Chapter 43
Disclaimer: I do not own High school DxD or Fairy Tail they are property of Ichiei Ishibumi and Hiro Masima respectively.
Kiirim-Sauce786: So first, I will definitely increase the interaction times of Natsu and Wendy. With the little event I have planned for them, it might even stretch over a few chapters, depending on what I will do with it exactly. The fox girls(Yasaka and Kunou, they are youkai) will be appearing a bit later on. to link this with the anime, this story is currently around DxD Born(3rd season) Ep 6, and those two are only introduced in Season 4, so there is still some time until they enter the scene.
JCarrasco: Glad you like the story, I update my stories every third week (better explanation on my profile) which means that every third week this story gets a chapter and the two weeks in between are for the other two. Hope to keep the story interesting.
-Kuoh Academy-
'This is such a bother. Screw this, I'm out' Natsu thought as he sat in the classroom. Only two hours had passed since school started up again and Natsu was already bored out of his mind. He wasn't really paying attention to the lesson since he had extensive knowledge of various, this one included, subject thanks to his time spent in the library of his castle all thanks to his late brother's insistence of cramming everything he knew into his younger brother's mind. And let's just say it wasn't a quick three books…
Sona was still paying attention to the lesson the teacher was presenting when the screech of chair legs on the floor drew her attention to the spot next to her. Natsu had stood up and was already turning to the door.
Normally when a student stands up in the middle of class the teacher would reprimand them and demand them to return to their seats. That is if the student wasn't Natsu Dragneel.
"Mister Dragneel, I will ask you again to please keep your exits quite," the teacher sighed. The first time Natsu randomly stood up in the middle of a lecture the teacher had told him to return to his seat or he would be reprimanded but the glare that Natsu sent in return convinced the teacher otherwise. She couldn't quite explain why, but she knew that attempting to stop him would end badly.
The feeling of dread that his glare brought her that day had stuck with her till this very day and it was a feeling she would most likely take to the grave. This is the reason behind the odd behaviour when it came to Natsu leaving the class.
Most would have suggested that Natsu's parents be contacted, but there was no information on them, and since his grades were amazing even with the material he missed, the teachers just sighed and allowed him to do as he pleased.
Multiple students shared annoyed looks at the special treatment Natsu received for some reason while Sona and Tsubaki only shared a quick glance with a sigh. There isn't much you can really do when the ruler of all Dragons decides he wants to go somewhere for whatever reason. The only one they were aware of that could actively question his decisions was Grayfia.
Natsu calmly walked out of the schoolyard and made his way into the heart of the town, thinking about certain things he might buy for him and Grayfia to continue their experimentation with Chinese festival foods.
As he was walking a familiar scent invaded his nose. He changed his destination from the heart of the town to the forest on the outskirts of town as his mind began to think of reasons for them to be here.
He made his way over a hill and saw the answer to his question in an open clearing. It was quite the sight to see, and not one you would ever think possible. The holder of Albion was throwing a stick around and the God Devouring Wolf, Fenrir was chasing after it. The rest of the wielder of Albion's acquaintances were sitting around the area as well.
Kuroka's ears twitched as she heard something up on the hill and scanned the area. Her eyes momentarily widened in shock but a smile crept onto her face moments later.
"As fun as it is to watch Vali finally having a pet, I'm getting bored. I'll meet you back at base," Kuroka announced to her team as she got up from the branch she was perched on.
"Be sure to be back once the sun sets, Ophis said she wishes to converse with us," Arthur reminded before returning his attention to his sword that he was busy polishing.
With a wave, Kuroka disappeared into the forest. She quickly made her way to the place where she sensed his presence from but once she arrived there wasn't any sign of him.
'Why do I feel so disappointed at not seeing him?' Kuroka questioned herself.
Her shoulders slumped a bit after she used all her senses to search for any sign of him but she couldn't find even a trace. With a dejected sigh, Kuroka turned to walk back to her team only to jump backwards and dropping into a fighting stance with a surprised expression on her face due to the man that was now facing her.
"I am aware that my presence can be frightening, but that was usually only when I want it to be," Natsu spoke with a grin.
"N-Natsu," Kuroka stuttered out as she regained her bearings and dropped out of her fighting stance.
"Hello, Kuroka, good to see you again," Natsu smiled.
"You idiot, why would you mask your presence and then appear behind me," Kuroka demanded as she lightly slammed her fists against his chest.
"To be honest, popping up behind people and frightening them is an enjoyable hobby I recently found," Natsu replied with a smirk remembering the times people jumped when he finally made his presence known.
