Hello, and welcome to the next chapter!
Ancient Sith Tulak Hord; Thanks! Yeah, he showed off more of his powers~
OechsnerC; Thanks! I'm glad you're enjoying it!
Clarent excalibur; Yeah, we're getting into the Excalibur arc now~ Irina and Isane will have a few scenes together, Le Fay might very well get involved. Haha, some fun punishments might come up~
ShadowUzumaki55; He did yeah, quite intense stuff. They both battled quite hard, and eventually, they fought until Zenki became the victor. They'll eventually have an engagement party yeah~ He is, Riser's making good strides into becoming a better person and is gonna keep trying his hardest now.
Silver crow; Thanks very much! Zenki's still perfecting it, so we'll see what the true form looks like. Yup, just a little nod~ He could have one, or several on his side, we'll see who they are as the story goes. Ravel does believe in her King very much, she places all her trust into him. That's how Bedeze is~ Haha, yeah it wasn't anything to them, merely a distraction for Bedeze to get away. We'll be seeing Rias doing that. Shinji, real name to be shown, has dedicated his life to taking down Ajuka, which means taking down his ultimate technique, and we only saw it work on Zenki's, who's not at the level of Ajuka yet, who knows if it would defeat Ajuka's, and Shinji's clearly skilled enough to stop Ajuka interfering with Zenki vs Bedeze, so he's shown his skills with magic and formulas. Nope, he'll never let anything happen to Asia. Yeah, Zenki's created a new form, increasing his power, his poisoned techniques among other things. He can yeah, he's not Vali level of stealing power, but he can convert others power into his own. Who says Bedeze has his? The King Piece replicas had to come from somewhere. Zenki and Rias' relationship is progressing quite well~ Haha, he is yeah, more incoming brides. Yup, they'll be relaxing for a little bit now~ Yeah, it does seem to have some reserved members being shown. I could see either of them being good ones. Haha, Persona does have a habit of doing that with dating multiple people. Black Clover ideas are pretty cool! Erm, I'm not sure who my favourite Magic Knight Squad is, I'd have to think about all the characters and see which ones I like more. I do like Vanessa, so yeah they could have a relationship like that. That would be cool with Secre. Yeah, that would be interesting if he could try and stop the extent of what's happened in Wano. I always liked Vivi. I can tell you that it's not a Zoan~ I don't know if he'd be Wild Card or not. He'd be quite strong yeah. I liked Rebecca, I thought she'd be fun to have on a crew, she'd be a great asset, and Viola with her Devil Fruit speaks for itself. Maybe she could have adopted Robin, it would give her a better life than she did have. Yeah, he'll have combinations with Rias and Akeno in the future. He could do if he wanted to do that. Yeah, either that or just crush them with power. Yeah, he could potentially do that with giant fly monsters.
Guest 1; Yeah, I could add some~
L; Yeah, it's approaching. Thanks for the tips, I'll check them out.
Guest 2; I think Diodora would have a mental breakdown, and yes, I can confirm that Asia and Zenki wont be virgins by the time we reach that volume. It would bring more results yeah~
Skull Flame; Yup, it's his Beelzebub's ability turned on high. Haha, maybe it could work against him~ Would be funny to see someone try. And thanks!
Andrew123456; Not any time soon, but in the near future, perhaps.
Guest 3; That looks like a cool JoJo's story, I've only seen a few JoJo's series, so I'll have to check out more of them before I make a story about it.
Well, with those lovely reviews out of the way, it's time to start the chapter!
Making friends!
A few days after the match, Zenki right now was relaxing on a beach. As he had promised his peerage, he had taken them for some vacation time. Zenki, wearing swim trunks, laid back on a sun lounger, watching his peerage having fun.
He had invited Le Fay and Arthur, but they were understandably catching up with one another, so he left them alone. He also had someone he trusted watch over Ingvild in case something was to happen, though activity on the villains side had been quiet as of late.
Looking forward, he saw that Asia, Koneko and Kuroka were splashing around in the water, seemingly playing around. Splashing water at each other.
"Aaah!" Asia moaned cutely as Kuroka splashed her top. "T-That's cold!"
"Fueee, you're so cute Asia-chan. Don't be so adorable please~"
"...Onee-sama, you truly are cruel."
Kuroka snickered, and undid Koneko's top, revealing her small breasts to the world around. Koneko's face turned crimson as Kuroka snickered.
"Nyahaha! Look Shirone, your boobs are growing! They're not as flat as they used to be!"
"N-Nee-sama...w-what if so-someone w-was to see…?"
She asked with embarrassment, Kuroka didn't seem to care, and took off her own top, revealing her larger bust size.
"What are you saying? This beach is ours for the day, no one's gonna come by~ This land belongs to a supernatural race anyway that aren't interested in the likes of us. Zenki-chan bought this beach for us for the day, so don't worry, and let the girls breathe~"
"E-Even then..."
Asia, seeing that both Koneko and Kuroka had their boobs out, also noticed that Zenki was looking towards them, also took her own bikini off, revealing her growing breasts.
Shyly looking towards Zenki, she waved as he smiled and waved back.
Her blush intensified as Kuroka snickered, going behind her, and grabbed Asia's breasts.
"Aaah! K-Kuroka-san!"
"You also Asia-chan! Look at these babies! They've grown bigger than before! Are you trying to seduce Zenki-chan with these~? While not as big as mine, they're certainly a good size, according to Isane-chan anyway~ That girls so pervy, she can measure them with her mind or something!"
"...That girls abnormal, I question what she's really into sometimes."
Kuroka snickered at Koneko's comment.
"Ooh don't worry Shirone, that girl just wants to have a happy life with the harem dream~"
"I-I suppose..."
Koneko surprisingly stuttered, looking down at her chest.
She then looked to Zenki, and placed a hand over her heart.
"...Zenki-senpai, they're also growing. I'll become a bride Zenki-senpai can be proud of."
Seeing her strong attitude, Zenki noticed once more Koneko seemed to be focusing in on that. She seemed to be more determined than ever to become his bride. He wondered if it's because of Rias and his recent engagement, that she's having such a strong reaction and wanting to also not fall behind.
"And while he's waiting, he can have me as a bride, all night long~"
Kuroka seductively winked towards Zenki, who chortled lightly.
Zenki smiled at the group of girls, glad that they were getting along so well, and left them to continue playing together.
Turning his eyes, he saw Yumi was building a sandcastle with Ravel, using swords, and flames to make it look rather beautiful looking, even turning some of the sand into glass to make it rather shiny.
"Amazing, you have great skills in building Yumi-sama."
Yumi scratched her cheek sheepishly.
"Well, I've been studying recently built stuff in the Underworld, and tried to replicate their success."
"It shows as well, Yumi-sama. Isn't it nice that we can relax like this?"
"Yes, I do believe that Zenki-kun made the right decision, that we could spend time like this and have sometime to relax."
"Yes, Zenki-sama's idea was pretty good. Even I have to admit that this is a great way to relax, and the sun...aah, the sun right now is just right. Not too hot, and not too cold either. It makes this beach just right."
Yumi nodded, creating a green sword with blue tips, and stuck it behind the castle they had made.
"There, Astaroth Beelzebub castle has been made."
"Hehe, it's really beautiful Yumi-sama. That sword is quite like Zenki-sama's own hair."
"W-Well, I just wanted to replicate that with a blade, that's all."
"Yes, and it shows as well." Ravel ran her hand across the green blade, and smiled. "Now that this castle has been made, perhaps we could create some other stuff for around the castle, maybe some landmarks in the Underworld."
"Aah, that would be for the best Ravel-san. Though, Ravel-san. I've got a question."
Ravel raised an intrigued eyebrow.
"Yes?"
"Since Zenki-kun and Rias-sama are engaged now, when they marry...what would her last name become?"
"Do you mean would she become Rias Astaroth, or Rias Beelzebub, or Rias Gremory with either of those two clan names?" Yumi nodded. "I'm not honestly sure, I suppose it would be both Gremory and one or both of Zenki-sama's family names, it depends on what they want to do, if Rias Gremory-sama wants their child to be the heir to the Gremory clan or either Astaroth or Beelzebub. Though I know when I marry Zenki-sama, my surname is going to be either Astaroth of Beelzebub so our child's would be as well."
"Is that so?"
