Answers to reviewers statements or questions
Smashgunner: Thanks for the kinds words man. It wasn't affecting me all that much and I don't really see how that's a "large amount". If it's all from the same person then it doesn't really count (I mean, the guy can't even make a fanfiction account to trash talk so his negative opinion is invalid).
LordGhostStriker: Me too. I typically avoid the cross over section mainly since it's just the main character from another work sprinkled into the same plot from DxD, it's rarely different but I'm glad you enjoyed my story.
Chapter 35: A Yokai Rumble
Disclaimer: I do not own Highschool DxD and I can't wait for future works that the great God of Breast creates. I own the OCs…Wait, if Ichiei is a Boob God because Issei loves breasts, then am I a God of Trolls because Pierce loves trolling people?...Fuck Yeah!
Speech – "Hey, I'm Pierce."
Inner Speech – 'Neat'
Thoughts – 'I'm dead.'
Spells – "Jumon"
Tournament Tower
I stood outside the building for the Youma Tournament with the others. Waves of people were slowly filing into the tower, Tengu flying around to guide guests and participants alike to where they need to go. While the majority of the team wasn't going to join the event, they still came along to cheer us on. Melissa's parents and younger siblings also came too since this was one of the highlights of the festival (a couple Shadow Leopards from the clan were in the tournament as well). Standing on a patch of grass next to the tower, I crouched down and petted both magical beings in front of me.
"Alright, some introductions are in order. Denki, this is Jade and she's your senior so treat her with respect. Jade, this is our new member and your junior, be a good girl and watch over him okay?" Ignoring the weird looks being sent my way (most coming from my teammates), I introduced my current familiar to my new Yokai summon. Jade and Denki stared at me in silence before turning to look at each other. The rabbit soon started clucking with the lightning dog barking back. "Hey look, they like each other already."
"Um, I don't think they can understand each other Pierc-" Vargas' comment was stopped short as Denki lowered his head and Jade hopped on top. Then Denki walked around with the green familiar riding tall and proud. "…Well holy shit." The girls started to pet the magic animals and Adrian walked up to me.
"Not to question your spontaneous decision making skills but you couldn't think of anything else to ask for?"
"Nope."
"So you're willing to become enemies with an Ultimate-class Yokai that rules his own faction and a powerful human with a Sacred Beast for a lightning dog?" Adrian asked with a raised brow.
"…I don't see the problem." That got a tired sigh out of the Emissary. "Oh don't worry so much, said Yokai leader is a chicken that can't fight for himself and the other stripped his privileges of his clan for a random lord. Besides…cools dogs are justice!"
"…What?"
We finished messing around and joined the line into the tower. Asao explained the tournament having been a part of it in his youth. The tournament wasn't a conventional one where everyone fights one person and they go up from there. Considering its popularity and age, there were hundreds of Yokais that joined to show off their strength for their clans or groups. The fact that other beings from different factions can join meant that number only increased. So Kyūkan and the Shinto Gods divided the event into "blocks". The blocks were from A to D and they were separate dimensions where a certain number of participants competed.
"The conditions for winning changes every couple of years. Sometimes it's a free for all and when you defeat every participant in your block, you fight the other winners in a final zone. Last year it was a point based system and it depended on how many opponents you could defeat before the timer was up."
"There was also a year where the Shinto Gods joined and advanced the participants that fought impressively. Heh, the poor bastards that had Amaterasu-sama in their block were incredibly unlucky!" Ren laughed and Asao narrowed his eyes.
"I was in that block." Melissa's father smirked.
"I know." We pretended not to know them when they started to fight. Catching us after their little squabble, Aindrea and I split from the group. Getting a round of good lucks, we followed a Tengu that brought us to a large hall. Countless number of Yokais were standing inside, many huddled together with others from their clan. There was four tall Torii's in each corner of the hall and they had a different letter that represented the block it led to. Aindrea and I walked over to an isolated portion of the hall, waiting for the event to start. 10 minutes passed before my "mission" finally arrived. I watched Mokuzai Kushihashi as he calmly walked into the hall and scanned the hall, most likely to observe his competition. Then his gaze met mine.
"…" I made no movement and kept my gaze locked with his. We stayed like this for a minute then he lightly bowed in my direction and walked away. I quirked a brow at the odd show of respect.
"So that's who you have to defeat?" Aindrea asked, having seen the exchange and I nodded. I already told the rest of the team about my mission on defeating the Sacred Beast host and the Demigod smirked. "He's quite powerful. Are you sure you can handle that?" While he said it in his ever eternal smug tone, I could hear the underline worry. I gave him a confident grin.
"I already beat one guy with an overpowered lizard in their body; I think I got one more in me." The Demigod just snorted at that. More Yokais started to file in and one group instantly got my attention. They were all women and by their cat features, they were obviously Nekomatas. Yet while the majority was wearing Shinto maiden robes, the leading Nekomata sported an outfit that was a mix between samurai armor and a yukata. She also had a katana hanging from her waist. Feeling the impressive amount of Chi coming from the Nekomata, I turned to Aindrea. "Hey watch out for that Nekomata if you can, she feels almost as powerful as Shiruku."
Getting an affirmative nod from the Demigod, the gates to the hall closed and the Torii gates started to vibrate. The crowd started to rustle and murmur (mainly from the first timers) as a section of the hall started to rise. Contestants shuffled out of the way as the podium came to a stop and a portal appeared on top, the leader of the Earthly Kami walking out of it nonchalantly. The murmuring increased because of Sarutahiko's arrival but the Shinto God did nothing to stop it. I watched in puzzlement as he cracked his neck and took a deep breath.
"QUIET!" His booming voice echoed across the hall, overshadowing the murmuring and everyone went silent. "If I knew that this event was mainly about talking then I would have went to a play with Omoikane, at least that's a challenge!" I smiled at the joke along with a couple of Yokais from the crowd and Sarutahiko huffed. "But that's not why you all came. You came for a fight, for a place to test your metal. To bring glory to your clans, am I right!?"
"Yeah!" The crowd cheered.
"So shut the hell up and let's do this!" While he seemed oddly mad that they responded even though he asked them to, the contestants weren't fazed and the mood of the hall drastically increased.
"The Shinto's sure have some good hype men." I chuckled at the trend I keep seeing from the Gods and Goddess of the pantheon.
"…What's a hype man?" Aindrea asked with a confused face and I rolled my eyes.
