Author's Note - This chapter may be a bit slow, but I started it during the open house of Kuoh Academy after Xenovia joined Rias. I want to focus on the consequences of everyone being gone for 10 years so there won't be much action until the Peace Summit. I've never gotten this far in any story before so I'm excited to keep writing. I hope everyone likes this chapter and I'll see you soon. :)
18
Ten Years Later…
Sirzechs Lucifer sat in the living room of the Gremory Manor, quietly reading a book to pass the easy going early mornings. The Manor was relatively quiet with his father and mother out right now, so it was only he and Grayfia in the manor along with the other maids and butlers. He gently sipped an espresso made by Grafyia as he flipped the page.
He had just returned home for a bit after paying Rias a visit at her new lodging. That Hyoudou Issei, he was definitely something Sirzechs should keep an eye on. Though his perverted nature knows no end, his growth for potential was just as limitless. His father should be visiting the Hyoudou residence soon, maybe he should get ready.
The door to the living room opened as Grayfia entered, with Millicas running at Sirzechs before jumping onto his lap.
"Oh what's this?" asked Sirzechs. "You're quite energetic so early in the morning."
"Mother told me that Auntie Rias's school is having an open house today," said Millicas. "Can I come too? I want to see the Red Dragon Emperor again!"
Sirzechs rubbed his head and set him down the ground. "Not this time Millicas. Stay home with Yukimura okay? We'll be home soon I promise."
Millicas frowned. "At least take some pictures okay?" He held up his pinky.
Sirzechs smiled and gave his son a pinky promise. He stood up to see Arashikage Yukimura walk through the door with a gentle smile. "Master Millicas, breakfast is ready."
"Coming!" Millicas ran off towards the kitchen, leaving the three of them alone in the living room.
"It's really been 10 years…" said Yukimura.
"Indeed," said Sirzechs. "I hope they come home soon."
"I'm sure they will my Lord," smiled Grayfia. "However right now, you need to prepare for the open house. We're meeting you father at the school."
Grayfia helped him change into more suitable human clothes in their room. She slipped on a clean white dress shirt as she looked at him in the mirror. "
"You're sulking again," said Grayfia as she buttoned his shirt.
"What ever could you mean?" Sirzechs asked with a smile.
"I know how much you cared about him," said Grayfia. "But he'll come back soon. Just be patient, okay?"
Sirzechs sighed. "It doesn't help that as soon as he left, that tree sprung to life at the estate. We still don't even know where that tree came from, or what those weird fruit can do."
"You mean the ones that turned into those locks," said Grayfia. "I've heard reports that humans who pluck fruits from that tree go insane."
"We've tried our best to quarantine the area, but we can only do so much," said Sirzechs. "It's hard to hide a tree that size, even with magic."
Grayfia tucked his shirt into his pants before putting a gray vest on him. "But you think it's a Divine Artifact, yes?"
"That's what Lord Michael and father think anyway," said Sirzechs. "The Forbidden Fruit. Supposedly, it's the apple that Adam bit into."
"I see," said Grayfia. "And the book?"
"We still have no idea what's written in it," said Sirzechs. "It's not in any language known. Ajuka and I still can't crack it."
"Then there's no use worrying about it now, is there?" asked Grayfia with a smile. "Now come on, Father is probably waiting for us."
"So you call him Father when it's just the two of us, huh?" asked Sirzechs with a smile.
"I am your maid after all," Grayfia opened a magic circle, and teleported them to Kuoh Academy.
It was more packed then the last time Sirzechs was here, perhaps just because it was open house. He could see hundreds of parents flooding in through the gates and spilling out into the front courtyard.
Together with Grayfia, they walked through the school and towards the Occult Research Club. Inside the club room, Sirzechs was rather amused to see Hyoudou Issei talking rather passionately about someone he just met. The other members of Rias's peerage were present as well, Akeno, Asia, Kiba, Koneko, and Xenovia.
"I'm telling you guys!" exclaimed Issei. "He looked just like a cat! He had long white hair and these golden eyes that I swear were just like a cat's. And this other lady with purple hair too!"
