A Flower Amongst Devils
Original Concept: Persona 3 Portable/High School DxD
Revised Chapter 37
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Created by: Atlus/Sega and Ishibumi Ichiei
Author's Notes: This is a crossover of High School DxD and Persona 3 Portable. The FeMC would be named Arisato Minako. I would like to thank two particular authors who had been very influential in me publishing this fic, gabriel blessing and The Crimson Lord. Thank you for the great work you two did in HS DxD to get me interested in writing one as well.
written by: wrathie
Author's Notes: Woah, is it one month already?
Beta Notes: UberNimrod still editing away at this. Slowly working on my own writing as well. I hope to have more ready to go before the end of the year.
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Remains of Kuoh Academy
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The white haired interloper that Minako recognized as Vali stepped into view, not literally of course as he had been observing the one-sided battle between Katerea and her from the sidelines.
She had wanted to ask him what his agenda was, especially since he had been with Penemue when the Fallen Angel had told her of the secret arrangement between Kokabiel and Azazel. She was still miffed about that, and her opinion of the Fallen Angels had dropped significantly.
As intelligent as they all were, it was difficult to trust them if one don't know what they were planning.
"The best way to make an illusion real, is to show them something they want or wish to to see." The words of Tamamo no Mae echoed in her mind as Minako recalled what had happened when she showed Katerea Leviathan the illusion that the whole group of them had came up with. She wasn't the only one unhappy about what she had to 'do' but a trap wouldn't be a trap if it was not sprung, wasn't it? And if she could find a way to achieve victory without endangering anyone else with unnecessary risk, there were worse things to sacrifice when it came to life-and-death decisions.
It took effort on her part to cast the illusion on such a large scale, and it wasn't foolproof as well. Experience told her that the moment Katerea touched one of them, the illusion would be shattered.
Thankfully Kokabiel paid his part in ensuring that none of them actually did touch a single individual that were playing their roles.
Morbidly she noticed that Kiririn was enjoying playing her part as her a little too much. Gods – were all the Kitsune, or maybe all members of the supernatural sexual deviants? Still – it could be very very much worse than this.
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There were things that the Tamamo Clan members enjoyed that would cause even the most stoic individual to blush – and she had seen her share, thanks to Yasakas detailed training. That and she had walked in on a few encounters, heard them and even had a whole conversation about them when she was still staying in the Tamamo Mansion. There were things that were better left unsaid. For life.
Kokabiel had originally suggested that they act the part for real, minus the acts of debauchery. Part of a woman's arsenal was to make anything and everything possible through liberal applications of makeup. A role play like this apparently wouldn't be too exotic, but that was all she needed to know. Men, regardless of human or otherwise would never get it, but it makes them more endearing when they do or try– but she digress.
This alternative would however be riskier, and thus she had made the executive decision to use the Kitsune arts instead. To make that little performance real in the eyes of those who were within the boundaries of Kuoh Academy. It was difficult to explain how it works, but as long as it worked, it was fine.
Kokabiel had stepped in to offer suggestions on what they should let Katerea see to make her lower her guard after a test-run with everyone. If they were going to work together, they needed to know some of her abilities and what was going to happen so they weren't caught off guard.
Apparently when dealing with the Khaos Brigade and the Old Maou Faction that Katerea belonged to, there was no use in trying to be subtle about it. Their arrogance and self-assuredness ensured that they would be easily fooled regardless of what they showed, for they viewed Rias, Sona and her as pushovers.
Anything supporting that belief would be taken hook, line and sinker by them – which was kind of disappointing to them.
Rias and Sona had been absolutely disgusted when she had shown them what Kokabiel had had suggested to use to fool Katerea. Gabriel hadn't been too far behind in her indignation, but she was also quietly resigned about what was necessary to pull the wool over their enemies. Modesty and Pride were the first things that should be abandoned when the push came to shove. To not understand that was a recipe for failure. God knows how fast all of them, Yukari included had gotten that message after getting their clothes torn to shreds in Tartarus with those annoying Vulcan Eagle Shadows. Better to be naked then dead, but Junpei would probably disagree with that after Yukari had stomped a mudhole in him after he had stared and drooled at her unkempt form. He was fortunate that Mitsuru had been battle hardened enough to ignore his transgressions the first time they explored Tartarus together, else he would not have survived.
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Gabriel admitted that she knew that many Angels who fell would go through the same phase – of fawning over the men or women who made them fall, but most curious of all was how she hadn't been fazed at all by how Kokabiel had described her fate.
Minako simply nodded in acknowledgement as she implemented the amendments to her own horrid fate – one that was similar to Rias and Sona. To her, it was to be expected and her monologue to them had shown them why. It was a side effect that all of them were shocked to silence by how detached she was to her possible fate.
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"I know the consequences if I ever fell. I've made arrangements for my body to be cremated after my death. My body won't be given a proper burial in any other state." Minako paused before musing. "I would like them to be scattered into the bay and into the ocean. Burying my body is out of the question as that'll be another can of worms for Yasaka-sama and the rest to take care of - and I rather not be a burden beyond the grave." Minako smiled slightly at the confused looks and elaborated. "A wonderful thing, seals - they can do anything with the proper knowledge." She gestured and Kochiyo appeared by her side, silent as always but her hands pressed tightly at her side. This was probably the most emotional, and angry the gathered individuals had seen her being. She practically radiated anger as she stood beside Minako quietly. She definitely noticed, but made no comment on it as she continued.
"Kochiyo ensured that my body will never be recovered if I fell during a combat situation. Considering what others would want with it, I think I'm more than justified to make that request." Minako was in a talkative mood as she turned to address Rias and Sona again.
"If they can fight a war for my body, they will. And everyone will want to study it and violate the peace that is granted to me by death."
"Tell us, when the Biblical God passed, what happened to his body."
"Metatron burned it to ashes. We couldn't let anyone have it, nor let anyone tarnish it in the middle of the battle."
"So it's ashes to ashes, dust to dust…if I fell in combat and my body taken, I will never fully rest, would I? Not with the Devils and their Evil Pieces, the Angels with their Heavenly Host and the Grigori - the less we speak of that the better."
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Do unto others what others would do to you – if you wanted your body to be respected after death, to be granted your eternal rest, you must have it cremated. Would the Devils not want to resurrect her if she died and her body was intact?
