Doragonzu speaking
(Ddraig speaking)
[Albion speaking]
Author note
Chapter 13 - We meet again
"...Grayfia, right?" Ryūno asked, standing up from his couch. He was not above caution, especially when such a high-ranking devil just teleported straight into his home, his home that no one knew was his, minus a few people...That's bad.
"I am very sorry for coming in unannounced, on such short notice and with no invitation, but Sirzechs has moved his meeting with you one day earlier. Since Rias' rating game will be happening tomorrow, he'll be busier than usual." Grayfia said while bowing.
'Good thing Kuroka isn't here...' Ryūno thought, if Kuroka was indeed present in the house, who knows what could have happened.
"It is fine, but please, I have a front door. Use that instead of teleporting into my home, whilst your presence is quite...delightful, restrain from coming in without informing me first, okay?"
"Yes, I understand. Again, please forgive me." Grayfia apologized.
"For someone who's Lucifer's maid, you apologize way too much."
"You expected me to be condescending or even rude?"
"When people like Riser Phenex exist in the supernatural world, yes."
Grayfia could not help but smile a little, possibly because the boy resembled her in a way when she was young...too serious for her own good, as well as the white hair and sharp eyes...
...
'God she's so...beautiful.' Ryūno thought.
'You're willing to share with Lucifer? Because I doubt he is.'
'I'll take her away from him.'
'...'
'I'm kidding.'
'Are you?'
'It's nothing but a crush, he'll be okay. I don't want to meddle with Sirzechs after all, not again...'
Grayfia noticed Ryūno spacing out a bit.
"Mr. Kishatsu, are you alright?"
"Huh? Yeah sorry, I was just thinking about something."
"I see, in any case, I hope you're not busy, Sirzechs wishes to meet with you right now."
"I'm not busy. And before we go, what exactly does he want from me? I need to know if this isn't some trap." Ryūno asked.
"My lord wishes to talk about something regarding your sacred gear. And I assure you - Sirzechs is a very honorable man. He prefers to talk, rather than to fight things out. Give us a chance and I promise you'll see the truth in my words." Grayfia answered honestly.
"Only the sextillionth time I've heard that..." Ryūno mumbled.
"I understand your misgivings, but know, my Lord has no ill intentions towards you." Grayfia reassured.
"Not yet, he doesn't." Ryūno replied with his eyes closed. Grayfia sighed.
"...Let's take our leave, get this over with." Ryūno finally said.
"Right away." Grayfia created a teleportation circle and took them both to Sirzechs' office.
Ryūno looked around to see a beautiful office, with a desk not far from in, in that desk, sat Lucifer himself, doing...paperwork?
"Ah, Grayfia, Ryūno Kishatsu, pleased to see you. Please, take a seat, you're a guest here." Ryūno reluctantly did so, as Grayfia went by Sirzechs' side, and massaged his shoulders, knowing he'd been working hard all day. Even though both of them didn't like to mix private life and work, Grayfia did want to help out Sirzechs to relieve stress, knowing how hard work can be for him.
"Argh, thank you, Grayfia. I'm very sorry, Ryūno, but I had some paperwork to fill out, so I've been sitting in this chair for a long time. I hope you don't mind our boldness."
"I do not mind. Although, I didn't expect the current Devil King to do a job that would get you pay that is close to nothing in the human world." Ryūno replied, which Sirzechs chuckled at.
"Yes, it was unexpected. I always get punished by Fia for not doing the work." Grayfia smacked him lightly at the back of the head for that nickname.
"That is because you are lazy." Ryūno found the exchange awkward and decided to get on with it.
"...Anyway, why'd you call me here, Lord Lucifer?" He put respect on his name, after all, this was one of the few men that managed to defeat him, the other being Azazel.
"Please, call me Sirzechs. I called you here to-"
"Talk about my sacred gear? Your maid informed me."
"I see, then should I get some drinks?" Sirzechs proposed, his wife glared at him a bit.
"Sirzechs, he's an underaged-"
"It is fine, I don't drink alcohol a lot, but I'm not easily tainted by it." As Ryūno said, that, Sirzechs summoned a bottle of Vodka, 2 glasses, and some ice cubes. Ryūno took the glass, and Sirzechs poured the alcohol in.
Ryūno: "You only live once...my old man said..." He gulped it down. Now he was in a...better mood to talk.
