::Author's Note::
Thank you everyone who commented and sent me messages regarding what to do with Gasper's character. While I don't want to take away from his original personality TOO terribly much, you guys mentioned a couple of things that I do wholeheartedly agree with. For instance Soron66 pointed out Gasper's aversion to blood which I wholeheartedly agree is ridiculous. What kind of vampire hates blood? Even vampires that hate what they are crave blood. It's just what they do.
Now having said that, I am still looking for ideas. Specifically, I'm looking for ideas regarding how Gasper will interact with Jon. What will their relationship within the Peerage be like? I have some ideas of my own, but I want to hear your opinions first. Feel free to leave a comment or send me a personal message if you have an idea.
One last note, be on the lookout for a very special "guest" villain being introduced in this chapter. I call him a guest villain because I can't guarantee his role in the overall plot will be terribly intricate, I just thought he might be a fun addition to the roster for the big final fight, and I've received multiple requests to have him appear.
With that said, I give you Chapter 37.
::End Note::
Motohama had no idea what to expect when Saya asked him to come with her to her room. Well, maybe ask wasn't the right word. It was more like she verbally dragged him up there. As he entered the well decorated room, he found himself subconsciously checking all his blind spots.
Hell, for all he knew Sergei was liable to jump out from behind the drapery.
Instead, Saya was waiting for him with a bright smile on his face. "Well hi, Darling, come on in. I was just getting the place ready for you."
He blinked at her in confusion. "O...kay?"
"So, I know we haven't had a formal date yet." Saya spoke in an uncharacteristically bubbly voice. "Which is why I made us tea. I know it isn't much but I figure you might want to relax after your big mission."
"Okay...would you stop that?" Motohama was finally getting weirded out.
"Stop what?" She asked curiously.
"THAT!" He insisted. "This thing where you seem genuinely happy to see me. After that mission I was half expecting you to lead me into a suspiciously soundproofed room with a shallow grave out back. But somehow THIS is more unsettling."
She laughed. "Oh don't be stupid, Dumbass. I wouldn't do that to you." Saya then narrowed her eyes at him. "I mean...we ARE still a couple aren't we?"
"Of course we are, Sweetie!" He laughed nervously, sweat dripping down his collar.
"Relax, Dude. I'm just messing with you." Saya snickered at him. "Imma get changed into something comfy. You get rid of the guns and the armor and make yourself at home, kay?"
As she skipped off to the bathroom Motohama relieved himself of all but his weapons except his sidearm and placed them aside before warily sitting down on one of the armchairs.
His internal monologue kicked in.
"Yeah right, no way she's not up to something." The left side of his brain told the right.
"So what do we do?" The right side of his brain asked nervously.
"Gotta keep our eyes peeled." His left brain insisted. "There's no telling what she might be plaaaaaaah."
Both halves of his brain turned to mush at the sight of Saya in nothing but a pink tank top that was about a size too small for her and skinny black booty shorts as she came sauntering out of the bathroom.
"So...you're seriously not gonna put that thing away before our date?" Saya asked, a hint of annoyance in her voice.
"Shit you can see that?!" Motohama immediately turned and looked at his fly, only then did it occur to him she was talking about his GUN. "Oh...you meant...never mind!"
Saya sat down and helped him to a cup of tea. After taking a few sips he could verify that she didn't put Ghost Pepper or something equally hideous in it and relaxed a little more. She put something on for the two of them to watch which was...much to his surprise...an anime.
"Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam?" He asked in perplexment.
She nodded. "It's a guilty pleasure of mine."
"But you always told me anime was for Weebs and Losers."
"A VERY guilty pleasure." She admitted, completely ignoring his comment and sipping on her tea. "Now shut up and watch."
They watched to the end of the episode, and then the one after that. During which time she cuddled up next to him and rested her head on his shoulder.
"Dude! What the hell is she doing?!" The right side of his brain panicked.
"Calm down! Now is not the time to fly off the handle. Maintain emotional stability!" The left brain ordered.
"But what do we do?!"
"I don't know! Just...put your arm around her I guess. That seems to work pretty well when Matsuda does it."
"Fine." The right brain replied glumly. "But if she bites us it's your fault!"
Motohama wrapped his arm around her waist. Much to his surprise, she didn't react. If anything, she only cuddled into him more.
"Okay, I'm lost. Why isn't she tearing us a new asshole right now? I thought for sure that would work!" Left Brain asked.
"You traitor! I knew that was a terrible idea!" Right Brain replied.
"This doesn't make any sense! Why is she suddenly...oh...oh no." Something occurred to Left Brain.
"What is it?" Right Brain asked nervously.
"What if...she wants to do the sex with us?" Left Brain considered.
Right Brain laughed in horror. "Whaaaat?! Preposterous!"
"Think about it. Some nice herbal tea, one of your favorite anime, the freaking booty shorts! She's trying to rile you up!"
"Oh dear God!" Right Brain began to have a panic attack. "What the hell do we do, I'm not ready for this!"
"Neither am I!" Left Brain insisted.
"Okay, okay." Right Brain thought for a moment. "We'll just talk this out like adults. Explain the situation to her and-"
Left Brain smacked Right Brain across the face.
"Don't you get it?! This is a power move! If we fuck this up she'll hold it over our head for the rest of our lives! No no no, we're not playing her game."
"So what do we do?!"
"Let me handle this." Left Brain assured. "I'll get us out of this mess."
"Hey…" Motohama checked over his shoulder towards the door to make sure no parents were listening before whispering. "Don't you think it's a bad idea for me to be staying here this late?"
"Mmm?" She quirked her head up at him. "Why do you say that?"
"I mean don't get me wrong, I like that we're getting along so well." He laughed nervously. "But I mean...what about your parents?"
Saya sat up and paused the TV before glaring at him. "What?"
"Errr…"
"Hold on…" She raised a finger up to stop him. "...did you think I brought you here so that we could have sex?"
He immediately blanched in horror. "No!" Motohama shook his head profusely. "No no no! Why would I think that? You've got entirely the wrong idea. But just think about it. We're here all alone. No one's watching us. Your parents are literally only about three doors down. If your Dad saw us in here like this...he would be pretty pissed right?"
She thought about it for a moment and a dawning realization came over her. "You're right...he'd be furious."
He internally sighed with relief. "See? That was my thoughts exactly."
Her heart started beating faster in her chest and her face became flushed. "He'd be so mad...he'd mount your head on his wall right then and there."
"Erp…" Motohama turned green.
"Probably your testicles too." The more she thought about it, the more flushed her face became. A wicked grin covered her lips as she suddenly cast two lust filled eyes at him.
"Uhh...Dude?" Right Brain frantically got Left Brain's attention. "Why is she staring at us like that?"
"I don't know!" Left Brain panicked. "This is NOT going how I pictured at all!"
"You know…" Saya's voice took on a heated tone that he'd never heard from her before and she proceeded to straddle his lap. "...you never cease to surprise me. One minute I think you're the biggest pussy on Earth the next you're flirting with me knowing death is literally looming over your head."
"Ohhhh Danger!" Right Brain warned. "Danger! Danger! Danger! Dude her labia is like, seriously pressed up against it right now!"
"Calm down!" Left Brain insisted. "Keep the blood flowing up here and not….errrrp."
"Left Brain? Do you copy? Left Brain!" Right Brain asked hysterically.
"I like turtles…." The non-functioning Left Brain stuttered like a drunken idiot.
"We're in trouble…" Right Brain whined. "...welp, looks like I've got to wing it."
"Wh...what can I say? Maybe your boldness has rubbed off on me a little." Motohama did his best not to sound like he had suddenly developed a speech impediment.
"Hmmm." She bit her lower lip lustfully and grinded against him a little. "I bet you wish something else was rubbing on you right now, huh?"
Right Brain did his best to keep Motohama from NOT going cross eyed.
"Maybe...you want a little of this?" She guided one of his hands to her perfectly rounded ass and pressed down firmly. "And this?" Saya then guided his other hand up to her breast, allowing him to gently cup it in his palm.