The flash of temptation and subsequent shame from both Rias and Sona told her all she wanted to know. The Devils would never let her rest in peace when they could resurrect her of her 'free' will. Minako will never completely forgive Rias for resurrecting Issei in that fashion, no matter how he might have thanked her for it.
For every one 'Issei', there were countless examples of humans that would be resurrected against their will, manipulated to be the playthings of Devils because they could.
The Old Maou Faction would want her body as a trophy to showcase the might of their faction like Katerea had declared, her body would probably never be able to find genuine rest. It was a physical thing – but she knew that the Tamamo Clan would never live that down.
The Grigori would dissect her physical body, catalog it and do all matters of experiments with it to find out how she ticked. She would be nothing but a specimen – hardly a comforting thought.
She wasn't sure what the Heavenly Hosts would do – but she did not think for a moment they wouldn't want to use her body, or her soul for their advantage.
Even her closest allies – the Tamamo Clan and the Amatsukami, who would give her a proper burial, might be targeted due to her remains if they remained intact.
Call her morbid, but the Devils' Evil Pieces made all of her preparations inevitable – and if Sona and the rest hadn't considered at least that much, then they were not ready for the future and what it might hold.
Minako will not go through this unprepared, she would stack all the cards in her favor and if that meant that she appeared to be cheating, so be it.
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Kokabiel was toying with all of them, Gabriel included and she didn't mean how he had forced Gabriel to the brink. He was something else, and if not for the reassurances from Penemue, concessions and friendly gestures by Kokabiel, she would have killed him then when she first arrived in Kuoh City. But she digressed, she needed to focus now on Vali as he landed in front of him, dematerializing his Devil wings to confront her.
Minako had politely thanked Sojobo for his assistance, and his presence had retreated to the back of her mind, leaving her dressed in her normal outfit. Her bandaged arm was also purely cosmetic; having healed herself earlier and she looked on evenly at Vali.
He had a swagger and confidence to him that made her wary. Unlike Katerea, who was condescending and arrogant - so much so that she was blinded by it and she dismissed everyone around her, Vali on the other hand had similar pride in his abilities, but was not above observing and measuring his abilities with each individual that he met.
Minako could see respect there in Vali's eyes and eagerness from his body's behavior. This was just not her day, huh?
"I did not get the chance to introduce myself earlier, I am Vali and what I wish from you… is your head." Vali's words didn't affect Minako, but it did affect the other two individuals that were still with her, having being spectators for her little situation with Katerea.
"My, my Vali, why would you say that? Azazel would be devastated if he found out that his adopted son wanted to kill the best potential test-" Kokabiel coughed as he corrected himself. "The best ally that we would be able to gain in the past decade or so." He paused when Gabriel interrupted him.
"Indeed, Minako is under Heaven's protection as a trusted ally. I will not stand aside and watch her be insulted or attacked like this." Gabriel was still in her 'serious' mode. Which suited Minako fine, but it'll only cause more problems if Vali, who was the bearer of Divine Dividing, attacked Gabriel and Kokabiel.
"It's fine. The reputation of the 'Vanishing Dragon' is known to me. You are obsessed with strength – and you wish to gain more strength by defeating me?" Minako asked matter of factly, holding Kokabiel and Gabriel back.
Well, probably only Gabriel – she had doubts that Kokabiel would really assist her. She had wanted to ask Kokabiel to leave when she invoked Sojobo, but the potential benefits of warning Kokabiel of her strength had won her over.
She had been holding back for too long, her brush with death with Siegfried had guaranteed that she won't be limiting herself to just a human's capability. But if crushing Katerea was not enough, perhaps the 'Vanishing Dragon' would be a good substitute.
"You understand? Then, let us begin." Vali flexed his shoulders before two white wings burst from his back, he had activated his Sacred Gear - 'Divine Dividing' and like with Hyoudou Issei and 'Boosted Gear', Minako could sense the other presence within Vali's body.
"… Albion." She spoke softly and Vali's eyes widened even as Kokabiel guided Gabriel away. The Fallen Angel was probably going to take notes again, and Gabriel was just twitchy, holding on to Deus Peniteo unhappily.
"I can sense your presence, just like with Ddraig. But that is not the extent of your power, is that, Vali? A little bird tells me that you are holding back, tremendously and that bird isn't Kuroka, she has nothing but praises for you." Senjutsu is and will continue to be a gamebreaker for Minako. It was like having Fuuka with her all over again, not that she couldn't ask Juno for her help, but second hand information always lacked some information that would hurt her.
Vali considered, his eyes boring into Minako before he shook his head.
"That is not your full strength either, Priestess. I want to fight him, the one you invoked when you took out Katerea." He grinned savagely. "He would be worth it."
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When Vali Lucifer was called out from his… observation, he was excited. Whatever the Priestess had invoked or used to gain that amount of strength was not relevant to him. It was the strength of the Priestess that interested him.
Katerea was no match for him with Balance Breaker, but the ease in which she was taken down – the physical strength as well as the implicated proficiency with the elements meant that he would have to take her seriously.
He had heard of the Priestess, who hadn't – but he had known the most not from Azazel, but from Kuroka, one of the members of his team and it was her who had helped him found out that the Priestess could be considered a worthy ally if they worked with her.
The olive branch of peace was offered before they found out that he was the Vanishing Dragon, but communication between the two sides have not ceased thanks to Kuroka.
They were getting close to a breakthrough in negotiations with agreements and terms being hammered out, but after seeing her strength, not to mention the possibility that they were relatives, Vali knew he had to challenge her.
Perhaps not take her head like he had said, but nothing like a death threat or two to make her treat this seriously. Vali barely registered the presence of Kokabiel and Gabriel, but he was confident that he could take them on if he wanted to. Besides – it wouldn't be fun if there wasn't some challenge with it, would he?
Thus he was severely disappointed when the Priestess apparently dismissed the presence she had invoked after defeating Katerea, and even more so when she didn't seem to have any intention to invoke him again? He knew that for a human without a Sacred Gear, the Priestess was the strongest one he had ever encountered. She was however still no match for him as a High Class Devil due to his pedigree. No matter what his father said, he was no failure and he would be the strongest in the world in time.
He was disappointed even more when she refused to invoke the presence again when he challenged and threatened her. In fact she had the false belief that she could handle him as a human while he activated 'Divine Dividing' in it's base form, how arrogant -
"That's not it, Vali." Albion's voice call out to him after the Priestess called him and Albion out. Albion's name was easily researched, but her claim of being able to sense him was a stretch, wasn't it?