"Oh, brother," said Rias as she stood up. "I wasn't expecting you until after classes started."
"I just came by to pay a visit," said Sirzechs. "Issei-Kun, what were you saying about these cat like people?"
"Ah yes sir," Issei cleared his throat. "I walked by this strange group of people on the way to school this morning. One of them was this tall guy with long white hair and cat like eyes, and this taller tanned lady with purple hair had the same eyes. But the weirdest thing…There was this middle schooler floating on a cloud."
"W-What?" asked Sirzechs, completely at a loss for words.
"I apologize for him brother," said Rias. "It must have been his imagination."
"P-Prez!" cried Issei. "I'm telling you! You saw it too right Ddraig?"
Issei's Boosted Gear formed a green orb on the back of his left hand.
"I wasn't paying attention, however I did feel several powerful magic pressures this morning."
"Well if Ddraig says it's true…" said Xenovia.
"You believe Ddraig and not me?" asked Issei.
"My Lord," said Grayfia. "You don't think…"
"That's definitely not a coincidence," said Sirzechs. "Who else is going to have long white hair and cat like eyes…besides Shiro…I mean Koneko. And a girl floating on a cloud?"
"But I didn't feel anything when he arrived in the city," said Grayfia.
"But the Red Dragon Emperor did," said Sirzechs. "This doesn't make any sense."
"Brother?" asked Rias. "Are you okay?"
Sirzechs shook his head slightly and smiled. "It's nothing Rias. I will see all of you later then."
As they left the club, Issei's words rang in Sirzechs's head. After then years…
"You're making your serious face again," sighed Grayfia.
Sirzechs smiled nervously. "What ever could you mean?"
"It's not a coincidence is it" asked Grayfia. "I wonder if Masamune and the others are really back."
They thought on it while entering the school building to start the open house. Sirzechs found his father waiting in Rias's classroom with a camera.
"Oh, took you two long enough didn't you?" asked his father.
"Sorry father, we just heard some interesting news that's all," said Sirzechs.
"We'll talk about it later," said his father as class started.
It was a good distraction getting to see Rias completely flustered and embarrassed as Sirzechs and his father recorded her during class. Taking the time to notice it, she's really grown up in these last ten years. She wasn't that outgoing little girl anymore, rather more mature and diligent. Oh if Masamune and Kuro could see her now.
After class ended, Rias and Akeno walked to the back of the class to join them, her face still red as a beet.
"Do you guys really have to take so many videos?" asked Rias. "It's beyond embarrassing at this point."
"I think it's pretty cute," said Akeno. "Seeing her so shy."
"I completely agree Akeno," said his father.
It was then that a group of students walked into the class.
"He was pretty cute," said one of the female students.
"His hair was so white," said another. "Think he's a foreigner?"
"They might be transfer students," said another. "They were coming into the school."
His father placed a hand on Sirzechs's shoulder. "Is that what you wanted to talk about?"
"It's not a coincidence, is it?" asked Sirzechs. "Please tell me I'm not getting worked up over nothing."
"I received word from Lady Ra and Lord Odin that the amount of Divine Artifacts sightings have drastically decreased," said his father.
"What are you two talking about?" asked Rias. "What's a Divine Artifact?"
His father smiled. "It's nothing Rias, all in due time."
Rias frowned. "Alright then. We have to go to the auditorium for the welcoming speech for parents of the first years."
"I'll go with you," said Sirzechs.
"I promised Issei's parents that I'd go have a drink with them, so I'll see you all later then." said his father.
Together with Grayfia, Sirzechs went with Rias and Akeno down the building to the auditorium. It was completely packed to the rim with parents and guardians. The seats that were ready for everybody were all taken, leaving dozens of them to stand by the back or the sidelines.
"I didn't know Kuoh Academy had so many students," said Sirzechs.
"Most of the parents here are looking for information on the school for their kids to attend next year," said Rias. "It's like their scouting."