"You'll find out when you're older." We focused back on Sarutahiko and he explained the terms for the tournament. The blocks were set in replicas of historical landmarks in Japan and hundreds of participants were to fight in each one. It was a free for all and the 3 contestants with the most opponents defeated from each block passing into the 2nd phase. The 2nd phase would have 12 participants left and they will fight in another zone.
"Excuse me." A person from the crowd lifted their hand and I saw it was the Samurai Nekomata from earlier. "What happens if someone defeats another in the top 3 when they're injured, do they automatically become one of the 3?"
"Yes, they do." Sarutahiko said straight forwardly and smirked. "And I shouldn't be saying this but I wouldn't recommend that."
"Why not?" The Nekomata furrowed her brows.
"Because if that's what you need to do to win then…how will you survive against the other eleven straight on?" The Shinto God's words brought a numb silence to the crowd and a couple even started to sweat. I internally complimented his mind warfare. No matter how unbiased the tournament tried to be, this set up was a way for the "weak" to be weeded out. The last 12 would be essentially be the strongest beings among the hundreds that entered and if a weak contestant got to the next phase by a fluke; then they won't last long against the eleven that got their position legitimately.
'And knowing how they work, the Shintos will probably give them time to rest and heal for the 2nd phase.' That and it just be boring to have the 12 fight exhausted.
"That's everything you need to know, good luck and fight strong." Sarutahiko teleported away after saying that and lights came out from the Torii gates, slowly swallowing every contestant. Bumping fists with Aindrea, I wished him luck as the light flooded my vision. Offering no resistance as I felt myself be pulled to another space, I felt my feet become planted on the ground once more and the light went away. I was in the middle of a forest, a serene lake with a golden pavilion resting in the center.
Oh yeah, a furry white fist was also coming at my face. Feeling the aura from the beginning, I calmly raised a Chi coated palm and stopped the fist dead. Holding onto the fist, I turned to look at my attacker. It was a tall ape like Yokai with white hair. Recognizing it as a Yuki-onna, it tried to pry its fist from my grip but it struggled in vain. I sensed it was going to breathe a Chi attack at me and my fist cleanly connected with its forehead. Not bothering with the Yokai as it was teleported out of tournament, I took a step forward…and a fireball flew at my face.
"Okay, what is with you guys and going for my face!?" I swatted the fireball away and I saw it was from a Yokai that looked like an old man (from what Melissa told me, some Yokais as a race naturally looked that old). The Yokai must not have expected for his attack to be negated so easily as he looked surprised. I Chi Burst next to him and slammed my foot into his stomach, instantly knocking him out. He flew through a tree before being teleported away but the noise must have attracted other contestants because rumbling came from beyond the trees. I crossed my arms and waited patiently for the new arrival.
My patience was rewarded when a 3 meter tall Yokai slithered into the open. I say slithered like it was a snake but it had a horse's head and the body was more like a worm's. While I contemplated how something like that could possibly happen, the worm/horse Yokai stared in my direction and flared his nostrils. I promptly knocked its teeth out and it squirmed on the ground before falling unconscious. Finally having a moment of peace, I activated Chi Vision and tried to find a certain Heir's aura amongst the hundreds in my block. I clicked my tongue when I noticed he wasn't here.
'He's probably in the other blocks.' I hoped that he was in Aindrea's block so the Demigod could kick his ass and finish my job for me but I didn't count on it. Kyūkan warned me of Nurarihyon's cunning and he most likely guessed that I was the Shinto's contingency plan. He either told Mokuzai to hide until the end or found a way to have the heir in another block. While the Yokai leader trusted in her younger generation, it didn't change the fact that it was better to have a back up if things go south. I didn't need to win the tournament; I just needed to beat Mokuzai. Coming back from my scan, my hand reached for the neck of an approaching aura.
"W-Wait Pierce-sama!" I stopped my hand inches from its intended target and observed the Yokai. It was a young man around my age with blond hair, blue eyes and a handsome face. He had two fox ears and a tail.
"You're the kistune Kyūkan sent to meet me?" I relaxed my guard when it hurriedly nodded his head. The nine tailed matriarch also told me that she'll send a member of her clan to help me in the first part of the tournament. I amusingly asked if that was cheating and the Yokai leader responded with a sly "only if you get caught". The chuckles from the main organizers as they heard that said it all.
"My name is Kuzuno, it's a pleasure to meet you Pierce-sama." The male kitsune introduced himself and I nodded in greetings.
"Likewise." I walked towards the golden pavilion, Kuzuno following after me. We jumped across the lake and landed on top of the pavilion. I turned to the kitsune when I didn't sense anyone else. "So Kyukan said you could tell me more about Mokuzai and the Yokais' from Nurarihyon's faction."
"That is true Pierce-sama. I was tasked by my leader to learn about the enemy's forces and their layout in time to help you." Kuzuno started list off a bunch of facts about Nurarihyon's side. Everything was pretty much what I expected. Nurarihyon chose not to pull any punches when it came to the tournament; he brought every member of his faction that could join. He evenly distributed his forces among the blocks and they were banding together to crush Kyūkan's forces. Also, like I figured, Mokuzai was in block B and was currently mowing through his opponents. Regardless, Kyukan's Yokai were holding their own and it wasn't bleak yet. "What do you plan to do first?" I sat down at Kuzuno's question and got into a mediating position.
Taking a deep breath, I reached out to my Chi reserves and started to compact it. This was a trick Athena taught me when we were training. It allowed someone with large reserves to hide it better from others that can sense it. While I needed to learn some basics from Senjutsu to perfectly conceal it like Athena and Aphrodite, this will allow me to move around without the majority of the Yokais knowing where I was (thought once I start fighting, my Chi returns to normal). I opened my eyes to see a confused Kuzuno.
"Get comfortable, we're going to be here a while." I took out a blanket and set it down on the tiled roof. The first phase was 90 minutes long and it's been 10 minutes since I arrived which left a little over an hour until I actually needed to move. I had no plan to go running around and fight every single contestant I see in sight. Not only would that be pointless because auras were being defeated left and right in the block, the stronger ones were steering clear of each other. While we couldn't tell who is in top 3 since there wasn't a tracker on everyone plain to see, I will sense an aura that's reasonably stronger than the others and go beat that one. I'll leave it till the timer is almost up so no one can annoy me. "Is there a problem?" I asked when I saw Kuzuno's hesitant face.