"She isn't lying. I can sense her too... Ddraig must have did the same. Heh." Albion chuckled. "She is someone you should take seriously, I acknowledge her abilities."
Vali stiffened at that, Albion recognized a human? That's impossible. Even he had to hone his abilities before Albion would ever recognized him as an equal. Unwillingly, Vali recalled what Kuroka had told him about the Priestess a long time ago when she first raised the possibility of having an alliance with her.
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"There's this saying about Minako-san, Vali." Kuroka never calls anyone with a suffix, that by itself was enough to make him be slightly concerned about the issue Kuroka wanted to raise to his team.
"The Tamamo Clan has a saying that ties to Minako-san's title of the 'Priestess' and the 'Awakener'." Kuroka smiled as her ears waggled in excitement. "The saying is: When the Priestess calls – the World answers. Impressive isn't it? There's so many rumors about Minako-san that we don't know which is real or fake!" She had emphasized while giggling.
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He had dismissed that remark earlier, believing it to be propaganda spread by the Youkai/Shinto Faction, but if that wasn't the case. What was he thinking, he was not going to hesitate due to this unfounded rumor!
"That is not your full strength either, Priestess. I want to fight him, the one you invoked when you took out Katerea." Vali grinned savagely in response to the Priestess's words. "He would be worth it."
"Perhaps, but I guess facing me is anti-climatic as compared to him." The red haired woman pulled several amulets from her sleeves and flung them haphazardly like play cards towards him. He had paid notice to Siegfried's disastrous clash with Kochiyo and instead of ignoring the amulets, Vali avoided them, letting them miss their target instead.
Vali's eyes continue tracking the Priestess and he noted that she seemed satisfied by his evasion and kept his guard up when she produced several different looking amulets from her sleeves. Looks like she was getting serious too.
"Mm..." She hummed, raising one of them and in a quick draw, sent the amulet flying in front of her. Then the back, to the left and then to the right.
"Well – I guess you let me set up what you wanted, so I'll let you in on a secret." The Priestess smiled brightly as she continued, ignoring Vali's confusion when four shining barriers formed around them, trapping them inside a diamond shaped area while she pulled out the same jade colored naginata that she wielded against Siegfried earlier. She set herself casually, no even gripping the length of the weapon firmly while smiling at Vali.
"As interesting as that weapon is -"
"No, that's not the secret I wish to share. Rather, the secret that I want to share with you is simple." It was then that Vali noticed his mistake and he spun to look closer at the barriers that she had enacted. This feeling, it was like being in -
"Georg isn't the only person who can create alternate dimensions. I'm a little sloppy, and my teacher is much better than me." She smiled sweetly before holding her hand together, fingers interlocked while the Naginata she was holding clipped between her arm. It was a position of prayer, Vali recognized it, but praying right now?
"On-baishira mandaya sowaka... On-baishira mandaya sowaka" She started chanting a mantra that made Vali feel distinctly uncomfortable, but he stood there ready and waiting for whatever the Priestess was going to throw at him.
The mantra was repeated for several verses, and that was when he felt it. Presences gathering around him, she was invoking something! He could feel it – and that made him feel battle ready again.
"I see – so that is how a Priestess traditionally combats the evil spirits?" He asked in a conversational tone but he raised one hand in front of him confidently.
"But you are boring me by taking your time like this – 'Divide'." He casually declared, expecting the Priestess and her summoned ally's strength to falter in the face of the power of the 'Divine Dividing' and for his to increase.
To his annoyance however, although her presence did... diminish, the presence she was summoning was that. His strength was barely increased as well.
"She is using herself, the potential of a human as a shield, Vali. You are dividing the woman's powers – not the Deity that she is invoking. And considering a human's potential, that's not much of a loss." Albion's explanation made Vali acknowledge that she did do her homework if she can find an unorthodox way to avoid the 'Divine Dividing' like that.
"Well – I guess you have more tricks up your sleeves then I believe. Please, invoke your Deity, I am eagerly anticipating who you have chosen to face me."
The Priestess stopped chanting then and she looked satisfied for eastern sigils started growing from below her feet to cover the entirety of the ground where they were trapped in.
"By all means – I was making absolutely sure." She paused when a slit in reality appeared and another woman slid into place beside her.
"Ah – my apologies, please excuse me." The Priestess exchanged a few words before nodding and the other woman, Kochiyo, disappeared into another cut in reality.
"I apologize, but I am ready to end this right now." Her reply made Vali raise one eyebrow in surprise. End this when it hadn't even started. His surprise must have been obvious as she chuckled.
"Yes – if you don't take this seriously..." Her hands released the Naginata, letting it float in mid air as her mantra changed.
"Nomaku samanda bazara dan senda makaroshada sowataya untarata kanman." Vali knew of mantras, they were used by buddhist and shinto priests in exorcisms of evil spirits by invoking the presence of Deities, similar to how the Church did so with their exorcists.
"On sonbani sonba un bazara un patta. On amirite un patta. On shuchiri kyara roha un ken sowaka. On bazara yakusha un." Her chants were soft, but they were still causing an effect on him as he felt more presences gathered in the boundary, and within her.
"On sonbani sonba un bazara un patta. On amirite un patta. On shuchiri kyara roha un ken sowaka. On bazara yakusha un." As she repeated herself the second time, Vali swore that the Priestess was glowing, light forming and escaping around her as she chanted with her eyes closed now.
Wait, her eyes closed? Was she looking down on him? Vali's eyes narrowed and without warning, charged towards the Priestess, his fist cocked back before letting it loose at her face.
Or at least, he tried to as a barrier appeared in front of the Priestess, blocking the attack. The barrier held against his punch, but he knew he was holding back. The Priestess knew it too as her hands moved to perform some handseals slowly right in front of him.
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Bishamonten, the leader of the four Devas governing the North, South (Zōchō-ten), East( Jikoku-ten) and West( Kōmoku-ten) accordingly were the Four Heavenly Kings, protectors of the world against evil.
They were the chosen Deities that Minako had decided to call upon naturally, without letting them possess her body to invoke miracles. She was the Priestess, and a good priestess has to be able to do it the normal way, instead of cheating like she was.
The presence that was in her body however simply chuckled softly and reminded her that she was a special case.
