keiko's eyes softening slightly before she asked
"What would you have done to be free of Raiser if you didn't have Nii-kun in your peerage? You revived him for his powers didn't you?"
Rias stared at Keiko for a few moments deep in thought as Keiko continued "What would you have done if he had never made that wish? Would you have just let the world carry on and leave me to only find out when he was found by some innocent person? You had the choice to approach and talk to him before he was ever targeted and recruit him but you didn't why?"
Rias' shoulders slumped as she looked down, the barrage of questions leaving twinges of guilt in her heart over Yukio's recruitment into her peerage as she spoke barely audiable to Keiko "Yes…I did at the beginning revive him for his power. I-I don't know why…Without Yukio I would be stuck marrying that jerk… without Yukio I wouldn't have a little sister like Asia, Yuuto could have died trying to get revenge, Gasper getting killed by Magicians or lost Koneko to her sister…"
Rias looked up with tears swelling in her eyes as she added "Without Yukio I wouldn't be able to experience this love for him, even if he doesn't fully trust me, each time he lets me in just a little more I-I feel so happy…"
Keiko smiled softly at Rias' words, watching the redhead rub her eyes with her hands as she gave her a determined look as she continued "I didn't approach him before because I was scared of being refused… I don't have a way with words that Sona does when negotiating with potential servants so I was worried I'd slip up while explaining things to Yukio and lose what power I could sense from him. But when he summoned me as a dying wish I felt glad that that choice had been taken out of his hands and revived him right away…. I-If he hadn't then I would've continued without regret but I would've never felt this happy after he barged into the party fought Raiser for me"
"You do know about Asuka but she's just the last in a line of people who tried to take advantage of him… most had links to the supernatural world even if he didn't know it at the time. Even our Tou-san's family have tried to use him because he wasn't a true Shinigami and always took after Kaa-san's looks. What did you expect him to do when he found out he was going to be used by a monster tamer…did you even think beyond this contract or what'll happen when Yukio is introduced to the girl's parents?" Keiko asked seriously, noticing Rias' eyes were wide as she shook her head as she started
"You mean…"
"Yes…I suspect that given his power and the fact he's part dragon and a descendant of Sparda it would only be a matter of time before her parents try and force them together like" Keiko explained, Rias scowling at the idea of Yukio marrying someone else as she replied
"I won't let that happen…Yukio is mine and I'll blast away anyone else who tries to use him for there own gains"
"Really…? What about yourself and Akeno…? Nii-kun told me you forced him into being a bargaining chip the first time he met this Kiyome and that was due to your own schoolwork not being done" Keiko asked, Rias looking nervously as Keiko added in a stern voice
"Oh and you should know that he doesn't fall for seduction easily, especially when the people doing it are trying to take advantage of him. So don't try it again unless you intent to follow through" Rias flushed bright red at Keiko's last comment, nodding nervously as she replied
"Alright…I never meant to use him against his will, Keiko-san so I'll find out all the details I can about this contract and talk to him about it" Keiko nodded in understanding as Rias disappeared in a transportation magic circle, smiling to herself as she thought
'Looks like you've passed Rias-neechan…for now'
…
Orihime smiled softly as she ran her hands through Yukio's hair as they both lay on a small bed that was in Yukio's personal room. Both were fully clothed as they listened to the music that played in the background and Orihime enjoyed learning more about her master's past as he smiled sadly with half lidded eyes as he spoke
"The amount of times I've tried to get accepted by Tou-san's family, I can't really remember the number now but I realised that they were just using me because I was a hybrid… Onee-san seemed to fit in more as she took after Tou-san while I took after Kaa-san. After my parents died, I thought I would be free from that but only found myself getting taken advantage of again and again by other people"
Yukio paused as he shifted slightly before resting his head back on Orihime's chest as he spooned against her side, making her blush darken as she spoke "Yukio-sama, not everyone is out to use you…Genshirou, Shinji, Daisuke and Irina are all your friends"
"I know that, Orihime-chan… it was just hard to believe back then but there was still people who wanted to try and take advantage of my kindness" Yukio replied softly, smiling at hearing her soothing heartbeat through the thin yellow tank top she was wearing as he added with a sigh
"I guess that was why Kaa-san kept us away from her family… especially if there were people who were like Katsu and Raiser amongst them."