"Left Brain! Respond! Mayday!" Right Brain cried desperately.
"It feels like a pillow stuffed with marzipan…." Left Brain stuttered.
"Saya listen, I really don't think-"
Before Motohama could finish his thought she glued her lips to his, kissing him passionately. After a moment, she finally pulled away and stared back at him, her lashes fluttering curiously.
And she frowned.
"Motohama...listen…" Saya sighed glumly. "I owe you an apology. The truth is, the reason I've been acting this way is because...I'm trying to do better."
"Uh huh…" Motohama was not home.
"I know I haven't exactly been the nicest person to you. As far as girlfriends go I must be pretty lousy." She twirled a strand of her bubblegum pink hair around her finger. "And maybe that had to do with your reputation at first...but now…"
Her face turned crimson.
"Now I think I may actually be falling for you." Saya's heart was pounding in her chest as she spoke.
"Wait...what did she just say?" Left Brain asked.
"Oh welcome back!" Right Brain greeted with perturbed aggravation. "So glad you decided to rejoin the party."
"Dude, shut up and listen to what she's saying!" Left Brain insisted.
Saya smiled and turned her head away, her face somehow turning even more red. "You know...you should look a girl in the eyes when she's confessing her feelings to you. It's the least you could do."
"Err…" Motohama finally managed to shake the cobwebs loose. "...sorry it's just...what is it you're saying exactly?"
The look she was giving him. It was unlike anything Motohama had ever seen on her before. Those warm eyes, that nervous smile on her face, the way her lashes would flutter every other second. This wasn't the Saya he knew.
"You can't figure it out? I'm saying...I think I'm falling in love with you...Stupid."
Motohama's jaw damn near hit the floor.
"Hooooly shit." Left Brain started freaking out. "She actually said it! Right Brain, did you hear her?!"
"Uuuuuh…" Right Brain had left the building.
"Dammit! Right Brain, wake up! We need to respond! This isn't my department!"
"Well? Say something already!" Saya insisted impatiently.
"The Paris Agreement on Climate Change was signed on April 22nd, 2016 by the largest number of countries in the world." Motohama stated like a robot.
Saya blinked at him several times in confusion, a weird expression on her face. "You uhhh...you feeling okay?"
"S...sorry…" Motohama quickly regained his senses. "Look...Saya...the truth is, I think I'm falling for you too. That's why I've been trying so hard not to screw this up. All my life I've only ever thought about a woman's body, but with you...it's like, whenever I'm around you my brain splits in half and starts arguing with itself." He spoke from the heart. "A week ago you looked at me like the thing you'd pick off your shoe. But now…"
He removed his hand from her breast and placed it against her cheek.
"The way you're looking at me right now. That's how I want you to see me for as long as we're alive."
"Okay...I think that'll work." Left Brain panted in exertion.
"I'm back, what did I miss?" Right Brain asked.
Saya's eyes began to water as she placed both her hands to her chest. "Oh Motohama…" She suddenly wrapped her arms around him and hugged him tight. "That's the sweetest thing a man has ever said to me."
"Boooooobs in the face!" Left Brain started freaking out again.
"Seriously! What the hell did I miss?!" Right Brain insisted frantically.
"Anyway...it's getting late." Saya finally pulled away and got off his lap, allowing Motohama to collapse back into the couch.
"Okay...I think the coast is clear." Right Brain spoke hopefully. "Now all we have to do is make a nice...easy...exit."
"Yeah, I think you're right." Motohama stretched his arm and popped his back. "Best not waste any more time, there's a war going on you know." He stood up from the couch and turned towards her. "So I guess we'll-"
"Why are your pants still on? Are we doing this or what?"
She was standing there in nothing but her black lace bra and matching underwear. He could see EVERYTHING.
Right Brain and Left Brain both died simultaneously.
She sighed at him in frustration before walking over and taking his hand, guiding him to the bed. "Cmere, you. I'll lead on this one."
That night, Motohama lost his virginity. Saya guided her man through the motions while allowing him to explore her body for the first time. The normally sharp tongued and impatient fireball of a woman was surprisingly understanding and tame during their first time together. She corrected him whenever he did something she didn't like, and moaned his name whenever he did something she did. She was forgiving of 'beginner's errors' and patient with him, knowing full well he was not used to this.
And he in turn treated her respectfully. Never pushing past the boundaries she set in place, and being mindful of every direction she gave him. For a complete beginner, he didn't do half bad.
It wasn't until the next day that things took a sudden turn.
"I have to say, for someone who clearly has never had sex before, you didn't do half bad last night." Saya complimented him after sitting up out of the bed in all her stark glory.
"Yeah…" Motohama's head was still spinning. "...and you're clearly no stranger to this."
She glared at him murderously. "Excuse me?!"
"I'm sorry! I thought it was a compliment!" He quickly corrected himself. "I don't know how to turn it off. Please fix me…"
After a moment she calmed back down and sighed at him. "Well...that was almost romantic...I guess."
As the panic set in his inner monologue whirred back into overdrive.
"Dude what are you doing?! We're blowing this!" Left Brain chided Right Brain harshley.
"Well what was I supposed to say? We're not even sure what made her like us in the first place!" Right Brain replied indignantly.
"Fine. Fine. Just calm down." Left Brain insisted a little more patiently. "The hard part's over. So long as she doesn't throw us any curveballs I think we're good."
"Sooo, what should we do now?" Saya asked.
"FUCK!" Left Brain panicked.
"What the hell is she talking about?! What comes after sex?!"
"I don't know! All the info we have on dating comes from tags on PornHub!"
"Well she asked us a question so we have to say SOMETHING!" Right Brain insisted hysterically.
"Look just…" Left Brain growled in frustration. "...just say ANYTHING. But...say it with confidence."
"Well...alright." Right Brain nervously replied. "Here goes nothing."
Motohama looked Saya right in the eyes and spoke confidently. "We should do as your father wants and get married."
"NOOOOOOOO!" Left Brain shrieked in horror.
"What?! You said say anything!" Right Brain argued.
"Anything but THAT obviously!"
"I'm sorry! You know I don't work well under pressure!" He whined.
Left Brain sighed wearily. "You know what? Forget it. It's fine. We'll just...play it off as a joke. No harm done."
Saya's bottom lip began to quiver and her eyes teared up. "Oh Motohama...yes. YES! Of course I'll marry you!"
"You fool! You've doomed us all!" Left Brain bemoaned.
"H...hey! She seems pretty happy about it." Right Brain laughed nervously. "Maybe she knows something we don't."
A knock on the door brought his internal screaming to halt. Motohama quickly dove under the bed while Saya covered herself with the sheets.
"Saya, are you awake?" Her mother peeked her head in the door.
"Y...yeah, Mom!" She laughed nervously. "Did you need something?"
"You're needed at the ORC. Lady Sitri personally requested the four of you to meet with her there."
"Lady Sitri?" Saya blinked in confusion. "What does she want?"
"She didn't say. However, the final operation of the campaign is due to start soon so it most likely has to do with that. Regardless, you best get yourself dressed and cleaned up." She insisted. "Oh...and tell Motohama he can come out of hiding. Honestly, cowering from your Mother in Law is simply not dignified."
Motohama yelped in surprise before banging his head on the frame of the bed. Saya, meanwhile, whined in absolute embarrassment while hiding her face in the sheets. Her Mother shut the door and Motohama came slowly crawling out, rubbing his wounded head.
"So what do you think this is all about?"
Saya shrugged. "How should I know? Best not keep the Devil Lady waiting though."
It was a cloudy day over the city of Kuoh. The severe overcast brought a dreadful gloom that carried with it an unsettling dread. Matsuda and Motohama had changed into their combat gear and met with the girls outside the President's House on what was supposed to be the final day of the war. Rei was dressed in skin tight combat pants with an army green utility belt. She wore this in combination with a black bikini top and green army utility harness around her shoulders and across her abdomen. On her back was the bayonet rifle they'd taken from Motohama's uncle, along with an M9 Beretta attached to her side.