"N-No! I have no problem with it; it's quite a sound plan. It's just…isn't that a little dishonorable?"
"Of course, that's why I'm doing it!" I smiled at Kuzuno's shocked face and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Look, if it makes you feel any better, we're doing this so a bastard of a Yokai get's what's coming to him. Think of it as a necessary evil."
"I-I'll try."
"Good! Now…Onigiri?"
Tournament Tower, Viewing Room
"…What is he doing?" Melissa sighed watching Pierce hand his kistune companion a rice ball and sit down to eat his own.
"He's being Pierce, what else did you expect?" Adrian said and turned to look at another screen that showed Aindrea wrecking havoc. "At least someone is enjoying this…maybe a bit too much." They flinched when a small gray goblin looking Yokai hit the Demigod's back with a hammer and it was sent flying with a pissed counter (thankfully it was a Yokai from Nurarihyon's faction).
"Yeah, definitely." Maven said as she sat on a couch, petting Denki who was resting it's head on her lap. They were sitting in one of the many viewing rooms that were in the tower. There were rooms open for any clan and for the older ones like Melissa's; they get a personal section of viewing rooms.
"He's smart for doing so; Pierce's plan is good for him because of his superior sensing ability. He can keep track of his opponents easily enough but Aindrea doesn't have that. Beating as many as he can in the beginning is his best bet." Vargas added and Adrian nodded. The Emissary looked to a screen that showed block B. The block was set in a replica of the Temple City, Nara. The many temples and shrines that littered the grounds made for a beautiful place to battle.
Until the Kushihashi Heir arrived anyway. Adrian narrowed his eyes at the form of Mokuzai. He stood atop a massive tree which sprouted from the hall that housed the Great Buddha statue. Like they were alive, the branches of the tree went out and took out any contestant near him. A couple fire Yokais tried to burn the tree but lightning bolts came down and struck them.
'He's going to be trouble.' Unknown to the Emissary, someone else had the same thought. In another, much grander looking viewing room, Amaterasu frowned when she saw the Kushihashi Heir work. He was stronger than she was expecting. She's met all of the previous wielders of the Azure Dragon and Mokuzai's usage of his Sacred Beast's abilities far outstripped the norm.
"He defeated Genji." The Sun Goddess glanced at a scowling Inari. Genji was a high ranking member of the Akashita Clan, Yokais known for their combat power and lightning manipulation. They planned for him to at least do some damage against the heir but Mokuzai took him out easily.
"We still have other members ready to fight, let's not worry so soon." Kyūkan advised and they watched as the Heir went off to find more opponents. "How are Sarutahiko and Omoikane doing?" Amaterasu rubbed her ring and after a second, lifted her head.
"They're fine; Nurarihyon hasn't done anything out of the ordinary." Naturally, being one of the two parties wagering, the gourd Yokai was nearby to watch the tournament. He's a separate viewing room nearby along with Omoikane and Sarutahiko. The reason Amaterasu had it this way was so he doesn't get any funny ideas in case he loses. "He's actually quite calm and content." That brought a round of frowns. While the gourd Yokais' overconfidence seemed misplaced before, Mokuzai's capabilities now changed that notion.
"How's our trump card doing?" Amaterasu glanced at the screen that showed block C and had to hold back an amused smile. Yasaka didn't hide it and giggled next to her exasperated mother. Pierce at some point took out a standing umbrella to block the sun and was reading peacefully under it. "…Sorry I asked." Inari deadpanned and a worried look appeared on Kyūkan's face.
"Was it a good idea to place our faith in him?"
"It was." Amaterasu said without hesitation. "He may a bit odd, but he'll do his best to get the job done. That I can vouch for."
"So your confidence has nothing to do with the fact that he's courting you?" Inari said with a grin, one the Sun Goddess returned.
"At least I can get a date." The nine tailed fox mother and daughter watched in amusement as Inari's brow twitched.
"I can get a date!"
"Going to the Great Wall of China with Ebisu that one time doesn't count."
"Urgh!"
Kyūkan shook her head at the way the two Goddesses started to pick at each other's (surprisingly) small love life. While a part of her was skeptical on Amaterasu's praise on Pierce, having never seen his power personally, she still chose to place her faith in her patron.
"You know, you talk big for someone who married a dead beat moon bastard! What he represented should have been the first sign!"
"H-Hey!"
Kyūkan tried her best to watch the tournament, tuning out the brutal jabs being sent next to her.
Her daughter made no such attempt.
1 Hour Later, Back to Pierce
You would assume that with how little Devils talked about their creator, Lilith was a well kept secret in the supernatural world. The book Maven gave me about the Devil Race's origin disproved that immediately. The Mother of all Devils was seen in the same light as Lucifer in the Underworld, the devil portion anyway. Some say even higher because of her abilities to create Devils from her own flesh and that if it wasn't for her, the Four Satans wouldn't have an army to go against their greatest enemies.
'I guess the reason Devils don't directly talk about her is because they see her in the same way Christians see God. Expect Lilith actually created her race. God just created Angels, not humans…How ironic.' A small magic circle appeared in front of the page I was reading, a ringing emitting from the spell. Shutting my book, I placed it back in my space ring and stood up. I noticed that Kuzuno was mediating on the side and chose not to bother him. I activated Chi Vision and whistled at what I saw.
There was a very small amount of contestants remaining, about 15. Compared to the hundreds I sensed earlier, that was quite a dip. Of course, a couple of Yokais made their way to the pavilion in the past hour but they were all relatively weak. Locking on to the strongest aura closest to me, I quirked my head at what I felt. It felt very familiar. I scanned a couple more time to get a better read but I couldn't place it.
'I guess we'll find out.' I walked over to Kuzuno and tabbed him on the shoulder. "Time to go." The kitsune came to and breathed out, giving me a firm nod. "Try to keep up." Using Touki, I leaped across the lake and started to run towards the aura. Kuzuno kept up easily enough and soon we came into a clearing. I stopped dead at what I saw. I now know why that aura gave me such a feeling of nostalgia.
"An Onikuma." Kuzuno stood next to me, staring at our adversary. A huge bear with brown fur lied in the middle of the clearing. "A Yokai clan known for their great strength and incredibly vitality. I would recommend not to face them head on and try to use speed to your advantage, Pierce-sama." The kitsune tried to give me some advice but my mind was elsewhere. A vivid memory of a black menace kicking my ass through the forest outside my home town came to the front and a mad smile appeared on my face. I walked out into the open and marched right up to the Onikuma. Sensing my approach, the Yokai opened its eyes and stood up to face me. It's bright red eyes and dense aura were near identical to the Tyrant. I came face to face with it and cracked my knuckles.