"Yukio-nii, I need your help" Keiko called from outside, Yukio sighing to himself before kissing Orihime on the cheek as he spoke
"Thanks for listening"
"It's no problem, Yukio-sama" Opening the door he stepped out into the corridor, his eyes widening at seeing Rias sitting next to the door giving him a sad look as she jumped back to her feet as she opened her mouth to speak only for Yukio to interrupt her
"I understand you wanted to help Abe-sempai but you can't just accept contracts for me…We'll talk more once I get back" Yukio patted a hand on her shoulder as he moved past her, Orihime closing the door to his private room after leaving herself.
…
"Hyah!" Yukio called as he swung Rebellion to cleave the reptilian demon before him, part of him wondering how the small group had even got to the human world in the first place let alone picked Kuoh to attack.
{Looks like this group is taken care of} Sparda spoke up as Yukio set his sword on his back before taking the time to look around at his surroundings.
He was standing in the huge back garden of what looked to be a western style stately house, Yukio's eyes widening slightly in surprise at sensing Kiyome's aura inside the house as he scratched the back of his head in confusion
"Thank you for dealing with them Yukio-kun is it?" A mature female voice spoke up, Yukio turning to see a young woman who looked the split of Kiyome but had a much more developed figure then the third year had.
"Oh, I'm sorry for surprising you…I'm Kiyome's mother and I know your sister" She spoke slightly embarrassed as Yukio blinked surprised before replying
"No, no it's alright, Abe-san…I was just surprised someone could sneak up on me" Kiyome's mother giggled for a moment before smiling as she asked
"Would you like to come inside for something to drink…? It would be a shame not to reward you after you swiftly dealt with those demons"
"No thank you, Abe-san… I'll probably give the wrong impression to Abe-sempai if she sees me"
"I understand…" Kiyome's mother spoke with a disappointed look as she continued
"I wanted to explain about the young man my husband has arranged Kiyome's marriage meeting is arranged with…"
"I refused her cause she didn't know anything about the guy and I'm not planning to change that now, Abe-san" Yukio interrupted seriously, Kiyome's mother patting his shoulder as she continued
"…And I understand that but I fear that my husband has made a stupid mistake and he's too stubborn to change his mind. The young man is from a family of monster hunters who aim to force monsters to fight against each other." Yukio frowned at hearing that turning to give her his full attention as she continued
"They don't care if its half breed or if they're innocent but they still hunt them down with the monsters they own themselves…I fear what they would do to Kiyome when they find out about her true nature"
Yukio looked surprised at her as a pair of rabbit like ears appeared atop of her head, her arms from the elbows down gaining brown fur while her hands turned into large paws, a pure white cotton ball tail sat on her tailbone. Yukio realising what she meant as he asked "Wait…Abe-sempai is half were-rabbit?"
'How did I not notice this before' Yukio mentally asked himself, hearing a chuckle from his Hollow who replied
"You were being all emo when she was around before"
'I am not emo!' Yukio mentally shouted back annoyed, turning his attention to Kiyome's mother as he asked
"Wouldn't they be more accepting to her if they want a marriage meeting with her?"
"They sought the meeting because of Kiyome's empathetic ability with other monster and Yokai. It helps her understand what they want and gain there trust which would help them with controlling there own monsters" Kiyome's mother spoke as she shook her head, Yukio frowning as Sparda spoke up
{It seems like there's a good reason to step in now…}
[You could get an enjoyable reward from this as well] Ddraig added with a perverted tone before Sparda hit him again.
