It was a snowy day in Ishiyama. Makes sense since Christmas was basically around the corner.
At the Shingetsu Temple, the sound of wooden swords clashing was heard.
"NOT GOOD ENOUGH," Ittousai yelled. "YOU'RE STILL LEAVING YOURSELF OPEN ON THE LEFT!"
Furuichi was then sent skidding away. He was covered in bruises that quickly healed, but he seemed tired.
"It's a miracle that you've survived so many encounters with the Zodiac, let alone defeated a majority of that evil group. Tyrant's habit of toying with his targets also factor in your survival. If he wanted to, that villain would have killed you a countless number of times already," Ittousai explained.
Furuichi sighed as he got back to his feet. He then took a deep breath.
"Good. Clear your mind. What's next?"
Furuichi then started to take a stance before he froze. He then adjusted himself.
"Ah. Much better. That stance leaves no opening for attack. I see no crack in your defense. Now, let's see if you can keep that up."
"Sir!"
The teacher and student then charged at one another.
About an hour passed.
Furuichi was now sitting on the steps of the temple, sighing from exhaustion.
"You're improving, boy." He looked up at Ittousai, who was standing at the top of the stairs with his hands in his sleeves. "You seem to have finally kicked that habit of leaving your left side vulnerable."
"After months of being smacked by you, I should hope so."
"Hmph. But you still get cocky. If I had to guess, you rely far too much on your Luciferian blood. Having a high healing factor does not make you immortal. I'm sure you have already been humbled in that regard, correct?"
Furuichi looked down, his thoughts moving to Jackal. He was Furuichi's toughest one-on-one fight. The only Zodiac that actually came close to killing him. Tyrant never tried to deliver a killing blow, but Jackal most certainly did.
It also doesn't help that he now knows that his powers can be sealed if he catches so much as a cold. If it weren't for the Pillar Tissues, Fallen Demon would have killed him.
Those two events showed him that he needed to train more than ever. That he needed to be strong, even at his weakest and most vulnerable. He's been training with Ittousai, the Pillar Squad, and Lilith as much as he could since his fight with Fallen Demon. His swordsmanship has improved greatly because of Ittousai, his combat knowledge has increased dramatically thanks to the Pillar Squad, and his powers have reached incredible heights thanks to Lilith.
Lilith was arguably the best one to train with since she had time manipulation powers. She could manipulate time in her personal room to move in a way where a single day in the outside world is a full decade in the room. Of course, the moment Furuichi, Yukihime, or Ifrit leaves the room; they revert back to their original time.
Good thing, too, since it would be weird for everyone to see Furuichi in his late twenties, no matter how handsome he was.
"Learning the more advanced techniques in Shingetsuryuu will most certainly aid you, but you must always remember the very basics of combat."
"Yes, sir."
"I'm sure the Pillars have said my exact words, correct?"
Furuichi looked at Ittousai in surprise. "How did you-"
"I can practically smell them on you. You've been traveling to the Demon World in order to have them train you, yes?"
Furuichi was quiet for a bit before he sighed. "Not just me, but Yukihime and Ifrit as well. They've both become incredibly powerful thanks to that training."
"And I'm sure training with Lilith has made them even stronger."
"I'm starting to think you're able to track me, Kunieda-san."
"Hmph. It's good that you're taking training seriously. As powerful as you are, you still need a teacher to show you how to better wield your awesome power. You aren't up against mere thugs and low-level demons. You're up against some of the worst of the worst. You must be ready."
"And I certainly plan to be," Furuichi said with a strong smile.
Ittousai approved of what he saw.
"By the way, where's Kunieda? I haven't even seen little Kota."
"Ah. Aoi is out doing some Christmas shopping. How shameful. She should be training, yet instead she's wasting time on that ridiculous holiday," Ittousai said as he walked away. "She should be practicing her techniques or reciting some Shinto prayers."
Furuichi then looked up towards the white sky. "Christmas, huh? Can't believe it's almost the end of the year." Furuichi looked up at the sky for a bit longer before getting up. "Kunieda-sensei, I'm leaving now. I need to go get some gifts."
"The Son of Lucifer celebrates the Birth of Christ?"
Furuichi scoffed. "Please. Christmas is all about Santa and the presents. Most people don't care that much about the religious aspect. We just use it as an excuse to throw parties and to buy and get presents. There's basically nothing Christian about it. I'm safe."
"Hmph. Very well. Be on your way. But don't slack off on your training," Ittousai said as he turned his back on Furuichi."]
"Yes, sir," Furuichi said before flying away as darkness.
Later, he was walking around the mall, looking for anything his family might like.
"Hm? Furuichi-kun?"
Furuichi looked towards the voice. "Kunieda-senpai. This is a surprise. I just left your house. Hm?"
"What?"
"Hm," Furuichi went as he leaned in closer to Kunieda, a hand on his chin.
"W-What? You're really close, you know," she said with a blush.
"You know... that might be one of your hottest looks. You're really pretty. You look good with your hair like that while wearing glasses. Good job," Furuichi said with a thumbs up.
"Nah?!" She turned completely red as steam left her head. "YOU IDIOT," she yelled after slapping him hard enough to make him spin. "AH! SORRY," she yelled as she stopped his spinning.
"Uuuh, is the ride over? Let's go again," said a swirly-eyed Furuichi. He then shook his head. "Man, you can slap."
"Sorry," she said with an apologetic bow.
"It's no problem. My powers are back, so I'm already fully healed. Plus, I'm already pretty tough. Anyway, I'm guessing you're doing some Christmas shopping?"
"Huh? Oh! Yeah. I am." She then took out a list. "I already ordered the cake and got all of the ingredients for the Christmas dinner, so there shouldn't be anything I forgot to buy. All that's left..." Kunieda looked down at her baby brother, who was looking at some Rice Boy masks. "Is to get Kouta a gift," she whispered into Furuichi's ear.
"Hm. Any idea what he wants?"
"Huh? Um, a few guesses, why?"
"I'll buy it."
"Eh?"
"As his Christmas gift. I don't live with you, so he wouldn't think twice about me buying his gift. He'd probably think I was getting it for someone else."
"B-But I can't let you do that!"
"Ah, it's alright. I don't mind. I'm rich, after all. . . Or are you a bit jealous?"
"Eh?"
"After all..." Furuichi made Kunieda blush when he held her chin and got close to her, looking right into her eyes. "I offered to get Kouta a gift but completely ignored you. I should obviously get the beautiful older sister a gift if I'm going to spoil the adorable younger brother, right?"
"E-E-E-E-EEEEEH?! W-W-W-W-W-WHAT'S GOING ON WITH YOU?!"
"I'm a man in front of a beautiful woman. Shouldn't it be obvious," Furuichi asked as he leaned in closer as if he was preparing to kiss her.
"W-Wait. I-I'm not... mentally," Kunieda struggled to say as she closed her eyes... and puckered her lips, preparing for the kiss.
"OGA KICK!"
Kunieda's eyes shot open in time to see Furuichi getting kicked in the head. Oga landed before her as a loud thud was heard.
"How is it that I can avoid a hit from the Black Zodiacs and every regular human, but I can't seem to so much as sense an attack coming from you or Kunieda," Furuichi yelled as he jumped back to his feet.
"Ah, who gives a crap about logical shit in a fanfic based on a gag manga," Oga asked.
"Actually, a surprising amount of people," Furuichi said.
"Seriously? This is a fanfic based off of a gag manga involving demons and angels and magic. We break the fourth wall every few chapters, don't we? If people are looking for logic and sense, then they're reading the wrong story."
"Well, it has been getting complaints about me not training."
"Like the writer is gonna waste time on something like that. He's a lazy, anime-watching, gamer with a job."
"True."
"But screw that noise. The hell were you doing just now!?"
"Uh, messing with Kunie. I wasn't really going to kiss her. I just wanted to tease her."
"Nyah," Kunieda went, her glasses hiding her eyes.
"Ho-hooo? Is that why you two were under a mistletoe?"
". . . Come again?" Oga pointed up. Furuichi and Kunieda looked to see that there was indeed a mistletoe, making the two blush at once. "T-That was a coincidence! I really was just teasing her!" Furuichi was then punched in the face by a still blushing Kunieda. "I'll admit, I deserved that."
Oga huffed before she looked at Kunieda. "Hey, you're... Kunie Aoi, right? Long time no see."
"Ah... Ah... That's right, it has been! Long time no see!"
"Sorry about my idiot here," Oga said as she smacked the back of his head. "It's only been a few months since we last saw each other, and here he is trying to kiss ya. The perv."
"I-It's alright."
"Woman!" Kunieda jumped at the familiar voice. Everyone looked to see Henry walking towards them. "Why are you wasting time? We must find something suitable for the Young Master. Though, I doubt we shall find anything worthy to be his here. I will never understand how I allowed you to convince me to obtain an offering for him here. We should have gotten something from the list I gave you."
"Like hell!"
"What was on it," Furuichi asked.
"Tch. The very first thing was my soul."
A strike was heard, followed by groaning. Oga looked with wide eyes at Furuichi, his fist buried in Henry's gut.
"Damn you... Luciferian," he groaned as he fell to his knees, holding his stomach.
"If you even try to take so much as a hair form Oga, I'll personally tear apart your soul," Furuichi said, his eyes glowing silver.
"Damn, that was satisfying to watch. Anyway, the next thing was 15 loyal servants. The last thing was a Demon World Monster Gorgonzola."