The Yokai gave no response to my actions and lifted a paw. Using my Strengthening Magic from the get go, I met its paw with my fist. A shockwave went out as the ground under us cracked and the Onikuma went stumbling back. I rushed at it and my foot connected with the side of its head, its jaw coming unhinged. Leaping into the air as it tried to give a sloppy swipe; I gathered a large amount of Chi in my fist and slammed it down on its back. A crater appeared under the Yokai as it buckled under my blow and it fell to the ground. Seeing the Onikuma teleported out of the block, I walked back to a shocked Kuzuno.
"D-Did you know him?"
"No idea."
"…Then why do you look so satisfied?" Kuzuno asked in puzzlement and I gave him a refreshing smile.
"Because coming back to the first boss after so long feels great."
"…What?"
Leaving the scene behind shortly after, I started to blitz any contestant remaining in the block. The ones that survived till the end were stronger than your average High Class Devil. Beating a snake Yokai that controlled a poison miasma, a large ape with a butcher's knife and a two headed bird that shot golden flames at me in quick succession, I was stopped by a headless horseman. Surprised to see a Dullahan in this tournament, I started barraging it with lightning fast blows and its armor easily absorbed them. Ducking under its lance, I tripped its horse and it was sent flying off it. It got up and tried to skewer me but I side stepped the thrust. I sent a Seismic Fist to its chest but only a couple of cracks before they started to heal. Seeing how my strikes weren't doing much damage, I ripped the lance from its hands and snapped it in half.
"Hey, that wasn't necessary! Do you have any idea how much that will cost to repair!?" I stopped at the voice and looked to the horse. On the side of its saddle hanged the severed head of a bald man, who was currently scowling and reprimanding me for not respecting an opponent's weaponry.
"…Huh, you're the first Dullahan I've ever met but this the second time a severed head is talking to me." The Dullahan head blinked at that.
"How does that happen?"
"You wouldn't believe me."
"…I'm a talking head that lets my animated armor fight for me." The Dullahan deadpanned.
"…Touché." Ending the conversation, I grabbed the armor and slammed it into the ground. I took out Tyrfing and made a hole in the armor's chest with a concentrated blast. The Dullahan was teleported away, along with the horse funnily enough. I turned around when I heard footsteps coming towards me. I saw it was the Samurai Nekomata and she calmly observed the area. Her eyes settled on my Demon Sword for a second before she spoke.
"You're strong." She said emotionlessly and I quirked a brow.
"Thanks." I tilted my head when she said nothing else. "Is that all you came to say or do you want to fight?" She shook her head.
"I just came to see the Red Dragon Slayer for myself."
"And?" I crossed my arms, waiting for her answer as she looked me up and down. I wasn't surprised that she knew of my battle against the most recent Red Dragon Emperor. Three months have passed since that fight and the fact that it happened was passed around the supernatural community (though I was in Olympus for the most part so no one knew where to find me).
"I thought you'd be taller."
"…Why?" I asked. "No, I'm genuinely curious, why would you think I'd be taller?" I never understood that whole thing with people expecting an impressive person be tall. The majority of the strongest beings in the world are of average human proportions and Ophis, the strongest being in DxD next to Great Red, is an honest to God 4 foot tall loli (in the future anyway). The Samurai Nekomata didn't answer me and turned around to walk away, most likely having lost interest.
"See you in the finals." She said while leaving.
"How are you so sure I made it?" Granted, I went after the strongest auras in the block, there's no telling if a Yokai that can hide their Chi like she can is still around.
"The Onikuma you faced in the beginning was in 2nd place with that Dullahan coming up right behind it." I narrowed my eyes at the information.
'Was she following me since I left the pavilion? Or was she able to observe the entire block in minute detail?' Either way, this woman wasn't normal. "So who's in first place?"
"…" A smile appeared on her emotionless face before she disappeared from sight. I stared at the direction she left in thought and turned to look at a tree to my left.
"Would you come out already? If I can sense you there then she definitely did." I said and Kuzuno came out behind the tree with a wry smile.
"You are not exactly a standard measuring stick Pierce-sama." I rolled my eyes.
"Apparently, neither is she so you mind telling me who that was?" Kuzuno quickly told me everything he knew about her. Her name was Shinen Kesshite, the daughter of a Nekomata noble and a powerful Nekoshou. I raised a brow at the fact that she was one of the rare variety of Nekomata. She was known for her incredible swordsmanship and the way she uses her purifying flames in conjunction. 'So I might need to fight a more serious version of Kuroka, wonderful.' I thought with a grunt. We spent the remaining time talking about any other participants I needed to worry about and soon, a magic circle appeared under me.
"Good luck Pierce-sama, I hope you prevail against all opposition." Saying goodbye to the kitsune, I found myself in the middle of a large room. It looked like the Grand Shrines waiting room and more people started to be teleported within. Shinen and Mokuzai were among the ones teleported. Aindrea was the final arrival and he plopped on the ground. I frowned at the bloody gash left on the Demigods shoulder and walked over.
"What happened to you?" I placed a hand on the wound and started to give him my Chi. He glared in a random direction.
"He happened." I followed his gaze and found a contestant standing alone. It was Yokai that took the form of a young man with brown hair. He was wearing an open yukata and was holding a silver staff. He sensed our gaze and gave a "friendly" smile.
'Itazu of the Mountain of Flowers and Fruit…' I knew who he was. Kuzuno warned me of all the heavy hitters amongst the contestants and he was one of them. Itazu was a member of the legendary Monkey Clan Sun Wukong was from and he was known for his lust for battle (must be a requirement for that clan). I helped Aindrea to his feet. "Be patient, you'll get your rematch soon enough." I dragged him to a couple of seats on the side and we sat down. Everyone kept a comfortable distance after and I noticed that there were only 7 contestants remaining.
'I guess just because the limit was 12 doesn't mean it will be reached.' Besides Aindrea, Shinen, Mokuzai, Itazu, and I; there were two members of the Kamaitachi Clan. They both looked like identical twins with handsome faces and whiskers. A wave of energy went out within the room, swarming towards everyone inside. I tried to stop it but I couldn't and felt the small amount of Chi I used to move around in the first phase was restored. Aindrea rolled his shoulders, showing that the discomfort from the wound was gone.