Saya was in almost the exact same outfit she had worn during the initial zombie outbreak. Green booty shorts with a camo tank top and her trusty Luger as a side arm. One interesting new addition, however, was the white lab coat she was now sporting over the outfit. Giving her the aesthetic of a slutty army doctor.
With their gear ready, and their objective clear, the group made their way to the ORC Headquarters where three familiar faces awaited them. Namely, Sammy, Aika, and Sona Sitri. They took a moment to note that Aika was now wearing the official uniform of the members of the Honor's Committee before saying hello.
"Well look at you." Saya grinned cheekily at Aika before adjusting her spectacles. "I've gotta say, the Honor's colors really suit you."
Aika snickered devilishly at her. "Why thank you. But new threads aren't the only thing I've picked up recently."
A pair of batlike wings sprouted from her back.
"Holy shit!" Matsuda was taken aback. "Wait...so you actually did it then? You became a Devil?"
Sona nodded in confirmation. "As of last night, Aika Kiryuu has become a member of my Peerage. Meet my newest Pawn."
"It took the last of our Pawn Pieces converting her." Sammy pointed out. "But with the Magic she's acquired as a result? I'd say it was well worth it."
"So...how do you feel?" Rei asked her sincerely.
Aika sighed. "Nervous? Excited? Worried? Hell, choose your pick. I'm kind of a mess right now."
"You're still adjusting to your new form." Sona assured. "It will take time, but your mind will catch up to the physical changes your body has undergone."
Aika bowed respectfully to her President. "Understood, Ma'am."
"In any case, we best check in on the ORC. The final operation is about to start soon."
"What is this about, Lady Sitri?" Matsuda asked curiously as they made their way to the door.
"It's best if you wait until everyone is present before we explain anything further." She insisted before ringing on the front doorbell.
The front door opened revealing Akeno on the other side, who bowed respectfully to the group of guests at the door.
"Hello, Akeno." Sona greeted in a well mannered tone. "Is everyone prepared?"
She smiled though a bead of sweat formed on her brow. "Well...yes and no. They're still asleep."
"Are ya shitting me?" Sammy asked in disbelief. "The hell they doin still snoozin at a time like this? We've got a war to win!"
"You must forgive us for being behind schedule. We were in the middle of a rather taxing ritual last night and I fear it may have drained us all more than we initially realized. I only just woke up myself a few minutes ago." Akeno explained. "Now that you're here, I'll go get them up. Please come with me to the Chapter Room."
The group made their way to the second floor of the ORC, during which time Sona noticed the peculiar new pendant hanging from Akeno's collar.
"It's lovely." Sona complimented with a sincere smile on her face. "Jon did incredibly well picking it out."
"Thank you." Akeno sighed lovingly before clutching at the pendant. "The words he inscribed, and this little gem he's gifted me, mean more than my voice alone can possibly convey."
She adjusted her spectacles before peering at the lettering more carefully. "That's Draconian, is it not? What does it say?"
Akeno shook her head. "Forgive me, Lady Sitri. I mean no disrespect. But it is a message meant for my Master's eyes only."
Sona nodded in understanding. "Of course. Please forgive my impertinence."
When he was sure the girl's weren't looking, Sammy stole a glance at the words on the collar's placard. He chortled to himself before mumbling. "Fucking cheesy, Hyodo…"
Once they were in the Chapter Room the group took their seats while Akeno went to go wake up the remaining members of her Peerage. After tapping on Rias's bedroom door, she gently peaked inside to find them exactly where she had left them earlier.
Jon was out cold in the middle of the bed with four stark naked beauties splayed out on him. Rias was nestled up on his right arm while Asia snugly tucked up against his left. Meanwhile, Koneko was resting on his abdomen, purring up a storm.
Shockingly enough, Xenovia was sleeping soundly with her head on his lap. The scene made Akeno snicker quietly to herself.
With a sharp rap on the wood of the door she woke them up. The figures in the bed all began to stir one by one, starting with Rias, then Asia, and finally Koneko. They blinked a few times before all three of them noticed Xenovia laying on his lap. Asia pouted while Koneko glared in annoyance. Rias smiled angrily, her left eyebrow twitching at the sight. This was certainly NOT part of the plan.
She flicked Jon's ear who startled awake before groaning sleepily and sitting up.
"What's going on?" He griped before trying to lay back down. "Why are you girls-OW!"
Rias pulled on his cheek sharply with that same angry smile on her face.
"You sure are getting popular quickly." She growled before finally releasing his cheek.
"Huh?" Jon looked to his right to see Asia pouting at him pitifully and Koneko glaring at him with annoyed eyes. It wasn't until he looked down at his lap to see Xenovia sound asleep with a curious little smile on her face that he realized what had his Treasures so perturbed.
He groaned in exasperation before collapsing back in the bed. "Dammit…"
Rias nodded at him. "Yep. When were you going to tell us about THIS little development."
"It's not like I meant for it to happen, okay?" He finally sat back up and addressed them fully awake. "The little 'ritual' we did last night didn't exactly help matters either."
"Well THIS certainly wasn't part of the plan." Rias mumbled saltily. "But in retrospect, I suppose we should have seen it coming."
Xenovia finally began to stir, slowly opening her eyes before moaning tiredly before lifting her head up off Jon's lap. She was still half asleep as she gazed at the two pouty faces of Rias and Asia gripping both of Jon's arms jealousy. Unsure as to what was going on.
"Good morning." Koneko greeted through her teeth. "You're drooling."
It took her a moment but Xenovia eventually put two and two together. Her face heated up and her eyes went wide as it slowly dawned on her she had been resting on their Dragon's lap this entire time. She quickly wiped the trail of drool off her face and sat up straight in the bed.
"I'm...I'm so sorry!" She apologized profusely. "I had no idea."
Jon found himself staring at her, somewhat entranced. Xenovia could be surprisingly cute when she was flustered.
Upon seeing the look in Jon's eye, Rias groaned in exasperation, placing a hand to her head and shaking from side to side. No doubt about it, Xenovia was Imprinting to their Dragon.
"I hate to interrupt, everyone. But we have guests."
What Rias found most curious of all, however, was Akeno's reaction to all this. The President narrowed her eyes suspiciously at her Queen's gleeful little smile, all but certain she had something to do with Xenovia's sudden interest in Jon. But alas, this was an issue that would have to wait.
"Right, someone go wake up Kiba."
Kiba was dressed and ready to go before Akeno even had a chance to knock on his door. Meanwhile, Rias, Asia, Koneko, and Xenovia were all forced to make the walk of shame past Sammy, Sona, and the rest of their guests as they made their way to the showers. The Sitri Dragon looked especially amused by the embarassed and flushed faces that each one by one went to go wash up.
Finally Jon came lumbering out, dressed in black jeans and shoes but little else.
"Well rise and shine, Cupcake." Sammy joked, half in amusement and half in annoyance. "Long night?"
"You don't know the half of it." Jon grumbled before making his way to the showers with the girls.
"Was that freaking Xenovia I saw in the mix?" He quirked a disbelieving brow at Akeno.
Akeno nodded happily. "It certainly was. As of last night, she officially joined our Peerage."
"Xenovia's a Devil now?!" Motohama jumped out of his seat.
Kiba turned his eyes away in embarrassment. "You think that's crazy you should hear how they turned her into one."
"I think I can get a pretty good picture." Sammy assured, his eyes trailing to the restroom where Xenovia's gorgeous ass had absconded off to with the other ladies of the ORC before mumbling to himself. "Lucky friggin bastard. I technically saw her first."
Sona cleared her throat abruptly. "Can we get back on track please? We need to discuss the pertinent details of the final assault."
"I'm still waiting on where WE fit into all this." Matsuda insisted. "I get that it's all hands on deck for this one, but what are we gonna do exactly?"
She adjusted her glasses and straightened her posture. "I suppose so long as we're waiting on Rias, we can discuss the details of your assignment more in depth. Rei? Saya? Have you told them yet?"