"Oh, the giant dragon species that's about 180 meters tall?"
Oga blinked at Furuichi. "How... did you know that?"
"One of Lilith's hobbies is collecting monsters. She has an entire zoo of monsters of all shapes and sizes under her control," Furuichi explained as an image of Lilith pushing up her glasses while standing on the head of a Gorgonzola appeared, the giant dragon surrounded by other nightmarish and awesome monsters.
Oga stared at Furuichi with her arms crossed. "Your mom's right hand... is seriously crazy."
"You're tellin' me. She actually made me capture a white one as training. It was tough, but I did it."
"You WHAT?!" Everyone looked at a shocked Henry. "You... captured a Blue-eyed White Gorgonzola?"
"Yeah. Why? That a big deal?"
Henry looked down. "The Blue Eyes... is the Alpha of the Gorgonzolas. They're the strongest of their species. Only the greatest of warriors can defeat one, let alone capture one."
"Seriously? And Lilith just said it was a 'good start'. That aunt of mine is seriously hard to please."
Henry's eye was hidden. "Woman, we won't capture a Gorgonzola for the Young Master."
"Good. No way am I going to the Demon World during Christmas. I hate that place so-"
"Instead, we will capture a Fatalis!"
"A what," Oga asked with a blank expression.
"It is the rarest of the Demon World's Elder Dragons!"
"Are you sure you're not just quoting Monster Hunter?"
"Even the Gorgonzola fears this mighty dragon! I should have suggested this as a gift for the Young Master from the very beginning!"
"Oh, God, he's serious."
"Yes, we shall capture the mighty Fatalis for the Young Ma-STA?!" Henry stood in place before he fell forward with a thud.
Oga looked down at him before looking up at Furuichi, who still had his hand raised from chopping Henry's neck. "Thank you."
"No problem. Still, I'm surprised to know that the famous dragon from Monster Hunter was real. Wonder how many more actually exist."
"As long as there isn't a Diabolos. I hated hunting those things."
"Oh, yeah. Those quests were always hard."
"Anyway, now that this annoying bastard is down and out..." Oga lifted Henry easily. "I'm going home. You can buy our gifts without me. I want a badass new jacket, Furuichi. And make sure whatever you get Baby Beel makes the kid happy. I don't wanna be shocked on Christmas, got it?"
Furuichi sighed. "Yes, ma'am."
"Good. Later, Aoi. Say hi to Kunieda for me."
"Ah... yeah. Bye. Bye bye, Beel." She and Furuichi watched Oga walk away with Henry on her shoulder. "That really should look weird to us."
"Yet it's our normal. Well, I guess I'd better get to shopping."
"You're really doing it?"
"It's either that or be sent flying to China via Oga's fist."
Kunieda giggled at that.
"Ah."
"Hm? Something wrong?" She noticed he was looking up. She followed his gaze. What she saw made her blush.
"Twice in a row," he asked as he looked up at the mistletoe. He then got an idea and simply kissed Kunieda's cheek. He smiled at the still girl. "Merry Christmas." He then walked away.
Kunieda stood completely still, her expression blank. Then, her head exploded. "Christmas... banzai."
Furuichi's eyebrow twitched as he smiled nervously... at an annoyed Yukihime. "She still looks cute with her cheek puffed up, though."
"Um, Yukihime-san?"
"Hmph," she went as she turned away from Furuichi, her tail thumping against the floor angrily.
"Y-Yukihime-chan? What's wrong?"
Yukihime looked at Furuichi, her cheeks puffing up even more. "Foxes have sensitive noses."
"I-I see."
"I can smell Kunieda Aoi's scent on your lips."
Furuichi jolted. "Um... I was under the mistletoe with her, you know." The room got much colder. Furuichi immediately groveled. "SORRY!"
"Hmph. You're so sinful, Master, stringing the hearts of young maidens as you do. You could be mistaken for an Asmoduesian for your actions."
"SORRY! I'M REALLY, SERIOUSLY SORRY! THOUGH I PROMISE YOU, I NEVER KISSED HER LIPS! IT WAS JUST ON THE CHEEK! THE CHEEK!"
Yukihime never stopped pouting. "If you want my forgiveness..." Furuichi looked up to see Yukihime waging her tail slowly. "Then groom my tail as punishment."
". . . Eh?"
Moments later, Furuichi was combing Yukihime's beautiful tail. "This is a punishment?" Furuichi loved to touch Yukihime's tail. It was so soft, warm, and fluffy. It was like fondling a cloud. Furuichi was just about to bury his face in her warm, comfortable fur.
"Don't you dare," Yukihime said in a sing-song voice. She then smiled at Furuichi. "You are to only groom my tail. That means no hugging, snuggling, or cuddling."
Furuichi got a depressed shadow over his head. "Now it's a punishment."
A mentally drained Furuichi was walking around St. Ishiyama's hallways heading towards his next class when he saw something. "Couple limited Saint-Sent Christmas, eh?"
"Furuichi-san." He looked to see Kazu and Azusa heading towards him.
"Heeeyaa."
"Oh, you two. Do you know anything about this odd event?"
"Oh, yeah. We're taking part in it," Kazu said.
"Oh, so you two are finally dating, huh?"
The two turned redder than Kunieda.
"F-Furuichi-san, it isn't taken too seriously. Most people participate in it pretty lightheartedly. Though people do use it as a chance to start dating."
"Ah... Kazu... are you..."
The two walked away while blushing.
Furuichi sighed. "Just start dating already!"
Meanwhile in the classroom.
"Hm, couple limited, huh," Kunieda sighed. "This school sure is tolerant of stuff like that. Stuff like couples. It's... It's not like I have any interest, though."
"Sis," Ryoko thought.
"She's totally interested," Nene thought.
"Cute," Chiaki thought.
"Aoi-nee-san, why not ask Furuichi," Yuka asked energetically with a thumbs up. "I'll even help you out!"
"Idiot," Ryoko thought.
"If you say that something like that, she'll just go red and deny it," Nene thought.
"And you're doing this because you know it will happen," Chiaki thought.
"Geez, Yuka. Don't say it so lightly. It's something I need courage for," Kunieda said with a cute blush.
Furuichi just walked in, only to see the Red Tails asking if Kunieda was alright. He just shrugged his shoulders as he sat down at his desk. The next thing he knew, the group was talking about Santa. They somehow got it in their head that he was seriously strong, and that his clothes were red because it was the blood of his enemies.
Then, he heard something that actually caught his attention.
"Yuka, you haven't forgotten our law, have you," Nene asked. "You shall not have yourself a man. It's the iron law that we've followed since the founder. A giddy event like this has nothing to do with us."
"Wait, the founder said that?"
Nene looked at Furuichi. "Yeah. What about it?"
He took a contemplative look. "That... doesn't sound like her."
"Hah? And why are you talking like you know the founder?" Nene looked visibly angry.
"Hold on a second," Furuichi said as he took out his phone. "Hey, Misaki. Am I bothering you?"
"Misaki? As in," Yuka began.
"The name of the legendary founder," Ryoko finished.
"No, no way," Nene said.
"Huh? What? Did I say something like that? Well, screw that. Must have been before you grew into such a hottie."
"Misaki," Furuichi said in embarrassment with a light blush.
"It's fine. Whatever. Just break a boring law like that. I mean, if I was still the boss, I wouldn't be able to date you, so to hell with it. LOVE MAIDENS!"
Nene then grabbed Furuichi's phone. "Is this the founder?! I'm the current fourth leader. My name is Nene. Yes... um... no... Ah... THANK YOU VERY MUCH!"
Furuichi then took his phone back from the panting Nene. "Well, that happened," he said as he put his phone back in his pocket.
He was then grabbed by a still excited Nene. "And how do you know Ms. Misaki's phone number? Is it because you're some big shot superhero?"
"Huh? No. It's because she's Oga's older sister."
There was silence. The Red Tails then jumped up and yelled, "SERIOUSLY," in unison.
"Huh, I assumed you all knew."
"WE DIDN'T KNOW!"
"Ah. Then Oga is going to be seriously pissed at me."
"I am?" Furuichi jumped as he turned to see said girl in the doorway. "What did you do this time?"
"Uh..."
"Ah, whatever. Not important right now. Anyway, look at this." Oga held up the flier. "Apparently, Santa comes. If we win, we can get as many presents as we want. Convenient, huh? So, let's join in."
Kunieda was about to say something.
"Uh, Oga? I'm not interested in that."
Kunieda froze, looking like she just got shot.
"Hah," Oga went in annoyance.
Furuichi pointed at himself. "Rich demon prince, remember? There's nothing this competition can offer that I can't get myself. I mean, you want me to buy you a jacket, right?"
"Oh, yeah. So, this thing's a waste of time, since I have my own Santa right in front of me," Oga said as she crumpled up the paper and threw it over her shoulder. It even landed perfectly in the trash can.
"So it's agreed, neither of us is interested in the Saint-Sent Christmas." Kunieda looked a bit depressed... but she also felt relieved. She can at least take solace that Furuichi won't join the competition with Oga.
"That's good to hear, Your Highness."
"Lilith?" Furuichi accidentally said the demon's name out loud. Only the girls were curious. The boys were too busy talking about how much of a badass Santa might be.
"Had you participated in an event dedicated to the birth of Christ, symbolic or not, I would have disciplined you. Strictly disciplined you."
"Scary. So, I doubt you called me just to tell me that, right?"