"Yes, I've already decided upon that. I'd be leaving my clan sure, but introducing Phenex blood into Astaroth and Beelzebub clans, it's going to be a rather interesting thing to explore. But more than that, being with Zenki-sama means I'll be forever his wife, I'd like to be known as such. I suppose that Rias-sama could stay as Gremory and have their child be the next heir after Millicas-sama, and our child could be the heir to either Beelzebub or Astaroth, though maybe Beelzebub would be more likely than Astaroth, but still who knows. And when Zenki-sama and Vali-sama have a child, they'd probably be the heir or heiress to the Lucifer clan."
Yumi blinked in mild surprise at her words, smiled.
"I see, that would make sense. Though imagine a child between Zenki-sama and Vali-sama? Hehe, that child would be inhumanely powerful, Dragon aura, plus Lucifer, plus Astaroth, plus Beelzebub, that child would be sort after by many people."
"Plus...they'd probably be a battle maniac from Vali-sama's side...even Zenki-sama has it in him when it's intriguing enough for him, their talents are going to be rather scarily combined...so that child is going to be a cute scary fighting machine~"
Ravel and Yumi shared a laugh, enjoying one another's company.
Zenki watched in bemusement at their conversation, he was quite surprised that they'd even be discussing things like that.
But he also thought about it, and wondered about his kids lives, it would be an interesting idea to explore.
He heard a small groan beside him, so his eyes turned.
He saw that Vali was cuddling against him on the right hand side. Her eyes semi open, semi closed. Her hand draped on his torso, her lips casually kissing his chest in small intervals.
"Vali-chan, are you alright?"
"I'm fine."
He could tell that she probably wasn't enjoying it as much as the others, as that's who she was.
While she wasn't pleased about being on vacation, Zenki had basically said that they'd need one, even Vali needed one, and eventually, after Zenki...persuaded her, she agreed, and went along with what was happening.
"Don't worry Vali-chan, I'll be sure to include some activities that we can all do together. Hey, I heard that there's a rare beast on this island, we could go and see if that's true. I even heard that he's a feisty fellow~ He even tries to eat the hearts of those who try to fight him~"
Seeing her interest growing, he ran his hand through her silver locks as she leaned up, and captured his lips with her own. Her tongue went into his mouth, while her hand slid lower, resting on his crotch, and rubbed delicately with her fingers, something she felt was growing.
Glancing down, he saw that her eyes were quite alluring.
She usually showed that when she was excited, so he was quite happy about that.
"You do know what I love. If that's the case, then I can endure this a little longer."
Zenki lightly kissed her forehead, allowing her to sink into his chest, and enjoy their time together.
Zenki had invited Rias, if she wanted to go with him, but she said that she was rather busy so she couldn't attend. Though, that didn't stop Isane from coming along with Rias' permission.
"Nhaaa...Zenki-kun's huge...hehehe...playing with his...hehehe..."
Isane ended up sleeping on his chest with her top off so her breasts pushed against him as she smiled in her sleep. He didn't even want to know what she was dreaming about right now, he simply decided to let her sleep, and get on with her dreams.
As for Akeno, she also decided to come, laying topless in the sun, sunbathing, something Zenki thought for sure was to enthral him to her, as she made it very obvious that he could see her bare chest.
As he laid back on the sun lounger, enjoying his time, he suddenly heard a whistling noise.
Looking up, he saw that it was Akeno, enticing him close with a wiggle of her breasts, and a small wink.
Raising an eyebrow, he glanced at the sleeping Isane, placing her down onto the lounger along with Vali who tossed over, and got up, making his way towards Akeno.
Sitting down near Akeno, she immediately grabbed his hands, placing them on her breasts. Her face turned slightly red as she said in a small voice "Do you think they need taking care of, Zenki-kun?" with a loving expression on her face.
"Heeh, it seems that you're looking excited, Akeno-san."
Akeno gave a gentle graceful smile of a beautiful maiden, budging closer with her body and allowed her arms to hug onto his body. Her breasts pressed firmly into his body, her body wormed its way around his own. Her long legs wrapped around Zenki's waist, her arms managed to wrap around his neck like a scarf, and her butt rested on his lap.
Showing a sensual smile on her face, she leaned forward, and showed a sultry expression on her face. Her hands ran down his back, slowly gliding down towards the middle of his back, pulling forward and came in close with his face.
"Now Zenki-kun, while your fiancée is away, how about we have a session together?"
"You're quite bold huh?"
Akeno let out a cute "Fufu~" sound, placing her lips on his cheek, and began slowly kissing down his jawline.
"Of course, Rias keeps trying to make me jealous by claiming fiancée this and fiancée that. She even called you darling. Zenki-kun is my darling, not hers."
Hearing the slight sting of jealousy in her voice, Zenki cupped her chin, peering into her eyes.
"Akeno-san, don't worry about Rias. I know that we're engaged, but as a Devil...and Isane-sans very forceful nature…"
"Fufu, don't worry. We know, Zenki-kun's going to attain the best harem~ That's why it includes me too~"
Akeno's lips crushed against his own, and drank in the sensations running through her mind. The strong arms of his wrapped around her in a comforting embrace. Her mind wandering towards the more sexual aspects, wondering how long it would be until she'd be able to take it all the way.
When their kiss ended, Akeno pulled away with a trail of saliva between them.
Going past his jawline, she made it to his neck, and began lightly sucking on his neck. A small groan of pleasure that escaped his mouth, something Akeno became excited for.
Her eyes looked deeply into his own, nibbling at his flesh in small little bites. Her hands smoothly ran across his body, his sides, and ended up on his chest. Running her hands across his chest, and abs, she showed a delightful smile.
"Zenki-kun, you really do work out quite a bit. These abs of yours, I want to run my tongue all over them."
As she was going to do just that, Kuroka saw that Akeno was trying to seduce Zenki, and wasn't going to have it.
She got towards Akeno, saying "Not yet nyaa." and pushed Akeno off, only for her to jump onto his lap, and hug him into her exposed chest.
"Nyaaaa! That's it Zenki-chan, you're so wild! You want children now? Alright then my King! As your servant, do what you need to do nyaaaaa~"
"K-Kuroka-san..."
He tried to move his head, but she kept it tightly in her bust.
Koneko sharpened her eyes, moving towards Kuroka, and used her strength to force him off his body.
She then claimed his lap as her own, showcasing her small breasts as her top came off a while ago, blushing as she placed his hands on her breasts, Zenki also lightly smiled down at his Rook.
"...Senpai nyan...please play with-"
"Oh no you don't!"
Ravel sharply pushed Koneko off Zenki, and sat on his lap.
Throwing off her top, she showcased her own breasts, and placed them against Zenk's chest.
"Z-Zenki-sama, I'm waiting for Zenki-sama to also do things with me..."
"Ravel-chan, that's-"
"Please move!"
Yumi picked up Ravel, and tossed her onto Akeno who was moving forward, knocking them both down.
She then threw off her top, showing off her larger than Ravel's chest, her breasts bouncing as she hopped onto his lap.
"Zenki-kun, don't worry, as your Knight, I can take everything you want to do~"
"Yumi-chan, I didn't know you could sound so...aroused."
Yumi giggled, and went to kiss him, her soft lips parting to take on his own.
But then Isane yelled "Kibaaaaaaaaaaa!" kicking Yumi off of Zenki, knocking her into Koneko and Kuroka, forcing them down, as Isane casually hugs onto him, her top already off long ago.
A sultry look in her eyes, she whispered "Take us all." softly against his ear while giving said ear a small enticing lick, something that made Zenki blush.
"I-Isane-san, you're as lewd as ever."
"Of course, you should just have an orgy here on the beach! No one's around, lets just have some fun together-"
"Get off my King."
Vali slapped Isane away, and placed Zenki's head against her breasts, stroking the back of his head surprisingly gently.
"Vali-chan, I didn't think you'd care about these things."
"I'm not letting anyone beat me, whether that's fighting, or in my romantic life."
"Heeeh, so your competitive nature wouldn't allow you to lose?"
"Exactly, now come, and take me Zenki..."
As Vali went to move, the other girls minus Asia who was looking on from the side with jealousy, got up, and jumped Zenki, tackling him to the ground.
Akeno and Kuroka hugged his arms into their very endowed chest, Vali and Isane's breasts pushed against his face from the right and left hand sides, Yumi hugged his torso area with her breasts from the right hand side, and Ravel had his right leg, Koneko had his left leg, with all of them continuing to push their bodies against his own, setting a flame within him, the heat from the arousing situation only built up more and more.
Asia, with her own breasts exposed, placed a finger to her chin.
"I-If I don't move soon...then Zenki-san will be lost to the girls! I can't lose my Zenki-san!"
Asia, in her bold move, jumped forward, and latched onto Zenki from the left hand side, pushing her modest chest against him.