"So...The Forbidden Sacred Gear: Ex-Drago. Or as it's known by a more modern name - Doragonzu. What an interesting sacred gear you have, and even more interesting development. Tell me, how long have you had it? The last time we met, you didn't look inexperienced. Sadly, I didn't get the chance to ask you." Sirzechs said while taking a sip of his glass.
"Three years, closing into four." Sirzechs was surprised, most hosts wouldn't make it past a month, and the very few that did were only because they obeyed every single order the dragon gave them, this didn't seem like the case here.
"Impressive..." Grayfia commented.
"Indeed, do you feel...in danger, or perhaps even dangerous yourself, having that sacred gear?" Sirzechs asked.
"Of course, but even so, I don't see the point in fearing it. You act as if my sacred gear was the only one that had greedy and overall feeble hosts. Yes, people went mad over the power of Doragonzu, but the same goes for The Welsh Dragon and even The Vanishing Dragon." Ryūno replied.
"Whilst true, the reason your sacred gear is considered far too dangerous is because it has the power to rival Ophis and even Great Red, as well as control you. Going mad over too much power isn't unique to your sacred gear only, rather, it's the possessive power that worries us."
"I am well aware, Sirzechs. So far, I've taken good care and have noticeable mastery over my sacred gear. I do not see the point in overreacting just because I have it. Don't you think you're treating me unfairly?" Ryūno asked them both.
Grayfia and Sirzechs looked at each other.
"We understand your frustration, but this is bigger than just you, you could potentially be putting thousands of lives at risk with the power you hold." Sirzechs replied.
"And people like Hyoudou aren't? What's your point?" Ryūno asked coldly, Sirzechs sighed.
"That's an unfair comparison, Ryūno. We both know Issei is far too innocent to be a threat. You, on the other hand..."
"Or maybe you're just being biased towards him since he's your sister's potential lover...after all."
Sirzechs went wide-eyed at that.
...
"So what? What are you gonna do? Are you gonna try to kill me, prosecute me? Ask the hundreds of people that have been put six feet under on how this solution went." Ryūno said narrowing his sharp eyes.
"We are not trying to make enemies, we have enough as it is. I want you to become our ally."
"And I want to kill you, Azazel, Ophis, maybe Great Red-Oh! Wait, but that's not gonna happen, is it? You can't have everything, Sirzechs. You already have the Welsh Dragon - Hyoudou. Why do you want me as well?"
"Do...you have a specific reason for not wanting to be our ally?" Sirzechs asked.
"Not a personal reason, it's more like...I want to be an independent person."
"I see, are you part of any peerage, territory, faction as we speak?" Sirzechs asked.
"No, and I never will be." Ryūno firmly replied.
"For what reason?"
"A personal one, let's keep it at that." Ryūno said.
...
"I understand, but there is one favor I must ask of you."
"What is it?"
"...I'll be frank with you, I know my sister is gonna lose the rating game, she's way too inexperienced and outnumbered, which is why I ask of you, attend her engagement party, and act as a bodyguard there."
"...Why? Don't expect me to fight Riser." Ryūno asked, not getting him.
"Lately, terrorist activity has been getting out of hand in the Underworld, the descendants of the Old Satan faction have been planning attacks with the Khaos Brigade, and we'll need help. We want you to protect Rias in case anything happens. You'll be handsomely rewarded for your work." Grayfia informed.
"...Handsomely rewarded?" Ryūno asked.
"I will give you anything that is in my power." Lucifer offered.
'This could be my chance to rid Kuroka of her criminal status, if not, then so, then something else just as valuable...'
"I accept." Sirzechs smiled at that.
"But, on one condition."
"What is it?"
"If you go back on your word..."
...
"I get your head and power instead." Sirzechs only nodded at that.
"I promise you, Ryūno, I will keep my word as the current Devil King."
"Good, now other than that, I don't know if I'll get accepted into the engagement party, seeing as how I am a mere human...after all. Your kind is nearly as bad as the vampires in that regard."
"I'm aware, but I'll give you a personal invitation, they should let you in regardless."
"What of Riser?"
"What of him?" Sirzechs asked.
"I do not think he is very fond of me, being a prideful devil and all, how will he take this?"
"I will inform him of this, he cannot disobey my word, he'll let you attend regardless of whether he wants to or not." Ryūno nodded.