"You are correct, Young Prince. Since you will not be participating in that ridiculous event, I would like for you to embark on a capture mission."
"A what? Are you sending me to catch another monster like before? What is it, a Red Gorgonzola?"
"Don't be absurd. As if I would send you to capture such a weak beast."
"Wait, they exist?"
"Of course. However, seeing as how you captured a White Gorgonzola, you need a far greater challenge. You will find the beast in the ruins of a long abandoned castle in Europe."
"Eur-"
"You want me to go all the way to Europe?!" Furuichi hadn't realized that he said that out loud. It wasn't loud enough to get the attention of the boys, but definitely loud enough for the girls to hear him.
"Don't be so dramatic, Your Highness. You're a Transfer Demon."
"Well, when you put it that way."
"I will send you the coordinates of where you will find the beast."
"Wow. That's pretty high up."
"Indeed. Enough for it to be forgotten by human history itself, with only the local humans knowing of its existence. However, they fear and worship the ruins as sacred ground."
"Because of the dragon?"
"Precisely."
"Alright. Are there any conditions?"
"None at all. However, I would recommend you bring both of your familiars, especially Ifrit. Your target is weak against fire, so his power will be quite useful."
"Thank you, Lilith."
"I will be awaiting your success, Your Highness." Furuichi then sensed Lilith's demonic energy disappear.
"Okay." Furuichi then walked out of the room.
"Oh, no ya don't," Oga yelled out, chasing after Furuichi. She didn't realize that she was followed by Kunieda and Nene.
"Think we should go, too," Ryoko asked.
"To watch, you mean," Yuka asked. "If it involves them, then it's bound to be interesting, so yeah."
"Too late," Chiaki said.
"Ah! Good point! Those guys are seriously fast," Yuka yelled.
"Well, so much for that. Any other ideas?"
Yuka looked at the full trash bin and picked up the Saint Sent flier. "Hm, maybe one."
Furuichi turned a corner that leads into a dark dead end and opened a portal, only to be tackled into it. Of course, Oga was the one who tackled into him. However, what she didn't know was that Kunieda grabbed her jacket before they were sucked into the portal, with Nene wrapping her chain around Kunieda's leg.
The girls were screaming as they fell through the dark portal, all of them with their eyes closed.
"You can open your eyes now."
Nene opened one eye, only to see Furuichi looking down at her. She then realized she was in his arms. "WHA-?! EH?! WHERE'S SIS?! AND OGA?!"
Furuichi motioned behind him. Nene looked to see Oga with her arms around Furuichi's waist and Kunieda tightly clenching Oga's jacket.
"Well, that's an interesting sight." Everyone looked to see Ifrit and Yukihime. "Three Princess Candidates in one place, with one in Noble's arms while the other two are clinging onto him."
Nene blushed at Ifrit's words. "Put... me... down," she said with a deep blush, her eyebrow twitching with her eyes closed. Furuichi followed the order.
He then felt his foot being crushed and hopped around in pain. He then turned to an annoyed Oga. "Why," he asked in pain, still hopping.
"One: I wanted to. Two: Because of that crazy trip through your damned portal."
"That was your fault."
"Hah?!"
"I didn't have enough time to fine tune it. I opened it, but you pushed me into it before I could stabilize it. That takes time and energy, you know, especially since I was transferring to a place I've never been to."
"Speaking of which, where are we," Kunieda asked. "It's... beautiful, in a mysterious way."
"Welcome to one of the many castles forgotten by human history," Yukihime said.
"Looks like a hell of a fight was here," Nene said as she looked at the ruins.
"There probably was," Ifrit said. This castle was once a natural fortress that any general would want for a headquarters, let alone a noble or royal wanting it for safety. However, the battle was way too violent, destroying the castle that once stood here. It also doesn't help that there's now a dragon calling this place home."
"So how do we find this dragon," Furuichi asked.
"We don't, Master. It finds us," Yukihime explained.
"Oh, great. So we're sitting ducks," Oga said.
"Don't worry. I can send you three back easily," Furuichi said as he raised his hand, glowing with demon energy.
"And let you fight a dragon? No way," Nene said.
"She's right, Furuichi. I get that you're strong, but even you still need help, especially against a mythical monster," Kunieda said.
"You sure have protective wives, Noble," Ifrit said with a chuckle. Furuichi just sighed.
Kunieda blushed before she looked up. "Huh?"
"Is something wrong, Sis?"
"Is that... an eclipse?"
Everyone looked to see what Kunieda meant.
"That... shouldn't be possible," Furuichi said.
They all watched as the sun was engulfed by darkness. Then, something came flying towards them. A massive, white dragon was now floating above them.
"Oh, you've got to be kidding me," Furuichi said.
"Is this a damn Monster Hunter crossover," Nene asked as she took out her chain.
"I think Lady Lilith might be going overboard to ask you to capture this, Noble," Ifrit said as he summoned his sword.
"The most powerful of the Elder Dragons. No, this is indeed a worthy opponent, Ifrit," Yukihime said as she created an ice spear.
"Tch, Henry would love this situation," Oga said as she got into a fighting stance.
"Kunieda," Furuichi called out. She looked in time to catch a sheathed katana. She drew the weapon as she prepared for the fight.
"Bring it on, White Fatalis," Furuichi said as he summoned his own sword.
The mighty dragon let out an awesome roar, red lightning striking all around the ruins.
One of the bolts of lighting went for Furuichi. He just raised his hand and actually caught the crimson electricity. He then slammed his palm onto the ground, dispersing the energy. He smirked at his own accomplishment. "Thank you, Baby Beel, for giving me such high lighting resistance."
"Da," he went with a thumbs up.
"Now then... we have a dragon's ass to kick," Furuichi yelled out as he swung his sword.
"Hell yeah," the group yelled out. They then scattered.
Oga ran right at the dragon. She wasn't afraid of the lightning at all. If Furuichi could take it, she sure as hell could take it as well. She got to prove it when a bolt went towards her. She actually tried to punch it, only to get quite the shock.
Her body was glowing red from the lightning, but she wasn't even so much as screaming. When it cleared, her eyes were hidden by her hair. She then smirked. "Not bad. It hurt about as much as one of Baby Beel's crying fits. Still..."
She then lunged towards the dragon. "IT'S GONNA TAKE A HELL OF A LOT MORE THAN THAT TO TAKE ME DOWN! ZEBUL BLAST!"
The energy blast hit the dragon point blank in the face. "How's that?!"
When the smoke cleared, Oga was shocked to see an annoyed dragon without so much as a scratch. "Whoa. Tough lizard."
She was then sent flying by the dragon's tail whip. She was about to slam into a pillar before Ifrit caught her. "Tough doesn't even begin to describe a White Fatalis. It's considered one of the strongest Elder Dragons for a reason. It usually takes a platoon of seasoned hunters to take one down. Only the strongest of veterans can defeat one. And if you think he's tough now, just wait until we piss him off."
"You mean when it turns nice and red?"
"Oh, aren't you knowledgeable."
"I've played more than enough Monster Hunter, dude."
The dragon then went up on its hind legs before slamming down, causing the area to shake, as well as release a wave of electricity. Yukihime created an ice barrier to stop the electricity, which was a huge success. However, the Fatalis easily destroyed it with just a single roar.
Then, it felt something wrap around its center horn. The mighty beast looked to see a simple chain around it. It then followed the chain to see a red-haired human at the end. It was about to send lighting her way before a silver-haired human appeared next to her.
"Good aim, Nene," Furuichi said as he grabbed the chain. Then, with a mighty pull, he slammed the Fatalis' head into the ground, surprising the beast. "KUNIEDA!"
The dragon glared at the human beneath its chin, the woman glowing a pink aura. "Shingetsuryuu Battoujustsu, Nishiki: Hyakka Midare Zakura!"
The dragon was confused to see Kunieda disappear before it felt like it was being slashed by countless blades. It roared in pain and anger as it bit at Nene's chain, destroying it.
"Crap," she went.
Furuichi then reached into a portal and threw a new chain at Nene. She analyzed the chain, comparing it to her old one. "Not bad."
"It's made of tungsten, but don't get your hopes up. That metal's still probably like a twig to this guy."
"Then I'd better not let him break it," Nene said as she whirled the chain around.
Furuichi then charged at the dragon and took out his guns. He started firing around the monster's eyes, agitating the beast. It looked down at Furuichi before becoming airborne. The beast then lunged at Furuichi, which was exactly what he was hoping for.
Holstering his guns, Furuichi caught the dragon by it's massive lower jaw, keeping the struggling monster in place. "Ifrit!"
Ifrit jumped high into the air above the beast, his body surrounded by flame. "Hell Meteora!" Ifrit then threw a massive ball of flame upon the dragon, engulfing it in flame.
The Fatalis roared in pain before its eyes glowed in anger. With a flap of its wings, it dispersed the flames and took to the sky, flying past Ifrit. When the powerful demon fell to the ground, he looked up in time to see the Fatalis releasing massive orbs of red lightning.
"Everyone, to me," Yukihime cried out.
When everyone was around her, Yukihime created a massive dome of ice. It protected them from the lightning orbs, but Yukihime had to continuously pour her demon energy into the dome, maintaining its durability. She released a sigh of relief when the bombardment ceased.
The top of the dome was then ripped off, with Fatalis now looking down on the group. However, Furuichi, Ifrit, and Oga lunged at the monster; all three of them punching the creature away.