"I'll help…I can't let someone else go through something like I did" Yukio spoke with serious tone, Kiyome's mother smiling as she bowed to him
"Thank you Yukio-kun… You remind me of your mother in so many ways" Yukio scratched his neck embarrassed as he looked at her surprised
"You knew Kaa-san?" She nodded with a smile as she answered
"Fumiko saved me from a group of Orcs when I was younger and would keep an eye on me from time to time. We became friends through that… You know, from the moment I saw you, I knew you were her son and I know she'd be proud she's got such a fine young man as her son" Yukio blushed as he looked away, not sure what to say as he nodded and started to move away as he spoke
"Thank you… I should be going now"
….
"I'll do it" Yukio spoke calmly, Rias looking at him in surprise as they sat in the clubroom. He accepted a cup of tea from Georgia who sat down next to him as Rias replied
"I'm sorry for trying to force you into this before…I just wanted to help Kiyome out of the same situation that I was in" Rias frowned slightly as Georgia shuffled closing to Yukio before asking
"What changed your mind?" Yukio set his cup of tea onto the table before turning his attention to Georgia as he explained
"I talked with Abe-sempai's Kaa-san and she explained about the guy Abe-sempai was going to meet with… Turns out he's a monster hunter and thinks monsters and Yokai are below him, Abe-sempai would never be happy with someone like him"
Rias' confusion grew as Kiyome didn't know any of this from there talk, guesing that Kiyome didn't know any of that which was obvious to her now as she realised the monster tamer was against the whole marriage meeting from the start.
…
"You got any threes?" Yukio sighed annoyed as he handed three cards to his Hollow, who was sat opposite him in a cage, Ddraig in a human form on his left and Sparda on his right
[So…Have you come up with a name yet?] Ddraig asked as he looked at the Hollow, Sparda arching an eyebrow as Yukio spoke absentmindedly
"We can't just call you Hollow all the time" Sparda nodded understandingly as the Hollow spoke
"Isa…Just call me Isa. But you better be prepared, for when I break out of this prison and claim your body for my own Yukio… Not even your two guards are going to stop me" Isa grinned psychotically as he leant forwards to regard Yukio who rolled his eyes as he replied
"You'll have to kill me before I let you take control" Both Yukio and Isa started to leak there auras Sparda rolled his eyes in annoyance as he spoke {I knew this was a bad idea… Why did you even suggest this Ddraig?}
[I thought they could come to an understanding] Ddraig replied with a shrug.
…
Yukio took a calming breathe as he stood in front of the Kiyome's home, reminding himself that it was to avoid Kiyome's gift being abused by that monster hunter family. He was touched that the rest of the ORC club had come along on his contract and that they were worried about him as he approached Kiyome's mother who was there to greet them with a smile which surprised the others till he explained about there previous meeting.
Kiyome's home was a giant western style house with a huge garden and stylish interior which Yukio felt would be a little lonely for Kiyome to live in without her parents around due to there monster tamer work.
Kiyome was guiding them through the house and towards another building that was connected to the main building which housed the indoor pool where everyone changed into swimsuits.
Rias and Akeno were wearing very revealing swimsuits while Georgia and Orihime were wearing more normal looking bikinis. Xenovia was wearing a swimsuit used by athletic swimmers while Asia and Koneko were wearing cute looking swimsuits which had frills.
"…Gasper-kun, you don't have to wear that." Yukio spoke to Gasper, who was wearing a cute swimsuit himself, fidgeted as he replied
"Iyan! B-But if I wear the boys swimsuit, my breasts will be exposed and something outrageous will happen~!" Yukio scratched his head as he wondered if Gasper even realised what he was saying as a boy before Kiyome spoke up
"Here, this way."
Everyone gathered around the table at the side of the pool as Kiyome started to explain the requirements for breaking off the marriage meeting again "The requirements my father mentioned, are battle contests as monster tamers."
"And what do you mean by that?" Yukio asked curious, guessing he wouldn't be fighting himself given that most monster tamers were human and it would be a bit silly for them to fight rather then use there skills.