"Sona is to present a speech soon," said Akeno.
Sona Sitri, daughter of Lord Sitri and sister to the former Devil King. Much like Rias, Sona hasn't been told of the situation. She has no idea why Serafall Leviathan left her post as Devil King and completely vanished. I doubt Rias even remembers Masamune, but yet Sirzechs felt guilty for leaving them in the dark for this.
"Prez!" called out Issei as he and Asia Argento entered the auditorium. "Oh, good to see you again Lord Sirzechs."
"You as well Issei-Kun," said Sirzechs.
Finally, Sona came on stage with several teachers and the entire Student Body Council standing behind her. As soon as she stepped on stage, there was tons of cheering for her. However there was a single voice that cried out louder than the others…an oddly familiar voice.
"Yay Sona! Go! I love you!"
Sirzechs's jaw practically dropped when he saw a girl with long black hair and violet eyes happily cheering and screaming for Sona. She wore a white T-shirt with a long black coat over, a black striped skirt and stockings. She looked different, more mature, however there was no doubt about it.
"S-Sera?" asked Sirzechs as he stepped forward.
The girl looked over to them with a raised eyebrow. "Sirzechs? Oh my god it's been so long!" She rushed over and gave him a hug. "You look so…Devilish! A true Devil King."
"N-Nevermind that! What the hell are you doing here?" asked Sirzechs, too surprised to be happy. "Did you get all of the Artifacts?"
"Not yet," said Sera. "There's seven of them left, will soon there'll only seven left."
"It is good to see you again, Lady Leviathan," bowed Grayfia.
"Oh stop it Grayfia, I'm just plain old Sera now," smiled Sera. "I'm not a Devil King anymore, remember?"
"Brother…is this…" asked Rias.
Sera looked to Rias with wide eyes. "Is that…Rias?" She walked over and pinched Rias's cheeks. "You're a real beauty now aren't you? And look at your jugs, those things could suffocate a man!"
"Tell me about it," whispered Issei underneath his breath.
"Sera," said Sirzechs. "Where are Masamune and the others? Are they here with you? I heard rumors of a boy with white hair in Kuoh…"
"Oh yeah," said Sera. "Munecchi sent an vanguard squad ahead when he realized that she was headed towards Kuoh, just to make sure everything was okay. Kuro's leading us right now, but I just came to see what's up."
Sirzechs was filled with questionable emotions. Was this joy? Or shock? Or was it just a conglomeration of mixed feelings.
Suddenly, Sirzechs felt a massive magic pressure entering the city.
"My Lord," said Grayfia.
"Time to go to work," Sera took in a deep breath. "Rias, it was really good seeing you again. I'll see you later okay?"
Rias nodded reluctantly.
"Wait a minute," said Sirzechs. "Where are you going?"
"There's a Fallen Angel who stole the last Artifact we confiscated before we had a chance to store them away," said Sera. "She's in Kuoh right now."
"We'll help you," said Rias.
Sera smiled. "I appreciate it Rias, but I don't think your Pawn and Bishop are going to be able to withstand it."
"W-Wait a minute," said Issei. "I've fought Fallen Angels before, I can totally handle it."
"I wasn't worried about the Fallen Angel," said Sera, before she ran outside.
"Akeno," said Rias. "You stay here with Issei and Asia. Tell Sona about this once she's done."
"I understand," said Akeno.
The rest of them ran outside and followed Sera outside to the school's front yard. Sirzechs definitely felt a powerful magic pressure in the city…but it didn't feel quite like a Fallen Angel. This was definitely going to mess up the peace summit set for the next few days.
"Are you sure you guys want to come?" asked a familiar voice from behind.
Sirzechs turned around to see Kuro. He had gotten taller and his hair longer. However his delicate feminine features remained as well as his deep golden cat like eyes. He wore a simple loose white long shirt with black jeans and boots. Around his neck was the golden collar that Sirzechs remembered.
