Asia was still reeling from Rias's confession. Despite them having left the chilly back room of the dorm rooms, she still felt cold. The harrowing truth of Rias's second Bishop having sent a chill up her spine.
"Asia...are you going to be okay?" Akeno asked worriedly.
She nodded. "It's just...what if Jon-"
"I understand how jarring this information is. But there's something you should know." Rias insisted. "First of all, no one here blames Jon or bears any grudge against him whatsoever. We fully understand that he was just doing his job."
"We cannot stress that enough." Akeno added just as insistently. "Everyone here agrees that Jon is not to blame. Even Koneko got over her initial anger pretty quickly."
Rias nodded in agreement with her Queen. "Hell, knowing what we know of Gasper, even he wouldn't hold a grudge against Jon for what happened."
That came as a relief to the President's second Bishop but still it didn't completely erase her anxieties.
"We took it upon ourselves to vote and decide if we should tell Jon what happened shortly after he was recruited into the Peerage and we all agreed we would wait until Gasper had woken up from his Torpor before we told him." Akeno added. "Everyone agreed it's better this way."
"Jon doesn't need the guilt of this weighing down on his conscious." The President insisted. "Not until he sees that Gasper is okay."
After taking a moment to process all of this, finally Asia's racing mind began to calm down. With a deep breath she smiled and nodded in understanding. "Okay...I understand. I won't breath a word of this to Jon. I promise."
Rias sighed in relief and hugged Asia tightly. "Thank you. I know how you feel about keeping secrets from him, but it means the world to me that you'll keep this one."
They kissed tenderly. Akeno meanwhile, giggled at the sight.
"We should see how he's doing." She suggested. "I think he's still taking the situation with Irina pretty hard."
Rias and Asia both frowned knowingly and nodded to each other.
"Come on girls, let's go show our Dragon our support." Rias insisted.
Both girls followed the President back to her room. Putting the nasty business regarding Rias's other Bishop to the back of their minds.
"Now then...let's be extra careful not to upset him. He's probably still a little raw right now."
They all nodded in agreement as Rias slowly began to open the door.
"Jon? Jon we're…"
Rias immediately stopped opening the door as her back stiffened in surprise. She then proceeded to quietly close the door.
"What is it, Rias?" Asia asked worriedly.
She began to snicker quietly to herself.
"Rias?" Akeno asked curiously.
The President finally turned around, still snickering like an idiot and her face slightly red.
"Okay? You wanna fill us in, Love?" Her Queen was now very curious.
"Well...I've got good news and bad news girls." She explained while stifling her amused chuckling.
"Okay...what's the good news?" Asia asked nervously.
"The good news is I think Jon's going to be just fine."
"And the bad news?" Akeno asked next.
Rias grinned mischievously. "I fear we may have been kicked out of our room. It's currently occupied."
Asia covered her mouth with her hands to hide the beaming smile covering her face. "Wait...you don't mean…"
She nodded in confirmation, her grin widening even further. "Yep...they're both in there right now."
"You're kidding." Akeno's face lit up into a radiant smile as well. "It's about freaking time."
"Agreed...though this does put us in a bit of a predicament. Considering how long we've been waiting for this, I seriously don't want to disturb them. But at the same time, I'm not sure where we'll sleep tonight."
Asia giggled. "Well...we were having a slumber party in the Chapter Room before all of this happened. Our stuff should still be in there."
"Of course!" Akeno beamed excitedly. "How silly of me, I had completely forgotten."
Rias nodded excitedly. "It's settled then. The sleepover is back on, ladies."
Jon slept in late the next day. The events of last night having exhausted him physically, mentally, and spiritually. Most of it didn't seem real. Like it had all been one long, terrible nightmare.
"Did you know your eyes flutter when you sleep?"
He smiled upon hearing the soft voice of Koneko lying next to him. That part hadn't been a dream at least. Jon turned over in the bed and was greeted to the sight of a glowing smile from the normally stoic Rook.
"Morning, Kani." He greeted gently before kissing her.
"Morning." She purred. "Did you sleep well?"
He groaned before popping his back and cracking his neck. "Like a dream."
"Listen…" A light blush crept over her cheeks. "...I wanted to say thank you for last night. I know we didn't...you know…"
Jon chuckled. "I don't know, second base on the first date still ain't half bad." He teased jokingly.
Koneko scoffed and rolled her eyes at him dismissively. "Whatever."
"Hey, I'm joking." He insisted, still snickering quietly to himself. He wrapped his arm around the small of her waist and pulled her in close. "Kani, I don't want to rush this any more than you do."
She shook her head. "It's not that." Koneko sighed before laying herself on his chest. "I guess...I guess it's just been awhile since I've felt this close to someone. I think I just got lost in the moment."
"Hey." He tilted her chin up to meet his gaze. "You ain't gotta explain it to me. You're still new to this. I get that. We're moving at your pace here."
Koneko smiled at him warmly and nodded. "Thank you."
The two lovers kissed again. Truthfully, that's all they really did for their first night together. At some point they lost most of their clothes, but beyond that, all Jon truly did that night was hold her close.
And he wouldn't have had it any other way. The two of them had been on rocky terms for as long as they had known each other. This next step in their relationship was a huge milestone for the both of them.
"Listen...I'm gonna get washed up. But…" She blushed heavily. "I'd love it if I could walk to class with you and Asia."
"I'd be delighted if you did."
She nodded before pecking him on the cheek. As Koneko left, Jon took a moment to peer at her spirit once more. He frowned upon seeing a layer of ice still covering whatever she was keeping buried underneath. He hadn't gotten through to her completely.