"A battle of three matches using land, sea and sky monsters, if Hosokawa-kun wins twice or more against my father, the marriage meeting will be cancelled." Kiyome answered while checking them off on her fingers, Yukio nodding in understanding as he replied
"Land, sea and sky you say… Even if you say that, I'm not a monster tamer so I'm not actually confident this'll work…"
"It's not a problem. The monsters we would be using are already chosen. First of all, the land monster! Come out!" Kiyome spoke as she directed there attention to see Christie approaching them, looking at Yukio with passionate eyes and pink tinging her cheeks as she spoke
"Hello, Yukio-sama"
"For the land battle it will be her, the Yuki-onna, Christie." Kiyome spoke, Yukio nodding in understanding as she added
"For the land battle I want Hosokawa-kun to use this Christie and battle against the monster my father would be using… I will call the sea monster next. It's a mermaid."
Kiyome clicked her fingers and suddenly something started to move from inside the pool with amazing speed as Yukio asked surprised "A mermaid! Are you serious!?"
[Ooo…Mermaids are hot…] Ddraig spoke as if in a daydream, Sparda sighing as he facepalmed as Akeno added
"If you say mermaid, then their beautiful voice is remarkable."
A large splash came from the pool as the Mermaid came out as Kiyome introduced her "This is the mermaid, Estleena."
Yukio blinked as he looked at large fish with two human legs, taking a moment to gather his thoughts 'I guess it still counts…I mean she is half fish'
[WAAAAH! That is the wrong way round!] Ddraig cried out sadly, Yukio's eyebrow twitching as he asked mentally
'Sparda?' Instantly followed as a loud thud inside his head, feeling that Sparda was satisfied with dishing out punishment to the perverted dragon, who yelled in pain
[OW! What the hell was that for, Sparda!] Sparda smirked as he countered
{Control yourself, you pervert}
"Gyogyogyo." The mermaid spoke, Yukio giving her a short wave as he greeted her
"Hey…"
[Wah…How can you handle this, Yukio? A fish with legs is not a Mermaid]
"There, there old man…We'll meet a proper mermaid someday" Isa added in an oddly calm tone, Yukio noticing Koneko's serious yet confused look at him.
"These are the typical mermaids although there are some that look like the ones in stories" Kiyome spoke between taking sips of tea, Yukio nodding in understanding
"Oh…I didn't know that" Yukio replied interested, his eyes widening as Estleena's mouth opened painfully as she dropped onto her side.
"Gyogyo…..!" Estleena moaned in pain, Kiyome's eyes widening as she spoke
"Arara, this is bad. She's dehydrated. She would die, because she won't be able to breathe when she comes up on land."
"Then return her to the pool" Yukio added, moving to help push Estleena into the pool
[Yes. Having her live in the depths of the sea would make both her and me happy!] Ddraig added.
"Ojou-sama. Your father will be arriving very soon." A bird like monster man spoke, a cockscomb on his head, a beak for his mouth and wings on his arms. Kiyome nodded in understanding as she replied
"Yes, I understand. Oh, I still haven't introduced him yet. He is my personal bodyguard who is also the sky monster, the bird man, Takahashi. He is also the one Hosokawa-kun will be using."
"Nice to meet you Takahashi…I didn't know that there was bird men in Japan" Yukio spoke as he looked to Kiyome who answered
"Takahashi came from Kobe."
"Strange. Bird men are supposed to be legendary monsters that live on Easter Island….." Xenovia spoke, tilting her head in confusion
"Oh, you must mean the Watanabe family. My ancestor returned to Japan and became Takahashi." Takahashi answered, Yukio scratching his head in confusion as he spoke
"Japana and the Easter Island…I don't get this at all"
"So you are the legendary Dragon who Ojou-sama requested for help….the man who is possessed by the Sekiryuutei? Fufufu, I see, you have a good look. I'm Takahashi. My name is Sky which stands for glittering sky. Let's get along." Takahashi spoke as he shook Yukio's hand as he replied with a smile
"Yes, let's get along. Although I'm still confused about the modern name but I guess that's because I'm young"
"Fufufu, being young is good. When I was young, I also had a special talent to forget things, when I took three steps." Takahashi replied, Yukio arching an eyebrow as he hoped that wouldn't happen today as Rias cheered
"Yukio, do your best. We will also back you up."