The beast skidded away before it came to a halt and glared at the three standing on the ice dome. Then, the monster surrounded itself with red lightning, which engulfed the monster. When the lightning hit the Fatalis, its horns and talons turned as red as the lightning, the dragon releasing an awesome roar that caused even more lightning than before to fall.
"Now it's pissed," Ifrit said.
"Do we really have to bring this thing in alive," Oga asked.
"That's what Lilith said. Still, way easier said than done," Furuichi stated.
"Here comes a big one," Ifrit yelled out.
Furuichi and Oga watched as the beast jumped up only to slam to the ground and release a powerful laser.
Furuichi charged towards it and held it back with his bare hands. The beam was pushing him back, tearing away at his clothes. His sleeves were pretty much nonexistent before the force of the blast tore his shirt open. Then, with a mighty battle cry, Furuichi threw the laser into the atmosphere.
He was winded by that, so he wasn't surprised to see the White Fatalis in front of him, jaws wide open as it prepared to eat him.
However, Ifrit appeared before Furuichi and gave the dragon a flaming high kick to the chin. He then gave the dragon a roundhouse kick, which caused it to skid away, but not before it retaliated with an electrified tail to Ifrit's back, sending him crashing into a wall.
Furuichi then grabbed the Fatalis' tail, surprising the dragon. Before it knew what was happening, Furuichi began to spin the dragon around. He spun around with enough speed and force to make a tornado, right before he slammed the dragon into the ground, causing an earthquake with enough force to shatter Yukihime's dome. She, Kunieda, and Nene jumped out of it before it could fall on top of them.
The dragon was lodged into the ground, seemingly unconscious. Then, a single eye opened, the orb glowing red. The dragon easily got out of the ground before releasing the loudest roar yet. Red lightning was striking everywhere at an unpredictable rate. The group didn't have a chance to run for cover. All they could do was shield their eyes, hoping they wouldn't get hit.
Nene then looked up and saw something that made her eyes widen in horror. It was as if time was moving to a crawl when she a red lightning bolt falling right at her. She could feel the power radiating from it, and knew there was no way she could survive a hit from the fatal lightning.
Then, she felt someone embrace her. She looked to see Furuichi, who raised his hand and took the full brunt of the lightning, the electricity not moving towards her at all. Then, Furuichi slammed his hand onto the ground, dispersing the lightning.
"You alright?"
"Me?! I'm not the one who became a human lightning rod!"
Furuichi chuckled. "This is nothing compared to Baby Beel's tantrums." He then looked at the enraged Fatalis with a serious gaze. "Still, this is getting extreme. You think you can handle this?"
"Oi." Furuichi looked towards Nene, who was looking up at him with burning eyes. "You lookin' down on me?" She then got up and walked in front of him. "I'm the Fourth Leader of the Red Tails. If I back down from an overgrown lizard with a bad case of static shock, I'd forever shame our gang." She then held out her chain, looking ready to continue fighting. "You're damn right I can handle this."
Furuichi smiled before he pointed his hand towards Nene. "Transfer."
Nene then felt a surge of power. She felt like she could take on the world. She then realized that her chain was beginning to glow. It then ignited, engulfed in a glorious flame.
"Thought as much." Nene looked up to see Ifrit land before her. "I could sense it the moment I saw you. Your affinity is Fire. Noble just woke up the magic sleeping within you. Gave your little weapon one hell of an upgrade."
Nene looked down at her chain, her eyes sparkling in awe.
"And you know what?" She looked up at Ifrit, who was surrounded by flame himself with a giant smirk. "The White Fatalis is pretty weak against fire. You wanna show it what you've got, Princess Candidate Nene?"
Nene's eyes hardened. "You're damn right I do. And by the way..."
"Hm," Ifrit went after Nene wrapped him up with her chain.
"It's Fourth Red Tail Leader Nene," she yelled before she started to spin.
"Whoa! Whoa! WHOA! WHOA-WHOA-WHOAWHOAWHOA-WHOOHOOOO," Ifrit yelled as Nene spun him before shooting him towards the Fatalis.
The Proud Familiar of Flame might as well be a living meteor as he flew towards the dragon. The beast released another powerful beam from its mouth, only for Ifrit to slice right through it like it was nothing. Ifrit then landed a flaming punch with so much force, that the dragon actually spun in midair before slamming into the ground.
The battered dragon groaned as it struggled to get back up, only for it to feel searing pain around its neck. It looked to see that Nene had wrapped her chain around its neck. "You're staying down for this, ya giant gecko!"
Then, with the remaining magic still within her, Nene used demonic strength to slam the dragon's head back onto the ground. "Oga!"
The dragon tried to get back up when it sensed something above it. He glanced up to see Oga above it, right before a large emblem appeared before her. "Take this, you albino Geico mascot! Zebul Emblem!"
Oga punched the huge emblem in front of her countless times with both fists before finishing it off with a powerful kick. The result was a massive explosion of such a grand scale, that the dragon released a roar of pain that shook the very air.
"You shouldn't open your mouth so wide," Kunieda said as she was basically floating in front of the dragon. "Let's go, Koma!"
"Yes, ma'am!"
"Black Techs: Ichishiki Kai Hazan Kikiuichimonji Tsuinosen!"
Kunieda slammed her sword right on top of the dragon's muzzle, forcing it to shut with enough force to make it sound like a thunderclap.
The dragon stumbled a bit, looking exhausted. It looked like it was barely able to stand.
"Time to end this." The dragon looked to see Furuichi approaching.
As if gaining a second wind, the dragon growled as it began to charge. Red lightning was crashing everywhere. The ground was so electrified that everyone felt like they were standing on a giant joy-buzzer.
Even Oga seemed uncomfortable. "Furuichi, I'm pretty sure it's getting ready for the big one!"
"I'm counting on it."
The dragon's eyes then shot open. It then opened it's massive maw, revealing a huge orb of violent, red lightning. Then, it fired the biggest beam yet. The sheer size was enough to destroy a city three times the size of Ishiyama. Everyone in the area felt like they were being hit by Baby Beel's cries, no one able to move, and they weren't even in the beam's path.
Furuichi just stood before the rapidly approaching beam, steeling himself. He then slammed his hands against the beam, putting himself and the dragon in a stalemate.
"You see this, dragon?!" The dragon's eyes actually looked surprised. "This is your strongest attack, yet I'm holding it back so easily! Let this be a lesson to you! Let it be known that I AM STRONGER THAN YOU!" Furuichi then did something awesome.
He punched the giant beam into the sky.
Before the dragon could do anything else, Furuichi lunged towards it. Gripping its grand horn, Furuichi placed a hand between the eyes of the dragon. "ABSORPTION!"
The dragon then stumbled, feeling even more tired than before. It felt as if all of it's power, magic, and energy was being drained away. It could feel it coming: defeat.
"Yukihime!"
The dragon then felt a cold sensation on its tail. With what little strength it had left, it looked to see Yukihime holding onto the tip of its tail. "Glacial Prison!"
The dragon watched as its body began to freeze over. It knew it had lost... but it refused to be defeated in an undignified fashion. As if in a show of defiance, the White Fatalis stood up and extended its wings. The dragon even held it's head high. It was standing magnificently as Yukihime's spell completely encased it in ice.
The group then walked in front of the frozen dragon.
"So it decided to lose while standing. Not bad," Furuichi said.
"Gotta admit, that's pretty badass," Oga said with her arms crossed.
"Uwiii," Baby Beel went with his little fist in the air.
"Proud to have kicked that dragon's ass, eh, Baby Beel," Oga asked the baby.
"He should. Taking down a White Fatalis is no easy feat, let alone capture one alive," Ifrit said. "Then again, only demons at Lilith's level have ever been able to capture an Elder Dragon, let alone one of the strongest in existence."
"So, do the other dragons exist," Kunieda asked.
"Or any of the other monsters in Monster Hunter," Nene added.
"Oh, hell yeah. In fact, I'm wondering how you humans even found out about them, to begin with. I've only ever seen them in the Demon World, so it's odd to see them in a game franchise."
"Hah! So now I know I can beat the crap about of a Diablos with my bare hands! Who needs a big ass sword when you have guns like these," Oga bragged as she kissed her biceps.
Furuichi chuckled before he looked back at the dragon. "Well, better take this to Lilith."
"You can do that," Kunieda asked.
"Yeah. Might take me a few minutes, but I should have enough power to transfer this guy to Luciferia. Plus, we're on a mountain, so the natural energy should make it easier for me to transfer to the Demon World."
"Could your Familiars, help you," Nene asked.
"Um, Lady Nene, we're not Transfer Demons," Yukihime said.
"Then how the hell did you get here before us," Oga asked.
"Through the butler," Ifrit said as he pointed behind him with his thumb.
"Hello," Alaindelon said with a raised hand.
"Old guy," Oga yelled out. "Been a while."
"The writer saw no use for me until now. I'm not even in the arc he's skipping," Alaindelon said with a tear in his eye. "Oh, and one more thing. Pa-kaa," He said as he opened up.
"LUCIFERIAN!"
"Oh, dammit," Furuichi said with an annoyed sigh.
He then caught Henry's sword. "HOW DARE YOU TAKE THE YOUNG MASTER?! AND YOU, WOMAN! WHY ARE YOU WASTING TIME WITH THIS FOOL WHEN YOU SHOULD BE PREPARING... To... capture a... By the Great Demon Lord himself, is that what I think it is?"