A magic circle appeared in the middle of the room and Shinen immediately walked towards it, disappearing inside. The other participants followed suit and we were the last to do so. The moment I took a step through, I smelled sea water and found myself on a hill overlooking a tropical island. Aindrea came next to me and we looked at each other in confusion.
"What are we supposed to do her-"
"Only 7 this year? Well I guess this should still be interesting." A voice rang and we stared up into the sky. A building sized magic circle was in the air and a screen was in the middle of it, Sarutahiko's smiling face on it. "Welcome to Ogasawara. This will be the arena for the second phase and the rules are real simple. On 3 contestants, there is an artifact that they need to keep until the timer is up or until the other remaining opponents are defeated. Naturally, you can steal this artifact to be one of the three qualified for the final phase. Good luck!" The screen stopped showing Sarutahiko and a timer with 60 minutes appeared. The moment it started to tick down, we started to feel around our bodies and I found a small disk inside my pocket. It was shiny obsidian with a weird symbol in the middle.
"The Yata no Kagami?" The Demigod saw the disk and exclaimed in shock. I furrowed my brows.
"There's no way they'd use the actual Regalia in the tournament…right?" Giving each other a weird look, I sensed the artifact with my Spiritual Energy and got no reaction (I figured as much). Aindrea kept searching but found nothing and had to go find one from the other contestants. He walked away to start searching but I called out to him. He looked back to me in confusion and I pointed north of the island. "The Monkey is behind that mountain." The Demigod blankly stared where I pointed before smiling widely and flying in that direction. Watching the Demigod go, I turned around and flew south of the island. The reason I didn't go with Aindrea was because I could sense Mokuzai in the other direction.
Flying high in the air, I saw the Heir calmly sitting on a cliff side. He sat on a small boulder and played with something in his hand. I landed a couple of meters away from him and he turned his head slightly, knowing I arrived.
"Do you believe Enma-sama is understanding?" Mokuzai asked, making me stop at the odd question. I thought back at the prank the Monkey King did on the King of Hell and shrugged.
"Probably. He doesn't seem like he would hold a grudge."
"I could only hope he is for I may need to rely on it when my time comes." He did a short prayer afterwards and I tilted my head.
"For a person that holds an immensely powerful being in their body you sure fear the Gods. If you are so afraid of what will happen when you die, why did you join forces with Nurarihyon?" Considering how the Principal Families idolize the Shinto Gods, the fact that Mokuzai abandoned them to serve a mortal warlord confused me (he also seemed to worship them too).
"Because a man is only as good as his word and I keep mine." Mokuzai said with conviction and I smiled.
"Sounds like you have quite a good story to tell. I would like to hear it after I kick your ass." The Heir gave a confident grin.
"It would be my pleasure." Taking that as an invitation, I lunged at the Sacred Beast host and he met my fist with his own. Our Chi clashed and mine overpowered his, forcing him back. I tried to sweep his leg but he jumped over it and landed a couple feet away. Sending a couple of Chi Swords from multiple directions, the Kushihashi Heir created a barrier of wind that blocked the constructs. I Chi Burst to his side and hit his stomach but I frowned when I felt I was punching steel. Mokuzai smiled as he sent a punch at my face and I blocked it my palm. A shockwave went out as I felt my palm go numb. I activated Touki as blocked another punch and was send skidding back.
I watched as scales started to cover Mokuzai's body and his eyes glowed yellow. A silhouette dozens of feet tall appeared behind him and it looked in my direction. The blue Dragon took a deep breath before shooting a blast of lightning and wind at me. I leaped out of the way as the attack carved a path through the tropical forest behind me. It shot a couple more at me and stopped when it saw they weren't landing.
"Sakura no jidai." Mokuzai chanted as he drew Shinto Symbols in the air and they sank into the ground. Trees started to sprout from the ground in quick succession, reaching towering heights. I kept my guard up for any attacks from the unnaturally grown trees and watched as they did nothing but bloom. Sakuras started to fall from the trees and harmlessly littered the battlefield.
Then Mokuzai raised his hands.
"!" I Chi Burst away when the Sakuras under my feet flew at me, the swishing sounds in the air hinting at their cutting power. Like homing beacons, all the petals in the air chased after me and I was shocked to see one of the petals make a cut on my leg even with Touki on. 'Damn, that's some dangerous foliage!'I tried to escape the zone but the Sakuras twirled around the area like a tornado. Through the endless wave of death petals, I saw Mokuzai's victorious face and my mouth twitched.
"So that's how you're going to play it huh?" Seeing how the kiddies gloves were coming off, I chose to get serious as well and took out my Demon Swords. "You guys ready!?"
"Yes!"
"Let's fuck some shit up!"
Getting confirmation from Tyrfing and Dáinsleif, I started channeling Chi into the swords. Mokuzai saw my actions and waved his hands. All the Sakuras in the area charged at me as raised my swords high.
"Adfail Rhew!" Slamming my Demon Swords together, the power of ice and power went outwards. Tyrfing's aura of destruction pushed away the petals as Dáinsleif's ability shattered them to ice particles. The wave didn't stop as it ripped all the trees from their base and Mokuzai had to back off. Slashing with my weapons, two sword waves flew at him and he summoned a massive tree to block it. The waves easily cut through the tree and hit him dead on. I saw him gritt his teeth as the scales on his body shatter and freeze.
I pushed my advantage and sent dozens of slashs at the Heir. He ran across the field, dodging the attacks and started to wave his hands. Shinto Symbols appeared in the sky and clouds gathered above the sunny tropical island. The wind started to pick up violently and thunder boomed. Seeing bunch of lightning and a tornado gather, I lifted my Demons Swords to meet the onslaught. Increasing the density of my Touki, I watched as the elements rained down...and completely miss me.
'Huh?' I was confused as the lightning and tornado flew at Mokuzai. Before they hit, the Kushihashi Heir took out something that absorbed attacks. I shielded my eyes as the object in his eyes glowed and when it dimmed, I saw what it was. It was a long black broadsword with blue veins running across it's side. There were seven "branches" coming out of the sides of the sword and the Holy aura coming off it said enough. 'Well he is an exorcist, having a Holy Sword fits.' I thought as Mokuzai raised the sword and sent a massive wind blade towards my direction. I flew out of the way as the blade cut through the clouds and I sent one back in the turn. I became shocked when Mokuzai absorbed my attack and a branch from the sword started to glow purple before he sent a blast of ice.