"Thank you. I will do my best!" Yukio replied, Rias stroking his cheek as she spoke
"Yes, to be expected from my lovely Yukio." She smiled intensified as she added
"You can't show improper intentions towards Abe Kiyome-san."
"Buchou can tolerate, to a certain degree, the girls around her, but did you know she's very strict with other people? Cheating on her won't be good." Akeno whispered into Yukio's ear, Rias looking embarrassed as she replied
"Akeno, I can hear you."
"Ara ara, so scary." Akeno replied, hugging Yukio blushing as he heard Ddraig speak up in a blissful tone
[So glad you're in just your shorts…]
"Yukio-sama…" Orihime and Georgia spoke in a jealous tones as they gripped Yukio's arms, only making his face redden further in response.
"Geez." Rias spoke, pinching Yukio's cheek as she sighed, Yukio giving her a look
At the pool Asia, Xenovia and Kiba were playing with a ball while Koneko and Gasper were floating while relaxing in swimming rings
"Now then, I'm going to get ready to welcome my father." Kiyome spoke as she headed to go meet her father.
…
The sky was covered in dark clouds as the ORC went out into the garden after changing back into there regular clothes and were currently waiting for Kiyome's father as her mother spoke to Yukio "I'm sure you'll do fine, Yukio-kun"
"Thanks Abe-san…" Yukio replied before hearing the sound of a horse approaching from the gates, his eyes widening at seeing the large built man with a stern look enter riding on a large wagon. He was wearing a cape and a helm which had a horn on it and his eyes were glowing sharply as he spoke to Yukio in a thick tone
"So you are the insolent one dating my daughter?"
Kiyome put her arm around Yukio's as she answered "That's right, Otou-sama. He is my boyfriend, Hosokawa Yukio-kun."
Yukio sighed as he felt the pressure coming from Rias, who was wrapped in a red aura as she smiled, turning to give her a flat look which said 'What did you expect to happen?'. Rias' pressure disappeared as she dropped her head realising that she should've expected this to happen.
"Hosokawa…?" Kiyome's father spoke surprised, sparing a glance to his wife who nodded as she spoke
"Yes…He's the son of the Hosokawa Fumiko" Numerous surprised looks came from the other devils, Yukio scratching his neck sheepishly as Kiyome looked surprised at him as well as she remembered some of the stories her mother had told her.
"Interesting, I see the resemblance… But still I will test you myself to see whether or not you are fitting to become a groom for the Abe family" Kiyome's father spoke as he got down without breaking his gaze from Yukio's, even as lightning flashed in the background.
The group had moved to a large rectangular battlefield which was created by making lines in the garden.
"The one I will be sending first is this one. Come out!" Kiyome's father spoke as a young woman much like Christie came out, although she was much larger then the Yuki-onna and had scars over her body
"Abe-sempai, that Christie's older sister right?" Yukio asked, breaking Kiyome from her musing as she answered clearly
"That's right. That is Christie's older sister, Stephanie."
"The referee will be me, Kiba Yuuto." Kiba spoke as she stood at the centre of the field, making the two combatants enter the battlefield while Yukio and Kiyome's father stood at the edge of the field on opposite sides
"Begin!" Kiba called, Kiyome's father quick to call out
"Stephanie! First do the drumming!"
"Hai~" She stated as she started to hit her chest at the order.
"The Yuki-onna's drumming has the ability to increase its attack power!" Kiyome's father explained, Yukio nodding in understanding as he called out
"Then we will also do the drumming Christie!" Christie suddenly started to run across the field, Yukio confused at what Christie was doing as Koneko muttered
"That is…Yuki-onna's special technique, the snow-clone."