As soon as she was out of the room Jon sighed in frustration. "Dagummit. Guess it won't be quite that easy."
Regardless, he found himself in good spirits all the same. Though the loss of Irina still weighed on his mind, he was comforted by the fact that Koneko had finally warmed up to him. It was enough, at least, for him to put the issue aside and focus on the day. Jon threw on a muscle tee and some track shorts before making his way out of Rias's room. The smell of breakfast wafted into his nostrils and his stomach growled. Some of the girls excellent cooking sounded amazing right about now.
Jon casually made his way downstairs, stretching out his sore and aching limbs as he did so.
"Morning, y'all." He greeted upon entering the dining room. "Smells wonderful in here."
He heard an effeminate little giggle that he knew had to be Asia.
"Good morning Jon."
He couldn't help but be slightly stunned by his Treasure's choice of outfit. Or rather, by her almost total lack of one. Upon exiting the kitchen, Asia revealed herself to be wearing a backless white silk cooking apron...and nothing else.
"Well that's certainly one way to say hello first thing in the morning." He joked.
Asia blushed, another giggle escaping her lips. "You and Koneko must be so drained after everything that happened last night. So we decided a nice big breakfast was what you needed."
He couldn't help but smirk. "And the outfit?"
"It was Akeno's idea." Jon heard Rias's voice next. As she exited the kitchen he noted that she too was wearing nothing but a backless apron. Hers, however, was purple with a red heart in the center. Her breasts were practically busting out of the top of the apron. Contained by little more than a small layer of cloth. "Since you and Kani decided to haul yourselves up in our room, we had no way to change clothes. So we decided we would just go without this time." She grinned at him wickedly as she did a small curtsey. Revealing more of her cleavage through the apron. "Well, what do you think?"
"I'm finding it particularly hard to think at all at the moment." He admitted shamelessly.
Now it was Rias who giggled flirtatiously. "Then I'd say it's working."
"I hope you guys are hungry." Akeno came out wheeling a service tray stocked with delicious looking breakfast items. "Because there's plenty to go around."
The food was the absolute last thing on Jon's mind at the moment. Akeno was dressed in a black and white cooking apron with frills. Reminiscent of the maid's outfit she wore their first night together. It left absolutely nothing to the imagination and clung to her figure like seran wrap.
"So what would you like first, Master?" Akeno shot a sultry look at Jon, biting the tip of her nail while fiddling with her collar in the other hand. "A bit of toast? Some eggs? Or...perhaps you'd prefer a bite of me?"
Leave it to his Ju'kara to still be able to leave Jon speechless.
Rias chuckled at Akeno. "Alright, enough showing off ladies. Let's get this boy some breakfast."
Asia and Akeno wrapped two slender hands around Jon's arms each and guided him over to the table. Once he sat down they began serving him breakfast. Offering generous views of each of their shapely figures.
"And here I thought you girls were still mad at me." Jon commented in amusement.
"We were." Rias admitted. "But...after seeing all the intel you brought back regarding Kokabiel's forces, we decided you performed well enough to earn a little reward."
"And besides…" Asia added as she began to rub Jon's shoulders. "...we know saying goodbye to Irina like that wasn't easy."
"But you made your loyalty to your Treasures clear, Master." Akeno finished while plating his breakfast for him. "You've given up a lot for us. Last night was testament to that. Showing a little gratitude is the least we can do."
As Jon settled in to eat his breakfast, Koneko came strutting down the steps to the dining room, fully dressed and cleaned up for the day. Upon seeing the three girls completely nude save for their aprons, doting on their Dragon as always, she chuckled and rolled her eyes dismissively at the sight.
"You three sure are starting early this morning." She commented before taking a seat next to Jon.
Rias giggled at her. "Don't act like you're any better, little missy. I saw your clothes scattered all over my rug last night after all."
Koneko's entire body went rigid and her face heated up like a thermometer. Jon chuckled in amusement but otherwise waved them off.
"Alright, alright. Leave her alone, you guys. She's still adjusting."
"Awww, you're no fun Jon." Rias teased jokingly.
"Thanks…" The Rook gave him a small smile of appreciation.
"Koneko...I just wanted to say I'm so happy you and Jon have finally connected."
Jon damn near dropped his fork as he watched Asia slowly saunter up behind Koneko and wrap her slender arms around her, pressing her healthy endowments against her neck. The tiny Rook proceeded to bristle from head to toe, her face lighting up yet again. The look she had in her eyes was unlike anything Jon had seen on her before. Was Asia...seducing Koneko?
The blonde beauty then whispered something into Koneko's ear that Jon couldn't make out. She'd obviously used magic to keep him from eavesdropping. Whatever it was, it was for the Rook's ears only.
What mattered was that it made her smile. Asia finished by kissing her on the cheek and taking a seat at the table.
"So how's Kiba?" Jon asked as they settled into their breakfast.
Rias and Akeno both shared nervous looks with one another.
"He'll be fine. He just needs plenty of rest." Asia spoke up almost immediately before smiling at Rias. "Right, Ms. President?"
The President quirked her head at Asia curiously before smiling and nodding in agreement. "Yes. Kiba will be just fine."
"Good to hear." He nudged Koneko playfully. "Ain't that right, Kani?"
She nodded before taking another bite of her breakfast.
"Now then, loathe as I am to say it. We must move on to a more serious topic." Rias announced, her tone returning to that same stoic professionalism. "Jon, the information you and Koneko brought back to us has made one thing abundantly clear. Kokabiel intends to attack the city of Kuoh."