"If you think it's one of the toughest bosses in the Monster Hunter franchise, then yeah, it's a White Fatalis," Oga said.
Henry walked up to the frozen dragon. "Glorious. Even frozen in time, it is still so majestic. You can just feel the power and majesty of the beast."
"I definitely felt it when it smacked me with its tail. Bastard put up one hell of a fight," Oga said.
"You defeated it," Henry asked.
"Nah. We did," Ifrit said. "It took three Princess Candidates, two familiars, and two Demon Princes to catch this bastard alive. You have no idea how hard it is to hold back your power to prevent yourself from accidentally killing it, right Noble?"
"Oh, the number of times I wanted to go all out just to end it," Furuichi sighed.
"Very difficult indeed," Yukihime said with a nod.
Oga, Baby Beel, Kunieda, and Nene looked at the three demons with tired expressions while slumping over. "You three were holding back," they asked in unison.
"Weren't you," the three asked in unison.
"O-Of course I was," Oga said while laughing nervously.
"Hmph. It matters not. This is a magnificent gift to the Young Master for this Christmas holiday."
"Don't even joke about that." Henry glared at the approaching Furuichi. "Lilith ordered me to bring her back a living White Fatalis, and I plan on delivering it."
"Still speaking nonsense, Luciferian. The Young Master captured this beast, so it is his by right."
"Nya!" Henry looked at Baby Beel. "Na dabu ba da. Da da da. Da bu da!" (Translation: I didn't beat it. Da da did. It is his!)
"B-But Young Master!"
"Ai ah abu ai ah oo ai dabu," Baby Beel said with a content look on his little face. (Translation: I'm just happy I got to fight with him.)
Baby Beel then looked at Henry with strong and proud eyes. "Ai ah da ai oo ai dabu." (Translation: That is the best gift I could get.)
Henry looked hurt. His eye then rolled back before he fell to the ground, foaming at the mouth.
Oga and Furuichi looked down at the butler before looking at a confused Baby Beel. They then both patted his head lovingly. "Good Beel," they said in unison.
"Now then..." Furuichi clapped his hands together. Everyone watched to see demonic energy pooling around his hands. As he parted them, an orb of darkness formed. When it was as large as a basketball, Furuichi slammed it into the ground. The darkness then turned into a magic circle that surrounded the group and the frozen dragon.
"Transfer!"
When he said that, the group was engulfed in darkness.
Oga had her eyes shut out of instinct, slowly opening her eyes when she felt light on her face. "Whoa."
"It's beautiful," Kunieda said.
"Where are we," Nene asked.
"Welcome to Luciferia," Furuichi said. "The Kingdom of Pride."
The humans of the group were amazed at the sight before them. A beautiful city of pure silver that shined gloriously, even in the Demon World. They also saw the people. They were beautiful as well. Men and women with long hair of various colors: silver, pure white, golden blonde, and azure blue. All of the citizens were absolutely beautiful. Some of them had long ears, making them look like elves.
They then bowed. "Welcome home, Prince Noble," they said in perfect unison.
"I have returned," Furuichi said with a bow.
Darkness then erupted before the group. Out of it came Lilith. She looked up at the frozen White Fatalis. "Well done, Your Highness. You even made sure not to harm the beast too much."
"It wasn't easy. I thought for sure one of our hits would accidentally break off its horn," Furuichi explained.
"If you had done even that, you would have needed to be disciplined," Lilith said while pushing her glasses, making them gleam dangerously. Furuichi shivered at both the motion and Lilith's words.
Lilith then looked at the group behind her prince. "I assume these were the warriors who aided you?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"I see. Ifrit, Yukihime, the two of you have done well in your duties as the Familiars of Pride. You have especially done well, Young Ms. Yukihime. This act will greatly favor you in the Princess Candidacy. It would be an honor to have you as a ruler," Lilith said with a bow. She didn't notice how Yukihime was blushing and fidgeting in embarrassment. Or at the very least, she pretended not to notice.
"Oi." Lilith turned towards the annoyed voice to see an angry looking Oga. "We helped kick that lizard's ass, too, ya know."
"Ah, three more Candidates. I sense no traces of falsehood in your statement." Lilith then analyzed the girls. "You were able to damage the dragon quite a bit using the Young Beelzebub's power."
Oga huffed in pride. "Takes a lot more than an overgrown lizard to take us on, right, Baby Beel?"
"Ai dah!"
Lilith smiled. "Your skill in magic will help you become a fine queen."
"Damn right. . . Wait." Oga began to blush. "Eh?"
Lilith then went to Kunieda. "Your skill with the blade is admirable."
"Thank you, ma'am," Kunieda said with a bow.
"In a matter of time, your skills will rival, no, surpass that of the War Hero Ittousai Kunieda."
Kunieda's eyes widened in shock before she was filled with pride. "Thank you very much, ma'am!"
Lilith quietly giggled. "We would be fortunate to have you as a general, let alone as a queen."
"Thank you very-" Kunieda turned into a human steam bath. "Eh?"
Lilith then went to Nene. "I sense that the Prince has imbued you with magic."
"Y-Yeah. It helped out a lot."
"And you seem to have an affinity for it. That is fortunate. It means you have a talent for the Demon Arts."
Nene smiled. "I wouldn't mind learning more about it. It felt pretty good, holding down a dragon."
"Even with the power of magic, very few have the strength to restrain a Fatalis. Be proud of your power, for it will grow even greater once you become more adept with magic."
Nene looked down at her chains and smiled. "Hear that, Furuichi? If I get any stronger, I bet I could take down War Maiden easily." Furuichi sighed.
"The magic of Luciferia is as respected as its strength. The mages are as honored as the warriors, but mages adept at combat are invaluable. Lady Lucifer is the greatest example of this. As such, should you be chosen, you would make a fine queen that we would gladly follow."
"Eh," Nene went with a deep blush.
Lilith then turned towards the masses. "Before us is four of the eight Princess Candidates! As of now, they have all proven themselves worthy of the crown! Therefore, show them the respect they have earned, for one of these mighty warriors may one day not just be your princess, but your queen! Understood?!"
"Ma'am, yes, ma'am," The Luciferian's said in perfect unison.
All of the girls were embarrassed to a certain degree. Yukihime looked the most elegant, but her tail was waging in an adorable way, her blush easily visible on her snow white skin. Oga's jaw was hanging loosely, her eyebrow twitching. Kunieda was still releasing a lot of steam, while Nene was as still as a statue.
"Your Highness, if you wish, the Royal Chefs could prepare a feast in celebration of your success."
Furuichi looked at his teacher before he looked at the girls. "On any other day, I'm sure it would be a good idea to take up that offer, but it looks like it would be better for us to return home." The fact that Oga didn't punch him for denying her free food spoke volumes.
"As you wish, My Prince. Do not fret." Furuichi then heard a rumbling. He looked to see just six Luciferians lift the frozen dragon before they carried the massive beast away. "You will be sent a message when your stead is fit to ride."
"Come again?"
"Hm?"
"Did you say stead?"
"I did. The White Fatalis is now yours to ride into battle."
". . . HAH?! I GET TO RIDE OF FREAKING DRAGON?!"
"Of course. It is quite common for royalty to ride into battle on Elder Dragons. Your own mother rode Shah Dalamadur into combat."
"BUT THAT'S ONE OF THE TOUGHEST ELDER DRAGONS EVER! TONS OF PEOPLE THINK IT'S TOUGHER THAN THE WHITE FATALIS!"
"Indeed, it was quite formidable. It served your mother well, rest its soul."
Furuichi calmed down. "So it's dead, huh?"
"Yes. As powerful as the beast was, it was still no match... for THAT man."
Furuichi heard the venom in Lilith's voice. He could think of only one man who could anger her so. "Satan."
"Indeed. Our kingdom's enemy... our queen's enemy slew her stead in the last Great War. You are strong, Your Highness, but you are not yet ready to face such a foe. Not yet."
Furuichi looked down in thought before looking back at Lilith. "Understood. Don't worry, Lilith. I'll soon become strong enough to take him on. I promise."
Lilith smiled. "Tis a promise you can easily keep, Your Highness."
Furuichi smiled before he opened a portal. "We'll be going now, Lilith."
"Safe journey, My Prince."
Furuichi smiled at his aunt. "Let's go, everyone."
"Uh, Noble?"
"Hm?"
"The human women are kinda frozen in place," Ifrit said as he pointed his thumb at the still dazed women.
Furuichi sighed. "Ill take Oga. Yukihime, you take Kunieda."
"As you wish, Master." Yukihime then gently grabbed Kunieda's hand. "Ow! She's like a furnace."
"Really?" Ifrit grabbed her hand. "Hah! My kind of candidate! Don't worry, Noble. I can handle this one," Ifrit said as he placed the still steaming Kunieda on his shoulder.
"Then I guess you get Nene, Yukihime."
"Of course." She then gently grabbed Nene's hand. She sighed in relief. "Much better. Let us be on our way, Lady Nene."
"Uh... Uh-huh," Nene mumbled.
Furuichi then lifted Oga bridal style. She then leaned her head against his chest, closing her eyes, immediately falling to sleep. Furuichi just chuckled at the sight before he looked at his portal. "Let's go home."
"Right," his familiars said as they followed their prince through the portal.
When they stepped out, they were standing right in front of the St. Ishiyama gymnasium.
"Seems to be a lot of humans in there," Ifrit said.