"Ara ara, we're all going to enjoy Zenki-kun~"
"Nyaaa, now this is harem fun times~"
"Totally agree! This is the harem I've been waiting for!"
"H-Honestly, we should pencil in these times...but, I'm okay with it if I'm joining in too!"
"Hehe, being comforted by Zenki-kun's body is the best."
"Nyan...this is Senpai's body, I love Senpai's body..."
"I don't care about such trivial things...though, I don't dislike being close to my Zenki like this."
"Everyone's getting along, I'm so happy~ We should all enjoy Zenki-san after all~"
Akeno giggled with a light pink on her cheeks, Kuroka looked aroused, as did Isane who both were waiting for the chances, Ravel seemed to be conflicted at first but was enjoying it all the same, Yumi seemed content in Zenki's presence, Koneko was purring as she rubbed up and down on his body, Vali pretended she didn't care but she was enjoying it also, and Asia was happy that everyone was getting to be happy.
Zenki looked down, seeing all the girls, even Vali in her own less noticeable way, smiling up towards him, each of them seemingly enjoying this experience, so he laid back, and relaxed, allowing them to do as they wished, succumbing to the pleasures of the women, feeling every inch of their breasts, ranging from small to large, each of them being unique and wonderful against his skin.
It truly was a wonderful time, after all the fighting, he could finally relax with all of the girls...
With the days end, Zenki retired inside, and sat down on his bed.
Looking out of the window, he could see the ocean moving with the moon high in the sky, reflecting down onto the beautiful waters.
He felt calm.
For the first time in a while, it was nice to feel relaxed.
However, time didn't allow him to feel that relaxed, as he saw that the magic circle he took with him was flashing, indicating that he was receiving a message.
Curiously, he went over towards it, he placed his palm forward, and activated the message.
When he did, he saw the image of an old man with one eye laughing.
[Hohoho boy! It's me, Santa!] Zenki gave a bemused look, as the man brought out a staff, and wagged it. [Just kidding, it's me, Odin! Contact me boy, I'd like to talk to you.]
Zenki was honoured, and also wondering of what a God like Odin would want with someone like him.
Seeing how he'd contact Odin directly from the message sent, Zenki did just that, sitting down on the bed, and overlooked the circle calling Odin.
He waited for a minute or so, before Odin finally appeared.
"Odin-sama, may I say it's a pleasure to meet you."
Tapping into the nobility within him, how he was raised to speak to people of a high authority, Zenki did his best to speak the correct way.
Odin though simply laughed.
[Haha! So, this is the boy that has been the talk of the Underworld and Azazel-boy lately?]
"Azazel...boy huh."
Zenki murmured, as Odin continued.
[I've been hearing good things about you boy, so I had to see you with my own eye.] Inspecting Zenki with his eye, he looked amused. [I heard of your recent achievements, taking down the Number Three of the Rating Game, especially for someone so young, it couldn't have been an easy feat. I'm impressed young man!]
"It was quite difficult Sir, and I am thankful for your kind praise."
Odin stroked his beard carefully.
[Sir huh? Well, you are a Maou's son so I guess you'd be drawn to those words. But, ignoring that, the reason I've contacted you is because I'd like to make a deal with you.]
"A deal?"
Odin nodded, bringing in a new person. A young woman with long silver-white hair, and aqua eyes. Her bust was brought to his attention as Odin was very much showcasing it, to the embarrassment of the young woman.
[This girl, she's not had a boyfriend for as long as she's been alive, you know?]
Zenki was curiously why that would matter, while the woman herself began letting out a cute cry.
[O-Odin-sama! D-Don't say that to him please!]
[Oh Rossweisse, even when I try and gain you a boyfriend...honestly, you are going to always be a virgin Valkyrie after all.]
Rossweisse sobbed out [B-But I do want a boyfriend!] something that caused Zenki to raise an eyebrow.
Zenki coughed into his hand, grabbing the attention of the two.
"So...what is this about exactly?"
[Aah right! Back to that. Your mind is something that even Azazel-boy says is impressive. Perhaps I could call upon your talents.]
"My talents...huh."
[I know the Norse and the Devils might not have an official alliance or anything of the kind, but I can see talent when I see it.]
"But, you said that you could use my talents...talents in what exactly?"
Zenki had to wonder about that, curious as to what was going on.
[To be honest, we've been developing a new type of magic, and we've been unsure of how to proceed with a certain problem...more like, it isn't as much as the development of the magic, it's more infusing it into weapons which can be difficult. For the boy that cracked the code in Reverse magic, and has shown to use technology and magic together, I thought that we'd be able to combine efforts, and work together.]
"A magic even the Norse, who's renowned for their magic prowess, is stumped by this?"
Odin tossed his hands up in the air.
[What can we say? Even we get stumped sometimes. You have great invention skills, if we combined our efforts together, then we could create weapons that could take in this magic without losing powers. Of course there's normal means like coating swords and stuff in magic...but we would like to go a bit beyond that. So, what do you say?] Zenki hummed, and thought about it, while Odin smirked. [In exchange, I'll give you Rossweisse.]
[Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeh! O-Odin-sama! D-Don't say that now!]
Odin let out a laugh.
[This boy could be a very good husband in the future, son of a Maou and a original Maou descendant, he'll be a strong warrior who's also quite smart. So, how about it Rossweisse?]
Rossweisse looked towards Zenki who simply waved.
Embarrassment came over her, and she turned away as elegantly as she could.
[H-Honestly Odin-sama...]
[Haha! Well, it could happen anyway. It would be good if the Norse and the Devils came together. In fact, I heard that brides are being sent his way, I could send you?] Rossweisse placed a hand over her mouth and looked unamused with Odin. [Relax Rossweisse, I wouldn't do anything that could make you feel uncomfortable, he does seem like a good boy anyway so you'd have plenty of fun~] Odin turned back to Zenki. [So, how about it young man? What do you say?]
"I'd have to speak to the Underworld about it. But I must admit that creating new weapons that can hold elements like this would be rather interesting to do."
[Then speak to the Underworld, and get back to me! Remember, Rossweisse~]
Zenki gave a bemused look as the holograms disappeared, leaving Zenki alone.
The green haired boy sighed, falling back onto the bed, muttering "How odd..." believing that a God should be more serious...yet at the same time, Zenki was glad that Odin was as approachable as he was, though he did feel sorry for this Rossweisse, it seems like she had to put up with a lot when it came to Odin.
Sadly, Zenki and the others eventually had to return to their normal lives, and their vacation had ended. Now they were back in Kuoh, and adjusting to being back, dealing with different kind of situations.
Right now though, Zenki was working on some finishing touches.
Looking over the barrier that contained Tosca, and the last remaining person that had been poisoned, it was only a matter of time before Zenki could finish off, and make sure that they both would be able to come out of the barrier.
Yumi also often spent days here, and today was no exception, overlooking the barrier, as Zenki's eyes were cast down on the medicinal aspects of what was needed for the removal of the last child from the barrier.
"Zenki-kun...I can't believe it. Not long now...and they're going to be free. All of them..."
"Yes, it does seem that we have nearly finished. I suppose that we'll have to throw a party for when this is finished."
Yumi nodded happily, going towards Zenki, and perching on his lap. Her arms wove themselves around his upper body, as her hands laid on the back of his neck.
"Yes, that would be best. Also Zenki-kun, what do you think Arthur is going to do? Stay here?"
Zenki could hear the slight tension in her voice.
"Is it because he's got a Holy Sword?"
"...I simply can't forget about what happened to the people I care about."
Zenki understood, overlaying a hand on top of hers.
"Don't worry, Arthur-sans a good guy, I know that he is."
"Yes...I'm sure that he is a good guy, I still have complex feelings about Holy Swords...but if I'm with Zenki-kun and the others, then I can enjoy myself and not let those thoughts overpower me." Yumi smiled out, capturing Zenki's lips with her own. "Zenki-kun, when everyone's free, lets do that party. Lets make them all feel happy, and special."
"Yes, that's fine with me. I'm sure that Tosca-sans happy to come out. I told her about it just before, and she was thrilled to spend time with all of us. To get to know us all the more."
Yumi placed a bang of her hair behind her ear.
"Zenki-kun, I don't think I've said it enough, but what you did that day and still now, honouring those words you spoke to me. I'll never forget them. How you'd work until they were all free, and now the prospect is there...they'll be free very soon, and I just can't wait...for all of us to spend our times together...I've also been wondering, maybe I could gain my own Evil Pieces...and I could fill it with those children...I don't know if they'd want to join my peerage or anything, but they deserve quite a good life."