Her hands and fingers moved to different hand seals after Vali's pathetic attempt to attack her. With Bishamonten invoked, and her facing the north, did he honestly believe that he would be able to harm her?
"On-baishira mantaya sowaka." Her hands pressed together, fingers interlocked while her index fingers pressed together. Then, her ring finger interlocked with her pinkie, index and thumb together before the middle fingers cross over – touching the thumb's tips.
"On-ishanaya intaraya sowaka." Ring fingers crossed each other to touch their opposites index fingers with the middle fingers crossed above them. Finally, her index, pinky and thumb held straight before the next mantra, her hands clasped together, fingers interlocked and making a fist. "On-haya baishiramantaya sowaka."
In the next mantra, Minako noted with some concern that Vali's fists were impacting the barrier harder than ever but still continued her mantras as her fingertips moved inside of the fist she made earlier. "On-nōmaku sanmanda basaradan kan."
"Stop stalling Priestess, invoked the Deity of your choosing and face me!" Vali cried out in frustration, demonic magic gathering in his hands as he shoved his palm forward, blasting the barrier that the four devas had formed to protect her.
"On-aganaya in maya sowaka." The barrier held as it should and Minako's fingers moved with the next mantra. Her right hand gripping the index finger of the right, thumb pressing onto the other's nails as she raised it upwards with her index finger raising towards the sky.
Vali's frustrated features turned into a perplexed one, especially when the barrier around him flashed a different color instead of the original white. "Ah – I see, so the more you protect her, the weaker the external barrier is. Guess I'll have to force you out."
"On-chirichi iba rotaya sowaka." Minako's palm faced Vali while forming a circle, thumbs on top and fingers below with her right hand overlapping the left.
"On a ra ba sha nō sowaka" The last mantra and MInako's hands clenched into a fist with her, thumbs on top and fingers on the bottom and her right hand overlapping the left as she finished the last incantation.
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Vali had gathered demonic power into his palm, more power than Katerea had used in her very short bout with Sojobo. The gathered power enveloped Vali's fist and he cocked his fist back before slamming it on the barrier protecting Minako once again.
This time, besides the barrier changing color - a large ringing sound could be heard, like that of a gong being rung and Vali smiled when the barrier shattered, leaving the Priestess exposed and her guard down.
Those fancy seals were not having an effect, and it was disappointing for he knew that the Exorcists of this land was capable of much more. Tomoya and Tomoko of the Hero Faction proved that to him, and they hadn't got the title of the Priestess or Priest yet.
The Priestess meant that everyone would and should look up to her as the shining example of the Priestess of the East. But all she had managed was to chant some verses that were not even affecting him.
Pathetic - and he had such high hopes for her after that previous invocation. Wasn't she the one who had driven Siegfried and Georg back earlier?
"If that is all that you can offer -" Vali started only to be interrupted as the Priestess's hands blurred in front of him, moving two fingers up and down in as she called out.
" Rin (臨), Pyōh (兵), Tōh (闘), Sha (者), Kai (皆), Jin (陣), Retsu (列), Zai (在), Zen (前)!" The presence of the Priestess flared as she finished calling and drawing the incantation and seals. At the last invocation, she pointed her two fingers at him visibly, targeting him with the invocation.
If that that wasn't enough to cause concern, Vali felt his entire body stiffen up and he cried out in pain as he felt like fire was consuming him from his chest, spreading throughout his entire body.
He looked down and he saw that a thirty square grid had appeared on his chest, glowing and burning despite it not being a 'Light' attack, or was it? Vali didn't get to figure out what that meant as the Priestess had clasped her hands together, fingers interlocked while her index fingers and thumbs are raised skywards.
"On-baishira mantaya sowaka!" Her first mantra was repeated with more force than before – and this time he was certain the Priestess was glowing as something or someone struck him on the back of his head, knocking him to the floor instantly.
The impact of him hitting the ground was tremendous, and he felt pain when several of his bones cracked, and might even have been broken due to the force. A separate part of his mind noted that the impact had cracked the ground and had formed a crater. That punch or blow was the strongest one he had ever experienced so far unaided by any weapons and Vali found himself seeing stars and unable to move even as Albion cried out to him in worry. "Vali, stop playing around and -"
The burning sensation from his chest had spread, and it was covering his entire body with characters of the orient, further amplifying his pain. He cursed further inwardly when his body was not responding and calling upon the powers of 'Divine Dividing' was beyond him.
How could this - he, felled by a human like this? This was even more humiliating than what she did to Katerea and he was not going to die before he killed him.
In his prone state, Vali could only watch as the Priestess, who didn't move even from her spot, clasped her hands together. Her palms facing each other and fingers all skywards before clapping her hands together loudly with a tone of finality.
"Samsara." and all Vali could see was white, accompanied by the sounds of his own screaming.
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?
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When he regained consciousness, Vali's first instinct was to spring from where he was resting.
"Hey – Vali, stop moving when you haven't recovered!" The feminine but familiar voice prevented him from doing so however, as well as the sight, smell and weight of the body that was pressing him down on the soft material he was resting on. He couldn't tell - why?
Because the damned woman was straddling his body with hers, pressing her chest against his face with no care about his opinion.
"Mmf...Mmf..." He groused, trying to push her away. The woman naturally ignored him and continued to press her chest against his face till someone took pity on him and pulled her off him.
"Kuroka." He groused at the nekomata who was part of his team before nodding to the individual who had helped him. "Bikou." If the two of them were here – the rest couldn't be...
Vali turned and sighed when he saw the other two members of Team Vali.
"Arthur, Le Fay." That means that all of Team Vali was here with him here... where exactly was here.
"Why can't I move my hands?" He was awake but he felt exceedingly weak, and he couldn't move his hands at all as they were tied behind him. Normally such restraints were easy to break free from, but he couldn't move his hands. It wasn't the matter of strength, they were frozen in place. Most troubling of all however, was how Vali couldn't sense Albion in his mind and consciousness.
"Silly boy, Minako-san anticipated that and she sealed your hands away to let you recover faster. We wouldn't want you to get hurt again before you recovered, right?" Kuroka giggled before struggling free from Bikou's grip and laid on top of him again, her face inches away from him as she blew into his face.
"Now lie down and rest like how a patient should nyah~ Nurse Kuroka will take care of all. Your. Needs 3~" The nekomata smiled impishly while Bikou gave a thumbs up gesture to Vali from behind her.