Alongside him were two women. One Sirzechs remembered as Susanoo, the goddess of storms. She definitely hadn't changed, still a small middle school girl with long black hair tied into a thin tail that went down to her ankles. She wore a yellow and black kimono with lightning patterns.
The other woman was one Sirzechs hadn't met before. She was tall with dark skin and golden eyes like Kuro's. She had long wavy purple hair that flourished down her back, and wore an tight white T-shirt with black leather pants and boots.
"K-Kuro…" said Sirzechs. "So then it really was you that everybody was talking about."
"Long time no see Sirzechs," said Kuro with a smile.
"I hope you've grown stronger Devil King," said Susanoo. "I would love to have a bout with you."
"Lady Susanoo…" Sirzechs couldn't help but smile.
"This is the Devil King Lucifer huh?" asked the purple haired woman. "Interesting. I expected as much since Masamune spoke highly of him."
"Can it Bast, we've got a Fallen Angel to deal with," said Kuro as the three walked up to Sera. "Any word from Rose yet?"
"She's tailing her right now," said Sera. "She said that we'd know where to find her when he hear it."
"Hear what?" asked Kuro.
Just then, a loud explosion of pure magic blasted from further into the city. A massive amount of magical power just erupted.
"What the hell is that?" asked Rias.
"I'll ask again," said Kuro. "Are you sure you want to come?"
"She really doesn't know how to hold back does she?" sighed Sera.
"We're going," said Sirzechs. "But Rias…"
"I won't stand idly by while my city is attacked," said Rias. "It'd be a disgrace to the Gremory name."
Sera smirked as she placed a hand on Sirzechs's shoulder. "Oh she's definitely your sister alright."
Sirzechs smiled.
The purple haired woman, Bast, walked forward and opened a large magic circle. Sirzechs noticed the sigils carved into the circle were different…Hieroglyphs?
"Let's get going," said Kuro.
Sirzechs and Grayfia walked into the magic circle and teleported into the city. They stepped onto the roof of a skyscraper in the city, on top of a helicopter landing pad. Looking up, Sirzechs saw another familiar face flying in the sky.
A woman with long silvery white hair and clear blue eyes, wearing a black suit with silver armor.
"Rose!" called Kuro. "Where is she?"
As if his question was answered, a volley of powerful magic missles were launched. Rose flew around and managed to destroy them, before Bast opened a magic circle and blasted the remaining ones from the air. However a stray missle found it's way to Sirzechs, but before it made contact, Grayfia created a barrier and blocked the attack.
"Lord Sirzechs, are you injured?"
"I'm fine Grayfia, thank you," said Sirzechs.
A Fallen Angel joined Rose in the skies. She had gray hair that reached her shoulders and four sets of wings. Two of them were the black Fallen Angel wings, however the other two were white.
"What?" asked Sirzechs. "Her wings…"
"Lord Azazel will promote me now that I've gotten my hands on this weapon," said the Fallen Angel.
Kuro stepped forward in front of Sirzechs, however in the split second that he did, the Fallen Angel's left arm was missing. It seemed like she didn't even know what happened until the blood began to spew out.
"What just happened?" asked Rias. "I didn't even see it. One second…"
Kuro tossed the Fallen Angel's arm on the ground. "Azazel can't promote you if you're dead."
When did he…Was Kuro always this fast? Sirzechs didn't even notice he had even moved aside from stepping forward, but in that split second he jumped all the way up to her, ripped out her arm, and fell back down. All of that in less than a second…
"Your orders?" asked Bast.
"Rip out her wings," said Kuro.
Again, in a split second, Sera had sprouted her wings and flew up to rip out both of her black wings, before Rose jumped on top of her, pressing down on her white wings and kicking her down to the rooftop, ripping out her white wings.
Susanoo manifested her Ama-no-Murakumo and slammed it into the Fallen Angel's stomach, pinning her to the ground.
"Well that was a lot easier than I thought," sighed Susanoo. "Bast, take it already."
"You guys sure know how to take the tension out of a fight, don't you?" Bast sighed before kneeling down in front of the Fallen Angel. Susanoo grabbed her hair and raised her face up while Bast held out a hand to her face.