"There's gotta be more to it than that." Jon insisted. "Did we find anything in the files that Irina…" He glowered somewhat before clearing his throat. "...that...the Holy Sword Users provided for us?"
Rias shared a concerned look with the other girls before continuing. "Sona is still in the process of having it fully decrypted. But in the meantime, Akeno and I will be making a trip down to the Underworld to meet with my older brother."
Jon almost choked on his hashbrowns. After downing a glass of milk to stop the coughing he spoke. "You mean Lucifer?"
The President nodded. "I won't lie to you, Jon. What you and Koneko unearthed is grave. The scope of this attack is beyond anything Sona and I can control on our own. We'll need reinforcements in the event that the worst should happen."
"So what do you want us to do?" Koneko asked curiously.
"It will take at least two days to get everything ready in the Underworld." Akeno explained. "While we're handling things there, the two of you must guard the campus."
"So in other words, sit here and wait until you get back." Jon grumbled plaintively.
The President grinned at him despite the annoyed look in her eyes. "And just in case either of you get any funny ideas, Asia here will be keeping an eye on you both for the next few days. Think of her as your chaperone."
"You mean babysitter." He retorted.
Rias shrugged indifferently. "If you don't like it, then next time don't scamper off to a top secret underground laboratory without telling anyone."
He shot her a chiding grin. "Hey, if it wasn't for us breaking the rules you wouldn't even have this information."
"Maybe so, but you were still extremely lucky." She insisted impatiently before placing her hands squarely on her hips. "Had reinforcements been able to show up or, Hell forbid, Kokabiel himself, none of you would have been left alive to tell us about this."
"Please, Master." Akeno begged with her head bowed. "Please promise us you will stay here until we come back."
Finally Jon relented. With a weary sigh he smiled and nodded at Akeno. "Very well, Ju'kara. You have my word."
"Asia. If anything should happen while Akeno and I are gone, you contact us immediately."
The Bishop nodded at her President. "Understood, Rias."
She sighed before finally relaxing back in her seat. "Okay then. That's enough of that." A knowing smirk crept over her features. "Koneko, Sweetie?"
The Rook quirked her head up at the President. "Hmm?"
"I know you just recently opened your heart up to Jon. But would you mind letting us borrow him for a minute. There's something the three of us need to discuss with him in private."
Koneko looked around at Rias, Akeno, and Asia's faces. Each of them bore the same knowing look in their eyes. With a soft smile she nodded in understanding.
"Knock yourselves out." She stood up and grinned at Jon playfully. "I'll have plenty of time to whip him into shape while you and Akeno are gone."
Jon gulped, suddenly feeling a little hot under the collar.
With that, the Rook winked at him and left. Leaving her Dragon alone with the remainder of his Treasures.
"Now then…you scared the absolute hell out of us last night." Rias commented while slowly standing up and sauntering over to him.
"And while we've decided not to punish you, Master, we still feel you owe us something." Akeno quickly followed suit, taking a spot behind him same as Rias.
"So...for the next hour or so, you belong to us." Asia added while taking a spot behind him as well.
Jon looked at his three Treasures, a nervous pit forming in his stomach. "Somehow I get the feeling you ain't talking bout making me clean up the Headquarters are ya?"
They all collectively shook their heads before dropping their aprons with one swift motion.
"Nope. We had something else in mind."
Boy was Jon in deep this time. The moment the girls had stripped their aprons the three naked beauties proceeded to haul his bewildered ass upstairs to the dungeon, stripping his clothes away as they did so.
Once they were there, the girls made quick work cuffing his wrists and ankles to the metal frame in the center of the room, completely spread eagle. Akeno took position behind him, pressing her breasts against his back as she reached around and grabbed her Dragon's stiff erection in her hand, stroking it teasingly while Rias and Asia dropped to their knees in front of him.
"Now then, girls." Akeno's breath was hot against his ear as she spoke. "When it comes to oral, the best way to get acclimated to a man's size is to practice on him. Toys will only get you so far."
They both nodded in understanding.
"We've been waiting awhile to do this." Rias explained before resting her cheek against Asia's.
"Rias and I are going to practice on you until we're just as good as Akeno is." The blonde beauty added.
"And here I thought I was supposed to be serving you ladies. Not the other way around." Jon teased, a hint of amusement in his voice.
Akeno rolled her eyes at him before releasing her grip on his cock and pressing two fingers against the very base of his shaft. Her fingers began to faintly glow purple with magical power.
"W...whoa. What the hell is that?" Jon began to squirm slightly in his bonds. "Are you using magic?"
She giggled in a twistedly sadistic voice. "How observant of you, Master. Right now I'm using my magic to inhibit the cluster of nerves that tell your brain it's time to orgasm. So long as I have my fingers pressed against you like this, you'll be able to get juuuust close enough to feel it, but not quite there."
Jon felt a nervous chill run up his spine. "Now that is just evil."
Rias groaned in embarrassment. "Yes...it truly is."
Akeno quirked a brow at her. "What was that, Love?"
The President gulped before shaking her head profusely. "Nothing! Nothing…" She laughed nervously.
Asia simply giggled at them both.
"In that case, you start Rias. I've got a hold of him, so don't worry about how long it takes. Practice as much as you need." Akeno assured.
"With pleasure." Rias wasted no time slipping her lips around Jon's head before slowly sinking her throat down his length. As her warm soft tongue slid along his shaft, Jon could tell immediately that this was going to suck big time.
And not in the fun way.
The President almost got to the very base of his shaft before she gagged and had to pull up. She huffed in frustration while rubbing her sore throat.
"I swear it's always that last little bit that gets me."