"Is there an event," Yukihime asked.
"Yeah. Some kind of Christmas Couples Tournament or something. I bet it's been going on the entire time while we were fighting the Fatalis. Wonder how it went."
"Doesn't sound like it's over," Ifrit said.
"Might as well see how it ends," Furuichi said as he walked towards the gym.
"Um, Mas-umm?!" Yukihime looked to see Ifrit, who had his hand over her mouth.
"Don't say anything, Yukihime. I wanna see what happens when the Noble walks in there with one of the Princess Candidates in his arms," Ifrit said with a devious smile.
"Mmm," Yukihime moaned.
Furuichi walked in to see Tojo and Kanzaki in the middle of the ring, both on what looked like a twister mat. "What the-?"
"Ah, Furuichi-san!"
He looked to see Kazu and Azusa run towards him.
"You showed up!"
"Why didn't you and Oga join the game," Azusa asked.
"Didn't interest me. Did you two join?"
"Yeah, but we lost our first game. Azusa didn't know what a gesture is. Ah, but Kanzaki-san's and Tojo-san's pairs were amazing! I mean, they're going up against each other in the semi-finals! I was kinda worried for Kanzaki when he and Yuka-san had that Indirect Kiss event."
Furuichi felt Oga tighten her grip around his neck. "Hm?"
"Or when Tojo-san and Shizuka-san went up against another pair in a Late for a Date Excuse Event."
"Late for what," Furuichi asked as Oga's grip tightened.
"Oh, and Nanami-senpai is a really good actor," Azusa said. "She helped her team win with a tear-jerking acting scene." Furuichi was having a hard time breathing with how tight Oga's grip had gotten.
"Or when Kanzaki-san and Yuka-san had a cooking battle with another pair, only for both sides to be so bad at cooking that they decided the battle through rock-paper-scissors."
"How terrible are we talking," Furuichi asked.
"Ah, the president yelled out that they both tasted like shit and 'Go die,'" Azusa said with a bubbly smile that made Furuichi sweatdrop.
"WHAT THE HELL IS WITH THESE CRAZY GAMES?!"
"Ah, Aneki," Kazu said in surprise.
"You're awake," Furuichi asked the beauty in his arms.
"After hearing all that crap, how could I not be shocked awake?!"
"Seriously..." Furuichi and the others turned to see a blue-faced Nene. "These games sound disgusting."
"It seems we made the right decision going with you, Furuichi-kun," Kunieda said, still blushing.
"Hell yeah! I'd rather fight that dragon a second time than deal with this shitty game," Oga yelled as she got out of Furuichi's arms.
"Dragon," Kazu asked.
"This game doesn't seem that bad," Furuichi said. "Was it as bad as going to Luciferia?"
The girls then blushed once again. "Nothing can be more embarrassing than that," the three said in unison.
"Tora, it's shippe!"
The group looked to see the match going on. Kanzaki held out his arm as Tojo prepared the shippe. The sound of the strike was heard all throughout the stadium.
"What was that sound just now," the announcer asked. "It's unthinkable that the sound just now was from a shippe! It made a blunt sound! Is participant Kanzaki alright?!"
Kanzaki looked at his arm... and brushed it off. "That bastard's kick still hurt way more than that little tap."
"I bet." Kanzaki looked into Tojo's eyes. "That man's attacks are unreal... but we're definitely going to get stronger and take him down."
"Damn right we are. After all, we're-"
"Ishiyama," the two TKKH members said in unison.
"Unbelievable! You can just feel the camaraderie between these two men! It feels like a contest between rivals who respect each other! What are their significant others like?!"
"Kanzaki, don't worry! I'll get a good card for you!"
"I'm counting on you!"
Shizuka chuckled. "I won't make it easy for you."
Yuka smirked. "Please. I'm Ishiyama. I'm used to a challenge." Yuka's expression then turned serious. "We're taking HIM on, after all."
Shizuka's expression then turned serious. "Yes. However, remember, I consider myself an ally in that battle. We may be rivals now, but I hope you call me comrade in the fight against that man," Shizuka said as she held out her hand.
"Always, sister," Yuka said as she grabbed Shizuka's hand.
"Amazing! The women are shaking hands as a show of respect! What a beautiful sight! This is a X-Mas Tournament moment for the ages! Now then, for the next reading!"
Yuka was able to get the karuta card. "Kanzaki, it's chop!"
"Heh, looks like I get to attack," Kanzaki said with a smirk. He then prepared the attack. Then, with a battle cry, he chopped Tojo in the chest with enough force to make a loud blunt sound.
Tojo chuckled. "Not bad, Kanzaki. You've gotten stronger."
"Given who our enemy is, can you blame me?"
"No, I can't," Tojo answered with a proud smile.
The next karuta was Shizuka's. She received a movement, which Tojo allowed to get into a good position that allowed Shizuka to understand what the next card she needed was.
Both Yuka and Shizuka were looking at the cards with intent eyes, ready to pounce. When the reading was given, Yuka wasted no time in finding and gunning for the card. However, she was too slow.
"Tora... it's chop."
Tojo smirked as Kanzaki sighed. "Looks like it's my win, Kanzaki."
"Whatever. I was able to hurt you. I was able to show that I got stronger. I'm satisfied with that."
"Yeah... so am I. Let's get even stronger... so we can help Furuichi take Tyrant down once and for all."
"Yeah. We're gonna get stronger, and we're gonna beat the crap out of Tyrant and his little gang."
"Damn right, Kanzaki," Yuka yelled.
"Because we're-" Kanzaki began.
"ISHIYAMA," he, Tojo, and Yuka yelled out in unison.
Tojo then chopped Kanzaki in the chest, sending him flying out of the ring. He would have landed on the gymnasium floor had Izuma not caught him. "Not bad, Kanzaki-san. That was quite uplifting."
"Stuff it, Four-Eyes Prez."
"Not the president anymore, I'm afraid," Izuma said with a chuckle.
"Participant Kanzaki is out of the ring! The winner of the match is the Moe Childhood Friends Couple, A.K.A Tojo-Shizuka Pair!"
After that, the next match was between a student couple and an adult couple. Since the match was battle themed, the students forfeited, not wanting to fight adults.
"It's time for the final match! Will the Tojo-Shizuka and Tanaka-Kawashima pairs please rise to the ring!" The pairs came up. "It's time to decide who the ultimate couple is!"
"Hm? Mr. Saotome," Furuichi asked.
He sighed. "Should have known you'd see through immediately, kid," Saotome said as he took off his disguise.
"It's Mr. Saotome! Wow, no wonder they've been blazing through the game! Well, there are no rules saying a teacher can't participate. Still, who participates like that?! It's sickening!"
Saotome chuckled. "You know, I didn't even want to enter, but an adult's got adult circumstances."
He was then slapped by the woman. "You said that you'd do what I say, didn't you?"
"Yes."
"You said you owed me one, didn't you?"
"Yes."
"Then don't bitch and whine."
"Yes."
"Hm? That voice," Kunieda went.
"You know her," Furuichi asked.
The woman was quiet for a bit before she reached for her sunglasses. "Long time, no see, Kunieda." She pulled down her sunglasses and placed a finger on her mouth in a hushing movement.
Kunieda looked surprised. "Nazuna-san!"
The students started to talk, wondering who she was.
"Whoops, looks like my cover's blown. I'm his wiiiife," she said affectionately as she grabbed Saotome's arm as he vomited blood.
"Wife!? You mean that kind of wife?! Unbelievable! It's Mr. Saotome's wife! Or rather, he was married?! And according to my sources, he was involved in the Tojo-Shizuka pair's childhood! It's a showdown between a married couple and their precious kids!"
"Hoh, I finally get to fight Zen-san, eh," Tojo asked with an excited smile.
"I'm... still surprised to know he's married," Shizuka said.
"It's Christmas, right? We promised to spend it together, and there was this fun looking event going on! I just thought, 'we have to enter it.' 'Best couple' has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?"
Saotome went to the edge of the ring where Furuichi's group was and looked at Kunieda. "I'm being forced to pay her back for leaving you with her! Making me wish I convinced Lilith to take ya!"
Kunieda blushed, steam bursting from her head. "B-Bad idea!"
"Huh? Something wrong?"
"The Princess already had a meeting with Lady Lilith a moment ago," Ifrit said as he pointed his thumb at the embarrassed Kunieda. "H... Huh," Ifrit went as he fell to his knees, holding his stomach.
"DON'T CALL ME A PRINCESS," said a completely red Kunieda as she held up a fist.
"Hm? Hey..." Ifrit looked up at Suiten. "Aren't you Ifrit?"
"What of it," he said as he got up as if nothing happened, surprising everyone who knew how strong Kunieda's Embarrassed Punch was.
"DON'T CALL IT THAT," Kunieda yelled.
"Well, it's just surprising. I heard that you-"
"And now to announce the final game! The Saint Xmas finale! This is how our four will fight it out! Head-on Battle, part 2!" The audience was understandably surprised. "Both pairs look at the corners of the rings! There are extra large stars there, a specialty of the Saint-Sent Xmas! The rules are simple! Just steal the stars! Protect your area's star and steal the opponent's star! Other than that, there are no rules! It's a head-on battle!"
Tojo punched his fist with enough force to cause a boom. "I've always dreamed of having the chance to go all out against Zen-san."
"Then it's settled. You deal with Zen, I'll defend the star from his wife."