Sirzechs watched as Bast's hand began to glow, as she sucked a white essence from the Fallen Angel. The essence formed into a ball of light, before dimming to reveal a set of earrings with feathers on each one.
"That makes it seven left," said Bast.
"Brother…" said Rias as she walked up to join him and Grayfia. "Who are these people?"
Sirzechs smiled as memories rushed back to him of ten years ago. "This is the Jaeger Faction."
"Though they haven't been very active these last few years in the political grand scheme of things," said Grayfia. "It's good to see them back."
Kuro walked over to join the three of them. "I guess…there's a lot to talk about, huh?"
Sirzechs smiled. "Where's Masamune? Is he with you?"
"He should be in the city somewhere," said Kuro. "Is there some place we can talk? I'll let him know where to meet us."
"You can use the club room," said Rias. "If that's alright."
Sirzechs smiled and nodded. "Thank you Rias."
…
Issei slung his bag over his shoulder as he walked home. Since today was the open house, classes were cut short so the parents could have meetings with the teachers. And since there was no club meeting until later today, he and Asia decided to just go home and rest.
"I wonder who that girl was earlier," said Asia. "She said she wasn't a Devil King anymore…but Lord Sirzechs seemed to know her."
"I don't know but she really seemed to know the Prez huh?" asked Issei. "Akeno-San wouldn't tell us anything either."
"And that explosion…" said Asia. "Akeno-San said that we shouldn't worry but…"
Issei knew what she meant. After that battle with Riser, Ddraig's been giving him warnings of the White One, as well as a God Slayer? Issei had no idea what that meant, well the White One was Vali. Isse knew that now, but this God Slayer was a different story. Ddraig seemed extra nervous when he spoke about it, but Rias didn't know anything about it either. Maybe he should ask Lord Sirzechs?
He paused at the end of the road when he looked up to the hill over Kuoh to see the tree. Issei remembered when this tree popped up out of no where ten years ago. It was a real mystery at first, but eventually everybody just forgot about it and just went on with their lives. He'd also heard the stories of people going insane or even turning into monsters after eating the fruit around the tree. It wasn't some religious sight since he could go near it, but he felt a strange compulsion to go to it. Like a tugging in his heart telling him to go to it…it's gotten stronger since he awakened the Boosted Gear.
"Issei-San?" asked Asia. "Is something wrong?"
Issei shook his head. "N-Nothing, let's go."
The two were about to turn the corner when three people almost bumped into them. There was a boy with long black hair and deep gray eyes. He wore a long black trench coat over what seemed like a white button up. To his left was a girl wearing a red blazer with a black skirt, with long white hair and blue eyes. There was also another boy, long blonde hair with blue eyes, and wearing a simple green jacket over an orange shirt. They were all carrying tons of food and looked like they'd finish most of it.
"Oh," said the black haired boy. "Sorry about that. Are you okay?"
Issei found his footing, however his left arm suddenly began to throb in pain.
"Y-Yeah," said Issei.
"That uniform…" said the girl. "Do you happen to know where Kuoh Academy is? We're supposed to go there for a meeting in the Occult Research Club."
The blonde boy looked to Issei and Asia with a raised eyebrow. "Oh you're Devils, that's even better."
"They're Devils?" asked the girl, until her eyes widened. "This pressure…"
The black haired boy handed the girl his plate of tacos before looking to Issei. "Is that you, Red Dragon Emperor?"
Issei's heart suddenly felt like it had stopped. There was an overwhelming force suddenly placed on him, as if his heart was being squeezed tight. If it weren't for Ddraig's help, he would have fainted by now. Asia on the other hand buckled before Issei caught her.
"Oh?" said the boy as the force suddenly stopped. "Sorry…I got excited. But you are him, right? The Red Dragon Emperor."
The green orb of the Boosted Gear appeared on Issei's left hand. "What brings you here, God Slayer?"
"Heh?" asked Issei. "This is the one you warned me about?"