"You're not relaxing enough." Akeno insisted while maintaining a grip on Jon's ability to orgasm. "You need to train your throat to suppress the urge to gag once it hits your uvula. Mind over body, Rias. Like with all things."
"Easier said than done."
"Now Asia, your turn." Akeno instructed.
"Okay!" The blonde beauty giggled in a bubbly voice before taking Jon into her mouth the same way Rias did before sinking down as far as her tight little throat could go.
"Jesus fucking Chri-"
Akeno quickly slapped a hand over his mouth before egging Asia to continue. "You're almost there, Hun. Remember to relax."
She shut her eyes tight and pressed herself down even further. Jon felt his toes curl and his eyes cross as her chin rested on his balls. Asia pulled away with a satisfying pop before smiling radiantly. "Did I do it?"
Akeno beamed pridefully at her and nodded. "You sure did, Love. That was excellent."
Asia squealed before clapping her hands together excitedly. "I finally did it! Yay!"
"Okay, my turn again." Rias insisted before grabbing Jon's cock and licking up the shaft. "No way am I losing to my Bishop."
What then proceeded was the most agonizingly frustrating forty five minutes of Jon's life. Rias eventually caught up to Asia and the two began practicing various techniques under Akeno's tutelage. Just as she promised, that spell she kept pressed against his shaft would let him get right to the edge but not quite reach the other side. It was beyond frustrating and if he tried to protest or complain she just slapped a hand over his mouth again. Though of course that alone wasn't enough, and so the She-Devil took it upon herself to nip at his ear, lick his neck, and generally just do everything in her power to make an already unbearable situation about ten times worse.
"Remember to breath through your nose when you come up." Akeno instructed to Rias, an amused grin on her face as she kept one hand firmly over Jon's mouth.
"How do I know if I'm doing the tongue thing right?" She asked after popping off his member yet again.
Akeno quirked her head for a moment in thought. "Do it again."
Rias began sucking on his manhood once more while attempting the thing with her tongue that Akeno showed them. Jon's face immediately responded and he began fighting against the bonds in frustration again before she finally relented.
The Queen giggled in amusement. "I'd say you're doing it right, Hun."
"Ladies, come on!" Jon insisted imploringly, having finally managed to wriggle free of Akeno's hand. "I get you're trying to teach me a lesson but at this point this falls into cruel and unusual punishments."
"Hmmm, what do you think Rias? Has he suffered enough?" Akeno teased with a wicked grin.
"I don't know." She continued to stroke his shaft whilst occasionally lapping at the small bridge underneath the tip as she spoke. "Asia, what do you think?"
The blonde giggled at Rias. "While I don't want to be cruel, it is funny seeing Jon make those silly faces."
"For fucks sake!" He growled in frustration. "I get it already! I won't pull a stunt like that again!"
"You swear?" Rias insisted sharply while stroking him.
"I swear!"
She smirked at both girls. "Well ladies, I'd say he's learned his lesson. Akeno?"
Another stream of mischievous giggling escaped her Queen's lips. "He's very pent up. Just a fair warning to both of you."
Asia blushed deeply. "Well...it's not like it's the first time he's ever...you know…"
Rias rolled her eyes at Asia. "One of these days I'm gonna get you to say it." She then turned to her Queen. "Akeno, please release Jon so he can give us a cum shower."
"You say it so casually." Asia whined, her face turning scarlet.
"As you wish." Akeno released the spell and lowered herself down to his thighs. She then reached up and cupped his balls in her hands, massaging them vigorously. "You heard what the President wanted, Master. Give it to them."
"Go ahead, Jon." Rias insisted while taking his shaft in her hand and stroking far more forcefully. "We're waiting for it."
"Please…" Asia gulped, her face still scarlet. "...please do it on me, Jon."
Both ladies pumped his cock with one hand each while opening their mouths and sticking out their tongues. They arched their backs and hoisted their breasts up for him while Akeno massaged his balls.
It didn't take long.
"Gyaaah! Fuuuuuck!"
Jon erupted. Rias and Asia asked for a shower and that was exactly what they got. The constant teasing and edging had built up his climax to such a degree that he emptied his swollen sack in a single burst. The thick hot substance hit both his darling Treasures and coated them in white. Their face. Their breasts. Jon had never cum on either girl quite the way he had just done. Hell, he'd never truly cum quite like that in his whole life. Once he was completely spent, the ladies exchanged his seed in their mouths with a passionate kissing session. Pressing their messy bodies together while they made out in front of their exhausted Dragon as he slumped over in his bonds.
"Don't get too comfy, Mr. Hyodo." Rias licked her lips as she and Asia continued to stroke him. "We're nowhere near done with you yet."
Tsubaki Shinra was no stranger to the field of Microbiology. She'd been spending the better part of her century long lifespan studying the sciences and their practical applications to her own alchemic research. Yet in all her years of study, she had never seen a virus quite like this one before. If it could even be called that.
"How's it going?"
The Sitri Queen looked up from her microscope to see Sona standing at the door. She adjusted her specs and dusted off her lab coat before standing.
"I must admit. At first I was furious with Sammy but...what he's brought me." She peered down at the small sample she'd been studying under her microscope. "It's unlike anything I've ever seen before."
"What can you tell me about it?"
Tsubaki frowned thoughtfully. "Not as much as I had hoped, I'm afraid. What we're dealing with is some form of mutated virus. It multiplies incredibly aggressively and is transferred primarily through fluid to fluid contact. However, I theorize it can be aerosolized if kept in a humid environment as well."
"Yes yes, but how is it capable of making zombies?" Sona asked insistently.