Arthur just looked stoically, ignoring Kuroka while Le Fay's face was red. This was his team. What was he thinking when he assembled this?
"What happened?" Vali finally was able to ask after Bikou took pity on him and lifted Kuroka up again. A normal person would be happy to have a woman like Kuroka lying all over him, but he was not a normal person. Normal people didn't have a past like his.
It was Kuroka who answered and her ears twitched as she spoke, a sign that she was nervous. "Well – you see..."
"Before that, where are we?"
"We are at the shrine owned by the Priestess." Arthur answered and he raised his cloak slightly to show that he was disarmed.
"Our weapons are being held by them, which is the only way we are able to see you and confirm your safety, Vali."
His safety... then that means. His darkening mood was made worse when Kuroka added on.
"You were in a bad shape nyah. I... thought you were going to die." She tried to phrase it gently, but it only made Vali angrier. Unfortunately his body was still not responding and he could only move his head, albeit slightly.
"... So I was defeated." He finally wrested his emotions down as he sighed unhappily. It wasn't the first time, but it was the only time it had been this decisive.
"So you came because..."
"It was Minako-san who contacted me nyah." Kuroka clarified as she scratched his head. "She told us that she was holding you prisoner because you threatened to attack her." He did attack her; he didn't threaten to do so.
"She told us that we can see you, but..."
"There are conditions... what are those conditions."
"I have to give up Excalibur Ruler." Arthur offered but didn't look too upset at that. "If that's the price to pay to keep you alive, I think it is reasonable." Vali didn't think so and he scowled at him.
"I lost, that means I am weak and not suited to lead you. You didn't need to do that." He didn't particularly think that he was a good leader, but he was definitely stronger than they were, and so they followed. He thought that was why they followed him, so why would they continue when he was defeated?
"I made a promise to follow you, and a Knight won't break his promises."
"If brother is not leaving, then I won't be leaving either." Le Fay added on while Bikou just grinned at Vali.
"We're partners you and I, bro. When has a setback stopped you before?"
Vali was silent for a while before he huffed and shook his head. "Do whatever you want..."
There was a brief period of silence as the gathered individuals smiled at each other before Kuroka had to break the moment by launching herself at him, again.
"Ah embarrassed Vali is the best Vali nyah~ show me that shy side more and more Vali~~" She snuggled closer, shaking her body and even blowing into his ear while the rest looked on in amusement.
"Get her off me!" Vali howled in anger at the antics the troublesome cat was producing.
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Tamamo Branch Shrine – Guest Chambers
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"So." Minako was the one who started the conversation going. She was dressed in her formal attire, the red and white shrine maiden outfit fitting her form as she sat in front of Vali and his team. Of course she wasn't alone, Kochiyo was beside her and Yuzu too and the two of them wore neutral expressions while the members of Vali's entourage shared perplexed looks.
"Have we sated your curiosity?" Minako asked and Vali huffed before nodding his head.
"Yes, you have displayed your strength to me. I concede defeat." He paused before adding on. "... Your attack, it hurt me grievously." He was still recovering from the last attack that she did. Samsara – she had called it. Vali had asked Bikou about what that meant, and to his knowledge that was the cycle of life, death and reincarnation believed by different religions. Bikou was unable to clarify what the Priestess had used on him besides that it had hurt him badly and left his body tremendously weakened. It was similar to a 'Light' attack, but it wasn't exactly the same.
Another thing to take note was that the Kuji-in, or the attack that she had used against him was not really an attack at all. The Kuji-in could be used as an offensive method to exorcist spirits, but it was generally used as part of a mantra to protect the user by asking the Gods to protect them from harm.
It wasn't exactly a 'basic' exorcism, but it wasn't supposed to do this... 'Samsara' attack. It was another mystery to be solved about the Priestess.
"I held back." She answered and then smiled as Vali frowned slightly at that. "Not much, but I had to stop when you couldn't fight back. I have to apologize, perhaps that was not the best opening move I could have used." The shocking declaration that what Minako did was an opening move had some members of Vali's team in shock.
"No, it wasn't. It was executed too slowly." Vali agreed with a stern nod, causing another round of flabbergasted looks as Minako hummed.
"I wanted to think that you would back off after I created that dimension, but I suppose I didn't read your character well enough. My apologies for hurting a potential ally. We were in the middle of talks...that you have jeopardized by your unprovoked attack on my person." She was not smiling now, and everyone could feel the temperature in the room dropping just slightly with that statement.
She was waiting for Vali to say something and after a short tense moment, Vali bowed his head to Minako, holding it there as he answered.
"Please accept my apologies. It was reckless for me to challenge you in that fashion." He raised his head while the rest of the Vali team hurriedly bowed too, with Arthur keeping his head down the longest along with Le Fay. Kuroka just stuck her tongue out playfully while Bikou smirked slightly. "I hope that you would... consider our negotiations proper... but I would like to clarify something, if you would oblige me." Vali was struggling to be polite, and it showed, for his facial expression was stiff and his posture was awkward.
Kuroka probably sensed that with her cheerful face, her ability with senjutsu was amazing, not as good as Yasaka – but good enough to detect emotions easily.
"Are you truly a descendant of Lilith... the 'Mother of All Devils'?" The question was one that Minako wasn't expecting him to ask. She knew that Vali was a Devil that was adopted by Azazel, Raynare had told her all that she knew about him. Vali had no love for Devils, even though he was one, and so why was he so interested... but in any case, there's something she needed to know as well.
"Who told you that? Could you oblige me? I have no idea how this little rumor started." From what she knew, only the Phenex and Gremory families, along with Rias' peerage and the Maous knew that she had invoked Lilith on that fateful day so long ago.
That information was not leaked, but this wasn't the only time it had been raised. Kokabiel had mentioned it, so did Katerea, and now Vali too. That meant there was a leak in the system somewhere, and it could have repercussions that she was not ready to deal with.
"Members of the Khaos Brigade spread that information to me. Where they could have gotten it, I am not sure. The Old Maou Faction is in disarray due to that. They are splintering, and Katerea's motives was to capture or kill you to prevent the truth from coming out." Vali offered and Minako nodded at that. If he was being honest, then this was good and worrying information all bundled into one, but she could deal with it later.