"Well don't do it with me," Kuroka said with a pout.
"Fine. So I see that the wielder of Albion is enjoying his new pet," Natsu said with an amused expression at the odd situation.
"Yes, Vali had been quite happy when he was presented with Fenrir," Kuroka replied as a moment of silence descended on the two as they turned to look over the forest.
"So, how is Shirone doing?" Kuroka asked in a whisper.
"I believe she is doing quite well, mentally she might be under some strain but I'm not sure," Natsu commented.
"What do you mean?" Kuroka asked with concern in her voice.
"It seems like she is struggling with something. If I had to wager a guess, it concerns her heritage and the power that comes with it. She hasn't said anything on the subject, but then again not much time had passed and I was preoccupied with some other business," Natsu said.
"But she was using her powers when I last saw her," Kuroka said in confusion.
"That was not through her own actions. I was the one that brought it forth," Natsu explained.
"How is that even possible?" Kuroka asked. She had never heard of someone allowing another to use whatever latent powers they might have and especially not something as rare as the powers of a Nekoshou.
"I hold knowledge about life that would be considered forbidden and some of the abilities I have can only come through the knowledge that has been lost to the ever eroding might of time," Natsu said.
"That doesn't even make sense," Kuroka said in an annoyed tone.
"I am one of the few beings alive that know how to do this," Natsu explained.
"Still doesn't explain much," Kuroka said with the same annoyed tone.
"Ever heard of the saying 'Curiosity killed the cat'?" Natsu asked with a sly grin as he looked at her through the corner of his eye.
Kuroka jumped backwards with her tail standing up straight and her eyes opened wide with panic.
"Calm down kitty cat. As for a more in-depth explanation… Well, that will only happen once we know one another better," Natsu replied with a smirk.
"Uhm… Wait… What?" Kuroka stuttered out with a confused expression before a slight pink colour came to her cheeks before she shook her head to clear it.
"Seeing as I have no real plans for the next few hours apart from one thing I have to do, would you want to go for a stroll around the city?" Natsu asked with a pleasant smile.
"So the… I actually don't know what to call you, the first time I saw you the only word I could think of to describe you was Demon, yet shortly after that, you said you were a Dragon," Kuroka pondered as she regained her normal flirtatious personality after being blindsided by Natsu's remark.
"Either works," Natsu replied with a grin.
"Ah, the moment is gone. Anyway, I wouldn't mind strolling around the back alleyways with a walking heater," Kuroka grinned as she leaned against Natsu and soaked in his natural body heat.
"Then I will meet you at the entrance to the city closest to here in thirty minutes," Natsu said as he began to sink into his shadow.
'What a strange man, but I feel like he truly is someone who cares about me,' Kuroka thought to herself with a smile and a soft look in her eyes.
Thirty minutes later Kuroka was sitting on a branch in a tree at the edge of the forest. 'I wonder how things will be if I get involved with him. He's quite handsome, powerful and he has a good heart, or that's my opinion,' Kuroka thought as she gazed out over the town.
"It's a wonderful view, don't you think?" Natsu's voice sounded from above Kuroka. This startled Kuroka and she started falling off of her branch. She prepared to feel the hard ground but was pleasantly surprised that two strong arms wrapped around her falling form.
She looked up to see Natsu holding her with an amused grin on his face and two large wings spread out behind him.
"I know the first time we met I completely decimated your friend without trying but come on, I thought you knew I wouldn't dare hurt such a cute kitty," Natsu said with fake hurt in his voice but a mischievous grin on his face.
"What did I say about sneaking up on me," Kuroka shouted as she hammered her fists into his chest.
"Then should I return you to your inevitable meeting with the ground, it might take a bit longer than it would have?" Natsu asked, the mischievous grin still plastered on his face.
"What do you…" Kuroka started to ask only to feel a cool breeze washing over her. She slowly turned her angered eyes away from the man who was currently holding her and rested them on the vast emptiness of the sky above the ground.
Fear started entering her eyes when she gazed down only to see the large city of Kuoh being comparable in size with her balled-up fist. Whit a terrified 'Nya' Kuroka clutched to Natsu who let out a hearty laugh.
"Why are you so afraid of heights, you do have devil wings don't you?" Natsu questioned the Nekoshou who was clinging to him for dear life.
"Shut up and get me down right now," Kuroka demanded as she hid her blood-red face in his chest, wishing to whatever being could grant it that he wouldn't see.