"The virus appears to behave as a form of cancer. Destroying host cells and replacing them with unstable mutated versions. As to how or why, I have a theory."
"Go ahead."
"The thing is. I hesitate to refer to this thing as purely a virus." She admitted. "Normal viruses use DNA and RNA Helix structures to rewrite a cell's genetic code. This virus...doesn't do that." She wheeled over to her laptop and punched in a few commands. "I had a sample run through our Electron Microscope and found this."
Tsubaki moved aside to allow Sona to peer down at the monitor. What she was seeing was an ultra enhanced 3D rendering of the virus. Inside, she could see that the virus housed not DNA or RNA genomes, but something else entirely.
"Are those…"
"Death Runes." Her Queen confirmed. "Valper has discovered a way to cast necromantic spells on a molecular level. If he were to deploy this Bioweapon over a large population center…"
Sona shuddered at the thought. "What can you tell me about the second sample?"
"Actually, this one fascinates me more than the virus." Tsubaki admitted before wheeling over to her second lab setup. "It would seem Valper was researching more practical applications for this weapon than just spreading an army of zombies."
She quirked a brow at her Queen and nodded. "Go on…"
"The virus in this sample has been drastically altered to allow for much more stable genetic rewriting. Rather than completely take over the host's cell structure. This particular batch appears to bond to healthy cells without destroying them, rewriting their code without destroying the host's tissue in the process."
"Meaning?"
She adjusted her glasses again. "It can potentially give an otherwise normal human drastically altered physical or mental abilities."
Sona peered at the vial marked Sample 2 with far more intrigue than before. "Might there be a practical application for something like this?"
"I'll need to run more tests to verify my hypothesis. Unfortunately, without a larger sample size to test from, I fear any long term practical applications are impossible."
The Heir to the Sitri clan sighed. "And considering those buffoons blew up the lab the samples were in, I somehow doubt we'll be getting more of this stuff any time soon."
Tsubaki nodded in agreement. "For now, my primary focus is researching ways to counteract the virus. How goes the decryption?"
Sona frowned in frustration. "It's taking longer than I had anticipated. Much of the information on these servers are blocked by multiple firewall enchantments. They've gone to extensive lengths to protect their data from prying eyes."
"Let's just hope then, that the information we do have is enough to convince Lucifer to send aid. When is Rias due to leave for the Underworld?"
"She's already left. Her and Akeno both." Tsubaki informed. "The rest of her Peerage is at the Halloween party on campus." She added a few notes to her terminal as she spoke. "Seems a bit silly to me, Ms. President. I understand it's tradition, but why are we having the party now when so much is going on?"
"For that very reason." Sona explained. "We need to move quickly to get a handle on this situation. It'll be easier moving around if half the campus is distracted."
Tsubaki nodded in understanding. "I suppose that makes sense."
"And besides." Sona smirked. "From what Rias told me, she needed something to keep her Pawn distracted while she was gone."
Asia had just finished getting dressed into a skimpy little nurse outfit. The outfit came complete with a skirt that cut off at the midpoint of her thighs and clung to her frame like seran wrap. Her breasts had been pushed upward by the corset beneath the outfit and a heart shaped hole had been cut into the chest to reveal the center of her cleavage. A pair of red stilettos and white mesh stockings were added to complete the look.
Now if only she could convince Jon to come out. Asia tapped on the door to Rias's room which her date for the night had hauled himself up in.
"Come on, Jon." She whined insistently. "It can't be that bad."
"Nope." He vehemently refused from the other side of the door. "Ain't gonna happen."
"We're going to be late." Asia knocked on the door again. "Come on, we promised we would meet Aika and the others there. They're going to wonder where we are."
"She's gone too far this time." He spoke angrily. "There's no way I'm going anywhere in this getup."
"Just let me see it." She pleaded. "Come on, I wanna know what Rias picked for you."
After a long silence, finally Jon opened the door and reluctantly stepped out of the room. A sour look on his face. He was dressed in a Sexy Cowboy outfit, complete with chaps, a brown leather vest and matching hat...and that was about it. Most of his chest and abdomen were completely exposed as were his arms. The outfit came complete with a lasso that dangled from his belt.
Asia covered her mouth to stop herself from laughing. He looked really good in it, but it was still a rather silly costume.
"Why, why, why, am I always stuck with the ridiculous cowboy gimmick?!" He asked in frustrated resignation. "You ladies get to dress as whatever you want, but noooo, not me."
"It's not terrible." She assured. "You pull it off quite well."
"I look like a male stripper." He insisted.
Asia bit her nail thoughtfully. "I mean…"
"Come on." He spun around once for her. "You can't tell me that's not exactly what I look like."
"Maybe that was the intention? I've never celebrated Halloween before but from what I've been told, it's pretty common for adults to dress provocatively for the occasion." She pulled at the hem of her skirt. "Mine's pretty skimpy too."
He wasn't so lost in self pity as to not notice. Asia was absolutely killing her Sexy Nurse outfit. What surprised him most however was how comfortable she seemed to be in it. Jon remembered an Asia who would have blushed from ear to ear at the mere thought of wearing something like this. She'd come a long way since first becoming Rias's Bishop.
Well...if she could be comfortable in hers, the least he could do was try to be comfortable in his.
Jon sighed. "Alright, I give." He smiled and wrapped his hands around the small of her waist. "Damn you look stunning."
She peered up at him lovingly with her brilliant emerald eyes, her cheeks glowing bright red. The two kissed each other for a moment before Jon finally pulled away.
"Alright, best not get too riled up just yet."