"Thank you for telling me that, but... what does it have to do with you. I am certain that you are allied with the Khaos Brigade, and the only reason I did not kill you then -" Vali twitched at that, and his team tensed too as Minako continued. "- was due to Kuroka, and the ongoing conversation between our two organizations. That is the sole reason you are alive today. Yasaka-sama's wishes is for you and Katerea to be executed as a show of force of my faction. I have rejected her request so far due to Kuroka and the information that she had provided." Minako raised one hand and the entire floor light up with oriental symbols, kanji and Chinese characters engraved within and above the tatami mats that none of them had noticed before.
"The members of your faction have been cooperative, however that is mostly due to how I have you in my care at this point of time." The implied threat was there – this was her territory, so play by her rules, or else. "Make no mistake, Vali. You are in no position to bargain." She stressed again while her eyes traveled from Vali to the rest. Kuroka looked trapped while Bikou was strained. Le Fay was worried and Arthur was simply stoic. Minako could read the dynamics of the group easily.
"Again, the only reason I am humoring you now is due to Kuroka and my wish to keep things cordial despite our less than pleasant first meeting. You will not fault me for being cautious, would you?" She raised an eyebrow, challenging Vali and waiting for his response.
"No... I would have thought less of you if you didn't. But, we come in peace, despite my initial... introduction." Vali answered, bowing again. His pride must be stinging and Minako relented, nodding to Kochiyo and the symbols and characters that were glowing faded away. The room became less tense due to that.
"May I ask why you are asking about my relationship with Lilith? I am aware of the claims that I am a reincarnation or descendant from Lilith, but many Devils and humans are the latter. The former – I have no idea where that came from."
..
The Priestess was lying with a straight face, Vali wanted to say that, but her poker face was perfect. At least, he wanted to believe that. The Priestess, Arisato Minako, was really a piece of work for her facial expressions were controlled to an extent that even he had to be led by her words. There was no reason or excuse for him to show his discontent, for the moment when he was about to lash out at a possible weak point in her words, she would masterfully and forcefully direct the conversation to a more advantageous situation before he could even get a word in.
She had all but cut off any reason for him to be here, completing his sentences for him and only letting him agree to what she had said. Sadly however, Vali couldn't disagree with what she was saying or doing either. If he was in that position – he would do the same.
Geniuses think alike? But he digressed, and he still had one trump card to play anyway.
"It is for a personal reason that I hope that you can clarify for me your relationship with Lilith. I bear no allegiance to the Old Maou Faction or the Hero Faction from the Khaos Brigade even if we are considered their allies." He paused, hoping to get a reaction from her regarding the Hero Faction, but she was as cool as a cucumber no matter what he said. Amazing, and terrifying wrapped in one package.
"A personal reason? I know that all Devils hold Lilith to great acclaim, but for you to go on a wild goose chase like this. Has a descendant of Lilith offended you previously?" Her question was a valid one, and Vali was forced to elaborate. Kuroka would never let him live this done, but from how formal the conversation had been – they would be getting nowhere as this was a formal interview between two leaders of their various groups. Vali knew that meant red tape and bureaucracy. As much as Vali disliked socializing, he disliked unnecessary hassles as well. If this was what it took to break the ice, he had to take it.
"Yes, I would like to know whether I should be calling you 'great grandmother' or 'cousin'." He paused, savoring the sight of the Priestess being taken aback, albeit momentarily. Vali smirked slightly, as he added on to explain the situation before being asked.
"Allow me to introduce myself again. I am Vali Lucifer, and I am the great grandson of the Lilith, the Mother of all Devils." He paused again. "That would make you either my 'great grandmother' if you are a reincarnation or a 'cousin' if you are simply descended from her-" He would say more, basking in his moment of triumph of rendering her speechless if not for Kuroka who draped her body over his shoulder.
"Vali nyah~ So you do have a sense of humor nyah~~ Why wouldn't you play with Kuroka before nyah?" She teased, her fingers reaching to pull his cheeks before Vali swatted her hands away in irritation.
"... Can't you read the mood?" He groused but the ice was still broken for Bikou was chuckling to himself, Arthur and Le Fay were smiling and even the Priestess and her followers looked bemused. Besides Kochiyo, she just looked the same as always.
"I see. That... changes things." The Priestess finally replied after a while, seemingly deep in thought and she stood up.
"I guess I do owe her a favor. Will you come with me, Vali?" She asked politely and when Vali hesitated, she chuckled and that lowered the tension further. "Please be at ease, I believe you, and as I owe her a debt, I will break the rules just once." She gestured to him again, and Vali nodded, standing up and following Minako out of the room. This left Yuzu, Kochiyo and the rest of the Vali team in the room.
Members of Team Vali was not foolish enough to do anything threatening, they've heard from Vali a firsthand account of the short but deadly bout Kochiyo had with Siegfried. The other follower, Yuzu, shouldn't be underestimated as well.
"So... Er, do we wait here?" Kuroka however was friendly enough with them to break the semi-tense silence with a smile, causing Yuzu to blink before nodding her head.
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"Yes please. I will get someone to serve you some refreshments as you wait. It might take a while." Yuzu sighed at the end, knowing how long Minako-sama's conversations can take.
She already spent two hours earlier with Yasaka, Penemue and Kokabiel, and she was really worried for Minako's health. Minako-sama had never been able to get sufficient sleep, what with her duties and all. Yuzu had started to take over her duties of cleaning and maintaining the shrine of Inari-sama while Kirara was taking over the roles of the leader of this shrine as she prepared for her trip.
"Mm... can we stay the night here then nyah? If it's okay... I want to check on Shirone-chan nyah..." Kuroka clapped her hands together to plead her case, and she nudged Bikou with her foot to do the same. Shirone? Oh – she meant Koneko-chan.
"Ah – right... er, yeah... It'll take a while to go back, so letting us stay here would be great. It's not like we're going to tell Georg we are here. We are allies now... right?" Bikou added on, grinning but still slightly cautious as he agreed with Kuroka.
"He won't find out." Kochiyo was the one who replied, the first words she had spoken since she had arrived and it made the others jump slightly.
"That's a relief... hah... lucky we were in the area already yeah? I mean... we were planning to help Vali if Kokabiel, you know. But guess it all worked out." Bikou continued but the conversation stopped abruptly when Le Fay spoke up, surprising the rest.
"Excuse me. But may I ask you something, Miss Kochiyo?" Le Fay Pendragon was an energetic and cheerful girl but she had been strangely very quiet today, staying mostly in the shadow of her big brother, so when she spoke, the rest of the team fell quiet.