Zenki gently kissed her nose, making her smile.
"You can do whatever you want with your peerage when you get it. I'm sure that futures not too distant away either."
Yumi cocked her head.
"Hmmm?"
"My peerages been recognized by the Underworld for the Bedeze incident, it seems that a good number of people wish for you all to be praised for protecting the Rating Games, and taking down that bastard Bedeze."
"Has he said anything yet?"
Zenki shook his head.
"Not yet, beyond the usual crap about how he loves his masters plans and all that stuff. Nothing useful, but we're working on it. I have a feeling that we might not get anything, his loyalty to his master might be too high. Gotta give that guy one thing about him, he definitely knows how to brainwash people to not betray him. That's probably scarier than his actual power level."
Yumi could get that.
It did seem quite terrifying.
"Maybe you could have your new friend Odin-sama take him out."
"Heeeeh, that favour would be scary for what he'd want in return."
"You have a point. Either way Zenki-kun, we'll face what happens next, together."
"You're right. We'll be together."
Yumi smiled, and continued to kiss him deeply, as he worked through the night. Yumi stayed with him, and continued to kiss him for as long as she could, she didn't want to be away from the man that made it possible for her comrades...her family to truly begin their lives again, and she didn't believe she'd ever be able to repay that kindness.
The next day, Zenki went to get in some early morning training to make sure that his skills remain sharp.
However, he found someone else in the training room, it was Rias. She was seemingly trying to increase her overall demonic power. Compressing the Power of Destruction into spheres, and shooting them outwards in good sized balls, crushing into walls, and floors, and destroying them quite decently.
Zenki gave a bemused look towards her as he moved forward.
"Rias-"
"Aah!"
Rias became startled, shooting her power at Zenki by mistake.
Sticking out his hand, he caught the power with the Kankara Formula before it could even reach him. Inches from his face, he exhaled slowly, waving his hand upwards, and shot off the power into the sky where it dispersed away into nothingness.
"Someone's a little jumpy."
Rias placed a hand over her heart as she moved forward.
"You're not wrong, I was just so focused that I didn't even hear you come in."
"I see...so, you're training this early? How come?"
Rias looked slightly embarrassed as she swayed her neck side to side.
"It's because I wanted to see if there are areas I could improve upon, is all. Seeing your fight with Bedeze, made me rethink how I do my own kind of training. Like you, I'm also a King, and I can't fall behind my peerage members either. As Ise gets stronger, I can see that she'll surpass me if I don't keep up my training."
"It does seem that she's got some talented sides to her. Even if they're brought out...unconventionally." Zenki murmured at the end, remembering how he had been stripped by her powers before. "But, you're taking training so seriously that you're here before me huh. Hey, how about a fight between us?"
Rias scoffed.
"Yeah, right, and I'll give up when? I'm not Sairaorg, so there's no way I'd be able to fight you right now."
"It wouldn't be a proper all out death battle. Just a little bit of training."
Rias lightly smiles, putting her hands forward.
"Then I suppose that I could do."
Rias activates her Power of Destruction, shooting off a large wave of it. When he went to take control over it, Rias sends more of her power forward, destroying it in a large explosion of power before the young man.
Zenki smiled, believing he understood what Rias was doing.
"So, she's trying to distract me, so she can get in close. Probably, she's trying to make it so that I can't control her power, by getting in close enough so it's a point blank range attack. It isn't a bad way to go about it, it's probably a thing I'd also try if someone took control over my powers. Very clever Rias~"
Using this chance, she used transportation magic to get behind him, and shoot off multiple waves of Power of Destruction towards his body.
Cocking his neck back, he saw the first wave come for his face, so in a very quick movement, he bent his body back, avoiding the entire wave of it which flew above his body, the second wave went for his leg to destroy it.
But the moment it could, flies came out and blocked the attack, secreting poison, destroying it out of existence.
Flipping backwards, Rias got in close, coating her hand in Power of Destruction, thrusting it for his face.
"Since when did you know hand to hand?"
Rias smirked at the question, coming at Zenki with a quick jab which he dodged out of the way of.
"I'm full of surprises, I have been watching you, you know?"
Zenki returned her smirk.
Bending his body, he dodged each attack, getting in close to Rias, thrusting his palm towards her.
Rias though raised a barrier, blocking off his palm strike, with the palm shattering the barrier instantly, but that precious few seconds allowed Rias to spread her wings, and fly up high, shooting down her power towards Zenki.
Twisting his hand, he shot off his own demonic power, colliding with Rias' own. While Rias was quite strong, Zenki's own demonic power managed to break through her shot, and near her body, stopping moments from touching her.
Zenki smiled, snapping his fingers and crumbled away his own power.
"Quite fast Rias, you've gotten better."
Rias smiled lightly, flying down to meet him.
"Still, I've got a long way to go. Until I'm a strong King."
"You already are a strong King Rias, don't doubt yourself."
"Though, I'm behind people like Sairaorg, and you."
"We've trained to quite extreme levels, if you do too then you'll increase greatly. You've got great talent, and you have been training quite a bit as well, so I'm sure that you'll be able to use the power you inherited from your family. But, may I ask, is it only just because of my fight with Bedeze? You've seen other fights before."
Rias shook her head.
"Actually, it's a combination of my personal feelings on seeing you hurt, and injured, and my own inability to fight as well. If it was me during that fight, I would have lost against Bedeze...it's a sinking feeling, to know that there's nothing that I could have done. Plus, you're my fiancée now...I don't want to be helpless as you fight the tough enemies."
Zenki believed he understood what she was talking about.
"I see...you can become stronger, you've got it in you. If you want, we can train together."
"...If I train with you, I might end up dying. I'm not ready for that level of training."
"Then, I could give you some pointers." He began, wrapping his arms around her. "Don't feel disheartened, I know you've got great potential in you, in both fighting and as a King, you're already great in both aspects."
Rias gave a light thankful smile towards the young man.
"Then, I'd like to see these pointers of yours."
"Great, then lets get too it!"
Rias nodded, and they spent the entire morning training together. Zenki gave Rias pointers, who took them to heart, and tried her hardest, Zenki truly was impressed that she took it so seriously, it showed her dedications to trying harder.
Sometime later on, Zenki was sat down within the living room reading a book about different types of sealing magic's, with Rias' head on his lap, seemingly resting away after her training session. Ravel was sat close by, and going over many, many different letters.
"...Geez, the amount of marriage requests...and the peerage requests have grown since your fight against Bedeze Zenki-sama."
Zenki chortled awkwardly.
"Sorry Ravel-chan, it seems that I've given you more duties."
Ravel waved her hand, seemingly alright with it.
"I don't mind it, but it does seem that as time goes on, the more people will want to join your peerage and become your wife Zenki-sama. Perhaps we should truly think about filling out the peerage fully."
"You're not wrong, it has been a while since anyone knew has joined. Plus, each member we find, it seems that your thoughts aren't happy with them~"
He lightly teased, seeing Ravel's face going slightly in embarrassment.
"I-It's not like I don't like them! It's just...well, Zenki-sama wishes for unique people. We have to be mindful of what true uniqueness is. Right now, we have a good number of different roles being filled. From the Queen that excels in power, to the Knight that excels in techniques. We have to make sure that the people we take on have unique reasons and have incredible abilities. Especially with your growing popularity, and as we get to the Rating Games, I'm sure that we'll have to fill different criteria."
Zenki couldn't deny what she had been saying.
Rias herself rubbed her head against his lap, smiling in her sleep.
His eyes glanced at the busty red head, allowing his fingers to gently run through her hair as he turned towards Ravel once more.
"Anyway Ravel-chan, these marriage requests, is it just Devils? Besides Kunou-chan I mean."
He knew Kunou probably sent a few, she usually did, which he thought was rather cute.
"Hmmm...it does seem to be mainly Devils...Gabriel-sama..."
"Gabriel-san?"
Ravel smiled awkwardly.
"Erm, I think that she might have sent one for fun. It doesn't seem that serious...though it does mention stuff about uniting Heaven and the Underworld...so maybe it's serious...I'm not really sure. Either way, I've also got one from some different clans...Serafall-sama of course has sent many in, all glittered, and...well, it seems that she's really wanting to marry you Zenki-sama. Maybe it would be easier to agree to it..."
"Hehe, maybe it would be. Serafall-san does seem quite intent." Ravel and Zenki smiled at one another with an awkward expression. "Back to the other topic, from what you've seen, got any potential members for the peerage?"