"Is that all?" Ryūno asked.
"Unless you have something else to say, then this is goodbye for now."
"...Thank you for being a good host, I'll be on my way now." Grayfia bowed and Sirzechs waved, the Gremory was too casual for his own good, but he liked informality. Ryūno sat up from his chair and went towards the door to head outside, seeing no need to say more to them.
"He's quiet...and dangerous, should we send someone to keep an eye on him? A familiar, at the very least?" Grayfia asked her husband.
"No, I trust him, for now. Besides, that would be an invasion of privacy. No host has ever shown mastery over the Forbidden Sacred Gear like that in...who knows how long, not even the one who made the Nullify Defect armor...He's valuable, and also reasonable. However...I do fear that he may become our enemy in the near future, either that, or he'll be the neutral."
"He doesn't seem to show any interest in devils or The Supernatural in general from what I can see."
"Quite the contrary. If he didn't, he wouldn't have even come here. He obviously wants something, but what is beyond even my knowledge." Grayfia nodded to Sirzechs in understanding.
Ryūno walked around the mansion, to find a lot of maids and butlers working, they didn't pay him any mind as they were just doing their jobs.
'...Who needs this many maids? All the noise is annoying' Ryūno wondered.
'This is one of the wealthiest and most powerful houses in the Underworld, partner. Are you surprised? And they have to keep this big mansion clean somehow.'
'You do make a good point, still...seventy maids is overkill, even for them.'
'Says you, "Mr. I kill moods more than I kill people."'
'...'
'Regardless, it seems like you're making yourself some quite powerful friends.'
'Friends...that's a bit of a stretch, don't you think?'
'Having Lucifer as your ally could prove to be useful.'
'Could be. I still seek to learn of Devils and their nature. Knowledge is everything.'
'Without power, knowledge is useless.'
'I like to think I have a bit of both.' Ryūno said as he was finally out of the mansion, red lightning struck him as he teleported home.
"Finally, peace and quiet. Looks like she still isn't home yet."
"Who's not home yet, nya~?" Ryūno felt something soft press against his back, and someone's head resting on his shoulder, he looked back to see Kuroka hugging him.
"Oh, you are here...Did you go out somewhere?" Ryūno asked.
"I had to report back to my team, seeing as how I was distracted so long by you~"
"I think it's the opposite, but you do you. It's a good thing you weren't here, anyway. Lucifer's maid paid me a visit." She was...frightened to hear that, though she didn't want Ryūno to think that she was weak, so she tried to brush it off.
"My, my, so I'm not enough for you?" Kuroka teased.
"That is not what I meant." She threw him a smile.
"Of course, but what was she really doing here?"
"She asked me to attend a meeting at Lucifer's office." Kuroka tensed up at that.
"Oh, for what...?"
"...Let's go get me a tuxedo, I'm going to be attending a wedding really soon."
Scene change, Kuoh Town, 6:37 PM GST.
"What?!" Kuroka asked whilst walking with Ryūno.
"That's right. I have no clue why he can't pick someone else to do it." Or perhaps he does...
"Maybe he wants to learn more about you, nya?"
"That...could actually be the case. I'll need to be cautious around devils, I would actually feel bad if I killed them outright." If the only reason Sirzechs is doing this is because he'd plan to ambush him...but, that wouldn't make much sense. Ryūno has stopped the cycle of the Forbidden Sacred Gear, meaning he had much value, even if he was just human.
"Don't worry, I doubt they'd mess with you. Besides, I think you'll look good in a suit~."
"You think I look good in anything." Ryūno replied bluntly.
"True, nya. So, what will you take as a reward?" Kuroka asked.
"...I'll ask if he can rid you of your criminal status." Kuroka was surprised.
"W-what? Ryūno, you can't just-"
"I can, and I will. It's about time you come out of hiding. I'm sick of him not knowing the truth. I'm sick of...everyone not knowing the truth. After I'm done with that, we'll try to get on good terms with your sister, then we'll go from there." Ryūno replied, leaving no room for argument.
"I-, thank you."
"Don't thank me yet, I still haven't done any of those things. And if I'm being honest with you, the only reason I'm doing those things is because it benefits me as well." She didn't show it, but she felt slightly disappointed when he admitted that. However...
"Even so...the fact that you're even considering doing them - is crazy."