She chuckled and nodded in agreement. "After all, I'm not your only date tonight, am I?"
"So he finally came out?"
Asia and Jon turned to see Koneko standing in the hallway. She was wearing a black latex skirt with pink lace panties underneath. Her legs were dressed in pink stockings with a matching garter on her right thigh. Her top was a black and pink latex bralette shaped into hearts that just barely covered her nearly exposed breasts. Her neck was decorated with a choker and a bell attached to the end of it. A pair of small black horns with purple ribbons tied onto them rested on her head and a purple tail with a forked end protruded from her backside.
Jon quirked a brow at the getup. "A succubus?"
She placed her hands on her hips and cocked it to the side, an annoyed frown on her face. "Is that a problem?"
"No, not at all. I just...figured you might go with something cat themed again."
Koneko scoffed at him. "I like things other than cats, you know."
He raised his hands up defensively. "Hey, don't get me wrong. It looks great on ya."
She rolled her eyes and strutted up to him, grabbing Jon by his belt and pulling him towards the door. "Come on, Roy Rogers. Let's get going before we're late."
"Roy Rogers?!" He sounded incredibly offended by the comparison.
She shot him a coy smirk while guiding him to the door. "Be thankful I didn't say Steve McQueen." Koneko then turned and smiled at Asia sweetly. "You coming, Babe?"
Asia blushed upon being called babe but quickly followed. "Yes, coming!"
It's been the subject of debate as to when exactly Halloween officially became a Holiday in Japan. Though what is known is that it was only very recently acknowledged as a legitimate tradition. Whereas countries in the west honored the custom every October 31st by dressing in costume and lighting jack o'lanterns to ward off evil spirits, the people of Japan always welcomed and embraced their spirits. Until recently, Halloween had never been formally celebrated in the Island Nation. At least not until Western Theme Parks began influencing its popularity. But where Halloween had always been a time honored tradition in the West, it was more of a commercialized oddity in the Land of the Rising Sun. To this day, Halloween represented more of an excuse for young adults to dress up and party while flash mobs and parades took to the streets of Tokyo.
However, the University of Kuoh was a different matter. Their campus had been celebrating Halloween since its inception. For one night out of the year, the school was converted into a veritable sideshow of haunts and decorations reminiscent of western culture during the month of October. This is where the similarity ended, however.
Unlike the traditions of the West, or the traditions of Japan, Halloween represented a single night where the Devils and Humans of Kuoh could bridge the gap between their two species. If only just a little. It was during this time that pacts were made, blood bonds forged, and many many memories erased. All under the guise of a hedonistic party. During this one night the campus was closed off to all outsiders and the students were encouraged to party, drink, and experiment with each other.
The annual Halloween party was exactly the kind of distraction Sona and Rias's peerage needed while their President's attended to serious Underworld matters. With the students distracted by the evening's events, the Lady King's of Kuoh could move about freely, without the need for as much discretion.
After all, who would question supernatural occurrences and the appearance of monsters on Halloween?
Jon and Asia had yet to partake of a Kuoh Halloween Party, their duties to Rias and to the Peerage having kept them occupied during the last celebration. However, upon seeing the campus now, it was pretty much what they were expecting. The grounds were a mess, drugs and alcohol were being passed to the students as freely as candy. Many were already passed out on the quad despite it only being close to nine. Several couples were actively making out with each other and their neighbors partners. Some of the more rambunctious students had excused themselves behind buildings or, failing that, a nearby tree for a bit more rambunctious fun.
Asia was holding up well all things considering. Jon was half expecting her to get cold feet the moment they passed by the fresh puddle of vomit on the stairwell leading to the quad. Yet she kept herself for the most part composed, if somewhat wary of the stumbling drunks. Koneko, of course, was completely unphased. This was clearly not her first rodeo when it came to this sort of thing, and what few reservations and anxieties Asia began to show she quickly quelled with her presence.
As for Jon, he couldn't help but feel like their time might be spent better elsewhere. Try as he might, he just could not keep still about Kokabiel or his men. On the other hand, it was really hard to focus on that sort of thing with two gorgeous women on his arms. Normally he could expect questioning or judgemental stairs right about now from the human population of the campus. But this was probably the only time of the year where someone like Jon having both Asia and Koneko accompanying him as his personal dates was socially acceptable behavior.
The trio made their way to the Student Center where the largest party was taking place. Music was blaring over the building's PA system and students were happily dancing with each other, dressed in whatever provocative and enticing costume they had picked to lure in the object of their desire.
"There you guys are!"
Among the hordes of students, three figures emerged that Jon immediately recognized. Matsuda and Motohama had dressed as Frankenstein's Monster and the good Doctor of the same name. While Aika was sporting her best Harry Potter robes, complete with wand and lightning bolt scar.
Asia immediately ran up and hugged Aika. "Happy Halloween you guys! I love your costumes."
"And we love yours, Asia." Matsuda was practically drooling already.
"Yeah. What would it take to make you my lab assistant?" Motohama asked.
Jon smiled at them angrily. "Behave yourselves you two. She's with me tonight."
They both moaned in obtuse sorrow.
"Of course she is." Matsuda sniffled.
"Jonathan Hyodo, one of these days I will come to the Halloween party with a megababe on my arm just as pretty as Asia...and then it shall be you who is chasing my date's tail all night!"
He chuckled in amusement and rolled his eyes. "If you say so buddy."
That was when Matsuda noticed his other date clinging to his arm. He did a double take, nearly losing one of his glued on neck rivets in the process. "Hey, Motohama. Check out Mascot Koneko in all her sexy glory."