'Okay, that's not fair!' Agreeing with Dáinsleif, I met the ice blast with my own and mine destroyed it easily.
'I guess it can't match the original source he absorbed it from in power.' Seeing through the Holy Sword's weakness, Mokuzai backed away a far distance and held the Seven Branched Sword against his chest. Not wanting to leave him time to do whatever he planned, Tyrfing's aura enlarged as I used Sword Fury and dashed at the Heir. Just before my attack landed, a Dragon's claw slammed in front of me and blocked the attack. The Blue Dragon roared in pain as my sword severed its hand but Mokuzai's voice overshadowed it.
"Ki No Tanjō." I had no time to react as Mokuzai's aura surged outward and I was flung far away into the trees. Slamming into a particularity large boulder, I rubbed my head and stood up. The boulder crumbled to pieces as I walked away and came back to see a forest in the originally flat field. The Blue Dragon was gone but in it's place, Mokuzai stood tall with new light blue robes and a Dragon's head. The Kushihashi Heir's aura was far stronger then before and turning on Chi Vision, I could see a continuous stream of Chi being given to him from the surrounding trees. I sighed.
"Seems like we're going with that." I said and both Demon Swords flared.
'Really? Are sure?' Tyrfing asked and Dáinsleif laughed.
'Oh this is going to be fun.'
Placing both Demon Swords to the side, I lifted my hands and gathered the Silver Mana in the surroundings. It took longer then usual because of the location but Mokuzai made no move to stop me. A Norse Magic circle was formed in front of me but it was different from the ones from before with a smaller size and it had streaks of red across it. I allowed the circle to sink into my chest.
"Einn Jǫru-Fægir's Dreyri." Chanting the spell, the effects were instantaneous. My white colored Touki changed to a rose gold and my veins glowed a bright silver. I could feel my muscles be filled to the brim with Strengthening Magic and my aura clashed evenly against Mokuzai's.
Then I felt the burning. I furrowed my brows as the new feeling of my Chi being "burned" gnawed at my reserves. The reason it was burning was because the Strengthening Spell I used wasn't a normal Order Spell.
It was a Forbidden Spell. As the spell raged in my body, my mind went back to the day I asked Athena for this spell.
1 Month Ago, The Elysian Fields
The sun was getting low in the Olympian Heaven, the team resting in the cabin after a long day of training. Apollon and the others were talking inside while I was on the porch with the Goddess of Wisdom. I stood over Athena as she read her book, a blank look on her face as she registered what I asked for.
"Hell no." I groaned at the answer (I saw it coming though).
"Athena..."
"No Pierce." The Goddess of Wisdom was firm in her answer.
"I wouldn't be asking you this if I didn't think it was necessary." I asked but Athena just crossed her arms. "Look, I've talked with Demeter and Maven on the subject. It won't be as bad as you think so long as I keep in control."
"Keeping control in theory and keeping control in battle are two very different things."
"And that's what training is for." I said with a cheeky grin and she sighed. From what Maven knows, she's heard of Great Yokais that have used Forbidden Spells and have recovered from the strain easily enough (it was rare but it happened). I told Athena that and she feel into deep thought. Honestly, I was in agreement with the Goddess when it came to Forbidden spells. Issei's Boosted Gear was pretty much a Forbidden Spell considering the risk that came along with the Longinus in the beginning. Many protagonists in works of fiction have an immensely powerful ability that helps them save the day but has a big drawback or ends up killing them. I was a firm believer that hard work (with a bit of luck) will get you the strength you need and, for the most part, I was proven right.
Then Shuten happened. I vivdly remembered the encounter with the Oni and it made me realize something. Even with my current rate of progression, the next time I face Zeth's General, I probably won't be strong enough. I was improving everyday and Athena pushed me to my limits but Zeth wasn't sitting idle during these three months. Many monster clans disappeared during this time on Earth and some were renowned healers.
"I'm not asking for a Godly spell that can for sure kill Shuten. I'm asking for something that can help me fight back against him...even if it's just a little. Please." I bowed to her and she stared at me in silence before speaking.
"Why are you asking me?"
"Huh?" I raised my head in confusion.
"Why are you asking me for a Forbidden Spell? You obviously have your mind made up so why come to me? Why don't you go to Demeter or Maven?" Athena asked and I smiled.
"Because your my teacher and you've helped me get this far. What kind of student would I be if I didn't ask for your permission?"
"..." Athena was stumped and opened for mouth to say something but nothing came out. Then she blushed and scratched the back of her head. It got redder as I kept staring at it. "Stop looking at me like that..." The Goddess got up and quickly walked to the door of the cabin.
"Is that a yes?" Athena stopped at the door and sighed.
"Give me a day to think about it."
The next morning, a book was dropped on my lap while I was eating breakfast and I hugged a blushing Athena in happiness.
Back to the Present
The Forbidden Spell Athena gave me was a Norse Strengthening Spell that drastically increases strength, speed and endurance along with your reflexes. Something I learned when forming the spell is that its as easy to learn as a 1st Order spell. The reason they are so rarely used is because of the risk involved and ordinary magician's would never be able to get their hands on one. The first time I used it I could feel my power skyrocket and when I sparred with Athena, I was able to force her to use a portion of her divine power but I noticed my Chi reserves being used up quickly. When I deactivated the spell, I felt a wave of nausea hit me. Not does using the spell tire me out faster then using regular Strengthening magic, my Chi takes longer to regenerate as well. Athena trained with me to increase my proficiency with the spell and I can use it for 10 minutes before all of my Chi is drained.
"I must say, I was not expecting you to have a form that can match my Dragon Man." Mokuzai said, his dragon head speaking in a demonic voice and I rolled my shoulders.
"I'm full of surprises." I held both Demon Swords once again and pointed at the Heir. "Shall we?"
Mokuzai's dragon head smiled (which was terrifying to look at) and lunged at me with his Holy Sword.
Shinen Kesshite watched the battle unfold from a safe distance, her emotionless eyes having difficulty tracking the two men as they battled across the island. The hill they were originally fighting on was destroyed when they clashed and they flew up in the air to continue their battle. Sending blasts of lightning and wind blades with the Seven Branched Sword, she watched the human known as Pierce meet them with raw physical strength. Even from her distance, she could feel the shock waves when Pierce clashed his Demon Swords against Mokuzai's Holy Sword and she knew that the Sacred Beast user was the loser in their exchanges.