Yukio blinked in surprise as Christie multipled till there was dozens of her, realising that it was the snow-clone technique at work as Akeno asked Koneko
"Did you know that, Koneko-chan?"
"….It's a high level secret technique, which can only be attained by Yuki-onna that live in the Japanese Alps. They say clones can make different movements to that of the original self, once mastered."
"Ngh! You are quite good! To do the snow-cloning while giving the order to do a drumming!" Kiyome's father groaned, Yukio realising that he was misreading the situation as the bulky man called
"Stephanie, we can't lose either! Counter it with the "Freezing Beat-to-Death Stick"!
Stephanie started to rummage around the bag on her back before pulling out a giant banana, throwing it up into the air before freezing it with her breath as Yukio noticed Christie staring at the frozen banana as she jumped towards it with all her clones
"Christie don't!" Yukio called, her clones disappearing as she focused on the banana before Stephanie tackled her head on and flung her out of the field, landing violently on the ground.
"…..To attack by using the frozen banana as bait, which is the favourite food for Yuki-onna, to make its attention go there… Normal Yuki-onna wouldn't be able to resist and eat the banana on the spot. But it used that as an item… The opponent Yuki-onna who can overcome its greed towards the banana has been trained very well….." Koneko explained like a commentator, Yukio sighing in defeat as he heard Isa mutter annoyed
"I can't believe that girl expected you to win with such a weakling…"
Christie made no move to get up from where she lay, Kiba giving her another moment before declaring "The winner, Stephanie! So the winner of the first match is Abe-senpai's father."
"Fufufu. Absurd. I won't be able to permit you dating my daughter at this rate." Kiyome's father spoke with a fearless smile as Yukio muttered
"This would be different if I was fighting them…"
"The next match will be the sea monster battle. So that pool is going to be the stage huh. Now, I shall show all of you my monster." Kiyome's father called; a flash of lightning in the air before a shark with human legs appeared.
Yukio blinked as the shark monster made no sign of movement before Kiyome's father, who was still on his horse, moved to touch it, making the shark monster drop on its side as Yukio thought
'I guess it was out of water for too long'
"Ah, since it's a shark it would die if it doesn't continue to swim." Kiyome's father spoke with realisation, Kiyome face palming where she stood as Kiba approached it to check on its status. A few minutes passed before he shook his head and declared
"The winner of the second match is Yukio-kun."
Yukio felt bad when he realised that Estleena had died from dehydration from waiting at the poolside without anyone knowing.
…
Yukio mentally sighed as he stood opposite Kiyome's father atop of a mountain which they had all teleported to so they could have the air battle without anyone seeing. Large rocks littered the field they were standing on as Kiyome's father spoke "Both of us will do the sky battle while riding on top of the monsters. Alright?"
He was sitting on his horse which was atop of a large mysterious looking bird which roared threateningly "Gyaaaaaaaon!"
Yukio looked down to Takahashi who he was piggybacking for the fight which looked totally inadequate given the birdman would have to fight as well.
"Fufufu, boy. It's good weather. This wind, this feeling on my skin is definitely the one for a battle." Takahashi spoke, Yukio arching an eyebrow as he asked
"Why do you have such high tension…? Let's just get this over with"
"You can say that I'm like a 'weather vane' right now!" Takahashi replied, Yukio frowning confused as he turned his gaze back onto Kiyome's father as Kiba appeared between them and shouted
"Final match! Please begin!"
The ominous bird took to the air with a big flap of its wings, Yukio surprised at how fast it was as he spoke "Takahashi-san, we also need to-"
"Uoooooooooooooo!" Takahashi called as he started to run on the ground, ignoring Yukio as he asked
"He….hey Takahashi-san!? Why are you running so speedily!? You are a bird man aren't you!? You won't be able to do a sky battle if you don't fly!"