"He really is the Red Dragon Emperor," said the girl. "My Lord, how did you know?"
"Vali said that we'd meet him remember?" asked Masamune.
Issei grabbed Asia and jumped back. "Are you with Vali? I already told him, I have no intention of fighting him yet."
"W-Wait," said the blonde boy. "There's been a misunderstanding. If you two are Devils, who's your master?"
Issei glared at the three of them. "Rias Gremory."
The black haired boy's jaw dropped in amusement. He suddenly broke out into a chuckle. "So she's old enough to start her own peerage huh? Oh how time flies."
"We're supposed to meet with her brother," said the blonde haired boy. "I'm Dulio, this is Masamune and Mihiro."
"So…" said Issei as he stood up. "You're not working with Vali?"
"I assure you," said the black haired boy as he reached out his hand. "We're not working with or for Vali. We're friends. I'm Asa Masamune."
"I'm Hyoudou Issei," said Issei.
Issei and Asia walked with the three of them back to Kuoh Academy as Masamune told Issei why they were meeting Lord Sirzechs at the Occult Research Club.
"Really? Ten years of traveling?" asked Asia with delight in her eyes. "Oh you must seen so many wonderful things."
"We did!" said Mihiro. "There's this delicious bakery in Paris that makes the best crepes."
"I wish I could try it," said Asia.
Mihiro nudged Masamune's elbow.
"You know I'm not a vending machine, don't you?" asked Masamune.
"Oh come on my Lord," said Mihiro. "A token of friendship, yes a token of friendship."
Masamune sighed. Issei watched as the boy reached his hand out as it disappeared into an invisible wall. His hand vanished as if there was a wall in front of him, and there were ripples forming like he had stuck his hand into a body of water. When he pulled his hand back out, he was holding a box of crepes.
"Token of friendship," said Masamune as he handed it to Asia.
"T-Thank you," said Asia. She opened the box and took a bite, her eyes lighting up like a Christmas tree. "T-This is…This is amazing!"
"Isn't it!" cried Mihiro.
"I didn't think these two would get along so well," said Dulio.
"My crepes…" said Masamune.
Issei didn't know what to think of these three. They all seemed to be friends, however he knew there was more to it. He knew that Masamune is a God Slayer, but the two with him seemed just as strong, and yet seemed to bow to him. And he's meeting with Lord Sirzechs…just who is this?
They arrived at Kuoh Academy and Issei led them to the Occult Research Club.
"By the way," said Masamune. "Are you Asia Argento? The Twilight Healing owner?"
"Y-Yes," said Asia. "How did you know?"
"Heh…" said Masamune. "I heard from a certain Fallen Angel…I'm sorry about what happened."
"No…it's okay," said Asia. "I've gotten to meet a lot of great people, so I don't regret it."
Masamune smiled. "I see."
Issei kept a mental note to remember that he should be weary of Masamune. It seems he knows a lot more then he's letting on.
The group entered the Occult Research Club to see it packed with a lot of unfamiliar people. The Prez was sitting behind her desk with Akeno-San, Kiba, and Xenovia. Sitting on one side of the couch was Lord Sirzechs, with Grayfia standing behind him. However the bulk of the unfamiliar faces were sitting across from Lord Sirzechs. There was a boy with long white hair sipping on some tea, sitting in front of a beautiful woman with long purple hair and dark skin with some…large breasts. The other girl was a smaller and almost middle school like girl floating on a cloud.
"Ah!" cried Issei. "I saw you guys this morning!"
The white haired boy turned his head. "You sure took your time didn't you, Master."
"Sorry sorry," said Masamune, to Issei's shock, as he walked forward with Dulio and Mihiro. "We got caught up with the food. I haven't had good food in awhile."
Lord Sirzechs stood up and walked over to Masamune, reaching out a hand. "Been a while hasn't it…Masamune."
"Sirzechs…" said Masamune, before pushing his hand aside and giving the Devil King Lucifer a hug.
"M-Masamune?" asked Sirzechs, seemingly flustered.