They both shook their heads.'
"No, Ma'am, we haven't."
"Wait...told us what?" Motohama spoke up.
"The four of you, along with my newest Pawn, will be reforming Delta Squad under Sammy's leadership." Sona explained. "You have officially become the linchpin of this entire operation."
Xenovia gave herself a once over in the full body mirror of her room. In place of her normal grey battlesuit she was now wearing a much skimpier ebon black one. The outfit cut off at her thighs and was paired with a set of knee high combat boots made of the same rubbery material her suit was made of. As well as a pair of elbow length combat gloves. The outfit left absolutely nothing to the imagination and even had a diamond shaped hole in the chest to show off her cleavage.
"Is this really what I'm wearing into combat?" She commented out loud while turning and running her hand along her prominently visible ass.
"For what it's worth, I think it looks great on ya."
Xenovia was startled by the presence of a male voice outside her door. She turned to see Jon leaning against the doorway, now fully dressed in his red jacket and cowboy hat.
She smirked at him. "Somehow that doesn't surprise me. Does Rias make a habit of dressing all her Servants like this?"
He coughed awkwardly before turning away. "Yeah...one thing you have to come to terms with about being in Rias's Peerage is you don't get to dress yourself. And she has VERY specific taste."
After checking herself out in the mirror again, she chuckled. "That at least explains a few things."
"Give it time, it'll grow on ya." He assured.
She laughed softly. "I'm sure."
An awkward silence hung in the air.
"How does it feel?"
She frowned. "Different…very different. Like I've gained much but…"
"...but also lost something along the way." He finished for her.
"Was it like this for you too?" She asked curiously. "This sense of uncertainty."
He coughed awkwardly before turning his eyes up to the ceiling as he remembered the night he was turned into a Devil. The drinking, the barfight, the...Escort. Not exactly his proudest moment.
"It was...sort of like that." He lied.
"I feel so conflicted. I've lost my humanity and yet...most of the Peerage has been very kind to me. I just wish…"
She placed her hands together and bowed her head.
"Dear Lord...if you can hear me. If you ever COULD hear me. I ask you-GYAH!"
Xenovia clutched at her aching head while Jon was suddenly hit with Deja Vu.
"Yeah...Asia had to learn that one the hard way too. We all did."
"I see…" Xenovia rubbed her aching head while staring at the ground in solemn silence. "...I suppose that's to be expected for what I've done."
"Hey, don't let it get to you." Jon walked over and placed a hand on her shoulder reassuringly. "You made the right call. You really did."
An awkward silence hung in the air as she peered up at him anxiously.
"So…" Xenovia twiddled her fingers together nervously and cast her gaze back to the ground. "...when are we going to talk about it?"
He took a breath before placing his hands back in his pockets. "Now ain't exactly the ideal time."
"No no." She laughed nervously while waving her hands in front of her assuredly. "I completely agree. We have far more pressing issues to concern ourselves with. Forget I said anything."
"Xenovia...we've got a lot we have to work out. I get that. Fortunately, we also have plenty of time to do that." A smile formed on his face that was impossible for her to ignore. "But I ain't about to forget what we did. Or what I'm seeing in your eyes right now. I promise."
Her mouth hung open slightly and her face turned red. At that moment, all she could think about was how this must be what Irina felt whenever he would look at HER this way.
Xenovia finished her preparations before rejoining the others in the Chapter Room. Jon was sitting on the far couch with Rias laying on his side draped over his left arm while Asia draped over his right. Koneko sat cross legged on his lap with her arms wrapped around his neck while Akeno sat on her knees on a pillow at his feet, her collar proudly on display and her thighs parted to show off her brand.
It made for quite the image to be sure. She only wondered where she was supposed to go.
"Pst." Akeno smiled at Xenovia and patted a pillow she had placed down next to her.
Her face broke out in a light blush. Xenovia quickly made her way over to the pillow and sat on her haunches with her hands in her lap and her back straight, just as Akeno had taught her.
Sona quirked a brow at the sight. "She's certainly taken to the transition well."
Xenovia waved at Matsuda and the others who all waved back at her somewhat awkwardly. They clearly were not used to this yet.
Jon chuckled. "I'm a little jealous honestly. My transition wasn't nearly this clean."
"Women tend to handle the conversion a little more...gracefully than men do." Sona explained. "Aika's was fairly painless as well."
Xenovia turned her gaze away in embarrassment. "I don't know about...painless."
Asia reached into Jon's pocket and pulled out his smokes before popping one in his mouth. "Better, Darling?"
Jon lit the smoke on a flame produced from Rias's palm before taking a long drag. "Thanks, Darlin."
"Now he's just showing off." Matsuda muttered to Motohama who rolled his eyes in agreement.
"Alright." Sona stood up from her seat and placed a light crystal on the central table. "Now that we're all here, it's time we discussed the final stage of our counter assault on Kokabiel's forces."
A display of the city appeared on the table, showing them the positions of both Lucifer's forces as well as Kokabiel's.
"Our Scout Regiment has successfully locked down the entrances to most of the major nexus hubs." She began her recitation. "Meanwhile we've tasked half of our Assault Tribes with purging the tunnels of Fallen Forces."
"Sounds like things are going fairly well on that front at least." Jon commented.
"Having said that…" Sona continued. "...it's clear that Kokabiel has tasked the majority of his remaining forces around the underground launch Silo...located almost completely on the other side of the city."
He sighed. "Should have known there was a 'but' coming."
"There's also still a substantial enemy presence on the ground as well." Sammy added. "Most of it centered around the outside of the Silo."
"No doubt Kokabiel will be stationed there also." Rias observed.
"It's pretty clear what he's doing." Jon took a long drag from his cigarette before blowing smoke into the air. "Kokabiel is rerouting all his remaining defenses to safeguard the missle until it can launch."
"We estimate the launch will occur in no less than six hours." Sona declared. "During which time, the Angel of Stars will likely send the remainder of his Fallen forces to attack the Academy and keep us distracted."
"Riser Phenex will be in charge of the counter attack in the sky." Rias added. "Which leaves us to take care of everything on the ground and below."
Sona nodded in agreement. "To that end, we will attack the Fallen forces on two fronts. Using the remaining Assault Tribes, we will force our way into the Nexus Missile silo from above." She shifted her attention to Sammy's group. "Delta Squad will be in charge of this assignment. I've already given you your orders so you should know what to do. Following Sammy's attack plan, your group will drop in from above and make your way to the missle."
"And how are we doing that again?" Matsuda asked in perplexment.
"The Assault Tribes have rigged their heavy transports with Drill Capsules designed to deliver forces directly into subterranean hot spots." Sona explained.
"So basically we're gonna drill our way down there." Motohama smirked at the idea. "Nice."
"Will you two be ready for this?" Aika asked Saya and Rei worriedly.
"Oh don't worry." Rei adjusted one of her combat gloves and knocked them together. "We may not have had long to train, but we'll kick butt regardless."
"Hot…" Matsuda murmured quietly to himself.
"The rest of my Peerage and myself will focus on the ground forces and zombie hordes still remaining on the surface." Her gaze shifted to the ORC. "Keeping them distracted while you confront Kokabiel directly."
Jon shifted his gaze to Rias who nodded at him confidently.
"We understand what we have to do. Kokabiel won't know what hit him.
Sona adjusted her glasses. "This plan is not without risk but if we pull it off, we may all just come out of this alive."
At that moment, a knock on the Chapter Room door caught their attention.
"It's open!" Akeno called.
Lady Grayfia entered the room and bowed politely. "Apologies for the disturbance everyone. I know you're discussing strategy for the final assault but this cannot wait."
"It's no trouble, Lady Grayfia." Rias assured before standing up from her seat. "Is this about my Brother?"
She nodded. "Lord Lucifer is broadcasting a message to our forces over the school's Emergency PA System. You should come outside."
They all stood up and headed for the door. Once outside, they heard a blaring noise over the campus that indicated the sound of the Emergency PA System kicking on.