"Fu. I'm a bird man, but a Nagoya-kochin bird man. We basically can't fly!" Takahashi declared boldly, Yukio's face dropping as he asked shocked
"You can't fly? Wait, Nagoya-kochin!? Didn't you come from Kobe!?"
"Kobe is also a large place after all!" The birdman replied, Yukio's eyebrow twitching in anger as he asked
"What the hell!? Are the settings of your background all made up!? Also it's a fraud that you can't fly even though your name is Sky!"
"It's not a fraud! It's Nagoya-kochin!" Takahashi shouted back, Isa quick to speak up
"Roast the bird bastard…He's no use to us!"
[I agree] Ddraig added with a nod, Sparda swatting at both of them as he spoke annoyed
{Shut up both of you, he's trying to concentrate}
"You have your guard down!" Kiyome's father called, the giant bird rushing towards Yukio as Takahashi called
"Oh!" The birdman dodged swiftly the giant bird's attacks as Kiyome's father spoke
"You are doing well! But it still isn't enough!" The man then gave an order to his bird, who then opened its beak wide and shot a giant fireball from its mouth
"If we get hit by that, I will actually become a yakitori, hahahaha!" Takahashi laughed, Yukio shouting back
"What are you laughing at? You will die if you're hit by that so run!" Takahashi shot off into a run, dodging the fireball that was coming towards them, both of them hiding behind a large rock.
Yukio looked out from behind the rock, seeing Kiyome's father and the giant bird looking around for them as he took a sigh as he tried to think of a plan so they could win. Looking at Takahashi, who was regaining his breathe, Yukio scratched his head in frustration as Takahashi spoke "You have to be calm at times like this. There is a saying in my family. They say that if you take three steps forward and two steps back, you will have a clearer mind… Wait, what was I doing again? Where is this place? Who are you? You look like my relative Yoshida-san. Are you Yoshida-san?"
"What the hell happened to your memories? Also who is Yoshida!? Does he look like me!? Do I look like a Nagoya-kochin!? Geez! I also don't get what I'm saying any more! It feels like I will have bad memories about Nagoya-kochin now!" Yukio shouted annoyed at Takahashi, dropping his head in defeat as he sighed
"By the way Yoshida-san, where is this place?" Takahashi asked while looking around, Yukio raising his head as he felt a familiar aura before a smile grew on his face as he spotted the box
"Gasper-kun… Why are you here?" He asked, opening the box to see the crossdressing vanpire
"…H-Hello. I was sent here. B-Buchou said she wants me to help Yukio-senpai who is in danger…"
'Thank you Rias-sama' Yukio thought to himself, taking a moment to think as he spoke
"Gasper-kun, I need your help…"
"I-I'm not really sure what is going on, but I will do my best~." Gasper spoke while panicking as Yukio started to explain his plan to the boy, noticing a letter attached to the box as he quickly read it
.
[Do your best. I believe that you will win. To my lovely Yukio]
Taking a deep breathe, Yukio started to put the pieces together for his plan as he spoke "Takahashi-san! Wave your hands at that ominous bird after leaving this rock."
"I don't really get it, but there is no reason for me to decline Yoshida-san's request. Heeey!" Takahashi replied, doing as he was asked as Yukio picked up the boxed Gasper. A grin starting to spread on his face at the giant bird noticing them and charging
"Gasper-kun, that's your target! Freeze it!" Yukio called pointing the box at the bird as Gasper stuttered out
"Y-Yesssssssss~!" A red light shot from the box and hit the giant bird that Kiyome's father was sat atop of, freezing its movement before both of them fell from the sky. Yukio looking confused as he guessed Gasper's power was evolving on its own, quickly using his Sonido to get himself, Gasper and Takahashi out of the way of the falling pair which left a large crater into the ground.