"I'm only doing what I believe is right and should be done, never forget that." Kuroka smiled and inched closer to him.
'Sadly, I don't think our beliefs will match up in the future...' Ryūno thought.
"We're here." Ryūno said as they made it to the mall.
"Hey, whilst you're getting clothes, could I get some, too, nya?" Kuroka asked excitedly, Ryūno shrugged.
"Sure, might as well get everything you need. I usually buy in bulk, so don't expect us to go to stores too often."
"Alright, let's head to that store!" She pointed towards...Lingerie.
'I shouldn't even be surprised at this point...'
'If your credit card could cry, I think we'd have a Pacific Ocean of tears here, let's hope that you do not drown in it, considering your...fears and all..'
'You said it, though the card and money on it technically aren't mine, just like the house...'
"Alright, Kuroka, let's go. Before I look like even more of a fool." Ryūno said whilst closing his eyes, while Kuroka rolled hers. They both continued on to the store.
"Why's everyone staring at me?" Ryūno asked whilst looking around.
"Probably because you're a man in a lingerie store, nya?"
"You took me here..." He groaned.
"To see what you like, of course. Let's hope you're not picky~."
"I am sad to tell you, that I am indeed picky. Which is why you should count yourself lucky that you're with me in the first place." Ryūno replied.
"Nya, that's not a bad thing. thing. It's good to have high standards, now wait near the changing room, I'm gonna pick out a couple of things that you might like~" Kuroka said seductively.
"Alright, I'll wait."
"Oh, by the way, what are your favorite colors, nya?" Kuroka asked.
"Hmm, probably purple, black, and red." Ryūno replied.
"Alright, I'll be with you in just a sec." Kuroka went on her way to look for lingerie and underwear.
'I do not understand why I have to be here...' Ryūno wondered.
'So that she could get your opinion on what she wears? Obviously. Oh, and to tease you, of course.'
'It's her clothes, why should my opinion matter?'
'Hmph, and you call the brat ignorant. Or maybe it's just your lack of experience with an actual girl, regardless, she's just trying to impress you, partner.'
'She's already done that.'
'And she can still do it.'
'Or can fail trying. Though, let's hope she has good taste.'
'What happened to "It's her clothing, my opinion doesn't matter"?' Doragonzu said amused.
'A change of heart.'
'That sure was fast.'
'Most things are with me.'
As they both continued to chat, Kuroka eventually came back with a handful of clothes.
"Alright, I'll be changing, be a gentleman and don't peak, okay~?" Kuroka teased.
"And what if I do? You won't stop me."
"Maybe not, but then I'll have to punish you~."
'How...ominous. I would be careful, felines can be frightening when angry.'
...
"Okay, let me know when you're done." Kuroka went inside the changing room, with Ryūno leaning against the wall waiting for her.
...After a couple of minutes.
"Come in!" Ryūno opened his eyes and went into the changing room. He walked in on Kuroka posing for him in a black bandeaukini with a gold ring that connected the bra in the middle.
"Do you like it, nya~?" Ryūno was standing in awe, not saying anything. Though he was more mature than the average teenager, he was a teenager nonetheless, hormones can do wonders. Whilst he didn't like most supernatural beings, he did have a softer spot in his heart for Youkai...and admired their natural beauty.
"..."
"You know, staring at a lady like this is quite rude, nya~."
Ryūno snapped out.
"Black looks really beautiful on you, the same as your hair." Ryūno said, Kuroka was surprised, did he just...flirt? Kuroka was at a loss for words.
"I..uh-uh..." Kuroka was a bit red from this, she didn't expect someone as...impassive as him to do that.
"Okay, fine. It's not bad." Ryūno returned to his calm and careless voice.
"Heh, since when do you have a sense of humor? Anyway, it's not the only one, we still have like five more to go, nya."
'Great Red, she's even worse than you when it comes to clothes, this is gonna take a while...'
"Well, you seem to know yourself well. You are picky, nya."
"What can I say..." Ryūno said whilst holding 2 bags, which he now wished that he could burn it.
"Oh, right! We need to get you a suit! I can't wait to see what you look like in formal clothes!" Kuroka said with excitement, too much excitement if you'd ask Ryūno.
"I look like an average human being, what gives?" Ryūno asked.
"Average? Who told you that, nya?"
"My guardian."
"She probably just didn't want you to have a high ego at your age."