Ravel hummed as she looked through the lists she had.
"...Hmmm, I'd have to go over them with a more critical eye...but, I haven't seen anything major. Mostly, they're people that want to have fame or fortune, the usual suspects. I might be able to find some good members...still, I do believe that we should begin filling the members. And I've actually got a thought to run by you Zenki-sama."
"Sure, go ahead."
"Then, how about the Pendragon siblings?"
Zenki didn't even blink an eye as he thought about what she said.
"I can see the advantages, Le Fay-san is great at magic, and her skills would be able to support the peerage. Then there's Arthur-san, who's sword is supposed to be the strongest Holy Sword in existence currently, so that would be a great addition. Though I'm not sure if they want to become Devils."
"Hmmm, maybe we should find out from them what they want. Though if Le Fay-san is as big a fan as I believe she is...then I can see Zenki-sama and her hitting off with you. I can see her wanting to become apart of the peerage...Arthur-sama on the other hand, I haven't really been able to figure out."
"He is a mysterious guy, and it might be hard to read him, but I can tell he really cares about Le Fay-san and his love for her is amazing."
Ravel lightly smiled.
"He doesn't seem like a bad guy which is enough for me. In any case, they'd be a good combination for the peerage. But speaking of peerage...sort of, it seems that there's a number of requests. Even Kunou-sama has sent many, wanting to become apart of the peerage and also many marriage requests...she only needed one, I've come across short of a hundred..."
"Heeeeh, I'm surprised about the peerage thing, I thought that she'd not want that."
Zenki retorted, while Rias' eyes slowly opened.
"I think she mainly does it to bother Koneko-san. Though she has also requested to be your fiancée as well."
"That's Kunou-chan alright~"
"Kunou…?"
Rias groaned, sitting up, laying her head on Zenki's shoulder.
"Yes, it seems the loli fox wishes to join Zenki-sama in marriage."
At Ravel's words, Rias frowned slightly.
"Honestly, Zenki and I are still in the middle of getting engaged and there's others already trying to marry my Zenki. He hasn't even asked Asia to marry him yet, which means he hasn't asked me officially...ugh, this is going to be difficult."
Zenki gave a bemused look towards Rias while Ravel continued, changing the topic back to Kunou.
"Even as a peerage member though, she'd be pretty well received."
As she said that, Koneko using her cat like hearing entered the room with a curious face.
"...We have a new peerage member?"
"Just musing my cute Rook, that's all."
Koneko furrowed her eyebrows, and overlooked the paper in Ravel's hand, her frown growing.
"...Not her, not another damn loli."
"Koneko-chan..."
Zenki tried to speak, but Koneko hopped onto his lap, and shook her head.
"...She can't, I'm the only loli in the peerage Zenki-senpai. ...She'll try and usurp my position from under me."
No sooner than those words left her lips, Isane shot into the room, frightening Rias, and startling Zenki.
"What's this about usurping positions?!"
"...How did you hear that?"
Zenki had to wonder, he didn't sense her at all though.
"I was just with Asia, when my senses went off. I rushed here immediately! So, what's going on here?!"
Rias sighed with bemusement as Koneko frowned.
"...Not her. ...Zenki-senpai, anyone but her, I'm sure there's many other peerage members that would be better...she's a little bit weird."
"Koneko-chan...who's her anyway?"
Isane asked, with Koneko frowning more.
"...She's a loli I can't stand."
"Can you stand any loli?"
Rias wondered, Koneko shrugged.
"Does Le Fay-san count as a loli?"
"I guess..."
Rias mused, Koneko looked towards Zenki as she said to Rias "There's your answer." baffling Isane about what was going on, before she turned towards Zenki with a cute expression on her face.
"...Zenki-senpai, she isn't going to come...is she? I remember...she tried to take the Rook place from me...she like Ravel-san, wanted to fill Zenki-senpai's peerage before I could join it...they are enemies of mine, don't need anymore loli's to organize..."
Zenki looked amused with Koneko's words, finding her rather adorable while Ravel frowned.
"I am right here, don't speak as if I'm not!"
Koneko just stared at her, while Ravel narrowed her eyebrows.
"Koneko-chan, no one could fill the Rook place you've taken, you're my adorable Nekomata~"
"...Still, is she coming?"
"Well, not right now, but yeah she'll eventually come."
Zenki retorted, as Koneko boldly declared something.
"...Then I'm Head Loli, I hope she knows that...no, Senpai, you have a missing Rook piece, please fill it immediately so she can't take that place."
"I'm pretty sure she was joking Koneko-chan when she said that."
"...I don't know, she's very crafty."
Zenki gave her a curious look as Isane casually inspected the names on the list Ravel was writing.
"Seems like I'll have to do some investigating. I can see a bunch of female names here...yes, leave it to me Zenki-kun! I'll make sure that if they're candidates in waiting, they wont have to wait anymore! I'll even start with this loli girl that Koneko-chan doesn't like~ Well, bye!"
Taking Ravel's list, Ravel looked devastated while Koneko's face turned darker.
"...I'm getting her right now. ...That blonde haired fox loli can't come here, I forbid it."
Koneko hopped off Zenki's lap, and ran out of the room, with Ravel staring at her hands.
"I need that list, it tells me what letters I've already replied to." Ravel jumps up, and waves to Zenki. "See you later Zenki-sama!"
"Y-Yeah...good luck..."
Zenki gave thumbs up, as Ravel shot out of the room.
With them gone, Rias and Zenki glanced at each other.
"Seems like our peerage members are lively."
Zenki glances out of the window with a slight smile on his face.
"It seems so...getting back to normal, whatever that means."
Muttering that out, Zenki went to go back to his book, when he heard "Koneko-chan please!" from Isane and then "...Not her Isane-san, don't ring her." from Koneko, followed by a crashing sound with Ravel letting out a small surprised sound.
So he got up from his seat, and murmured "I'm coming everyone." having decided to go and make sure that the girls were alright, or more rather, Isane and Koneko weren't having that too much of a bad fight.
Hours later, standing before Arthur and Le Fay after it seemed like they were ready to leave, Zenki had many questions for Arthur.
What he had been through, what he knew about this organization, if he remembered anything about it.
Though it seemed that he wasn't sure about it.
As Le Fay looked between Arthur and Zenki,
"So, now that you've been freed, what are you going to do?"
At Zenki's question, Arthur shrugged.
"We don't really have anywhere to go. Our family...well, I left the Pendragon family to make sure that my...lover would be safe."
"Forbidden romance, is it?"
Zenki prodded, genuinely curious about what was currently going on.
Arthur showed a hint of a smile on his face.
"Perhaps it's something like that. I decided that she needed to be safe, so I left, and Le Fay followed me. Ever since, we've been doing our own thing, moving from place to place, not really having anywhere to call home."
Zenki furrowed his brows.
"That's terrible. I'm sorry about that."
Arthur waved his hand.
"Thank you for your kind words. But I should thank you for helping Le Fay and also helping me. You've done a great service for us, we're in your debt. From now on, when I swing my sword, I'll be thinking of Zenki Astaroth and his peerage."
Zenki scratched his cheek in wonder about the way that Arthur.
"Heh, so you're that kind of swordsman huh~ So honourable." Zenki replied, his eyes dancing between siblings. "So, where will you go now?"
Being slightly worried for them, he had to ask.
He didn't want anything else to befall them.
No danger to come to them.
"We're not sure yet. I suppose whatever we do, is going to be a bit dangerous. I'd prefer Le Fay to not be in danger of course."
"Of course~" Zenki smiled out, looking towards Le Fay who seemed disheartened. "You know, if you don't have anywhere to go, you can always stay here, in Kuoh. It wouldn't be a problem."
Le Fay gasped.
The prospect of staying in Kuoh, she wasn't sure what Arthur would think about it.
But she herself was very for it.
"R-Really Zenki-sama?"
Zenki chortled, petting Le Fay's head who blushed intensely.
"Naturally, it would be perfectly fine to stay here. We've become friends now, we're allies in fighting and all that good stuff."
While Le Fay was for it, Arthur seemed hesitant about it, he didn't feel right about receiving such kindness after everything had happened.
"Thank you for the offer, I truly do appreciate it. But you've already done enough for us, you helped out my Imouto, and saving my life as well. We couldn't impose on you anymore than we already have done."
"Nonsense~" Zenki disarmed Arthur with his words. "It would be totally fine~ Besides, you said it yourself, you've left your house, you travel around to look for somewhere...this could be your somewhere. I know we're a town of mostly Devils but that doesn't mean you couldn't stay here."