"I'm sorry, I just thought you would enjoy something like this," Natsu apologized softly as they reached the ground. Natsu attempted to place Kuroka back on the ground only to find her still holding on to him.
"You know we are safe on the ground?" Natsu asked confused and with a little worry. He didn't want to scar her for life.
"I know, just that since you wanted to be a jerk, you will now have to carry me wherever we go," Kuroka replied with a mischievous and flirty smirk.
"Sneaky little kitten," Natsu replied with an amused smirk as his eyes became slits for a second with Kuroka letting out an involuntary and frightened 'Nya' at seeing those terrifying yet beautiful eyes.
-Kuoh Academy-
The day had been filled with surprises for the class with Issei, Asia and Xenovia. A beautiful chestnut-haired Angel had transferred to their school and had been assigned to their class. The group was now meeting in the ORC building.
"Welcome to the Occult Research Club Irina," Rias greeted the newest member.
"Anyone know exactly what is going on, not that I'm complaining," Issei said.
"Not that much of a surprise that you don't understand," Azazel said as he appeared in the room.
"Hey," Issei shouted, not appreciating the jab at his intellect.
"Lord Michael thought it would be a good idea to have her attend the school and aid you," Azazel continued, ignoring Issei's comment.
After that, Irina and Azazel explained that similar to reincarnated Devils, the Angels have adopted a similar method to also repopulate their numbers.
"Seeing that we have a new member I suggest we all enjoy a wonderful meal and welcoming party at our house this evening," Rias suggested.
"That sounds like a great idea Rias, and I know Natsu wouldn't mind," Wendy agreed to the idea with a smile.
"Speaking of Natsu, have any of you seen him today?" Xenovia asked.
"We heard from Sona and Tsubaki that he left after about two hours, so if I had to guess he will be with Grayfia," Akeno replied.
"That would make sense, but he usually arrives shortly after school finishes and club activities starts," Xenovia replied. Azazel had a big grin on his face as he heard the mumblings of 'lucky bastard' and 'where's my harem' coming from a certain brown-haired devil.
"Why don't we go and buy snacks and things for the party," Koneko suggested changing the subject.
"You only want to go buy snacks so that you can devour them before the party even starts, besides Natsu and Grayfia always has a few treats prepared whenever we have guests over," Xenovia teased.
"That's a great idea Koneko. Why don't we go and buy the things while the rest of you go home and tell Natsu and Grayfia that Irina will be joining us." Wendy smiled at her friend's suggestion before turning to the rest of the ORC and asking them to inform the two people that she looked up to as role models.
"I'll join you, there will be quite a lot of things to buy for the size of this party," Asia said as she got up and joined the other two petite girls.
"I guess you will need a strong man to guard you ladies," Issei said with a grin directed at Asia who blushed.
'Heh, you won't get them all Pinkie,' Issei thought triumphantly before toppling over, courtesy of a small fist attached to a scowling white-haired Nekoshou embedding itself in his gut.
"Pervert," Koneko commented before starting to make her way to the door with a giggling Wendy, concerned Asia and groaning Issei slowly following.
While the small group was busy walking through the shopping district and planning on what they might need Koneko suddenly became rigid and her eyes widened.
'You okay Koneko?" Wendy asked her friend.
"I'm fine, just something I need to check out, go on without me," Koneko replied in her usual tone. Without waiting for a response she turned around and melted into the crowd.
"That was weird," Wendy said with a small frown. Sure Koneko would sometimes disappear for a few seconds and later reappear with some snack when they went to the shopping district, but this was the first time she suddenly became rigid.
"I'm sure she will be fine, there are still a few things we need," Asia offered words of comfort.
"Besides, she's tough as nails," Issei said while massaging his stomach.
"I guess you're right," Wendy said, but her voice didn't portray confidence in their statements.
'Why is she here,' Koneko thought as she moved through the crowds and entered a shadowy alleyway. Then she saw the black-haired Nekoshou disappearing around the corner, but what shocked her was the mop of pink hair that was all too familiar to her, walking next to that woman.
'Why her,' was the only thought that registered in her mind as a tear started forming in her eye.
Hello there everyone. So the newest school term had started once more but this time there are some extra events transpiring. So the way I have things planned is a storyline following Natsu and Kuroka's interaction and the effects it will have on the ORC group will be running in parallel to the next arc of the anime. I will be including Natsu spending time with Wendy soon as well, have a very specific event planned out for that, that I will wager none of you will see coming. Anyway, until the next time where a Dragon responds to an insult… Leave a review with your thoughts and I will see you all next time.