Shinen has been called many things in her life. Talented, beautiful, powerful, dense. Granted, she didn't understand how she was the last one, she knew she was special. She learned things far faster then any other Nekomata in her clan and her use of her clan's signature purifying flames surpassed some elders. She didn't get why her matriarch didn't want her to face either of the humans until the very end.
She got it now.
"I think you should thank me." Shinen said and looked down at the two prone beings at her feet. The Kamaitachi brothers from the waiting room lied at her feet, both saying nothing as they watched the battle. When Shinen arrived, she sensed the Yokai brothers sneaking up to the two humans and she stopped them. More out of pity then actually caring for the brothers, they were lucky she was here or they wouldn't survive a second in that mess.
"T-Those are humans?" The younger brother, Chīsana, asked and flinched whenever a stray bolt of lightning went their direction.
"...Thank you." Shinen chuckled when the older brother, Ōkina, took her words seriously. Her eyes returned to the battle and she noticed that while Pierce was dealing more damage to the Heir, he was starting to get slower. Mokuzai noticed this and started hurling giant balls of lightning at the man, forcing him to dodge. Getting a minute to breathe, Mokuzai created a large magic circle that covered the sky and leaves of every color started to flow out.
"Doragon no kisetsu!" Four massive dragons were created from the assortment of leaves and they rushed at Pierce. He slashed at the dragons and they crumpled but they quickly reassembled themselves. He was smacked by one of the dragons and was sent flying into a mountain, burrowing him deep inside. Mokuzai sent a tornado inside the hole, ripping it apart from the inside but Pierce flew out relatively unharmed. The Kushihashi Heir flew forward with his dragons behinds him and Pierce lifted his purple Demon Sword.
"Svalr Hregg!" A blue wave expanded from Pierce and it froze the dragons along with Mokuzai's legs. A magic circle appeared over the sword and a snowstorm came out of it, hurdling towards the Heir. Mokuzai managed to put up a wind barrier in time to block the attack and she saw him struggle to hold back the blizzard that covered the sky. By the time the storm cleared, it was too late for Mokuzai to dodge Pierce's next attack. With both of his swords becoming meter long blades of Chi, Mokuzai tried to block it with his Holy Sword and was sent flying to the ground.
'It's over...' Shinen thought as she saw the Heir's wrist snap under the blow and the island shook. A large crater rested where the Heir fell and the Seven Branched Sword lied slightly cracked on a tree. The Nekoshou followed Pierce's form as he slowly levitated to the ground and his Touki turned back to it's regular color. She stood up.
"W-Where are you going?" Ōkina asked when he saw her walking away.
"The battles over, there's nothing left to see." She saw everything she needed to know. Even tired, she had a feeling she wouldn't win against the human and that reporting back to her matriarch was more important. After what she has planned anyway...
Shinen stared at Pierce as he walked towards the center of the crater and left when he was out of sight. The brothers watched her walk away in silence before Chīsana turned to his older brother.
"Do you think she would have given back our artifact back if we asked nicely?"
"..." Ōkina just slapped the back of his brother's head.
Back to Pierce
I walked up the prone Mokuzai and crouched down to pick up his artifact. It was a replica of the Yasakani no Magatama. Pocketing the replica, Mokuzai started to shuffle and opened his eyes to see me standing over him. He tried to sit up but struggled. He was back in his regular form with a couple of large swords wounds across his body and broken wrists. The fact that he hasn't been teleported out is because he's resisting the transport. I watched struggle for a little longer and decided to help him sit up.
"You lost man, there's no need to keep going." I tried to tell him and he wryly smiled.
"I've never been so thoroughly defeated before today. To think it'd be someone from my generation is even more humbling."
"If it makes you feel any better, your the first guy I've beaten that isn't a complete sore loser, well done...You're not going to give up are you?" I sighed at the tenacious look in his eyes and proceeded to knock him out. I didn't do this at the beginning because throughout the fight, he wasn't emitting that much killing intent and was trying to incapacitate me. The moment Mokuzai was taken out of the tournament, I sat down and took a deep breathe. I hissed when the adrenaline went away and I could feel the strain on my muscles. I've gotten used it since I first tried it but it still wasn't a pleasant experience. I smiled when I saw that my Chi reserves wasn't too drained and stood up to go find Aindrea. I flew up into the air and followed after the aura of the Demigod to a cut off portion of island. The surroundings were destroyed with the Demigod standing over the beaten form of Itazu. While Aindrea had his fair share of injuries, it was incomparable to Itazu's and the Monkey Yokai was taken out of the tournament. "Catch." I tossed Mokuzai's replica to Aindrea but he threw it back.
"No thanks, I've had my fun. You can finish the rest of the tournament if you want, I'm done." Aindrea said and I put away the replica at his decision. We waited until the timer was over and he wished me luck in the final phase. I was transported to a small ring that rested on top of a tall Pagoda. The Pagoda overlooked a city and I turned to see Sarutahiko standing on the side, smiling at me.
"...Oh good God, its not you I have to fight is it?" I whined and the Kami chuckled.
"No, I'm just the judge but that was some fight you had against the Kushihashi. Been awhile since I've seen a Sacred Beast holder beaten by another human." Sarutahiko said and a light shined across from me. Shinen appeared from the light and the Kami stepped forward. "I would like to congratulate both of you for reaching this far. You've proven yourselves as the strongest amongst hundreds and you should be proud." The Kami floated up and crossed his arms. "Take your stances!" We faced each other at his command and readied our weapons. The tension was palpable as the wind blew through the Pagoda. "Begin!"
White flames engulfed Shinen's katana as she rushed me and I blocked her sword with Tyrfing. I was shocked when I felt the Demon Sword's ability be rendered unusable by the flames and pushed her back. The Nekoshou was incredibly fast, her swings coming at me in blurs but I blocked them all the same and began my counter attack. She quickly became on the defensive and I pushed her to the edge of the ring. I was momentarily stunned when she disappeared from my sight and hastily turned around to block her thrust.