"Sorry we're late, Sirzechs," said Masamune as he parted and smiled.
Sirzechs cleared his throat in an attempt to regain his composure. "We have a lot to talk about, don't we?"
…
Masamune sat in the Occult Research Club, facing Sirzechs and Grayfia. A smile couldn't help but appear on his face. It's been 10 whole years since he's been back in Kuoh, and 10 whole years since he's seen Sirzechs. He's definitely grown more mature and from what Kuro told him, he's definitely a proper Devil King now.
He looked over to Rias. Was this really Rias? She wasn't that small girl who wanted to play with him anymore, she was so grown and beautiful. This was the heir to the House of Gremory, and yet there was a distance between he and Rias that Masamune knew would be there. She probably doesn't remember him anyways.
"I see you've all grown," said Sirzechs. "And you even made a new friend."
"Oh Bast?" asked Masamune. "We met her in Egypt. She's been helping us ever since."
"Is that what you call it?" asked Bast. "That's harsh Masamune. I'm your Rook remember?"
"Well I'm his Rook too," said Rose. "Don't be so crass Bast."
"Will you two stop it!" said Sera as she pulled the two of them apart. "We're in the middle of a serious talk right now."
"Why does this always happen?" sighed Dulio.
"I guess that's what makes it fun," smiled Mihiro.
"Is that what you want to call it?" asked Susanoo.
Masamune turned back to Sirzechs to see him completely speechless and in awe. "Masamune…You didn't…"
Masamune sighed. "Allow me to reintroduce you to my household, Sirzechs. This is Bast, the Egyptian goddess of protection, and one of my Rooks. Rossweisse, the Asgardian Valkyrie, and my other Rook. Arashikage Mihiro, one of my knights. Susanoo, the goddess of storms, and my other knight. Kuro here is my pawn, worth 8 pieces."
"W-Wait a minute!" Rias slammed her hands on her desk. "The Evil Pieces can't Reincarnate deities. They weren't designed for-"
"The Evil Pieces used to Reincarnate us weren't your normal pieces," said Bast. "It seems the one who developed them knew that Masamune wouldn't Reincarnate just anybody."
"And Sera?" asked Sirzechs.
Sera smiled proudly and pressed her fist on her heart. "Serafall Sitri, rank Queen."
Masamune sighed. "She was very adamant on it after I reincarnated Kuro."
Sirzechs was clearly shook by this news. "A-And Dulio? How about Dulio and Lady Gabriel?"
"Lady Gabriel has stayed in London," said Dulio. "She said there was more than she wanted to research before returning home. I'll head back to Heaven once we're done here."
"So you didn't become a Devil?" asked Sirzechs.
Dulio smiled but shook his head. "I've devoted my life to Lord Michael. I can't betray him like that."
"I see," Sirzechs smiled. "Speaking of which Masamune, I'd like to invite you to the Leader's Summit in a few days. The leaders of the three factions will be convening, it might be a good time for you to inform us on everything you've learned."
Masamune nodded. "I understand, I'll wait until then."
"But before all of that," said Kuro as he walked in front of the window and pointed outside. "Devil King Lucifer? Do you mind explaining to me why there's a massive tree growing from where our estate was!"
…
The Great Library of London. One of the last remaining supernatural archives in the world that houses information on almost every supernatural event since the dawn of recorded history. If what she had heard when they had a run in Vali was right, and if what Kuroka had warned them about was true, then the Artifacts they've spent 10 years collecting was the least of their worries.
Within the Library, kept underneath the entire city, Gabriel sat at a table toppled high with numerous amounts of history books and grimoires. The table sat at the middle of an entire world of bookshelves that went up 12 stories high. With so much furniture in here, every sound she made echoed throughout the entire Library.
She'd combed through several books about Divine Artifacts centered around plants and fruits, and so far only one thing has repeated.
The Forest of Helheim.