Arthur couldn't believe his words.
It was odd that a Devil would want to help out humans such as themselves, and not even expect anything back as a result.
It made him question many different things.
"...You're serious? Even though we've caused trouble for you..."
"Trouble, we always run into some kind of trouble. Trouble is just another Tuesday for us." Zenki grinned. "Think about it. You'd be surrounded by allies, friends, and you'd not have to keep moving around so much. And if it's fighting, then we're always being attacked. Trust me, this recent attack is just a long line of people that have either wanted us to die, or something akin to that."
"...Onii-sama, it's a kind offer. It would also give you what you'd want, right? A fight, a place for us to live normally. I can't see any disadvantages with it."
"WWZD, right Le Fay?"
Le Fay blushed intensely, Zenki raised an eyebrow.
"WWZD?"
""What would Zenki do?" is what it means."
Arthur only made Le Fay even more shy as she clutched her hands together.
"W-Well, that doesn't matter! Onii-sama, w-what do you say…? We could spend time here...a-and we could get to know more about Zenki-sama and the others..they've been really kind to us before now...s-so, I thought it would be rather good if we did spend time here..."
"Hmmmm, I'm not sure..."
Arthur seemed to be rather prideful.
Not to a bad way.
But a way where it would be difficult to admit that he'd want to have some help.
Zenki could get that, and he clapped his hands together.
"Then, if you're unsure of what to say about it, I've got an idea instead." Zenki turned towards the right hand side. "Everyone, I know you're listening, come in."
Le Fay's bewildered eyes landed on the door that opened. Revealing both Zenki's and Rias' peerage, they entered with sheepish expressions besides Vali who really didn't care, walking forward, and showed a confident look on her face.
"Zenki-chan, it was Ravel's fault that we listened like this."
Ravel shot her eyes for Kuroka who stuck out her tongue.
"It wasn't me! It was you who wanted to do this! I was trying to stop you!"
"Kuroka-san, I'm more inclined to believe Ravel-chan."
Kuroka huffed while Ravel smiled.
"No one ever believes me."
"...That's because you tell lies Onee-sama."
Kuroka huffed once more at Koneko.
Zenki's eyes danced between the different members, and then towards Arthur.
"Then, if you want a reason to stay, how about I offer you a job instead? Someone of your...unique talents, I couldn't possibly think of anyone better. A Holy Sword, guarding a Devil, that would be quite the adventure, would it not?"
Arthur, intrigued, leaned forward.
"Is that so? A guard job, would it be?"
Zenki chortled.
It did seem that he had captured Arthur's attention.
"As I said, there are plenty of times around that we have our lives endangered. Anything could happen really, including that of being attacked. Sometimes, I'm not around. I'm off with my peerage doing stuff, or being called to the Underworld, or being whisked away some place else, busy life as a son of the Maou. Because of that, I could need some help here to make sure that everything is alright." Zenki placed a hand on Rias' shoulder, who lightly blushed. "This is my fiancée, I'd like to hire you, as her bodyguard, Arthur-san. Not just her, her and her peerage. While they're strong, I'd have peace of mind if I knew someone powerful was here to make sure they stayed safe. I'll pay you for your services of course, and you can live here while guarding her, like an in house guard I suppose~ So how about it?"
Le Fay thought it was rather smart to do it this way.
As Arthur wouldn't feel as if he's just freeloading off of Zenki, he'd actually be contributing, and probably, basing it off the fact that Zenki did have to travel from time to time, did worry about Rias and her group while he was away, so this would make it very logical, and have both peace of mind with Arthur there, and allowed Arthur to feel useful, and actually get rewards for keeping her safe.
Arthur himself mulled it over in his mind.
Seeing the potential gain from this. Not just the money, but the ability to see more foes, and use his blade in interesting ways.
"...Hmmm, a bodyguard to the Princess of Gremory and her peerage, fiancée to the heir of Astaroth and Beelzebub clans...very intriguing. It would solve the problem of feeling as if I'm not contributing...and it does seem that dangerous threats come here...and Le Fay also has settled in here quite well, plus being paid for my services would allow me to support Le Fay as well...alright, I accept your proposal."
Le Fay looked relieved, she was happy that Arthur had fully accepted it now.
That she could stay there with Zenki and the others.
Zenki clapped his hands a single time.
"Wonderful! Now, we'll have to sort out some rooms for your permanent stay. Tell Ravel-chan what you'd like in your room, and we'll get to remodeling the house~ She's perfect for picking out the best things so feel free~"
Arthur waved his hand, not used to things like this.
"No. no. Don't go through so much-"
"I've got so many ideas~" Le Fay sang, going towards Ravel. "Is it possible that we talk?"
Ravel nodded strongly.
"Of course, now you're permanent members, we'd like your rooms to be to the specifications that you'd like, what kind of items you'd want, among other things. Feel free to ask for anything, we've got quite the builders, and got some connections to get the best kind of furniture between Phenex, Gremory and Astaroth clans."
"Great!"
Le Fay cheered as Arthur chuckled awkwardly.
"I suppose...if you're offering then I could ask for a few things. Though I'd repay you."
"Of course, please speak to Ravel-chan about your needs and wants~"
"Right...thank you, Zenki Astaroth Beelzebub-sama."
"Just Zenki's fines~ And no thanks needed~"
Arthur fixed his gaze, and then showed a strong expression.
"...Zenki-kun then, thank you. Your hospitality knows no bounds. As I wield this blade, I'll wield it to protect those who you deem worthy of its protection."
"Hehe, that's great~"
Arthur bowed, and went towards Ravel, as Rias kissed Zenki on the cheek.
"My fiancée, it seems that you're worried about me."
"Of course I am~"
Rias smiled, and tried to hug him, but Vali stopped her, to her annoyance.
"Gremory, don't get cocky for being his fiancée."
Rias huffed, while Asia placed her hands together cutely.
"Either way, it does seem like we'll be able to get back to normal. With Le Fay-san staying, and Arthur-san, our family is growing even bigger Zenki-san!"
Zenki nodded strongly.
"You're right, we're growing bigger."
The girls looked happy that Le Fay and Arthur were staying, they didn't even know how to say goodbye now that they had gotten to know them.
Isane from the side pumped her fist and said "Le Fay confirmed for the harem." drawing the attention of the bemused Akeno who just grinned.
It did seem that normal times were slowly returning, and each person there was very glad for the reprieve, unaware of what was around the corner...
Having adjusted to being back in Kuoh now, Zenki was currently training early in the morning, shooting off different kinds of powers, and techniques.
However, while he was doing that, Zenki felt something coming from behind him, so he turned around and saw a huge fireball heading for him.
Flicking his hand without a moments pause, Zenki shot off a good deal of demonic energy, crumbling the flames down to nothingness, only to see a Dragon coming forward. Spreading his wings, Zenki saw the Dragon snapping his teeth towards the young boy, ready to snap him in half if he got the chance to do so.
"Bova, it's been a while."
Zenki greeted, disappearing in a flash.
Bova, the Dragon, looked around, and growled.
"Grrr! Come on out! I want to see you!"
Bova snapped, while looking around.
However, he then felt an aura beside him, turning to see that Zenki was there, his fist flying forward.
Bova extended his wings to dodge it, but Zenki's punch was too fast, and ended up embedding itself into the Dragon's torso.
"Gwaaaaaah!"
Bova's body bent with the punch, and sent him flying backwards while spitting out bile. But, he also managed to spew out flames that threatened to incinerate Zenki's upper body, something that Zenki didn't care for, and released ice demonic power from his power, freezing the flames just before they could reach him.
"Your flames have gotten better Bova."
Zenki praised, getting into a fighting style.
Bova flipped and landed on the ground, his eyes desiring the battle with Zenki, especially after he had heard about what had happened with Bedeze.
"I saw your battle, your new form looks super powerful! Show it me! I wanna see it and fight you!"
"As always, you're battle hungry."
"Naturally! Now I get to fight you Zenki-sama! Show me your power!"
Zenki sighed lightly.
"Well, it is early...but, I suppose that I could-"
However, a clapping rang out.
Zenki and Bova turned to see Rias with her palm out.
"Okay, that's enough."
Zenki raised an eyebrow curiously.
"What's this about anyway?"
Rias stuck out her tongue.
"Just watching what Bova could do, is all."
"Why?"
Zenki didn't get it.
Why would she want to know what Bova was capable of?
Rias pulled closer, showcasing her teasing smile.