"Arghh!" I gritted my teeth when her katana pierced through my Touki and stabbed into my shoulder. Enduring the flames, I slashed at her weapon and it was sliced under the superior weapons. Not giving up yet, she started to infuse Senjutsu in her Touki. Her hair and nails got longer as she grew an extra pair of tails. "Ferro Corpus, Celeritas Decem!" We battled across the ring, her surprisingly sharp nails parrying my Demon Swords. Dodging a Youjutsu spell that melted a hole in the floor, I successfully left a shallow gash on her chest with Dáinsleif. Stumbling from the frost, I kicked her trough a pillar of the Pagoda and she fell to the ground. Standing over her, I placed both swords against her neck. "You give up?" I asked as she spat out a clog of blood and stared me in the eyes. What I thought was going to be a admission of surrender when she opened her mouth was instead-
"Let me have your child."
"..."
"..."
"...Huh?" Stunned by the words, she used the moment to shove me away and get up. I stared at her as she wiped the blood from her lips in anger. "Hey, that was a pretty cheap trick! Using that in a fight is just poor manners!" Shinen made a confused face at my outburst.
"That was no trick. After this battle is over, I would like to copulate with you and make a powerful offspring."
"Oh...then no thank you. I'm in a happy relationship of two working on three. I got enough on my plate." I respectfully declined the offer and she furrowed her brows.
"Why not? I have no need for a relationship, I solely need your seed and will raise the child in my clan." I looked at like she was crazy.
"Yeah, no. I'm not a one night stand kind of guy and I'm sure as hell not going to have a child just to never see it again. Call me old fashioned."
"...That's very strange."
"How is that strange!? I'm the poster boy for strange and that is not! Your thinking is what's strange!" I exclaimed and Shinen made a frustrated face.
"...You guys remember this is a fighting tournament, right?" Sarutahiko deadpanned from the side. Choosing to refocus, I sighed when the Nekoshou persisted and I refused her again.
"Then how about this, if I win this battle then you must give me a child and allow me to raise it as the next Guardian of the Nekomata Clan. If I lose, then I will become your vassal and follow you for the end of my days." I blinked at the offer, not expecting her to make such terms. So if I lose, I have to sleep with a beautiful Nekoshou and give her a child or get her as my servant if I win. That was a win-win scenario no matter how you looked at it. Expect for the fact that I'm currently on a quest to kill a God. The matriarch of the Nekomatas, Magari, is incredibly protective (controlling) of her clan and has the final say in anything they do. The odds that she'll allow one of her strongest and talented members of her clan on a such a dangerous mission is very low. I was about to charge forward to end this fight until an idea entered my mind and I grinned.
"Deal." Shinen and even Sarutahiko looked at me in shock. Ignoring their expressions, I put away my Demon Swords and stretched to limber up. Shinen perked up and readied herself, taking a crouched position. She may not be able to join me and the team in the quest to kill Zeth but...there should be no problem in joining a neutral organization, right?
Smiling as the soon to be member of my Mercenary group charged at me, I chanted a spell.
Then my Touki turned rose gold.
2 Hours Later, Furutsubaki Temple
I walked with Amaterasu on a narrow road that led deeper into a rock formation. The full moon was out as I jumped over a small gap and grunted on landing. I rubbed my side as the Sun Goddess floated down next to me.
"Are you okay?" She asked with a worried face and I waved my hand.
"It's okay, it's nothing major. This is what happens when I use that Strengthening Spell twice in a row." I led the Sun Goddess to a crevice in the rock and motioned her to enter. "Goddesses first." Amaterasu smiled and walked through the crevice. What rested on the other side was a flat area that had an abundance of white flowers that shined under the moonlight and fire flies flying around. Taking out a large blanket to cover the ground, Amaterasu sat down on it and I took out a basket full of Japanese pastries. The Sun Goddess munched on some mochi while observing the area.
"This place is quite beautiful, how did you find it?"
"I came back and asked Niwashi if it was okay to bring someone here." I said with a shrug and Amaterasu hummed.
"Well it's certainly romantic. It's funny actually, I didn't beck you as the type."
"...I would be offended by that if you weren't completely justified." I never really tried to be romantic, I just go with the flow of things and try to work with what I got. 'That's actually how I live my life actually...' Wistfully thinking on my life path, I took out my winnings for the tournament and looked it over. "This will really get me into Shinto Heaven?" I held a golden Talisman that emitted a strong divine aura and Amaterasu nodded.
"Yep! Activate the spell within and it will open a portal directly into my personal abode in Takamagahara."
"Cool. When I use this, that'll make it the third mythological Heaven I've been to." Amaterasu tilted her head at that.
"Third? I know you've been to Olympus plenty of times but where was the second one?"
"Asgard, I was there for two days. Granted, I was asleep for most of that time, it still counts." I said while eating a cookie and the Sun Goddess pondered at my words.
"Athena spoke of the injuries you've gained against Shuten but she didn't speak about where you recovered. I didn't know you've been to Asgard...I don't know a lot about you Pierce." She said this quietly and I frowned when her beautiful face became solemn. I knew where her sadness came from. The moment this festival was over, we were probably not going to meet for awhile with her responsibility as the Chief Goddess and my quest. Asking the Goddess out was a heat of the moment kind of thing but I didn't want to leave it on a bad note. Lying flat on the tarp, I got comfortable and looked at the downcast Sun Goddess (see what I did there).
"So what do you want to know?"
"Huh?" She lifted her head and stared at me in confusion.
"You don't know a lot about me, so let's change that. I don't know a lot about you either."
"What are talking about? You know plenty." Amaterasu said, like it obvious but I shook my head.
"I know the Leader of the Shinto Pantheon and the Sun Goddess of Japan. I want to learn about the game loving and overworked woman behind that. What did you do as a kid, how was your relationship with your parents, were you a rebellious teen who that thought you were the next great thing since bread. I want to know that Amaterasu."
"..." Amaterasu stared at me in silence before she smiled and took a seat next to me. "I'd like that." I smiled back at the Goddess.
"Great. Now, this may be a terrible time to ask but...you never did answer my question on Izanami." I said, reminding her of my first time praying and she rolled her eyes in amusement.
"Fine, but it won't be as interesting as you might think." She warned but I waited and listened patiently as she began her tale. "My mother was a Primordial Goddess that was born in the Ancient God's Era and she carved out her own territory with her father's prized spear, the Tenkei. In her journey, she met my father Izanagi..."
And done. Nothing like a date with a Goddess under the moonlight after beating the strongest warriors a supernatural faction can throw at you to make someone feel alive. I hope you enjoyed!