"Don't think I'll go easy on you, Tora," Saotome said with a smirk.
"I'd be pissed if you did!"
Suiten giggled. "He's as spunky as you've told me."
"You have no idea."
She then got serious. "Have they had to deal with them?"
Saotome got serious too. "Unfortunately."
"Then this is a good way to gauge how strong they are. I'm not worried about the Prince. He has Lilith in his corner. It's the others I'm worried about."
"Same here. Let's see how far they need to go."
"Now then, the final match... BEGINS!"
Tojo charged and threw a punch, which Saotome easily caught. "That the best you can do, Tora," he asked with a smile.
Tojo smirked. "Not even close." Tojo then released a battle cry. He then caused Saotome to skid away, surprising the powerful teacher.
"Hoh."
"I've been training like crazy to be strong enough to take on that Tyrant bastard. I'm going to continue to get stronger, and you're gonna help me, Zen-san!"
Saotome looked at Tojo before he smirked. "Of course I am." He then appeared before Tojo, the two looking into the other's eyes without a trace of fear or intimidation of the other. "I'm your teacher, after all."
The two then threw a punch.
However, Saotome's punch landed first, sending Tojo flying into the ropes.
"Incredible! Saotome-sensei just sent Tojo flying with a single punch! I doubt even a delinquent as tough as Tojo can get up from that!"
"Don't... underestimate... me," Tojo groaned as he got off the ropes, wiping the blood off his chin.
"Such determination!"
Saotome smirked. "Not bad, Tora."
"You ain't seen nothin' yet, Zen-san."
Tojo then disappeared. Saotome then buckled over after Tojo landed a powerful fist in his gut.
"Feel that, Zen-san? That's the fist that will help Furuichi take down Tyrant."
Saotome sighed. "Not quite." Saotome then gave an uppercut that sent Tojo airborne. "If you want to so much as help in a battle against that man, you still need to get much stronger."
"BRING IT ON," Tojo roared as he fell towards Saotome, fist at the ready. The two then had a clash of fists, which caused a shock wave that created a powerful gale that forced the students to cover their faces. Only the Ishiyama students and the Familiars were unaffected.
"W-What a fight! It's like something out of an anime! These two are trading blows that are literally shaking the entire gymnasium! Are these guys even human?! Ah, but how are their partners' fairing?!"
Shizuka was staring at Suiten with an elegant smile. "You realize that I'm more of a distance fighter, right? I don't plan on fighting like Tora."
"That's fine. I've always been more of a long ranger myself." Suiten's smile went away. "Tell me, young lady, do you really plan on helping the prince fight those monsters?"
Shizuka's smile disappeared as well. "Of course. He's strong, but he can't handle those villains on his own. No one should have to deal with such evil alone."
Suiten analyzed Shizuka and sighed. "You have guts, I'll give you that. However..." Suiten held up her fingers in a hand sign. "Without power, you'd be nothing but a liability to him. Fox Fire." Suiten was then surrounded by three blue flames. She pointed her finger at Shizuka, making the flames shoot at her.
Shizuka... smiled. "I'm well aware of that. That's why I asked a friend to teach me how to do this." Shizuka then brought two fingers to her lips and kissed them. "Freezing Breeze." She then blew. From her lips was a powerful gust of freezing wind that clashed with the Fox Fire, canceling the spell.
"Hoh," Suiten went, genuinely impressed.
"That magic," Furuichi went in shock. "Yukihime?!"
"Hm?"
"Are you... contracted with Shizuka-senpai?!"
"It's a low-level contract, but a contract all the same. She can't wield my full power, but she can borrow some of my magic power if necessary. I haven't decided if I want a complete contract with her yet."
"B-But aren't you... my familiar?"
"Of course."
"Then... you can have multiple contracts?"
"Oh, the contracts between a Demon Lord and a Familiar are different from contracts between humans and demons. In fact, the human might benefit from being contracted to a familiar, since they are also technically borrowing power from the Demon Lord the Familiar is loyal to. If done properly, the contractor can be exceedingly powerful, something she will desperately need to be."
"Yeah. If she's helping us take on those Black Zodiac bastards, she will need some awesome power," Ifrit said. "Then again, so will the other humans."
"Does that mean you're planning on making a temporary contract, too, Ifrit," Furuichi asked.
"If I was, I think I would choose that Tojo guy. I think he would be pretty compatible with my powers. He already has his own flame in his eyes. The only thing that could make him stronger besides contracting with me is if he developed a King's Crest."
"A what," Furuichi began. "What's a King's-"
The prince was interrupted by a loud boom.
Everyone looked to see the ring covered by what seemed to be fog. When it cleared, they saw Shizuka aiming with an ice blue bow, the arrow dazzling like diamonds. "Icicle Arrow," Shizuka said with a smile. She then released the arrow.
It was countered by one of Suiten's Fox Fires. "I'm not so senile that I'd lose to a novice contractor," she said with a smile.
"I thought as much. Still, I can't help but try," Shizuka said as she created another arrow and aimed.
"Spunky. I like that," Suiten said as she created more fires.
The two then had a clash of spells, each canceling the magic of the other.
Furuichi's eyebrow twitched. "Is Shizuka-senpai even a novice?"
"Not particularly. She and I have been training together quite a few times at the manor."
"When?!"
"Master, do you realize the number of times you have left me to my own devices," Yukihime asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Touche."
"What an awesome battle! It's like watching a fight from Fairy Tail or something! If the women are fighting with magic, then what are the men fighting with, you ask?! Why with their fists!"
The crowd looked to see Tojo land a solid blow on Saotome's face. The teacher smiled in pride before he punched Tojo in the chest. The teen was visibly hurt as he skidded back. He then smirked in glee at his teacher before charging back and throwing another punch, which Saotome countered with his own, their fists colliding.
"Neither man is backing down! They've been throwing punches this entire time! It's like a boxing anime right now! Throw in a Dempsey Roll, and you have a homage to Hajime no Ippo!"
Tojo threw a punch aimed at Saotome's face, but the teacher just blocked it with his arm before punching him away. Tojo skidded to a halt before looking up at an approaching Saotome with blood trickling down his mouth.
"You're getting too easy to read, Tora. At this rate, you won't stand a chance against any of the remaining Zodiacs, let alone Tyrant."
"Then I just need to get stronger. Strong enough to send that bastard flying."
"You realize I can teach you a few tricks, right?"
"Don't need 'em." Saotome raised an eyebrow. "In a fight, tricks can only get you so far. In the end, all that matters is who is the stronger fighter," Tojo said as he held up his arm, his muscles rippling.
Before Saotome knew it, Tojo punched him in the face with enough force to send him slamming into the ropes. His eyes were shadowed as blood trickled down his mouth. He then smirked, looking up enough to reveal a single eye. "This kid... is actually getting stronger as we fight."
"What a fight between teacher and student! Looks like Tojo got payback for the start of their fight! But if that's not exciting enough for you, just watch the awesome magical duel between these magical beauties!"
"Magical beauties," Shizuka giggled with a raised eyebrow as she fired an arrow at Suiten.
She countered it with a Foxfire. "Not that I mind being called a beauty," she said with a smile.
Shizuka then got serious and created four arrows.
"Hoh?"
She fired them all at once.
"She learns fast. Her skill with the bow is impressive, but her aptitude for magic is at a near genius level," Suiten thought as she countered all the arrows with Fox Fire. "Crap! I shouldn't have done that! I made too much steam! Was that her plan?!"
Suiten then sensed an arrow coming right at her. She then moved her head, avoiding the arrow completely.
"Bull's-eye."
"What?"
Suiten then saw her half of the star rush past her. In a split second, she saw a thin string attached to the arrow. Suiten smiled. "Well played, kiddo."
Shizuka smiled in victory before Saotome appeared next to the star when it was halfway across the stage. He looked like he was about to grab it before Tojo appeared and behind him and grabbed him. "I don't think so, Zen."
Saotome smiled. "Not bad, Tora."
Shizuka grabbed the star and her own and connected the two.
"IT'S OVER! THE TOJO-NANAMI PAIR HAVE WON! FINALLY, THE SAINT-SENT X-MAS BEST COUPLE HAS BEEN DECIDED! THE CONQUERORS OF THE COMPETITION ARE THE MOE CHILDHOOD TOJO-NANAMI PAIRING! VERY RARELY DOES THE CHILDHOOD ROMANCE LAST, BUT THESE TWO HAVE DEFEATED THAT OLD CLICHE TODAY!"
Tojo walked up smiling to a smiling Shizuka. She held up her fist, and with a smile, the two fist bumped, right before the two did a muscle handshake. It was impressive to see Shizuka being able to handle Tojo's massive arm with her slender arm.
"What a way to end the competition! From childhood to best friends to full-on lovers!" Tojo and Shizuka jolted a bit at that comment. "A moe pairing if there ever was one!" The two chuckled nervously at that.
Later on, Furuichi's group was walking home.
"Glad we didn't take part in that crap," Oga said with her hands behind her head. "Give me a dragon to fight over that any day."
"I'm not so sure about that," Nene said. "That fight was pretty intense."
"And we were fighting alongside Furuichi and his familiars," Kunieda said.
"Don't feel bad. A White Fatalis is no joke," Ifrit said.
"Says the guy who could have taken it one-on-one if he had his full power," Furuichi said.
"EH," the humans went.
"Look who's talkin'," Ifrit retorted.