"Soldiers of the Underworld, here me." The voice of Sirzechs Lucifer boomed over the campus.
All of Hell's forces, the Assault Tribes, the Scout Regiments, everyone, they all came to a dead stop and turned their heads up towards the sky as their Lord spoke to them. The Orcs knelt with their fists to their hearts, the humans stood at attention, all showed complete silence and total respect as Lucifer spoke.
"Humans and Devils alike are no strangers to war. After all, we've been fighting for as long as we can remember." His voice carried the full weight of his authority through the campus's PA system. "For countless eons, our people have battled with the forces of both Heaven and the Fallen in a bloody campaign that has reshaped this world a hundred times over. The war of the Three Factions has lead to the rise and fall of Empires and the extinction of species. Through its bloody struggle we have seen the rise of great heroes and monstrous tyrants. Acts of great heroism and great travesty. And through it all NONE of us have come out of this with our hands clean."
All was silent for a moment before he continued.
"War...is all we know. Whether it's fought on battlefields or in boardrooms we have been at conflict since our three realms first conjoined at the beginning of time. In the past, we fought for power. We fought for sovereignty. We fought for vengeance."
Jon adjusted his hat and stubbed out his smoke.
"But all of that changed three days ago. This war is not a war for power, or vengeance, or petty squabbles between factions. For the first time in our History, we are fighting a war for PEACE. Peace against a genocidal, psychotic, monster. Humanity faces extinction unless we end this war NOW."
They could all feel the gravity of his words.
"The Angel of Stars has brought with him a force hell bent on destroying everything that has been built upon this rock by the young human species. We stand on the precipice of a global travesty that has not been seen on planet Earth in over sixty six million years. If we are to stop this from occurring, we have but one option. Attack! Strike at the head of the snake himself and watch its body whither and die."
The Orcs pounded their fists against their chests.
"My loyal Soldiers...what I ask of you now is not an easy thing. But it IS necessary. If the human race is to survive, to see the seasons pass once more, to continue to witness the beauty of this planet through mortal eyes, and live to experience a time of peace that has yet to be known by any on this Earth, then we must take the fight to the heart of the Angel of Stars himself! We will go to where his kind live, where they breed, where they rot, and we will EXTERMINATE them as they have tried so hard to exterminate us!"
His men raised their weapons into the air and cheered boisterously.
"Though the Human Race may never know what you do here today, this moment will be remembered in the history of the Three Factions forevermore. This is the day we strike at the heart of those who would destroy us all. This is the day that we correct the course of Human History! This is the day we ensure the survival of a species!"
The thunderous applause grew louder.
"Soldiers of the Underworld! Today, you will go forth...and return...as CHAMPIONS of Earth!"
They knew what must be done. This War ended now.
Riser Phenex soared above the chaos of the city below, his eyes firmly set on the horizon. Any moment now the floodgates would open and every Fallen Angel that Kokabiel had at his disposal would come pouring out of that great chasm forming in the sky. There would be no room for errors here. If they fell, then the ground forces would be slaughtered.
"Have the traps been set?" He asked his loyal Queen Yubelluna.
"They have, my Lord." She spoke, her eyes firmly on the horizon as well. "Your Peerage stands behind you one hundred percent."
"A shame we couldn't get the stubborn Branch Families to fall in line and assist us in this fight." Karlamine, one of Riser's Knights, spoke bitterly.
"They're still salty over the fact that Master Riser is the new head of the Clan." Ile, one of the Pixy Twins spoke up.
"If you ask me we need to pay them all a visit and remind them who's in charge." Nel, her sister, added.
"Maybe shred their curtains while we're at it." Ni and Li, the twin Nekomata, both spoke in unison.
"The branch families are a distant, uncertain issue. The needs of Kuoh City are immediate and apparent." Siris, Riser's other Knight, observed insistently.
Riser's Rook Isabela knocked her fist into her palm. "Just point me at them and I'll do the rest."
"Just try not to get in my way this time, Isabela." Xuelan, Riser's other Rook, teased insincerely before igniting her fists.
"Marion, Burent, you two stick close to me and provide long range assistance with your magic." The Pawn Shuriya ordered to her two sisters.
"You've got it, Shuriya!" Marion spoke enthusiastically.
"Just like when we stormed the Phenex the Estate!" Burent boasted pridefully.
"Hopefully this time will end a little cleaner than that did." Mira, his last remaining pawn, gulped back her reservations before readying her staff. "I still have nightmares about those Harlequins."
Ravel floated up beside her brother and smiled at him. "I'm with you every step of the way Big Brother."
Riser nodded appreciatively though his heart suddenly felt heavier. "Ravel…"
She quirked her head up at him curiously.
"Once this is over, if you...truly desire to be traded to Rias's Peerage, you may."
She was taken aback. Yubelluna meanwhile cast a meaningful gaze to her Master.
"I may not like it. I CERTAINLY don't approve of it." He sighed morosely before hanging his head in woeful dejection. "But if your heart truly lies with the Red Dragon Emperor, then Riser will not get in the way of your happiness." He choked back his emotions and stared down at her intently. "But...even if your heart belongs to him, I will always have a place in there as well...won't I?"
Her eyes widened and Ravel bit her bottom lip as she began to tear up. She quickly wiped her eyes dry before flying straight into his arms and hugging him tight.
"Of course you will you imbecile." She choked out quietly, doing her best not to turn into a weeping mess moments before they were to do battle. "You're my Big Brother and I love you. That's never going to change."
He sighed happily whilst hugging her back. "This at least...brings me peace."
Yubelluna smiled at both of them, as she opened her mouth to speak however, she was cut off by their other Bishop Mihae.
"My Lord, they're here."
The chasm in the sky opened up completely and Fallen Angels came pouring out like a biblical flood.
"There must be at least two thousand of them." Yubelluna observed. "Mostly two winged and four winged, but I see some six winged as well."
"Odd...where are the Two Hundred Watchers?" Ravel asked suspiciously.
"They could be hiding amongst the lower tiers like they were last time." Riser cautioned. "Keep your guard up everyone."
"Even without the Watchers an army of two thousand Fallen Angels is quite the ordeal." Yubelluna spoke glumly.
A devilish grin formed over Riser's features.
"I suppose it's a good thing then, that we're not completely alone."
Seven giant portals bearing the Crest of the Phenex Clan opened up above them. From these portals, thousands of golden winged sentinels flooded the battlefield and charged the Fallen forces in the sky. Though not as powerful as the Fallen, their sheer numbers more than made up for it.
"Now hear this!" Riser turned and addressed his Peerage. "You know what must be done! Lord Lucifer's eyes are upon us!"
"For the Phenex Clan!" Yubelluna raised her staff high into the air.
The Peerage summoned their terrible power and charged into the fray.
The massive assault carrier that Delta Squad was stationed on roared down the streets of Kuoh en route to the outskirts of the city. Out near the open field where the missle silo was located. Their carrier, affectionately nicknamed "Betty" by the rather histrionic old orc driving it, was outfitted with twin mounted Troika Class Turrets capable of downing even two winged Fallen Angels as well as reinforced armor plating on the sides. Its only glaring weakness was the lack of any overhead covering, making it vulnerable to mortar fire. Fortunately, Aika had the team covered in that regard.
Delta Squad kept themselves busy by checking their armaments and making sure they were geared up and ready to go.
"So why the Lindou District, Sergeant?!" Motohama shouted over the roaring motor of their assault vehicle. "Why not just drill right here?!"
"The Lindou District puts us right above the missle silo!" Sammy shouted back.
"Heard from some of the Orcs there's a shitload of zombies down there, Sir!" Matsuda replied nervously.
"More like ten shitloads!" He spoke back frankly. Sammy then placed two fingers up to his ear and activated his communications enchantment. "Delta Squad to Alpha Leader. Sona, you reading me?"
"This is Alpha Leader." Sona's voice came through the communication enchantment loud and clear. "Apparently...I'm riding on Marilyn."
He chuckled at her. "We'll see you at Lindou Alpha Lead. Happy hunting."