"Bust twenty six, waist twenty two, she's the very definition of a petite goddess."
Koneko groaned in disgust and rolled her eyes at the two. "Oh great, you're here as well." She then tugged insistently on Jon's arm. "We're not gonna spend all our time with your pervert friends are we? You promised me and Asia tonight would be about us."
"Awww man! You've even got Koneko and all her short sugary hotness in your honey nest now? And here I thought maybe you'd share the love a bit on account of it being Halloween and all."
"Come onnnn. Let us dance with her. Just once." Motohama begged.
"Not if you were the last men on the planet." Koneko responded coldly.
The perverted duo collapsed in dramatic fashion.
"That was cold, Bra." Matsuda whined.
"Why you gotta treat us like an enemy?" Motohama insisted.
"Because the two of you are the enemy to all women." She explained with that same biting coldness Jon knew all too well.
The perverted duo proceeded to burst into crocodile tears while Aika and Asia caught up with one another. Jon, meanwhile, chuckled at his date and kissed her on the cheek. Much to her indignation. She still wasn't quite used to him doing that in public.
"With how well we've been getting along, I sometimes forget just what a grade A bitch you can be."
She cocked a brow at him and crossed her arms. "I can always remind you if you're that desperate."
He shook his head. "As much as I think it adds to your charm, I still prefer it when your target is someone other than me."
After a moment of quiet glaring she finally smiled at him. God he would never get tired of seeing her do that. At that moment, Baby's On Fire by Die Antwoord came on over the PA system. Koneko grabbed Jon and dragged him closer to the mosh pit.
"Come on, we're dancing." She spoke plainly, removing any choice from him. The Rook cast a glance over to Asia and motioned towards the dance floor.
"I'm gonna borrow Jon for a second! That okay?"
Asia nodded brightly. "I promised Aika we'd dance together for a few songs! You two go ahead!"
Jon left with Koneko while Aika left with Asia. The latter of whom blew a raspberry back at the Perverted Duo in celebration of her success with acquiring a dance with arguably one of the most sought after women on all of campus, the blonde beauty Asia Argento. Leaving both men alone on the ground in their obtuse groveling.
Koneko found the nearest bench and hopped up, pulling Jon close enough to where his body was pressed up against hers.
"Woah!" He chuckled at her. "A little eager, are we?"
She scoffed at him before turning around and pressing her ass against his groin. "Shut up and dance, would you? I'm trying to have fun here."
"Yes Ma'am." He responded eagerly.
The two began dancing together, losing themselves in the rhythm of the music in a way that was reminiscent of their first date together at the nightclub. Though of course, that was just a front for the very deadly mission they were on. And Jon couldn't fully enjoy the time they had together as the majority of his attention had to be elsewhere.
Not this time. As Koneko swayed, gyrated, and grinded her hips back into him, he relished in every moment. The shape of her curves, the softness of her skin, the lustrous silkiness of her hair. All his thoughts at that moment were entirely focused on her.
But of course, with the memories of their first date came the buzzing, unwanted distractions and anxieties of their current predicament. They were up against their deadliest foe by far, and Jon was all but certain that his little war against Salazar was going to look like a playground fistfight in comparison to what loomed over head. He feared for the safety of this precious woman as he did for all his Treasures. He had already seen Koneko grievously injured once, and he never wanted to see her like that again.
"You're getting in your own head again." Koneko commented, a hint of annoyance in her voice. "Stop worrying so much about the Fallen Angels and focus on us like you promised."
He sighed. "I'm sorry, Kani. I really am trying to keep my head clear of all this crap. It's just hard knowing that there's the possibility that-"
She turned around and shut him up with a fierce, almost angry kiss on the lips. When she finally pulled away, he was too stunned to really speak.
"I'm not going to let you worry tonight." Koneko insisted with flat disinterest in what he was saying. "Even if that means I have to knock you over the head, you got it?"
He gulped and nodded. "Yeah, I hear ya."
Koneko placed her hands on her hips and glared at him for a moment. Her face eventually softened and she sighed wearily. "This is a big step for me, Jon. If I'm going to do this, I mean really do this. I need you present with me. Tonight is our night." She placed a hand up to his cheek. "Tonight, I want you and Asia to show me what it really means to be one of your Treasures."
He felt his heart do a summersault. "Wait...so then you mean-"
She nodded. "It's going to be different. I'll warn you. I'm still working through a lot of these feelings I'm having, but…" Her gaze turned away and she blushed fiercely. "Jon...I want it to be you. More than anything, I want it to be you and Asia both who take my first time from me."
Jon couldn't help the little smirk that came over his lips. "Be honest, you fell for her before you fell for me, didn't you."
She grinned sarcastically at him. "Wouldn't you like to know, Mr. Hyodo." Koneko turned back around and continued dancing against him, gripping his neck with the palm of her hand for support. "Oh, and if you think this means I'll start fooling around with Rias and Akeno too you can put those perverted fantasies to bed. I'm not like them. I won't mate with just anyone just because you're our Dragon."
Jon quirked his brow at her. "Mate?"
Her eyes went wide and she made a small indignant noise as it dawned on her what she just said. "I mean...I won't just sleep with anyone just because we're all imprinted to you. Ask Rias and she'll tell you, I'm very picky about who I let touch me."
He frowned slightly. Despite how close they had gotten she was still holding something back from him, he could tell. Still...compared to where they were two years ago, this was heaven.
"One more thing." She continued while moving his hands across her body and up to cup her breasts. "So long as I'm your ma...your Treasure, you'll hold a place in my heart. But my loyalty will always rest with Rias above all else."