…
"It is my loss. Looks like I'll have to permit your relationship with my daughter… I will cancel the engagement… I was worried about that family after what my wife found out" Kiyome's father spoke with a smirk, Yukio scratching his head sheepishly as the bulky man added
"I'm glad you found Hosokawa-kun, Kiyome… His parents were good people and friends. From what I've seen of him he takes after them a lot" Kiyome blushed as she nodded and regarded Yukio with an shy look.
"It was nice to meet you both, Abe-san…Thank you for the picture" Yukio spoke with a nod, Kiyome's parents smiling as they watched him slip the old photograph into his pocket after looking at it with a small smile.
"It was fun today. I want to meet you again on the battlefield, Yoshii-san." Takahashi spoke with a handshake, Yukio sweatdropping as he replied
"Alright…I will see you then, just remember my name is Yukio next time"
"Hosokawa-kun thank you for today, thanks to you, the engagement was cancelled…"
"No, I'm glad I was able to help you... Plus it was for a good cause" Yukio replied with a smile, Kiyome turning shy as she spoke
"Even if it was a sudden request and you rejected it to begin with, I was really happy that you fought very seriously for m-my sake." She wriggled where she stood in embarrassment as she added
"You looked a bi-bit amazing when you fought together with Takahashi and the others…" Yukio blushed slightly as he shrugged his shoulders as he replied
"They did most of the work…"
"If it's okay with you, how about tonight we go for dinn-" Kiyome started, Yukio noticing a flash of crimson out of the corner of his eye as he muttered
"Rias-sama…" Rias clutched at his arm possessively, Yukio mentally sighing as he replied to Kiyome
"Maybe another time Abe-sempai…" Rias' face fell as Kiyome's brightened slightly as she nodded, pushing a piece of paper into Yukio's hand as she asked
"Call me when so we can arrange it" Kiyome's face reddened as Yukio bowed to her before she nodded and left, Yukio turning to Rias as he spoke
"Thank you for the help Rias-sama" Rias smiled to him as she replied
"I see. Looks like you accomplished the request safely… But you didn't tell me your parents knew the Abe Clan?"
"I didn't know till I spoke with Abe-san and found out about Abe-sempai's marriage meeting" Yukio replied, looking confused as he asked
"Where is everyone?"
"Everyone went home at once, to take the prize received from Kiyome-san's request. Items related to different types of monsters, which they would be taking back to the clubroom….There's some information of Tiamat amongst it if you want to have a look later" Rias answered, Yukio feeling Ddraig's presence shrink away at the mention of the other Dragon King as Rias continued
"Now, let's go home together. Let's buy some taiyaki on the way back so we can eat it with everyone. Fufufu, looks like it will be a date to the taiyaki shop." Yukio nodded as they started to walk home, Rias muttering quietly
"…I feel the happiest when I'm like this."
"Did you say something?" Yukio asked, Rias winking cutely as she answered
"It's a secret~…Can I have a look at that photo of your parents?" Yukio's smile grew as he pulled the picture out, handing it to Rias who smiled cutely as she look the couple in the picture.
Both appeared to be in there twenties, the man wore a black kimono and had a mess of spiky blonde hair and bright blue eyes. A warm smile was on his face while his right arm was wrapped around the shorter young woman's waist. She had chest length straight silver hair, warm dark red eyes with a caring smile and wore a pair of jeans and a short sleeved white blouse.
"Otou-sama, Okaa-sama..." Rias whispered to herself as she looked at the picture, her cheeks reddening as Yukio's arm slipped around her waist as they continued walking.
…
Author's Note
Here's the next chapter and hope you enjoy it. I decided to have the Bount show up here as they'll be part of the Diodora arc as well as the next chapter. Put some more detail into this chapter as Yukio needs a proper reason to help out Kiyome, hence the empathetic ability with monsters/ Yokai, also Rias and Keiko's talk is meant to show the latter if Rias' feelings are real or not as well as answering Rias' former choices with regard to how she recruited Yukio in her peerage. Isa is Yukio's perverted side and was named after Ise to show that.
Next chapter will involve Kiyome as well before I get into the Diodora Arc's plot.