"I do not have a high ego." Ryūno replied.
"Hehe, sure you don't, nya."
'What did I do to deserve someone like her...' Kuroka and Ryūno continued to explore until they saw a store full of suits and formal clothing.
"Looks like we found it." Ryūno said while eyeing the store. He went near the cash register.
"Hello, sir. What can I do for you?" The cashier lady asked.
"I'd like something...for a party. Nothing too formal, but snazzy and comfortable, black and white is preferable and price doesn't matter. What can you recommend for me?" Ryūno asked.
"Hmm, well, I might have something for you. Follow me."
20 minutes later...
"Alright, Kuroka, how do I look?" He was wearing a very simple suit, no tie, no bowtie other; it's only now that she realized how good plain clothes look on him...
'Woah...' Kuroka was eyeing him carefully, very carefully.
"Well, I'm saving that mental image for later~." Ryūno flicked her forehead.
"Oww!"
"No perverted thoughts, Kuroka, not in public." She thought that he was asking a bit much of a person of her nature.
"But you can have perverted thoughts, nya?" Kuroka was genuinely confused.
"Male privilege."
"Oh sure, nya. So, you're keeping it?"
"Sure am."
"Alright, let's go then. I want ice cream!"
"..."
'You and your goddamn sweet tooth…'
"What, nya?"
"Alright, let's go get some then. It's another night out, so I'll try to treat you nicely." Ryūno said closing his eyes and sighing, there he was, an alleged Dragon...going shopping and looking around the mall like a child.
After Ryūno paid for his suit, both of them went towards the nearest ice cream shop.
"Hello, what would you both like?" The owner asked.
"You go first." He said impatiently.
"Alright, nya. I'd like strawberry, cookie dough, bubble gum, chocolate chip mint, honey pistachio and coffee!" Kuroka ordered, practically just reading off the entire list of flavors they had. Ryūno's and the store owner's mouths were agape from this, although the owner was far more shocked, considering Ryūno knows Kuroka far better in terms of what she likes to eat.
'..."Customize the flavor" the shop sign said...'
"A-and you, sir?" The owner was expecting an even bigger list.
"Vanilla." Ryūno said flatly, the owner sighed in relief.
"Boring..." Kuroka whispered to him.
"The man has enough on his plate, just like you do when eating. And I'm not big on sugar anyway." Ryūno replied, after about fifteen minutes, they got their ice cream, and started to head home. It's a surprise to see two killers getting along and going out like some typical high-schoolers on a date.
"So good, nya! Can't believe the human world has such delicious treats." Kuroka said whilst licking her ice cream, Ryūno had already finished his, though that was because he didn't want to hold the cone anymore, rather than because it was tasty.
"Want some?" Kuroka offered, though he didn't seem grateful at her offer, rather irritated.
"I'm good, thanks. Didn't know both you and your sister had a sweet tooth. Then again, I can't really judge, seeing as how I have a carnivorous apatite."
"Yeah, I'll be making dinner tonight, but leave some for me as well! You ate everything last time, nya..."
"I'll probably fall asleep when we get home, I'm too exhausted from listening to you. And you had better not mess up my sleep schedule."
Scene change, Ryūno's residence, 9:52 PM GST.
Ryūno and Kuroka made their way back home, Ryūno put all the shopping bags near the couch.
"I'm gonna be watching a rating game tomorrow, I could ask someone to get us a channel or something for us both to watch it as well, you can treat it like a movie or whatever."
"You're gonna watch a rating game, who's participating, nya?"
"Riser Phenex and Rias Gremory, but that's not what matters to me. I'm only interested because of The Red Dragon Emperor, and you can watch your sister."
"Ooo, sounds fun. Then I'll go ahead and-"
"Yeah, no, I'm gonna go get some shut-eye, I deserve it after you dragged me everywhere." Ryūno said as he went near the couch, sitting down closing his eyes and crossing his arms, Kuroka couldn't say anything in time, but was rather annoyed at him suddenly wanting to take a nap. "I-ugh. Well, you're right. I should help you get some well-deserved sleep, nya." Kuroka said to herself, making her way over to the couch as well, before placing her head on his shoulder and her legs on his, sitting on his lap. His presence was warm and comforting, she soon fell asleep herself, waiting for tomorrow, as well as the upcoming rating game.
To be continued...