"Of course. I wouldn't expect anything less from you." He assured.
"Also, don't think you can get away with doing whatever perverted little things you want with me." Koneko insisted bluntly. "I'm not Akeno and I'm not Rias. I have my own expectations from you as well as my own boundaries. I expect you to respect them."
He chuckled at her before turning his feisty little date around and pressing her close. She gasped in surprise before quietly glaring at him.
"Kani…" Jon insisted. "...you know me well enough to know by now that I would never disrespect your boundaries like that. When I committed myself to this peerage I committed myself to you as well." He placed a hand on her cheek and caressed her gently. "You don't have to keep your guard up around me anymore. It's okay to let go."
She sighed, placing her hand against his and closing her eyes. For a moment, he thought he could hear what sounded like purring.
"I know…" She spoke in a quieter, more subdued tone. "Jon, you have to understand, this is completely alien territory for me. I put on a brave face, but these feelings I have…" She bit down on her lower lip nervously. "...they still terrify me. It's going to take time before I'm fully comfortable with this."
He nodded in understanding. "Take as much time as you need. Just know that I'll always be here for you."
Her heart fluttered in her chest. Jon was the only man she'd ever known who could make it do that.
"I'm going to try my hardest." She assured. "For you and Asia both. Because the truth is…" Koneko took a deep breath and smiled at him.
"With the two of you, I feel like I can finally learn to start accepting the real me again."
There were so many questions he wanted to ask her. So much he wanted to know. Koneko...his Kani...was still such a mystery to him. That stubborn Ice around her soul had not completely vanished. So long as it was still there, he would continue to do his best to melt it away and reveal her true self to him.
He'd spend centuries pursuing the truth of this Treasure's soul if he had to.
Koneko wrapped her arms around him and pressed her forehead to his with her eyes shut. "Right now, I just need your presence. I need you here with me, and not with Irina or the Fallen Angels or wherever your mind keeps getting pulled away to. Can you do that for me, Jon?"
"Of course." He assured emphatically. "Koneko, I promise before this night is over, all my attention will be on you."
"Good." She then leaned in close and whispered in his ear. "Because I'm not going to say it until I know you're fully here to hear it."
Jon gulped. What he wouldn't give to hear those three magical words come out of Koneko's mouth. But he knew he had to be patient, and focus on giving her the attention she needed if he hoped to hear them by the end of the night.
They kissed again. Deeper this time now that their weren't so many eyes on them. From a few yards away, Asia smiled happily at the two. Aika picked up on this right away and stopped dancing, a curious grin now plastered on her face.
"It's funny." She observed. "No matter how many other women Jon's with you never seem to lose your smile. How is it the two of you make this work?"
Asia placed her hands against her heart and shook her head. "It's not about numbers. We're all family. All of us." She bowed her head and shut her eyes, as her heart began to beat madly in her chest. "Normally, the others are always showing me how to feel new things. But tonight? Tonight is special. Because tonight...I get to be the one to show Koneko how precious she is to me."
Aika shook her head incredulously at her. All the craziness about magic and the supernatural aside, what she wouldn't give just to know what was going through their heads. These people...if they really were just people...lived a life that many would consider decadent and perverse, yet the feelings they expressed for one another felt so real and genuine it was hard to find any fault in them for it.
"I know it's different." Asia continued. "I know it is. But Aika...not since the first time I ever prayed to God have I felt this much...joy in my life. I always dreamed that Jon and I would be together forever, just the two of us. But now? Now I can't imagine life without the other girls. Because I understand now, Rias, Koneko...and even Akeno too, they're not just Jon's Treasures, they're my Treasures too."
"Treasures?" She asked curiously. "Is that like...your Kink Title or something?"
Asia smiled and shook her head. "It's not important. All that matters is that I'm happy. We're all happy." She smiled at Koneko lovingly. "Tonight, I'm going to do everything I can to make her happy too. Because more than any of us, I feel like Koneko has lived for too long not knowing that she is surrounded by people who love her."
Aika wanted to ask more. This was all so terribly fascinating to her. A small glimpse into some fantasy world which, in all honesty, sounded like something the Perverted Duo had concocted in their minds. And yet that fantasy was Jon's reality. What was it about him that drew these women to his side like bees to honey? Was Jon even human?
Moreso than that, was Jon even mortal?
To the former, Aika highly doubted it. No human could amass a harem of this size comfortably. Not the way Jon did. There was no jealousy or bickering amongst the girls. None that she could see anyway. Everything seemed to work perfectly in balance when it came to the Occult Research Club. Something like this would not be possible for a human. Not on this level. She was all but certain of it.
As to whether or not Jon was even mortal. She was beginning to have her doubts about that as well. If her own experiences in paranormal investigation had taught her anything it was that even the Supernatural have their limits in what they could accomplish. Yet something about Jonathan Hyodo just felt so...limitless. She began to suspect fairly early on that Jon may not be human.
But now? Now she was beginning to suspect that he may in fact be some sort of God.
Aika had to know more. She just had to. There was a whole other world that was just out of the scope of her vision and the more she dove down this rabbit hole the more she could almost...feel it. For lack of a better word. Matsuda and Motohama just saw this as a game. An elaborate excuse to perve on a couple of hot babes for awhile and figure out Jon's big secret regarding women. But for her? This went so much more beyond that. The ORC, Jon's personal harem, Asia's words, it was all connected by something that ran far far deeper than just sexual exploration.
She wasn't playing around anymore. Tonight, she would do whatever it took to learn more about the truth of Jon and the ORC. Even if it killed her.