"Hey, I bet Yukihime could take it on if she was a nine-tails," Furuichi said.
"Most likely," she said.
"You three are nuts," the girls went. The demons just held up peace signs.
"Aoi!" Everyone looked in the direction of the voice. "As promised, I came to see you." Kunieda's eyes widened. "Yo."
"Aiba," Kunieda yelled out in surprise.
"Oh, Dante, Lady, and Dante's girlfriend and that guy who was around him near the end."
"Uh, the name's Ifrit, kid," Ifrit said with a raised eyebrow.
"Oi." Aiba looked towards Oga and shook in fear when he saw her cracking her knuckles. "The hell did you say after greeting me? And Dante's girlfriend, was it?"
"I-Isn't that girl in the kimono his girlfriend," he asked as he looked at the blushing Yukihime.
The sound of a punch echoed across the area.
Aiba was on his knees, holding his gut.
"Next time, I'll punch you even harder."
"Please don't. I don't think I'll survive."
"Ah, it was you."
Everyone looked to see Ryoko and Chiaki walk towards the group. "Nee-san, Nene-san, where have you two been?"
"Oh, you know, helping out Furuichi, almost getting roasted by a dragon, traveling to Hell, meeting the leader of his home kingdom; that sort of crap," Nene said nonchalantly. Chiaki and Ryoko had blank expressions. "So, where's Yuka?"
"With Kanzaki," Chiaki answered.
"They actually look pretty good together," Ryoko said.
"So they have that kind of relationship now, eh," Furuichi asked.
"Probably not," Chiaki said.
"They said it was just until the tournament ended. Yuka said they wanted to win for Futaba's sake," Ryoko explained.
"Well, that didn't work out for them, did it," Oga went with her hands behind her head. "Anyway, I'm tired. I'm going home or something," she said while walking away.
"Yeah. We've had our crazy adventure," Furuichi said as he rubbed his shoulder.
"Something wrong, Noble," Ifrit asked.
"I just feel a bit stiff. It's probably because of the fight with the White Fatalis. My body's still a bit tingly from that battle."
"Sounds like you need the green hot spring again." Oga's ear twitched at what Ifrit said, the woman stopping completely.
"If you wish, Master, I can wash your back and give it a light massage to aid in your recovery." Her ear twitched again.
"That would actually be pretty nice. So, mansion first or straight to the volcano?"
"Master, it might be best for you to soak in the springs first. I believe a meal will taste far more delicious when you are relaxed. Alaindelon and I shall prepare your meal afterwards. You will be sure to join in as well, won't you, Ifrit?"
"Not gonna turn down one of your meals," Ifrit said while shrugging his shoulders.
Furuichi then felt himself being pulled down. The next thing he knew, his face was against Oga's breasts. "Let's go."
Furuichi took a while to process the situation. "Crap."
"Hey, I helped you take down that overgrown gecko. I deserve a relaxing Christmas at an awesome mansion, with an awesome meal, and a trip to those hot springs of yours."
Furuichi looked at Kunieda, Nene, Ryoko, and Chiaki; who all had expectant eyes. "Dammit."
"Ah, this is heaven," Oga said as she relaxed in the golden hot spring.
"After being swung around by that dragon, I'm pretty sure I deserve this," Nene said as she slumped into the waters.
"No argument here," Kunieda said with a smile. "Are you enjoying yourself, Kouta?"
"Ai," he said happily.
Oga sighed blissfully before she opened her eye to look at Yukihime, who was looking down at the water with sad eyes. "Sorry, lady." She looked up at Oga. "No way are we leaving you alone with Furuichi." Kunieda and Nene nodded in agreement. Yukihime sunk into the water where only her eyes were visible, blowing bubbles in the spring.
"Aw, it's so sad when people who love each other can't be together, right, Beel," Chiyo said as she hugged the wide-eyed baby.
"Kid?" She looked at Oga. "You realize that Baby Beel won't cry when it's just him and Furuichi, right?"
Chiyo hugged Beel tighter. "You wouldn't."
"IFRIT!"
A pillar of fire erupted behind Oga. Ifrit was just wearing a fire red towel as he knelt down towards Oga. "You rang?"
"Mind taking Baby Beel to Furuichi for me?"
"Huh, already getting used to being the Queen of Luciferia, eh?"
"I'll punch you."
"Alright, alright," Ifrit said as he picked up a relieved Baby Beel. "Your wish is my command, Princess." He and Baby Beel then formed into a fire before flying away.
"I'm so gonna punch him." She then sensed Chiyo's ire and looked right at the visibly annoyed child.
"You're a demon," she said. Oga just stuck out her tongue.
"Yo, Noble."
"Hm?"
"Princess Candidate Tatsumi wants you to watch over the Little Prince," he said as he handed the baby over to the prince soaking in the green springs.
"I see," he said as he accepted the baby. "Hey, why don't you join us?"
"Sorry, the springs up here are too lukewarm for my taste. I'll stick to the lava. Later," he said as he flew away.
"You know some crazy people, Dante," Aiba said with a chuckle.
"Don't I know," he said as he let Baby Beel swim in the water while leaning back.
Aiba looked up towards the cave's ceiling. "I can't believe all of this belongs to you."
"Well, believe it."
"You're making it a lot harder for me, man."
"What do you mean?"
"For me to woo Aoi-chan. You're rich, powerful, have a decent face, and have a freaking hot spring wonderland all to yourself. Kinda hard to compete with that."
"Kunieda isn't the type to care about superficial stuff like that. She's into character, not possessions."
"And there's another disadvantage. You know her so well. It's like you're her soulmate."
"Nah," Furuichi went with a blush.
"Eep," Kunieda went with a small splash.
"Something wrong," Oga asked. "You're seriously red.
"I-It's nothing," Kunieda went while waving her hands. She then sunk into the water. "What was that just now? I feel so embarrassed!"
"But I won't give up, Dante! I'll keep at it until Aoi sees I'm just as great a man as you are! I may not be able to give her the life of a princess, but I'll definitely treat her like the goddess she is. So watch yourself, hero, or else I'll be running into the sunset with Aoi in my arms," Aiba said as he stood up and pointed at Furuichi.
Furuichi looked at Aiba before he sighed. "I'll hold you to that."
"Huh?"
"The part about treating her like a goddess. If you do anything to hurt her..." Furuichi looked at Aiba with a single silver eye. Even though he wasn't giving out any demonic energy or fatal killing intent, Aiba still felt a pressure that shook him to the core. "I'll hunt you down and show you hell."
Aiba stared at Furuichi before he smiled and sat back down. "I honestly hope you do, man. However, that goes double for you."
"Hm?"
"I know you guys are taking part of some war. I don't know the details, but if you let anything happen to Aoi, something that a guy like you could have prevented, I'll hunt you down and punch you right into Heaven itself."
Furuichi chuckled. "That's a pretty brutal thing to do to a demon."
"That's the point." The two laughed at that.
"So... are you lot seriously planning on staying here," asked Furuichi as his eyebrow twitched.
"Yup," everyone said in their bathrobes as they went towards different parts of the mansion.
Furuichi sighed.
"Master," Yukihime went.
"Hm?"
"Should I prepare a Christmas feast?"
He sighed. "Might as well. I'll call everyone's house and tell them we're at Kunieda's temple or something. After that... I'll try to convince Ittousai-san to go along with the lie."
"As you wish, Master. Eek!"
"Something wrong?" Furuichi looked to see an embarrassed looking Yukihime fidgeting.
"Um... well... Excuse me!" Yukihime then did something shocking. She kissed Furuichi's cheek.
The powerful prince was frozen in place, eyes wider than his dinner plates, face red as the roses that Alaindelon planted behind the manor.
"U-Um, Merry Christmas, Master," she said while running off to prepare dinner.
Furuichi was still unmoving. Then... "Kooooooon."
Ifrit was watching the whole thing, looking at the mistletoe above his master. "Looks like putting that thing up was a good idea after all."
He was then punched down the hall by Oga before she jumped off the stairway. "OGA CHRISTMAS DROPKICK!"
"MERRY CHRISTMAS," Furuichi yelled after being kicked by Oga.
Omake:
Tojo and Shizuka looked at the star they won, only one thing on their minds.
"Hey, Shizuka?"
"Yeah, Tora?"
"Should we go to my place or yours."
There was an awkward silence between them.
"I... didn't really think of that," Shizuka answered.
"And what do we even wish for anyway?"
". . . Dammit."
A/N: I'm not gonna lie... I actively avoided writing this. As much as I like this story and constantly think about future chapters, I just didn't want to write. You know that chore you're given, and you keep saying "I'll do it later," but later keeps getting longer and longer? That's what happened.
If it wasn't watching YouTube videos, it was watching anime. If it wasn't watching anime, it was talking to my friends online. If it wasn't talking to my friends, it was gaming; ESPECIALLY gaming. I bought Dying Light in order to prepare for Dying Light 2. I know it's a while, but I wanted to be prepared. And now I've bought Judgment... so now I have even more of an excuse to neglect this story. Damn. And if it wasn't gaming, it was my job.
Well, the job could have been worse. I could have passed that manager test and had even less free time. Oh, well. The test is basically a personality test, and I didn't fit their cookie-cutter mold for their idea of a manager (even though some of those questions were kinda creepy).
Still, I'm sorry this took so long. It probably isn't all that satisfying for the wait. Feels like I could have done more, but I'm lazy. What can you do?
Well, until next time.