"You might be my fiancee Zenki, it doesn't mean that I will allow my group to slack, you know?"
"Your group, huh..."
Zenki murmured, glancing at Bova who seemed quite happy right now.
"Right. Call it a test, he managed to take a punch from you, which allows me to understand his durability is quite high." Rias said with a smile, pulling forward. "Bova, if it's alright, can I pull you away for a bit? So we can talk?"
"I suppose, since you're the Princess of Gremory, I could do that."
Zenki was bewildered that Bova actually agreed to it, when he usually didn't agree to these things at all.
He watched as Bova and Rias left the area, leaving Zenki to wonder what was going on.
But, he shrugged and continued doing what he needed to do, and that was train, getting ready for his next encounter.
Later that day, Zenki's group were doing their duties, which included their requests they got from their various customers.
Only Zenki and Asia alone within the clubroom. Even Ravel had been called out to a new client that called for her personally.
Zenki was going over a few business endeavours, while Asia had just finished a contract, and was currently perched on Zenki's lap as she hugged around his neck.
"Zenki-san, I'm glad that everything is getting back to normal."
Zenki nodded slowly.
"I know, I'd rather just have fun than fight, you know?"
Asia could certainly understand that.
Her lips pressed against his own briefly, before she pulled away and rested her head on his shoulder. Taking his free hand, she held it tightly, stroking it with her thumb in a comforting manner, for both her, and him.
Zenki smiled at the young woman, and simply continued his duties.
But as he was, he saw a letter that he was surprised by.
"...This feeling, it seems to be of holy magic." Zenki said, picking up the letter with some power so he didn't burn his hand. "Whoever sent it, seemed to want to get my attention immediately."
"Did it arrive today Zenki-san?"
"Must have yeah. I wonder who it is..."
Zenki wondered, opening the letter.
Dropping out of it, was a magical seal, along with a note.
Becoming more curious, Zenki took the note and read it to himself.
[Hello and good day Zenki-san! This is Gabriel, I'd like to contact you immediately. Please use the seal so I can enter Kuoh, thank you very much. It is of an important matter that could concern Kuoh town, Onii-sama Michael has asked me to speak to you directly, due to our relationship. Thank you for your time.]
"Gabriel-san..."
"G-Gabriel-sama wishes to come? But why? Doesn't she usually see you on the show Zenki-san?"
"It seems to be more formal. I wonder what's happening. She said it could concern Kuoh...must be serious." Zenki mused, placing the seal on the ground and waved his hand, using magic to activate it. "I guess that we'll find out right now what Gabriel-san wishes."
Zenki and Asia watched as the magical circle glowed brightly, and soon, a flash entered the room.
Surrounding the room, the light wrapped around the circle, giving a new form.
The form of the busty Angel Gabriel.
"Aah, thank you Zenki-san~ I was getting worried you hadn't found my letter yet."
"Sorry, just got back from vacation. A little scatterbrained, you know how it is~"
Asia was amazed that he could speak so casually with someone that was technically a higher status than he was, and still remain so calm in her presence.
"Hehe, of course~ I often get those feelings~" Zenki was so glad Serafall wasn't there, he knew she'd agree with Gabriel on that. "But, to get down to business right away. It seems that over the past few weeks, we've detected a few...unfortunate events occurring."
"What events?"
At the question, Gabriel sat down, so Asia quickly got up, and made some tea, which Zenki thanked her for.
"To be honest, we thought that it would be a Church only situation and that we'd not have to involve other factions. But, as time goes on, we've detected that there is a possibility that Japan might be the target of an attack."
Zenki breathed slowly, as Asia came back, handing the tea to Gabriel, the Angel thanking Asia kindly, and then Asia sat down beside Zenki this time to look more professional than when she was sat on his lap.
"Why?"
"Our intelligence has gathered that someone is stealing the pieces of Excalibur."
"For what purpose?"
Gabriel shrugged.
"We can only guess a war of some kind. We have some opinions on who it could be. One of which is a Fallen Angel by the name of Kokabiel."
"Evidence?"
Gabriel nodded, and brought out some evidence via magic.
Zenki checked over it while Gabriel continued.
"That's why, as one of the strongest people in Japan currently, we are worried that Kokabiel, if it is him, is going to come to Kuoh and cause trouble. We can't be certain of this right now of course, but he has been spotted in Japan and his aura from our sensors have tracked him down here. But beyond that, we currently don't know his precise location. We've also been in talks with Azazel-san and asking for his cooperation."
"I'm sure he'd cooperate, he'd avoid a war as much as anyone I know." Zenki responded, placing the papers down. "Yes, I can see why you were drawn to Kokabiel as a conclusion. So, if I may ask, what is the Church currently doing about this event?"
"Actually, we have been thinking about sending Exorcist's to various parts of Japan, including to this town. But first, I thought it would be best if I came and spoke to you about it, due to our relationship with Serafall-sans show, and explain our reasoning's."
"I see...so some Exorcists will be arriving in this town."
"Two girls in fact. Their names and profiles are here..." Gabriel pulled out some papers, and handed them to Zenki. "Irina Shidou-san, a native to Japan and this town in fact, and her partner, Xenovia Quarta-san, both very capable. Plus, with Zenki-san here, I believe these two would be able to be safe. They also are wielders of Excalibur. We can't let all six pieces fall into their hands."
"Six? I thought it split into seven Zenki-san."
Asia looked to Zenki for answers who lightly smiled.
"The seventh has been missing for many years now Asia-chan, it's been rumoured to have been owned by the Church, and some have rumoured to have it, maybe that's why you're curious, it's also something that people have said to throw off people from trying to find it, so they can find it themselves, though to this day I've never seen anyone have a recorded sighting of it appearing after it's last known confirmed sighting. It's also considered the strongest of the Excalibur's. It's called Excalibur Ruler, it allows people to be subjugated, and perhaps other things as well."
Asia slowly nodded as Gabriel continued.
"Officially, we can't ask you to become involved with them, this meeting in fact has never happened as far as the Church is concerned, and I'm sorry to ask this of you, considering how our relationship is. If the Church believed we had been working with Devils, then they'd lose faith in our current situation with the war between our factions, which would lead to their decreasing faith and that would jeopardize Heaven as a whole. However, this situation could be dangerous, and we've been stretched thin. If Kokabiel did something to these girls as well...but, we also have to respond to this situation as best as we can."
"I understand, don't worry. This meeting didn't happen, as far as the outside world is concerned. It wont get back to the Church from me. Not even if these girls happen to ask me any questions either."
Gabriel looked relieved.
"Then, can I also be selfish and ask that these girls be kept safe from the shadows?"
"Naturally, we'll do our best. It isn't selfish to ask for help at all Gabriel-sama. In fact, we, as the Zenki Astaroth Beelzebub peerage, vow to make sure that if trouble comes here in the form of Kokabiel, that we'd retrieve Excalibur...cores of them anyway."
Zenki added, remembering his Knight.
Yumi would be difficult to speak to about this, considering her hatred of Excalibur and who was behind the victims of the experiments performed on them and the gas that was sprayed onto them as well.
Gabriel gave a thankful smile.
"Zenki-san, you still do make me smile with your kindness even after all these years. One day, this is going to be different, that we wont have to stay behind the scenes, and have a proper relationship out in the open."
Asia wondered why she had worded it like that.
It seemed to have some hidden meaning's than the ones that had been suggested.
"Heeeh, thanks, I think~"
Gabriel placed her tea down, and stood up.
"Zenki-san, this is the Church's problem, that is true. So I hate that I have to put pressure on your shoulders so soon after...what had happened. I wish it could just be dealt with the Church, but this situation is going to be difficult to deal with. Kokabiel could be anywhere...and we can't be in all places at once..."
Zenki waved his hand.
"Don't worry about it Gabriel-sama, we've dealt with many things before. This will just be another piece of that. Whatever happens, we'll be able to deal with it should it come. Who knows, Kokabiel might not want to come here."
"Lets hope you're right. I wouldn't want to place any of you in danger." Gabriel looked around the room. "Ooh, you still need a wedding gift from Heaven, for you and Rias-san."
"Eeeh, you don't have to go through any trouble, we aren't getting married for a while yet..."
"Nonsense, Zenki-sans done much for Heaven as well, so it's the least we can do...maybe a piece of technology would be something Zenki-san would like...maybe Zenki-san could one day come and see the Sacred Gear system. Hehe, even Azazel-san wished to see that but couldn't."
Zenki's interests were piqued.
"T-The Sacred Gear system huh...not even Azazel-san has seen it..."