There wasn't any conclusive evidence to what it really was. Was it an actual forest with a location they can visit? Or was it a Sacred Gear that can be activated and turn the entire surrounding area into said forest. Gabriel's spent days in here, combing through hundreds of books and she's gotten nothing. It's as if the only thing people know about it, is that it exists. There's been no sightings of it, no mentions of it in any historical document, not so much as a description. She thought it was over, until she found it.
An old leather grimoire hidden in the deepest caverns of the Library. It was incredibly weathered, the leather practically falling off. Gabriel thought that the entire thing would fall apart if she opened the strap. She traced her hand along the cover, and feeling the engravings carved into the cover. A crescent moon like object in front of what looked like a slice of fruit.
"Did you finally find it?" asked the leader of the London Werewolf pack.
Luke "Lupin" Wayland, or Lupin the 10th or Lupin X. The tenth pack leader of the largest werewolf pack in all of Europe. He inherited the name Lupin from the previous pack leader. A tall and handsome man with long brown hair and mesmerizing green eyes. He walked down the staircase that connected the several floors of the Library.
"I think so," said Gabriel. "Thanks again for all the help Luke. I appreciate your letting me use the Library."
"Anything I can do to help," said Luke. "I owe Masamune a debt anyways. I wouldn't be here right now if you guys hadn't come to London."
Gabriel smiled before looking down the book set on the table. With nervous hands, she unstrapped the lock and opened the book.
"W-What is this?" asked Luke. "I've never heard of anything like this."
"The Forest of Helheim," Gabriel read aloud. "The defensive mechanism of the Divine Artifact known as the Forbidden Fruit. Once the Fruit is activated, a seed is planted. The forest will grow from the seed and cover everything in sight. The only way to stop the forest's growth, is to…pluck the Forbidden Fruit?"
"What the hell is a Forbidden Fruit?" asked Luke.
"I've never heard of such a thing," said Gabriel. "Do you know where the Library got this book?"
Luke shook his head. "This Library's been here since way before my time. My elders say that it was started around the time of the original God Slayers."
Gabriel sighed. "That doesn't really help."
"Sorry I couldn't be of more help," said Luke. "If you want, I can have some of my men stay here and do more research. You have to go don't you? I'll contact you as soon as we find anything."
Gabriel nodded and reached out a hand. "I really appreciate the help Luke, I can't thank you enough."
Luke smiled and shook her hand. "We're allies of the Jaeger Faction. We'll do what we can to help. I'll let our other allies know to find out what they can on this forest."
"Do you mind if I take the book with me?" asked Gabriel.
"It's yours," said Luke. "Now get going, and give my regards to Masamune and Mihiro. If you ever need anything, you know where to find me."
Gabriel smiled before walking up the stairs and opening a magic circle to the Heliomatrix. The ship's been parked in the skies of London, more specifically over Big Ben, for the past three days. It's been cloaked from human eyes and anchored to the clock tower ever since then.
It felt weird being on the ship all by herself. She's spent the last 10 years around some amazing company, surrounded by amazing people and going on the spectacular of adventures. She couldn't believe that this adventure had to end.
Technically she's done exactly what she set out to do. Gabriel had seen most of the Earth that she and father had created all those thousands of years ago. She's grown so much, met so many wonderful people, was she really ready to give this all up and go back to Heaven? Gabriel knew she wasn't so dedicated to the cause like Dulio, he'd probably be going back to Michael soon.
She sighed as she walked to the control panels and opened several magic circles. Once she raised the anchors, Gabriel set sail for Kuoh, Japan.
Once the ship was high enough into the sky and going at a constant speed, she walked away from the controls and to the front of the ship. So much has happened…She couldn't help but wonder how Kuroka was doing.
I'll find out as much as I can, so for the time being…we'll be enemies.
It's been three years since Kuroka's been branded a Stray Devil and was recruited by the Khaos Brigade. It was exactly what they had wanted, an inside man gaining information on what the Khaos Brigade wants. However Masamune was completely against the idea. He wanted Kuro to do it, but that would raise too many questions. She's been relaying information to them every month, however Gabriel's worry still remained.
"I hope you're okay, Kuroka."