With that Sammy turned and addressed his squad. "Alright, settle in boys and girls. We've got a ways to go before we reach our drill point!"
"Aika, do you have the package secured?!" Saya shouted over to her squad member.
She nodded. "It's good to go! I've got it tucked away nice and safe in a pocket dimension!"
"I just hope the plan works!" Rei admitted. "We're taking a huge gamble here!"
"Of course it will work! I'm a genius, remember?!"
"Eyes up front, Warriors!" The Orc driving them bellowed. "Incoming mortar fire!"
"Everyone take cover!" Sammy shouted.
They all hit the deck as the ground around them was blasted with mortar fire.
"Oh sweet Baby Jesus, here we go!" Matsuda stuttered nervously.
Aika summoned her magic and erected a barrier over the rig. The mortar shells hit the magical shield, which held fast against them.
"I can see your magic has gotten a hell of a lot stronger." Rei complimented.
Aika grinned at her and nodded.
"Mutant swarm up front!" The Orc driver shouted. "Get on those turrets and take them out!"
Matsuda and Motohama both ran up to the two bow turrets and primed them. The Troika's twin barrels began to spin before unleashing a heavy salvo of shredder rounds on the massive horde of charging mutants.
"Oh shit! Enemy armor!" Motohama shouted before pointing off in the distance.
"Fear not their shiny metal cans!" The Orc driver bellowed. "We shall answer brute force with brute force!"
A contingent of armored chrome vehicles with mounted plasma cannons on their heads formed a blockade between them and their objective. Delta Squad's rig came to a stop while a squadron of massive red tanks rolled up in front of them until they were within firing range of the enemy armor. They exchanged high velocity plasma rounds for armor piercing uranium shells. Though initially on equal footing the Assault Tribe's tanks proved superior to the armored plasma throwers, as they completely annihilated the entire blockade, losing only one tank in the process.
"Ha ha! Is that really all these weaklings can muster?!" The Orc driver laughed thunderously.
Sammy caught a whiff of something rotten on the wind. He looked to his right and to his left to see hordes of zombies come flooding out of the alleyways, charging straight for the tanks.
It wasn't the zombies that alarmed him most, however. It was what they had strapped to their chests that made his stomach drop.
"They're strapped with C4! It's a suicide swarm!"
The zombies covered the two farthest left and right tanks like caterpillars covering a tree and detonated. The sheer number of them made the blast efficient enough to disable both tanks. Matsuda and Motohama immediately began firing on the zombies with their Troikas in order to prevent them from reaching the other tanks.
"There are too many!" Matsu shouted.
"Well this is going really fucking well!" Saya growled. "Anyone got a plan?!"
It was then that she noticed Rei was missing. The nationally ranked gymnast charged up the ramp of the carrier and did a back handspring before leaping up into the air.
Fifteen feet up into the air. Delta Squad gawked at her as she landed gracefully on the middle tank and pulled out her rifle. She proceeded to fire on any stragglers that managed to get through the Troika's gunfire.
"What's she doing?!" Matsuda shouted in a panic.
"Taking care of business!" Sammy sprouted two black wings from his back. "Keep up the pressure with those turrets! I'm gonna go help her!"
He flew up into the sky and landed on the tank Rei was on before pulling out his Desert Eagle and covering the right side while she took care of the left.
"Dude! When did she learn to do that?!" Motohama marveled at Rei as she fired on the stray zombies.
"How should I know?!" Matsuda replied, still in amazement as well.
They managed to clear the remaining horde whereupon Sammy carried Rei back to their rig. In total, they lost three out of six of their tanks before finally clearing the city proper and making it into the suburban sprawl of the Lindou District. The carrier Marilyn was not far behind them and the two joined up while the tanks dispersed to take care of the mortar nests.
Unfortunately, they weren't in the clear just yet.
"Three Fallen Angels coming straight for us!"
Sammy cursed. While they were only Two Winged if any of them managed to get to the rig then the Rookies wouldn't stand a chance.
"Aika, you're with me!" He ordered. "The rest of you keep this carrier safe!"
"Right!" Aika's Devil Wings unfurled and she took to the sky alongside Sammy. While they did battle with the Fallen above, Matsuda and the other's took care of everything below.
"We've got Mutants coming up alongside us!" Saya warned before pulling out her Luger.
Matsuda and Motohama both switched to their shotguns and returned to the center of the rig. As the Mutants climbed up the sides the four of them unloaded on the creatures.
Matsuda blasted them with his shotgun, turning each one to mulch in quick succession. The moment he ran out of ammo, he switched to his bat and let the bloodlust take over while swinging for the fences.
Motohama fired heavy slugs through the heads of the mutants as they popped up over the sides of the rig. He'd quickly reload once his shells were spent before firing again while Rei covered him with her rifle.
Saya meanwhile, fired her Luger at an approaching Mutant before a nasty bump sent her to the ground. She squealed in fright as the creature lunged for her only to be saved by Rei who stabbed the creature in the eye with her bayonet on its descent before putting a round into its skull. Saya was splattered with brains and blood in the process. As she looked down at her ruined outfit she began to see red while growling in high pitched anger.
"That DOES IT!" She shrieked before tossing her Luger aside and standing up. "I have had it up to here with you freaks ruining my clothes!"
The entire rig began to shake and Delta Squadron watched in awe as Saya's hair began to float off the ground and her body became encased in an aura of blue energy. They had seen this sort of thing before...from Xenovia.
"You think it's EASY finding cute outfits in the middle of a damn apocalypse?! You fuckers have no class whatsoever!"
Another creature crawled up the side of the rig and lunged for her. She raised her hand up in front of her with her palm spread flat. The Mutant stopped in mid air, held in place by an invisible force. She balled her hand into a fist in one swift motion and the Mutant was crushed into a heap of flesh and broken bone before falling harmlessly to the ground.
"I'll teach you to respect high fashion!" Saya unleashed her latent power on the remaining Mutants, blasting their heads off with concentrated Psi Bolts from her mind while ripping them to shreds with telekinetic power.
"Wh...what the…" Motohama turned white as as a sheet and his jaw hit the floor.
"When did…" Matsuda pointed a single trembling finger at Saya.
Rei grinned wickedly at them. "Yeah, you boys aren't the only ones with mutant powers now." She raised an arm into the air and black markings appeared on her skin. "For instance I'm ultra durable now in addition to having increased stamina, agility, and strength." Clearly very proud of her newfound powers she then added. "Oh! And I can also blend into my environment like a chameleon."
As neat as that was, they were more focused on the terrifying display that Saya was pulling off. The Mutants couldn't even touch her. Their bodies were ripped apart long before they got the chance.
"As impressive as my new powers are, however, they're nothing compared to her." Rei admitted. "Saya's brain mutated to the point where she developed Psionic Power."
"Just like Xenovia." Matsuda gawked.
She shook her head. "This is different. As Tsubaki explained it to us in the lab, Xenovia's Psionic Abilities are a side effect of her connection to her Holy Sword. Saya's are a natural born gift. What you're seeing is true Psychic Power at work."
Motohama was turning green as he watched his terrifying girlfriend decimate the remaining Mutants. Cursing and screaming as her single fang gleamed at them and her eyes glowed with power.
With all the Mutants dead, Saya's power finally subsided. She calmly adjusted her glasses before stepping over one of the carcasses and rejoining them.
"I think that's all." She declared as if nothing was wrong.
Now in a complete panic, Motohama felt his internal monologue click in.
"Well isn't this just super! Now she's psychic!" Left Brain shouted angrily.
"Dude! Shut up! What if she can read our thoughts." Right Brain insisted.
A horrifying thought occurred to Left Brain. "Oh shit! What if she could read our thoughts last night?! She'll know we're a big bag of crazy!"
"I mean...I guess there's no harm in asking her right?" Right Brain offered nervously. "Why not just ask her?"
"So uhhh...Saya Sweety." Motohama stuttered nervously. "These new powers of yours wouldn't happen to include Telepathy would they? Because if so then I can explain."