Zenki mused, he liked the idea of studying that up close.
"Yes, that's right~ Who knows...but either way, thank you Zenki-san. Even if we have to keep it secret, I still have trust that you'll be able to help in the event something should happen."
"Leave it to us Gabriel-sama. This threat could also be dangerous for us Devils, Excalibur could cause a good deal of damage to us. May I ask, how many swords have currently been taken?"
Gabriel nodded, and began explaining.
"Currently, there's Transparency, Nightmare, and Rapidly. The two girls being sent here have Excalibur Destruction and Mimic since they were compatible with those blades. As you said, Ruler has been lost to the ages so we can't confirm if Kokabiel has that blade or not, and Blessing is being protected by one of our strongest."
"Is it Strada-san? Or is it Dulio-san?"
At his question, Gabriel gave a cute smile.
"Hehe, I'll leave it to your imagination Zenki-san~ Though, maybe it's the former~"
Zenki gave a bemused look to Gabriel as she moved closer to Zenki.
Her arms went around Zenki's body and her large assets pushed against his face, to the jealousy of Asia who puffed out her cheeks, appearing quite cute in her jealousy.
"Thank you Zenki-san, you don't know what this means to me."
"N-No...that's fine..."
He murmured, blushing lightly at her bust and how it was against him.
She then pulled away and showed a cute smile.
"Heaven's calling Zenki-san! Those girls should be arriving within a few days, so please be aware and also make sure your peerages here and them don't come into conflict~"
"Heeeh, I'll try."
He murmured, recalling Yumi and how she hated Exorcists. He was glad that some of her comrades were still alive, or he wouldn't even know how she'd end up feeling about this entire situation at this moment in time.
"Also, please ask Rias-san if she'd like any gifts for your up coming wedding~" Zenki glanced at Asia who furrowed her brows. "Goodbye for now Zenki-san, stay safe~"
"Yes, you as well."
With that, Gabriel disappeared in a flash of lights, while Zenki glanced at Asia.
Once she was gone, Zenki kissed Asia and then embraced her.
"Aah, this is gonna be difficult."
"Because of Yumi-san, yes?"
Zenki sighed.
"She's gonna want to go for them, and I'm worried she might try it regardless of my thoughts on the matter. Officially, we can't become involved in Church matters. Even Gabriel-san just said the same thing."
Asia cocked her head.
"Then, what are we going to do Zenki-san?"
Zenki wasn't sure what he was going to do.
He thought about many things.
It could be difficult.
He wondered how he was going to do this regarding Yumi.
But, he knew he'd definitely have to talk to her, and the others about it.
"Right now, I know that I have my peerages well being as a high priority, this situation could help her get closure. But also we can't interfere with the Church warriors directly. Yumi-chan...she's going to have difficulty, but I know that deep down...she'll be able to overcome it. Eventually. But she'll need our help...ugh, still this does worry me. About the Excalibur's being taken. Especially since we don't know where Excalibur Ruler is...perhaps, we should try to find it before anyone else can. If that fell into enemy hands, it would be highly dangerous."
"T-Then, we'll do our best Zenki-san! Like we always do!"
Zenki was glad that Asia was confident.
"Yes. But, this is going to also be your first time in meeting with the Church again after all these years. If they happen to approach us that is. Even then, they'll still be in the same town. How do you feel about that Asia-chan? It will be different to Gabriel-san I presume, they could have different views about you than she does."
Asia cupped her hands together, giving an earnest expression.
"It is going to be difficult Zenki-san...but, I know that we will have to do our best. Even if...even if they don't like me, that isn't important. What is, is our Yumi-sans happiness, and if that's to do with Excalibur..."
"Yes...still, don't worry Asia-chan. Even if the Church does come, and speak to us, I wont let them say anything negative to you. I know how they must view you, I know people haven't accepted what truly happened that day as fact. Some believe what they choose to believe regardless of what Gabriel-sama has said. I don't know these girls so I can't say if they'd believe it, or they believe that I stole you or something."
"I know that Zenki-san will always be there for all of us...so I am very grateful to Zenki-san. Even if everyone else believes those bad rumours that some bad people spread, I know the truth of what happened that day. How you risked your life to save me. How you tried to make sure that I'd have a happy life and sacrifices for me. That's why, I'll always stand beside Zenki-san, no matter what happens. I'll make sure Zenki-sans life is as happy as how he makes our lives."
Zenki smiled, gently embracing her.
He also thought that it could be hard for Asia.
Since she hadn't come into contact with anyone from the Church, that didn't know her situation like the Angel Gabriel, someone from the Church who might have heard a different truth, or a twisted version of the truth.
Whatever was going to happen next, Zenki was sure that he'd keep his peerage members safe, both physically, and their hearts as well.
Meanwhile, in the Vatican, two girls were preparing for their new adventure. One was a girl with blue hair and a green fringe, the other was a brown haired girl with twin tails that were quite like. The blue haired girl seemed to have a relaxing expression on her face while the brown haired girl looked eager.
"Can you believe it Xenovia? We're going to be sent back to my home town! Ooh, I wonder if Isane-chan remembers me? We used to play together all of the time~"
"Irina...your excitement is quite admirable, considering who's currently living in the town."
Irina cocked her head.
"What do you mean?"
Xenovia sighed, and pulled a file, tossing it to Irina.
Catching it, Irina inspected it, and saw Zenki's picture.
"...Oh, I see. So it's the son of the Maou..."
"Right, this is no ordinary task. But more than that...I recall a specific peerage member of his. It's been rumoured for a few years, and confirmed a year or two ago, about how the former Holy Maiden joined his peerage."
"The former Holy Maiden..."
"Asia Argento, the girl with the Twilight Healing."
Irina blinked in surprise.
"I see, you're right...I do recall that the Holy Maiden went to the Astaroth family. This might be difficult then..."
Xenovia shook her head.
"My mind is already clear on our task. Even if he's there, it doesn't change what our objective is. Even if the boy with the Holy Maiden is there...he wont stand in our way to achieve what we need to do, understood Irina?"
Irina slowly nodded.
"In God's holy name, we shall complete our mission!"
"Though with him there, we'll have to speak to him and make sure he doesn't bother us. I wonder if the rumours are true about what happened that day? Information is scarce, some reports say that he abducted the Holy Maiden, some say she went willingly, some say that he saved the Holy Maiden, I'm not sure what to believe."
Xenovia said it with a straight face, Irina nodding and continuing.
"The official statement was that he saved her, and she healed him, that's why she was excommunicated, after a hard battle against another Devil from the same or connected households, the statement wasn't clear in that, either way they were somewhat intertwined. Though, I did hear some people weren't accepting that a Devil would save a Holy Maiden...I don't know what to think myself. I guess when we meet him, we'll see which rumours are true, and if we can believe the official statement on the matter at hand."
"In any case, she still healed a Devil, and fell to become one as well. It's one thing to heal them...but to actually join their ranks as well? Regardless of what they've done for you, they still are on the side that God isn't on, she abandoned God in that sense. Seduced by the Devils...and now has become one herself...immoral."
Irina could see that Xenovia didn't seem happy.
Whatever was going to happen next, Irina wasn't sure.
But, she was excited to see her old friend again, wondering how Isane had changed.
She truly was going to be in for quite the surprise when she found out how her old friend had changed over the years.
End chapter!
So we got a semi relaxed chapter after the showdown with Bedeze last time, with the group starting off at the beach for some relaxation times. Zenki also met with Odin and Rossweisse briefly, seems like he's even getting the attention of the Norse Gods. Zenki's getting close to the release of Tosca, and seems that floods of marriage invitations and peerage invitations have been pouring in, with Kunou and Serafall of course sending many in. Rias is also taking training more seriously now, and is getting tips from Zenki, she even seems to be in talk with Bova about something's, things that will be further elaborate in the future. Then at the end, Gabriel came to warn them about the Excalibur's being taken, which means we'll have the arrival of Irina and Xenovia very soon!
Well, until next time, thanks for reading!
Zenki's Peerage.
Queen; Vali.
Bishops; Asia, Ingvild (mutation).
Rooks; Koneko, Xenovia.
Knights; Arthur, Yumi.
Pawns; Ravel (2 pieces), Kuroka (3 pieces), Le Fay (2 pieces), Elmenhilde (1 piece).
Zenki; Asia, Koneko, Ravel, Kuroka, Vali (fem), Serafall, Kunou, Le Fay, Xenovia, Yumi, Rias, Isane, Akeno, Irina, Rossweisse, Ingvild, Ophis, Elmenhilde.