Kochiyo for her part, simply inclined her head slightly to show that she was listening.
"Are you a familiar? And do you have a contract?" They were simple questions, but two that Kochiyo didn't answer as she gave a small shrug.
"... you can't tell me?" Le Fay sounded sad, and it would be a potent weapon as her lips trembled and her eyes watered – but in the face of Kochiyo, the laconic Shinto Deity replied coldly.
"Classified information." That was a reply by itself – and Le Fay fell quiet before asking as she walked, stumbled towards Kochiyo like a girl possessed.
"Can I... make a contract with you?" The question forced Arthur to pull Le Fay back while Yuzu moved to cover Kochiyo with her body, looking very concerned.
"P-Please? Please, Miss Kochiyo! I have heard of your powers, and even if I am inexperienced still, I would really like to have a contract with you!"
"Le Fay, what are you saying – didn't you want to contract with a Devil? Why this -" Arthur was silenced when Le Fay whirled around to glare at him. Bikou and Kuroka just stared at the normally so polite girl chew out her big brother.
"What are you saying, Big brother? Situations can change! Don't sabotage my attempt to persuade Miss Kochiyo! She's an amazing individual that will definitely help me grow as a magician. Do you know what she has already accomplished? She's more amazing than any Devil right now!" She paused before turning back to Kochiyo – beaming as she added on. "I will help you too grow too, Miss Kochiyo! I know magic of the west, and I'm good with seals and barriers. I will be able to get us books on the matter so we can work on new spells together!" She managed to bypass Yuzu, who was now quite bemused, to hold Kochiyo's hands in hers. "And I saw how Georg's sacred gear works! So I'll share with you what I have. So please – if you can take another contract, let me be your contracted magician! It's okay if I am not your main contracted human, but please – do consider my request!" Le Fay bowed deeply to Kochiyo, even dropping to her knees to plead with the Shinto Deity.
"..." Kochiyo turned from Le Fay to Yuzu, who shrugged while smiling.
"... I will consider." She finally replied, causing Le Fay to jump in joy at the reply, hugging Kochiyo and letting her go in a second to hug her big brother while Yuzu sighed and rubbed her forehead.
"Seriously – this team is so carefree."
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Tamamo Branch Shrine – Minako's Quarters
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Minako was tired, and doubly so as she thought of all the things that she needed to do tomorrow. There was the usual – the many documents she received and need to be vetted through, observing Yuzu's upkeep of Inari Okami-sama's shrine as well as the daily updates for her. She was also not going to have any sleep tonight, keeping vigil together with some of her family members despite their insistence that she rest. But she was their head of house, and she need to lead the way.
With Susano-O-sama living her for a while, she needed to find some time to ask him why he was here too, and that was another item on her long list of laundry that needed to be resolved as soon as possible. There was also the issue of Katerea, and linked to it – Penemue, Kokabiel and Vali.
Especially Vali. She didn't know that the boy... she wasn't older than Vali, but she definitely felt older after the conversation that Lilith had with her great grandson. It had been a personal appeal from Lilith and Minako hadn't much reason to ignore, what with the 'Hanged-Man' Arcana manifesting over Vali's head when she had confronted him.
The 'Hanged-Man' Arcana symbolized an individual in the middle of two conflicts, two paths or worlds that he must choose. For Vali, it was his heritage of a human and of a Devil. That was also not considering his own inner conflict of the path of strength due to revenge, or for those he claimed as precious. To complicate things, he was also at a crossroad of choosing between betraying his adopted father, Azazel and staying loyal to him due to the Khaos Brigade as he couldn't choose both sides. Finally – his destiny of conflict with the bearer of the Boosted Gear, Hyoudou Issei.
Vali had a very bad impression of Issei-kun, and looked down on him tremendously for he was a human. Lilith had quickly put an end to that by reminding Vali that she was human too before she became who she was now.
As Lilith, the 'Mother of all Devils', she had authority over them that went beyond that of just her title and reputation. It was proven when Lilith dealt with Raiser Phenex decisively, affected Lord Gremory and even intimidated the three Maous present.
Vali was no different, and when he was so closely related to Lilith, the effect was doubled and Vali stood no chance as the two of them had a heart-to-heart moment.
It was difficult for Minako, for the conversation was intensely private – Lilith sharing fond memories of her and the original Lucifer, and also quite disheartening for what Lilith was trying to teach and remind Vali was simply the dream of the original Lucifer.
His dream was simple, to unite the Devils, and perhaps the Fallen Angels and thrive. There were no grand plans of conquest, no desire to defeat the Biblical God and the Angels that hunted them down.
The Original Lucifer was Satan, and before that was Helel – one of the Biblical God's finest and despite what the Biblical God did and ordered his siblings to do against his kin, the Original Lucifer still treated 'him' like a Father.
And despite what Michael might have done to him and his kin, he was still his brother – once, and still was.
Lilith, who had all but contempt for the Biblical God and his sexist views, but she and Minako might be biased there as well, had eventually converted to Lucifer's wishes.
He wanted a society that was just, fair and allowed all those that wished to excel to do so. There were no established hierarchies, the twenty seven pillars were supposed to be equals, and it was only after his passing did it all degenerate.
Minako would argue that it had simply reverted to how it was, but she digressed – it was sad because she now knew that the same problems she faced now were the same problems of the past.
Yes – she was biased in the sense that she felt that everyone was sexist, especially towards females, but it went beyond that.
What caused the Fall in her world was due to a lack of empathy, of acceptance and of understanding, and it was that misunderstanding and prejudice that caused so much conflict.
If the Biblical God could have listened to Lucifer/Helel, if Katerea had just paid attention to what she was trying to encourage, if Raiser Phenex was less of a... bastard, and if Diodora didn't have those misplaced values, would she even need to interfere then and there?
Sometimes Minako felt that she was struggling against a bunch of nonsensical individuals who were dumb, hot-headed and not willing to see the obvious solutions to the problem. Well the world in general was like that, wasn't it?
Do what unto others, what you wish they would do to you – isn't that common sense? Common sense wasn't that common after all. Apparently not to High Class Devils... but she was projecting and being biased, like so many others before her. She mustn't fall into her own trap. Rias, Sona, Sirzechs, Serafall, Ajuka and Grayfia were sensible and working with them was always a joy.