She quirked her head at him curiously for a moment before smiling sweetly. "Oh Motohama, Darling…"
Her expression suddenly darkened.
"...you must be an even bigger idiot than I thought if you really think I would tell you if I can read your mind or not."
He was petrified. The internal monologue was no more as both sides now agreed with each other. Motohama was FUCKED.
Rei meanwhile, quickly clasped a hand up to her mouth and chortled hysterically. "Oh man...you better be on your best behavior for the rest of your LIFE, Dude. You've got a literal Psychic Girlfriend!" She was still laughing as she spoke.
"Bro…" Matsuda placed a sympathetic hand on his shoulder. "...I do NOT envy you right now."
At that moment Sammy and Aika returned to the carrier, having successfully dealt with the Fallen Angels.
"We should be all clear until we reach our dig site." Sammy informed before holstering his Desert Eagle.
"Two more contacts up front!" The Orc driver shouted. "They're right on top of our dig site!"
Aika groaned in exasperation. "You were saying?"
They ran to the front of the rig to see off in the distance two figures floating above the chaos of war. Their wings were mismatched, with one being a Devil and the other a Fallen.
"More Fallen?" Matsuda asked.
Sammy shook his head, his expression grave. "No...worse."
Tamiel and Ramiel shifted their gaze towards the Marilyn. The elder sibling raised his hand and summoned a Light Cannon to his side before blasting the rig into scrap with a single shot.
"Sona!" He shouted in horror before swooping over to the wreck site quick as he could.
Aika meanwhile, prepared to cast a barrier to fend off an attack on Betty, but the two Hybrid siblings didn't seem to even notice them. All their attention was on the Madelyn.
As Sammy began digging through the wreckage the front of the hull blasted outward and Sona, along with her entire Peerage, stepped calmly out of the wreck, none the worse for ware.
He breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank Lucifer you're okay Boss."
She nodded, her gaze sharply on the two siblings looming overhead. "We're fine, but our Orcs are dead."
"I take it these are the ones responsible?" Tsubaki glared at the Hybrids same as Sona.
Sammy nodded in confirmation. "That's Tamiel and Ramiel. They're Kokabiel's brats."
"The son and daughter of Eurus Agares." Momo spoke solemnly. "I pity them both."
"Pity them all you want, we still have to destroy them." Tsubasa insisted.
"Just give us the word, Ms. President." Tomoe summoned her Katana.
The rest of Sona's Peerage readied their powers. After a moment of thought, she gave the order.
"This is where we part ways. Sammy, you and Aika will remain with your squad. Tsubaki, I want you to take the rest of the Peerage and assist Lord Riser with the sky campaign."
Her entire Peerage turned and collectively gawked at her.
"Are you sure that's wise, Ms. President?" Tsubaki asked sincerely.
She nodded, her resolve standing firm. "Rias filled me in on the details of their powers, I fear you all would simply get in the way of this fight."
"No offense Boss. But have ya completely lost your damn mind?!" Sammy shouted angrily. "This ain't the time to be playing hero on the frontlines! What's the point of having a Peerage if we're not here to protect-"
"Sammy…" Sona suddenly smiled at him, a look of deep affection in her eyes. "...there's something very important I want you to know."
He was stunned by the tone of her voice. She wasn't acting like her normal self.
"I want you to know that I'm proud of you." She spoke in ernest. "I'm proud of how much stronger you've become." His Kingpiece shook her head profusely. "And while it's true you weren't my first choice, you were definitely the RIGHT choice. Stop comparing yourself to Jonathan, okay? You're your own man."
"Sona…" He was at a complete loss for words.
"And I wouldn't trade you for a whole ARMY of Red Dragon Emperors now." She finished.
He was completely in shock. That was easily the sweetest thing his Boss had ever said to him.
"Oh Ms. President…" Ruruko began to tear up and sniffle as her own emotions welled to the surface. She knew how much the issue with Jon was bugging her Dragon, so even if he wasn't going to cry over it, she would.
Having said her peace, and with the approval of her whole Peerage, Sona turned her attention back to the Hybrids. "Now go...and make us all proud, my Trusted Servant."
A fire lit under his ass. "Yes, Ma'am!" Sammy took to the sky once more, casting one final gaze at his Peerage below.
His Treasures smiled back up at him lovingly, each of their hearts going with him.
"I wouldn't trade any of you for anything either." He muttered to himself before returning to the Betty.
"Tsubaki, take the others and provide reinforcements for Lord Riser." Sona ordered. "When you reach the Phoenix, tell him this officially makes us even."
"Understood, Ma'am." She turned towards the others. "You heard your President, all of you move out!"
They each one by one unfurled their wings and took to the sky. Reya took one last look at Aika, who frowned back at her worriedly from the deck of the Betty. She smiled sweetly at her and a light blush crept over her cheeks as she unfurled her wings and took to the sky with the others. Leaving only Tsubaki and Sona remaining.
"The others are all coming around." Her Queen commented happily. "Even Tomoe is starting to show signs of her affection for him."
Sona nodded approvingly. "And Reya finally has someone special to connect with. I'm happy for all of you."
"And you...Ms. President?" Tsubaki took a bold leap. "When will you be ready to be happy?"
She smiled and shut her eyes while placing a hand to her chest, her cheeks turning slightly red. "In time...in time."
With that, Tsubaki unfurled her wings and followed her Peerage. With the others gone, Sona turned all of her attention to the two opponents in front of her as they slowly descended to the ground a couple yards away.
"Well this is interesting. We were expecting the Gremory bitch to be here. Not you." Tamiel commented somewhat taciturnly.
Sona straightened her posture, prim and proper as always. "Indeed? Well I apologize for disappointing you."
"No need to be rude, Sis." Ramiel chided her. "It's not her fault we shot the wrong crane thingy."
"Speaking of which…" Tamiel pointed at the other Rig which was in the process of dropping two drilling canisters containing the members of Delta Squad through the Earth via hydraulic crane. "...should we do something about that?"
Ramiel shrugged. "Not really all that important. Those things are dropping everywhere, what's one more?"
Sona chuckled at him in amusement. "You are seriously about to regret that cocky attitude of yours."
He quirked a brow at her. "Why's that?"
"Those canisters contain more than normal troopers. The Black Dragon King himself is on board." Sona stated pridefully.
The canisters deployed and Delta Squad shot through the Earth, boring down to the Nexus and to the guarded missile silo.
"Oh damn, that actually looks kind of fun." Tamiel commented before turning and griping at Ramiel. "Why is it we never get any of the cool toys?"
"So Plasma Tanks don't count?" He asked in confusion.
"You can't tunnel to the center of the Earth with a Plasma Tank." She pouted.
"Oh, you could bitch about ANYTHING, you know that?" He huffed at her in annoyance.
"Rias told me you two have a peculiar habit of letting your enemies go without trying to pursue." The Sitri Heir commented observantly. "But I fear this time that hubris of yours will cost you dearly. My servant will not stop until that missile has been effectively sabotaged."
"Yeaaah, kay." Tamiel flipped her hair out of her eyes and put her phone away. "So here's the problem with THAT. See, our Chief of Security is down there and...well let's just say all those men you're sending into our base are in for a pretty rude awakening."
She narrowed her eyes at them warily.
Ramiel chuckled in sardonic amusement. "Turns out not all of Valper's little experiments are total failures. One of those little brats he was experimenting on back during WWII? They survived. He's turned out to be quite the interesting test subject."
"You mean there was another survivor of those hideous experiments besides Rias's Knight?" Sona asked, finding that somewhat hard to believe."
"Yuuuup." Tamiel commented completely dispassionately. "We've been upgrading him over the years. Necromancy, biological mutations, and most recently, cybernetic enhancements."
"You're all insane, you know that right?" Sona retorted bluntly.
"Don't you guys turn humans into Devils? How is this any different?" Ramiel shrugged. "Oh wait, I forgot I don't care. The fact is, you're probably safer here with us than they are down there. Though not by much."