There were others too, Penemue, Gabriel, Inari Okami-sama and to a lesser degree, Amaterasu Omikami-sama and Kaguya-hime, but even with all their power and influence, it looked like she had to be the one to change the world. She had the will and the stubbornness to make it happen.
So be it – if that's what her mission was, it means that her plans were not made for nothing. The Fall cannot happen here, she will never allow it to.
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Tamamo Branch Shrine (The Next Day)
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The preparations were complete, what was left of the bodies were sealed away in separate wooden coffins before they were to be cremated. It had been a grisly task, collecting the grisly remains of what was left of Katerea's followers. Minako had apologized to Kiririn and the team of Kitsune she had summoned for help.
They had not accepted the apology, because they felt that helping a fellow family member was natural and need not be thanked. That said, she had still gone to thank them individually during dinner, much to their chagrin.
But it was nice, to have someone to help her and it made her happier to know that she wasn't alone, and that she had many others she could count on.
People like Ravel Phenex, who had spent the entire night helping her set up the altar, as well as the pyre that they were going to use to cremate the bodies. Ravel also suggested that she should be the one to light the flames, providing a sendoff with Devil created flames to better soothe their departed spirits. It was a nice gesture that not only she appreciated, the other shrine maidens who had gone through this ritual before praised Ravel for her thoughtfulness.
She imagined that other Devils would not look at it fondly. It was a ritual for the dead, the fallen done by another religion/faith, by a Deity that they had managed to drive away from their land(albeit temporarily) and by the hands of the 'enemy' who slayed them in the first place. The Old Maou Faction would definitely use that as a rallying point against her, but the Devils, if they were an integrated society like they claimed, this gesture would instead lower tensions and even help her cause and reputation.
A Faction who could bury and respect the dead of their enemies was one who had honor, dignity and respect for others.
The Youkai/Shinto Faction wasn't perfect – no Faction was. But she was determined to make it the most decent among all of the supernatural factions. One that would invite invitations to alliances and agreements rather than conflict.
To further bolster that image, she has invited not only Gabriel, Serafall, Penemue in addition to the guests of her shrine, but Rias and Sona's Peerage, Irina, Xenovia and Team Vali to the funeral.
Gabriel, Serafall and Penemue were the appointed representatives of the Biblical Faction that they were dealing with.
Rias and Sona's Peerage were the ones who were attacked and Vali were the aggressors. She wanted all of them present to show that she could encourage peace, understanding and harmony like she had pushed all the time as the spokesperson for the Youkai/Shinto Faction. The same principle was used to ask Irina and Xenovia to stay, although the two exorcists looked very awkward as representatives of the church along with Gabriel. She'll have to do something about that later – using senjutsu was amazing, but it also exposed Minako to a lot more information than she needed.
Kokabiel and Susano-O-sama invited themselves, but she wasn't about to chase them away – they were important players too.
"It is time, Minako-sama." Atsuko approached, tapped her elbow and whispered to her as she was praying and staying vigil in front of the altar as part of the wake.
"I understand." Minako answered before getting up smoothly in one move before accepting some incense from Ravel beside her still with her eyes closed. Kochiyo was there too, but she agreed in letting Ravel attend to her for this ceremony. She herself had another role and that was to begin reading the sutras to send the deceased off from the world of the leaving. She had managed to catch some shut eye before the guests arrived, having been forced by Atsuko to take some rest when she replaced her to stand vigil in her stead.
Kiririn and Kirara were engaged helping the Devils rebuild Kuoh Academy and the city while Yasaka-sama was invited to a meeting with Azazel with regards to the event. This left Atsuko the most senior out of all the members of her shrine, with Yuzu not far behind.
Yuzu was however receiving guests and was trying to ease the tension between Vali and Issei when one of the attending maidens had let it slip that the two Dragon Emperors were present in the wake. Kokabiel and Susano-O-sama's comments hadn't helped matters much, the two of them were getting along well – too well if one asked her.
While Vali had mellowed down tremendously after his little chat with his great grandmother – Albion too for that matter, it was Ddraig that was making the most fuss. Thankfully she didn't need to intervene as Yuzu manage to calm the two of them. Possibly with using her as a threat – but she was just grateful for the peace.
Issei was still grasping at straws after discovering that the Vanishing Dragon was allied to her. She herself was amazed at how much things had changed over a period of a week or two – but her life had never been normal – had it?
..
Minako lit three joss sticks before offering incense to the deceased, chanting sutras as she did so. Her voice was steady and collected as she placed it in the urn before stepping backwards and allowing Ravel to do the same, before being followed by Kochiyo.
As Minako continued chanting, Ravel guided Serafall, Gabriel and Penemue to the forefront to offer their respects as well.
Although they were enemies, there were Devils and Fallen Angels within the members of the fallen and they were elected to show their respects to the fallen. Gabriel was last, symbolizing forgiveness for the lives they took as they stole the Excaliburs, that – and she was sure that there were stray Exorcists who had been forced into the ranks of the Chaos Brigade.
Following Gabriel's offering of incense, there was some mumbling but Rias and Sona stepped up to offer some incense too before the rest of the guests did the same, offering quiet prayers as Minako continued to chant.
When all the guests had given their respects, Atsuko gestured for the other helpers to lift the caskets on their shoulders and carry them away. Minako followed the entourage carrying the caskets with Ravel and Kochiyo by her side. The guests were asked to wait while they send the dead off on their last journey.
The entourage moved in a steady column to the back of the shrine, and then followed a secluded path down the hill to where a funeral pyre was prepared to cremate their bodies.
When the caskets were lowered onto the pyre and the carriers stepped aside, Atsuko nodded to Ravel. The Phenex walked towards the pyre nervously. She, like the rest of the maidens that were helping out, was dressed in a miko outfit, only hers was white and blue.
Ravel bowed three times to the pyre, offered some more incense before casting the flame that would consume the pyre, cremating the bodies.
The entourage was silent as the fire consumed the bodies, purifying them. To the Youkai/Shinto Faction, there was nothing that fire cannot purify if they were burned and with the flames of the Phenex, they had sent the dead on their last journey.
It was Ravel's first wake and funeral and Minako hoped, despite knowing how futile it was, that there would be few occasions where she would have to call upon the young High Class Devil to help out in this manner.
"Let's help them rest, Ravel." Minako touched her shoulder gently to not surprise her and she guided Ravel on how to gather the cremated body's ashes into an urn for it to be buried.