She grinned angrily at them. "Well I hate to disappoint you AGAIN. But I fear you've severely overplayed your hand challenging me."
"Oh please." Tamiel blew her off. "The only reason Queen Redhead got the better of us was because she nailed me in the back while I wasn't looking."
"But now my sister and I are both at full power." Ramiel assured.
"He controls Space and I control Time." His sister continued. "When we fight together, there is no force on this Earth that can stop us."
Sona sighed wearily before removing her glasses and cleaning them with her magic. "Why it is that every single opponent I face insists on underestimating me is baffling. You do know Rias is technically from a lower House than me, right? My family is ranked Prince among the Seventy Two Pillars. Next to the Bael and the Agares Clans we have no equals."
"Lady, I can hardly keep track of my own forces let alone your crazy little hierarchy of nonsense." Ramiel spoke taciturnly.
"Allow me to put it this way then." Sona placed her glasses back on her face and glared at them sharply.
"Rias Gremory isn't the only Queen Bitch ruling this city. Pick a fight with me and I'll prove it to you."
"Oh great." Tamiel rolled her eyes. "She's a Tryhard too."
"Fortunately we have just the cure for that. You ready, Sis?"
"If I have to." She stated wearily.
They channeled their power together and all of space and time completely stopped around them. The world to them looked like a negative Polaroid, completely devoid of any color, sound, or motion.
Ramiel yawned complacently. "They really make it too easy for us."
"Meh." Tamiel pulled out her phone and started typing again. "Just go kill her and let's head back."
"You know that thing doesn't work in here right? Like...who are you planning on texting in a negative zone?"
She frowned sourly. "For your information I'm working on my Tumblr bio."
"Wait, you already have Tumblr. Why are you making a new one?"
"To give me something to do whenever I've maxed out ideas on my other five." She explained.
He glared at her in disbelief. "Has anyone told you lately you have a problem?"
"Actually, you both do."
Tamiel and Ramiel slowly turned to see Sona very much not frozen like the rest of spacetime. Energy rippled off her body as if she were passing through a stream of water.
"Umm, what the fuck?" Tamiel glared at her in annoyance. "Ramiel, why is she not frozen?"
He sighed in frustration. "Okay so I understand Rias. But do you want to explain why YOU can get past our magic?"
"To put it simply. You have piss poor luck." Sona mocked them derisively. "As it so happens there are TWO Pureblood Devils in this city who can counteract time magic."
Tamiel rolled her eyes. "Last I checked, the Sitris don't do time magic, so what's your excuse?"
She chuckled in amusement while shaking her head. "You know Rias didn't get her power from her clan either right?"
Ramiel quirked an agitated brow at her. "So?"
"So…" She adjusted her glasses. "...put two and two together. If Rias got her powers from the Baal clan, then how is it I can bend spacetime same as you?"
When it finally occurred to them what she was alluding to, their auras turned murderous.
"Don't you fucking dare." Tamiel growled.
She shot them a slick grin. "Now you've got it. Before my Father married my Mother and became Lord Sinval Sitri his birth name was Sinval Agares. My sister and I have inherited the sublime powers of our Cousin Clan. Control over both space and time."
She clapped her hands together sharply and the world turned from grey to green as she sent them to a mirror dimension. With her arms she twisted and contorted the surrounding landscape, bending the world around them into impossible shapes.
The Grindlift ride was bumpy and unpleasant. Fortunately for Delta Squad, it also wasn't very long. Maybe a minute and a half at most before they successfully made it inside the Nexus. Once their canisters touched down they popped open the hatches and all six members burst out with their guns drawn.
It wasn't long before things started shooting at them. A Cyber Squadron was doing battle with an Orc Strike Team where they landed. Forcing them into a firefight. The group immediately found cover and assisted, witj Matsuda especially going at the cyber soldiers with Orcish frenzy. Ripping his way through them with his Lancer Rifle and chainsaw.
Mutants were around every corner. Coming from above, below, and through the walls of the concrete corridors. Rei used her superior agility to draw the creatures to her while Motohama took them out with high caliber sniper rounds.
The zombies they came across were all primarily mutated as well. Having been infected long enough for many of them to grow fleshy bone scythes out of one or even multiple orifices. Saya's Psionic power and Aika's Arcane Magic made quick work of the zombie hordes.
And at the front of it all was their leader, Sammy. The Black Dragon King cut down everything in his path with his advanced plasma rifle while leading Delta Squad deeper into the missile silo. They eventually arrived at a large operations room where huge screens hung on the walls as well as rows upon rows of monitors lining the first and second floors. Saya immediately ran over to one of the monitors and began entering console commands.
"Fuck! The launch sequence has already been engaged." Saya reported angrily. "We're on a countdown."
"Can you disable it?" Sammy asked insistently.
She shook her head. "Not from here. Looks like the only way to stop it now would be with a manual override."
"Come on! You're supposed to be the super genius here!" Matsuda insisted frantically.
"That just means I'm smart!" Saya shouted back at him, baring her fang. "You want me to multiply two big numbers in my head?! Fine! I can do that! But I can't turn off a fucking missle with a computer that's not connected to it!"
"Oh for the love of-we're wasting time here!" Aika insisted. "Forget the launch sequence, we need to stick to the plan!"
The lights in the room went out and all was dark. After a moment, backup power kicked on and the emergency floods illuminated their surroundings once more.
Sammy's nose picked up the scent of danger. His nostrils flared black smoke as he turned his head up towards the second floor of the operations room.
A pair of glowing red eyes stared back down at him.
"So at last the intruders arrive at my doorstep. A pity Fynn isn't with you. I had hoped for a reunion."
Sammy slowly drew his Desert Eagle and aimed it at the figure with glowing red eyes. "And just who the hell are you?"
The figure stood in stoic silence for a moment before speaking.
"I am a survivor. Just as you are." He explained with cold, impersonal detachment. "I can see it in your eyes. You kill for your benefactors, same as I do. It's nothing personal, merely the law of nature."
Sammy lowered his gun and narrowed his eyes severely. "Aika...you're with me. The rest of you get moving."
"But Sarge-" Motohama was about to protest.
"That's an order!" He barked at them. "We don't have time to deal with this joker AND finish the mission."
Aika summoned a magic circle and pulled a small metal briefcase from it before handing it to Saya. "You know what to do."
She nodded before opening the case and inspecting its contents. The six glass vials filled with a blue substance were still in there.
"We won't let you down."
As the Rookies of Delta Squad left to go complete their mission, Sammy and Aika turned their attention back to the figure looming above them.
"So you mind explaining this smell I'm catching off of you?" The Black Dragon King asked bluntly. "You're obviously human and yet…" He took another whiff of the air. "...more than that."
It was impossible to tell if the figure was smiling or not. "Perhaps I was human...once. Just as you undoubtedly were. But my benefactors have improved me as they once tried to do to the other members of my family. I couldn't understand their motives then, but I see them now. Only Fynn and I were strong enough to survive. The others? Emile, Frederick, all of them. They were merely a product of natural selection."
"What the hell are you talking about?" Aika demanded.
"Apologies." He spoke indifferently. "I forget he uses a different name now. Kiba, I believe it is?"
That's when it dawned on Sammy. He trained his weapon back on the figure looming over them like an ominous shroud, glaring daggers at him.
"You're one of the orphans who was part of that sick experiment Kiba survived."
The figure nodded. "Yes. And like your Kiba I have grown stronger for it. He may not see the blessings Valper bestowed upon us both, but I do. Natural selection leaves the survivor stronger and better. Humans have escaped this winnowing for far too long."
He stood up on the rail of the second floor balcony and dropped, landing gracefully on his feet to reveal his full visage. A man dressed in a black combat suit with a black leather trenchcoat that fell almost all the way to his feet stood with his arms tucked stoically behind his back. His short dirty blonde hair was slicked back with product, and he was wearing a pair of black shades over his eyes.
"Allow me to properly introduce myself. My name is Albert Wesker, Chief of Nexus Security."
